alcohol prices on cruise ship

• The Cost of Drinking on a Cruise

The all-inclusive nature of a cruise vacation is perhaps its biggest attraction – inclusive of accommodations, food and many activities for a single price whilst cruising to far-off exotic destinations. It’s the perfect hassle-free vacation style for many people who crave the easy life and no-nonsense trip planning. The only thing missing is the free booze. Those endless poolside piña coladas can soon add up. Cruises undoubtedly offer superb value for money, but a few drinks each day can seriously blow your planned vacation budget out of the water. If you have a taste for beer, wine or hard liquor you could effectively see that ultra-cheap short cruises almost double in price. There is no getting away from the fact that shipboard drinks are expensive, even before gratuities are factored in. From $8 beers to $15 cocktails, drinking on a cruise can easily rack up an onboard bill of hundreds of dollars.   

Sure you can abstain, but where is the fun in that? You can still enjoy your guilty pleasures without the worry of a huge bar tab with a little creative planning. Check out our insightful tips to make your dollars go that much further with drinks on cruises, and the all-important question of whether a prepaid drinks package or a-la-carte pricing is best for you.

Are there any free drinks on cruises?

Can i carry alcohol and beverages onboard the cruise ship, the truth about cruise line beverage packages, do i need to buy a beverage package on my cruise, inclusive drinks on a luxury cruise, tips about drinking on your cruise vacation, raising your glass without the sticker shock.

Tea, coffee, tap water and non-carbonated drinks are often free for all passengers throughout the cruise in certain areas of the ship, but alas, you’ll have to shell out cash for your favourite alcoholic drinks on cruises. However, there are a few creative ways to score free drinks. If you can sit through the art auction, you can happily sip free wine or score free drinks (and nibbles) on cruises at the captain's cocktail party, which is usually open to all passengers on or before formal night. 

Perhaps the best way to drink for free is to show your loyalty. Once you have taken a cruise with a line, you will be enrolled in their loyalty program, which unlocks a whole range of opportunities for free or cheaper boozing, depending on your tier status. This could entail invites to welcome-back parties and other social events with free drinks, or discount coupons for half-price drinking on a cruise.

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The simple answer is almost always no. However, that doesn’t deter hundreds of cruisers every year from trying to sneak bottles of scotch, rum and vodka aboard in a variety of creative ways. A quick browse of YouTube will find dozens of videos promising success with their sneaky booze smuggling hacks, but the simple fact is the cruise lines are aware of every trick out there. The penalty for getting caught? First up the embarrassment factor of being treated like a naughty school child is perhaps not the best way to kick off a cruise vacation. The illicit bottles will be confiscated until the end of the cruise and quite possibly you may never get them back. In the worst case scenario, there is even the threat of getting kicked off the ship which is perhaps unlikely, but worth keeping in mind before you hatch your smuggling plan.

There are some exceptions to the no-booze in bags rule. For many people, a cruise trip is a special occasion – perhaps an anniversary, birthday or even a honeymoon. A bottle of wine or Champagne is permitted on some lines to toast the occasion, although you may be liable for the corkage fee if imbibing in one of the shipboard restaurants. Bringing your own bottled water, soda and juice is allowed on some cruise lines although quite strict limits are set.

Alcohol Polices for Cruise Lines

It sounds pretty enticing. Pay once prior to sailing and enjoy unlimited booze for the duration of your cruise. It’s easy to see the appeal of an ‘all you can drink’ package - no more worrying about running up a huge bar tab. Simply head to the bar, order what you like and enjoy. If you like a tipple, surely it’s a no-brainer. But not so fast… Not all prepaid drinks packages are made equal and each one has its own restrictions. Is an inclusive alcoholic beverages package right for you? That depends. Firstly, let’s look at the cost. They run for $50-60 per person per day (plus service charge), which means you will need to down quite a few drinks a day to make it worthwhile financially. Based on $10 cocktails, you would need to drink at least 6 each day. You’ll need to do the math to work out whether unlimited drinks on cruises offer any cost benefits, or check out one of the online drinks package calculators . Also factor in port of call days. You are required to buy the beverage package for every day of your cruise but you will likely not make full use of it with a full-day excursion on shore.

There are also a number of other restrictions to bear in mind before diving in and booking that booze-inclusive package. Most drinks packages have a unit cost upper limit of $12-$15 per drink, depending on the cruise line’s policy. If your favorite tipple is a more expensive premium single malt Scotch, you will have to pay the difference in price. Although wine by the glass is covered, whole bottles of wine are not, but there are sizable discounts offered for wine bottle purchases (up to 40%). Some lines also offer dedicated wine packages. 

What about teetotaler cruisers and kids? There is a range of prepaid packages for you too. In fact there are even more non-alcoholic options available on most cruise lines, including Carnival Cruise Line’s ‘Bottomless Bubbles,’ Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line.  It starts with the soda package which is self-explanatory. You get unlimited refills at the soda fountain starting at under $10 a day depending on the line, and often involve a discount rate for kids. Regular and premium non-alcoholic drinks packages invariably bundles iced tea, fresh juices, specialty coffees, and mocktails for around $20 a day.  Other beverage packages include coffee-only and bottled water only options. 

If you decide to opt for one of the inclusive beverage packages, plan ahead and book it in advance to snag a discount. Most lines offer cheaper rates if booked in advance which can save you 10%-30%. From time to time, cruise lines roll out great cruise vacation deals which bundle a cheap base cruise fare with one or more added perks. Oftentimes this includes a free drinks package, or onboard credit.  A well-timed booking could you save a ton of money .

Beverage packages are not compulsory but there are very distinct rules governing what you can and cannot do with them. There is the obvious temptation to pay for one package and surreptitiously share it with your cruisemates. This is forbidden by virtually all lines, which mandates that if one person orders an alcoholic inclusive beverage package, every adult above drinking age in the same stateroom must also. This combats sneaky sharers but also makes it less attractive if your significant other is either a teetotaler or just a light drinker.

Another significant drawback for some cruisers is that drinks packages have to be purchased for the entirety of the cruise. So, consider this scenario: you have a big blowout on the first night and wish to take it easy the following day to nurse a hangover, so you are unlikely to get the cost benefit. Occasional drinkers are usually better off ordering a la carte.  

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Cruise Lines Beverage Package Cost

Only the ultra-luxury cruise lines offer a true all-inclusive product which means no bloated bar tab to pay off on checkout. Simply order what you want and enjoy. These lines, which include Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, Silversea and Crystal Cruises, include gratuities and all alcoholic and soft drinks in the cruise fare, including Champagne, so overall, it’s a more civilized, hassle-free and transparent way to cruise – for a price. Obviously, you are not selecting a cruise on a high-end line simply to avoid high drinks prices. It’s not just mainstream label drinks included; you also get high-end whiskies and premium wine vintages.  

Premium lines like Azamara Club Cruises adopt a slightly different drinks policy with standard spirits, international beers, and a small selection of wines included in the cruise fare. There is the option to upgrade to a premium beverage package offering high-end liquors, Scotch and Champagne by the glass. There is also a Wine Connoisseur Package. On Oceania Cruises you get complimentary still and sparkling water, soft drinks, specialty coffees and teas with a choice of two alcoholic drinks packages. Enjoy unlimited drinks during lunch and dinner or at any time throughout the day.

• Drinking responsibly:  You’re on vacation, the sun is shining and you’re cruising leisurely to an exotic location. What’s not to love about cruising? You’re in vacation mode with a celebratory mood so the drinks are flowing more than usual. However you don’t want to go overboard – figuratively and literally. There is the ever-present risk of drinking to excess with a prepaid beverage package. You’ve paid upfront and now you can relax without having to worry about the cost. Sure, you want to get your money’s worth but too many booze-filled late nights can severely hamper the overall cruise experience. There is nothing worse than fighting off a raging hangover during an eagerly awaited shore excursion.  While you may come across the occasional group of boisterous boozers in a bar, the cruising fraternity is generally laid back and responsible enough to realize when enough is enough. 
• Drinking on a budget:  You’ve decided an alcoholic drinks package is not for you but there are still dollars to be saved with a well-planned drinking strategy. Savvy cruisers like a tipple but know just how to get more bang for their buck. Rule #1 is to look out for the various happy hours in your ship’s bars. Generally speaking, there will likely be pre- and post-dinner drinks deals, from around 5-6pm and then again from 10pm-midnight. They could range from half-price on the first drink, BOGO specials or any number of other incentives. Check out the daily newsletter for advertised happy hours, although sometimes other ad-hoc cheap deals may only be advertised in the bar itself.  Liquor tastings take place on most cruises offering freebies (or heavily discounted drinks) or join a cocktail-making class for a fee and once you’ve made your cocktail masterpieces, you get to drink them, which works out at half-price or less per glass compared to normal bar service. 
•  Drinking age: The minimum age limit for drinking alcohol is 21 departing a cruise from a US port, however guests aged 18 to 20 may drink provided a parent or guardian (who must be aboard the ship) signs a declaration form giving permission. In this instance, under 21s may drink only when the ship is in international waters. So for cruise ships sailing in Hawaii or Alaska the age limit is strictly 21.  

The various policies and restrictions to the different drinks packages can mystify even the most experienced cruisers. In short, there is no simple one-stop solution for all, so it takes careful planning and the ability to accurately calculate your expected budget for drinks. Whether a la carte or an all-in drinks package, you have plentiful options. It’s important to note that you are on vacation, and worrying too much over every dime will detract from the overall mood. Go ahead and do the math, plan your strategy, but be spontaneous too. Sometimes it’s good to just go with the flow.  We have highlighted just a few ways to save on the cost of drinks but there are many other creative ways to keep your costs down – check back for a dedicated article on the best hacks to get cheap drinks on cruises .

Check out these articles for more information on the costs of cruising:

How much does a cruise cost, what is included in your cruise fare.

• Top 10 Tips on How to get the Best Cruise Deals

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Related pages

• How Much Does a Cruise Cost?
• What Is Included in Your Cruise Fare?
• 13 Guaranteed Ways to Save on Your Cruise
• The Smart Cruiser’s Guide to Tipping on a Cruise

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Carnival Cruise Line 2024 Drink Menus and Pricing

Last Updated on June 9, 2024

In the past, embarking on a cruise meant encountering the same routine selection of beverages across all venues. Your options typically included classics like daiquiris, pina coladas, and, if the menu dared to be bold, perhaps a mojito. Today, the drink landscape has undergone a significant transformation. Cruise ship bars now boast a diverse array of choices, featuring craft beers, premium spirits, and meticulously concocted cocktails. It’s an entirely new experience.

Carnival Cruise Line, in particular, has taken this evolution to heart, revolutionizing its drink offerings with a tailored menu for almost every bar on their ships. This accomplishment is noteworthy, especially when considering that a single ship can host between 10 and 15 bars.

In January through March 2024, Carnival rolled out new prices across the menu with increases of about $0.25 per $1.50 per drink.

See a new menu on your ship? Email it to us so we can share with everyone, [email protected]

Below you’ll find the bar menus found on the Carnival Cruise Line’s ships. Carnival has a pretty robust beverage program and usually has different drinks available at nearly every bar on a ship, so you’ll see a ton of drink options below. For drinks offered at multiple venues, the prices are consistent (i.e., a Coors Light and the Atrium Bar will cost the same as a Coors Light at the Pool Bar). When looking at the prices, remember to consider gratuities. Carnival automatically adds an 18% gratuity added to all beverage purchases.

