Are Cruise Ship Mixed Drinks Watered Down? MSC, Carnival, Royal Caribbean Drink Packages

[CruiseFanatic77]

I’m planning a 7 night Caribbean cruise out of Miami in 2025, torn between MSC World America, Carnival Celebration, and Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas. One big factor for me is the drink package. My wife and I love cocktails, but I’ve heard cruise ship mixed drinks are weak, like they skimp on the booze. I’ve been on Royal and Carnival before, and some bars felt like they were pouring juice with a tiny splash of vodka. MSC’s newer, so I’m curious about their packages and drink quality. How do the drink packages compare on price and value? Are MSC’s drinks any good, or are they watered down too? Tips for getting strong cocktails? I’m all ears! lol

 

[Beach Bum Cruiser]

I’m planning a 7 night Caribbean cruise out of Miami in 2025, torn between MSC World America, Carnival Celebration, and Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas. One big factor for me is the drink package. My wife and I love cocktails, but I’ve heard cruise ship mixed drinks are weak, like they skimp on the booze. I’ve been on Royal and Carnival before, and some bars felt like they were pouring juice with a tiny splash of vodka. MSC’s newer, so I’m curious about their packages and drink quality. How do the drink packages compare on price and value? Are MSC’s drinks any good, or are they watered down too? Tips for getting strong cocktails? I’m all ears! lol

I’ve sailed all three from Miami, so I can break it down. MSC’s drink packages are cheaper than Carnival or Royal, but the selection isn't as good. Their Premium Extra package is ~$85/day (15 drinks up to $16, unlimited non-alcoholic), and it works on Ocean Cay, which is a plus. Carnival’s CHEERS! is ~$65–$80/day (15 drinks up to $20), and Royal’s Deluxe Beverage Package is ~$60–$90/day (unlimited drinks up to $14).

MSC’s cocktails were decent on Seascape. Mojitos and margaritas tasted fine, but I noticed some bartenders poured light, especially at the buffet bar. Carnival’s drinks at Alchemy Bar are strong, like their martinis, but poolside drinks felt weak. Royal’s the same. Strong at specialty bars like Schooner, weaker at main pool bars. The watered-down thing is real across all lines; I think it’s because they use auto-pour systems or train bartenders to go easy to cut costs.

Stick to specialty bars (like MSC’s Speakeasy or Carnival’s Alchemy) and ask for a double shot if your package allows. Also, MSC’s limit of 15 drinks/day is stricter than Royal’s unlimited. For value, MSC’s cheapest if you drink moderately, Carnival’s better for heavy drinkers.

 

[First Time Floater]

This is my first cruise, booked MSC World America because it was so affordable. I’m freaking out about the drink package prices! $85 a day for Premium Extra sounds crazy! Are the drinks really weak? My husband loves rum and cokes, and I’m into fruity cocktails. We don’t drink a ton, maybe 3–4 drinks each a day. Is it worth getting the package or should we just pay as we go? Also, any kid-friendly non-alcoholic drinks included? Worried about getting ripped off with watered down cocktails.

 

[CruiseAddict305]

This is my first cruise, booked MSC World America because it was so affordable. I’m freaking out about the drink package prices! $85 a day for Premium Extra sounds crazy! Are the drinks really weak? My husband loves rum and cokes, and I’m into fruity cocktails. We don’t drink a ton, maybe 3–4 drinks each a day. Is it worth getting the package or should we just pay as we go? Also, any kid-friendly non-alcoholic drinks included? Worried about getting ripped off with watered down cocktails.

MSC’s drink packages are steep, but at 3 to 4 drinks per day, you might break even with the Premium Extra ($85 per day). Cocktails are around $10 to $12, so four drinks plus some sodas or coffees gets you close to $40 to $50 per person. Paying as you go could work if you stick to that, but watch out for the 18% gratuity on each drink. I’ve had mixed drinks on MSC Seashore, and yeah, some felt weak/ Pina coladas were a lot more coconut than rum. But if you ask for a specific pour ("make it strong"), bartenders usually hook you up, especially at quieter bars like the Champagne Bar.

