cruise food and drink packages

• Need help? 1-888-751-7804 1-888-751-7804
• Let Us Call You CALL ME
• Drink Packages
• Flights by Celebrity℠
• Hotels by Celebrity
• Manage Reservation
• Shore Excursions
• Upgrade with MoveUp

• My Tier and Points
• Join Captain's Club

Already booked? Sign in or create an account

• South Korea
• New Zealand
• Grand Cayman
• St. Maarten
• U.S Virgin Islands
• New England & Canada
• Pacific Coast
• Antarctic Ocean
• Panama Canal
• Transatlantic
• Transpacific
• Cruise Ports (+300)
• Mediterranean
• Perfect Day at CocoCay
• All Inclusive
• Bucket List Cruises
• Cruise & Land Package
• Groups & Events
• New Cruises
• Popular Cruises
• Specialty Cruises
• Destination Highlights
• Group Excursions
• Private Journeys
• Shore Excursions Overview
• Small Group Discoveries

• 360° Virtual Tours
• Celebrity Apex®
• Celebrity Ascent℠ NEW
• Celebrity Beyond℠ NEW
• Celebrity Constellation®
• Celebrity Edge®
• Celebrity Eclipse®
• Celebrity Equinox®
• Celebrity Infinity®
• Celebrity Millennium®
• Celebrity Reflection®
• Celebrity Silhouette®
• Celebrity Solstice®
• Celebrity Summit®
• Celebrity Xcel℠ COMING SOON
• Explore Edge Series

Galapagos Expedition Series

• Celebrity Flora®
• Celebrity Xpedition®
• Celebrity Xploration®
• The Retreat
• All Suites. All Included
• Iconic Suite
• Penthouse Suite
• Reflection Suite
• Royal Suite
• Signature Suite
• Celebrity Suite
• Aqua Sky Suite
• Horizon Suite
• Sunset Suite
• Concierge Class
• Galapagos Accommodations
• Eat & Drink
• Entertainment
• Spa & Wellness

• Cruising 101
• Cruise Fare Options
• Cruise Tips
• First Time on a Cruise
• What is Included on a Cruise
• Future Cruise Vacations
• Accessible Cruising
• Captain's Club Rewards
• Cruise Insurance
• Flights by Celebrity
• Healthy at Sea
• Manage Cruise
• The Celebrity Store
• Travel Documents
• Royal Caribbean International
• Celebrity Cruises

• Semi-Annual Sale - 75% Off 2nd Guest
• 3rd and 4th Guests Sail Free
• Galapagos 20% Savings + Free Flights
• Resident Rates
• Exciting Deals
• View All Offers
• All Included
• Cruise & Land Packages
• Dining Packages
• Photo Packages
• Wi-Fi Packages
• View All Packages
• Captain's Club Overview
• Join the Club
• Loyalty Exclusive Offers
• Tiers & Benefits
• Celebrity Cruises Visa Signature® Card

Enjoy 75% off your second guest’s cruise fare and get bonus savings of up to $150. Plus, additional guests in your stateroom sail free on select sailings.

DRINK PACKAGES

• Wi-Fi & Phone Packages

Raise a Glass to the Perfect Package

Highlight the unforgettable moments of your vacation with your choice of drink packages that give you a wide selection of drink options—now at lower prices. Enjoy unlimited premium coffees, bottled water, wines by the glass, beers, cocktails and more. Use your package at every restaurant, bar, and lounge onboard. Book before you sail and take advantage of pre-cruise pricing.

Classic Drink Package

Enjoy the drinks you want, when you want them, morning, noon and night from bottled water, premium coffees and teas, plus an incredible array of beers, spirits, cocktails, liqueurs, frozen drinks and wines by the glass for up to $10 per serving. Wines by the bottle are discounted by 15%.

Premium Drink Package

This elevated drink package lets you start your morning with a premium coffee, enjoy a frozen cocktail by the pool and then a glass of wine with dinner. Enjoy all the beverages listed in our Classic Package, plus drinks up to $17. Wines by the bottle are discounted by 20%.​​

Non-Alcoholic Drink Package

Refresh with a selection of premium bottled water including Evian, Perrier, San Pellegrino, Aqua Panna and Vitamin Water. Indulge with specialty coffees, organic teas, bottled iced teas, fresh juices from The Spa Café, frozen smoothies, soda selections, Red Bull and a variety of non-alcoholic cocktails that are sure to quench your thirst.​

Additional info:

Specific beverage offerings are subject to availability and change. A 20% gratuity will be added to Classic, Premium, and Non-Alcoholic Drink Package prices at checkout (via My CelebrityCruises.com , My Celebrity App or onboard) in countries of purchase where applicable. Package prices vary by ship, itinerary, and length and may reflect an additional tax for certain ports or itineraries. All guests of legal drinking age in the same stateroom and under the same stateroom booking number are required to purchase the same alcoholic beverage package. Guests can contact call centers or notify onboard staff to request a modification to the Non-Alcoholic package instead. Packages may not be shared and do not include beverages sold in certain venues, including but not limited to, gift shops, mini-bar, or room service. Purchased packages may be modified up to 48 hours prior to sailing, after which they are non-refundable. Guests must be of legal drinking age of the departure port and all ports of call in the itinerary to purchase any alcoholic package and/or to consume alcohol. Refer to https://www.celebritycruises.com/guest-terms/global-purchase-terms-and-conditions/en/ for the full terms and conditions applicable to your purchase and https://www.celebritycruises.com/guest-terms/guest-health-safety-and-conduct-policy/ for our Guest Health, Safety and Conduct Policy. PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY.​

Guide to Cruise Drink Packages

Bars & Lounges

• Favorites & Watchlist Find a Cruise Cruise Deals Cruise Ships Destinations Manage My Cruise​ FAQ Perfect Day at CocoCay Weekend Cruises Crown & Anchor Society Cruising Guides Gift Cards Contact Us Royal Caribbean Group
• Back to Main Menu
• Search Cruises " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-2-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruises" target="_self"> Search Cruises
• Cruise Deals
• Weekend Cruises
• Last Minute Cruises
• Family Cruises​
• 2024-2025 Cruises
• All Cruise Ships " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-4-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruise-ships" target="_self"> All Cruise Ships
• Cruise Dining
• Onboard Activities
• Cruise Rooms
• The Cruise Experience
• All Cruise Destinations " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-5-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruise-destinations" target="_self"> All Cruise Destinations
• Cruise Ports
• Shore Excursions
• Perfect Day at CocoCay
• Caribbean Cruises
• Bahamas Cruises​
• Alaska Cruises
• European Cruises​
• Mediterranean Cruises​
• Cruise Planner
• Book a Flight
• Book a Hotel
• Check-In for My Cruise
• Required Travel Documents
• Make a Payment
• Redeem Cruise Credit
• Update Guest Information
• Beverage Packages​
• Dining Packages​
• Shore Excursions​
• Transportation
• Royal Gifts
• All FAQs " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-7-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/faq" target="_self"> All FAQs
• Boarding Requirements
• Future Cruise Credit​
• Travel Documents​
• Check-in​ & Boarding Pass
• Transportation​
• Perfect Day at CocoCay​
• Post-Cruise Inquiries
• Royal Caribbean
• Celebrity Cruises

CRUISE DINING & FOOD

Palate pleasing culinary crusade.

If you’re craving delicious food, we have an entire fleet filled with foodie favorites.

Indulge in an authentic taste of Italy with homemade pastas and Old World-inspired entrees at the newly reimagined Giovanni’s℠ Italian Kitchen. Set out on an epicurean adventure east with exotic Asian flavors and tasty teppanyaki prepared tableside at Izumi. Savor captivating and creative culinary delights designed to spirit you away with every bite at Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine. Or taste your way around the world with global goodness served buffet-style at the Windjammer. From top-notch free cruise dining included in your fare, to specialty cruise restaurants that dish up plenty of delicious flavor, we go bolder than any other cruise line when it comes to the best food onboard. 

DINING OPTIONS FOR EVERY DAY AND NIGHT

When you cruise with us, the dining options are as diverse as the flavors you’ll find on each menu. From casual bites to elevated dinner and cocktail spots that raise the bar, you’ll find something onboard for every craving and occasion during your cruise.

CASUAL DINING

Great flavor doesn’t need to come with lots of fuss. Enjoy grab-and-go goodness and amazing eats at casual, laid-back dining options — like the complimentary Windjammer, El Loco Fresh℠, Café Promenade, Dog House, and Sorrento’s Pizza.

SPECIALTY DINING

Dial up dinner at upscale specialty cruise restaurants like Chops Grille℠ and Giovanni’s℠ Italian Kitchen, go all out on an exclusive culinary journey at Chef’s Table, or savor global flavors one complimentary course at a time in the Main Dining Room.

No matter what you’re in the mood for — and when — room service onboard our cruise ships delivers all your favorite cruise foods right to your stateroom, from juicy burgers, fresh salads and tasty sandwiches, to breakfast in bed with a couple of refreshing mimosas.

BARS & LOUNGES

If you’re craving cocktails, we offer amazing bars onboard our cruises where the vibe is always right and the drinks are always delicious. Like R Bar, known for its classic cocktails and retro vibes, or Boleros, where every sip comes paired with live salsa beats.

DINING PACKAGES

BEVERAGE PACKAGES

TOP-RATED RESTAURANTS

Each cruise ship in our fleet is home to world class dining options that will take you from Tuscany to Tokyo — and plenty of culinary capitals in between. From fresh-caught fish and New England style dishes at Hooked Seafood℠, to izakaya-style appetizers at Izumi and Old-World flavors at Giovanni’s℠ Italian Kitchen, these are the top-rated restaurants onboard. 

ITALIAN KITCHEN

Chop's Grille

150 CENTRAL PARK

Hooked Seafood

Main Dining Room

Jamie's Italian

ALL INCLUDED COMPLIMENTARY DINING 

MINI BITES      

El Loco Fresh

Splashaway Café

Solarium Bistro Restaurant

Café Promenade

Sorrento's Pizza

Coastal Kitchen

The Café @ Two70

Vitality Café

Surfside Eatery & Surfside Bites

OUR UNIQUE SPECIALTY DINING VENUES 

Chef's Table     

Café Latte-tudes

Samba Grill

Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen 

Portside BBQ

Johnny Rockets

Fish & Ships

Chops Grille

Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver

Room Service

La Patisserie

Cupcake Cupboard

Sugar Beach

Sichuan Red

Giovanni's Table

Johnny Rockets Express

Coffee & Tea Shop

Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar

150 Central Park

Izumi Hibachi & Sushi

The Mason Jar

DIG INTO LATE-NIGHT BITES

Nightlife is a big part of any cruise vacation, and we offer endless ways to play after dark no matter which ship you’re sailing on. Once you’ve worked up an appetite on the dance floor, satisfy your cravings with delicious bites available late at night. Like cheesy, oven-baked perfection by the slice at Sorrento’s Pizza, and shareable apps, sandwiches, and sweet treats at the always-buzzing Café Promenade, stocked 24-7 with snacks that hit the spot.

After a night living it up on deck, there’s nothing more satisfying than a great slice of pizza — and Sorrento’s serves up the best at sea even after all the bars have closed. If you’re a traditionalist, go for a slice of classic cheese or Margherita. Or mix things up with a specialty pie, like the bacon and BBQ-infused Caribbean Dream.

CAFÉ PROMENADE

Café Promenade is open around the clock, which means you can enjoy shareable apps and savory snacks that hit the spot as late as you like. From fried artichoke and perfectly cooked meatballs to spicy marinated cheese and decadent desserts, there’s no curfew for your cravings at this free hotspot.

SIPS THAT RAISE THE BAR 

Schooner Bar  

Trellis Bar 

Playmakers℠ Bar & Arcade 

The Lime and Coconut

North Star Bar 

Diamond Lounge 

Rising Tide Bar 

Solarium Bar 

Suite Lounge 

Pool Bar & Sand Bar 

Sunshine Bar 

Viking Crown Lounge

English Pub

Wipe Out Bar

The Bamboo Room

Cantina Fresca℠

The Lemon Post℠ Bar

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Everything you need to know about cruise dining onboard.

Great flavor isn’t the only thing that has we earned a reputation as one of the best cruise lines for delicious food. It’s also the incredible diversity of dining options you’ll find on every ship. Whether you’re looking to level up your night out with elevated cuisine and white tablecloth service at Chops Grille℠ or Chef’s Table, help yourself to fresh global flavors and tranquil vibes at the Solarium Bistro, or kick back poolside with casual, no-frills noshing at El Loco Fresh℠ and Windjammer, the options to satisfy your cravings are endless. You can even treat yourself to breakfast in bed or a date night dinner in with delicious dishes delivered straight to your stateroom by our staff via room service. For additional information please see our  FAQ  section.

Best Serenade of the Seas Restaurants | Royal Caribbean Cruises

March 11, 2024

Enjoy an insider’s guide to the best places to eat on your cruise vacation while dining onboard Serenade of the Seas at its many restaurant options.

The Best Cruise Restaurants Onboard Jewel of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Enjoy an insider’s guide to the best places to eat on your cruise vacation while dining onboard Jewel of the Seas at its many restaurant options.

Berlin for Oktoberfest: What To Know Before You Go | Royal Caribbean Cruises

March 8, 2024

Berlin for Oktoberfest is one of the world's best parties. Here's everything you need to know before you go on your cruise to Berlin.

The Best Western Caribbean Street Food | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Sure, it's a region renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, but western Caribbean street food — with its diverse cultural richness — is also a draw.

The Best Cruise Restaurants Onboard Brilliance of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Enjoy an insider’s guide to the best places to eat on your cruise vacation while dining onboard Brilliance of the Seas at its many restaurant options.

Alaska Food: Where to Find the Best Food in Alaska | Royal Caribbean Cruises

The best Alaska food to try on a cruise includes king crab, salmon, fry bread, birch syrup, wild berries and more.

The Best Cruise Restaurants Onboard Rhapsody of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Enjoy an insider’s guide to the best places to eat on your cruise vacation while dining onboard Rhapsody of the Seas at its many restaurant options.

The Best Cruise Restaurants Onboard Odyssey of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Discover an insider’s guide to the best places to eat on your cruise vacation while dining onboard Odyssey of the Seas at its many restaurant options.

