saga cruises drinks package

Is it cheaper to buy a drinks package on board? Here's what cruise passengers should know.

A latte in the morning here, a piña colada by the pool there. On a cruise, ordering drinks can rack up a steep bill before you know it.

Though beverages like water, regular coffee, iced tea and lemonade are generally included in cruise fares, others cost extra. That’s where drink packages come in handy.

The optional add-ons broaden the range of beverages you can order without worrying about incurring charges each time. But they aren’t always worth it, and it can be cheaper to quench your thirst a la carte.

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“What I tell clients is: Do the math on it,” said Rusty Pickett, a travel adviser and owner of Shellback Cruises.

What do cruise drink packages include?

“Each cruise line has a different package system,” Pickett said. The packages typically range from more limited soda or coffee packages to those that cover a wide range of alcohol and other drinks.

Carnival offers a Bottomless Bubbles package that includes sodas and juice. The line’s Cheers! package includes those, plus spirits, beer and wine by the glass priced at $20 or less, specialty coffee and more (guests can order only one drink at a time and are limited to 15 alcoholic drinks in 24 hours). Carnival also offers wine-specific packages. 

Be sure to read the fine print, too, because there are often restrictions. On Royal Caribbean International ships, for example, beverage packages exclude drinks served in licensed Starbucks stores.

How much do cruise drink packages cost?

Beverage packages are typically priced per person, per day and sold for the duration of a cruise. Starting prices vary but can range from $10 to $15 for soda and specialty coffee packages to upward of $100 for those that include alcohol. Pickett also noted that a number of lines have raised drink package prices in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The aforementioned Cheers!, Carnival's most comprehensive package, starts at $59.95 per person, per day, while the Bottomless Bubbles package starts at $6.95 for kids and $9.50 for adults. During a recent cruise on the line’s newest ship, Jubilee , cocktails at new venues Dr.Inks, Ph.D., and The Golden Mermaid were priced at $14 a la carte, plus an 18% gratuity charge. Beverage packages generally include gratuities, Pickett said.

The most I racked up in a single day on Jubilee – for two lattes at the ship's JavaBlue Cafe and Marina Bar; two bottles of water in my stateroom; and one cocktail at the Marina Bar that night (plus additional gratuities I added) – was $34.86.

“When (clients) want to talk it through, it's usually about how much you drink per day,” said Valerie Dorsey, a franchise owner and travel adviser at Cruise Planners. “And if you're only going to have one or two drinks, even at $15 a drink, it's still cheaper than buying a $100-a-day package.”

Mainstream cruise lines may offer lower prices if guests purchase a package advance, according to Dorsey (luxury lines tend to include more in their fares, including drinks). Operators may also bundle them as part of other offers.

Even if not for cost savings, Pickett and Dorsey both said some travelers are drawn to drink packages for the convenience. “They're willing to pay money for not being nickeled-and-dimed when they go up to the bar,” Pickett said.

Does everyone in the cabin need to get the drink package?

Often, all guests of legal drinking age in the same stateroom are required to purchase a drink package if any guest in the cabin buys one, including the Cheers! package and Royal Caribbean's Deluxe Beverage Package .

Can I buy a drink package midcruise?

Even if you don't buy a drink package beforehand, you're not out of luck. Passengers may be able to buy them after they board, depending on when they make the purchase.

Royal Caribbean, for instance, sells drink packages on the first or second day of cruises four nights or longer; for sailings three nights or less, they're sold only on the first day. Celebrity Cruises (also part of Royal Caribbean Group), meanwhile, sells them up until three days before the end of a cruise.

Prices would be prorated on a per-day basis.

Can I bring my own drinks on a cruise?

Yes, depending on what it is. Beer and hard liquor are not allowed , but guests can bring wine or champagne to enjoy during their sailing – though Dorsey warned they will probably have to pay a corkage fee if they want to drink them outside their cabin.

For example, Princess Cruises charges $20 “should guests wish to consume their wine or champagne in the ship’s public areas,” according to its passage contract.

Guests may also be able to bring non-alcoholic drinks like bottled water, sodas and milk, but policies vary by line.

