what cruises offer all inclusive alcohol

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UNLOCK ALL YOUR FAVORITE SIPS

Cruise beverage packages, three options that raise the bar.

There are three ways to upgrade your cruise vacation with a Beverage Package. Enjoy unlimited fountain soda and Coca-Cola® Freestyle beverages by purchasing a Classic Soda Package. Add on mocktails, premium coffees and teas, and fresh-squeezed juices with a Refreshment Package. Or go all out with unlimited alcoholic beverages and 40% off select bottled wine on top of everything else when you purchase a Deluxe Beverage package for your cruise.

DISCOVER COCKTAILS WITH CHARACTER

Whatever kind of sip you’re craving — be it a tiki-inspired drink in a Polynesian-themed lounge, piña coladas served poolside to the sounds of a live Calypso band, or cocktails coded by you and crafted by robots — you’re in for an experience that raises the bar.

THE BAMBOO ROOM

Throwback vibes and crazy good cocktails will whisk you away at The Bamboo Room℠ — a kitschy-cool Polynesian-inspired bar that packs a punch. Expert mixologists at this tiki hideaway keep your tastes in mind as they sling spirited sips with exotic fruits and spices.

At Bionic Bar®, you’ll meet two robotic bartenders who know how to shake up your night. Choose a cocktail from the menu, or punch your own recipe into an iPad ordering station. Then watch as these mecha mixologists mix, muddle and stir up your signature sip.

THE LIME & COCONUT

The Lime and Coconut℠ turns the vacay vibes way, way up with DJs, live music and two pool bars serving all your favorite poolside cocktails — including the signature Lime & Coconut. And when the sun goes down, this pool bar just might be the hottest spot onboard.

Grab a hand-crafted cocktail at Two70 Bar and start gazing. In the evening, live entertainment pairs with pulsing music and amazing visuals across a floor-to-ceiling wall of windows to dazzle guests late into the night.

NORTH STAR BAR

The tallest viewing deck on a cruise ship, North Star® is a great spot to enjoy views during the day — but it’s even more magnificent at night. Score dazzling views of the night sky, then raise at glass at the North Star® Bar.

BRING ON THE BUNDLE ADDITIONAL PACKAGES

Discover additional ways to bundle your beverage package with other onboard perks — like specially-priced combos that include VOOM Surf + Stream for one device.

CAFÉ SELECT COFFEE CARD

Indulge in your favorite brews any time of day with a card that entitles you to any 15 specialty espresso-based coffees throughout your vacation, all for one low price. Start the morning off right with a macchiato or latte and reenergize your afternoons with iced coffee or an espresso, then finish your meal with a cappuccino. Or enjoy your favorite cup of joe any time you'd like and save up to 50% on individually purchased coffees.

EVIAN BOTTLED WATER PACKAGE

Hydrate yourself with fresh bottled water from Europe. Enjoy Evian® Natural Spring Water on your cruise, freshly sourced from the French Alps. Reserve before your sail date and have it waiting in your stateroom when you arrive*. Or pick a later date during your vacation for your water to be delivered. You can choose between 12 or 24 one liter bottle packages once you add to the cart. It's the perfect way to quench your thirst!.

CLASSIC SODA + VOOM ONE DEVICE

Sip, save and stay connected all cruise long with a bundle of two great favorites. We are bundling our Classic Soda Package with VOOM® high-speed internet, so you can enjoy unlimited soda in your Coca-Cola souvenir cup, while streaming all your favorite music, movies and sharing your unforgettable moments in real time.

DELUXE BEVERAGE PACKAGE + VOOM ONE DEVICE

Relax and unwind with premium and frozen cocktails, domestic and imported beers, and a wide selection of wines by the glass. Stay refreshed and connected with VOOM, the fastest internet at sea, enjoy unlimited high-speed internet and stream all your favorite movies, shows and music while onboard. Share every unforgettable moment of your vacation in real time.

EXPLORE THE BEST BARS AT SEA

SCHOONER  BAR

TRELLIS BAR

Playmakers Bar & Arcade

The Lime and Coconut

North Star Bar

Diamond Club

Rising Tide Bar

Solarium Bar

Suite Lounge

Pool and Sand Bar

Sunshine Bar

Viking Crown Lounge

English Pub

Champgane Bar

Wipe Out Bar

The Bamboo Room

Two Seventy Bar

Cantina Fresca

The Lemon Post

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Our drink and beverage packages cater to every kind of traveler.

From caffeine craving to soda sipping, from cocktails to mocktails, favorite brews and more, our drink and beverage packages satisfy every preference. There’s a Classic Soda Package and a Refreshment Package to cover nonalcoholic options — perfect for kids. Or sip your way across the fleet’s world-class bars and lounges with a Deluxe Beverage Package. There are even special bundles that let you save on drinks while also enjoying amenities like VOOM®, the fastest internet at sea. Plus, you can use your drink packages on shore at our private destinations Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee.

Want to find out more about our Beverage Packages, what’s included in each one, and which option might be best for you and your adventure squad? You’ll find lots of helpful information and tips in our Beverage Package FAQs — just click here to learn more.

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EXPLORE KID-FRIENDLY BEVERAGE PACKAGES

Beverage Packages aren’t only for adults. You’ll also find a range of options for kids that include non-alcoholic beverages. Like the Classic Soda Package, which covers unlimited fountain soda and refills at any venue, and the Refreshment Package, which includes non-alcoholic cocktails, bottled still and sparkling water, premium coffees and teas, and fresh-squeezed juices in addition to fountain soda. There’s even a package that just includes water bottles delivered to your stateroom.

PURCHASE CLASSIC SODA PACKAGE

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Know Before You Go

10 Cruise Lines with the Best All-Inclusive Alcohol Packages

March 15, 2016 by Katie Rosbottom View All On 1 Page

One of the most frustrating aspects of cruising is that alcoholic beverages are never included in the package price, leading to frighteningly high bar tabs at the end of your trip. However, many cruise lines offer all-inclusive drink bundles that you may or may not be aware of. These are the top ten companies to sail with if you’re interested in boozin’ and cruisin’ affordably.

1. Norwegian Cruise Lines

Norwegian offers its guests the choice of two beverage packages: the “Corks and Caps Package” and the “Ultimate Beverage Package.” The “Corks and Caps” costs $59 per person per day and includes a selection of soda and juices, beer and wines by the glass ($15 or less). The “Ultimate Beverage Package” costs $79 per person, per day, and includes everything in the “Corks and Caps Package” plus liquor and cocktails (all drinks $15 or less). Both packages require an additional 18% gratuity.

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• Plan Your Trip

What Cruise Includes Alcohol

Published: December 20, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Charin Sanmiguel

• Food Travel

Introduction

Welcome aboard the world of cruising, where you can relax, explore breathtaking destinations, and indulge in a variety of amenities and services. If you’re considering a cruise vacation and wondering if alcohol is included, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will explore the world of all-inclusive cruises and delve into the details of what alcohol-related offerings you can expect.

Cruising has become synonymous with luxury, and many cruise lines now offer all-inclusive packages that cater to every aspect of your trip, including your favorite libations. These all-inclusive options have gained popularity over the years, as they allow guests to enjoy a hassle-free vacation experience without constantly worrying about overspending on drinks.

It’s important to note that not all cruise lines offer all-inclusive packages that include alcohol. However, there are select cruise lines that pride themselves on providing a wide range of beverage options and include alcohol as part of their offerings. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur, cocktail aficionado, or simply enjoy sipping a refreshing beer by the pool, these cruise lines have got you covered.

One of the main advantages of opting for an alcohol-inclusive cruise line is the convenience it offers. Rather than paying for each individual drink, you can indulge in a wide variety of alcoholic beverages without constantly reaching for your wallet. This allows you to fully immerse yourself in the cruise experience and enjoy the freedom to explore different offerings without worrying about the costs adding up.

Now that you have a general understanding of the concept of all-inclusive cruises and the perks they provide, let’s dive into the specific cruise lines that offer included alcohol and what you can expect from their beverage packages. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a fun-filled family vacation, or a rejuvenating solo trip, rest assured that an alcohol-inclusive cruise can cater to your preferences and enhance your overall cruising experience.

All-Inclusive Cruise Options

When it comes to all-inclusive cruises, several renowned cruise lines offer inclusive alcohol packages to enhance your vacation experience. These cruise lines understand that part of the enjoyment of a cruise is being able to indulge in your favorite drinks without worrying about additional costs.

One popular option for all-inclusive cruises is the Norwegian Cruise Line. Known for its freestyle cruising, Norwegian offers various packages that include unlimited alcoholic beverages, such as beer, wine, and spirits. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or enjoying a night of entertainment, you can savor your favorite drinks without any additional charges.

Another cruise line that provides all-inclusive options is Royal Caribbean International. Their packages, such as the Deluxe Beverage Package, let you enjoy a wide selection of alcoholic beverages, including cocktails, beer, and wine. With this package, you can quench your thirst while exploring the ship’s vibrant nightlife and taking part in exciting activities.

Celebrity Cruises is also known for its all-inclusive offerings. With their Classic Beverage Package, you can enjoy a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks throughout your voyage. From classic cocktails to premium spirits, there’s something to suit every taste on a Celebrity Cruise.

Princess Cruises is another excellent choice for all-inclusive options. Their Premier Beverage Package includes a wide assortment of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, ensuring that you can sip on your favorite drinks as you soak up the sun on the deck or unwind in one of the ship’s many lounges.

These are just a few examples of cruise lines that provide all-inclusive options. However, it’s important to note that each cruise line may have different packages and inclusions, so it’s essential to do your research before booking to find the best fit for your preferences and budget.

Now that you have an overview of the cruise lines that offer all-inclusive options, let’s dive deeper into the specifics of what these packages entail and the types of beverages that are included.