Want to see just the menus for one ship?

See a ship’s drink menus: Breeze Celebration Conquest Dream Elation Firenze Freedom Glory Horizon Jubilee Liberty Luminosa Magic Mardi Gras Miracle Paradise Panorama Pride Radiance Splendor Spirit Sunrise Sunshine Valor Venezia Vista

Carnival Cruise Line Bar Menus

Alchemy bar drink menu, amari bar drink menu, atrium bar drink menu.

• Bar 820 Drink Menu

Bar Della Rosa

• Blue Iguana Tequila Bar
• Bonsai Sushi
• Brass Magnolia Bar Drink Menu

Carnevale Bar & Lounge Drink Menu

• Casino Bar Menu
• ChiBang Drink Menu
• Cucina Del Capitano Cocktail and Wine List
• Dr Inks PHD
• Emeril’s Bistro 1396
• Fahrenheit 555 / Steakhouse Wine List and Cocktail Menu
• Fortune Teller Bar Drink Menu

Frizzante Bar Drink Menu

• Golden Jubilee Bar Menu
• Golden Mermaid Bar Menu

Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse and Brewhouse Drink Menu

Havana bar drink menu.

• Heroes Tribute Bar Menu
• Il Viaggio Drink Menu
• Java Blue Cafe Menu

Latitudes Bar Menu

Main dining room wine list.

• Night Club Cocktail Menu

Ocean Plaza Bar Drink Menu

Piano bar 88 drink menu, punchliner comedy club drink menu, redfrog pub.

• RedFrog Rum Bar

RedFrog Tiki Bar

Rudi’s seagrill drink menu, serenity bar, skybox sports bar, watering hole.

Carnival Drink Package Carnival has a drink package available called “Cheers.” It will cover most of the drinks you see below. You can read more about the program here: All You Need To Know About Carnival’s Cheers Package . Is the drink package worth it for you? Figure out how much you’d save (or overpay) with our Drink Package Calculator .

Alchemy Bar is Carnival’s signature high-end cocktail bar. It’s an excellent place for pre- or post-dinner drinks. Here, experienced bartenders whip up some delicious, hand-crafted cocktails. This bar is on almost every Carnival ship (except the Carnival Venezia and Carnival Firenze). Our favorite cocktails here are the  Cucumber Sunrise  and the  Chipotle Pineapple Martini

Menu is from Carnival Jubilee December 2023.

The Amari Bar is an elevated, Italian-themed cocktail bar currently only available on the Carnival Venezia . Amari Bar replaces the popular Alchemy Bar and but still features 5 of that bar’s more popular cocktails.

Menus are from Carnival Venezia February2023.

This bar is available on most Carnival cruise ships. While it has different names, this menu is typically found at the bar in the ship’s lobby or atrium. You can also find this menu in most of the dining rooms.

Bar 820 is the indoor/outdoor bar located on the Carnival Celebration (it replaces the Bar Della Rosa on Mardi Gras). They specialize in cocktails with a distinct Miami twist and are made with Miami-sourced ingredients.

Bar Della Rosa can be found exclusively on the Carnival Mardi Gras . It’s an inside/outside bar with Italian-themed cocktails.

Blue Iguana Tequila Bar Menu

The Blue Iguana Tequila Bar is a pool-side bar located by the Lido Pool on almost every Carnival ship except for the Mardi Gras, Celebration, Jubilee, Firenze, and Venezia.

Bonsai Sushi Cocktail Menu

Bonsai Sushi is the place to go if you’re looking for fresh sushi on a Carnival cruise. While you’re there, have one of these specialty cocktails. Unfortunately, cocktails are unavailable on Ecstasy, Elation, Freedom, and Miracle as they have a Bonsai Sushi Express, not a dedicated restaurant.

Menu is from the Carnival Radiance January 2024.

Brass Magnolia Bar Menu

Brass Magnolia is a New Orleans-themed themed bar located in the French Quarter Zone on the Carnival Mardi Gras .

Carnevale Bar & Lounge replaces the Havana Bar found on the Vista-class ships. It’s inspired by the Carnevale di Venezia, an annual festival held in Venice. Guests will find live music and fine Italian wines and cocktails. It’s currently only available on the Carnival Venezia .

Casino Bar Drink Menu

The Casino Bar can currently be found on most Carnival ships except for the Horizon, Vista, and Panorama where they were removed ( learn more here ).

ChiBang Wine List and Cocktail Menu

ChiBang is an included specialty restaurant on the Carnival Mardi Gras , Carnival Celebra tion and Carnival Jubilee . It serves Chinese and Mexican dishes, so you’ll see some interesting cocktail choices here.

Menu is from Carnival Celebration February 2024.

Cucina del Capitano Cocktail and Wine List

Cucina del Capitano is Carnival’s signature Italian specialty restaurant. It’s available on many ships across the fleet ( see here for full list ).

Menu is from Carnival Jubilee February 2024.

Dr Ink’s PH D

This cleverly named bar serves unique underwater concoctions. You can find it in the Currents zone only on the Carnival Jubilee.

Emeril’s Bistro 1396 Drink Menu

Emerils Bistro 1396 is a quick-service restaurant located in the French Quarter of the Carnival Mardi Gras .

Fahrenheit 555 Wine List and Cocktail Menu

The steakhouse is a staple on almost every Carnival cruise ship. On the newer ships, it’s called Fahrenheit 555 . On older ships, it may have a different name, like “David’s Steakhouse,” but the drink menus are similar.

Menu is from the Carnival Radiance February 2024.

Golden Jubilee Bar

The Golden Jubilee is a new bar that pays tribute to Carnival’s 50 years of sailing. It’s available exclusively on Carnival Celebration in the 820 Biscayne zone.

Golden Mermaid Bar

The Golden Mermaid is a new bar which features cocktails inspired by precious gemstones and metals are made with edible glitter, as well as drinks presented in pretty glassware and adorned with graceful garnishes for an elevated experience. It’s available exclusively on Carnival Jubilee in the Currents zone. It is located where the Brass Magnolia bar is on the Mardi Gras and Golden Jubilee on the Celebration.

Fortune Teller Bar

The Fortune Teller Bar is beautifully themed with some truly unique and out-of-this-world cocktails. It’s available exclusively on the  Carnival Mardi Gras  in the French Quarter zone.

Frizzante is a new bar that specializes in bubble drinks and beverages on the Carnival Venezia . It’s located outside the new specialty restaurant and around the corner from the Gondola Lounge (Ocean Plaza on Vista-class ships). It offers bubbles, spritzes, and draft beers. Throughout the day, it also offer specialty coffees and biscotti. 

This bar may be confusing because Carnival uses odd naming for their venues. While many ships have “Guy’s Pig & Anchor BBQ,” few have the actual Smokehouse and Brewhouse, which has cocktails. The Smokehouse/Brewhouse is a sit-down restaurant with a large bar serving some great cocktails. They even have a brewery right inside this bar where they make their own beer! You can find it on the  Carnival Celebration ,  Carnival Horizon , Carnival Jubilee ,  Carnival Mardi Gras , and  Carnival Panorama .

If you’re a beer fan, I highly recommend the Brewery Tour for $30 a person. You can read more about the Carnival Pig & Anchor Brewery Tour here .

The Havana Bar is a Cuban-themed bar located on  Carnival Celebration ,  Carnival Horizon ,  Carnival Jubilee ,  Carnival Mardi Gras ,  Ca r nival Panorama , and  Carnival Vista . The inside of the bar is home to lively music most evenings. This bar also has an exterior section, but it’s only accessible to guests staying in the Havana area.   

Menu is from the Carnival Mardi Gras February 2024.

Heroes Tribute Bar Drink Menu

The Heroes Tribute Bar and Lounge is a new venue from Carnival that honors the men and women that have served our country. You’ll find this menu on the Carnival Freedom , Carnival Firenze , Carnival Panorama , Carnival Pride , Carnival Radiance , and Carnival Venezia where the Heroes Tribute Bar replaces the SkyBox Sports Bar.

There is also a Heroes Lounge on the Mardi Gras, Celebration, and Jubilee but they don’t have a dedicated bar; you use the bar from Guy’s Pig and Anchor Smokehouse (above).

Il Viaggio is a new “elevated” dining experience currently only available on the Carnival Venezia .

Java Blue Drink Menu

JavaBlue Cafe is the premier coffee place that’s on board about half of the Carnival ships. Ships that don’t currently have JavaBlue still have a stand-alone coffee shop under a different name but prices and beverage selection will vary. On Excel-class ships (Mardi Gras, Celebration, and Jubilee), Java Blue Cafe also offers sandwiches and snacks throughout the day.

Menu seen on the Carnival Jubilee February 2024.

The Latitudes Bar is dedicated to cocktails found around the world. It’s found exclusively on the Carnival Celebration in The Gateway zone.

This menu is the wine list you’ll find in most of the main dining rooms across the Carnival fleet. If you prefer a cocktail, you can usually use the  Atrium Bar Menu .

Marina Bar Menu

Marina Bar is in the Shores Zone on the Carnival Jubilee. It has both indoor and outdoor seating.

Nightclub Cocktail Menu

Not all Carnival ships have a dedicated nightclub anymore. On some of the newer ships, the nightclub takes place in the multi-purpose Liquid Lounge or Limelight Lounge. You’ll usually find this menu out during the nightclub/dancing portion of the evening, after 10 pm.

Ocean Plaza is located on the main promenade and is a great place to grab a drink before an activity happening in Ocean Plaza or if you’d like to grab a drink and sit outside on the Lanai. This bar is on the  Carnival Breeze ,  Carnival Dream ,  Carnival Horizon ,  Carnival Magic ,  Carnival Panorama , and  Carnival Vista .

Every Carnival ship has a piano bar that’s hopping every night. While it might not always be named Piano Bar 88, it will have a similar drink menu to the one below.

If you’re going to a Comedy Show on a Carnival ship, you have some specialty cocktails to choose from. Some ships have a dedicated “Punchliner Comedy Club” venue. On the other ones, the comedy club will take place in the Limelight Lounge or another venue with “Lounge” in its name.

Menu is from Carnival Glory May 2024.

The RedFrog Pub is the Caribbean-themed indoor bar that’s located on the lower level of many Carnival ships. It’s different than the RedFrog Rum Bar which is found in the Lido Pool Deck Area. You can find it on the Breeze , Freedom , Legend , Magic , Miracle , Pride , Radiance , Splendor , Spirit , Sunshine , Sunrise , and Valor .

Menus are from the Carnival Glory May 2024.

RedFrog Rum Bar Menu

You can find the RedFrog Rum Bar next to the Lido Pool on almost every Carnival ship (except the Venezia and Firenze). It is different from the RedFrog Pub, which is usually an inside bar on the Promenade level of the ship.

On the Mardi Gras, Celebration and Jubilee, it’s been upgraded to a two-story pool-side venue called the RedFrog Tiki bar with a slightly different menu (see below).

Menu is from the Carnival Liberty April 2024.

The RedFrog Tiki Bar is a supersized version of the RedFrog Rum Bar that’s on most other Carnival ships. You can find this two-story venue on the  Carnival Mardi Gras , Carnival Celebration , and Carnival Jubilee .