Dorsey also noted that if guests don’t mind going without espresso-based drinks or cocktails, they can opt not to buy a drink package at all. “I say to clients, ‘You don't have to put up extra money on a cruise if you don't want to.’ ”

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is it cheaper to buy a drinks package on board? Here's what cruise passengers should know.

• Saga Cruises

Premium Drinks Package - Wine ?

By wowzz , March 4, 2022 in Saga Cruises

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I'm aware that the Premium drinks package allows you to select from a better selection of spirits, liqueurs  etc.

However,  does the same apply to wines, champagnes  etc ?

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Share on other sites.

Windsurfboy

I think my letter said specifically  premium spirits included.

So doubt  wine, which is a pity as we are more wine drinkers than spirits.

4 hours ago, Windsurfboy said: I think my letter said specifically  premium spirits included.   So doubt  wine, which is a pity as we are more wine drinkers than spirits.  

That would be us as well. 

I aporeciate the gesture,  given because we cannot visit SPB, but in effect it is of little value to us.

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Premium Drinks Package - Wine ?

By wowzz , March 4, 2022 in Saga Cruises

Recommended Posts

I'm aware that the Premium drinks package allows you to select from a better selection of spirits, liqueurs  etc.

However,  does the same apply to wines, champagnes  etc ?

Link to comment

Share on other sites.

Windsurfboy

I think my letter said specifically  premium spirits included.

So doubt  wine, which is a pity as we are more wine drinkers than spirits.

4 hours ago, Windsurfboy said: I think my letter said specifically  premium spirits included.   So doubt  wine, which is a pity as we are more wine drinkers than spirits.  

That would be us as well. 

I aporeciate the gesture,  given because we cannot visit SPB, but in effect it is of little value to us.

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in

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MSC Cruises drink packages: Prices, inclusions and how to save money on onboard beverages

A sailaway from port doesn't seem quite as celebratory without a glass of Champagne or cocktail in hand. But if you don't have a drink package for your cruise , ordering these sailaway glasses of bubbly every day — and a glass of wine at lunch and dinner — can add up quickly during a weeklong vacation.

If you're sailing with MSC Cruises , the line offers five options for all-inclusive drink packages, with two for nonalcoholic beverages. If you know you'll be imbibing daily, it might be worth purchasing a drink package rather than buying cocktails a la carte. Also, bottled mineral water, soft drinks, specialty coffees and soft-serve ice cream on some ships (gasp!) are not included in your cruise fare, so you'll have to factor in the additional cost of those beverages — and the beloved frozen treat — along with any alcohol you plan to consume.

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We've broken down the list of MSC Cruises' drink packages to explore which refreshments are (or are not) included and the cost per person, per day. We've also answered the most frequently asked questions to help you determine whether or not a drink package will save you money on your next cruise.

What's included in MSC Cruises' drink packages?

Here are the details of MSC Cruises' five drink packages. If one passenger books a drink package, all guests traveling together in the same cabin and dining at the same table must also book a package. Beverage packages are not transferable, and you cannot use them to buy drinks for friends.

None of the drink packages include items purchased at the signature venues, which include Venchi 1878 (chocolate, coffee and gelato), Lavazza (coffee), Jean Philippe (chocolate, coffee, crepes and gelato), Starship Club (robotic bartender on MSC Virtuosa) and Hola! Tacos & Cantina.

Related: What is the best cruise ship cafe? I spill the tea on the best cups of joe at sea

Minors Package

The Minors Package is for children ages 3 to 17 on European itineraries and ages 3 to 12 in the Caribbean and North America. It must be purchased when underage guests are traveling with adults who've purchased a beverage package.

This package covers a wide variety of nonalcoholic beverages. They include mocktails, fresh fruit and protein cocktails, energy drinks, flavored water, sodas by the glass or bottle, hot beverages (think regular coffee and tea) and soft-serve ice cream. (Note that soft-serve ice cream is complimentary only on MSC ships sailing from the U.S.)

Related: Which cruise ice cream is the best? I ate dozens of scoops to find out

Guests can use the package to purchase drinks in the self-service buffet; the main restaurant; on Ocean Cay , the line's private island; and at bars on the ship. Kids can only use the package in the specialty restaurants if the adults traveling with them have purchased an Easy Plus or Premium Extra package.