Food dining

Royal Site Basic Page Template

Polynesian Culture in Hawaii: History of Dancing and Island Influences | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Hawaii is more than resorts, volcanoes and beaches. The best trips to these paradise islands invite you to discover Polynesian culture in Hawaii.

Enjoying Breakfast in Rome

While it's true that many Italians take a quick, casual approach to the day's first meal, your breakfast in Rome will be anything but forgettable.

The Best Cruise Restaurants Onboard Icon of the Seas

Whether you’re a serious foodie or just appreciate the simple pleasure of a great meal, you won’t be disappointed by the cruise dining options onboard Icon of the Seas.

Finding Speakeasy Bars Near Me

Planning to visit famous speakeasy bars around the world without the password? Enjoy insider details on traveling to these interestingly unique experiences.

Famously Popular Foods from Bermuda

Encounter most famous foods in Bermuda including Bermudian Fish Chowder, Rum Cake, and more. Envision your next foodie vacation.

Best Desserts in the World

Discover the most delightful foods to enjoy on a sweet-lover's journey as you treat yourself to the best desserts in the world. Plan your foodie vacation.

Argentina Wine Country Vacation Getaway

Find out the best travel ideas for planning a trip to visit the famous Argentina Wine Country on your next vacation getaway. Adventure awaits!

6 Caribbean Islands with Delicious French Cuisine

Find the best Caribbean Islands to visit with your cruise to eat like a French in the Caribbean. These islands were made just for you.

Best Food in Nassau, Bahamas

A guide to the best food in Nassau, Bahamas. Discover new flavors in restaurants by the water or within the historic city of Nassau.

Local Jamaican Dishes & Delicacies

Discover the most delectable Jamaican dishes as well as a few of the best-known restaurants to visit during your next vacation cruise to Jamaica.

Indonesian Food in the Caribbean

Encounter Indonesian food and how Indo Caribbean culture has influenced the flavors of Caribbean cuisine. Envision your next foodie vacation.

The Best Craft Breweries in Alaska

For all the beer lovers planning an Alaskan cruise vacation, we’ve curated the ultimate zythophile guide to visiting 5 of the best craft breweries in Alaska.

Best New York Foods Using NY Water

Sample the best foods in New York with our guide to uncovering the top places for enjoying the secrets of NY water in bagels, pizza, and doughnuts.

Five of the Best Mexican Food Dishes to Try

Discover local favorite foods including the best types of Mexican dishes to explore during your next vacation to Mexico for sampling its vibrant culinary history.

Top 11 Must-Try Mediterranean Foods

Mediterranean food is renowned worldwide for being exceptionally healthy and balanced. Here are the top 11 must-try Mediterranean foods.

New Orleans Restaurants

Mr. Bs Bistro, Pascals Manale, Brigstens, Dragos Seafood Restaurant. Here are New Orleans best restaurants serving local NOLA dishes from backyard crawfish boils to chargrilled oysters and locally sourced seafood Gumbo.

Holiday Food Around the World

Planning a holiday cruise this year? Find traditional holiday dishes from around the world for an unforgettable culinary food vacation.

6 Popular Farm Foods from Spain

Here are six of the most popular farm foods from Spain. The headstrong Spanish farmers continue to produce some of the world's finest oranges, olives, and hams.

16 Best Foodie Vacation Destinations

Sink your teeth into tender succulent seafood in Maine, crave-worthy curries in Jamaica, French-inspired flavors of St. Maarten and many more indulgent dishes at these 16 Best Foodie Vacation Destinations.

Top 10 Restaurants On Allure of the Seas Cruise Ship | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Foodies love Allure of the Seas! Discover 10 onboard restaurants that will make you a believer.

10 Best Breweries in Los Angeles

Craft beer lovers, come thirsty and hoist a pint in some of the best breweries in Los Angeles and beyond!

Top 15 Food and Wine Destinations in The Mediterranean

Cruise to the Mediterranean and discover the regions top 15 food and wine destinations from the most famous tapas in Barcelona, to the endless choices of seafood in Greece and more. Find deals for cruises to the Mediterranean.

Best Restaurants at Perfect Day At CocoCay

Explore all the restaurants on the Perfect Day at CocoCay island and discover all the complimentary dining venues that offers loads of food and drink favorites that will fuel you up in between adventures.

15 Best Traditional Puerto Rican Dishes

Cruise to Puerto Rico and experience Old San Juan distinct culture and the best traditional Puerto Rican dishes from the most popular Mofongo, the favorite street sandwich Tripleta and Puerto Ricos national dish Arroz con Gandules and more.

Best Comfort Food from Around the World

Encounter the best comfort food from around the world including Belgian frites, Croatian ice cream, and more. Envision your next foodie vacation.

Local Insight: Best Caribbean Rums

What are the different types of rum? How can you tell good Caribbean rum? Enjoy our vacation guide to the best places to travel for distilleries.

How to Choose the Best Olive Oil

Uncover the secrets to having the best olive oil in the world as well as the know-how on all the many types and their uses. Enjoy a guide tailored to you.

10 Best Breweries in Northeast America

Uncover the best breweries in Northeast America to make the most of your vacation travels. Adventure awaits those who seek it, enjoy a guide tailored to you.

Eating in Italy | Local Food Traveling

Uncover the ultimate guide to eating locally in Italy as you make the most of your vacation travels. Adventure awaits those who seek it.

Turkish Desserts to Sweeten your Vacation

Turkish desserts are as pivotal to the experience of traveling in Turkey as a cruise through the Bosphorus Strait. Enjoy a guide tailored to your vacation.

Best Cruise Restaurants | Freedom of the Seas

Planning to dine at the best cruise restaurants onboard the Freedom of the Seas. Remain in the know with the ultimate cruise dining guide to sailing with success.

The Ultimate Sparkling Wine Cheat Sheet

The Ultimate Sparkling Wine Cheat Sheet. Before you say "cheers" with your next glass of sparkling wine, take a moment to learn about what's inside the glass you're clinking.

Discover the Caribbean National Dishes

Caribbean cuisine is something you can't miss when visiting the region. Explore this guide to learn about the Caribbean National Dishes.

Enjoy the Best Breakfast in South America

Where to find the best breakfast in South America including Peru, Colombia and Brazil. What to eat and where to find the tastiest bites to start your day.

Israeli Food: Top 10 Must-Trys

Here's a list of some of the best Israeli food found in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa and beyond including sabich, shakshuka and bourekas.

What's Included in on a Cruise

New to cruising and unsure exactly what is included on a cruise? Read on to learn about all the fun things Royal Caribbean ships offer for free.

Best Food Vacations & Holiday Recipes

Indulge in culinary delights on the best food vacations. Explore holiday recipes from around the world and discover the best places to visit for foodies.

Top Cruise Dining on Symphony of the Seas

Experience the best cruise restaurants onboard Symphony of the Seas for an unforgettable dream vacation. Book now for a stress-free getaway!

Famously Popular Street Foods

Explore culture through famously popular street foods on your Ultimate World Cruise. Enjoy the best food around the world from Mexico to Asia, & beyond.

Best Food on Navigator of the Seas

Experience exquisite dining on vacation with Navigator of the Seas cruise restaurants. Indulge in delectable cuisine and breathtaking ocean views.

Best Harmony of the Seas Restaurants | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Discover the best cruise restaurants available onboard on Harmony of the Seas for an unforgettable family vacation filled with delicious cuisine.

Top 9 Restaurants on Ovation of the Seas

Have your pick of all the best restaurants and dining option when planning a cruise vacation onboard the award-winning Ovation of the Seas.

Best Restaurants in Galveston

Enjoy this handy guide on the best local restaurants in Galveston when seeking the top places to eat on your visit to this Texas beach town.

KIDS CHOICE A SWEET SURPRISE

Treat your sweet tooth to every candy under the sun — plus a few sugarcoated surprises. Sugar Beach℠ is stocked to max candy capacity with more than 200 tantalizing confections and all kinds of creamy, dreamy ice cream flavors. From epic sundaes piled high with all your favorite toppings, to fluffy freshly baked cupcakes you can decorate yourself, Sugar Beach℠ is hands-down the sweetest spot at sea.

Portside BBQ℠    

Johnny Rockets®

Playmakers℠ Bar & Arcade

Fish & Ships℠

Johnny Rockets® Express

EXPLORE MORE  

Previewing: Promo Dashboard Campaigns

My Personas

Code: ∅.

Drink Packages

About drink packages.

Already booked your cruise?

Log In  to shop food, entertainment and gifts for yourself or a friend!

Feeling Generous?

Give a gift to your friend going on one of our cruises!

• Port Overview
• Transportation to the Port
• Uber & Lyft to the Port
• Dropping Off at the Port
• Cruise Parking
• Cruise Hotels
• Hotels with Parking Deals
• Uber & Lyft to the Ports
• Things to Do
• Cozumel Taxi Rates
• Free Things to Do
• Restaurants Near the Cruise Port
• Hotels & Resorts With Day Passes
• Closest Beaches to the Cruise Port
• Tips For Visiting
• Shore Excursions
• Cruise Parking Discounts
• Hotels with Shuttles
• Which Airport Should I Use?
• Transportation to the Ports
• Dropping Off at the Ports
• Fort Lauderdale Airport to Miami
• Inexpensive Hotels
• Hotels near the Port
• Hotels With Shuttles
• Budget Hotels
• Carnival Tips
• Drink Packages
• Specialty Restaurants
• Faster to the Fun
• More Articles
• CocoCay Tips
• Norwegian Tips
• Great Stirrup Cay
• Harvest Caye
• How to Get the Best Cruise Deal
• Best Time to Book a Cruise
• Best Websites to Book a Cruise
• Cruises Under $300
• Cruises Under $500
• Spring Break Cruise Deals
• Summer Cruise Deals
• Alaskan Cruise Deals
• 107 Cruise Secrets & Tips
• Tips for First-Time Cruisers
• What to Pack for a Cruise
• What to Pack (Alaska)
• Packing Checklist
• Cruising with Kids
• Passports & Birth Certificates
• Bringing Alcohol
• Cruising with a Disability
• Duty-Free Shopping
• Cruise Travel Insurance
• Things to Do on a Cruise Ship
• What Not to Do on a Ship
• News & Articles

Worth It? Princess Cruise Drink Packages Explained (Prices, What’s Included, and More)

Wondering if the alcoholic drink package on Princess is worth it? Or maybe you know you want the package, but want to know all the details of how it works before you buy.

Drink packages have a lot to offer for passengers. Instead of having to worry about paying for each drink — and keeping track of the bar tab — you can simply head up to the bar whenever you want something and order. So whether you have five cocktails or six beers, or a mix of coffee in the morning, wine in the afternoon, and margaritas at dinner, you’ll pay one flat fee.

But there is a lot to know about these packages, including some fine print that can help you decide if they are worth it or not on your next cruise.

In This Article...

What Drink Packages Does Princess Offer?

Princess provides two offerings for passengers when it comes to alcoholic drink packages.

These packages are the Plus Beverage Package, featuring drinks up to $15 per glass and the Premier Beverage Package, which is a higher-end offering with drinks up to $20 per glass .

Purchasing one of these packages gives you access to dozens of drink options while on your cruise, running everything from cocktails to beer, water, juices, and soda.

In addition, Princess also offers several non-alcoholic package options, including a soda package, a coffee package, and a Zero-Alcohol Drink Package that includes everything from mocktails to soda to energy drinks. However, we will focus our attention on the ins and outs of the alcoholic drink packages on Princess.

How Much Do Drink Packages Cost?

Unlike some cruise lines that charge varied prices, Princess has stable costs on the drink packages.

The lower tier Princess Plus Beverage Package costs $64.99 per person, per day starting February 2023. There is an additional 18% gratuity charge tacked onto this amount. Therefore, a passenger would pay $76.69 per day. Over the course of a 7-day cruise, the total would come to $536.82.

The higher-end Princess Premier offer runs $84.99 per person, per day or $100.29 after the gratuity amount. That comes to a total of $702.02 for a person on a 7-day cruise.

However, you can get the drink package for less if your purchase it through one of Princess’ all-inclusive deals (Princess Plus and Princess Premier). We have more details on this below.

How Does Gratuity Work With the Package?

Princess charges an 18% gratuity on the cost of the drink package when you buy . So while it might have a headline price of $64.99 per day, the actual cost is $76.69. This gratuity covers any drinks you get with the package, however.

So if you make a purchase from the bar with the drink package, it will not have an additional gratuity tacked on — your drink is no cost from the bar. Without the package, you would pay the menu price, plus an extra 18%.

How Do I Purchase the Princess Drink Package?

To purchase the package, you have a few options. First you can purchase the package you want before you sail through your online account or through calling the cruise line. In this case, you’ll have to pre-purchase at least four days of getting on the ship.

You can also wait to purchase the package once on the ship. It will be sold onboard during embarkation day.

But there is another way to buy, and that is with the Princess Plus and Princess Premier all-inclusive offers . These deals offer gratuities, wi-fi, a drink package, and more included in the cruise fare. They also provide the best deal for the drink package. See our section titled “Is it Better to Buy the Drink Package or Get it Through Princess Plus/Premier?” below.

What’s Included in the Package?

When you purchase your package, you’re getting most drinks on the ship included. Both packages include beer, liquor, wine by the glass, bottled water, fountain sodas, specialty coffee/tee, milkshakes, and energy drinks.

Having either package also grants you a 25% discount on bottles of wine, large bottles of water and cans of soda.

For the Plus Beverage Package, it includes these beverages priced $15 per glass or less. For the Premier Beverage Package, it includes beverages up to $20 per glass, giving you more access to high-end drinks.

Princess says that the Plus package offers 50 spirits, along with 25 wines by the glass and 25 beers, the Premier package offers “75 spirits, 40+ wines by the glass, 20+ high-end, crafted cocktails.”

What’s NOT included in the Drink Packages?

Most drinks you want will be included in the package, but there are some restrictions on beverages you can purchase. All of the following are specifically mentioned as not available with the drink package:

• Bottles of alcohol for sale on the ship (except beer)
• Drinks from the mini-bar
• Buckets of beer
• Souvenir glassware

Apart from that, most beverages you see on the ship will be available under the package.

Is it Better to Buy the Drink Package or Get it Through Princess Plus/Premier All-Inclusive Offers?

