Noah Vinter
Cruising can be an expensive affair, with many travellers complaining about the high cost of drinks on board. While some cruises advertise themselves as 'all-inclusive', alcohol is rarely included in the fare. However, there are a few cruise lines that offer alcoholic drinks as part of their all-inclusive package, such as Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, and Marella Cruises. Other lines, like MSC and Norwegian, offer drinks packages that can be purchased separately, which may include alcohol. For those who enjoy a tipple, it's worth doing your research to find a cruise that suits your needs and your budget.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cruise lines offering all-inclusive packages with alcohol | Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, Silversea, Crystal, American Cruise Lines, Marella Cruises, MSC, Azamara, UnCruise, Sail Croatia |
| Drink packages | CHEERS!, Bottomless Bubbles, More at Sea, Classic, Signature Beverage, Bar Tabs |
| Drink package features | Flat fee, unlimited drinks, discounts on premium drinks, daily rate, limit on number of drinks |
| Drink package limitations | Must be over 21, must be purchased for entire cruise, non-refundable, limit on drink cost, all adults in cabin must purchase, limit on number of drinks |
| Drink prices | Beer ($6.50+), Wine ($9.50+), Mixed drinks ($7.50-$20), Cocktails ($10.50+), Soft drinks ($2.75), Water ($1.50-$5) |
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What You'll Learn
Cruise lines with alcohol included
There are several cruise lines that offer alcoholic drinks as part of an all-inclusive package or complimentary basis. Here are some examples:
Regent Seven Seas
Regent Seven Seas fares include alcoholic beverages and gratuities. They also include excursions and business flights outside of North America. Regent Seven Seas offers an all-inclusive experience with laundry services, amazing food, and excursions.
American Cruise Lines
American Cruise Lines offers all-inclusive river cruises that include alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages available 24/7. They also host a complimentary evening cocktail hour with hors d'oeuvres and top-shelf liquor. Their small ships provide a customised exploration of areas inaccessible to larger ships.
Azamara
Azamara offers discounted cruises that include alcoholic beverages. They provide a range of international beers, wines, and standard spirits ordered from a limited cocktail menu. Premium packages with premium liquors and wines are also available for purchase.
River Cruise Lines
Several river cruise lines offer alcoholic beverages as part of their all-inclusive packages. Examples include Tauck, which includes house wine, beer, and premium liquor, as well as a fully stocked in-room minibar. Uniworld cruises in Europe, Asia, and Egypt also offer complimentary wine, beer, and spirits, though restrictions may apply depending on the itinerary. Avalon provides free wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, plus sparkling wine at breakfast on European river cruises.
Boutique Cruise Lines
Some smaller boutique cruise lines also offer all-inclusive packages with alcohol included. Examples include UnCruise and Sail Croatia. These lines typically offer a more intimate and personalised experience.
Mainstream Cruise Lines with Alcohol Packages
While not fully all-inclusive, many mainstream cruise lines offer alcohol packages that can be purchased separately. Examples include Royal Caribbean, which offers a Deluxe Beverage package with unlimited alcoholic beverages and discounts on select bottled wines. Carnival Cruise Line also offers drink packages like CHEERS! and Bottomless Bubbles, which include alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.
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Pre-cruise drink packages
Many cruise lines offer pre-cruise drink packages, which can be a great way to save money and ensure that all costs are included before you set sail. Here are some options for pre-cruise drink packages to consider:
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line offers the CHEERS! drink package, which can be purchased before boarding the ship. This package includes alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and is available at a discounted pre-cruise price. It is important to note that CHEERS! is not offered on 2-day cruises or certain charter cruises. Additionally, there is a minimum group size requirement for pre-purchase.
Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean offers pre-cruise and onboard beverage packages, including the Deluxe Beverage Package, which allows guests to enjoy unlimited drinks throughout the cruise. This package can be purchased up to 72 hours before sailing online or on the first day of the cruise. The website also mentions that consecutive cruise guests of legal drinking age can bring one 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne per individual sailing.
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises offers all-inclusive cruise drink packages that can be purchased before boarding. These packages provide a wide selection of drink options, including premium coffees, bottled water, wines, beers, cocktails, and more. Guests can take advantage of pre-cruise pricing and enjoy their drinks of choice at any time during the cruise.
American Cruise Lines
American Cruise Lines offers all-inclusive river cruises that include alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages available 24/7. They also host a complimentary evening cocktail hour with hors d'oeuvres and top-shelf liquor. Their small ship atmosphere allows for a personalized experience with engaging presentations and interactive discussions about the region of travel.
Regent Seven Seas
Regent Seven Seas is known for its all-inclusive fares, which include alcoholic beverages and gratuities. Their cruises also feature excursions, business flights outside North America, laundry services, and exquisite food. While they may be more expensive, Regent provides a luxurious and comprehensive experience.
When considering pre-cruise drink packages, it is important to review the specific terms and conditions of each cruise line, as there may be restrictions on certain beverages, minimum group size requirements, or limitations based on the length of the cruise. Additionally, guests must be of legal drinking age to purchase and consume alcoholic beverages.
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Onboard drink packages
Many cruise lines offer onboard drink packages, which can be purchased separately or included in the fare. These packages typically include alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, such as beer, wine, cocktails, soda, juices, specialty coffees, and teas. Some packages may also offer discounts on wine bottle purchases or certain premium selections.
The cost of drink packages can vary depending on the cruise line and the specific package selected. For example, the Celebrity "classic" drink package costs $89.99 per person, per day, excluding a 20% automatic gratuity charge. On the other hand, the Signature Beverage Package, which includes drinks up to $11, costs $60.95 per day. Carnival Cruise Line's CHEERS! the package is non-refundable if purchased before the cruise and has a price range of $82.54 to $88.44 per day, including gratuities. It is important to note that some cruise lines, such as Virgin Voyages, choose not to offer drink packages, instead advertising "fair prices" across their ships.