Alcohol Inclusive Cruise Lines

When it comes to choosing a cruise line that includes alcohol in their packages, several options cater to different preferences and budgets. Let’s take a closer look at some of the top alcohol-inclusive cruise lines:

• Norwegian Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line offers several all-inclusive packages that include alcoholic beverages. Their “Free at Sea” promotion allows guests to choose beverage packages as part of their booking, with options ranging from unlimited soda and juice, to all-inclusive packages that include both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
• Royal Caribbean International: Royal Caribbean offers a variety of beverage packages that include alcoholic drinks. Guests can choose from packages that include a selection of beers, wines, and liquors, ensuring that everyone finds an option that suits their tastes.
• Celebrity Cruises: Celebrity Cruises provides guests with an option called the Classic Beverage Package. With this package, passengers can enjoy a wide selection of alcoholic beverages, including cocktails, wines, and beers.
• Princess Cruises: Princess Cruises offers the Premier Beverage Package, which includes a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. From classic cocktails to premium spirits, guests can indulge in their favorite drinks throughout their cruise.
• Carnival Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line offers their “Cheers!” beverage package, which allows guests to enjoy a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for a fixed daily price. From spirits and cocktails to wine and beer, there is something for everyone.

While these are just a few examples of cruise lines that include alcohol in their packages, it’s important to note that each cruise line may have different offerings and package options. It’s always a good idea to review the specific details of each cruise line’s inclusive alcohol packages to ensure they align with your preferences and budget.

Remember, drinking responsibly is always important, even on a cruise. It’s crucial to be aware of your alcohol consumption and to drink in moderation to ensure a safe and enjoyable vacation for yourself and fellow passengers.

Now that we’ve explored the cruise lines that offer inclusive alcohol packages, let’s dive into the different beverage options you can expect while onboard.

Beverage Packages

When it comes to alcohol-inclusive cruises, cruise lines offer a variety of beverage packages to cater to different preferences and budgets. These packages typically provide guests with a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks throughout their voyage. Let’s explore some common beverage packages you may encounter:

• All-Inclusive Packages: These packages often include unlimited alcoholic beverages, such as beer, wine, and spirits. Guests can enjoy a variety of drinks without worrying about additional costs. Some cruise lines may offer different tiers of all-inclusive packages, allowing guests to choose the level of premium drinks they prefer.
• Classic Beverage Packages: These packages typically include a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, such as cocktails, wines, beers, sodas, and specialty coffees. Guests can indulge in their favorite beverages throughout their cruise without paying for each individual drink.
• Beer and Wine Packages: For those who prefer beer and wine over spirits and cocktails, cruise lines may offer packages that focus specifically on these beverages. With these packages, guests can enjoy a variety of beers and wines without worrying about the costs adding up.
• Non-Alcoholic Beverage Packages: For guests who prefer non-alcoholic options, cruise lines often provide packages that include a variety of soft drinks, juices, and specialty teas and coffees. These packages cater to those who want to stay refreshed without consuming alcohol.

Keep in mind that the availability and pricing of beverage packages may vary between cruise lines. Some cruise lines may include beverage packages as part of their all-inclusive offerings, while others may offer them as optional add-ons. It’s important to review the details of each cruise line’s beverage packages to understand what is included and any potential restrictions.

When considering a beverage package, it’s also crucial to assess your own drinking habits and preferences. If you plan on enjoying several alcoholic drinks throughout the day and evening, an all-inclusive or classic beverage package may be the most cost-effective option. However, if you are a more casual drinker or prefer non-alcoholic beverages, a non-alcoholic package may be more suitable.

Now that you have an idea of the beverage package options available, let’s explore the types of beverages that are typically included in these packages.

Types of Beverages Included

When you opt for an alcohol-inclusive cruise package, you can expect a wide selection of beverages to choose from. The types of beverages included will vary depending on the cruise line and package you select. Let’s explore some of the common types of beverages that are typically included:

• Alcoholic Drinks: Cruise lines often include a variety of alcoholic drinks in their packages, such as beers, wines, spirits, and cocktails. From refreshing beers by the pool to handcrafted cocktails at the onboard bars, you’ll have plenty of options to satisfy your preferences.
• Wines: Wine enthusiasts will be pleased to know that many cruise lines offer a diverse selection of wines as part of their inclusive beverage packages. From reds and whites to sparkling and rosé, there are options to complement every meal and occasion.
• Spirits and Liquors: Whether you prefer a classic whiskey on the rocks, a tropical rum cocktail, or a smooth vodka martini, cruise lines often include a wide range of spirits and liquors in their packages. You can enjoy your favorite libations throughout your cruise without worrying about additional costs.
• Cocktails: Quench your thirst with a variety of handcrafted cocktails made by skilled bartenders. From popular classics like margaritas and Mojitos to signature concoctions created onboard, the cocktail options are often abundant and diverse.
• Non-Alcoholic Drinks: It’s important to note that alcohol-inclusive packages often include non-alcoholic options as well. These may include a variety of soft drinks, juices, mocktails, sodas, specialty teas, and coffees. So, if you prefer to abstain from alcohol or simply want a break from alcoholic beverages, there are plenty of refreshing alternatives available.

It’s worth mentioning that the specific brands and labels of alcoholic beverages provided in the packages may vary. Some cruise lines may include premium brands as part of their all-inclusive offerings, while others may have a more limited selection. It’s always a good idea to check the details of the beverage package to understand what specific drinks and brands are included.

Now that you have an idea of the types of beverages typically included, let’s explore the specialty bars and lounges that often offer unique drink experiences onboard.

Specialty Bars and Lounges

When you embark on an alcohol-inclusive cruise, you’ll discover a variety of specialty bars and lounges scattered throughout the ship. These venues offer unique and curated experiences, allowing you to enjoy a wide range of drinks in distinct settings. Here are some specialty bars and lounges commonly found onboard:

• Cocktail Bars: These bars focus on crafting creative and delicious cocktails. From classic favorites to innovative mixology creations, these bars are staffed by skilled bartenders who can create personalized cocktails based on your preferences.
• Wine Bars: Wine lovers will appreciate the dedicated wine bars that showcase an extensive selection of wines from around the world. These bars often offer wine tasting events, allowing you to sample different varietals and learn about the fascinating world of wine.
• Whiskey Bars: If you’re a fan of fine whiskies and bourbons, you’ll find dedicated whiskey bars onboard many cruise ships. These bars feature an impressive collection of single malts, blends, and aged spirits, inviting you to savor the complex flavors and aromas.
• Poolside Bars: Perfect for those seeking refreshing beverages while lounging by the pool, poolside bars offer a wide selection of tropical cocktails, frozen drinks, thirst-quenching beers, and non-alcoholic options. Relax under the sun while sipping on your favorite drink.
• Pub-style Bars: For a cozy and lively atmosphere reminiscent of a traditional English pub, head to the onboard pub-style bar. These venues serve a range of beers on tap, ciders, and classic pub grub, providing a laid-back setting for socializing with fellow passengers.
• Coffee Shops and Cafés: If you’re in need of a caffeine fix or a specialty tea, cruise ships often have coffee shops and cafés where you can enjoy a variety of hot and cold beverages. These establishments also offer a selection of pastries and light snacks to complement your drink.

These specialty bars and lounges provide unique experiences and an opportunity to explore different drink options beyond what is available in the main dining areas. Each venue offers its own ambiance and charm, creating the perfect setting to unwind and enjoy your favorite tipple of choice.

Now that we’ve discussed specialty bars and lounges, let’s move on to exploring the onboard activities and entertainment that can enhance your alcohol-inclusive cruise experience.

Onboard Activities and Entertainment

On an alcohol-inclusive cruise, the fun extends beyond enjoying drinks. Cruise lines go above and beyond to provide a wide range of onboard activities and entertainment that can enhance your overall experience. Here are some of the onboard activities and entertainment options you can look forward to:

• Live Shows and Performances: Cruise ships often feature Broadway-style shows, musical performances, comedy acts, and other live entertainment options. Enjoy a cocktail or a glass of wine as you sit back and immerse yourself in the captivating performances.
• Casinos: If you’re feeling lucky, casinos onboard offer a thrilling atmosphere where you can try your hand at a variety of games, from slot machines to blackjack. You can enjoy your favorite drinks while testing your luck and enjoying the vibrant casino ambiance.
• Nightclubs and Dance Parties: Cruise ships are known for their lively nightclubs and dance parties, complete with DJs, dance floors, and vibrant light shows. Dance the night away with a cocktail in hand and groove to the beats of the onboard DJ.
• Trivia Nights and Game Shows: Join in on the fun of trivia nights and interactive game shows that take place onboard. Sip on your favorite drink as you team up with other passengers to test your knowledge and compete for prizes.
• Fitness and Wellness Activities: If you’re looking to stay active and maintain your wellness routine, cruise ships offer a variety of fitness classes, yoga sessions, and wellness seminars. After a workout or relaxation session, you can treat yourself to a refreshing post-workout drink or a healthy smoothie from the onboard juice bars.
• Outdoor Activities: Cruise ships often provide a plethora of outdoor activities, from swimming pools and waterslides to mini-golf and sports courts. Enjoy a cocktail or a cold beer as you soak up the sun, take a dip in the pool, or engage in friendly competitions with fellow passengers.

These are just a few examples of the activities and entertainment options available onboard an alcohol-inclusive cruise. Each cruise line offers its own unique set of experiences, ensuring there’s something to suit every interest and preference.

It’s important to note that while alcohol may be included in your beverage package, it’s essential to drink responsibly and be aware of your alcohol consumption, especially when participating in activities that require focus and coordination. The cruise staff are trained to prioritize your safety and well-being, so if you need assistance or have any concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to them.

Now that we’ve explored onboard activities and entertainment, let’s move on to discussing the dining options and alcohol inclusion during meal times.

Dining Options and Alcohol Inclusion

One of the highlights of an alcohol-inclusive cruise is the wide array of dining options available onboard. Cruise ships are renowned for their exceptional culinary experiences, and the inclusion of alcohol adds to the enjoyment of your meals. Let’s explore the dining options and alcohol inclusion during meal times:

1. Main Dining Rooms: Cruise ships typically feature main dining rooms that offer a variety of delicious cuisines. When dining in these grand venues, you can often choose from a selection of complimentary wines or other alcoholic beverages that perfectly complement your meal.

2. Specialty Restaurants: Many cruise lines have specialty restaurants that offer unique dining experiences and a diverse range of cuisines. These restaurants may have an additional cover charge, but they often provide a higher level of service and an extensive selection of premium alcoholic beverages for an enhanced dining experience.

3. Buffet and Casual Dining: Cruise ships also offer casual dining options such as buffets and casual eateries where you can indulge in a variety of international flavors. These venues typically include self-serve beverage stations where you can find a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks to enjoy with your meal.