With most cruise lines, you have a simple option — buy the drink package or not. On Princess, it’s slightly more complicated. That’s because Princess offers all-inclusive options for their passengers. You can buy the standard base fare with just the cruise included, or you can buy one of the following offers:

• Princess Plus ($60 per person, per day) : Includes cabin, plus wi-fi (one device), daily gratuities, and Plus Beverage Package plus premium desserts, fitness classes, and juice bar.
• Princess Premier ($80 per person, per day) : Includes cabin, plus wi-fi (four devices), daily gratuities, specialty dining (two meals), photo package, Princess Prizes, and Premier Beverage Package plus premium desserts, fitness classes, juice bar, and reserved theater seating.

As you can see, the price for these all-inclusive options is less than the cost of the drink package alone . In addition, you receive even more perks — such as daily gratuities and wi-fi — included.

If you know you plan to purchase a drink package, then it’s a much better value to get it through the all-inclusive offers instead of purchasing it by itself at the current prices.

You can read more about these Princess offers here .

Can I Share the Package?

No, you can’t get a package and then share drinks from it. Princess says specifically that “packages may NOT be shared, are NON-transferable and NON-refundable.”

Will the cruise line know if you get a drink and then pass it one to someone without the package? Likely not, however, it is against the rules. If caught, then the cruise line says they reserve the right to cancel the package.

Do I Have to Buy the Package for the Entire Cruise?

Yes. One aspect of drink packages — including Princess’ offering — is that they are required to be bought for the entire cruise if you decide to purchase. You can’t pick and choose days.

Princess specifically says that “partial/pro-rated packages or purchase for segments of a guests voyage are NOT accepted.”

Is There a Limit on the Number of Drinks You Can Have?

There is a limit on the number of alcoholic beverages that you can order per day.

Princess places a limit of 15 alcoholic drinks per 24 hours , going from 6 a.m. to 6 a.m. If you try to exceed this limit, then the cruise line says it’s “at the discretion of shipboard management and crew” but will be charged the menu price.

However, non-alcoholic beverages don’t count in this figure and there is no limit on how many you can have. So don’t worry that having a bottle of water in between drinks is going to limit how many cocktails you can have.

Does The Drink Package Work on Private Islands or Ports?

When in a typical port of call, the drink package does not extend to land. Since these spots are independent of the cruise line, don’t expect to be able to use drink offer to get a beverage on shore.

However, Princess says that the package can be used on their private islands . So if visiting one of these spots, you can use the package just like on the ship.

Are Princess Drink Packages Worth the Money?

Whether or not a drink package is worth the money is often a point of contention. With the Princess deal, however, we think it’s definitely worth it for most people .

If purchased on its own, the math behind the package may not work for you. After all, you have to drink enough each day to make up for the cost of the drink package. With Princess’ all-inclusive offers, however, the math shifts strongly in favor of having the package.

For example, the Princess Plus package costs passengers $60 per day. For that amount, you get daily gratuities ($16 per day for most cabins), wi-fi, and the drink package.

Even if you don’t use the wi-fi service at all, the cost of gratuities is something you’d pay for no matter what. Subtracting that cost out, it means you’ll pay $44 total for the drink package . That’s the cost of only a handful of drinks each day, and don’t forget that non-alcoholic beverages like specialty coffees, water, and soda are also included.

So if you know you want the package, we suggest opting for one of Princess’ all-inclusive options as it’s less expensive. And when you consider what’s included in the deal, it makes the math work strongly in favor of the drink package if you plan to drink even a moderate amount.

For more on drink packages, you can explore the links below:

• Everything to Know About Alcohol & Drinks on a Cruise (Costs, Rules, & More)
• Worth It? Everything About Cruise Line Drink Packages
• Cruise Line Drink Package Calculator

Popular: 39 Useful Things to Pack (17 You Wouldn't Think Of)

Read next: park & cruise hotels for every port in america, popular: 107 best cruise tips, secrets, tricks, and freebies, related articles more from author, flashback: cruise bar menus from 10 years ago show how much prices have soared, 107 best cruise tips, tricks, secrets, and freebies, princess plus & premier offers: package details and if it’s worth it, worth it complete guide to msc cruises drink packages, worth it complete guide to royal caribbean’s drink package, can i bring marijuana on a cruise.

I read this article hoping to find an answer, are the soda-only or non-alcoholic drink packages worth it? No one in my party drinks alcohol, but we are all addicted to soda, energy drinks, and milkshakes. We don’t need the other perks of the cruise-line packages. I guess I just answered my own question.

If “addicted” then yes, it should be worth it. If you just like it, take advantage of being able to bring a 12-pack on with you and save some money.

This is a great explanation, but one thing missing from consideration is whether both people in the cabin drink alcohol. If one purchases a package, the other also must purchase the package. My traveling drinks alcohol, I do not. While I understand that other drinks are included, I can’t even come close to drinking $35 worth of non-alcoholic beverages per day, every day (~$15/day gratuities and $10/day wifi, leaves $35/day for beverages). On my most recent cruise, we opted not to do the package and saved a lot of money (over buying it), buying our beverages “on the go.” So the bottom line is, do the math and consider your drinking habits. Thanks for publishing this explanation.

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Dramatic: Carnival Ship Suffers Fire at Sea (See the Video)

Cococay in cozumel royal caribbean announces new destination in mexico, hotels with cruise shuttles for every major port in america, 39 useful things to pack for your cruise (including 17 you’d never think of).

• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions

Home » Eat » Cruise Drinks » Complete Guide to Cruise Drink Packages

Complete Guide to Cruise Drink Packages

Our Complete Guide to Cruise Drink Packages for 2023 breaks down the specifics of each cruise line's drink packages, prices, and inclusions.

Share this post:

Are you wondering if you should purchase one of the cruise drink packages on your next vacation? You are not alone, as it is a question we get quite often from fellow cruisers.

There are many factors involved in deciding if a beverage package is right for you. To help in your decision-making process, we have put together this complete guide to cruise line drink packages to help you sift through the different options. We cover plans, pricing, inclusions, and more.

Complete Guide to Cruise Line Drink Packages

What is a drink package on a cruise.

While some beverages are included in the standard cruise fare, many drinks will cost you extra money.

Complimentary beverages on most mainstream cruise lines include juice, non-bottled iced water, iced tea, tea, and brewed coffee.

Other beverages like specialty coffees, smoothies, fresh squeezed juice, soft drinks, bottled water, and energy drinks are all an additional fee. Likewise, all alcoholic beverages cost extra.

Now, this is where a drink package comes into play. Basically, cruise lines offer various packages that guests can purchase for a flat fee per person, per day to enjoy all these up-charge beverages.

The packages, prices, and inclusions do vary by cruise line. So, we will go into more detail on each cruise line’s offerings a bit later.

EXCLUSIVE DEALS: Score Discounts on Your Next Cruise Vacation!

Cruise Drink Package Basics

While cruise drink packages do vary by cruise line, they almost all have certain inclusions and restrictions that you should know before buying one of the packages.

• Drink packages are priced per person, per day.
• You need to purchase the drink package for the entire cruise (not just select days).
• An additional service charge or gratuity is added to the total purchase price of a drink package at checkout.
• Once the cruise has begun, drink packages are non-refundable and non-transferable.
• Drink packages are for “personal consumption”, meaning no sharing of drinks with other cruisers that do not have a package.
• Many cruise lines require all individuals in a stateroom to purchase a beverage package, so be sure to read all the terms and conditions.
• Most packages cover beverages purchased at onboard restaurants and bars, and they may work on the cruise lines’ private islands as well.
• Cruise drink packages often cover drinks up to a certain dollar amount. Afterwards, cruisers need to pay the difference for any drinks that are above this maximum allotment.
• Most cruise line drink packages do not cover bottles of wine, bottles of liquor, mini-bar items, souvenir cup/specialty promotions, or room service purchases.
• Many, but not all, cruise line drink packages are “unlimited” for the duration of the cruise.
• Cruise lines reserve the right to deny service to individuals who are intoxicated, so enjoy responsibly.
• Many cruise lines offer discounts on drink packages when purchased pre-cruise.

What cruise lines offer free drink packages?

Some luxury cruise lines are truly all-inclusive, meaning all beverages are included in the price of the cruise. However, that is not the case for the more mainstream cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and the like.

However, there are some cases where you might be able to score a free drink package. Norwegian Cruise Line is known for its Free at Sea promotion . This promotion gives guests up to five free perks, including an unlimited open bar package.

Other cruise lines give free drink packages to guests booking the most luxurious cabins on the ship. For example, MSC Cruises’ Yacht Club guests receive a free Premium Extra Drink Package.

Further, other cruise lines offer all-inclusive pricing options. Celebrity Cruises has its All Included fare. Princess Cruises has the Plus Package and the Premier Package, and Holland America has the Have It All fare. These fares bundle a drink package with other inclusions like WiFi or gratuities for one set fare.

Which cruise line has the cheapest drink package?

When examining the drink packages offered by all the major cruise lines listed below, you can see that the prices and the inclusions do vary quite a bit. Though, the cheapest drink package is found on MSC Cruises, followed by Holland America and Carnival.

On the other hand, Norwegian Cruise Line has the most expensive drink packages.

What cruise lines have unlimited drink packages?

A majority of cruise line drink packages are unlimited. However, the Carnival brands do impose a drink limit of 15 drinks. This includes Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Holland America Line. You should read the fine print when purchasing, as this drink limit sometimes refers to only alcoholic drinks and other times to total drinks.

Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and MSC Cruises all have unlimited drink packages. The more premium and luxury cruise lines do as well.

Is it worth getting a drink package on a cruise?

This is a question that only you can answer. Essentially, the question is whether you will consume enough beverages to make the purchase “worth it”. Knowing your drink preferences, onboard drink prices, and typical consumption, you can estimate whether or not you would hit the “break even” price point.

Other considerations include the length of the cruise, how many ports of call are on the itinerary, and if you get any benefits from cruise line loyalty programs.

For instance, will you be able to sustain the same drinking pattern over the course of a 10-day or 14-day cruise? If your cruise is port intensive, will you be on the ship enough to make good use of your drink package? Do you get free drinks because of your status in a loyalty program with the cruise line?

It’s also important to know that many cruise lines allow you to bring a limited amount of alcohol onboard on embarkation day.

Overall, cruise drink packages certainly do offer convenience, as you never have to worry about the bar tab at the end of the cruise! They also make your cruise feel more all inclusive. Still, there are certain instances where they could be a waste of money . So, you will need to weigh the pros and cons for yourself before you decide to purchase one or not.

Of course, if you wish to forego a beverage package, you can always pay a la carte for your drinks purchased on the ship.

Cruise Drink Packages by Cruise Line

Royal caribbean international cruise drink packages.

Royal Caribbean offers three drink packages . There is the alcoholic drink package, also known as the Deluxe Beverage Package. There are also two non-alcoholic drink packages, the Royal Refreshment Drink Package and the Classic Soda Package.

For all the coffee lovers, there is also the  Café Select coffee card .

Royal Caribbean drink packages have dynamic pricing. This means that the price will vary based on ship, time of year, and itinerary. However, you can usually score a discount by purchasing pre-cruise. Average costs for each package are listed below.

• Deluxe Beverage Package: $63 to $89 a day, with recent prices as high as $105!
• Royal Refreshment Drink Package: $29-38 per person, per day
• Classic Soda Package: $12.99-$15 per person, per day
• Café Select Coffee Card: $31 for 15 drinks

Royal Caribbean Deluxe Beverage Package

The Royal Caribbean Deluxe Beverage Package includes essentially all alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. This plan covers all alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine by the glass, and cocktails up to $14. Further, the package also includes most liquor and premium spirits.

The Royal Caribbean Deluxe Drink Package includes fountain soda, Coca-Cola freestyle machines (where available), still and sparkling water, premium coffees and teas, and fresh-squeezed juices as well.

Plus, guests who purchase the Deluxe drink package will receive a 40% discount on bottled wines priced up to $100, and 20% discount on wine prices above $100.

Royal Refreshment Drink Package

If you want more options than just soda in your Royal Caribbean non-alcoholic drink package, then the Royal Refreshment package might be right for you.

This plan gives cruisers unlimited choices of premium coffees and teas, soda (including the souvenir cup), bottled water (both sparkling and still), freshly squeezed orange juice, and non-alcoholic frozen drinks.

Essentially, you can enjoy almost any non-alcoholic beverage on this package, including Johnny Rockets milkshakes. There are only a few exclusions, such as Starbucks from licensed kiosks. Starbucks brewed coffee from other onboard locations ARE included.

Classic Soda Package

The Classic Soda Package is a popular drink package choice for families. This plan includes unlimited soda from the bars and restaurants onboard the ship and at the private islands. However, it does not include cans of soda or soda ordered through room service.

Carnival Cruise Line Drink Packages

Carnival Cruise Line offers two drink packages . There is the alcoholic drink package, also known as the Cheers! Beverage Program. There is also the unlimited soda program, called the Bottomless Bubbles package.

The Carnival drink package prices are outlined below. You can save 10% on your Carnival drink package by purchasing before you sail.

• Cheers Package: Starting at $59.95 per person, per day
• Bottomless Bubbles: Starting at $6.95 per child or $9.50 per adult, per day

Cheers Program

Carnival Cruise Line offers only one alcoholic drink package, known as the Cheers Beverage Program. Many cruisers refer to this as the unlimited drink package, as it includes essentially all alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks for a flat daily rate.

This plan covers all alcoholic beverages, including beers, wine and champagne by the glass, and cocktails and spirits up to $20. This also includes the self-serve beer stations.

Further, this Carnival drink package also includes soda, virgin cocktails, juices, specialty coffees and teas, milkshakes, energy drinks, Powerade and Vitamin Water, and 500ml bottled water.

The Cheers Program also entitles cruisers to a 25% discount off of any drink costing more than the $20 allotment, wine and champagne by the bottle, and beverage seminars and classes.

While there is a limit of 15 alcoholic drinks with this Carnival drink package, soda and other non-alcoholic beverages do not count towards this limit.

Bottomless Bubbles

Bottomless Bubbles is Carnival Cruise Line’s unlimited soda package. For one flat fee, cruisers can enjoy all the fountain soda and juices they want with this package.

Soda choices include Pepsi products. For juices, cruisers have the option of Orange Juice, Cranberry Juice, Tomato Juice, Pineapple Juice, and Grapefruit Juice.