It is worth noting that some cruise lines have policies regarding the number of drinks that can be ordered at one time and the eligibility of passengers to purchase drink packages. For example, Carnival Cruise Line's CHEERS! package has a limit of one drink at a time per person, with a 5-minute wait time between orders, and it is only available to guests 21 years or older. Additionally, some cruise lines require all adults in the same cabin to purchase the package if one passenger opts in.
When considering an onboard drink package, it is essential to review the specific inclusions, limitations, and fine print of the package to ensure it aligns with your needs and expectations. While drink packages can offer convenience and potential savings, it is important to make an informed decision based on your anticipated consumption and the overall value of the package.
Overall, onboard drink packages can be a great option for those who plan to consume multiple alcoholic beverages per day during their cruise. By offering a flat fee for unlimited drinks, these packages can provide peace of mind and help cruisers avoid unexpected expenses. However, it is always advisable to review the terms and conditions carefully before purchasing any package to ensure it meets your specific requirements.
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Cruise lines without drink packages
While most major cruise lines offer drink packages, some travellers prefer to pay for drinks a la carte. Drink packages can be expensive, and some cruisers find it hard to break even on the cost of the package. For example, on the Symphony of the Seas, a single beer costs about $8, and a deluxe drink package costs $78 per person, per day. To break even on this package, a cruiser would have to drink at least eight beers per day.
Some cruise lines, such as Carnival, limit the number of alcoholic drinks that any one person can order using a drink package to 15 per day. Additionally, some packages do not include drinks in ports of call, except at the cruise line's private islands. Drink packages purchased on Carnival cruises do not include beverages in Celebration Key, Half Moon Cay, and Princess Cays in The Bahamas.
Cruisers who are light drinkers may find it more cost-effective to purchase drinks individually. Some cruise lines, such as Princess Cruises and Windstar Cruises, allow individual passengers in a shared cabin to purchase drink packages without requiring all adults in the cabin to do the same. However, some other cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean, have an all-or-nothing approach, requiring all passengers in a cabin to purchase a package if one person does.
While drink packages can be a convenient way to indulge without worrying about the cost, they may not be the best option for everyone. Cruisers who are concerned about the cost of drinks can consider alternative options, such as bringing their own drinks on board, taking advantage of happy hours, or choosing a cruise line that includes drinks in the fare. Ultimately, the decision to purchase a drink package depends on individual preferences and drinking habits.
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Drink monitoring procedures
While there are cruises that offer all-inclusive packages with alcoholic drinks included, such as Regent Seven Seas, American Cruise Lines, and Marella Cruises, it's important to note that drink monitoring procedures may vary across different cruise lines. Here are some general procedures that may be implemented:
- Guest Identification: Cruise lines may require guests to present valid identification upon boarding to verify their age and ensure they are of legal drinking age. This helps prevent underage drinking and ensures compliance with local regulations.
- Drink Limits: Some cruise lines implement daily drink limits to prevent excessive consumption. For example, the CHEERS! program by Carnival Cruise Line allows up to 15 alcoholic drinks per 24-hour period (9 AM – 3 AM). This encourages responsible drinking and helps staff monitor consumption.
- Staff Training: Bartenders and staff are often trained to look for signs of intoxication. They are instructed to discontinue serving guests who appear intoxicated, ensuring the safety and well-being of all passengers. This practice is implemented by Carnival Cruise Line.
- Drink Package Policies: Cruise lines may offer drink packages with specific terms and conditions. These packages may include restrictions on sharing drinks, limitations on the number of drinks per order, and requirements for the entire stateroom to purchase the package. These policies help control alcohol consumption and prevent excessive drinking.
- Drink Pricing: Drink prices can be set at a premium to discourage excessive drinking. While this doesn't directly monitor consumption, it can influence drinking behaviour.
- Group Bookings: For group bookings, cruise lines may require all adult guests to purchase a drink package, ensuring that a large group doesn't excessively order drinks beyond individual limits.
- Security Inspections: Security personnel may inspect containers and luggage to prevent the unauthorized bringing of alcoholic beverages onboard. This helps ensure that all consumed alcohol is monitored and within the allowed limits.
- Consequences for Misconduct: Cruise lines often have strict policies regarding alcohol-related misconduct. Guests who violate these policies, such as overconsumption or providing alcohol to minors, may face consequences like disembarkment or being refused boarding.
These procedures are implemented to promote responsible drinking, ensure passenger safety, and comply with legal regulations. Each cruise line may have its own specific protocols, and it's important for guests to review the policies of their chosen cruise line to understand the drink monitoring procedures in place.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there are several cruise lines that offer alcoholic beverages as part of their all-inclusive packages. These include Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, Silversea, Crystal, American Cruise Lines, Marella Cruises, and Celestyal Cruises.
The drinks included in all-inclusive cruise packages vary but generally cover a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. This typically includes beer, wine, cocktails, spirits, soda, juices, and specialty coffees. Some packages may also include premium drinks for an additional cost.
Yes, river cruises are known for typically including alcoholic beverages. Many river cruises offer all-inclusive packages that include wine and beer with meals, and some may even include all alcohol.
Drink packages on cruises can vary in price, with some costing around $30 per day for shorter sailings, while others can be as high as $89 per day. There are also premium packages that can cost over £90 per day.
Yes, Disney Cruise Line and Virgin Voyages are two examples of cruise lines that do not offer drink packages. However, they do provide alternative ways to save on beverage purchases.