4. Room Service: If you prefer dining in the comfort of your stateroom, most cruise ships offer 24/7 room service that includes an array of food and beverage options, including alcoholic drinks. Whether you want a glass of wine or a cocktail to accompany your meal, room service allows you to enjoy the convenience of in-room dining without missing out on the included alcohol.

5. Bar and Lounge Inclusions: In addition to dining venues, cruise ships have various bars and lounges throughout the ship where you can relax and enjoy a drink outside of meal times. Many of these bars and lounges are included in the alcohol package, allowing you to try different drinks and enjoy the ship’s ambiance.

It’s important to note that while alcoholic beverages are often included during meal times, certain premium wines, spirits, and specialty cocktails may have an additional cost. These premium options cater to those looking for a more exclusive or unique drinking experience, and the additional charge reflects the higher quality or rarity of these beverages.

Now that we’ve explored the dining options and alcohol inclusion during meal times, let’s discuss any exclusions and restrictions you may need to be aware of while enjoying alcohol on a cruise.

Exclusions and Restrictions

While alcohol-inclusive cruise packages offer a fantastic opportunity to indulge in a variety of beverages, it’s important to be aware of any exclusions and restrictions that may apply. Here are some common exclusions and restrictions you may encounter:

1. Premium Brands: While many cruise lines include a wide selection of alcoholic drinks in their packages, there may be certain premium brands or top-shelf spirits that are not included. These beverages may incur an additional charge if you choose to indulge in them.

2. Specialty Cocktails and Mixes: Some cruise lines may have restrictions on certain specialty cocktails or mixology creations that require specific ingredients or techniques. These beverages may have an additional cost or may not be included in the beverage package.

3. Mini-Bar and In-Room Beverages: While most beverages served in the main dining venues and bars are included, the mini-bar in your stateroom may have separate pricing. Be sure to check the details of your package to understand which beverages are included in your stateroom and which ones may require an additional charge.

4. Age Restrictions: Cruise lines have strict age policies regarding the consumption of alcohol. The minimum drinking age onboard can vary depending on the cruise line and the itinerary. Generally, the minimum age to consume alcohol is 21 years old for US departures and 18 years old or older for international departures, but it’s important to check the specific policies of the cruise line before your trip.

5. Responsible Drinking Policies: Cruise lines prioritize the safety and well-being of their guests. They may have policies in place to ensure responsible drinking, such as limits on the number of alcoholic beverages served per person per day or mandatory alcohol awareness programs. These policies are in place to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for all passengers.

It’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the specific exclusions and restrictions of the cruise line and package you choose to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience. Review the terms and conditions of the alcohol package, consult with the cruise line or your travel advisor if needed, and always drink responsibly.

Now that we’re aware of the exclusions and restrictions, let’s move on to some tips for enjoying alcohol on a cruise.

Tips for Enjoying Alcohol on a Cruise

While enjoying alcohol on a cruise can be a delightful part of your vacation experience, it’s essential to do so responsibly. Here are some tips to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable time:

1. Set a Budget: Before your cruise, determine how much you are comfortable spending on alcohol. This can help you make informed choices and avoid any surprises when you receive your final bill. Stick to your budget to ensure you don’t overspend.

2. Know Your Limits: It’s important to understand your own tolerance for alcohol. Pace yourself and drink in moderation to avoid overindulging. Remember to stay hydrated by alternating alcoholic drinks with water or other non-alcoholic options.

3. Take Advantage of Beverage Packages: If your cruise offers a beverage package that includes alcohol, take full advantage of it. Explore different beverages and try new cocktails or wines that you may not have considered otherwise. It’s an opportunity to sample a variety of drinks without worrying about cost.

4. Try the Local Specialties: If your cruise takes you to different destinations, take the opportunity to try local beverages or regional specialties. Whether it’s a unique cocktail, wine, or beer, immersing yourself in the local drink culture can enhance your overall experience.

5. Attend Tastings and Events: Many cruises offer tasting events or educational sessions about different types of alcohol. These can be informative and fun experiences where you can expand your knowledge and appreciation for various beverages.

6. Respect the Drinking Age and Policies: It’s crucial to adhere to the drinking age policies of the cruise line. If you’re traveling with underage family members or friends, be mindful and responsible when consuming alcohol around them.

7. Tip the Bartenders and Staff: If you receive exceptional service or enjoy the skills of a talented bartender, consider tipping them as a gesture of appreciation. It’s a way to show gratitude for their efforts and can enhance your overall experience.

8. Designate a Sober Buddy: If you’re traveling with a group, consider designating a sober buddy who can help keep an eye on everyone’s alcohol consumption and ensure everyone stays safe.

9. Follow Safety Guidelines: Remember to follow all safety guidelines provided by the cruise line, including avoiding excessive alcohol consumption before participating in any physical activities or excursions.

10. Enjoy and Relax: Most importantly, remember that a cruise is a time to relax, unwind, and enjoy yourself. Savor your favorite drinks, discover new flavors, and make lasting memories while responsibly enjoying alcohol on your cruise.

By following these tips, you can have a memorable and enjoyable experience while indulging in the alcohol offerings on your cruise.

Now it’s time to wrap up our comprehensive guide to alcohol inclusion on cruises.

Embarking on an alcohol-inclusive cruise allows you to fully immerse yourself in a world of relaxation, exploration, and indulgence. From all-inclusive packages to a wide range of beverage choices, cruise lines offer various options to cater to every taste and preference.

Whether you’re sipping on a refreshing cocktail by the pool, enjoying a glass of wine with a gourmet meal, or sampling local specialties at different destinations, the world of alcohol on a cruise is diverse and exciting.

It’s important to research and choose a cruise line that aligns with your preferences and budget. Familiarize yourself with the specific inclusions, exclusions, and restrictions of the alcohol packages offered to make the most of your experience.

Remember to drink responsibly, pace yourself, and stay hydrated. Indulging in the wide variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages available on a cruise should be a enjoyable part of your vacation, but it’s crucial to prioritize your safety and well-being.

Whether you’re lounging at one of the specialty bars, taking part in onboard activities, or delighting in the dining options, an alcohol-inclusive cruise provides an extraordinary opportunity to relax, unwind, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

So, pack your bags, get ready to set sail, and embark on a journey where the seas meet the sky and fantastic beverages await. Cheers to an incredible alcohol-inclusive cruise experience!

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Which Cruise Lines Include Alcohol? (Budget & Luxury Guide) – Drinks Lists

Cruises are often advertised as ‘all-inclusive’ but this all-inclusive fare rarely includes alcohol.

There are a number of cruise lines, however, that do. In this post, we will be looking at the cruise lines that include alcohol as standard in the cruise fare.

Many cruise lines do offer drinks packages that, when purchased in advance, can make the cruise fare closer to being all-inclusive.

The following all-inclusive cruise lines include alcohol:

Mainstream cruise lines.

There are VERY few cruise lines that I would consider budget/mainstream that include alcohol in the cruise fare.

Marella and Celestyal both do and I have cruised with both.

I have been on a few cruises with Marella and I have always been extremely impressed by the value for money they offer.

I would also recommend Celestyal Cruises for anybody wanting to explore the Greek Islands and try a line that offers a real Greek experience.

Marella Cruises Include Alcohol

Marella is a British cruise line, formerly known as Thomson. Their cruise fare is all-inclusive by standard and includes hundreds of alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks.

What Alcohol is Included on Marella Cruises?

Marella Cruises include a variety of alcoholic drinks as standard on all of their cruises. Including but not limited to:

• Draught Beers
• Classic Cocktails
• Frozen Cocktails
• Aperitifs, Liqueurs, Ports and Sherries
• Gins, Vodkas, Rums and Tequilas
• Whiskies and Brandies

Soda, juices, and Mocktails are also included.

To see the full list of the drinks available on Marella cruises check out the post here:

  Marella Cruises All Inclusive Drinks List

What Alcohol isn’t included?

When cruising with Marella it is possible to upgrade to a ‘premium’ beverage package. This costs in the region of £10 per day, and means you can have premium spirits, soda by the can (instead of fountain soda) and premium teas and coffees.

Drink packages on other cruise lines can cost over £90 per day – so £10 a day is an absolute bargain.

To find out more about all the things I love about Marella, read this article next:

5 Things I Love About Marella Cruises (Inclusions, Entertainment, Drinks and More)

Celestyal Include Alcohol

Celestyal is a Greek cruise line that owns two ships, Celestyal Journey and Celestyal Discovery.

Celestyal cruises the Greek islands and often have more than one port stop per day.

I cruised with Celestyal on a 4-day cruise. We managed to visit 7 ports! I’ve never known a cruise line to do this before and it was amazing.

The ship I sailed on Celestyal Olympia, has now been scrapped but newer ships have been purchased.

Both their ships have previously sailed with other cruiselines before being refurbished and going into service with Celestyal.

To learn more about Celestyal check out the cruise diary I kept onboard my Celestyal cruise:

  Celestyal Cruises: Review and Daily Photo Diary 2019

What Alcohol is Included on Celestyal Cruises?

Celestyal Cruises includes a variety of drinks including the following:

To see the full list of the drinks available on Celestyal Cruises check out the post here: 

Celestyal Cruises All Inclusive Drinks List.

It is worth noting that soft drinks and coffees/teas are included in the cruise fare.

On most cruise lines (including Marella mentioned above) you have to pay extra if you want to have a variety of teas or coffees. They are free on Celestyal Cruises.

On Celestyal cruises, you will find that most bars have two menus.

One includes included drinks and the other you have to pay extra for. During my cruise, I didn’t order anything from the premium menu and instead always chose the drinks that were included.

The paid-for extra menu features premium spirits and a greater variety of beers, wines, and cocktails.

Luxury Cruise Lines

If you have a little more budget to play with it is worth looking into the luxury cruise lines below.

Viking Cruises Include Alcohol

Viking ocean cruises.

Viking ocean cruises include beer, wine, and soft drinks with dinner but don’t include drinks at any other time of the day.

I took a 4-night cruise with Viking into the Arctic Circle in pursuit of the midnight sun.

It was one of the best experiences of my life, if you can afford to cruise with Viking I can’t recommend it enough.

Viking does also have a premium drinks package available for purchase.

