We compared the drink package prices from eight different cruise lines to see which one costs more and what is actually included.
The question of drink packages when on a cruise is one of the most common topics people ask about when preparing for their voyage.
How much will it cost? Is it really worth it? What drinks are included? And will I really save money if I buy it?
Every cruise line has its own approach. Some offer traditional packages, while others (like Virgin Voyages) use a Bar Tab system.
In this article we compare the top-tier drink options from 8 cruise lines and detail what is included.
In the table below we have detailed each cruise line’s most inclusive drink option.
We’ve also listed the gratuity or service charge (where applicable). MSC Cruises includes gratuity in the package price.
Price of drink packages compared between 8 cruise lines:
| Cruise Line | Package | Gratuity Charge | Cost/Day (Pre-cruise) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carnival | CHEERS | 20% | $69.95 |
| Royal Caribbean | Deluxe Bev. | 18% | $55 – $120 |
| Norwegian | Unlimited Open Bar | 20% | $99 – $109+ |
| MSC Cruises | Premium Extra | 0 (included) | $85 (often discounted) |
| Holland America | Elite Beverage | 18% | $55.95 |
| Princess Cruises | Premier Beverage (or Premier Package) | 18% | $100 (Premier bundle) / ~$85 standalone + gratuity |
| Celebrity Cruises | Premium | 20% | $60 – $95+ |
| Virgin Voyages | Bar Tab (or $95 test package) | None | Pay-as-you-go (Bar Tab with bonus) / $95 (limited test) |
* Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and Princess use dynamic pricing — prices vary significantly by ship and sailing date.
* All prices are per person, per day. Pre-cruise purchase is almost always cheaper.
Carnival Corp. lines (Carnival, Holland America, Princess) still enforce a 15-drink daily limit on alcoholic beverages. Most other lines do not.
What is included in these top tier drink options?
- Carnival Cruise Line: CHEERS includes spirits, cocktails, beer, wine by the glass (up to $20), soda, energy drinks, specialty coffee, and more. 15-drink daily limit applies.
- Royal Caribbean International: Deluxe Beverage includes cocktails, spirits, beer, wine by the glass (up to ~$14), juices, soda, and water.
- Norwegian Cruise Line: Unlimited Open Bar includes top-shelf spirits, cocktails, beer, wine & champagne by the glass (up to $15). Free at Sea Plus adds extra perks.
- MSC Cruises: Premium Extra includes cocktails, spirits, wine & champagne by the glass, beer, specialty drinks, and 25% off bottles. Gratuity included.
- Holland America Line: Elite Beverage includes spirits, cocktails, wines/beers up to $16, and all non-alcoholic drinks. 15-drink limit applies.
- Princess Cruises: Premier Beverage (part of Premier package) includes drinks up to $20 each, specialty coffee, mocktails, and 25% discount on bottled wine/water/soda.
- Celebrity Cruises: Premium Package includes spirits, cocktails, beers, champagne, and drinks up to ~$17–$19, plus discounts on wine bottles.
- Virgin Voyages: No traditional unlimited package. Most non-alcoholic drinks (water, soda, juices, drip coffee, tea) are included. Premium drinks are paid via flexible Bar Tab (prepaid credit with bonus). A $95 unlimited test package (drinks up to $20) is being trialed on select sailings.
Here are the official drink package / beverage pages (verified 2026):
- Carnival Drink Packages
- Royal Caribbean Beverage Packages
- Norwegian Beverage Packages
- MSC Cruises Drink Packages
- Holland America Beverage Packages
- Princess Plus & Premier Packages
- Celebrity Beverage Packages
- Virgin Voyages Drinks & Bar Tab
Non-Alcoholic Drink Packages
Most lines offer dedicated non-alcoholic options. Carnival now has two:
| Cruise Line | Package | Cost/Day (Pre-cruise) |
|---|---|---|
| Carnival | Bottomless Bubbles | $11.99 (+20%) |
| Carnival | CHEERS! Zero Proof | $29.99 (+20% service) |
| Royal Caribbean | Refreshment | $29 – $42 |
| Norwegian | Unlimited Soda / Starbucks | $12.50 – $16.50 (+20%) |
| MSC Cruises | Alcohol-Free | $26 (approx.) |
| Holland America | Quench | $17.95 (+18%) |
| Princess Cruises | Zero-Alcohol | $29.99 (+18%) |
| Celebrity Cruises | Zero Proof | $30 – $40 (approx.) |
*Prices are subject to change and vary by itinerary. Pre-cruise purchase is strongly recommended.
Related Articles on Cruise Fever:
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– Don’t make these cruise tipping mistakes most people make
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