Carnival’s drinks at Alchemy Bar are the strongest I’ve had at sea, Royal Caribbean is hit or miss. The watered-down vibe is a thing. I often see complaints about this on forums and in Facebook group. I think it’s because cruise lines use cheaper liquor or measure shots tightly. For kids, MSC’s Minors Package ($22 per day) has unlimited mocktails, sodas, and smoothies, which my 10 year old loved. Try MSC’s speakeasy bar on World America; I heard it’s got craft cocktails that pack a punch. If you’re light drinkers, skip the package and order doubles at specialty bars.

 

[VacationVibes22]

I’ve done Carnival Vista and Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas, and the drink package debates are happening everywhere. Carnival’s Cheers! was worth it for me for $70 per day, I got like 8–10 drinks (beers, margaritas) and felt fine. But poolside drinks were definitely weak The margaritas tasted like limeade.

Royal’s package was pricier at $80 per day, and I noticed the same thing: main bars poured light, but specialty bars like the Trellis Bar were better. Never tried MSC, but I’m eyeing World America for the price - and it's just a beautiful looking ship. Are their cocktails any good? I heard MSC’s more European, so do they even have American stuff like whiskey sours? Also, is the watered-down thing worse on MSC? I don’t want to waste money on juice with a hint of booze!

 

[Miami Cruise Queen]

I’ve done Carnival Vista and Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas, and the drink package debates are happening everywhere. Carnival’s Cheers! was worth it for me for $70 per day, I got like 8–10 drinks (beers, margaritas) and felt fine. But poolside drinks were definitely weak The margaritas tasted like limeade.

Royal’s package was pricier at $80 per day, and I noticed the same thing: main bars poured light, but specialty bars like the Trellis Bar were better. Never tried MSC, but I’m eyeing World America for the price - and it's just a beautiful looking ship. Are their cocktails any good? I heard MSC’s more European, so do they even have American stuff like whiskey sours? Also, is the watered-down thing worse on MSC? I don’t want to waste money on juice with a hint of booze!

MSC’s cocktails are solid if you know where to go. On Seashore, I loved the mojitos at the Long Island Bar. Pretty decent rum kick if you ask for extra. Whiskey sours are on the menu, no problem, and World America’s got a sports bar with American staples like that.

Their Premium Extra package covers drinks up to $16, so you’re good for most cocktails, beers, and wines. I’ve noticed weak pours at busy bars (like poolside), same as Carnival and Royal. The watered-down issue isn’t worse on MSC. It’s an industry thing. Bartenders use measured pourers, and during peak times, they lean heavy on mixers to save liquor.

My trick: hit the specialty bars (MSC’s speakeasy, Carnival’s Alchemy, Royal’s Schooner Bar) and tip $1–$2 per drink for a heavier hand. MSC’s package is cheaper (~$85 vs. Royal’s $90), and it works on Ocean Cay, which Carnival and Royal don’t always do. If you’re a whiskey sour fan, you’ll be fine, but ask for a specific brand like Jack Daniel’s to avoid house liquor. Carnival’s got a slight edge for strong drinks, but MSC’s value is better if you don’t go overboard.

 

[NewbieSailor2025]

I’m planning my first cruise, either MSC Seascape or Carnival Jubilee out of Miami. I’m a beer guy, wife likes vodka martinis. The watered-down talk has me worried. #80-$90 per day for weak drinks sounds like a scam! How’s MSC’s beer selection? Carnival’s got a lot of craft beers, which I love. Also, is it true you can’t bring any alcohol onboard MSC? I read that on a forum, and it’s a bummer if true. Any hacks to get stronger drinks without paying extra? I heard one of the cruise lines has a brewery onboard. I think that's MSC World America.