Menus from Carnival Jubilee December 2023

Rococo Bar Menu

The Rococo Bar is the poolside bar on the Carnival Venezia and Carnival Firenze. It takes the place of Red Frog Rum Bar on most other Carnival ships.

Menu is from the Carnival Venezia February 2024.

Rudi’s Seagrill is a high-end seafood restaurant found on Carnival Mardi Gras , Carnival Celebration , and Carnival Jubilee . They also have a dedicated cocktail menu so you can pair a special drink with your entree.

Menu is from Carnival Celebration February 2024

The Serenity Area is the adults-only (21+) area that’s found on every Carnival ship ( you can learn more about it here ). This area is also home to this bar which serves some special cocktails that are great to sip while enjoying some peace and quiet.

About half of the Carnival fleet has a SkyBox sports bar where you can watch the game on the big screen and sample one of these cocktails. You can find the SkyBox Sports Bar on the Conquest, Freedom, Glory, Horizon, Liberty, Miracle, Pride, Spirit, Radiance, Sunrise, Sunshine, Valor, and Vista.

Tides Bar Menu

The Tides Bar is the outdoor bar on the aft, or back, of the ship. It may have a different name on some ships, but it’ll be the same menu.

The Watering Hole Bar is located in the Summer Landing Zone on the Carnival Mardi Gras , Carnival Celebration , and Carnival Jubilee .

Don’t want to pay for each individual drink?

For those who don’t want to pay a ‘la carte for drinks, Carnival has an unlimited drink package, called Cheers. Try our Drink Package Calculator to see if it’s worth it financially for you.

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Randy Young

Randy Young is the founder and editor-in-chief at Cruise Spotlight. He has been in marketing for 19 years and has been cruising for just as long. Over the years, he's worked with products like TVs, copiers, light bulbs, and EV chargers, but cruising has always been his passion. There's nothing Randy likes more than the first couple of hours on a ship, exploring every nook and cranny and seeing how it's different from everything else out there. He's known for providing detailed and analytical coverage of cruising to help cruisers get a comprehensive picture of a ship's offerings.

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

Unsurprisingly, cruise lines make revenue by selling drinks to their passengers — and with a large markup. With that in mind, many newbie cruisers wonder if they can bring their own alcohol on board. The answer varies by cruise line, but in most cases, it's both yes and no.

If the cruise line allows alcohol — which, in the case of mainstream lines, is mostly only wine or Champagne — there will likely be rules that limit the number and size of bottles, as well as per-bottle corkage fees (usually $10 to $25) that you'll have to pay if you consume the alcohol outside of your cabin.

If you are allowed to bring a bottle or two and choose to do so, you will have to carry it on rather than packing it in your checked luggage. So, if you're flying to the port and choose to bring alcohol from home rather than purchasing it in port before embarkation, you'll have to transfer your booze from your checked bag to your carry-on.

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On luxury ships, you might be able to bring as many bottles of booze as you like and replenish your supplies at the ports of call, too. Don't miss buying Bordeaux in Bordeaux!

The rules for bringing your own alcohol generally apply to passengers 21 and older. The bottles must be unopened and sealed.

If you think it's easy to sneak alcohol on a cruise ship — in a flask, mouthwash bottle, water bottle or other container — you're wrong. Cruise lines know the tricks. If you get caught, the container will be taken away and discarded.

Alcohol purchased in the ship's duty-free shops will be stored for you and returned at the end of your voyage.

With all that in mind, here is a line-by-line rundown of cruise line policies for bringing your own alcohol on ships.

Azamara Cruises

You can bring your own liquor, beer or wine for consumption in your Azamara suite or cabin at no charge. If you want to drink your own bottle in a dining venue or bar, there's a $10 corkage fee. The same rule applies to alcohol purchased in ports. If you buy a bottle at the duty-free shop, it will be stored until the end of your cruise.

Carnival Cruise Line

At embarkation on Carnival Cruise Line ships, passengers 21 and older may bring on board one 750 mL bottle of wine or Champagne (sealed and unopened) per person packed in their carry-on luggage. There is a corkage fee of $15 if you drink your bottle outside your cabin. That rum you purchased in port will be retained for you until the last night of your cruise. The same goes for any duty-free purchase. You'll collect your purchases in a designated lounge.

Celebrity Cruises

You can bring two bottles of wine or Champagne (maximum 750 mL) on board at embarkation, per cabin, on Celebrity Cruises ' ships. However, beer and spirits are not allowed. There is a corkage fee of $25 in restaurants or bars. Anything you purchase at port or the duty-free shop is held until the last day of your sailing.

Cunard Line

The carry-on allowance for Cunard is one bottle of wine or Champagne per adult but no beer or liquor. There is a $25 corkage fee if you drink your wine or Champagne in a dining venue. Any alcohol purchased at ports is held and returned on the last night of the cruise.

Disney Cruise Line

You are allowed to bring beer on Disney cruises and wine or Champagne on embarkation day and in each port of call. The limit is two bottles of wine or Champagne (up to 750 mL) or six beers (up to 12 ounces each) in your carry-on per adult. The alcohol cannot be consumed in any lounge or other public area, but you can bring your bottles to the dining rooms, with a $26 corkage fee charged. Any excess amounts you try to bring on board will be stored until the end of the cruise.

Holland America Line

Holland America Line allows adults 21 and older to bring bottles of wine or Champagne on board in their carry-on, but there is a corkage fee of $20 per bottle for the privilege (even if the wine or Champagne is drunk in one's cabin). The policy does not specify the maximum number of bottles allowed but says cruise officials reserve the right to decide if you're bringing too much and could force you to check some of it until the end of your sailing. No beer, liquor or boxed wine is allowed.

You can bring wine on board from ports, but any other liquor purchases will be retained until the end of the cruise. One bottle of wine per person is exempt from the $20 corkage fee if purchased ashore as part of a winery visit arranged through Holland America.

MSC Cruises

No alcohol can be brought on board at embarkation on MSC cruises , and anything purchased in port or at the duty-free shop will be held until the end of the cruise.

Norwegian Cruise Line

You may bring wine or Champagne on board NCL voyages, including 1,500 mL magnum bottles, and there is no limit on the number of bottles. Corkage fees are based on size and range from $15 to $30. They apply only when your bottles are consumed outside your cabin. Corkage fees do not apply to passengers with beverage packages.

No liquor, beer or boxed wine can be brought and consumed on board. (These bottles and duty-free purchases will be held until the final night of the cruise or the morning of disembarkation.)

Oceania Cruises

You may bring on board up to six bottles of wine or Champagne per cabin (60 bottles for world cruises). There is a corkage fee of $25 per bottle if you consume your bottles in public areas on Oceania 's ships. Beer or liquor brought on board or purchased in port will be held until the end of the cruise, and the same applies to purchases beyond the allowed six (or 60) bottles.

Princess Cruises

You may not bring beer or liquor on board, but each adult passenger is allowed one bottle of wine or Champagne (750 mL) that is not subject to a corkage fee if consumed in your cabin ($20 if in a restaurant or lounge). Additional bottles may be brought on board Princess Cruises sailings but are subject to a $20 corkage fee no matter where they are consumed. Port purchases are held until the end of the cruise.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Adults are allowed to bring alcohol on Regent cruises without restrictions. There are no corkage fees.

Royal Caribbean

Each Royal Caribbean passenger of drinking age is allowed to bring, in a carry-on, one bottle (750 mL) of wine or Champagne. You are not allowed to bring your own beer or liquor. There is a $15 corkage fee if you consume your bottle in a dining room. If you declare you have additional bottles or make purchases in ports or at duty-free shops, these beverages will be stored until the end of the cruise.

Seabourn Cruise Line

You are free to bring spirits, wine and Champagne on board. There are no corkage fees or limits on Seabourn cruises.

Silversea Cruises

You are allowed to bring wine and liquor on board for your personal consumption, both on embarkation day and at ports of call. Silversea has no limits and no corkage fees.

Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking does not limit quantities or charge corkage fees, and you are allowed to bring wine, Champagne, beer and liquor on board.

Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages passengers are allowed to bring two bottles of wine or Champagne (750 mL) per cabin in their carry-on luggage. Liquor and beer are not allowed. Alcohol brought on board in checked luggage or not in accordance with the policy will be stored until the end of the sailing. Bottles purchased in port also will be held until the final night.

Windstar Cruises

No beer or liquor is allowed to be brought on board Windstar voyages. You may bring up to two bottles of wine or Champagne (750 mL) per cabin on embarkation day (three bottles if your sailing is more than a week). There is a $15 corkage fee if you consume the alcohol outside your cabin. Alcohol purchased in ports will be stored until the end of the cruise.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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

• CruiseMapper
• Food & Drinks

Royal Caribbean Drinks Prices, Beverage Menus, Alcohol Policy

Royal Caribbean alcohol prices - learn immediately how much are drinks on Royal Caribbean International. See the list of free drinks, and the RCCL's bringing alcohol policy. Alcohol prices on Royal Caribbean ships are Bar drink menu prices (regularly updated).

This survey provides information on RCI's shipboard pricing for BEERS , COCKTAILS , SCOTCH-WHISKIES , COGNACS , BOURBONS , VODKAS , GINS , LIQUEURS , TEQUILAS , WINES (exemplary, see more at RCI wine list ), COFFEES , NON-ALCOHOLIC beverages . The next link provides extensive information on alcoholic beverages from Royal Caribbean's cruise ship pub menus .

Note: RCI drink prices are not inclusive of the 15% gratuity charge. Our latest update added here the new Royal Caribbean drink packages (their cost, and what is included) - listed at page bottom. For more info, you can also check RCI's menus (food and bar menus).

Royal Caribbean alcohol policy

According to the Royal Caribbean rules on drinking, the drinking age minimum for alcoholic beverages is 21 years of age on all cruises departing from North America. At the RCI's discretion, the drinking age limit can be lowered to 18 on cruises departing from ports in South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand) where the legal drinking age is 18. As on other cruise lines, RCI reserves the right to revoke/restrict the drinking privileges of any passenger (regardless of age). Also, RCI retains the right to raise the minimum drinking age (for alcohol consumption) on any cruise when local laws require such modification.

In June 2018, RCI ship bars started to serve cocktails with optional plastic straws (not by default) - a new policy aiming to reduce sea pollution. "Why no straws?" signs at onboard bars fleetwide now indicate that drink orders will not automatically receive a straw, but only upon request. Since 2022, all straws are recyclable.

To celebrate the company's 50th anniversary, in 2019 RCI installed fleetwide Coca-Cola Freestyle machines (1 per ship) that serve a selection of sodas including RCI's brand "Royal Berry Blast" (Sprite, Sprite Zero).