Azamara Cruises Include Alcohol

Cruises with Azamara include some beers, wines, and selected spirits. The drinks are available all day but are not available to order through room service.

There are two packages that you can upgrade to – a premium package and an unlimited package.

These packages allow you to have a much wider choice of drinks. I sailed with Azamara and didn’t spend a penny on drinks.

Azamara is a little more affordable than some of the other luxury lines mentioned in this article.

Find out all about my cruise with Azamara here:

Seabourn Cruises Include Alcohol

All alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks are included in Seabourn cruises.

There may be a charge for things like a particularly expensive/rare bottle of wine but generally speaking, you’ll probably come away from your Seabourn cruise without any charges for drinks.

Silversea Cruises Include Alcohol

Silversea cruises include LOADS of drinks. Wine, beer, even champagne. Some premium spirits, champagnes, and spirits do have an extra charge – but these are few and far between.

Regent Seven Seas Include Alcohol

Regent Seven Seas offers unlimited complimentary drinks. Wines, spirits, beers, and champagnes.

The mini bar is even restocked daily!

“All-Inclusive” Cruise Lines That Don’t Include Alcohol:

Virgin voyages.

Virgin Voyages frequently advertise their cruises as being ‘all-inclusive’ but there is no alcohol included in the cruise fare.

The cruise fares do include a lot – Wi-Fi, Gratuities, and some basic drinks.

Virgin Voyages do not offer drinks packages. Cruisers must “Pay as you go” when it comes to drinks – as you would in bars and pubs on land.

I took a short cruise with Virgin onboard Scarlet Lady, check out the video below to see what I thought:

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian cruise line often describes their cruises as ‘all-inclusive’ but the basic cruise fare doesn’t include any drinks.

Norwegian often has promotions that include things such as drinks and speciality dining which can bring the cruise product more in line with that of an ‘all-inclusive cruise line.

Norwegian Cruise Line does offer a variety of drink packages similar to most other mainstream lines.

I rarely buy the drinks package, for me it’s just not worth it. Find out why here:

Drinks Packages Aren’t Worth it For Me – Here’s How I Decide (Price Lists & More)

Find out about the cruise I took on one of Norwegian’s newest ships, Norwegian Prima here:

River Cruises

Generally speaking, river cruises will include, at a minimum, wine and beer with meals.

Some river cruise lines include wine and beer at all times of the day and some river cruise lines will have all alcohol included.

Generally speaking, river cruises are usually more expensive than ocean cruises but this is because of the size of the ship and the amount included in the cruise fare.

Find out about the great-value river cruise I took with Tui here. Drinks were included at meal times.

Before You Go

To learn more about what is included in the typical cruise fare, check out this post:

  Are Cruises All Inclusive? Your Guide To What Is Included.

To find out how much drinks cost ( on average) onboard mainstream cruiselines, read this article next:

How Much Do Drinks Cost on Cruise Ships? Menus and Comparisons

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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, how to smoke marijuana (legally) while on a cruise, 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.

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.

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Enjoy 75% off your second guest’s cruise fare and get bonus savings of up to $200. Plus, additional guests in your stateroom sail free on select sailings.

• Wi-Fi & Phone Packages

SAVE UP TO $800 WITH ALL-INCLUDED PACKAGES

At celebrity cruises®, we think every aspect of your vacation should be easy, including the way you pay for your favorite amenities. that’s why we’ve separated our most popular all-inclusive packages—drinks, wi-fi, and gratuities. pay for what you want how you want. it’s that simple. , save before you sail by purchasing your packages now., why bother with bar tabs when you can pay once and enjoy unlimited drinks our classic drinks package lets you choose you from a wide selection of beers, spirits, cocktails, liqueurs, frozen drinks, and wines by the glass, plus bottled water, sodas, premium coffees, and teas., we know you want to stay connected with family and friends even while you’re disconnecting from the world. to help you stay in touch, we provide basic wi-fi access for all guests so you can browse the web, check email, and use messaging apps to text..

Terms & Conditions

“All Included” pricing applies to sailings booked and departing on or after October 4, 2023, excluding Galapagos cruises, in an inside, ocean view, veranda, Concierge Class, or AquaClass stateroom (“Eligible Bookings”). All guests within an Eligible Booking who choose “All Included” pricing, will receive a Classic Drinks Package and an unlimited Basic Wi-Fi package. All guests in the same stateroom must choose the same rate. Please visit www.celebritycruises.com/things-to-do-onboard/onboard-packages/beverage-packages for further information on available beverages and full restrictions and www.celebritycruises.com/things-to-do-onboard/onboard-packages/internet-and-phone-packages for further information on wi-fi.

All Included pricing applies to new individual bookings only. Changes to booking may result in removal of Offer. Prices and Offers are subject to availability and change without notice, may be withdrawn at any time, and not applicable to charters or contracted groups. All Included pricing is non-transferable and not combinable with certain rates including, Travel Agent, Interline, Net, Exciting Deals, or worker cabins. Single occupancy guests paying 200% cruise fare are eligible for All Included pricing. Refer to celebritycruises.com and the Cruise Ticket Contract for additional terms and conditions. Celebrity Cruises reserves the right to cancel offer at any time, correct any errors, inaccuracies, or omissions, and change or update fares, fees, and surcharges at any time without prior notice.

Drink Packages

About drink packages.

Enjoy ice-cold refreshments during meals, during shows, during, well... anytime you want with Bottomless Bubbles. This unlimited soda program lets you indulge in all-you-can-drink Pepsi sodas and juice for the full length of your cruise. Sweet! Bottomless Bubbles is available for purchase at the Lobby, Casino and Pool Bars. Restrictions apply.

Restrictions:

• Non-transferable and may not be shared. Guests or family members who would like to enjoy soft drinks through this program must purchase their own sticker.
• One beverage serving, per sticker, will be served at a time.
• Soft drink is served by the glass (16 ounces); juice is served by the glass (10 ounces).
• Cannot be used through room service or the Interactive TV system, where applicable, or the minibar, where applicable.
• Program is only applicable for onboard purchases.
• Bottomless Bubbles is inclusive of VAT, if and as applicable on European cruises.
• If the program is purchased prior to the cruise, it is refundable up to 10:00pm ET, the evening prior to the cruise departure. Otherwise, Bottomless Bubbles is non-refundable 

Starting at $6.95 / Child Per Day $9.50 / Adult Per Day

Please collect your wine package coupons at Cherry on Top for redemption at Main Bars, Specialty Dining Restaurants or any of our Dining Rooms.

Enjoy great discounts on wine packages when you purchase wines offered through our exclusive 'Cruise the Vineyards' wine program. Wines from around the world are featured in two packages to satisfy both the wine novice and the more adventurous wine consumer. 'Cruise the Vineyards' wine packages allow you to enjoy your favorite wine at a discounted price or to explore new wines from the wide assortment of wines offered in these packages.

• Packages feature wines from Argentina, Armenia, California, Chile, France, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, and Washington.  
• An 18% service charge will be added to your beverage charge. 
• Unconsumed wine will not be refunded but you may take home unopened bottles.

Wine selections include:

Sparkling, Maison Castel, ‘Ice Cuvée Blanche’, France (Sweet) Pinot Grigio, GIFFT, Monterey County, California Sauvignon Blanc, Santa Helena, Central Valley, Chile Chardonnay, Santa Helena, Central Valley, Chile Riesling, Leonard Kreusch, Rhein, Germany Chenin Blanc, Baron Herzog, California Rosé, GIFFT, Monterey County, California Rosé, Shofer, ‘Areni Rosé’, Vayots Dzor, Armenia White Zinfandel, Canyon Road, California (Sweet) Pinot Noir, Canyon Road, California Merlot, Santa Helena, Central Valley, Chile Cabernet, Santa Helena, Central Valley, Chile

All wines are subject to availability and exact offering may vary slightly by ship.

Sparkling, Domaine Ste.Michelle, ‘Brut’, Columbia Valley, Washington Sparkling, Keush, ‘Origins Brut’, Vayots Dzor, Armenia Sparkling Rosé, Domaine Ste Michelle, ‘Brut Rosé’, Columbia Valley, Washington Pinot Grigio, Santa Margherita, Alto Adige, Italy Moscato, Stemmari, Terre Siciliane, Italy Sauvignon Blanc, McBride Sisters, Marlborough, New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, Kendall-Jackson, ‘Vintner’s Reserve’, California Sauvignon Blanc, Spy Valley, Marlborough, NewZealand Chardonnay, McBrideSisters, Central Coast, California Chardonnay, La Crema, Monterey County, California Cavede Lugny, Macon Lugny, ‘LesCharmes’, Burgundy, France Viognier, Maison Les Alexandrins, France Riesling, Albrecht, ‘Tradition’, Alsace, France Rosé, Gerard Bertrand, ‘Côtedes Roses’, Languedoc, France Rosé, La Fêtedu Rosé, ‘St. Tropez’ ,Côtes de Provence, France Pinot Noir, Castle Rock, California Cuvée, California Pinot Noir, Kendall-Jackson, ‘Vintner’s Reserve’, California Zinfandel, Cline, Lodi, California Merlot, Columbia Crest, Columbia Valley, Washington Merlot, Josh Cellars, California Cabernet Sauvignon, Duckhorn, ‘Decoy’, Sonoma County, California Cabernet Sauvignon, Franciscan Estate, Monterey, California Cabernet Sauvignon, Josh Cellars, California Haghtanak, Voskevaz Karasi, Ararat, Armenia Chianti Classico Riserva, D’Aquino, Tuscany, Italy Malbec, Catena, Mendoza, Argentina Shiraz, Peter Lehmann, Portrait’, Barossa Valley, Australia

Enjoy the ease of paying one flat price for your spirited beverages over the entire length of your cruise.  Now, that’s something to cheer about! Save up to 10% by purchasing before you sail. 

Cut-off for pre-purchase is 11:59 PM the day before embarkation and 9:00pm EST through call center. Additional restrictions apply, see below.