Norwegian Cruise Line Drink Packages

Norwegian Cruise Line has made significant updates to its drink packages within the last year including prices and offerings. Now, the cruise line features only two alcoholic drink packages, the Premium Drink Package and the Premium Plus Drink Package. There are also two additional non-alcoholic drink packages, the Unlimited Soda Package and the Unlimited Starbucks package.

The Norwegian drink package prices are as follows:

• Premium Drink Package: $109 per person, per day
• Premium Plus Drink Package: $138 per person, per day
• Unlimited Soda Package: $9.95 per person, per day
• Unlimited Starbucks Package: $12.95 per person, per day

Premium Drink Package

The most popular of the Norwegian Drink Packages is the Premium Drink Package. This package was previously called the Ultimate Beverage Package and is also sometimes referred to as the Unlimited Open Bar Package.

This is the drink package that guests receive with the Norwegian Free at Sea promotion.

The Premium beverage package includes a variety of spirits, cocktails, wines by the glass, and bottled or draft beer up to $15.

Further, this package includes unlimited fountain soda and juices at all bars, lounges, restaurants, and the private island of Great Stirrup Cay. It also includes a 20% discount on bottles of wine and champagne, Wine and Spirit Experiences, Connoisseur Collection beverages, and tastings and flights purchased on board.

This package differs from most other cruise lines in that it does not include any premium non-alcoholic drinks like bottled water, fresh squeezed juices, or specialty coffee.

Premium Plus Drink Package

A relatively newer NCL drink package is the Premium Plus beverage package. This is the most all-inclusive option of the Norwegian drink packages. Though, it does come at a higher price point. This drink package includes everything within the Premium beverage package, along with other top-shelf spirit brands.

Additionally, it includes select bottles of wine and champagne, Starbucks coffee and specialty drinks, bottled water, energy drinks, BioSteel sports drink selections, freshly squeezed juices, and wine dispensers.

Guests will also receive a 40% discount on non-select bottles of wine (champagne and sparkling included), “Wine and Spirit Experiences”, tastings, and flights.

This NCL drink package is available as an upgrade to the “free drink package”. Cruisers can upgrade by paying the difference in the retail package price ($29) in addition to associated service charges.

Unlimited Soda Package

The most basic of the NCL drink packages is the Unlimited Soda Package. This package does not cover cans of soda. Other non-alcoholic beverages, like bottled water or bottled juices, are not included either.

Currently, NCL ships serve Coca Cola products. The list of possible soft drinks (subject to availability during your cruise) are Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Ginger Ale, Tonic Water, Fanta, and Soda Water.

Unlimited Starbucks Package

Another newer offering to the list of NCL drink packages is the Unlimited Starbucks package. This cruise drink package includes all coffees, teas, Refreshers, and Frappuccino favorites. However, it does exclude canned drinks, bottled drinks, food, and merchandise at Starbucks.

SCORE SAVINGS BY BOOKING YOUR CRUISE NOW!

Princess Cruises Drink Packages

Princess Cruises has recently revamped its drink package offerings to now include two alcoholic drink package options, the Plus Beverage Package and the Premier Beverage Package.

There are also three non-alcoholic Princess Cruises drink packages: the Zero Alcohol Drink Package, Classic Soda Package, and New Grounds Coffee Package.

Additionally, Princess Cruises has also rolled out two more all-inclusive packages , the Plus Package and the Premier Package.

The Princess cruise drink packages pricing is as follows:

• Plus Beverage Package – $64.99 per person, per day plus 18% gratuity
• Premier Beverage Package – $84.99 per person, per day plus 18% gratuity
• Zero Alcohol Package – $39.99 per person, per day plus 18% gratuity
• Classic Soda Package – $12.99 per person, per day plus 18% gratuity

Princess Cruises Plus Beverage Package

The Princess Cruises Plus Beverage Package includes beer, spirits, wine by the glass, and cocktails up to $15 USD ($22 AUD). It also includes all non-alcoholic beverages including bottled water (500ml only), fountain sodas, the new Juice Bar, fresh juices (if available), specialty coffees and teas, frappes at Coffee & Cones, milkshakes (if available), and Red Bull energy drinks.

Further, the package includes a 25% discount on all bottles of wine, one-liter bottles of water, canned soda, and bottled juices. 

This package has a daily limit on alcoholic beverages of 15 beverages over a 24-hour period.

Princess Cruises Premier Beverage Package

The Princess Cruises Premier Beverage Package includes everything from the Plus Beverage Package as well as additional top-shelf premium beverages. It includes a premium selection of beer, spirits, wine by the glass, and cocktails up to $20 USD ($30 AUD).

Further, guests can enjoy all non-alcoholic beverages including bottled water (500ml only), fountain sodas, the new Juice Bar, fresh juices (if available), specialty coffees and teas, frappes at Coffee & Cones, milkshakes (if available), and Red Bull energy drinks. 

The package also provides guests a 25% discount on all bottles of wine, one-liter bottles of water, canned soda, and bottled juices. If dining at a specialty restaurant, a large (one-liter) bottle of still or sparkling water is covered by the package as well.

This drink package also has a daily limit on alcoholic beverages of 15 beverages over a 24-hour period.

Zero Alcohol Drink Package

The Zero Alcohol Drink Package (formerly Princess Cruises Premier Coffee and Soda Package) includes all specialty coffees and teas, hot chocolate, fountain sodas, fresh juices and healthy smoothies (juice bar), bottled water, Frappes at Coffee & Cones, mocktails, Red Bull Energy Drinks, and Milk Shakes (if available).

The package also provides a 25% discount on canned items such as soda or bottled juices.

The Princess Cruises Classic Soda Package includes all fountain sodas, fresh juices, mocktails, and smoothies. It also includes one souvenir tumbler based on availability.

New Grounds Coffee Package

Princess Cruises offers a new beverage package for coffee lovers, The Grounds Coffee Package. This package includes the pre-purchase of a specified number of specialty coffees and complimentary brewed coffee and hot chocolate. However, it is valid only on the voyage for which it is purchased.

The number of espresso-based drinks does vary by itinerary. Thus, pricing for this package will vary based on your sailing.

Princess Plus and Princess Premier Packages

Basically, when you book a Princess cruise, you will now have the option of three different price levels. These levels are Princess Standard, Princess Plus, and Princess Premier.

The Princess Standard fare is basically a cruise only rate. If you want to purchase a drink package on your Princess cruise, you should probably opt to upgrade to one of these fares instead as it’s actually cheaper than a drink package alone.

Guests can upgrade to the Princess Plus fare for $60 per person, per day. This fare has the following inclusions:

• Plus Beverage Package (drinks up to $15 each)
• Wi-Fi (1 device per guest)
• Crew appreciation
• Premium desserts (2 per day)
• Fitness classes (2 per cruise)
• Unlimited juice bar

Guests can also upgrade to the Princess Premier fare for $80 per person, per day. This fare has the following inclusions:

• Premier Beverage Package (drinks up to $20 each)
• Wi-Fi (up to 4 devices per guest)
• 2 specialty dining meals per guest
• Photo package (unlimited digital + 3 prints)
• Princess Prizes
• Premium desserts (unlimited)
• Fitness classes (unlimited)
• Medallion accessory
• Reserved theater seating (for production shows only)

Celebrity Cruises Drink Packages

When it comes to cruise drink packages on Celebrity Cruises , cruisers can select from a number of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. The Classic Drink Package is the basic offering, while the Premium Drink Package includes additional beverages for an added cost. The Zero Proof Drink Package is the non-alcoholic option.

The pricing for these cruise line drink packages is as follows:

• Classic Drink Package- $89 per person, per day
• Premium Drink Package- $109 per person, per day
• Zero Proof Drink Package (Premium Non-Alcoholic Drink Package)- $30 per person, per day

When booking a Celebrity cruise, guests now have the option of a Cruise Only or All Included rate. The All Included rate includes (for most stateroom categories) the Classic Beverage Package, a Basic WiFi package, and  gratuities .

The price to upgrade does vary based on a number of factors. However, during our recent test, it worked out to about $80 per person, per day.

Classic Drink Package on Celebrity Cruises

Perhaps the most popular beverage package is the Classic Drink Package on Celebrity Cruises. This is also the drink package you will get if you opt to upgrade to the All Included price.

This Celebrity drink package covers beers, spirits, cocktails, liqueurs, frozen drinks, and wines by the glass for up to $10 per serving. This package also includes a 15% discount on all wines by the bottle.

With this package, you are also entitled to non-premium bottled water, specialty coffee, juices, and soda. This does not include smoothies or Aqua Spa fresh juices.

Celebrity Cruise Premium Drink Package

The Celebrity Cruise Premium Drink Package includes all Classic Drink Package items, in addition to other premium offerings. These selections include specialty coffees & teas, craft & artisan beers, spirits, cocktails, frozen drinks, Coca-Cola products, premium bottled water, and wines by the glass up to $17. Also, guests get a 20% discount off all bottles of wine.

The Premium Beverage Package will cover martinis at the Martini Bar and most handcrafted drinks at the World Class Bar, as well as a much wider selection of wines.

Further, guests with the premium package receive unlimited premium still and sparkling bottled water, Red Bull, and Vitamin Water, as well as soda, Spa Café fresh juices, specialty coffee/tea, and zero proof cocktails.

If you opt for the All Included price, you can pay to upgrade from the Classic to Premium drink package for $24 per person, per day.

Zero Proof Drink Package (previously the Premium Non-Alcoholic Package)

Beverage packages are not just for alcohol. Celebrity Cruises also offers a non-alcoholic drink package.

This package includes premium bottled water from Evian, Perrier, San Pellegrino, & Panna, Specialty Coffees & Organic Teas, Red Bull Energy Drinks, Frozen Smoothies, Zero Proof Cocktails, Coca-Cola selections, Vitamin Water, and Bottled Iced Teas. 

Holland America Line Cruise Drink Packages

Holland America Line offers a few different cruise drink packages as well. These include two alcoholic options, the Elite Beverage Package and the Signature Beverage Package. There are also two non-alcoholic options, the Quench Drink Package and the Coca Cola Drink Package.

The pricing for these Holland America drink packages is as follows:

• Elite Beverage Package- $59.99 per person, per day
• Signature Beverage Package- $54.95 per person, per day
• Quench Drink Package- $17.95 per person, per day
• Coca Cola Drink Package- $8 per person, per day

Elite Drink Package

Holland America Line’s Elite Drink Package is the most inclusive option. With this cruise drink package, you can enjoy all drinks priced $15 and under including Dale DeGroff’s Original Cocktails.

This package also includes unlimited Zero-Proof beverages. These options include specialty coffees, mocktails, smoothies, juice, soft drinks, bottled water (16oz or 330ml Perrier), and Red Bull energy drinks.

With this package, there is a 15-drink daily limit for alcoholic beverages; however, guests can enjoy an unlimited number of non-alcoholic beverages.

Signature Drink Package

The Signature Drink Package includes premium beers, spirits, cocktails, and wines by the glass priced $11 and under. It also includes all of the non-alcoholic items from the Quench Package.

Unlike the Elite package though, all zero-proof beverages count towards the daily limit.

Quench Drink Package

The Quench Drink Package is Holland America Line’s non-alcoholic drink package. This package includes premium coffees such as espresso and cappuccino, juices, Coca-Cola products, signature mocktails, smoothies, Red Bull, and bottled waters 500ml and under.

Like the signature drink package, guests are limited to 15 non-alcoholic beverages with this package.

Coca Cola Drink Package

This is Holland America’s soda package. This package includes unlimited fountain soda. On the Rotterdam, Koningsdam, and Nieuw Statendam, this package also includes the Coca-Cola Freestyle machines.

Have It All Package

In 2021, Holland America Line rolled out its Have It All Package. The list price is $99 per person, per day. However, with promotions, cruisers can typically upgrade to Have It All for a 40 to 50% discount (around $50 per day).

While the terms of the package may fluctuate based on your specific sailing, this more inclusive offering typically includes 4 add-ons- shore excursion credit, a Signature beverage package, WiFi, and specialty dining.

So, if you are already considering a Signature Beverage package, you might want to consider this upgrade. Essentially, you would be getting the internet, shore excursion credit, and a specialty dinner for close to free.

MSC Cruises Drink Packages

MSC Cruises currently offers five different drink package options. These cruise drink packages include the Easy Package, Easy Plus Package, and Premium Extra Package. There are also two non-alcoholic options, the Alcohol Free Package and the Minors Package.

• Easy Package- $38 per person, per day
• Easy Plus Package- $51 per person, per day
• Premium Extra Package- $71 per person, per day
• Alcohol Free Package- $26 per person, per day
• Minors Package- $17 per person, per day

Easy Package

The Easy Package is the cheapest MSC Cruises drink package. This option entitles guests to a limited number of alcoholic beverages including house wines by the glass, draft beer, a selection of craft cocktails, mixed drinks, and non-alcoholic cocktails. There is a separate section on the bar menus for guests with this package.

It also includes soft drinks, fruit juices, bottled water, and classic hot drinks (espresso, cappuccino, latte, and hot tea).

This package covers all of the above served in bars, the buffet, and the main restaurant, as well as on the private island of Ocean Cay. However, it does not cover drinks in specialty restaurants or signature venues like Venchi 1878 or Jean Phillippe Chocolate, Coffee & Gelato.

Easy Plus Package

The Easy Plus Package covers all beverages priced up to $9. This includes frozen and classic cocktails, well spirits, liquors, and cordials, select wines by the glass, a wide variety of draft and bottled beers, and non-alcoholic cocktails. This package also includes soft drinks, bottled water, coffee drinks, hot chocolate, and hot teas.

Additionally, guests get a 10% discount on bottled wines purchased onboard the ship.

The Easy Plus Package works at all bars, the buffet, the main dining room, and specialty restaurants, as well as Ocean Cay. However, it does not work in signature venues either.

Premium Extra Package

The Premium Extra Package is the most inclusive of the MSC cruise drink packages. This package covers all drinks up to $15. It includes an extensive variety of frozen and classic cocktails, and premium brand spirits, liquors, and cordials. Additionally, guests can enjoy a selection of wines and champagnes by the glass or a 25% discount on bottles of wine and champagne.

This package also includes all draft, craft, and bottled beers, soda, juices, bottled water, energy drinks, specialty coffee, hot chocolate, and teas.

The Premium Extra Package works at all bars, the buffet, the main dining room, and specialty restaurants, as well as Ocean Cay. However, it does not work in signature venues either.

