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MSC Cruise Drink Packages Overview
MSC Cruises offers drink packages for 2025, tailored to various preferences, with recent changes affecting sailings in the Caribbean, North America, and Pacific regions starting April 1, 2025. Below is a detailed overview based on the latest information.
Available Drink Packages
As of December 18, 2024, MSC has streamlined its offerings, particularly for U.S.-based sailings, eliminating the Easy and Easy Plus packages. The following packages are available:
1. Premium Extra Package
- Cost:
- $95/day for 3-night cruises
- $85/day for 4+ night cruises
- Example: $490 for a 7-night cruise (including gratuity)
- Includes:
- Alcoholic beverages up to $16 (e.g., premium cocktails, spirits, liqueurs, wines, champagnes by the glass, draft and bottled beers)
- Unlimited non-alcoholic drinks (soft drinks, juices, bottled water, energy drinks, coffee, hot chocolate, tea)
- 25% discount on bottled wine and champagne purchased onboard
- Where Valid: Bars, buffet, main dining rooms, specialty restaurants, and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. Not valid at signature venues (e.g., Venchi 1878, Jean-Philippe Maury, MSC Virtuosa Starship Club).
- Notes:
- Limited to 15 alcoholic drinks per day outside MSC Yacht Club areas (unlimited within Yacht Club for Yacht Club guests).
- Included by default for MSC Yacht Club bookings.
2. Alcohol-Free Package
- Cost:
- $35/day for 3-night cruises
- $33/day for 4+ night cruises
- Example: $210 for a 7-night cruise
- Includes: Unlimited non-alcoholic beverages (mocktails, soft drinks, energy drinks, flavored water, fruit juices, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, soft-serve ice cream)
- Where Valid: Select bars, buffet, main dining rooms, and Ocean Cay. Not valid at specialty restaurants or signature venues unless accompanied by an adult with a Premium Extra Package.
- Notes: Suitable for adults preferring non-alcoholic options.
3. Minors Package
- Cost:
- $25/day for 3-night cruises
- $22/day for 4+ night cruises
- Includes: Same non-alcoholic beverages as the Alcohol-Free Package (mocktails, soft drinks, energy drinks, juices, coffee, tea, ice cream)
- Where Valid: Select bars, buffet, main dining rooms, and Ocean Cay. Valid at specialty restaurants only if accompanied by an adult with a Premium Extra Package.
- Notes:
- Mandatory for guests aged 3–20 in North America/Caribbean (3–17 in Europe) if traveling with adults who purchase a drink package.
- Not required for infants under 3.
4. Dine & Drinks Package
- Cost: Included in some bookings (e.g., MSC World Cruise) or promotional offers.
- Includes: House wines, draft beer, soft drinks, and mineral water during lunch and dinner in main restaurants and buffet.
- Notes: Guests can upgrade to other packages onboard. Not available for separate purchase.
Key Details and Policies:
- Gratuities: All packages include an 18% gratuity (for U.S. sailings) or 15% (for Euro-based sailings), so no additional tipping is required unless desired.
- Availability:
- Packages are available on all MSC ships except those sailing in South Africa and China.
- Can be used on Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve and Sir Bani Yas (Emirates), though beverage selection may be limited.
- Alcohol is not served in Saudi Arabian ports due to local laws but is available in international waters.
- Purchase Requirements:
- All guests in the same cabin or dining together must purchase the same package (minors get the Minors Package).
- Packages are sold per cruise, not per day, and cover the entire cruise except disembarkation day.
- Exclusions:
- Signature venues (e.g., Venchi 1878, Lavazza, Jean-Philippe Maury, MSC Virtuosa Starship Club, Hola! Tacos & Cantina) are not covered by any package.
- Minibar items and bottled alcoholic beverages are excluded.
- Pre-Booking Discounts:
- Booking before the cruise saves up to 20% compared to onboard prices.
- Limited-time offer: 40% off drink packages (except Alcohol-Free Package) for select cruises through December 31, 2025.
- Drink Limits:
- 15 alcoholic drinks per day for Premium Extra Package (outside Yacht Club). Non-alcoholic drinks are unlimited.
- One drink per order.
- Upgrades:
- Guests with the Dine & Drinks Package can upgrade to other packages onboard.
- If a drink exceeds the package’s price limit (e.g., $16 for Premium Extra), you pay only the difference.
Discontinued Packages (U.S. Sailings)
- Easy Package and Easy Plus Package were discontinued for U.S. sailings as of December 18, 2024, for cruises starting April 1, 2025. Guests who purchased these before the cutoff date will have their packages honored.