Alcohol-Free Package

The Alcohol-Free Package includes the same beverages as the Minors Package, but it's available to purchase for adults (or anyone 13 and older in the Caribbean and North America).

The same restrictions apply regarding where you can (and cannot) use the package on and off the ship.

Easy Package

MSC's Easy Package offers both alcoholic and nonalcoholic options for adult passengers. The list of covered beverages includes select classic or international cocktails; a variety of spirits (vodka, gin, rum, tequila, brandy and whisky); house wines (white, red, rose and sparkling); Heineken on draft or in the bottle (the brand of beer may vary); nonalcoholic cocktails and mixed drinks; fountain or canned soft drinks; fruit juices by the glass or in the bottle; bottled mineral water; and hot drinks such as espressos, cappuccinos, lattes, hot tea and hot chocolate.

You can use the package in the bars, the main restaurant and the buffet, and on Ocean Cay, but not in the specialty restaurants or signature venues.

Easy Plus Package

The next upgrade in MSC Cruises' drink packages is the Easy Plus option, which covers drinks up to $10. The included beverages with the package are a selection of classic and frozen cocktails; protein shakes and fresh fruit cocktails; well spirits, liqueurs and cordials; a variety of bottled and draught beers; mocktails and all nonalcoholic beverages; bottled mineral water; and the hot drinks included in the Easy Package mentioned above.

The Easy Plus Package also provides a selection of wines by the glass and a 10% discount on bottles of wine. You can use this package in the main restaurant, at the bars, in the buffet, on Ocean Cay and in the specialty dining venues. It is not available to use in the signature venues.

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

Premium Extra Package

If you enjoy Champagne, fine wines and premium spirits, you'll want to splurge on MSC's Premium Extra Package for your cruise vacation.

This package covers drinks up to $16; a wide selection of international and premium cocktails; mocktails and nonalcoholic drinks; premium spirits, liqueurs and cordials; fresh fruit and protein cocktails; a wide variety of draft and bottled beers; bottled mineral water; and classic or specialty hot drinks (Irish coffee, anyone?).

You can also purchase bottles of wine and Champagne at a 25% discount and order fine wines and Champagne by the glass (up to $16). You can use the package everywhere except for the signature venues.

If you've reserved accommodations in the MSC Yacht Club, the line's ship-within-a-ship private enclave, you will automatically receive the Premium Extra Package as part of your cruise fare. You may use it to purchase beverages at the Top Sail Lounge and exclusive restaurant in the Yacht Club and at any of the complimentary or specialty dining venues around the ship.

What are the MSC drink package prices?

MSC's package pricing is based on the length of the cruise, with longer voyages having a lower price per day. You'll save at least 15% on the price if you purchase the package online before your cruise rather than on board. (The current prices listed below come in at even higher savings.) All gratuities are included in the prices.

The following package prices are per person, per day.

• Advance purchase: One- to six-night cruise, $21; seven-night or longer cruise, $19
• Onboard purchase: One- to six-night cruise, $25; seven-night or longer cruise, $22
• Advance purchase: One- to six-night cruise, $30; seven-night or longer cruise, $28
• Onboard purchase: One- to six-night cruise, $35; seven-night or longer cruise, $33
• Advance purchase: One- to six-night cruise, $49; seven-night or longer cruise, $46
• Onboard purchase: One- to six-night cruise, $60; seven-night or longer cruise, $57
• Advance purchase: One- to six-night cruise, $64; seven-night or longer cruise, $61
• Onboard purchase: One- to six-night cruise, $76; seven-night or longer cruise, $72
• Advance purchase: One- to six-night cruise, $88; seven-night or longer cruise, $85
• Onboard purchase: One- to six-night cruise, $104; seven-night or longer cruise, $100

You can also take advantage of MSC's special promotions on select sailings that include a beverage package. For example, a current promotion online has 40% off cruise fares and includes a drink package (the Easy Plus Package), Wi-Fi and up to $400 of onboard credit per cabin, depending on the category booked. You can upgrade the drink package before you sail (at a discounted price) or once on board the ship for full price.

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

MSC cruise drink packages FAQ

What happens if I want to purchase a drink that costs more than the package allowance price?