Alcohol Free Package

This cruise drink package includes a wide choice of alcohol free cocktails, soda, energy drinks, mineral water, flavored water, fruit juices, coffee drinks, hot chocolate, hot teas, and soft-serve ice cream.

This package does not work in the specialty restaurants or at signature venues. Yes, this means that if you purchase this package, you can’t even order a soda while enjoying dinner in the Butcher’s Cut. Yet ironically, this is the only drink package for adults that includes free soft serve ice cream.

Minors Package

Lastly, MSC Cruises offers a Minors Package. This drink package gives kids the freedom to enjoy a selection of alcohol free cocktails, soda, energy drinks, mineral water, flavored water, juices, coffee drinks, hot chocolate, hot tea, and soft serve ice cream.

This package does not work in the specialty restaurants either.

Minors are considered aged 3-17 on European sailings and aged 3-20 on North American and Caribbean itineraries. These packages are only applicable to minors who are part of a family purchasing an adult drink package.

BOOK NOW: Exclusive Rates on Cruises!

Margaritaville at Sea Drink Packages

Margaritaville at Sea offers a few different drink packages for guests to enjoy during their 2-day jaunts to the Bahamas. These packages are the Unlimited Soda Package, the Boat Drinks Package, and the No Feathers Non-Alcoholic Package.

The prices for these packages are as follows:

• Unlimited Soda Package- $29 (includes souvenir cup)
• Boat Drinks Packages (10 alcoholic drinks)- $99
• No Feathers Non-Alcoholic Package (10 non-alcoholic drinks)- $59

Disney Cruise Line Drink Packages

Disney Cruise Line does not offer a traditional cruise drink package. It does offer discounts for wine bottle packages and promotions on beer which is essentially 6 beers for the price of 5.

Virgin Voyages Drink Packages

Virgin Voyages does not offer drink packages either. However, guests can pre-purchase a Bar Tab that can be used towards the purchase of drinks once onboard one of the line’s lady ships.

The cruise line often runs promotions where guests can get an extra $50 towards their Bar Tab for every $300 purchased.

The Bar Tab can only be used on drink purchases onboard the ships or at The Beach Club at Bimini. It may not be transferred to pay for other experiences, and any unused Bar Tab credit (both purchased and bonus) is not refundable at the end of the voyage.

Windstar Cruises Drink Packages

While all non-alcoholic beverages are complimentary, alcoholic beverages will cost extra on your cruise. Windstar Cruises offers two drink packages , the Topmast Discoveries Beer & Wine Package and the Captain’s Exclusive Beverage Package.

The beverage package prices are listed below. Windstar also offers an All-In Package . This all-inclusive pricing bundles three of the most popular add-ons- a drink package, unlimited WiFi, and gratuities.

• Topmast Discoveries Beer & Wine Package- $55 per person, per day
• Captain’s Exclusive Beverage Package- $65 per person, per day
• The All-In Package- from $89 per person per day

Oceania Cruises Drink Packages

Oceania Cruises includes all non-alcoholic beverages like specialty coffee, bottled water, and soda; however, the cruise line does offer two alcoholic beverage packages. The House Select Package includes beer and wine at meals. The Prestige Select Beverage Package includes beer, wine by the glass, mixed drinks, and cocktails.

The pricing of these two packages is as follows:

• House Select Package- $39.95 per person, per day
• Prestige Select Beverage Package- $69.95 per person, per day

Viking Drink Packages

On Viking ships, you can enjoy 24-hour complimentary specialty coffees, teas, and bottled water. Other drink inclusions are beer, wine, and soft drinks at lunch and dinner. However, if you prefer cocktails or premium spirits, you will need to purchase a beverage package or pay a la carte.

The Silver Spirits Beverage Package includes cocktails or beers and wine up to $18 a glass any time of day. The price of this package is $25 per person, per day. Further, the package must be purchased for the full length of the cruise by all parties sharing a stateroom.

Viking is one of the few luxury cruise lines that actually offers a beverage package. Other brands like Silversea, Seabourn, and Regent Seven Seas include all beverages in their cruise fares.

Do you usually purchase cruise drink packages? Do you think they are a good value? Drop us an anchor below to share your experiences using cruise line drink packages.

Related Posts

Cruiseline module – Remove Title

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sign up to our newsletter!

I think you need to also take into consideration what the drinks cost on each line. A certain drink I like might be $9 on one line and within the drinks package limit but it can cost $13 on another line and over the drinks package limit. I know for certain that Royal Caribbean has a much higher per drink cost than Celebrity, HAL and Princess. So the RC package may cost the same as the other lines, it will not get you the drinks you want to drink without an up charge per drink.

Great point Judi. Appreciate the feedback. Each line had different drink limits which can have an impact on your decision to get a drink package. Thanks for reading.

I don’t take the drink package because my husband doesn’t drink and they want you to pay for both people its ridiculous. Plus who in their right sober minds are going to drink 15 drinks a day. Not for me!!

Don’t forget, these drink packages also include sodas,juices, mocktails and specialty coffees. I might have a bloody mary in the a.m. then a fruity cocktail in the afternoon, and an after dinner cordial. The rest of the time I can enjoy non-alcoholic drinks. So I am in my right sober mind and enjoy 15 beverages a day.

can you get cans of jim beam bourbon on the packages

Hi Mark. Interesting question. What do you mean by “cans” of Jim Beam? Bottle service is not covered on most cruise line packages. You could certainly get plenty of Jim Beam drinks on the rocks, but one drink at a time. Of course, a bartender can also cut you off. Hope this answers your question. Thanks for reading. Happy cruising.

DB & The Princess

Welcome Aboard! We are Don and Heidi, the husband and wife travel team behind EatSleepCruise.com. We took our first cruise vacation together 13 years ago and have been hooked ever since. Follow along as we share our travel tips, cruise reviews, information on ports of call, and the latest cruise news to help you plan the ultimate cruise vacation. Are you ready to embark on your journey to “sea the world, one port at a time”?

What’s Trending

Contact Us: [email protected]

Mon-Fri 9am - 7pm EST Sat-Sun 9am - 6pm EST

Drink Packages

We’ve created an array of great-value drink packages and cabin treatments to offer you the choice of refreshment that most appeals to you, from soft drinks to fine wines, premium beers and much more! Our all-inclusive cruise options and rich drink packages give you carte blanche to quench your thirst whenever you like and can be combined with a huge selection of cruise holidays. Book now online your drink package at the lowest price compared to the onboard price! Please be advised that in respect to the Saudi Law, alcohol will not be served during the Calls in Saudi Arabian ports. Alcohol will be available to our guests when the ship sails in International Waters. To find out which All-Inclusive Beverage packages apply to your cruise, please login your  personal area . All-Inclusive Beverage packages for Winter 2023-24 up to Summer 2025

Indulge in Unbeatable Value - Reserve Your Beverage Package Online and Enjoy the Lowest Price Compared to Onboard. This Exclusive Offer Covers:

• Selected classic or international cocktails • Non-alcoholic cocktails and mixed drinks • Spirits (whisky, vodka, gin, rum, tequila, brandy - one brand per type) • House wines (red, white, sparkling, rosè) • Draft beer Heineken and bottled beer Heineken* • Soft drinks from the fountain, c anned soft drinks, fruit juices by the glass and bottled • Bottled Mineral Water • Classic hot drinks (espresso, cappuccino, caffèlatte, hot tea, hot chocolate) 

*The brand of beer may vary overtime.  The Easy Package covers all the above served in our bars, buffet and main restaurant. What’s more, it also includes private islands, but does not cover the specialty restaurants and signature venues. 

Indulge in Unbeatable Value - Reserve Your Beverage Package Online and Enjoy the Lowest Price Compared to Onboard. This Exclusive Offer Covers All Beverages Up to €9/ $10*

• Variety of frozen and classic cocktails
• Fresh fruit cocktails and protein shakes
• Well spirits, liqueurs and cordials
• Variety of draught and bottled beers
• Non-alcoholic cocktails and all non alcoholic drinks 
• Bottled Mineral Water
• Wide range of hot drinks
• 10% discount on bottles of wine purchased on board
• Selection of wines by the glass
• Beverage gratuities included

Indulge in Unbeatable Value - Reserve Your Beverage Package Online and Enjoy the Lowest Price Compared to Onboard. This Exclusive Offer Covers All Beverages Up to €14 / $16*.

• Wide Selection of Premium and International cocktails
• Non-alcoholic cocktails and all non-alcoholic drinks
• Fresh fruit and protein cocktails
• Premium brand spirits, liqueurs and cordials
• Wide selection of fine wine by glass
• Champagne by glass
• Wide variety of draft and bottled beer
• Wide selection of classic and specialty hot drinks
• 25% discount on purchased of bottled wine and champagne

*The Premium Extra Package can be enjoyed in our bars, buffet, main restaurant and specialty restaurants as well as on private islands, but does not cover our signature venues.

• Non-alcoholic cocktails
• Energy drinks
• Flavored water
• Soft serve ice cream

*The Alcoholic Free Package can be used in our bars, self-service buffet, main restaurant and on private islands, but not in the specialty restaurants and signature venues. 

• Soda by glass and bottle

*The Minors Package can be used in our bars, self-service buffet, main restaurant and on private islands, but not in the specialty restaurants and signature venues.

MORE WAYS TO PERSONALIZE YOUR CRUISE

Personalize your cruise experience with tasty Drink Packages, delicious Specialty Restaurants, exciting Excursions, pampering Spa Treatments and Internet Packages to share your adventures. 

Book online and take advantage of pre-boarding prices.

Are beverage packages available on all sailings, fleetwide?

Do the drinks included in drinks packages vary depending on the ships, destinations or seasons , which packages are available for my cruise , are gratuities included in the drinks package cost, can drinks packages be used on ocean cay msc marine reserve, will you serve alcohol on cruises calling on saudi arabian ports, which packages can be used in specialty restaurants, if an adult purchases a drinks package, are underage guests required to do the same thing as well, if guests wish to dine together at the same table, whether traveling in separate cabins as individuals or as part of a group, is it necessary for them to reserve the same drinks package, can i upgrade my drink package.

Yes, this option is available to all our guests. In pre-cruise sales, the upgrades are available only for the guests with the package included in their cruise promotion, furthermore at discounted price. On board, all upgrade options are open for all guests at full price.

I booked a Grand Voyages cruise or an MSC World Cruise. Is there any drinks package included?

- msc grand voyages, - msc world cruise, what drink package is included in the msc yacht club, can i purchase a drink package before my cruise, if i choose a drink not included in the package, do i pay a full price, terms & conditions, thank you for visiting msc cruises.

Your browser may be out of date or not compatible with our new site and may not be secure.

For a better experience and to continue your booking with MSC, please update your browser by downloading the latest version below.

Thank you for visiting our site and we look forward to seeing you on board soon!

MSC Cruises

This is the announcement bar for Poornima to test the Close Button.  It will expire May 31 2024.

• Pre-Cruise FAQ
• Onboard FAQ
• Post-Cruise FAQ
• Cruisetours FAQ
• Special Offers Sign Up
• Cruise Deals

You have been logged out

Your window will update in 5 secs

The Story of Our Food

When it comes to cruise dining, every dish has a tale to tell, best cruises for food lovers.

Food & Wine Magazine

It begins in a little village. Or a big city. Or a tropical island. Our chefs travel from their homes to our ships, bringing family recipes and enthusiasm along with them. They create dishes served by crew members who love to tell stories of their own, about where they’re from and where they’ve been, and hear your stories too. Because food brings people together, especially here.

Dine when, how and where you like

Princess offers Personalized Dining so you're in control. Fit in a formal dinner before a show. Explore the possibilities of our casual eateries whenever works for you. Use OceanNow® to order a burger and beer that finds you while watching Movies Under the Stars®. Make reservations so you can make the most of mealtime with more options to enjoy and less waiting.

Complimentary Dining

So many cruise dining options at no extra cost

If you’re hungry, you have options. Lots of them. Feeling fancy-ish? Our main dining rooms offer multicourse meals helmed by a waitstaff who makes sure your glasses are full and your taste buds are happy. Prefer a more casual setting? World Fresh Marketplace outshines any cruise buffet – with regional fare, chef specialty stations and familiar favorites. And don’t forget our International Café with sandwiches, soups and – you guessed it! – sweet treats.

Casual Dining

Relaxed yet rewarding

These sit-down restaurants and pop-ups may not be fancy, but the food is lip-smacking good, and there’s something for everyone: meat lovers, seafood aficionados, wine connoisseurs, pub-goers, you name it. Enjoy them all for only a small fee. (Worth it.)

Speciality Dining

A cruise dining experience you won’t want to miss

Make any night a special occasion at our award-winning restaurants. Explore them all: treasured Italian recipes at Sabatini’s, next-level surf and turf at Crown Grill and Sterling Steakhouse or the Cajun-infused menu of the Bayou Café. Or dine an extravagant multicourse dinner complete with wine pairings at Chef's Table. 

Food, drinks (and more) delivered wherever you are

Prefer to dine on your balcony or while catching a sunset on the top deck? It’s easy with OceanNow®. Order your favorite food and drinks on your smart device or directly through a crew member, and we’ll bring them right to you! Guests with the Princess Plus and Princess Premier packages enjoy OceanNow and room service delivery with no charge. Sit back, relax and enjoy not having to stand in line or deal with crowds.​

Limitations, restrictions and conditions apply.

Exceptional Experiences

Fresh, authentic and inspired, there’s always something to tickle your taste buds

Head of Princess culinary arts - Rudi Sodamin

This award-winning chef and cookbook author brings his expertise to Princess, elevating what dining at sea can be.

Made from scratch

It’s bread baked fresh 24-7. Pastries made with only the best ingredients (because you can taste the difference). Steaks aged and cut on board. Homemade pasta rolled and shaped every day. We carefully craft every dish as though we were having you for a meal in our home because, come to think of it, we are.

Dine like a local

There’s no better way to experience a place than through its food. So you’ll find regional flavors all around you on board, favorite recipes chefs brought from home or discovered along the way. Think curries from India and homemade pasta from Italy. Seafood in Alaska and street tacos in Mexico. We don’t just say "authentic" we serve it.