RESTRICTIONS:

• Must be 21 years or older to purchase and agree not to give to minors
• Each adult assigned to the same stateroom must purchase the program
• Only one drink at a time may be ordered. No sharing is permitted
• Applicable state and local taxes will be charged to the guest folio when this program is used within US waters
• Program allows for up to 15 alcoholic drinks, per 24-hour period (6:00am - 6:00am).
• Once you have consumed your 15 drinks, you cannot purchase any additional alcoholic beverages. 
• Carnival reserves the right to refuse service for any reason
• Program is non-refundable

CHEERS! INCLUDES:

• All spirits (including cocktails), as well as beer and wine by the glass with a $20.00 or lower menu price 
• Sodas, Zero-Proof frozen cocktails, energy drinks, specialty coffee, hot tea, 500ml bottled water and other non-alcoholic bottled beverages
• Packaged water in the Dining Room and Specialty Restaurants
• 25% discount off the menu price for any spirit or wine by the glass above $20.00
• 25% discount off the menu price for wine and champagne by the bottle
• 25% discount off beverage seminars and classes

CHEERS! EXCLUDES:

• Beverages promoted and sold in souvenir glasses
• Bottles of liquor
• Beverages offered at gangway
• Beverages offered through room service, mini bars and/or in-stateroom beverage programs
• Sharing cocktails, floaters, pitchers, tubes and buckets
• Beverages offered at private parties and/or events
• All other beverage-related programs including merchandise, cigars and cigarettes

TEXAS, NORFOLK AND NEW YORK

Cheers package begins on Day 2 for ships sailing from Texas, Norfolk and New York - activation will occur at 6:00am on the second day of the cruise.

Applicable state and local taxes will be charged to the guest folio when this program is used within US waters. The tax is based on the state's tax structure and the cost of the individual drink purchased (not the daily program rate). For example: if the drink price is $5 and the tax is 10%, the guest's Sail & Sign card will be charged $0.50 for tax. This applies to all US ports (embarkation home ports and ports-of-call). Cheers Package is inclusive of VAT, if and as applicable on European cruises. Package is non-transferable and non-refundable after 10:00pm ET the evening before departure. Please note that an 18% service charge will be added to all drink package purchases.

Starting at $59.95 / Person per Day

Protect Your Trip »

The 12 best all-inclusive cruises for 2024.

When most of the extra costs are paid before you sail, you can truly enjoy your cruise.

The Best All-Inclusive Cruises

Getty Images

Sit back and relax on an all-inclusive cruise vacation.

When it comes to all-inclusive cruises, there are a few different options:

• Luxury cruise lines: All-inclusive cruise rates are available on luxury lines like Regent Seven Seas and Silversea. While more expensive than traditional cruise rates , the fares cover nearly everything, including door-to-door transfers, luxurious suite accommodations, specialty dining , premium alcoholic beverages and excursions. Plus, you don't need to show your cruise card every time you order a latte or a pre-dinner cocktail. You'll disembark the ship with very few, if any, additional charges on your final bill.
• Cruise lines with inclusive pricing: Alternatively, you can consider an upscale cruise line like Viking, which offers fares with more-inclusive pricing and some of the amenities found on board the fully inclusive lines. However, you'll still have to budget for a few expenses, such as immersive excursions and alcoholic beverages beyond wine or beer at lunch and dinner.
• Packages and add-ons: Other cruise lines like Oceania, Windstar and Norwegian offer add-on drink packages and other promos so you can create a more all-inclusive experience.

After comparing the costs between a truly all-inclusive cruise and a sailing with package pricing for the extras, the total price may be closer than you think.

Find your perfect cruise

All-Inclusive Cruises

Regent seven seas cruises.

Courtesy of Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Regent Seven Seas touts its six ships – with the newest vessel, Seven Seas Grandeur , which debuted in late 2023 – as "the world's most luxurious fleet." The line's intimate ships accommodate up to 750 guests. They feature all ocean-view suites, prestigious museum-quality art collections (including a prized Fabergé egg on the new Grandeur), and itineraries that call on more than 500 destinations around the world.

With Regent's "every luxury included" philosophy and 2-for-1 all-inclusive fares, passengers receive round-trip airfare and transfers between the airport and ship, as well as unlimited shore excursions, two- or three-night land programs (based on the itinerary), and a complimentary pre-cruise hotel package for concierge suites and higher. On the ship, enjoy a fully stocked in-suite minibar; specialty dining; unlimited fine wines, spirits and other beverages; prepaid gratuities; unlimited Wi-Fi; and free valet laundry service.

On top of personalized service, guests sailing on Regent Seven Seas cruises will enjoy immersive exploration ashore – with overnights in some ports of call – and enrichment programs. Top-notch dining includes French cuisine at Chartreuse (on select ships), Pan-Asian fare at Pacific Rim (also on select ships) and Italian fare at Sette Mari at La Veranda.

Cooking classes in the Culinary Arts Kitchen (available on Grandeur, Splendor and Explorer ), some tours and bespoke excursions, spa treatments, unique offerings, and certain wines and top-shelf liquors come with an additional cost.

Explore Regent Seven Seas Cruises on GoToSea, a service of U.S. News.

Silversea Cruises

Courtesy of Silversea Cruises

Sailing on board one of Silversea's 13 ultra-luxury cruise or expedition ships commences with the line's new chauffeur experience. This door-to-door service transports guests from home to the airport and back home on the return trip. The line's all-inclusive pricing also encompasses international or domestic flights (with business class upgrades in certain destinations), pre- and post-cruise hotel accommodations, butler service in every suite, all gratuities, gourmet dining, and complimentary alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, including Champagne.

Guests will also enjoy a staff-to-guest ratio of nearly 1-to-1 – and with no more than 728 guests. Other all-inclusive perks include at least one shore excursion in each port plus onboard lectures and programming. On expedition sailings in destinations like Antarctica , all guided Zodiac tours and landings are included in the fare.

When it comes to dining on Silversea ships, gourmet options feature French, Asian and Italian cuisine along with other international fare. For a special evening, S.A.L.T. Kitchen is a new destination-focused concept on Silver Ray, Nova , Moon and Dawn . This immersive dining experience, Sea And Land Taste, was developed in partnership with the former editor-in-chief of "Saveur Magazine," Adam Sachs. The culinary offerings with S.A.L.T. also include shore excursions, where guests can tour a 500-year-old family winery and vineyard in Croatia, visit an organic farm in Denmark, or learn to make gelato in Sicily.

Expenses not covered in Silversea's fare include salon and spa services, personal training sessions, select excursions, upgraded internet packages, and special bottles of wine or liquors.

Compare Silversea Cruises deals on GoToSea.

Seabourn Cruise Line

Courtesy of Seabourn Cruise Line

Seabourn's seven purpose-built expedition vessels and intimate luxury cruise ships accommodate between 264 and 600 guests. The club-like atmosphere on board its ships comes with highly intuitive and personalized service with about a 1-to-1 staff-to-guest ratio. Each suite also has a dedicated personal suite host and a suite attendant that will cater to your every whim.

All-inclusive fares include oceanfront suites with walk-in closets, living areas and luxurious bathrooms. All Seabourn Encore and Ovation accommodations feature private verandas, while 90% of the suites on Seabourn Odyssey , Sojourn and Quest have balconies. Premium and penthouse suites offer additional amenities and perks.

While aboard Seabourn Cruise Line , guests will enjoy complimentary fine wines and premium spirits, welcome Champagne, and a fully stocked in-suite bar with your personalized selections. Dining is a real treat, with several venues in partnership with renowned chef Thomas Keller, such as the line's signature restaurant, The Grill by Thomas Keller. Seabourn is also a member of the prestigious Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, an international association of gastronomy.

Other complimentary amenities on Seabourn's cruise ships include special evenings with dinner and live entertainment; a marina and complimentary water sports; "Caviar in the Surf" on select voyages; movie nights; a chance to shop with the chef at local markets; personal valet luggage shipping service; enrichment lectures; and more.

Additional expenses include a wide selection of epicurean, mindfulness and wellness excursions as well as cultural and historical bespoke tours. You can also book the ultimate underwater adventure on one of the line's high-tech submarines on the two expedition vessels, Seabourn Venture and Pursuit. Programs and treatments at Seabourn's Spa & Wellness are also at an additional cost.

Find a Seabourn Cruise Line cruise on GoToSea.

Atlas Ocean Voyages

Atlas Ocean Voyages features "always included" cruise fares on its two purpose-built yachts, World Navigator and World Traveller. The line recently welcomed a third ship to its fleet for the 2023-24 Antarctica season, World Voyager. Atlas' high-end boutique ships cater to just 198 passengers and feature spacious staterooms and suites with panoramic windows or private balconies and beautiful public spaces and lounges. These small ships also have several options for dining, depending on the sailing and destination.

The all-inclusive fares cover complimentary dining; unlimited wines, craft beers and spirits; 24-hour bar service with canapes; a free in-room minibar; afternoon high tea; fresh-pressed juices and specialty teas and coffees; butler service; 24-hour room service; prepaid gratuities; cultural immersion in every port; and other perks.

Polar expedition fares cover private charter jet service, group transfers from the airport to the yacht, an Atlas Ocean Voyages parka and vest to take home, Zodiac sightseeing safaris, expert guided shore landings, and destination lectures and briefings.

If you're on one of the line's Epicurean Expeditions, the cultural immersion program offers complimentary special tastings, market visits and cooking demonstrations. In addition to use of the marina's water toys (on select sailings, weather permitting), guests can enjoy an authentic Portuguese dinner and an alfresco Josper Grill dining experience at 7-AFT Grill. On select voyages, culinary presentations, wine tastings and other special events are hosted by an expert.

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

More-Inclusive Cruises

Cruise fares with these lines include many of the amenities and perks that you'll find with the all-inclusive cruises. However, you'll still need to budget for some expenses, such as alcoholic beverages, excursions and specialty dining, depending on the line.

Courtesy of Viking Cruises

Viking's ocean fleet of nine 930-passenger all-veranda ships offers a nearly all-inclusive experience for guests. The upscale Scandinavian-inspired ships feature king-bed staterooms and suites with many amenities, including luxurious linens and plush robes, 24-hour room service, and free Wi-Fi – plus an in-room minibar with soft drinks, water and snacks. Higher-category staterooms on Viking Ocean Cruises come with additional perks like priority dinner and spa reservations, early stateroom access, and a welcome bottle of Champagne.

Cruise fares also include complimentary dining at all the venues; one free shore excursion in every port; beer, wine and soft drinks at lunch and dinner; specialty teas, coffee and bottled water; access to the spa; lectures and performances; port taxes and fees; and more.