If you want to order a cocktail, glass of wine or spirit that's not included in the package you've purchased, you will only pay the difference in price between the package allowance and the price of your beverage.

Are the drink offerings the same on all MSC Cruises?

You'll find a variety in the selection of beverages and ingredients used to make cocktails, depending on the destination of your MSC cruise and the time of year. If you thoroughly enjoyed one type of wine during your summer cruise in the Mediterranean, you might not be able to order the same wine on board your Caribbean cruise during the holidays.

Related: 17 best cruise ship bars

What is the best time to buy MSC Cruises drink packages?

As I mentioned above, it's best to purchase your drink package online before your cruise for the lowest price. The MSC Cruises website advertises discounts of up to 15% when you purchase in advance of your sailing rather than on board the ship. Once your cruise is booked, you can select the package of your choice for your voyage under the "Manage Your Booking" section.

Are drink packages available on MSC Cruises ships?

Drink packages are available on all MSC Cruises ships, except for vessels sailing to South Africa or China.

Is a drink package included if I book a world cruise?

The line's Dine & Drinks package is included if you're embarking on a world cruise with MSC. The package covers house wines, draft beer, soft drinks and mineral water at the buffet and in the main restaurant during lunch and dinner. This package is only available to guests sailing on the world cruise; it is possible to upgrade the package.

Can you upgrade an MSC Cruises drink package?

Yes, all passengers have the option to upgrade their packages. Before your sailing, upgrades are only available if the package is included in your cruise promotion; the upgrade will be available at a discounted price. Otherwise, you can upgrade your beverage package once you board the ship, but it will be at full price.

Is there a limit on drinks with an MSC Cruises drink package?

The all-inclusive packages do not put a limit on the number of alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, bottled mineral waters or other drinks you can order each day.

Is an MSC Cruises drink package right for you?

If you enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail or aperitif, have a glass of wine (or two) at dinner and possibly even splurge on a chocolate martini for an after-dinner drink at the show, a drink package could be a worthwhile investment for your cruise.

Many people also prefer bottled water over the free water available at the dining venues and lattes or cappuccinos over regular coffee in the morning. If that's you, the cost of the individual nonalcoholic and alcoholic beverages can add up quickly during a weeklong cruise. And you could pay a lot more for purchasing a la carte drinks than you would with a beverage package, especially if you plan on ordering fancy wines and specialty cocktails.

For example, if you're on a four-night cruise, the Easy Plus Package will cost you $64 per person, per day, which includes gratuities, for a total of $208. There is no limit to either the nonalcoholic or alcoholic beverages you consume, so if want one or two lattes to start your day, have a glass of wine and bottled water at lunch and have a few bottled waters by the pool, you're probably already at about half of the daily price (or more) of the package if you were purchasing the items individually.

Add to that a pre-dinner drink, a glass of wine or two at dinner with bottled mineral water, and then maybe a cocktail later in the evening, and you're easily past that $64 per day — and you've had to pay gratuities on the bar bills.

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

An advantage of buying one of the two higher-tier packages is the discount on bottles of wine. If you enjoy ordering bottles of fine wine at dinner, then this could be a plus if you have one of the more expensive packages.

If you're cruising in the Middle East, you should know that MSC Cruises will not serve alcohol due to Saudi law while the ship is docked in a Saudi Arabian port. Alcohol will be served again once the ship is sailing in international waters. But if you have a few days in Saudi Arabia, that's something to consider when purchasing a beverage package.

Bottom line

Doing the math is the best way to determine if a drink package makes sense. If you think you'll want all the beverages that come at an extra cost on the ship, then the best option is to purchase a package pre-cruise online. Buying the package beforehand affords the most significant discount and will save money over waiting to purchase it on board the ship.

Also, if you're traveling with someone in the same cabin (or you plan to dine with them) and they want a drink package, you won't have the choice to purchase a package — you'll have to spring for one, too.

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11 April 2024, 17:09

Saga Launches Full 2025 River Cruise Programme

• Saga’s 2025 river cruises launch with up to 25 per cent discount
• Includes new ship, Spirit of the Moselle , which joins Saga’s river fleet in July 2025
• New options include City Explorer ‘city-break’ style itineraries
• New flights from local airports at no extra cost

Saga, the UK’s leading specialist provider of services and products tailored for people over 50, has launched its full range of Saga River Cruises’ 2025 itineraries, with up to 25 per cent off, offering early bookers the best deals and choice of cabins.