Explore beverages, wine, & more on board

Craft cocktails, the finest wines from around the world, premium coffee and more await you on your voyage. Discover what expert Mixologist Rob Floyd and our Food and Beverage team have created with Princess just for you, including our award-winning wine list. Drink in the possibilities with our Princess Plus Package℠ (Trip tip: It includes the Plus Beverage Package and a whole lot more at a big value!)

#PrincessCruises Food

See our onboard food options from our guests' eyes.

You May Also Like

Medallionclass® on all ships.

Next-level technology. More time for you. Your vacation – simplified, personalized.

What's Included

A world of dining options at no extra cost.

Specialty Restaurants

Where the meal is the special occasion.

• 1-855-932-1711
• My Account Hello Credits My Account Log out

Cruise Drink & Beverage Packages

Our cruise drink and beverage packages take you from the morning’s frothy cappuccino to dinner paired with exquisite wine to evening cocktails with new friends. Cheers to a great value!

Drink Packages For Adults (21 And Up)

Relax, refresh or wine down with spirited cruise beverage packages.

US $55 Per Person, Per Day*

Have It All Package

Our Signature Beverage Package combined with other high-value extras: shore excursions, specialty dining and Wi-Fi.

US $59.99 Per Person, Per Day*

Elite Beverage Package

A stunning array of premium spirits, cocktails, and wines US $15 or under, including all the benefits of Signature & Quench. 15-drink daily limit, unlimited non-alcoholic beverages.

US $54.95 Per Person, Per Day*

Signature Beverage Package

Enjoy beers, spirits, cocktails and wines by the glass priced at US $11 and under, plus everything from our Quench package. 15-drink daily limit for alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages.

*Prices are in USD and subject to change. See Terms & Conditions below for more details and daily drink limits for each package. 

Zero-Alcohol Beverage Packages

Delight in freshly squeezed juice, soothing teas, espresso-based beverages and more.

Starting at US $17.95 Per Person, Per Day

Refresh with Coca-Cola™ products, premium coffee, such as espresso and cappuccino, juices, mocktails and bottled water (sparkling and still). 15 drink daily limit.

Starting at US $8 Per Person, Per Day

Let it flow. Unlimited fountain sodas for US $8 per guest/day*. Coca-Cola™ Freestyle program on Pinnacle Class ships.

Find Your Beverage Package

Use the table below to find the package that’s right for you.

* Fresh Juices not included from Gelato Juice bar

BAR AND LOUNGE VENUES ON BOARD

Terms & conditions.

* Prices are USD per person per day. See your server or bartender for a full list of items included in each package. An 18% Service Charge is automatically applied to all Specialty Restaurant Cover Charges and all For Purchase A La Carte Menu Items. Local Sales Taxes Applied where required.

All adults of legal drinking age for the respective itinerary that are booked in the same stateroom must also purchase the package.

* Prices are per person per day. See your server or bartender for a full list of items included in each package. An 18% Service Charge is automatically applied to all Beverage Purchases, Bar Retail Items, Specialty Restaurant Cover Charges and all For Purchase A La Carte Menu Items. Local Sales Taxes Applied where required. All adults of legal drinking age for the respective itinerary that are booked in the same stateroom must also purchase the package. The Elite package has a daily limit of 15 alcoholic beverages with a menu price of $15 or less. Unlimited non-alcoholic beverages. The Signature package has a daily limit of 15 alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks with a menu price of $11 or less. The Quench Beverage Package is limited to 15 non-alcoholic drinks daily. The packages exclude purchases made in the Mini Bar, Honor Bar, Chocolate Seduction, Room Service Dining, beverages purchased on Half Moon Cay and any self-service draft beer. Freestyle Coca-Cola is only available on  Rotterdam ,  Koningsdam  and  Nieuw Statendam . Packages are non-transferrable and non-refundable. No sharing is permitted.

Celebrity Cruises food guide: A look at all the restaurants and dining options on board

It's amazing how Celebrity Cruises ' food has changed over the years!

My first Celebrity cruise was on Zenith, the line's second purpose-built ship. It carried fewer than 2,000 passengers. Breakfast and lunch were served in the ship's buffet area, and dinner was served at set times in the main dining room. That was it. There were no specialty restaurants.

Today, Celebrity Cruises ships are much larger — with the smallest being almost twice the gross tonnage Zenith had (91,000 gross tonnes versus 47,000 gross tonnes) — and have far more space devoted to food.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Choices on current Celebrity ships range from complimentary offerings that your cruise fare covers to higher-quality food that comes at an extra cost. With different venues on different ships, all those choices can get confusing. Which Celebrity restaurants will be on your next cruise?

Whether you've cruised with Celebrity recently or are new to the line, you need a food guide to keep up with what's available on which ship. Knowing which food choices each ship has might be a deciding factor in which ship you book.

You might be surprised to learn that food choices can play a big role in which cabin category you choose on Celebrity, as certain cabins and suites grant access to exclusive restaurants and complimentary room service or offer priority seating in specialty venues.

Our Celebrity food guide starts with a list of all the eateries, along with which ships they are found on. After that, you'll find some of the most-asked questions about Celebrity food. Note: Our guide does not cover the Galapagos expedition ships, but you can expect an indoor dining room and a multipurpose alfresco option on each of those ships.

Included for AquaClass guests, space-available basis for Retreat guests; breakfast and dinner

Guests who book an AquaClass spa cabin can access the exclusive restaurant, Blu, for breakfast and lunch. Breakfast is a delight, with fresh fruit smoothies included every day. The dinner menu changes daily, plus you can order from the main dining room menu if you'd prefer.

The cruise line's descriptions of Blu make it sound like it serves spa or healthy food. While there are healthy choices on the menu, I found the menu overall to be more akin to a main dining room's — but with higher-quality food.

For example, breakfast offerings include fresh fruit smoothies each day — nothing fancy with additives like greens or chia seeds similar to what you can purchase at the Spa Cafe, just tasty fruit in a glass. The atmosphere and service are more like a specialty restaurant. Social media posts are filled with cruisers who book AquaClass rooms specifically for the privilege of dining in Blu.

Available : Fleetwide

Related: The ultimate guide to cruise ship food and dining

Brunch or Dinner on the Edge

Fixed price; brunch and dinner on select days

These two options are alfresco food experiences, rather than separate restaurants. They are scheduled events that take place on the Magic Carpet elevator positioned on the side of the ship. For these events, the Magic Carpet is stationed next to the pool deck (aka resort deck). The dinner menu includes seafood and chateaubriand.

Available on : Celebrity Apex , Ascent, Beyond and Edge

Cabana food

Included and a la carte; all-day dining

If you rent a deck cabana on the Edge Class ships or an Alcove on the Solstice Class ships, you will be presented with an exclusive food menu. The list includes fruit skewers, snacks and sandwiches.

Available on : Celebrity Apex, Ascent , Beyond, Eclipse, Edge, Equinox, Reflection, Silhouette and Solstice

Cafe al Bacio

Included and a la carte; snacks

Expect typical coffee shop fare, including pastries, cakes, tarts and cookies. A few of these are the same as you would find in the buffet at the Oceanview Cafe, but I found that most are exclusive to Cafe al Bacio. On a recent cruise, I enjoyed eclairs, sugar donuts and a slice of luscious red velvet cake. There are typically three or more cookie choices, while the ice cream area in Oceanview typically only has one.

The baked goods are complimentary; coffee and specialty teas are priced a la carte but are included in both the Classic and Premium beverage packages. A gelato counter is found next to or across from the coffee and snack counter. Unlike the ice cream counter in the buffet area, this gelato comes with an added charge. Captain's Club members receive a free scoop per cruise starting after you earn 2 cruise points or complete your first cruise.

Celebrity Edge Class and Solstice Class ships have a second Cafe al Bacio (called Il Segundo Bacio) located in the Oceanview Cafe buffet area. The menu of drinks (extra charge) matches what you'd find in the main Bacio location on board, which makes it a convenient spot to grab a specialty coffee or glass of wine to accompany your casual meal. Just don't expect the specialty snacks found at the main location; you can pick up snacks at the buffet instead.

Cosmopolitan Restaurant

Included and a la carte; breakfast, lunch on sea days and dinner

This is the point at which Celebrity food choices become confusing. In an effort to break away from the traditional main dining room experience, Celebrity Edge Class ships split the main dining room into four distinctly decorated restaurants, each with a menu that is made up of basics available in all four, plus selections that are exclusive to that restaurant. Guests are assigned to one of the four but may opt to dine at any of the other three at any time they choose.

Cosmopolitan, serving daily breakfast and lunch on sea days, is the one most closely resembling a standard main dining room. The dinner menu changes nightly but includes some items that are always available. There are also premium selections of filet mignon and broiled lobster tail that come with an added charge.

Available on : Celebrity Apex, Ascent, Beyond and Edge

Craft Social

A la carte; all-day dining

They had me at "Mac 'n' Brie." Craft Social is a bar, but it has a somewhat secret bar food menu. It's really only a secret if you don't typically go there to drink. Everyone who frequents the place knows about the good eats.

Cyprus Restaurant

Included and a la carte; dinner

Cyprus is one of the four main dining rooms on Edge Class ships. It features a basic menu that is available in all four dining rooms, plus an exclusive menu of Mediterranean offerings (think: lamb kabobs or coq au vin).

Included; breakfast and lunch

Celebrity offers breakfast and lunch counter service at Eden Cafe during limited hours. It is near the popular specialty dining venue, Eden Restaurant, but the food served at the cafe is complimentary. Specialty coffees and teas like those served at Cafe al Bacio, plus grab-and-go food and lighter fare like soups and salads come with an added charge.

Eden Restaurant

Fixed price; dinner

This is fine dining with an earthy menu featuring seafood, lamb, beef and chicken entrees. Three different dining experiences are available: the main menu, a seven-course tasting menu with optional wine pairings and a seven-course vegan tasting menu with optional organic wine pairings. The dress code is smart casual, so no need to get all dolled up for a meal here.

Fine Cut Steakhouse

Celebrity's version of the American steakhouse features everything you'd expect from a high-end, land-based steakhouse. The menu includes grilled seafood, steaks, chicken and lamb, as well as prime rib. Topping choices range from bearnaise to blue cheese to black truffle butter. Additional entrees come with an extra charge, as do dry-aged beef cuts.

Related: The best cruise ship steakhouses and steak-serving restaurants

Lawn Club Grill

Fixed price; lunch and dinner

Celebrity puts a twist on backyard barbecue with the Lawn Club Grill. At this grill restaurant, you can sit back and enjoy the view of the ocean beyond the only real grass yard at sea while you wait to be served. The menu includes a full salad bar, custom flatbread pizza appetizers and a list of desserts that makes me want to keep going back until I've tried them all. At the top of my list is the warm chocolate chip cookie, which is not a cookie at all but rather cookie dough baked in a 4-inch ramekin until crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside; it's served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

Available on : Celebrity Reflection and Silhouette

Le Grande Bistro

Fixed price; breakfast, lunch and dinner

Imagine a French sidewalk cafe at sea serving warm croissants with Nutella at breakfast and a daily special that ranges from baked ham sandwiches on French baguettes to pan-seared Dover sole.

Le Petit Chef

The experience at Le Petit Chef goes far beyond the food on the plate. That's because the entire table comes to life with an animated show throughout the meal. The menu is broken into two options: Le Menu Extraordinaire and "The Other Menu." The first features chicken, while the "other" choice is a filet mignon. Both lean toward rich French cuisine.

Related: 7 reasons you should treat yourself to a cruise ship specialty restaurant

Included for Retreat guests; breakfast, lunch on sea days and dinner

Expect food that is a notch above even some of the specialty dining options on board. Service is designed to cater to your every need. Breakfast offers a choice of staples, while the lunch and dinner menus rotate daily.

Main dining room

Each non-Edge Class ship in the fleet has a single, multistory main dining room. The main dining room has a different name on each ship. The food is complimentary, except for extra a la carte options available each night. The menu changes daily and is available in the Celebrity app, on your cabin's interactive TV and posted near the dining room.

All Celebrity ships, except the expedition vessels, have the option to choose traditional early and late dining where you sit at the same table at the same time with the same people and the same set of servers each night.

Alternatively, guests can select the line's flexible dining option, called Celebrity Select Anytime Dining. You will be assigned to a specific floor of the dining room (or a specific dining room on Edge Class ships). You can make reservations for specific times each day, which gets you seated quickly and often with the added benefit of dining with the same servers each night. If you do not make reservations, you can show up when you're ready and wait for an available table. Without reservations, you might have to wait a while to be seated. Diners on the flexible plan can ask to try different tables and different servers throughout the week.

Available on : Non-Edge Class ships

Magic Carpet restaurant

A la carte; lunch and dinner

The Magic Carpet is the elevator-style platform attached to the side of all Edge Class ships. When the platform is positioned next to Raw on 5, it features a menu that includes favorites from the Raw on 5 menu but with extras. For example, the lunch menu includes a turkey club sandwich and a lobster roll, as well as fish and chips.

Related: 12 dining mistakes you must fix on your next cruise

Included; lunch and dinner

The Mast Grill is your go-to spot for poolside burgers and hot dogs along with all the toppings, fries and onion rings. It's ideal for a quick alfresco bite before or after a port excursion.

Murano serves French cuisine in a fine dining setting. Guests have the choice of the five-course tasting menu called "Five Senses" or their own starter and entree, among a broad selection of meat, poultry and fish options. Caviar is available at market price.

Available on : Celebrity Eclipse, Equinox, Reflection, Silhouette, Solstice and Summit

Normandie Restaurant

If you can't get enough French-inspired food or you like it but not enough to splurge on it in a specialty restaurant, you can dine at this French-inspired main dining room for free. You can choose from the basics served in all main dining rooms or opt for the Normandie exclusives, such as sirloin en croute or duck confit.

Oceanview Cafe

Included; breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Oceanview Cafe is the ship's buffet eatery. Expect a full range of globally inspired foods at every meal. Cooked-to-order egg, pancake and waffle stations are the center of breakfast choices. At lunch, look for meat-carving stations, salads, sandwich-making bars and a fresh pizza station. Plus, there's ice cream by the scoop. Dinner includes pizza, pasta and salad stations, plus cook-to-order stir fry and grilling stations.

Related: Cruise ship buffet taboos: 10 things you should never do at mealtime

As the name suggests, Raw on 5 is the spot to get your sushi (or even your oyster) fix on Edge Class ships. The menu goes beyond just sushi with a modern Japanese menu that includes cooked dishes like chicken teriyaki and pan-seared rib-eye medallions.