Viking also has two 378-passenger Polar Class 6 expedition vessels, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris. These ships also offer a mostly all-inclusive experience with the same amenities as their oceangoing vessels. Pricing on the expedition sailings includes Zodiac safaris, the use of kayaks, a keepsake Viking jacket, and essential gear for excursions and landings.

Select excursions, pre- or post-dinner cocktails, spa treatments, special bottles of wine, and other optional purchases come at an additional expense.

Book a Viking cruise on GoToSea.

Courtesy of Azamara

Azamara's four upscale boutique ships carry a maximum of 702 guests and offer immersive experiences around the world, calling on many smaller, lesser-known ports. The line also boasts more than 380 overnights and 850 late nights in port, so guests can have dinner in town and experience more of the destination's local culture and cuisine.

Azamara's cruise fares include all meals (other than the specialty dining restaurants) with water, tea and coffee. A selection of complimentary wine, sparkling wine, beer and spirits is available throughout the voyage. Cultural evenings ashore or on board the ship and gratuities are also included in the basic cruise fare.

If you'd like to enhance your onboard experience, Azamara offers inclusive "Experience More" packages that are discounted and based on the length of the voyage.

For example, on a seven-day or shorter sailing, solo travelers can add a package for $799 that's valued at $1,114 (a savings of 28%). This value-add bundle includes $350 of onboard credit to use for shore excursions; unlimited Wi-Fi for one device; a drinks package featuring premium wines, spirits and bottled water; a $150 spa credit; and a dinner at the Chef's Table or a total of three nights of specialty dining at Prime C or Aqualina. Three bags of laundry are also included.

Guests can book similar packages for double occupancy staterooms and longer voyages. You can also choose individual beverage, dining or internet packages if you don't need the extra amenities or features of the bundled options.

Compare Azamara cruises on GoToSea.

Virgin Voyages

Courtesy of Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages' four superyacht-inspired ships are designed with adults in mind and feature 1,330 cabins (most with balconies) and 78 RockStar Quarters suites, where guests have access to Richard's Rooftop, an exclusive outdoor deck space. Pricing with the adults-only cruise line includes stateroom or suite accommodations and meals at more than 20 eateries serving up international cuisine and dishes created by Michelin-starred chefs. Guests also have access to complimentary Wi-Fi; unlimited group exercise classes; nonalcoholic drinks such as water, tea and coffee; and plenty of lively entertainment.

Virgin does not offer beverage packages, but the line at times advertises special promotions that include voyage credits to cover expenses like airfare and drinks. Shore excursions and spa treatments – including skin care offerings on board Scarlet Lady in partnership with Jennifer Lopez, Virgin's chief entertainment and lifestyle officer – are some of the additional expenses not covered in the base fare.

Find a Virgin Voyages deal on GoToSea.

Add-on Packages and All-Inclusive Fares

These five cruise lines offer basic cruise fares that cover accommodations and some amenities – and you can typically find special pricing and promotional deals throughout the year.

With the optional packages, guests can create a mostly all-inclusive voyage with bundles of add-on extras, such as shore excursions, beverage packages, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, gratuities or shipboard credit to cover miscellaneous personal expenses such as spa treatments or a bottle of wine for a special celebration.

Oceania Cruises

Oceania's eight small luxury ships carry between 648 and 1,238 guests. The line's newest ship – Vista , the first Allura Class vessel – debuted in Rome in May 2023. The beautifully appointed vessel features four new dining concepts, spacious standard staterooms at 290-plus square feet in size, new Concierge Level veranda accommodations for solo cruisers, an elevated mixology program and more.

Oceania's culinary program is touted by the line as "The Finest Cuisine at Sea" under the tutelage of Jacques Pépin, executive culinary director and master chef. Complimentary specialty dining is included in cruise fares on Oceania sailings. Pricing also covers airfare, still and sparkling water, specialty teas and coffees, soft drinks, and Wi-Fi on the ship.

Oceania's "OLife Choice" package provides additional value to your cruise with 2-for-1 cruise fares, free round-trip airfare and airport transfers – plus one free amenity you'll choose out of eight complimentary shore excursions, a beverage package or up to $800 in shipboard credit.

Explore Oceania Cruises on GoToSea.

Celebrity Cruises

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity offers special rates and packages throughout the year that save money over a la carte pricing – and elevate your onboard experience to be more inclusive. You'll be able to access the best deal on the added perks if you book the upgraded package before you sail, saving up to 40 to 50 percent of the actual cost.

The line's "All-Included" package bundles the most popular add-ons for cruisers: a standard beverage package for alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, unlimited basic Wi-Fi, and gratuities for the staff and crew. Pricing depends on the stateroom or suite category and sailing.

There are other options when booking a cruise with Celebrity to create a more upscale and all-inclusive experience. Guests staying in all-suite The Retreat have exclusive access to a sundeck (on select ships), a lounge and Luminae – a private restaurant that features Global Culinary Ambassador Daniel Boulud at the helm. Guests of The Retreat booking the "All-Included" package receive a premium beverage package, premium unlimited Wi-Fi, gratuities and an onboard credit.

If you book AquaClass accommodations, you'll also have access to complimentary amenities and perks, such as unlimited access to the SEA Thermal Suite, discounts on spa treatment packages and complimentary fitness classes. In addition, you'll also find a bottle of sparkling wine upon arrival (by request) and two bottles of water refreshed daily in your room. AquaClass guests also have exclusive access to the restaurant Blu. You can add the "All-Included" package to your booking, which will include the Classic Drinks Package, basic Wi-Fi and gratuities.

Passengers who want to book this "All-Included" package and are sharing a stateroom or suite will need to book the same package.

Compare Celebrity Cruises on GoToSea.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian also offers promotional fares and special deals throughout the year that feature similar amenities and perks to what you'll find on an all-inclusive cruise. The "Free at Sea" deal bundles discounts on the cruise, free specialty dining, unlimited open bar privileges, shore excursion credits, savings on Wi-Fi access, discounts on the third and fourth guests in the stateroom, and a 2-for-1 deal on airfare.

"Free at Sea Plus" takes the package up a notch with a more comprehensive beverage selection, including top-shelf cocktails, Champagne by the glass, bottles of select premium wines at dinner and signature Starbucks coffee drinks. This option also includes unlimited Wi-Fi, additional nights of specialty dining and shore excursions.

Prices for both packages on Norwegian Cruise Line will depend on the dates, length and destination of the cruise.

Book a Norwegian Cruise Line cruise on GoToSea.

Holland America Line

Courtesy of Holland America Line

Holland America Line's "Have It All Premium Cruise Package" is available to book for cruises six days or longer, excluding the line's Grand Voyages. The benefits vary depending on the length of the trip but include credits for shore excursions; the Signature Beverage Package; specialty dining at Tamarind, Pinnacle Grill or Canaletto; and a Wi-Fi Surf Package. The cost starts at $50 a day per person. 

An early booking bonus for this package includes an Elite Beverage Package upgrade, covered crew appreciation charges and a premium Wi-Fi upgrade. Holland America has other special promotions throughout the year. One of these is an early booking bonus of up to $400 in onboard credit per stateroom for Mariner Society members.

Find Holland America deals on GoToSea.

Princess Cruises

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

"Princess Plus" and "Princess Premier" packages offer guests two options to upgrade their onboard amenities from the standard Princess Cruises plan, which covers accommodations, dining, entertainment and the line's signature MedallionClass experience.

"Princess Plus" perks include a beverage package with drinks up to $15 each, Wi-Fi on one device per guest, gratuities for the crew, two premium desserts a day (think hazelnut gelato at the onboard gelateria), two fitness classes per cruise (such as Pure Barre or YogaSix) and unlimited trips to the juice bar. The cost is $60 per day per person for this middle-tier package.

Additional benefits of the highest-tier option, at $80 per person per day, include the Premier Beverage Package, which covers drinks up to $20 each, and Wi-Fi for up to four devices per guest. Other features of the "Princess Premier" upgrade are two specialty meals, a photo package, Princess Prizes, reserved theater seating and a Medallion accessory.

Explore Princess Cruises on GoToSea.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed to destinations around the globe on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, luxury yachts and traditional masted sailing ships. Most recently, she traveled on a small expedition vessel in Antarctica and crossed the notorious Drake Passage twice. She covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications, including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best Kids Sail Free Cruises
• First-Time Cruise Tips: Mistakes to Avoid
• Bucket List Cruises for Seniors and Retirees
• The Best Cruise Insurance Policies
• Cruise vs. All-Inclusive Resort: Which One Is Right for You?

Top All-Inclusive Family Resorts

Tags: Travel , Cruises

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Last-Minute All-Inclusive Cruises

H aven’t quite gotten over the winter blues? Throw caution to the wind and embark on a last-minute all-inclusive cruise adventure! Find unbeatable deals and new experiences by taking a trip on the open ocean. Discover delicious cuisine and all-inclusive amenities aboard a luxurious cruise ship. Meet new people or have an unbelievable time with your loved ones. Here’s what you’ll find when searching for last-minute cruises.

The Advantages of Last-Minute All-Inclusive Cruises

1. unbeatable deals.

One of the most enticing aspects of last-minute all-inclusive cruises is the potential for unbeatable deals. As departure dates draw near, cruise lines often reduce prices to fill remaining cabins. This opens up opportunities for savvy travelers to enjoy luxurious voyages at a fraction of the original cost. The spontaneity of last-minute bookings can lead to surprising affordability, making cruising accessible to a wider range of individuals.

2. Flexibility in Itineraries

Last-minute cruises offer a level of flexibility that appeals to those with unpredictable schedules or a desire to explore without a set plan. After all, living on a schedule can be tiresome after a while. With numerous cruise itineraries available, ranging from tropical paradises to historic European cities, spontaneous travelers can choose from a variety of destinations that match their interests.

3. Avoiding Overplanning Stress

Planning a vacation can sometimes be stressful, with detailed itineraries, accommodation arrangements, and sightseeing plans. Last-minute all-inclusive cruises, however, eliminate the need for extensive pre-trip planning. This reduces pressure on travelers trying to save money while also trying to get the most out of their time off.  And for retirees, this makes for a more relaxing experience overall.

Where to Find Last-Minute Cruise Deals

Several cruise lines are known for offering attractive last-minute cruise deals to fill remaining cabins. Keep in mind that availability can vary based on the specific cruise, departure date, and destination. Here are some popular cruise lines that often provide last-minute deals.