 

[Port Canaveral Pro]

I’m planning my first cruise, either MSC Seascape or Carnival Jubilee out of Miami. I’m a beer guy, wife likes vodka martinis. The watered-down talk has me worried. #80-$90 per day for weak drinks sounds like a scam! How’s MSC’s beer selection? Carnival’s got a lot of craft beers, which I love. Also, is it true you can’t bring any alcohol onboard MSC? I read that on a forum, and it’s a bummer if true. Any hacks to get stronger drinks without paying extra? I heard one of the cruise lines has a brewery onboard. I think that's MSC World America.

MSC’s beer selection is good but not as good as Carnival’s. On Seascape, I saw drafts like Heineken and Stella, plus bottles like Corona and Peroni, all covered by the Premium Extra package @ $85/day. Carnival’s Cheers has more craft beers for $70/day - think Blue Moon, Lagunitas, even local Florida brews on some ships.

Royal Caribbean's Deluxe Beverage Package varies in price depending on the ship, but it's usually around $80 per day - and has a similar vibe but leans pricier. Vodka martinis on MSC were okay on Meraviglia, but my wife said they skimped on the vodka unless we asked for a double (extra cost if paying a la carte). The watered-down rumors are true.

Cruise lines use auto-pour systems to keep shots small, especially at high-traffic bars. I’ve noticed it on all three lines, worst at pool bars during sea days. Hack: Go to quieter bars (MSC’s Champagne Bar, Carnival’s RedFrog Pub, Royal’s English pub) and politely ask for a “strong pour” or name a premium liquor.

MSC’s no alcohol policy is strict. You can’t bring any booze onboard, unlike Carnival and Royal Caribbean, where you get one 750ml bottle of wine per person. If you’re on MSC, get the drink package and hit the speakeasy or sports bar for better martinis. Carnival’s your best bet for beers, though.

 

[Cruise Lover Tampa]

I’ve done Carnival and Royal out of Miami, and the weak drink thing drives me nuts. On Carnival Vista, my mojitos at the pool were basically mint lemonade. I had to go to the Alchemy Bar to get a proper drink. Royal’s Allure of the Seas was the same, weak daiquiris unless I hit a specialty bar. I’m considering MSC World America for next year because it’s so darn affordable, but I’m worried about the drinks. Are MSC’s mixed drinks any better? Also, how’s the vibe at their bars? I love Carnival’s RedFrog Pub for the chill atmosphere. And yeah, is the drink package worth it if I’m only drinking 5 or 6 cocktails a day?

 

[SunsetSailor99]

I’ve done Carnival and Royal out of Miami, and the weak drink thing drives me nuts. On Carnival Vista, my mojitos at the pool were basically mint lemonade. I had to go to the Alchemy Bar to get a proper drink. Royal’s Allure of the Seas was the same, weak daiquiris unless I hit a specialty bar. I’m considering MSC World America for next year because it’s so darn affordable, but I’m worried about the drinks. Are MSC’s mixed drinks any better? Also, how’s the vibe at their bars? I love Carnival’s RedFrog Pub for the chill atmosphere. And yeah, is the drink package worth it if I’m only drinking 5 or 6 cocktails a day?

MSC’s mixed drinks are hit or miss, just like Carnival and Royal. On MSC Seashore I had great pina coladas at the speakeasy bar. Good rum flavor, not too sweet, but poolside drinks were weak, like they barely used any liquor.

The watered-down issue is standard across all lines; I think it’s because they train bartenders to pour light to stretch the package limits. MSC’s bar vibe is fancier than Carnival’s. Think glitzy lounges with live music or the Galleria’s LED ceiling. Their sports bar on World America should be like RedFrog Pub, chill with TVs and beers. For 5–6 drinks per day, MSC’s Premium Extra might be worth it at about $85/daily.