Rooftop Garden Grill

Start with spicy wings and work your way through a choice of burgers, pizza, kabobs or ribs at this alfresco, top-of-ship restaurant. Imagine summer backyard party food to get a sense of what to expect.

Included and a la carte; breakfast and lunch

The solarium is the spot to seek out healthy alternatives to heavy cruise food. Fruit and yogurt cups, salads, light sandwiches, wraps and granola are yours for the taking each day. Smoothies and fresh juices are available for an extra charge or come included if you purchase a drink package.

Sushi on Five

With a more limited menu than its Edge Class cousin, Sushi on Five features traditional sushi and sashimi with only a few non-seafood options. The Kobe Beef Ramen Slider might be the perfect secret menu item for that stubborn travel companion who just doesn't do sushi.

Available on : Celebrity Constellation, Eclipse, Equinox, Infinity, Millennium and Reflection

The Porch Seafood Restaurant

Picture yourself at a seaside resort in the Hamptons noshing on lobster rolls or a basket of blackened mahi-mahi tacos. Oh wait, you're not really in the Hamptons; you're cruising on one of only two ships in the Celebrity fleet with this unique semi-enclosed restaurant on Deck 15. Opening hours are weather dependent — high winds would be the main cause for a closure. The venue has limited seating, so you'll need reservations.

The Retreat Lounge

Included for Retreat guests; lunch and snacks

The Retreat Lounge serves up bar bites, gourmet snacks and even gourmet burgers on occasion. Check with servers for what's available to munch on each day.

Tuscan Grill

Combine all things Italian with a classic steakhouse, and you'll find yourself in Tuscan Grill. The menu is extensive enough for you to dine here multiple times. From soup to pasta and pizza to entrees featuring beef, chicken or seafood, you can't really go wrong with this choice.

Available on : Celebrity Constellation, Equinox, Infinity, Millennium, Reflection, Silhouette, Solstice and Summit

Tuscan Restaurant

Not to be confused with the Tuscan Grill, the fourth and final main dining room choice on Edge Class ships is inspired by Italy. Traditional options are still available, or go all in on the exclusives, such as slow-roasted pork chops or roasted chicken with Asiago cheese sauce.

Frequently asked Celebrity food questions

How does the main dining room work.

At booking, you are offered a choice between traditional times, designated as early or late, or flexible dining called Celebrity Select Anytime Dining.

Do I need reservations for dinner in a specialty restaurant?

Waiter-served, extra-fee restaurants — whether fixed price or a la carte — typically require reservations. Popular choices with limited seating might fill all available time slots as soon as reservations open. As such, it's better to make a reservation to ensure you get the time slot you prefer.

What do 'a la carte' and 'fixed price' mean?

A la carte pricing refers to restaurants where the food is priced per item. You only pay for what you order. An entire menu might be individually priced, as in Raw on 5, or you might only see a few items with prices on an otherwise complimentary menu, as in the main dining room.

Fixed price indicates that dining at the restaurant has a single cover charge for the full meal. Many of Celebrity's fixed-price restaurants have more than one cover charge option. For example, you might select a tasting menu that will have a higher fixed price.

Most also have a la carte choices that are an extra price over and above the cover price. Examples of that are the aged beef options at Fine Cut Steakhouse.

Beverages other than tea, coffee and water are an added charge at fixed-price restaurants unless specifically stated as being included or part of a beverage package.

Which beverages are included with my cruise fare?

Drip coffee, tap water, hot and iced tea, milk and one or more flavored drinks like fruit punch or lemonade dispensed from drink machines are included in the cost of your cruise. All other beverages can be purchased individually, or you can buy a beverage package to pay for unlimited drinks in advance (fine print applies). Read our guide to Celebrity Cruises drink packages for details.

Is there room service, and what does it cost?

Room service is available in all cabins. Continental breakfast is available at no charge; choices include coffee, pastries, fruit and cold cereal. Hot breakfast, lunch, dinner and all snacks incur a delivery charge of $9.95 plus 20% gratuity. The food itself is mostly complimentary, but select items are priced a la carte.

How do specialty dining packages work?

To lower your specialty dining costs, you can buy a multinight package or an unlimited dining package. These are all available for purchase in the cruise planner before sailing. The unlimited package allows you to dine at any specialty restaurant each night of your cruise, plus enjoy lunches when they are available.

Does Celebrity charge extra for lobster?

Lobster tails may be ordered any night of the cruise for an extra charge in the main dining room. If complimentary lobster is served in the dining room as part of the menu, only one lobster tail is included. Additional lobsters are charged to your bill.

Do Captain's Club members have access to Blu or Luminae?

No. Only guests staying in The Retreat suites may enjoy Luminae, and Blu is primarily for AquaClass cabin guests. Retreat passengers may dine in Blu if there is space available.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Have Fun. Be Safe

• Health Protocols and Requirements for Sailing

Travel Documentation and Online Check-in

• Travel Documents
• Online Check-In

Getting There

• Cruise Terminal Information and Parking
• Airport and Pier Transportation
• Air Information

Before You Board

• Embarkation Day Check-In

Youth and Family

• Youth Programs (Under 2 and 2-11 years old)
• Teen Programs (12-17 years old)
• Carnival's Seuss at Sea
• Age Policies

Things to Know

Onboard experiences.

• Shore - Excursions
• Spa and Fitness
• Outdoor Fun
• Entertainment and Activities
• For Your Convenience
• Onboard Guidelines and Policies
• Past Guest Recognition Programs

Onboard Celebrations

• The Fun Shops
• Special Occasions
• Wedding Cruises and Vow Renewals

Dining and Beverages

• Dining and Snacking Options
• Dining Rooms
• CHEERS! Beverage Program
• Liquor and Beverage Policy

Onboard Communication

• WI FI Service and Carnivals HUB App
• Staying Connected

Money and Gratuities

• Gratuities (Tips)
• Sail & Sign Onboard Account
• Forms of Payment
• Cruise Cash/Bar/Photo
• Financial Access

Shipboard Health and Safety

• Passenger Bill of Rights
• Guest Screening Policy
• Safety and Security
• Safety Briefing - Muster Station Drill
• General Health Information
• Privacy Notice
• What to Pack
• Cruise Ticket Contract
• Carnival Vacation Protection
• Guests with Disabilities
• Choosing Your Cruise
• Tech Support
• Early Saver Promotion
• Minors / Infants / Pregnancy
• Making changes to your booking
• Carnival EasyPay
• Financing Powered by Uplift
• US Department of State Travel Tips
• And more things to know....

Debarkation - After Your Cruise

• Preparing to Go Home
• Post Cruise Inquiries

Dining & Beverages

Was this answer helpful?

Answers others found helpful.

• For Your Eating Pleasure...
• What to Wear
• 24 Hour Room Service

• Russia Tourism
• Russia Hotels
• Russia Bed and Breakfast
• Russia Vacation Rentals
• Flights to Russia
• Russia Restaurants
• Things to Do in Russia
• Russia Travel Forum
• Russia Photos
• All Russia Hotels
• Russia Hotel Deals
• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Vacation Rentals
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travelers' Choice
• Help Center

Cost of Food in Moscow and St. Petersburg for a Family - Russia Forum

• Europe    
• Russia    

Cost of Food in Moscow and St. Petersburg for a Family

• United States Forums
• Europe Forums
• Canada Forums
• Asia Forums
• Central America Forums
• Africa Forums
• Caribbean Forums
• Mexico Forums
• South Pacific Forums
• South America Forums
• Middle East Forums
• Honeymoons and Romance
• Business Travel
• Train Travel
• Traveling With Disabilities
• Tripadvisor Support
• Solo Travel
• Bargain Travel
• Timeshares / Vacation Rentals
• Europe forums
• Russia forum

We're traveling to Moscow and St. Petersburg soon. We're two adults and two kids below 13.

How much should we budget for food per meal? For example, if the meal consists of a main dish and a non-alcoholic drink, and may be a soup or salad for the two adults, in a nice place that's not very fancy?

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g298484-c198402/Moscow:Russia:Where.To.Eat.In.Moscow.html

Thank you for this info. It's really useful.

Do you have any recommendations on what to budget for an average meal?

About 500-1000 rub. for one person. Fast-food - about 300 rubles.

About 1000 per person in Moscow. 500-700 in SPb.

This one is my favourite,

https://www.tripadvisor.ru/ShowUserReviews-g298484-d1114266-r474845956-Cafe_Mu_Mu-Moscow_Central_Russia.html

you can look up their reates (although they have become much higher lately, I must admit!)

https://www.cafemumu.ru/history/english.php

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

• Deportation from Russia 1:04 am
• Finding a good lawyer in Moscow yesterday
• Train Booking Moscow to St. Peter Mar 24, 2024
• Trans Mongolian Railway /RealRussia Mar 23, 2024
• Concerned about having a Russian visa in my passport Mar 23, 2024
• Russia December 2024 Mar 23, 2024
• flights Moscow to ulanbaatar Mar 21, 2024
• Deport issue Mar 19, 2024
• Mikhailovsky theatre Mar 18, 2024
• Ivangorod train to St Petersburg Mar 18, 2024
• about moscow Mar 15, 2024
• about mosco Mar 14, 2024
• Car insurance entering to Kaliningrad from Poland Mar 14, 2024
• Russian trying to book a hotel in Jerusalem Mar 14, 2024
• Transaero Airlines 5 replies
• American Movies set in Russia 5 replies
• Moscow Airport transfer (SVO to DME) 4 replies
• Travel All Russia travel compnay 48 replies
• Russian River Cruise 10 replies
• Suggested Russia Tour - East West Tours 6 replies
• Do I need a visa if my flight has a connection in Russia? 4 replies
• Insight Vacations 24 replies
• Asian Grocery Store in Moscow 4 replies
• "Tourist Confirmation Letter and Travel Voucher" for a visa. 5 replies
• Where can I get initial answers to ANY question?

NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

BA tells passengers mid-flight that price of food and drink are going up

Share this with

A planeful of passengers were informed mid-way through their flight that the food and drink on their menu cards would cost more than the stated prices. 

The announcement was made by a steward over the PA system to those on the British Airways flight from Athens to Heathrow on Thursday.

The staff member told passengers to ignore the menu prices because they had been increased that day – by around 10%.

Card payment readers had also already been adjusted to charge higher rates. 

One of the passengers on board the flight told The Sun : ‘We were all shocked. Why did they suddenly put the prices up without warning anyone?

‘They’ve sneakily introduced this without making an official announcement.

‘It just feels like they want to rip us off.’

Prices were already high for food on board BA’s flights – where a 90g pack of Naked Japanese Style Chicken Flavour Noodles costs about a fiver – at Sainsbury’s it’s £1.50.

The airline has since said that ‘small alterations’ to the ‘prices of snacks and drinks on our short haul flights’ were made as part of ‘scheduled changes’, and that the firm is in the process of updating its onboard menus.

It comes amid a spate of staffing controversies at British Airways, which was recently ranked among the lowest of UK airlines for customer satisfaction.  

Just last weekend, news broke that a BA captain had been grounded after it was alleged he had covered up his history of anger management issues .

A source said: ‘The idea of a captain in charge of passengers at 30,000ft suddenly lashing out in fits of rage is a big no-no.

‘Falsifying medical records is an incredibly serious accusation and would fall into the criminal realm of fraudulently acquiring a job.’

The allegations were contained in a whistleblower complaint currently under investigation by the Civil Aviation Authority, who have not commented on the case.

It followed after the airline was forced to sack another pilot back in September for bragging to colleagues about snorting cocaine of a topless woman just hours before he was meant to be flying a plane full of passengers back to the UK.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected] .

For more stories like this, check our news page .

MORE : Flight attendant reveals the aeroplane seat you should always avoid booking

MORE : British Airways cabin crew sacked over ‘obscene’ video mocking Asian passengers

MORE : BA supervisor ‘ran £3,000,000 migration scam from Heathrow check-in desk’

Sign Up for News Updates

Get your need-to-know latest news, feel-good stories, analysis and more.

Privacy Policy

Get us in your feed

Moscow Muled

Top 7 rum mule recipes.

May 01, 2020

In this post, we discuss the Rum Mule, a delicious twist on the classic Moscow Mule. We also share the top 7 Rum Mule recipes to try today. Let's get started!

Introduction

In 1941, in a bar in New York, the famous Moscow Mule was invented. Since then, there have been hundreds of variations of the drink made across the world. One of these is the Rum Mule. This variation is based on the original mule cocktail but substitutes vodka for rum as its base alcohol. 

The Rum Mule is said to have first been made in Bermuda, just after the end of the First World War. Its main ingredients are dark rum, ginger beer, and lime juice. With this amazing cocktail people who prefer rum to vodka now have a perfect alternative if they’re looking for an interesting twist to the classic Mule. 

How the Rum Mule is Made 

To make a Rum Mule, you will need a shaker, highball glass, muddler, and a bar spoon. The original drink was served in a highball glass, but you can choose to use a copper mug, in true Mule fashion. 

Besides the basic ingredients - which are ginger beer, lime juice, and rum - ice and simple syrup can also be used. Other ingredients, such as fruits, can be added to introduce preferred flavors and aromas. If you wish, you can use ginger ale instead of ginger beer. 

Choosing Between Ginger Beer and Ginger Ale

Ginger beer or ale is the base of any Moscow Mule variation. Both are ideal for the perfect cocktail; however, they have differences that affect the final outcome in terms of flavor. Ginger beer has a longer history than ale, having been introduced in the mid-1700s in England. Ale came around much later in the mid 19th century, originating from Ireland. 

In terms of production, ginger beer is fermented, a process that leaves it with a small alcohol content. It’s made with a mix of ginger, water, lemon juice, and sugar. Ale, on the other hand, can be defined as carbonated water or soft drink flavored with ginger. Ginger beer has a stronger, spicier taste, and is, therefore, more effective at balancing alcoholic and citrus flavors in mixed drinks. 

Ginger ale has a mellow ginger flavor that will introduce a sweetness to your cocktail. It contains no alcohol and is lighter in color compared to the beer. Whichever you choose to go with, you can expect to benefit from effects such as suppression of nausea and improved gut health. 

To learn more about the difference between ginger beer and ginger ale, see our complete blog post on the subject. In addition, to learn how to make your own ginger beer, check our our complete guide here .