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean frequently offers last-minute cruise deals on a variety of itineraries. Last-minute cruise deals include a three-night trip from Florida to the Bahamas for under $300 or a 13-night cruise from Barcelona for under $500. The all-inclusive cruise features free dining options, free activities, and other amenities.

Carnival Cruise

Carnival is known for its fun and lively atmosphere. It also offers a ton of excellent last-minute cruise deals, including a 4-Day Baja Mexico cruise from Long Beach, California for under $250 and a 3-day getaway from Brisbane, Australia.

Princess Cruises

With a reputation for a more refined experience, Princess Cruises may offer last-minute promotions. Keep an eye on their website or work with travel agencies that specialize in cruise deals. It’s a particularly popular option if you are looking for an Alaskan cruise.

Unbeatable deals and new experiences await aboard a last-minute all-inclusive cruise. Save time and money by booking a trip with any one of the cruises mentioned above. You can also search for deals using travel booking websites like Expedia, Vacations to Go, or Cruises.com, where you’ll find specials throughout the year. Finally, consider booking off-peak season to save even more money. Happy voyages!

Celebrity Cruises drink packages: Cost, inclusions and what to know before you buy

Celebrity Cruises drink packages give you the freedom to enjoy both alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages during your cruise without worrying about the tab. Adding a beverage package to your cruise moves your vacation one step closer to an all-inclusive experience that stops the day-to-day nickel and diming for every soda, bottle of water and glass of wine.

But drink packages can get a bit confusing. Do you save money with a package, or should you stick to ordering and paying for drinks one at a time? Which drink package is part of the "All Included" cabin pricing, and is that option your best bet?

These are just a few of the questions new Celebrity cruisers (and even some veterans of the line) often ask when it comes time to consider buying a drink package for their cruise.

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In an effort to simplify choices, Celebrity Cruises offers just three beverage packages, including a Zero-Proof package for nonalcoholic drinks. To help you decide which (if any) package suits your needs and those of your travel companions, I've dug through the details and tested some of the options. Here's what you need to know before you buy.

What's included in a Celebrity drink package?

Celebrity Cruises' three drink packages include the Zero Proof, Classic and Premium drink packages. All of the beverage package options include bottled water (usually served in aluminum bottles to reduce single-use plastics on board), specialty coffees and teas, soft drinks and mocktails.

Your drinks may be ordered from any bar, restaurant or bar server in public areas, such as pools or entertainment venues. The packages are also valid for use on private islands like Labadee and Perfect Day at CocoCay .

With a few exceptions, each package builds on the previous (lower-priced) package. Here is what's included in each Celebrity cruise drink package.

Zero Proof (aka nonalcoholic) drink package

Celebrity offers one package for nonalcoholic beverages. It does not offer separate water-only or soda-only packages as some cruise lines do. Those drinks are included in the Zero Proof package. (You might see this package listed as either Zero Proof or Nonalcoholic on the Celebrity website and app.)

As we said before, all Celebrity drink packages include premium coffees and teas like those served at Cafe al Bacio and mocktails. The Zero Proof package also includes drinks such as Red Bull, Vitamin Water, fresh juices and smoothies at The Spa Cafe and premium waters like San Pellegrino or Evian.

This package is ideal for those who drink few, if any, alcoholic drinks, but need their morning latte or down several glasses of sparkling water or soda daily. Plus, you can enjoy vacation splurges like smoothies or frozen mocktails.

Related: The ultimate guide to Celebrity Cruises ships and itineraries

Classic drink package

The Classic drink package includes most of the nonalcoholic drinks available in the Zero Proof package, except the specialty brands like Red Bull and premium waters. You'll get all beer, wine by the glass, spirits, cocktails and liqueurs priced at $10 or less. Additionally, you get a 15% discount off all bottles of wine, which you can enjoy anywhere on board, including in your cabin.

Examples of drinks that are part of the Classic drink package are beers like Sam Adams, Corona, Coors and Alaska Brewing beers on Alaska cruises. Wines will vary depending on the location of your cruise.

Most cocktails are included in the package. They will be made from non-premium brand ingredients. Liqueurs included in the package are those with lower price tags. Think Kahlua, but not Bailey's Irish Cream or Grand Marnier.

You can still order drinks that are over the $10 limit imposed by the package. You'll simply pay the difference between the $10 limit and the cost of the drink. Some cruisers on social media have said they found it necessary on some sailings to say the word "classic" when ordering drinks in order to avoid being served a premium drink and having an upcharge apply.

Celebrity Cruises' Classic package works for most drinkers who plan to consume several drinks each day. It will cover bottled water you can take into port with you to stay hydrated during excursions and sodas for lunch while providing for most of your beer, wine and spirits needs. If you decide you want a different beer or a cocktail with a call liquor, just pay the difference.

Premium drink package

Celebrity's Premium drink package moves the price limit per drink to $17, which covers almost anything you'd drink on board other than higher-priced wines or a few of the pricier spirits. Premium brand waters and Red Bull are available in this package. You'll also have a 20% discount on bottled wine available to use, which can absolutely make a difference in your evening wine selections.

Examples of beverages available in this package are beers like Blue Moon, Guinness and Grolsch. Wines by the glass in the package are a step above those found in the Classic package and include Champagnes. Cocktails are made from premium spirits such as Crown Royal, Grey Goose, Bombay Sapphire and Patron Silver. The list of brandies and liqueurs expands considerably.

Many Celebrity cruisers have found it necessary to order their drinks specifically as "premium" beverages or to order by brand to avoid getting drinks made with the cheapest liquors.

The Premium package is perfect for cruisers who don't want to make money decisions when ordering a drink. If I want a shot of Godiva poured over my late-night ice cream, I don't really want to stop and wonder if it's included in my package.

Related: 8 best drinks to order with a cruise ship beverage package (and 3 to avoid)

Drink package fine print

Packages do not include beverages ordered from room service, bought in onboard gift shops or consumed from the minibar in your cabin.

There are no daily limits on how many drinks you can have on a Celebrity Cruises drink package, but you can only order one drink at a time. The exception to that is that you can usually request a bottle of water at the same time you order an alcoholic drink.

The drink packages with alcohol come with a caveat — all passengers of legal drinking age in a cabin must buy the same package. So, if your roomie prefers premium spirits, you must also buy the premium package. Non-drinkers can request an exemption from the alcoholic packages but must purchase the Zero Proof package instead.

Related: The 4 types of Celebrity Cruises ships, explained

What do Celebrity drink packages cost?

Now that you know what you can drink with each package, let's break down the costs.

The cruise line has a stated (pre-tip) price for its drink packages that include alcohol: $89 per person, per day for the Classic package and $109 per person, per day for the Premium package. However, that price fluctuates with demand. You can expect to pay more during holiday sailings and spring break. The flip side is that the cruise line frequently offers special pricing that lowers the cost.

Here are the ranges of what a Celebrity drink package costs. The lowest prices are based on previous sales.

• Zero Proof drink package: $30 per person, per day ($36 with gratuity)
• Classic drink package: $35 to $89 per person, per day ($42 to $106.80 with gratuity)
• Premium drink package: $56 to $129 per person, per day ($67.20 to $154.80 with gratuity)

The gratuity is 20% and is added when you purchase the package. That eliminates any additional tip on individual drink orders unless you want to tip extra.

Related: Are cruise line drinks packages worth the price? What to know before you buy

Now, let's complicate the whole decision-making process by factoring in Celebrity's "All Included" fares .

During the booking process, after you've selected your cabin, you'll be offered an opportunity to upgrade your cruise with an All Included package that adds the Classic drink package and basic Wi-Fi for each guest in the room. It pays to compare the non-upgrade price to the upgrade, then divide the difference by the number of nights and the number of people in the cabin.

I recently found All Included upgrade prices as low as $35 per person, per night, which makes the drink package less than half price and Wi-Fi free. Once you have the Classic package in place through the All-In add-on, you can easily upgrade to the Premium drink package if you prefer.

While the listed upgrade price is $20 per person, per night, I've heard from multiple cruisers that the upgrade is sometimes offered as low as $6.99 per person, per night, making that a bargain as well. Don't forget the 20% gratuity per person, per night, that's tacked onto the price.

Related: 7 extra-charge items on cruise ships that are worth the cost (and 7 that aren't)

The best times to buy a Celebrity drink package

You can buy your drink package as soon as you book your cruise, or you can wait until you are on board. Which is the better plan?

If your cruise is leaving within the next few months, it's probably best to go ahead and lock in the price — unless Black Friday happens to fall between purchase and the start of the cruise. Celebrity Black Friday deals on drink packages have historically been the lowest prices available all year.

The $35 per person, per night upgrade to All Included to get the Classic drink package in my example above was during the Black Friday Kickoff sale, a full two weeks before actual Black Friday.

The Celebrity drink package that fluctuates most in price is the Premium package, so it always pays to buy it pre-cruise. Advance prices are at least 5% lower online or in the cruise line app before embarkation day.

The key to getting the best deal, either through the All Included package or buying the drink package pre-cruise, is to do the math to break down the cost per person, per night. That way, you're always comparing apples to apples, despite BOGO deals or percentages off.

Is a Celebrity drink package worth it?

It's time to get down to whether you are saving money with these packages or whether that even matters to you. Let's look at each package again to see how much you need to consume to break even.

This one is pretty easy to break even on. Specialty coffees average around $6 but can run as much as $10 each. Sodas are $3; water is $3-$5, depending on the brand; mocktails and smoothies are $9. One coffee to start your day, a smoothie or fresh juice with breakfast, two bottles of water for hydration, a soda with lunch, a mocktail by the pool, and another soda during the evening, and you're up to $40 per day.

Daily consumption on this package might start out similar to the sample list on the Zero Proof package: specialty coffee each morning, bottled water and soda throughout the day and maybe a smoothie. But then you'd need to drink six or more cocktails (which start at $9), beers ($6.50 to $10) or glasses of wine ($8-10) to hit the $89 base price of this package.

At the regular price, you'd either need to drink a lot of alcohol every day to break even, or really lean into the nonalcoholic beverages if you can't handle that much liquor daily. Obviously, if you can find a discounted package, you'll break even more easily. For Celebrity's Classic package to make sense, you should either be someone who enjoys a large number of drinks or who cares less about breaking even and more about creating a low-stress, more inclusive cruise experience.