Bringing alcohol on RCI ships

The RCI policy rules for bringing alcohol on voyages state:

• bringing liquor/beer on Royal Caribbean on embarkation is strictly forbidden - not allowed. Ship security may inspect your luggage and liquid containers (soda and water bottles, mouthwash, etc). If found, the booze will be confiscated, stored and returned at the end of the voyage. Passengers under 21 wouldn't be getting any of their smuggled alcohol back. If a passenger violates the Royal Caribbean alcohol policy, the line's Guest Conduct Policy may be enforced, which also includes forcible disembarkation or not allowing boarding - at your own expense. The list of possible violations, besides any attempts to conceal alcohol at security/luggage checkpoints, also includes over-alcohol-consuming behavior, providing alcohol to minors (21- yo), demonstration of irresponsible behavior on board.
• bringing wine on Royal Caribbean (on embarkation day only). You are allowed to bring max 2 wine/Champagne bottles per cabin (bottle size 750ml or smaller). Remember - bottles must retain the original seal of the manufacturer and not to look tampered with.
• buying alcohol on Royal Caribbean. If you purchase alcohol in port or in the duty-free shop on board, they will hold it until the end (the last day) of the cruise.

Note: All passengers must comply with TSA (Transportation Security Administration) guidelines for liquids' transportation.

NEW "bring your own wine onboard" policy (cruise ship corkage fee)

By the RCI's new wine policy, If you want to drink your own wine and champagne (brought on board the ship) in public spaces (bars and restaurants), a USD 15 corkage fee per bottle will be applied to your bill.

• If a passenger received a bottle of wine/champagne purchased from Gift and Gear selection, a corkage fee will not be applied when that wine/champagne is consumed in public areas.
• Cruise passengers are allowed to bring personal wine/champagne on the ship on embarkation day only. The quantity is limited to two bottles per stateroom (2x 750 ml). These (2 per cabin) bottles can be consumed in the stateroom with no corkage fee applied.
• However, RCI's wine corkage fee rule is rarely enforced/ infrequently charged.
• Note: This policy was officially removed in 2014 Fall (back then, corkage fee was USD 25 per bottle), but reappeared in early June 2017. Unlike the old (pre-2014) onboard wine policy, currently, RCI doesn't apply corkage fees to wine/champagne purchased on the ship.

NEW non-alcoholic beverage policy

Since September 2018, RCI's updated beverage policy allows passengers to bring their own non-alcoholic drinks on the ship.

Non-alcoholic beverages must be in carry-on or hand luggage (not in checked bags). The new policy allows bringing only small quantities and only on embarkation day (at homeports). The max allowed amount is 12x (twelve) 17oz cans/bottles per cabin. Also permitted by the new policy are specialized beverages (distilled water and milk).

Which drinks are free on Royal Caribbean?

(free drinks by the RCI's loyalty program "Crown and Anchor")

Diamond+ members (passengers with 25+ RCI cruises) and guests booked in a Grand Suite or higher category have access to a nightly self-service free bar. This deal is on all RCI ships of the following classes - Radiance, Voyager, Freedom, Oasis and the new Quantum-class ships.

On RCI ships of the Freedom, Oasis, and Quantum-class, Diamond members (with 10-24 RCI cruises) have exclusive access to the Diamond Lounge, where beer, wine (red/white/Champagne), mixed drinks and soda are for free.

Free alcohol and drinks are also available at the onboard art auctions and past-guest gatherings.

How much are drinks on Royal Caribbean?

Note: The next link provides extensive information on alcoholic beverages from RCI's cruise ship pub menus .

Note (limited offerings): Periodically, RCI feature beers unique to itinerary or of special interest. Ask your server for what's currently available on your sailing. The RCI's beer menus in onboard pubs, like "Hoof and Claw", and "Wig and Gavel", have the most expanded beer lists, offering 16- or 20oz specialty beers, such as Murphy's Irish Stout, Newcastle Brown Ale, Boddingtons.

In 2022, the price of domestic beers is US$7.50, for import beers - $8.

In 2021, RCI added 6 new island-themed cocktails ($13) to the fleetwide beverage menu - Papa Jac (Puerto Rico), Rum Punch (Barbados), Planter's Punch (Jamaica), The Painkiller (BVI), Goombay Smash (Bahamas), Dark 'n Stormy (Bermuda).

Note: In the following table all listed drinks (by RCI's cocktail drink menus) are with prices per glass. 18% gratuity is added to the beverage's cost automatically.

Note: Since 2021, most cocktails are priced at $13/fleetwide.

RCI's cruise cabin Mini-Bar drinks prices

• Mini bar items are charged to the SeaPass card of the 1st person registered in the cabin.
• Since 2017, except ordering from the "Continental Breakfast" menu, room-service is at a fee (USD 7,95 per order) - reed more at Cruise Mapper's room service menu article.

Royal Caribbean alcohol prices

Note: All listed below prices are per glass.

SCOTCH and WHISKIES

Note: Wines priced by the glass (examples) - see more at Royal Caribbean wine list (prices by the glass and bottle).

Note: Since 2021, most wines by the glass are priced between $10-14.

COFFEE drinks prices

RCI offers on its largest (Oasis-class) ships Starbucks coffee beverages.

On RCI ships without dedicated Starbucks kiosks (all excepting the Oasis-class), the line's unlimited drink packages "Royal Replenish" and "Ultimate" (all-inclusive) can be used for paying Starbucks beverages. Those ships serve Starbucks coffee beverages at the "Cafe Promenade" lounge bar (former Latte-tudes).

• Quantum-class ships serve Starbucks coffee drinks at the "La Patisserie" bar.
• Starbucks gift cards and the app can also be used for payment.
• Starbucks coffee cards are available for purchase on select ships, and for use at "Starbucks at Sea" locations only (see above). The Starbucks coffee card includes 15 Starbucks beverages for USD 30 per card. Its value is for the current cruise only. The card is shareable.

NON-ALCOHOLIC drinks prices

New royal caribbean beverage packages.

The following RCI drink package prices are available on itineraries in the Caribbean, Alaska and North America only (15% tips are additional).

Package prices on itineraries in Europe, Asia, Australia New Zealand, and South America vary (15% gratuities are included).

Drink package policy

RCI cruise ship passengers should know about the line's drink package policy the following:

• Royal Caribbean drink packages are not shareable or transferable.
• When ordering a beverage package on the ship, guests must present their SeaPass card when showing the package sticker to waiters.
• Packages do not include in-room drink purchases, or mini-bar drinks, including bottled water, canned soft drinks, bottled juices, beers.

RCI drink packages - prices and inclusions

IMPORTANT: Prices shown below are per person, per day. These package deals are available on RCI cruises with duration 3 nights or longer.

In September 2015 RCI presented the company's new self-serve beer program on Freedom of the Seas . Holders of the RCI Ultimate, Premium and Select drink packages can already serve themselves Stella Artois beer. Ship's self-serve machines are located around the pool deck and in Windjammer buffet. All package-holders can make their purchases via a card that is swiped at the machines. The machines have built-in time limits to ensure no continuous pouring.

For beers different than Stella Artois or outside Windjammer Buffet and pool deck, package-holders have to see a bartender.

At the end of 2015, RCI started testing one-day beverage packages and a 10-drink punch card onboard its cruise ships. RCI vessels have been given the option to test various beverage package offerings. The decision of which program to feature, if any, is made by the ship. For example, a one-day beverage package on Enchantment of the Seas was offered for USD 65 per person and included unlimited cocktails, select glasses of wine, beer, as well as bottled water, specialty coffees, and juices. These offerings are tests and might/might not be rolled out in the near future.

"Sip Tour Brunch" combines a Chef-led Galley tour (ship's kitchen) with unlimited champagne. The 2,5-hours, adults-only activity also includes a Main Dining Room brunch with unlimited sparkling wine. Closed-toe shoes are required.

Bottled alcohol packages

In addition to the unlimited alcohol packages, RCI offers 2 packages available for in-cabin consumption. They can be purchased at the onboard Royal Gifts shop and each combines Coca-Cola products with a bottle of liquor.

• "Bacardi Gold plus Coca-Cola" package costs USD 40 and includes one bottle of Bacardi Gold (Puerto Rico manufactured rum, 375 ml) combined with four Coca-Cola cans.
• "Bombay Sapphire plus Tonic" package costs USD 43 and includes one bottle of Bombay Sapphire (Laverstoke Mill, Hampshire UK manufactured gin, 375 ml) combined with four Tonic water cans.
• The list of RCI ships currently selling these new bottled alcohol packages includes Explorer, Legend, Mariner, Ovation, Quantum, Radiance, Splendour, Vision and Voyager.

Next, are listed CruiseMapper's Royal Caribbean drinks related articles - your RCI "Booze Cruise" options reviewed. At some of the links, you can also compare the "booze cruise" options of RCI's major rival - Carnival Cruise Lines .

• Royal Caribbean food and bar menus
• Royal Caribbean all-you-can-drink package (about the "Classic" and "Premium" booze package inclusions), which you can compare with the Carnival Cheers all-you-can-drink package by CCL's new alcohol inclusive package program.
• Royal Caribbean wine prices (by the glass/bottle)
• Carnival drinks prices
• Carnival wine prices
• Carnival Fun Shop liquor prices
• Carnival Cruise Line's alcohol policy and beverage policy
• Carnival Drink Recipes

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

If you’re taking a cruise you may be wondering how much drinks cost on average onboard.

There are a number of factors that affect the prices of drinks and which drinks are included in the cruise fare, the biggest of these being the cruise line that you cruise with.

That said, most cruise lines have drinks prices that are similar to each other.

How Much Do Drinks Cost on a Cruise Ship?

On a cruise, a beer will usually cost around $7, a glass of wine $10, a cocktail $10, a soda $3, and a speciality coffee $4.

Drinks prices vary between cruise lines and gratuities (tips) may be added on top of the menu price as standard. 

Below are examples from some of the largest cruise lines

Cruise lines alter their drinks prices regularly, so the above table is meant to be a guide only.

As you can see the prices do vary although not very dramatically.

On some cruise lines like MSC and Costa, you’ll find the prices on the menus in Euros. (€)

With British cruiselines like Fred Olsen and P&O Cruises, you’ll find that the menu is in Pound Sterling. (£) .

With the majority of cruise lines, you’ll find the prices in US Dollars, ($) even if the cruise isn’t sailing out of the US.

Gratuities Are Often Added On To The Price

It’s important to remember that gratuities may be added to the prices of the drinks on the Menus.

This is a very common practice and is added by most of the American Cruise lines. British Cruiselines like P&O don’t do this.

The gratuity automatically added to drinks is usually around 15% of the price listed on the menu. 

The gratuities go towards the tips for the staff and are designed so that passengers don’t have to tip in cash. That said, many people still prefer to tip in cash.

Gratuities that are automatically added to the price of drinks cannot be removed.

When i sailed on Celebrity Edge a can of Coke cost around $5. (The cost of the Coke was $4, and then they added a 20% charge for leaning into the cooler and giving it to you!)

Find out about that Amazing – but costly cruise here:

On a lot of cruise lines, you’ll also find that a daily gratuity is added to your cabin account per person per night.

This is usually upwards from $15 per person per night and goes towards paying housekeeping, waiters, bartenders, and various other behind-the-scenes roles such as the laundry.

It is usually possible to remove this but I would strongly encourage against it as many crew members rely on this source of income.

On many British Cruiselines like P&O and Marella gratuities are included in the cruise fare. If you book an MSC cruise from the UK, this is also the case.

I recently took a trip on MSC’s newest and biggest ship, World Europa. Find out what I thought of her here:

To learn more about gratuities, including how they also affect drinks and spa treatments, check out this post so that you don’t have any nasty surprises on your cruise:

Cruise Gratuities: A Simple Step by Step Guide For First Time Cruisers

The below gratuities are added to all drinks. The prices on the menus don’t include gratuities.