Cocktails are about $10–$12, so you’d hit around $60–$80 with gratuity. Carnival’s Cheers bar is a bit cheaper at $70, and Royal’s is pricier at about $90. MSC’s package includes specialty coffees and mocktails, which adds value if you mix in non-alcoholic drinks. Ask for premium liquor (like Tito’s for vodka drinks) and hit less busy bars. Also, MSC’s no alcohol policy is a bummer. Carnival and Royal let you bring wine, which saves money.

 

[Miami Wave Rider]

The watered-down debate is endless! I’ve sailed MSC, Carnival, and Royal out of Miami, and weak drinks happen on all of them, especially at high traffic bars like poolside or buffet areas. On MSC Meraviglia, my margaritas were solid at the Champagne Bar, but the pool bar ones were basically juice. Carnival’s Alchemy Bar and Royal’s Schooner Bar pour stronger, but you gotta seek them out.

MSC’s Premium Extra package is a good deal. It covers drinks of to $16, so you can get premium stuff like Grey Goose or Don Julio. Carnival’s Cheers caps at $20, which is great for craft cocktails. Royal’s is unlimited but only up to $14, so you miss out on top shelf unless you're willing to shell out the rest of whatever the top shelf drink costs. The controversy comes from auto-pourers. Cruise lines use them to control costs, and bartenders stick to 1–1.5oz shots. My hack: $1–$2 per drink and ask for a "heavy pour" or a specific brand.

MSC’s bars on World America look awesome. Speakeasy, sports bar, even a British pub vibe. No alcohol allowed to be taken onboard MSC, which sucks compared to Carnival’s wine allowance. For value, MSC’s package is best if you like variety (cocktails, beers, coffee); Carnival’s is better for heavy drinkers.

 

[NewCruiser2025]

Thanks for all the tips, everyone! I’m leaning toward MSC Seascape for the price, but I’m nervous about the drink package. My wife and I probably have 4 or 5 drinks each (beers for me, martinis for her). Are MSC’s beers any good?

 

[CruiseAddict305]

Thanks for all the tips, everyone! I’m leaning toward MSC Seascape for the price, but I’m nervous about the drink package. My wife and I probably have 4 or 5 drinks each (beers for me, martinis for her). Are MSC’s beers any good?

MSC’s beer selection is solid. Heineken, Stella, Peroni, Corona, all included in the Premium Extra package for $85 per day. Not as many craft beers as Carnival, which has stuff like ThirstyFrog and local brews.

 

[First Time Floater]

Thanks, everyone! Sounds like I should skip the package and pay for drinks as we go since we’re light drinkers. Are MSC’s non-alcoholic drinks good for kids? And how bad is the watered-down thing on World America? I don’t want my husband’s rum and cokes to taste like coke only. Any specific bars to hit for stronger drinks?

 

[Miami Wave Rider]

Thanks, everyone! Sounds like I should skip the package and pay for drinks as we go since we’re light drinkers. Are MSC’s non-alcoholic drinks good for kids? And how bad is the watered-down thing on World America? I don’t want my husband’s rum and cokes to taste like coke only. Any specific bars to hit for stronger drinks?

Paying as you go is smart if you’re only doing 3 or 4 drinks a day. Cocktails are $10–$12 plus 18% gratuity, so you’ll save versus the $85 package. MSC’s non alcoholic drinks are great for kids. The Minors Package is $22 a day and has mocktails like virgin pina coladas, plus smoothies, sodas, and ice cream. My 8yo loved the mango mocktail.

The watered-down issue on MSC isn’t worse than Carnival or Royal, but it’s noticeable at busy bars like the pool or buffet. On World America, try the speakeasy bar (hidden, ask crew for location) or the sports bar for rum and cokes. They pour stronger there. Ask for a specific rum like Bacardi and tip $1–$2 for a heavier pour.

I had good rum and cokes on Seashore at the Long Island Bar, so World America should be similar. Carnival’s RedFrog and Royal’s pub bars are better for consistent pours, but MSC’s fine if you stick to specialty spots. Enjoy your first cruise!