The most expensive package is clearly for those who prefer premium brands in their drinks. If you're a top-shelf drinker, you won't have much difficulty consuming enough to make this package a value proposition.

This package is included with suites in The Retreat and is an easy upgrade for those who choose the All-In fares. In talking to cruisers who prefer this package, I found that many of them choose it simply to enjoy Celebrity's popular Martini Bar, which has a drink menu with almost all drinks over the $10 limit imposed by the Classic package.

As you consider which package works best for your drinking habits, be sure to factor in the ports and the itinerary as a whole. Sea days tend to be higher drink consumption days, so a seven-night cruise with two sea days may bump up your needs a bit. Stops at private islands may mean even higher consumption because you're away from the air-conditioning for much of the day. Cruises in warm weather areas like the Caribbean will increase your thirst overall.

Itineraries that might reduce consumption would be cool climate cruises and port-intensive European cruises, where you might find yourself drinking local beverages more often than not. In those cases, your onboard drinking could drop to levels below the point at which packages are cost-effective unless you get a bargain price.

Related: How to get free or cheap drinks on a cruise

Other factors to consider before you buy a Celebrity drink package

A couple of other factors could influence your drink needs and decision to buy a drink package or not.

The first is to remember that Celebrity does offer free beverage options. The tap water on board is drinkable; bring your own refillable bottle, and you won't need to purchase bottles of water. The buffet area and all restaurants offer free drip coffee, iced tea, hot tea, hot cocoa, milk, lemonade and punch.

Plus, each cruiser is allowed to bring up to 12 cans of nonalcoholic drinks on board on embarkation day. You can also bring a can or two back from ports with you. Your cabin attendant can keep you stocked with ice and glassware in your cabin.

You can also bring one bottle of wine per person on board on embarkation day. There is a corkage fee for opening it in a restaurant, but none if you open it and keep it in your cabin.

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

If you're happy with these free options, supplemented by a couple of extra-fee drinks per day, you might save more by purchasing drinks a la carte versus splurging on a drink package.

You should also look at your loyalty status in Celebrity's Captain's Club . Starting with their second cruise, all members get one complimentary specialty coffee per cruise when dining in a specialty restaurant. So don't count that coffee in your decision.

All members also get a discount on bottles of wine. The discount starts at 10% for the newest members, then goes to 15% for Select members and 20% for Elite and up. That pretty much nullifies the benefit included in the packages for everyone with status.

The good news, though, is that all members get a discount on the pre-cruise purchase of any drink package — 10% for the bottom two tiers, 15% for Elite members and 20% for Elite Plus. Zenith members are entitled to complimentary drink packages. Captain's Club members can also access discounts on pre-cruise purchases of drink package upgrades for those who opt for the All Included fares.

Even better news is that Elite members and up drink free at most bars between 5 and 7 p.m., the official Captain's Club cocktail hour. You aren't limited to sitting at one bar, but you are limited to the choices on a special menu. It's possible to grab a glass of wine or a cocktail on your way to dinner and another on your way to a show.

The final factor might be a big one for some people. Celebrity supplies free drinks (alcoholic and non) for anyone actively playing in the casino . The caveats are that you can't get these free drinks from the bar, and catching a server in a busy casino can be challenging.

The advice I got from serious casino players is to tip the server a buck or two with every drink they bring to keep the service and the drinks coming all cruise. If you plan to spend hours in the casino, a drink package might not be necessary.

Bottom line: Is a Celebrity drink package right for you?

Now that you have all the details, you can decide, based on your consumption habits, whether a package is right for you. If you know you'll be drinking four or five drinks per day, plus bottled water, sodas and a smoothie now and then and don't gamble much or have loyalty status, you're likely to at least break even on a package.

Some people prefer to pay as you go. You can see each purchase in the cruise line app. If you go on a bender one night, it's easy to cut back your drink purchases the next night. Not having a package is a good choice for those who are either budgeting their money or dialing back their alcohol or calorie consumption.

The grayest area tends to be for those with Elite or Elite Plus status who also gamble. You might save money by simply bringing some of your own drinks on board and a refillable water bottle.

My own experience on a recent cruise was that the Elite happy hour drinks, along with a drink now and then in the casino, were enough for me. My husband played Blackjack for long hours and had a steady stream of his favorite beverages each night at no charge.

You can also look at drink packages from the point of view that it's simply another part of your vacation enjoyment. The three Celebrity drink packages make it simple for those who want an all-inclusive vibe on their cruise. If skimping and fretting over the cost of every latte or bottle of water isn't how you roll, pick the Zero Proof package if you don't drink alcohol, the Classic package if you aren't picky about your alcohol or the Premium package if you are.

The bottom line is that the packages aren't for everyone. Some like to splurge on other aspects of their cruise by saving on drinks. Others prefer a more complete bill for their vacation paid upfront, including all the drinks they could imagine served at their every whim.

Either way, you'll find a wide range of drink options, both alcoholic and non, from morning to the wee hours of the night. These are part of what makes a cruise vacation fun, no matter how you choose to pay for them.

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See inside a new ultra-luxury river cruise line that's charging up to $59,520 per person

• Newcomer Riverside Luxury Cruises wants to break into the growing river cruise market.
• The ultra-luxury cruise line  operates former Crystal ships in popular European rivers like the Danube.
• Riverside's 2024 cruises start at $1,055 per person for four days.

A new ultra-luxury cruise line wants to be the swankiest travel-by-river vacation option.

To do so, it's enticing cruisers with truffle-infused butter, $320-per-person dinners, and butlers that can be beckoned with a simple WhatsApp message.

Affluent travelers , meet Riverside Luxury Cruises.

The budding company first set sail in March 2023. With a year of service under its belt, its three ships are now sailing some of Europe's most popular rivers — starting at more than $260 per person per day.

Riverside is operated by Seaside Collection, a European hotelier.

The firm had its sights set on a river cruise venture since 2018, Jen Halboth, CEO of Riverside Luxury Cruises, told Business Insider.

Ironically, COVID-19 was the reason it got into the business.

Crystal Cruises declared bankruptcy in early 2022 amid the pandemic. Shortly after, Seaside purchased and updated five of the then-defunct cruise line's ships.

Three of these vessels now make up Riverside's fleet. The other two are being leased to competitor Uniworld River Cruises.

River cruising has become increasingly popular as wealthy travelers gravitate to ultra-luxury small-ship vacations.

River cruise ships are much smaller than their behemoth ocean-based counterparts, allowing Riverside to sail in waterways like Europe's Rhine, Rhone, Danube, Main, Moselle, and Saône rivers.

Along the way, guests can explore destinations many giant ships can't easily access — like Budapest, Hungary; Frankfurt, Germany; and Amsterdam — sometimes visiting more than one port in a day.

One of Riverside's shortest and cheapest 2024 voyages starts at $1,055 per person for a four-day Danube River cruise from Passau, Germany, to Vienna.

Alcohol and excursion packages can tack on an extra $75 to $175 per person per night.

Looking to ball out? The most expensive and longest itinerary is $59,521 per person for a three-river, 22-day cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest, Hungary, in the most expensive suite with the most inclusive package.

To compare, the cheapest 2024 voyage with all-inclusive luxury competitor Uniworld River Cruises starts at $2,000 per person for an eight-day Danube River sailing.

River cruisers tend to be over the age of 55.

But the new company is targeting guests 45 years old and older, specifically those who frequent luxury vacations but have yet to try a river cruise.

"New luxury travelers want to be pampered, get off and have an adventure, and come back and be taken care of," the cruise line's CEO said.

"Pampering” they will get.

Of Riverside's three ships, the 394-foot-long, 74-foot-wide Mozart can accommodate the most guests — up to 162, not including the 82 crew.

Yes, it's larger than Uniworld's ships, which range from 32 to 159 guests. But it's also significantly smaller than Royal Caribbean's new 9,950-person Icon of the Seas ocean vessel.

Like most cruise liners, Riverside's three ships have spas, buffets, and plush lounges and bars.

During the day, travelers can enjoy lunch at the open-air grill and relax to live music courtesy of Steinway and Bösendorfer pianos, no less.

At night, they can dine on a seven-course meal at the 295 euros ($320) per-person Vintage Room.

Riverside’s ships have up to 5 restaurants. Vintage Room is the only specialty option.

The cost to dine includes a wine pairing and plates like veal with truffle and chanterelle mushrooms and "surf and turf" with beef sirloin and scallops.

But don't expect a lackluster, rushed meal at the other complimentary options: "This is not a churn-and-burn," the company's CEO said of the ships' Waterside restaurants. "You come in for fine dining."

Infused, whipped butter is apparently one of Riverside's hottest commodities.

Sometimes, it has chiles. Other times, it's infused with citrus. If you're lucky, you'll get one with truffles.

"People were raving about our butter," Halboth said. "Everyone's waiting to see what butter they'll get at dinner each night."

Need to sleep off all that dairy? You're in luck. Every cabin has a king bed.

Riverside's suites range from 194 to 883 square-feet. These high-end cabins include butler service, stocked mini-bars, and espresso machines.

Some suites also have double-sink vanities and walk-in closets, a hallmark of an ultra-luxury cruise vessel .

Does Riverside’s more than $260 per person, per day fare seem reasonable now?

If yes, book soon. It'll only get more expensive from here.

These fares don't offset the amount Riverside is spending on amenities like the upscale food, according to Halboth. To make up for these expenditures, the cruise line plans to raise its prices gradually over the next two years.

The company's CEO said bookings have been 'a little lighter' since the start of 2024.

But the back half of the year is "filling up" thanks to Americans: About 70 to 80% of its guests are from North America, the company said.

Riverside will operate its Mozart, Ravel, and Debussy ships for three years as it 'hones the brand,' Halboth said.

The cruise line's two additional vessels would join its fleet in the next few years.

Given the growing popularity of river cruises , it's a good time for companies like Riverside to start expanding.

However, it could face plenty of incoming competition.

Jamie Loizou, the UK managing director of luxury river cruise line AmaWaterways, is forecasting 2024 as a "pivotal" year for the river cruise industry, noting that 15 new river-based vessels are expected to launch this year, Cruise Critic reported .

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