There’s something special about sipping your favorite drink while gazing out over endless blue water or a riverside town — whether it’s your morning cappuccino, an afternoon mocktail, or a sunset cocktail on the open deck.

But one of the most common questions our clients ask us is: “Do I need a cruise drink package? What is already included?”

The reason so many people have this question is that every cruise line is different. The answer depends on the type of cruise you are taking and the cruise line you are sailing on. Keep reading to see what’s generally included, which lines offer all-inclusive beverages, and which let you add a beverage package before you sail.

What’s Typically Included (and not Included) on Most Cruises

• Complimentary non-alcoholic drinks — usually filtered water, coffee, tea, iced tea, and lemonade in the buffet or main dining areas. These drinks are included on every cruise line
• Beer and wine with meals — often included on river cruises and some premium ocean lines.
• Specialty or alcoholic beverages — cocktails, premium wines, bottled water, and espresso drinks are typically extra unless you purchase a beverage package or sail with an all-inclusive line.

Ocean Cruise Line Comparison: Who Includes Drinks (and Who Doesn’t)

First, let’s look at bigger ocean cruise lines. If you are looking to sail the Caribbean, Alaska, the Mediterranean, or more of the larger ports, these are the most common cruise lines you’ll sail.

Cruise Line	Included Drinks	Beverage Packages Available?	Notable Details
Disney Cruise Line	Soft drinks, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate included at meals and 24/7 at beverage stations. Alcoholic drinks are extra.	Disney does not have the traditional cruise drink packages. You can purchase a beer glass for discounts and there is always both an alcoholic and non-alcoholic “drink of the day”	You can bring limited wine/champagne or beer onboard for in-room enjoyment.
Royal Caribbean	Water, lemonade, coffee, tea, iced tea. Alcoholic and specialty drinks extra.	Yes – Classic Soda, Refreshment, and Deluxe Beverage Packages (best price when purchased pre-cruise).	Deluxe includes cocktails, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic drinks. Refreshment packages includes everything except alcohol
Princess Cruises	Water, coffee, tea, and select juices.	Yes – Your cruise fare can include the Princess Plus or Princess Premier bundle. These include drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities, and other amenities.	Princess Plus includes cocktails up to $15 each — a great value for most guests.
Celebrity Cruises	Water, coffee, tea, and select juices.	Yes – Your cruise fare can be an “All Included” fare which includes the Classic Drinks Package (beer, wine, spirits, cocktails). Premium upgrades available.	You can purchase drink packages separately before the cruise through their App. The packages are similar to Royal Caribbean: Soda, Refreshment, and Deluxe.
Holland America Line	Water, tea, coffee, and lemonade.	Yes – “Have It All” fares include Signature Beverage Package; can also purchase separately.	The “Have It All” bundle includes Wi-Fi, specialty dining, and gratuities too.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)	Water, coffee, and tea.	Yes – The “More at Sea” includes beer, wine, and cocktails.	The “More at Sea” drink package can be added to your cruise fare.
Virgin Voyages	Soft drinks, specialty coffees, juices, and filtered water included.	There is no formal package. You pay-as-you-go, but you can pre-purchase a “Bar Tab” at a savings ahead of time.	Known for its “Always Included” vibe — gratuities and Wi-Fi are already built in to the cruise fare.

River Cruises: A More Inclusive Experience

River cruises are generally much more inclusive, but there are differences between the cruise lines. Here is how 2 major river cruise drink offerings compare.

Cruise Line	Included Drinks	Beverage Packages or Upgrades?	Notable Details
AmaWaterways	Wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner; sparkling wine at breakfast.	Yes – They offer a Sip & Sail cocktail hour daily which is included. Premium drinks can be purchased individually.	One of the most inclusive river lines without being “fully all-inclusive.”
Viking River Cruises	Beer, wine, and soft drinks at lunch and dinner.	Yes – You can purchase the Silver Spirits Beverage Package which includes unlimited drinks up to a set value.	Pre-purchase the package for the best pricing.

How to Choose the Right Cruise Drink Package for You

When deciding whether to purchase a beverage package or stick with the included offerings, consider:

• Your drinking habits: A couple of glasses of wine at dinner? You might not need a package. If you enjoy fancy coffee in the morning, cocktails by the pool and wine with lunch and dinner? A package could save money.
• Bundle savings: Some cruise lines (like Princess, Celebrity, and Holland America) include beverage packages in bundled fares — making your vacation more carefree and cost-predictable. These bundled fares offer a savings than purchasing the inclusions separately.
• Pre-purchase advantage: Buying before you sail is almost always cheaper than adding it onboard.
• All-inclusive comfort: River cruises and select premium ocean lines offer an “everything included” approach that makes budgeting a breeze.

How We Help

We always start with a consultation to learn more about your travel style and vacation habits. Then we’ll help you decide the best cruise line and options that are right for you. Whether you’re dreaming of sunset cocktails on the Caribbean or a fine Riesling along the Rhine, we’ll make sure your drinks — and your experience — are perfectly matched to your cruise.

Ready to Plan Your Next Voyage?

Let us take care of the details — from your stateroom to your beverage package. Schedule a call to plan your perfect ocean or river cruise, tailored just for you!

Now that you’ve done a deep dive on cruise drink packages, read our blog on the different stateroom options and let yourself mind picture yourself relaxing with your favorite beverage in hand.