The new programme includes the expansion of Saga’s river cruise collection, with the addition of a new ship, ‘Spirit of the Moselle’, which joins the fleet from July 2025 and which will sail along the Main and Rhine rivers in her first year, through to destinations such as Nuremberg, Frankfurt, Bamberg and the UNESCO-protected Rhine Gorge.

Carrying up to 172 guests, the ship is being built exclusively for Saga guests and comes complete with a wealth of facilities, including speciality dining, a splash pool and 92 comfortable cabins, 73 of which will have a French Balcony, plus a restaurant with panoramic views and a sun deck for the warm weather. Taking similar design cues from her two sister ships, with a focus on bright, spacious surroundings, guests can expect the same high-quality, all-inclusive experience and ‘Spirit’ service that they experience on other Saga cruises.

A typical Spirit of the Moselle itinerary is ‘Gems of the Main River’ , which offers seven nights on board and cruises the Main River stopping to experience the culture and history of the riverside towns and cities along the way.  This includes medieval Nuremberg, a full day in UNESCO-listed Bamberg, an included walking tour of Bavarian Schweinfurt and a full day in Würzburg, with an excursion to visit the Residence Palace, followed by a guided walking tour of the historic centre before exploring the medieval market square of Wertheim and the picturesque cobblestone streets of Miltenberg’s old town. Priced from £1,949 per person, with departure dates between July and October 2025.

Also new for 2025,  Saga’s river cruise guests can fly from their local airport closer to home with no extra supplement to pay on selected cruises, subject to availability. This is in addition to Saga’s existing nationwide chauffeur service which picks guests up from home and takes them to the airport and back home again, for a hassle-free start and end to every cruise.

Other highlights from the 2025 programme include the new ‘city explorer’ itineraries, which have been designed to showcase city style breaks, albeit experienced on a river cruise.

An example of this kind of itinerary is the ‘City Explorer: Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna’ , which offers five nights on board Spirit of the Danube .  The itinerary starts in Vienna, including the Ringstrasse and Opera House during an included tour, then sails overnight to Bratislava for a full day in the historic capital city.  It then continues cruising towards Budapest for an overnight mooring offering plenty of time to uncover the city’s landmark sights.  Priced from £1,559 per person, with departure dates between April and October 2025.

A predicted favourite itinerary for 2025 on board Spirit of the Douro is the ‘Douro Explorer’ , offering seven nights on board.  This cruises along the Douro through Portugal and the vineyard-clad landscapes and traditional towns of the UNESCO-listed Douro Valley, one of the oldest wine-producing regions of the world. Guests will sample regional delicacies and enjoy wine tastings along the way as well as exploring such attractions as the UNESCO-listed city of Salamanca and the medieval town of Figueira Castelo de Rodrigo, visiting the 18th-century Casa de Mateus Palace, plus port wine tasting

in Oporto. Priced from £1,521 per person, with 36 departure dates between March and July 2025.

Saga boutique river cruises offer an all-inclusive experience.  There are no hidden costs on-board either with all dining and house drinks (including selected wines at lunch and dinner, house-branded spirits with mixers, draught lager, and all soft drinks), Wi-Fi, gratuities, sightseeing tours in selected ports, entertainment, luggage porterage and travel insurance also included, as well as the nationwide return shared chauffeur service from home to the airport.

Saga is committed to offering early bookers the best deals, so always launches its river cruises with up to 25 per cent off the full price, and its ocean cruises with up to 35 per cent off. Saga also offers a price promise , whereby if the price of the cruise ever drops, guests who have paid the higher price will get the value difference.

Guests can view and book these 2025 cruises at saga.co.uk/rivers-2025 or by calling 0808 273 6463.

Sarah Lloyd-Morrison

Notes to editors

Notes to editors:

All prices are per person, based on two-sharing a cabin.

All cruises and prices are subject to availability.

All ships have a view of the river and bank.

Please check saga.co.uk/cruise for terms and conditions.

Saga is fully ATOL and ABTA protected.

Spirit of the Moselle