Drinks Package or Pay as You Go

There are two ways that you can pay for drinks on a cruise. You can either pay as you go, like you would on land or buy a drinks package.

A drinks package usually allows you to have an ‘unlimited’ amount of certain drinks although there are a few different types of drinks packages available. The most comment types are:

Soda Packages

A soda package usually provides unlimited fountain Soda, cans may cost extra. Not all cruise lines offer this package which I find annoying as it’s always my go-to.

If you’re not a big drinker of alcohol getting a soda package and buying the odd alcoholic drink on top can work out to be much better value.

How Much Do Soda Packages Cost On A Cruise?

Package costs.

Cruise ships offer several drinks packages, with different drinks included. Typically, you will be able to choose a :

• Soda package
• Soft drinks package
• Classic drinks package
• Premium/Deluxe Drinks package

A soda-only package on Royal Caribbean costs £13.95/$17.50 a day. A Deluxe drinks package costs around £83/$105 .

On Norwegian Cruise Line , a soda-only package is around £8/$10 and a Premium drinks package is £108/$138 – that can add up to a lot of money very quickly!

A soda package onboard the British Cruiseline P&O costs around £10/$12.50. The Deluxe drinks package onboard is a far more reasonable but still expensive £50/$63 a day.

Cruise Lines change prices and offer discounts regularly, so the above amounts – although correct at the time of writing – will only offer a guide.

Soft Drinks Packages

Almost all cruise lines will have some form of soft drinks package. This will usually include soda, speciality juices, teas, coffees, and sometimes mocktails.

If you don’t drink alcohol a soft drinks package can be a great option. I go for this when a soda package isn’t available and it is very nice to be able to try all of the mocktails on the menu.

Some soft drinks packages will also include things like milkshakes.

How Much Does a Soft Drinks Package Cost on a Cruise?

The price of soft drinks packages varies dramatically because each cruise line includes different drinks in the package.

The average cost of a soft drinks package with a mainstream cruise line in $23 with prices varying from around $16 to $38 per person per day.

Alcohol Packages

Alcohol packages vary dramatically and what is included varies too.

On most cruise lines you’ll find that there are different ‘levels’ of alcohol packages. This may be called something like a ‘basic’ and ‘premium’ package.

Alcohol packages usually have limitations and one of these may be that you can only order drinks up to a certain value.

To find out more about whether it is worth buying a drink package, read this article next:

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

How Much Does an Alcoholic Drinks Package Cost on a Cruise?

The price of alcoholic packages varies dramatically and there are usually different packages available within each cruise line.

All-inclusive alcohol package ranging from around $62 with P&O to $138 with Norwegian Cruise Line .

There are many cheaper options than these alcoholic packages, and they are not right for everybody. 

There may be multiple tiers between the soft drinks prices mentioned above the alcohol prices mentioned below. It’s very important to do your research into the specific cruise line.

Other Types of Drink Packages

There are other types of drinks packages available on cruises but these vary by the cruise line.

On some, you can buy beer or wine-specific packages and are able to buy a certain amount of drinks for a certain price.

For example, you may be able to buy ten bottles of wine for a reduced price.

Terms and Conditions

There are usually some terms and conditions placed on drinks packages:

• There may be a limit on the number of drinks you can have in 24 hours.
• You may be only to order on drink at a time, with limits set on how often you can order them.
• There may be a price limit on the drinks that are included.
• If one guest buys the package all others in the stateroom may have to.
• Drinks packages cannot be shared.
• The majority of drinks packages exclude bottled water.

You Can’t Share a Drinks Package on a Cruise – Here’s Why

How do you book drinks packages on a cruise?

Most drink packages can be bought online before the cruise.

It’s often cheaper to do this if you can. Most cruise lines will have an online portal that you can log into after you’ve booked the cruise, this is where you can look for things like drinks and excursions.

If you are unable to buy before the cruise this isn’t a problem, there will be plenty of people onboard trying to sell you a drinks package when you embark.

* Virgin Voyages and Disney cruiselines don’t sell drinks packages. All drinks are paid for individually, as you would at a bar on land.

How to Pay For Drinks on a Cruise

Cruise ships are completely cashless societies. You cannot buy a drink on a cruise using cash.

All drinks bought will be added to your cruise account via you card, which is given to you at check-in.

This is linked to your credit/debit card and you’ll be charged after the cruise for everything that you’ve spent. This makes spending money INCREDIBLY easy but it’s very important to remember that you’re still spending money!

To learn more about why you can’t use cash on a cruise, check out this post: 

Cruise Ships Are Cashless Societies, Here’s Why

Find Free Drinks on a Cruise

There are several places where you can find free drinks on a cruise if you know where to look. Good places to look are:

• Welcome parties
• Meetups (Cruise Critic, groups, etc)
• Loyalty status meetups
• Product seminars (For example in the spa)
• Art auctions

It’s important to remember that although you can buy tea and coffee in the bars onboard at an extra charge, there is free tea and coffee available in the buffet on most cruise ships. Some cruise lines will even provide tea and coffee-making facilities in their cabins.

To learn more about which expenses you can avoid paying for on a cruise, check out this video:

Bringing on Your Own Drinks

On some cruise lines, it is possible to bring your own drinks onboard at embarkation.

The majority of cruise lines do charge a ‘Corkage Fee’ if you want to drink in the bars or restaurants onboard.

This isn’t anything to do with the actual corking on the drink so you can’t get around it by corking it yourself!

Norwegian Cruise Line charges a “Corkage Fee” as soon as you bring a bottle onboard, regardless of whether you drink it in a restaurant, or in your own cabin.

Which cruise lines have a ‘corkage fee’?

• Azamara – YES
• Carnival – YES
• Cunard – YES
• Celebrity – YES
• Disney – YES
• Fred Olsen – NO
• Holland America – YES
• Hurtigruten – NO
• Marella Cruises – NO
• MSC – NO
• Norwegian Cruise Line – YES
• P&O Cruises – YES
• Princess Cruises – YES
• Royal Caribbean – YES
• Viking – NO

Click on the links above to learn more about the specific cruise line policies in regard to bringing alcohol on board.

It’s also worth noting that some cruise lines will let you bring on drinks in ports other than the embarkation port.

If a cruise line does this can be a great way to buy a cheap bottle of wine in port, come back to the ship, and enjoy it on your balcony.

Menu Examples

Below you’ll find menu examples from many of the biggest cruise lines showing the drinks available.

Cruise Lines change prices and offer discounts on drinks packages regularly. The costs shown below will only offer a guide only

To learn more about Costa Cruises drinks and to learn why I always recommend you buy a Costa cruises drinks package, check out this post: Costa Cruises, Drinks Package Guide

(Costa are the only cruise line where I think everybody should book a package)

For more Cunard menus check out the full post here: Cunard Drinks Package Guide and Menu With Drink Prices

To learn more about MSC’s drinks check out this drinks package guide: MSC Drinks Packages: Prices, Menus & Offers

P&O Cruises:

Before You Go

On the British cruise line Marella , drinks are included within the cruise fare. Find out exactly what you will get for your money here:

Marella Cruises All Inclusive Drinks List (and Menus)

Many river cruises include drinks with meals when you sail with them. Find out about the value river cruise I took with Tui here:

TUI River Cruise Review – Ship, Cabins, Food, Entertainment & More

Free Insiders Cruise Line Guide

Ever wondered how the mainstream cruise lines compare? Cruise lines won’t tell you this, but I will.

This FREE guide shows you everything you need to know to find your perfect cruise line.

Enter your email address below:

Celebrity Cruises Drinks & Bar Menus – Know what to expect on your next cruise

On a recent voyage (December 2023), we took the time to scan each of the drink menus on the Celebrity Constellation. These menus are representative of the drink & cocktail prices across the fleet of Celebrity ships, though some newer ships may have more unique bar menus.

Don’t forget that the prices do not include the mandatory 20% gratuity/service charge

We thought the prices were in line with most major cruise lines, however, there were an incredible number of standard wines and other beverages that were not available during the voyage leaving only more expensive options to choose from. If this is what is happening across the company it makes the drink package(s) seem like a decent deal if you can get it at the right price.

• Read : Celebrity Cruises Drink Packages Explained

Pool Bar & Buffet Beverage Menus on Celebrity

The typical menus found at the pool bars and in the buffet area of the ships. Some of the beer, in my opinion, is excessively priced. The rest of the drinks seem on par with what you’d expect on any cruise line.

Cocktail & Bar Menus

The bar menus in the lounges vary, but this is the staple offering across the cruise line. Most cocktails were $12 throughout the ship and none were poured “light”.

Celebrity Cruises Wine Menu

Even though there was a dedicated wine bar on our latest cruise, the options seemed quite limited. Many weren’t available even if listed. What is posted as the available brands on the Celebrity website is unfortunately quite different than what the reality is.

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Celebrity Cruises Martini Bar Menu

The martini bars on the Celebrity ships are hugely popular, for good reason! But the prices have gone up quite a bit in recent years. At $17 each, there are no martinis that now fit within the Classic beverage package, meaning you have to splurge for the Premium drink package if you want them included (or pay the difference in cost of a few dollars).

Other drink Prices on Celebrity Cruises

We try to scan every menu while we’re on a cruise, but for whatever reason, Celebrity has pulled many of the menus that are more general and replaced them with the above cocktail menus that aren’t totally inclusive.

It could be because of the rapid price changes across the fleet.

It left us asking everywhere we went, how much certain spirits were before we ordered. It was relatively frustrating to not be able to know what was offered and what the pricing was like.

Here are a few takeaways from our inquiries while onboard:

• Macallan is $19 a pour now.
• Woodford is at $17 a pour
• There are very few wines and beers within the $10 price of the basic drink package
• Wines by the glass and beers are priced between $12 and $17
• There is an “elevated” selection of wines by the glass anywhere between $22-$36

Cruise Gear Editor

I'm a global nomad at heart, and the dedicated editor behind CruiseGear. For the past two decades, I've experienced exciting voyages across the world, discovering countless ports from the decks of dozens of ships, visiting 40+ countries (and living in some of them for years). It's been an exhilarating journey to say the least! I want to share everything I've learned and hope to make your next cruise vacation as enjoyable as possible.

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Thanks for sharing the drink menus. Helps us to decide to upgrade out drink package to premium. Much appreciated. Pattie

I’m glad this helped Pattie! Unfortunately you almost have to upgrade the drink package to get anything decent now 🙁

Enjoy your cruise!

Thanks so much for the above information, really helps me. I’m trying to find out the cost of spirits, especially whiskey.Do you have this information please. Thankyou

Hi Sue – They weirdly didn’t have separate spirits menus! I do know Dewar’s White Label, Famous Grouse, Jim Beam, Johnnie Walker Red, Monkey Shoulder, Seagram’s VO were all under $10 for a single pour. Since these are under the higher end drink package, they’ll be less than $17 : Aberfeldy 12, Bulleit Bourbon, Chivas Regal 12, Dewar’s 12, Gentleman Jack, The Glenlivet, Jack Daniel’s Black, Jack Daniel’s Rye, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel, Johnnie Walker Black, Johnnie Walker Double Black, The Macallan Lumina, The Macallan Quest, Maker’s Mark, Rittenhouse Rye, Wild Turkey, Woodford Reserve.

