Drinks packages

Drinks Packages




Most cruise lines are now offering some form of drinks package, either included as standard, part of an early booking offer or as an extra add on.
A question I am asked frequently is ' Are they value for money? ' if you pay to add it to your booking??

The simple answer to this is, on the whole, is YES they are exceptional value! This of course depends on the individual and how much is normally spent on the bar bill.

When you take out one of the drinks packages the service charge ( usually approx. 15% ) will be included so there is extra to pay for the tips on top of your bar purchases. 

Below is a brief overview of each cruise lines packages and cost, at the time of this blog of course, as they are subject to change!

First of all lets look at the lines who offer a package as standard....

Azamara Club Cruises - Included in the price is all soft drinks, speciality teas and coffees, house wines, beers and spirits.

Silversea and Regent Seven Seas - Included in the price is all soft drinks, speciality teas and coffees, wine, champagne, beer and spirits.

Seabourn - Open bar including fine wines at lunch and dinner.

The cruise lines below offer a variety of packages, both non alcoholic and alcoholic, but I am just concentrating on the all inclusive packages as they tend to be the most popular and sought after....

Carnival and Holland America - Both of these lines packages have a maximum threshold of 15 drinks per day which can be alcoholic or non alcoholic. This is approx. $45 per person per day.

Fred Olsen - If pre booked in advance, this is charged from £10 per person per day.

Costa Cruises - One of the best value all inclusive packages out there that is extremely popular with our customers. This is charged from £21 per person per day.

MSC Cruises - As with Costa above, this is a similar price and excellent value for money from £22 per person per day.

NCL, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises - These lines all offer their all inclusive drinks packages at a similar rate which is from $55 per person per day.

Princess Cruises - Slightly more expensive that the above lines from $57 per person per day.

Finally... the exceptions.... At present, Cunard and P&O Cruises only offer soft drinks packages, wine packages or coffee cards. If the all inclusive option is important to you it is worth bearing in mind.

I hope you found this informative!