7 Rum Mule Recipes to Try Today

Dark ‘n stormy cocktail.

This is the simplest Rum Mule recipe, as it only requires three basic ingredients. For the best results, use high-quality ginger beer and dark rum. 

Prep Time: 5 minutes Serves: 1

Ingredients:

• 4 ounces ginger beer
• 2 ounces dark rum

Instructions:

• In a glass, combine ginger beer and rum. 
• Add ice and stir.

Spiced Rum Mule

This cocktail uses spiced rum, which is essentially rum that contains caramel colorings and spices. Therefore, if you prefer a spicy flavor for your Mule, this is one variation you should definitely try. 

• 1.5 ounces spiced rum
• 4 ounces ginger ale 
• In a highball glass, muddle lime and mint. 
• Add the ginger ale, rum, and ice into the glass.
• Stir then garnish with mint sprig and lime wheel.

The Cuban Mule

If you love the sweet Cuban mojito, then you may want to try its Rum Mule variation. To do that, you need to switch your white rum for the dark type. Also, you should do away with the soda water and use ginger beer instead.

Ingredients

• 1½ ounces dark rum
• 1 teaspoon cane sugar
• ½ lime wedge
• 12 spearmint leaves 
• Muddle the spearmint leaves, cane sugar, and lime wedge in a tall glass. 
• Add ginger beer and rum. 
• Stir the mixture. 
• Serve over ice and garnish with mint leaves. 

Rum Mule with Simple Syrup

This recipe makes use of simple syrup, which is an alternative to granulated sugar. The simple syrup dissolves more easily and provides a thicker texture. To make your simple syrup at home, mix equal parts of sugar and water then heat them. Cool the syrup once the sugar dissolves, store it in a glass container, and then refrigerate. You can use it for the next two to three weeks. 

• 6 ounces ginger beer 
• 2 ounces rum
• ½ ounce lime juice 
• 3 mint sprigs 
• Splash of simple syrup 
• Lime for garnishing 
• Pour the rum, ginger beer, simple syrup, and lime juice into a shaker. 
• Add ice and mint leaves, then mix well. 
• Serve in a copper mug. 
• Garnish with lime wedges and mint sprigs. 

Puerto Rican Rum Mule

Puerto Rican rum is the main ingredient in this recipe. Rum from Puerto Rican distilleries makes up the largest percentage of rum consumed in the U.S., thanks to its renowned high quality. Choose your favorite brand of Puerto Rican rum to make this cocktail. 

• 1 ounce Puerto Rican rum
• 2 ounces ginger beer, chilled
• 2 lime wedges 
• 2 dashes aromatic bitters 
• Mint sprig 
• Add ice into a copper mug then squeeze in fresh lime juice. 
• Pour in ginger beer and rum.
• Top with bitters and stir. 
• Garnish with mint sprig 

Strawberry Rum Mule

If you love fruit-infused cocktails, then the Strawberry Rum Mule is a must-try.

• 25ml lime juice
• 2 teaspoon sugar
• 5 strawberries, ripe 
• Ginger beer
• Dash of bitters
• 1 strawberry, to garnish 
• Muddle ripe strawberries in a shaker, then add lime juice, rum, sugar, and bitters. 
• Add cubed ice into a highball glass, then strain the mixture into it. 
• Top with ginger beer. 
• Garnish with strawberry. 

Apple Cider Rum Mule

Try the Apple Cider Rum Mule  for a boost of phytochemicals that can reduce your risk of developing asthma, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and some types of cancer. 

Prep Time: 5 minutes Serves: 2

• 1 ounce dark rum
• 2 ounces cinnamon-infused whiskey 
• 4 ounces apple cider
• 12 ounces ginger beer
• Apple slices, to garnish 
• Put ice in copper mugs. 
• Add ginger beer, apple cider, whiskey, and rum into mugs and mix. 
• Garnish with apple slices. 

How to Choose Rum for Your Mule Cocktail

While ginger beer or ale is the common ingredient in every Moscow Mule variation, rum is the main ingredient here. Rum is an alcoholic beverage made from fermenting sugarcane molasses or juice. It’s clear that you have to choose a good quality rum for a great Rum Mule cocktail. To help you do that, you should  know about the different types of rum available. 

The following are the main types of rum:

• White Rum – Also known as light rum, this type is light-bodied and has a sweet flavor. It’s normally aged for at least a year. After aging, it’s filtered to remove color. Because of its mild flavor, it’s rarely taken alone and instead mostly used in cocktails. 
• Dark Rum – Dark rum is aged for a longer period compared to white rum, which gives it a spicier and stronger flavor. This type of rum is made from caramelized molasses and aged in charred barrels. The resulting color tone ranges from red to black, to brown. 
• Spiced Rum – While barrel-aged rum naturally obtains a spicy flavor, spiced rums have spices such as pepper, cinnamon, cloves, rosemary, and cardamom added to enhance the taste. Caramel is also added in some cases to intensify the flavor further. 
• Flavored Rum - Flavored rum is mostly used to blend tropical drinks, but it can also be enjoyed neat. This is rum that has been infused with the flavors of fruits such as pineapple, orange, banana, or lime. 
• Overproof Rum – While most rums have an alcohol content of 40 percent or less, overproof rum has a much higher percentage. Some have an ABV (Alcohol by Volume) of up to 80 percent.
• Gold Rum – Gold rum is medium-bodied and has characteristics of both dark and light rum. It has a stronger flavor than white rum but is less intense than dark rum. Gold rum has a dark amber color, which is as a result of being aged in wooden barrels. 

Choose Your Flavor

Flavor and alcohol potency are ideal benchmarks to consider when deciding what kind of Rum Mule to make. Using dark or overproof rum will give you a strong alcoholic base, while flavored and white rum will allow you to try less alcoholic and sweeter flavors.  Ingredients such as lime juice, mint, and fruits should be as fresh as possible to provide maximum taste and aroma. 

For an exceptional drinking experience, drink your Rum Mules in moderation. This will not only let you enjoy every sip and savor the flavors, but also bring about psychological health benefits such as improved cognitive performance and reduced stress. Studies have even shown that moderate alcohol consumption promotes euphoria and happiness. So, don’t forget to mix your favorite version of the Rum Mule the next time you’re hosting friends for a great time! 

Did You Enjoy This Article?

Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this article, you might also like the following articles:  Top 6 Gin-Gin and Gin Mule Recipes and  Best Vodka for Moscow Mule

Relevant Products

Moscow Mule Copper Mug

Leave a comment

Subscribe to our newsletter.

Receive exclusive deals and our latest blog posts straight to your inbox!

Are cruise drink packages worth the price? What to know before you buy

Are cruise drink packages worth the price? The short answer is that it depends.

It depends on how expensive a cruise line's alcohol package is on any given ship as compared to the cost of drinks purchased individually. Both things vary greatly from line to line.

It also depends on how much you drink in any given day and what sort of drinks you typically order.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

In addition, it depends on whether you'll have access to any free drinks on a ship before paying up for a drink package. On many river cruise ships, for instance, wine and beer with lunch and dinner are included in base fares. You only pay extra for other alcoholic drinks served at meals or outside of meal times.

At some lines, the question isn't even relevant, as they include all or most alcoholic drinks in their base fares. At some other lines, drinks normally cost extra but often are thrown in for free as part of booking promotions.

Thinking about buying a cruise drink package or just wondering how much you should budget for drinks when cruising? Here, we talk about everything you need to know about whether purchasing an alcoholic drink package when cruising is right for you.

What is a cruise drink package?

One of the big allures of a cruise for many vacationers is that quite a lot is included in the fare, including a room, most meals and a wide range of entertainment. Alas, at many lines, drinks are not part of the package — and they can be quite pricey. For heavier drinkers, it's easy to run up an enormous bar tab when ordering drinks by the glass.

Enter the drink package, a flat-fee, all-you-can-drink offering that many lines have added over the years. For a fixed per-day rate, a drink package lets you order as many alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks as you want every day.

The price of such packages varies widely from line to line, from around $60 a day at cruise giant Carnival Cruise Line (if booked in advance) to $138 a day at Norwegian Cruise Line . For more on what's included in such packages and a line-by-line breakdown of what they cost, see TPG's ultimate guide to cruise line drink packages .

The benefits of a cruise line drink package

It can pay off to buy a drink package if you are someone who normally orders a lot of individual drinks on a cruise ship, particularly pricier drinks such as premium cocktails and wines by the glass. It's not uncommon for premium cocktails to cost as much as $15 or more on some lines, and wines by the glass also can approach $15 or more on some lines, too.

The first thing you should do when considering a drink package is carefully think through how many drinks (and what type) you normally order while on vacation.

As noted above, cruise drink packages on ships often are quite pricey, and they only make sense if you're a big spender on drinks — a really big spender. Carnival, for instance, charges $59.95 per person, per day for its Cheers! drink package if booked in advance ($64.95 if booked on board). Royal Caribbean drink packages sometimes cost as much as $89 per day. One Norwegian drink package is $138 a day. These packages only make sense if you routinely spend more than those amounts on drinks on a per-day basis.

If you're a beer drinker, the packages generally are not a good deal. It's better just to pay for beer as you go. On Carnival ships, for instance, many beers cost $7 to $7.95. You'd have to order more than seven to eight beers a day at that price for Carnival's Cheers! package to start paying off.

The packages make better sense for wine drinkers, as the cost of wine by the glass on cruise ships often is high. Wines by the glass on Carnival ships range from around $10 to $15. At the higher end of that spectrum, you'd have to order five glasses a day for the package to start paying off.

Related: The best drinks to order with a cruise ship beverage package

In addition to alcoholic drinks, passengers purchasing a cruise drink package typically can order an unlimited number of nonalcoholic beverages, such as specialty coffees and sodas that normally come with an extra charge. So the packages can be a good value to vacationers who are fond of ordering a high number of lattes, Cokes and other nonalcoholic beverages during the day in addition to alcoholic drinks.

To use the Carnival example again, someone who orders two or three lattes in the morning, several sodas during the day and three or four glasses of premium wine in the evening would come out ahead by buying a drink package.

For some cruisers, drink packages also prove to be a valuable budgeting tool. You typically can buy a drink package in advance and know exactly what you're going to spend for drinks for your entire cruise before you even step on board. Having a drink package also makes bar-hopping on ships easy, as you don't have to worry about paying for drinks as you go.

The drawbacks of a cruise drink package

The big drawback of buying a drink package when you cruise is that you may not get the value out of it that you think.

One thing to keep in mind is that lines generally sell drink packages by the cruise, not by the day. That means that you can't just buy a package for the specific days when you want to bar-hop on a ship. If you're on a seven-day cruise, you'll have to pay the steep per-day rates for all seven days — even for days when you don't plan to drink heavily.

Even if you think you'll use a drink package every day, remember that you might be spending a significant amount of time off your ship during port days on your cruise. On days when you're off the ship much of the time, you won't be ordering nearly as many drinks on board as on a sea day. Some cruise lines don't even allow you to use your drink packages on their private islands.

The packages make the most sense for passengers who consistently order a large number of drinks from day to day — even on port days.

Related: Can I bring alcohol on a cruise ship? A line-by-line guide

On many ships, you'll also need to factor in the drinking habits of your traveling companion. Several lines including Carnival, Holland America and MSC Cruises have a rule that if one adult in a cabin orders a drink package, all adults in the cabin must order the package. This is to prevent two people in a cabin from sharing a single drink package.

In such cases, it often doesn't make sense to buy a cruise drink package unless everyone in your cabin is a significant drinker. If one of you drinks and the other does not, you'll save more money by buying drinks by the glass.

Two lines that notably don't have such a rule are Princess Cruises and Windstar Cruises .

Another downside of many cruise drink packages is that they often have unexpected exclusions and price caps. Even the priciest drink packages might not include your favorite brand of whiskey or vodka, for instance. And many drink packages only apply to drinks on menus that cost under, say, $15. Note that in some cases, lines offer more than one drink package, with a pricier tier that gives you access to a broader range of brands and a higher per-drink cost limit.

If you're someone who is picky about wines, meanwhile, you may find that the wines included in drink packages don't quite meet your expectations. Generally, cruise drink packages only can be used for the wines by the glass that are available at bars and restaurants on ships, not the wider array of bottled wine in cruise ship cellars. That said, signing up for a drink package will get you a discount when buying wines by the bottle on some lines.

Related: These are the best cruise ship bars

How to get a free cruise drink package

The decision about whether or not to get a cruise ship drink package changes when you can get a package for free. Some big-ship lines will throw in drink packages for no extra cost as a perk during limited-time or ongoing booking promotions.

The line perhaps best known for throwing in free cruise drink packages as a booking perk is Norwegian Cruise Line. Norwegian seemingly always is running some variation of its "Free at Sea" promotion that brings a free drink package, specialty dining, excursions and other perks. Depending on the cabin category you book, you typically can get one or more of the freebies thrown in.

Other lines that historically have run promotions with free drink packages include Princess Cruises and Holland America, although both lines now are touting new all-inclusive fares that include drink packages and other perks.

Related: The best cruise booking perks – and which ones are actually free

Just note that the free cruise drink packages that lines sometimes offer with booking promotions aren't always their top-tier drink packages. Celebrity Cruises , for instance, includes a drink package with one of its fare classes called All Included fares. But it's not Celebrity's top-tier Premium Drink Package. The included package only covers drinks up to $9 and does not include premium brands of liquor and beer. For an expanded list of covered brands and drinks up to $15, you'd need to pay to upgrade your package.

Another drawback of the free cruise drink packages that lines sometimes offer with booking promotions is that they're not really free. Cruise lines typically charge customers who get a free drink package a gratuity fee for receiving the package in the amount of 15% to 20% of whatever the package normally costs. That can result in your "free" drink package actually costing you more than $100 a week.

Bottom line

Buying a drink package on a cruise ship instead of paying for drinks individually can be a good way to save when cruising. But they aren't for everyone. Drink packages generally make sense only for cruisers who typically order large numbers of drinks every day or particularly expensive drinks such as premium cocktails. For cruisers who only have one or two or three drinks a day, or order low-cost drinks such as beers, a cruise drink package generally doesn't make sense.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

2018 Primetime Emmy & James Beard Award Winner

R&K Insider

Join our newsletter to get exclusives on where our correspondents travel, what they eat, where they stay. Free to sign up.

A History of Moscow in 13 Dishes

Featured city guides.