I hope this helps a little. Unfortunately, I looked at all the menus we have and none are specific with prices of their other brands.

Perfect,thankyou so much. Just trying to work out if it’s worth the drinks package,this helps a lot. Do they put the 20%on every drink you order rather than the package?? Thanks for your help

If you don’t buy a package, and buy drinks as you go, the gratuity is added on every drink. If you buy the package, there is a 20% gratuity added to the package during checkout, and you won’t pay anymore – UNLESS – the drink you order isn’t covered by the package, then you pay 20% on the difference of the price only.

Thankyou, It’s very strange because we’ve reserved the package and the 20%wasnt added,just wanted to check it wouldn’t be later. Really appreciate your help and advice.

That is strange, are you by chance outside of the US? On European and UK prices, the price includes gratuities (not separate line item during checkout like it is in the USA)

Yes,I did wonder if this was the case. Yes in uk

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Which Cruise Lines Allow You To Bring Alcohol Onboard 2024

Cruise lines a lot of their make money from the alcoholic drinks they sell onboard.  

The relatively high prices can soon add up for some, whether you are drinking at the bars or with your meals.  

Drink packages are available, but for some, the value is borderline depending on how much each guest drinks.

Therefore many passengers want to know how much alcohol they can bring on board each cruise line to maximize any ways of reducing costs.   

Some even go further by attempting to sneak alcohol onto the cruise ship .  Although it’s well worth giving due consideration to the risks and consequences of what can happen if you’re caught sneaking alcohol on the cruise ship .

We have gone through all the leading cruise line’s alcohol policies and covered the main points for each so you know exactly what you can and can’t take onboard.  In some instances, we contacted them directly to get clarification on finer points.

If you are solely interested in the wine allowances, check out our more in-depth “ Can You Bring Wine on Cruise ” page with info for each cruise line, including corkage fees.

Can You Bring Liquor on a Cruise?

As a general rule, no forms of liquor are allowed to be brought on board any cruise ship by guests.  This includes all kinds of spirits and hard liquors.

This is one of the reasons some guests try to sneak their own alcohol onboard using rum runners and liquor bags.  Some even try putting liquor in wine bottles and replacing the cap.

Which Cruise Lines Allow You To Bring Alcohol Onboard?

Most main cruise lines allow guests to bring a small amount of alcohol onboard. 

The exceptions are Costa and MSC cruises which prohibit all alcohol from being taken onboard.

We have summarized the main points of each cruise line’s alcohol policies and provided links to more information if you wish to double-check any finer points or see the latest policies.

Cruise Line Boarding Alcohol Policies

In no particular order, we take a look at the most popular cruise line’s alcohol policies, including when you can bring extra alcohol onboard.

Royal Caribbean Alcohol Policy

Royal Caribbean does not allow guests to bring beer, spirits, or hard liquors onboard.  

Guests are permitted one bottle of wine up to 2 bottles per stateroom.

A royal Caribbean drinks package is available, which may help some guests reduce the costs depending on how much they drink.

Guests often try to work out how to cheat the Royal Caribbean drinks package .   While we don’t encourage cheating, there are certainly ways you can maximize the value. 

Royal Caribbean Alcohol Policy here .

Carnival Cruise Alcohol Policy

Carnival Cruise allows guests to bring on one bottle of 750ml wine or champagne.

They do not allow guests to bring spirits, hard liquors, or beers onboard.

Carnival Alcohol Policy here .

Princess Cruises Alcohol Policy

Princess Cruises allow guests to bring one bottle of wine on board for free but will charge you a fee (currently $15) for every other bottle over this.   You will still get charged if you don’t open or intend to open the bottle.

Princess cruises do not allow any other types of alcohol onboard.  That means no beer, spirits, or liquors.

Princess Cruises Alcohol Policy here .

Disney Cruises Alcohol Policy

Disney cruises are one of the few cruise lines that allow guests to bring beer onboard.  You have a choice of whether to bring 2 bottles of wine or 6 beers 12 ounces or under.

Not only can you bring this alcohol allowance on boarding day, you can also take advantage of it at every port of call.

Wine and champagne can be consumed in public areas for a $26 corkage fee.

Beers must be consumed within your stateroom.

You can also buy more alcohol of all kinds and have them put in storage until the last day of your cruise when you must go and collect them yourself.

Liquors or spirits or excess wine and beer purchased in ports of call will be stored until the end of the cruise. Disney Cruise

Disney Alcohol Policy here .

Celebrity Cruises Alcohol Policy

Celebrity Cruises do not allow guests to bring any beer, spirits or hard liquor onboard their cruise ships.

Guests can bring 1 bottle of wine each, up to 2 bottles per cabin.  There is no fee for drinking in your cabin, but there is a corkage fee if you consume in a restaurant or bar.

You can purchase alcoholic beverages in ports of call or in onboard shops and have them stored until the last day of sailing, when they will be delivered to your cabin.

Celebrity Cruise Alcohol Policy here .

MSC Cruises Alcohol Policy  

MSC Cruises have a strict no-alcohol policy for any guests boarding the cruise from embarkation day and any ports of call.   This includes wine, beers, and liquors of all types.  

It doesn’t matter if the alcohol is for dining area use or the privacy of your stateroom. There is simply none allowed.

Alcoholic drinks, including wines, spirits, beer or other liqueurs are available for purchase onboard the Vessel at fixed prices. Passengers are not permitted to bring onboard any such drinks for use during the voyage, whether for consumption in their own cabins or otherwise . MSC Cruise Alcohol Polcicy here under “Alcohol 13.1.”

Viking Cruises Alcohol Policy

Viking Cruises allow guests to bring on as much alcohol as they like onboard.  This includes boarding days and from when you visit any ports of call.

Beers, wines, spirits, and liquors are allowed on board.

Not only can you take alcohol on board, you can also consume it in both your stateroom and in public areas of the ship, including dining areas, without incurring a corkage fee .

In their FAQ’s it states:

Guests may bring alcohol and beverages with them or purchase alcohol ashore at destinations that sell alcohol. Alcohol can be consumed in the guest’s stateroom or in public spaces, including dining venues. There is no corkage fee. Viking Cruises

Holland America Alcohol Policy 

Holland America only allows guests to bring 750 ml of Wine and Champagne onboard. No maximum amount is stated, but they say amounts deemed excessive will be refused.

No beers, spirits, or liquors are allowed to be taken onboard.

Each bottle you bring will be subject to a $20 corking fee.  You can bring one bottle onboard fee free if its purchased from a company-sponsored shore excursion.

Holland America Alcoholic Policy here .

Norwegian Cruise Line Alcohol Policy

Norwegian Cruise does not allow any beers or liquors to be brought onboard.

They do, however, allow an unlimited number of wine and champagne bottles.  Although you will have to pay a corkage fee of $15 for every bottle whether you intend to consume it or not.

Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages allow guest to bring two 750ml bottles of wine per cabin.   They do not allow any beer or liquor onboard.

They specifically state you can purchase specialty liquors in ports of call and bring them onboard if you let security know so they can put them in storage for you until the last night of your cruise.

Full info here under “Can I bring alcohol onboard”.

Azamara Cruises Alcohol Policy

Azamara is a Luxury cruise line that lets guest to bring all types of alcohol on board, including wine, beer, and liquors.   No limits are stated, so we can only assume it is within reason.

You may bring your own favourite liquor, beer or wine for private consumption in your suite or stateroom. Azamara Cruises

Azamara Alcohol Policy here under “Corkage Policy”

You can drink your own alcohol in your stateroom, but if you wish to drink in public areas of the ship, such as the dining rooms or bars, you will have to pay a $10 corkage fee.

Other River and Luxury Cruises

Many rivers and luxury cruise line companies do allow guests to bring alcohol onboard.  Often this is because many of them include alcohol in the fare price.  Therefore they don’t lose out by taking your own. If anything, they benefit.

How to Bring Alcohol on a Cruise?

You should typically bring your alcohol on a cruise in your carry-on luggage.   If you have taken a flight and packed your alcohol in your checked luggage at any point in your journey, you will need to take it out and transfer it to your carry-on.

Some cruise lines will confiscate and dispose of any alcohol found in your checked luggage.

Whatever part of your journey you are on, make sure you pack your alcohol safely, so it does not get broken in transit.  Wrapping in a towel and keeping compact in the center of your bags should suffice.  

Related Posts

• Can You Drink on a Cruise at 18?
• Drinking Age In International Waters (for each Cruise Line)
• Do Cruises Water Down Alcoholic Drinks?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is alcohol on cruise ships watered down.

Alcohol on cruise ships is not considered to be watered down.  Cruise lines make a good portion of their revenue from alcoholic drinks, sold individually and via drink packages.  If a cruise line were proven to be watering down drinks, it would risk its reputation.

Remember, if you are ordering a drink, state your preferred brand name. Otherwise, you may be given the cheapest options if you order a generic rum or brandy.  

This also applies to cocktails. Let the bartender know you want them to use the premium brand of your choice.

Another relevant tip is to request the bar-tender go easy on the ice.

Can You Bring Beer on a Cruise?

Of the leading cruise lines, only Disney Cruise allows bottles of beer to be taken onboard.  The limit is 6 bottles per person over the age of 21.

If the passenger takes beer, they can not take any additional wine.  It’s one or the other.

Can You Bring 12 Pack of Beer on a Carnival Cruise?

Carnival cruise does not allow guests to bring any beer onboard the ship.   Beer can be purchased onboard at bars, nightclubs, and restaurants. 

Can I Buy Alcohol in the Ports?

You can often buy alcoholic drinks cheaply in ports in duty-free stores.  However, you generally won’t be able to take these back to your stateroom.  Instead, you will have to let cruise staff know, and they will store them until your leaving day.

Can You Bring a Vape on a Cruise?  (2024)

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

Celebrity Cruises also offers a full lineup of drink packages, giving you the ability to pay one set daily price and then have your choice of beverages without worrying about a bill. Drink as much as you want, and you’ll know exactly what you’ll spend.

But these packages can be pricey and definitely have some fine print attached that you should know about. So is Celebrity’s drink package worth it? We have all the details, including our take on if you should purchase it or not.

What Drink Packages Are Available on Celebrity?

Celebrity offers multiple drink packages that can be tailored to whatever your tastes, from high-end alcoholic beverages to water and soda. So whether you are an adult that wants to let loose, or you are sailing with a kid that wants non-alcoholic drinks, the cruise line has an option.

Classic Drink Package: The basic drink package that offers everything from cocktails to coffee, beers, wine, bottled water, soda, and more. This package limits you to drinks that are $10 per glass or less.

Premium Drink Package: Have higher-end tastes? Or maybe you just want the freedom of more options? In that case, the Premium Drink Package might be for you. It includes drinks up to $17 per glass, giving you everything in the Classic Package, plus much more.

Zero Proof Package: If you want some of the tasty drinks on the ship but aren’t an alcohol drinker, then there is the Zero Proof Package. This deal offers premium bottled waters (Evian, San Pellegrino, etc.) specialty coffees and teas, plus zero-proof cocktails, soda, Vitamin Water and bottled teas.

How Much Do Drink Packages Cost?

Following a price increase and some tweaks to the packages in late 2022, Celebrity lists the following prices for each drink package:

• Classic Drink Package: $89 per person, per day
• Premium Drink Package: $109 per person, per day
• Classic Non-Alcoholic Package: $30 per person, per day

Note that these prices are lower than what you will see on the ship. Celebrity offers a discount for booking early, so if you want a drink package, book before you sail.

Is Gratuity Included in the Price?

The prices shown above are before gratuity. There is an automatic 20% “service charge” that is added onto the daily cost.

So the Classic Drink Package at $89 per day actually costs a total of $106.80 per day after this charge . The Premium Drink Package comes out to $130.80 per person, per day .

Does Everyone in the Cabin Have to Purchase the Package if One Person Does?

What do you do if one person wants a drink package but another person doesn’t? In that case, Celebrity requires that if one person buys an alcoholic package, then all people in that cabin must buy one as well. This includes non-alcoholic packages for teens traveling with parents.

However, there are some exceptions for kids or those with medical/health reasons for not drinking:

• Kids 12 and under: Not required to buy any package
• Kids 13-20 (U.S.) or 13-17 (Rest of World): Must purchase Zero Proof Package
• Pregnant: Must purchase Zero Proof Package
• Medical issue or in recovery: Must purchase Zero Proof Package

What’s the Difference Between the Classic and Premium Packages?

As mentioned above, Celebrity offers two different alcoholic packages. The biggest difference between the two is that the Classic package offers drinks up to $10 per glass while the Premium plan offers drinks up to $17 per glass. The Premium package also offers a 20% discount on wine by the bottle compared to 15% for the Classic offer.

In short, you simply have more options with the higher-end Premium package.

Still, that’s not to say you’ll go thirsty with either package. Here’s just a sample of what Celebrity says is included with the lower-priced Classic package :

• Vodkas: Tito’s, Absolut, New Amsterdam, Smirnoff
• Whiskeys: Dewar’s White Label, Famous Grouse, Jim Beam, Johnnie Walker Red, Monkey Shoulder, Seagram’s VO
• Rums: Bacardi, Captain Morgan’s, Kraken, Malibu, Myer’s, Wray & Nephew
• Tequilas: Don Julio Blanco, Teremana Blanco
• Beers: Bud, Bud Light, Coors Light, Corona, Franziskaner, Heineken, Kirin, Miller Lite, Michelob Ultra, Morette, Newcastle Brown Ale, Stongbow Cider

In addition, the cruise line says it offers “a large selection of classic cocktails made with Classic Beverage Package spirits.”

So if you’re just looking for a drink, then the Classic should have you covered. If you have finer tastes or enjoy fancy cocktails, the Premium package is likely a better choice.

What If I Buy a Drink Above the $10/$17 Price Limit?

Say you have the Classic Beverage Package — which only has a $10 per glass limit — but want a drink that costs more.

In that case, Celebrity’s policy is that you have to pay for the overage. So if you order a $14 cocktail, then you’ll be charged only $4, plus the 20% gratuity on that overage amount.

It’s the same situation if you have the higher-priced package and go over the $17 per glass limit.

Can I Share Drinks With the Package?

It is universal across cruise lines — including Celebrity — that sharing is not allowed. This is a reason that cruise lines require all adults to buy the drink package if one person in the cabin does so. That way, there isn’t a big worry about sharing.

That said, unless you are blatantly obvious it’s not likely that anyone will know if you do share a drink.

How Many Drinks Can I Buy at Once With the Package?

While most people simply order one drink at a time, there are times where you might want to order more. Unfortunately, Celebrity’s drink package rules state that you can only order one drink at a time. Extras are charged at the regular menu price. So if you’re wanting to get a drink for you and your spouse, you’ll both need to order something instead of just one person heading to the bar.

Is There a Limit on How Many Drinks I Can Order in a Day?

No. While some cruise lines have daily limits on the number of drinks you can buy in a 24-hour period with their drink packages, Celebrity specifically says that there is no daily limit on the cruise line.

That said, if you are obviously overserved, then don’t be surprised if the crew declines to give you another drink.

Do I Have to Buy the Package For The Entire Cruise?

If you decide that you want to buy a drink package, then you should know that it must be bought for the entire length of the cruise. So on a 7-day cruise, you’ll pay the daily charge each day for the entire week.

You can’t just pick and choose days to purchase the package.

How Can I Save Money on the Drink Package?

There’s no doubt that the drink package can cost a lot of money over the course of your cruise. But there are a few ways that you can save some cash.

First, if you know that you’ll want one of the drink packages, then buy it ahead of time. Celebrity prominently displays a notice on its website that “Pre-Cruise Pricing Always Lower Than On Board.”

Second, you can potentially save with Celebrity’s “All Included” offer. The cruise lines offers two different fares — cruise only and All Included. With the offer, you pay more than the base cruise fare, but gratuities, wi-fi, and a drink package is included. (For most cabins, the Classic Drink Package is included; those cabins in The Retreat receive the Premium Drink Package.)

While you’ll want to do the math, this can be a less expensive way to get the drink package. For instance, we priced an 8-night cruise with the All Included package for about $440 more per person over the base cruise fare. The Classic package would cost more than $700 alone for that length of trip (before gratuity).

Is the Celebrity Drink Package Worth It?

There’s no argument that the cost of a drink package can be pricey. Over a 7-day trip, the cost of the Classic Drink Package would run $747 with gratuity included. The Premium Drink Package would cost 916.

So is it worth it?

Obviously, the answer is going to depend on the specific person. Are you the sort of person that isn’t on vacation unless there is a drink in your hand? Then yes, the drink package is likely going to be worth it.

Or are you the sort of person that may like to let loose for a night or two but then take it easy? In that case, it’s likely not. But it’s helpful to do the math.

On a cruise ship beers are typically around $7-8 each. Cocktails run around $12-14 each (though Celebrity offers many under the $10 price point for the Classic Drink Package).

For the $89 Classic Drink Package, you have to drink nine $10 cocktails each day to get your money’s worth. For the higher-end Premium Drink Package, you’d have to drink eight cocktails priced at $15 each before you come out ahead.

That is a lot, but that figure doesn’t include things like bottled waters, coffees, or sodas, which can also add up quickly.

As well, there is something to be said about not having to worry about having to keep tabs on your bar bill during the cruise. Want to try a new drink? There’s no risk of not liking it. If that’s the case, you can just order something else.

If you are on the fence of being unsure whether the package would be worth it for you or not, remember that the All Included offer may make the choice much easier. With a potentially lower price for the package, it could put the math in your favor.

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Is the 20% gratuities on the drinks that get charged to your account covered by the gratuities package?

Yes, you are charged the 20% on the value of the package. Then you’re covered when you actually get a beverage at the bar.

Is the non-alcoholic package worth buying? I was thinking that we could buy that and only pay out of pocket for a few drinks for me since my husband no longer drinks alcohol. Thanks for your time!

If you got the classic drink package as part of the all inclusive, where do the 20% gratuity come in? Is is part of the cruise price or is it added later? Tx

I can’t seem to find a price list for none alcoholic drinks like juice and specialty coffee, do you know how much they generally cost? I have a feeling during a day I might like a special coffee a juice and perhaps one non alcoholic cocktail so just 3 drinks would it be better to just pay for them individually?

You can estimate about $3-5 for these items ($5-7 for a non-alc cocktail). At just three drinks, you’d want to skip the drink package. However, Celebrity offers the all-inclusive package with fares. In that case, you’ll want to see how much more the included fare (which has drinks, tips, and wi-fi included) costs versus the bare bones cost.

But at three non-alcoholic drinks, you’ll be spending around $15-20.

Sorry I meant, Drinks without the drink package.

Is there anything included in the standard cruise without packages.

Not alcoholic drinks. Basic drinks like tea, water, and coffee are included.

Standard “bar brand” type cocktails are around 10 bucks. Some are more. Look at the list of included booze for the different packages. If you don’t see what you like in the classic checkout premium. Moat everything you can order at any of the bars is included in the premium. Only some very high end top shelf stuff like Louis xiii or Macallan 18 or 20 yr old scotch are over the 17 buck limit. If you juat like basic booze the classic is fine. I check with the bartender when ordering to make sure. You may end up signing for an overage if you don’t check.

20% is added on to the total. They add gratuities to drinks if you buy them one at a time as well. No different

Hello, I have been searching to find the answer to the Classic Drink package as to whether or not it includes soda and regular bottle water? I have reached out to celebrity several times but the wait times have been over 2 hours. If you happen to know the answer to this, I would greatly appreciate your input.

Yes. From Celebrity’s website of what’s included:

“Non-Alcoholic: Juices, Sodas, Non-Premium bottle water, Premium coffees, Premium teas”

So what is the cost of a Jim Beam and water or Canadian Club and water?

Or a frozen drink like a mud slide or strawberry daiquiri?

I’m confused on the difference of the drink packages when you don’t know what is charged per drink

If there are 2 adults in the room with the classic drink package, can only one of them upgrade to the premium package? Since the other doesn’t drink.

Yes. Use your card for premium drinks for you. If the other doesn’t drink just get the zero proof package for them. No need to waste money on a classic. The package is listed on your room key/ID card.

Thanks for great info. I was wondering if I book a celebrity veranda room for 3 guests ( 2 adults and 10 year old kid ) with all inclusive ( drink, wifi and gratuity), do we get any discount for kids or is it same price for kid as adults. Thanks

So the 10 year old will obviously get the zero-proof package, but not sure if it’s priced less.

Thanks for the info, does the ship offer events like cocktails making glasses or Martin testing g do glasses, that the package will cover?

Tastings are all ala carte charges, not included in drink package.

So wait…the 20% gratuity is added per day instead of per drink?! Is there a way to opt out of the daily gratuity if you don’t intend to use the package that often…like say you don’t get any drinks for a few days or something like that?

With drink packages you pay one set daily fee — no matter what. Drink 10 drinks and you pay the same as if you had 0 drinks. Then the 20% is added on to the daily cost of the package. That’s why you want to do the math before you buy to see if it’s worth it.

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Price Hike: NCL Boosting Soda & Coffee Package Prices Up to 27%

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These major cruise lines are changing their displayed prices. Here's why.

• California Senate Bill 478 – also known as the “Honest Pricing Law” or “Hidden Fees Statute” – will take effect Monday.
• The law bans businesses from listing or advertising “a price for a good or service that does not include all required fees or charges other than certain government taxes and shipping costs.”

That is changing how many major cruise lines display their prices, and not just for travelers in the Golden State.

Cruise prices may look higher as of next week – but that doesn’t mean they are.

California Senate Bill 478 – also known as the “Honest Pricing Law” or “Hidden Fees Statute” – will take effect Monday. The law bans businesses from listing or advertising “a price for a good or service that does not include all required fees or charges other than certain government taxes and shipping costs,” according to an FAQ page from the state’s Office of the Attorney General.

“The statute does not change what price a business can charge or what may be included in that cost,” the attorney general's office said. “The law simply requires that the price listed include all mandatory charges.”

Which cruise lines will change how their pricing is listed?

◾ Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises will update the way they display pricing in the U.S. Customers “will now see pricing that is inclusive of their selected cruise fare and all required taxes and fees,” a spokesperson for the brands’ parent company, Royal Caribbean Group , told USA TODAY in an emailed statement. “We are also supporting our travel partners across the country ahead of this upcoming change.”

◾ Norwegian Cruise Line will do the same, incorporating “applicable taxes, fees and port expenses” into advertised prices in the U.S. and Canada by Monday.“This change will only impact the way we display our prices and will not affect the prices that our guests pay to enjoy a cruise with us or the portion of the cruise fare that is commissionable for our travel partners,” a spokesperson for the line said in an emailed statement. “We are committed to delivering exceptional vacation experiences at every step of the cruise journey and we hope this change will provide our guests with a more satisfying booking experience.”

◾ MSC Cruises added government fees and taxes to advertised overall prices for U.S. bookings on Wednesday. “These costs are now seamlessly integrated into the total advertised price, providing a simple and transparent booking experience that will not impact the overall price paid by our guests,” a spokesperson said in an emailed statement.

What are junk fees?: Travelers are drowning in them during the summer of surcharges

◾ Disney Cruise Line plans to comply with the law.

◾ Carnival Corp., which operates major lines such as Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, and others, also made the change nationally to ensure consistency in advertised pricing, according to a spokesperson for the company.“The great news is that the final price paid hasn't changed, simply the way it is displayed,” they said in an emailed statement. “Our cruise lines still deliver the same great, affordable value and unforgettable cruise experiences vacationers love.”Several others already wrap those costs into their advertised prices, including the high-end Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises – also part of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. – Viking and Explora Journeys , the luxury brand from the MSC Group.

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

The Key Points at the top of this article were created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. No other parts of the article were generated using AI. Learn more .

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Affordable Island-Hopping in Croatia? What Could Go Wrong?

A 30-percent-off Black Friday sale on a cruise aboard a yacht meant off-season sailing and being prepared for the unexpected.

By Elaine Glusac

Elaine Glusac is the Frugal Traveler columnist, focusing on budget-friendly tips and journeys.

As Croatians tell the story , the Greek hero Odysseus was shipwrecked and held captive on the Croatian island of Mljet. Visiting in May, I and six other sailors embraced the myth when the motor on our 54-foot yacht failed.

“Remember, Odysseus spent seven years on Mljet,” said Ivan Ljubovic, our captain. “We can do two nights.”

In the scheme of things, the clogged fuel filter that impeded our progress on a seven-night, island-hopping cruise from Split to Dubrovnik on a yacht — which the passengers helped sail — was minor. Though an engine, even on a sailboat, is vital for docking and sticking to schedules on becalmed days, most of my shipmates agreed that getting waylaid in a village with Roman ruins on a turquoise bay was an acceptable fate.

I had been resigned to what were, in my mind, worse inconveniences when I had signed up for the trip last November. Then, the tour operator G Adventures had put several trips on sale over the Black Friday weekend. Its best deals were in the off-season, which meant potentially chilly weather and closed restaurants and attractions. But leaving in late April for seven nights of island hopping at roughly $1,300 — after a 30 percent discount — was too tempting to pass up.

My cousin Kim agreed and we made plans to pack rain gear and meet in Split to test the budget waters.

‘Everything between is an adventure’

Little about the itinerary was published pre-departure and none of it was firm.

“Split and Dubrovnik are fixed,” said the captain, who would pilot the ship solo and double as our guide, on our first day. “Everything between is an adventure.”

It started with the Sauturnes, a handsome Kufner yacht with four snug guest cabins, four economical bathrooms where the retractable faucet doubled as a shower spigot, and a spacious galley. Our “crew,” a mix of Australians and Americans ranging from 18 to 75 — all of whom had also jumped on the promotional pricing — spent most of the time atop the boat, where foam mattresses invited sunbathing and a cockpit awning provided shade.

The weather, which turned out to be sunny and comfortably cool, was not our greatest concern. The G Adventures website had mentioned well-known islands, including beachy Brac and Vis , which played a convincing Greek idyll in the movie “Mamma Mia 2.” But since many places would be closed in the shoulder season, we would proceed, according to the captain, based on the dictates of the weather and conditions on shore.

Meals were not included, which meant finding open restaurants was critical. For shipboard breakfasts and lunches, we each chipped in 50 euros (about $54) for communal groceries, which we shopped for at local markets. At night, we would dine at restaurants; G Adventures advised budgeting $250 to $325 for the week, which was accurate, though we often splurged on Croatian wine (a carafe of house red averaged $15).

Small ports

After the frenzy of grocery shopping and moving into the bunk-bedded cabin Kim and I shared, we experienced the Zen of sailing as the ship set off on a sunny morning for 43-mile-long Hvar , the longest and purportedly sunniest island in Croatia.

Neighboring islands drifted past as the wind patterned the sea in shifting ripples and ruffles. A flock of shearwaters soared by at eye level.

Within a few hours, the ridgelines of steep Hvar appeared, revealing terraced lavender fields and olive orchards. Motoring down a long, narrow inlet, we arrived in Stari Grad , a village of stone homes with terra cotta roof tiles, as travelers had since 384 B.C., when Greek sailors from the island of Paros settled here.

Our mooring provided a front-row view of fishing boats and cafes animating the waterfront. Stari Grad’s attractions, including the Greek ruins of Faros and a 17th-century Venetian cathedral, had yet to open for the season, but we relished exploring the old quarter’s narrow lanes and deserted plazas.

From the waterfront, an aerobic 20-minute hike up a steep hill crowned by a giant white cross offered views over Stari Grad and the plains beyond, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of fourth-century agricultural fields, with stone walls circumscribing grapevines and olive orchards.

That evening, we visited them to reach Konoba Kokot , a farm restaurant that specializes in “peka,” a kind of barbecue in which meat cooks under an iron lid piled with hot coals. The family that runs it opened in the preseason, welcoming us with bracing shots of rakija, a local herbal liquor. At a long table under an arbor, we gorged on homemade goat cheese, wild boar pate and, from the hearth, roast lamb, veal and octopus with limitless jugs of red and white wine for 35 euros a person.

Starry nights

Small ships are unmatched at getting into small ports, but a yacht trip is also a little like camping, starting most mornings with D.I.Y. instant coffee. Marinas offered free bathhouses with showers.

Cool temperatures apparently deterred the celebrity-filled mega yachts, which are known to anchor in the town of Hvar on the south shore of Hvar island. Our captain declared it the “Mykonos of Croatia” as we motored by the port bustling with visitors carrying shopping bags and cones of gelato.

With clear weather in the forecast, we moored in an undeveloped cove east of town. The mooring belonged to the owners of Moli Onte restaurant, who ferried us to land on a motorized dingy, allowing us enough time before dinner to visit the fortress above Hvar and have an Ozujsko beer on St. Stephens Square, the largest in the region of Dalmatia.

Back on board, with no artificial light to wash out the night sky, we hit the upper deck for stargazing. As my shipmates peeled off to bed, I grabbed a blanket and beanie and bedded down under the stars for the evolving show, periodically waking to catch the drama of the moon rising, reflected in the still water.

Little Dubrovnik

Fingers of gray rock reached down to meet sloping vineyards along Hvar’s south coast as we departed for its neighbor, Korcula. On our longest day of sailing, five hours, I welcomed the chance to play first mate, manning the lines on the jib sail.

To break up the trip, Captain Ljubovic navigated to a quiet cove off the Peljesac Peninsula where the Caribbean-blue waters, cloudless sky and sandy bottom convinced us to jump in despite numbing sea temperatures.

Fifteenth-century walls ring the historic center of Korcula, earning it the nickname “Little Dubrovnik.” Past the stone gates carved with a winged lion representing the empire of Venice, which controlled much of the Adriatic after the 13th century, narrow alleys led to ornate churches and mansions. There was no better history trip than getting lost in the web of pedestrian lanes. Or so we told ourselves as we passed the purported home of Marco Polo, still closed preseason.

Along the seafront walls, restaurants served pizza and seafood under lights strung in the pines and we caught sunset from a former turret, now converted into Massimo Cocktail Bar , which requires patrons to climb a ladder to the rooftop, a caution against second rounds.

The most romantic port of the trip was also the rowdiest, at least in the marina, which was hosting a Polish sailing regatta. When I headed for the showers at 6 a.m. the next morning, I found a group still cheerfully dancing atop a yacht littered in empty booze bottles and crushed potato chips.

Marooned on Mljet

We left Korcula on strong 20-knot “jugo” or south winds and Captain Ljubovic unleashed the sails, saying “You paid for a sailing vacation, not a motorboat.”

As we tacked back and forth toward Mljet , the boat heeled at a queasy angle and we took face shots of ocean spray.

On Mljet, where the western end of the island is home to Mljet National Park , we rented bikes (10 euros) to ride a lung-busting route over the park’s mountain spine. On the other side, we cycled around a pair of inland lakes and took a boat trip to a 12th-century monastery built on an island in one of them (park admission, 15 euros).

Docked in the still sleepy town of Polace, we heard tales of high season, when up to 100 yachts anchor in the bay and members of the band U2 were once seen biking in the park. After a brief shower, the town glimmered at sunset and the restaurant Stella Maris welcomed us with grilled sea bass (25 euros) and prawns (20 euros).

“I’m so glad I chose this time, because I don’t do crowds,” said my shipmate Nova Hey, 46, of Sydney, who was traveling with her 18-year-old daughter.

In the morning, I had the trail to the peak of Montokuc to myself. The roughly three-mile round-trip hike reached one of the highest points on the island, a rocky knob with stunning panoramas shared by a family of feral goats.

Not long thereafter, the Sauternes’ engine refused to turn over, stranding us in a national park on a remote island with no mechanics.

Teeming Dubrovnik

The next morning, Captain Ljubovic jimmied a fix but it didn’t last long and the engine died again, this time just opposite a cave on Mljet that we joked had to be the refuge of Odysseus.

After a morning of light sailing, a mechanic from the mainland arrived by speedboat and within an hour we were motoring toward the Franjo Tudman Bridge that spans the inlet to the Dubrovnik marina where hot showers awaited.

“Dubrovnik is the most expensive city in Croatia,” said Captain Ljubovic as we spent the last of our pooled money, 70 euros, hiring a taxi van to get us to and from the walled heart of the ancient city about 15 minutes away.

With two large cruise ships in port, Dubrovnik was teeming with visitors and the price to climb the stone walls that encircle the city was a sticker-shocking 35 euros. (In the ensuing two days Kim and I would spend post-cruise in the city, we bought the more comprehensive Dubrovnik Pass for 35 euros that included admission to the walls as well as several museums and public bus transportation.)

On our final evening, we measured the lack of crowds versus closed museums; perfect hiking weather versus swim-inviting water; ample dock space versus more restaurant choices — and felt we’d come out ahead sailing in the bargain season.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Ljubljana, Slovenia:  Stroll along the river, explore a contemporary art scene and admire panoramic views in this scenic Central European capital .

Cities With Great Beaches:  Already been to Miami, Honolulu and Sydney? These five other coastal destinations  are vibrant on land and on the water.

Southern France:  The Canal du Midi traverses the Occitanie region and gives cyclists of all skill levels  access to parts of France that are rich in lore .

Port Antonio, Jamaica:  The D.J. and music producer Diplo recommends spots in a city he loves  on Jamaica’s northeast coast. A dance party makes the cut.

New Mexico:  Visiting the vast and remote Gila Wilderness, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary, is both inspiring and demanding .