- Easy Package (previously $46–$49/day): Included basic cocktails, house wines, draft Heineken, soft drinks, and hot drinks up to $7.50. Excluded specialty restaurants.
- Easy Plus Package (previously $61–$64/day): Included drinks up to $10, valid in specialty restaurants, with a broader selection of cocktails, beers, and wines.
Is a Drink Package Worth It?
- Consider Your Habits:
- Cocktails typically cost $10–$11, beers $6–$8, and soft drinks $3–$5.
- To break even on the Premium Extra Package ($85/day), you’d need roughly 8–10 drinks/day (e.g., 5 cocktails, 3 soft drinks, 2 coffees).
- The Alcohol-Free Package ($33/day) requires about 7–10 non-alcoholic drinks to justify the cost.
- Pros:
- Unlimited drinks (within limits for alcohol) simplify budgeting.
- Packages work on Ocean Cay, unlike some cruise lines.
- Gratuities are included, reducing hassle.
- Cons:
- Everyone in the cabin must purchase a package, which can be costly if some don’t drink much.
- Exclusions at signature venues may limit options.
- You pay for the package even on port days when you might not use it (except Ocean Cay).
- Tips:
- Book early for discounts.
- Check promotions; some include drink packages at reduced rates (e.g., Premium Extra for £40/day on select bookings).
- If you don’t drink heavily, consider paying à la carte or opting for the Alcohol-Free Package.
Additional Notes:
- Basic Beverages Included in Cruise Fare: Non-bottled water, iced tea, lemonade, brewed coffee, hot tea, and breakfast juices are free in the buffet and main dining rooms. Soft drinks, specialty coffees, and alcohol are extra.
- No Alcohol Brought Onboard: MSC prohibits bringing alcohol onboard at embarkation. Alcohol bought in ports is held until the cruise ends.
- Brand Variations: Drink brands vary by destination and season.
- MSC World Cruise: Includes the Dine & Drinks Package by default, with upgrade options.
For the most accurate pricing for your specific cruise, log into the My MSC Area or contact MSC directly, as prices vary by itinerary and booking time.
MSC Cruises offers drink packages for 2025, tailored to various preferences, with recent changes affecting sailings in the Caribbean, North America, and Pacific regions starting April 1, 2025. Below is a detailed overview based on the latest information.
Available Drink Packages
As of December 18, 2024, MSC has streamlined its offerings, particularly for U.S.-based sailings, eliminating the Easy and Easy Plus packages. The following packages are available:
1. Premium Extra Package
- Cost:
- $95/day for 3-night cruises
- $85/day for 4+ night cruises
- Example: $490 for a 7-night cruise (including gratuity)
- Includes:
- Alcoholic beverages up to $16 (e.g., premium cocktails, spirits, liqueurs, wines, champagnes by the glass, draft and bottled beers)
- Unlimited non-alcoholic drinks (soft drinks, juices, bottled water, energy drinks, coffee, hot chocolate, tea)
- 25% discount on bottled wine and champagne purchased onboard
- Where Valid: Bars, buffet, main dining rooms, specialty restaurants, and Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. Not valid at signature venues (e.g., Venchi 1878, Jean-Philippe Maury, MSC Virtuosa Starship Club).
- Notes:
- Limited to 15 alcoholic drinks per day outside MSC Yacht Club areas (unlimited within Yacht Club for Yacht Club guests).
- Included by default for MSC Yacht Club bookings.
2. Alcohol-Free Package
- Cost:
- $35/day for 3-night cruises
- $33/day for 4+ night cruises
- Example: $210 for a 7-night cruise
- Includes: Unlimited non-alcoholic beverages (mocktails, soft drinks, energy drinks, flavored water, fruit juices, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, soft-serve ice cream)
- Where Valid: Select bars, buffet, main dining rooms, and Ocean Cay. Not valid at specialty restaurants or signature venues unless accompanied by an adult with a Premium Extra Package.
- Notes: Suitable for adults preferring non-alcoholic options.
3. Minors Package
- Cost:
- $25/day for 3-night cruises
- $22/day for 4+ night cruises
- Includes: Same non-alcoholic beverages as the Alcohol-Free Package (mocktails, soft drinks, energy drinks, juices, coffee, tea, ice cream)
- Where Valid: Select bars, buffet, main dining rooms, and Ocean Cay. Valid at specialty restaurants only if accompanied by an adult with a Premium Extra Package.
- Notes:
- Mandatory for guests aged 3–20 in North America/Caribbean (3–17 in Europe) if traveling with adults who purchase a drink package.
- Not required for infants under 3.
4. Dine & Drinks Package
- Cost: Included in some bookings (e.g., MSC World Cruise) or promotional offers.
- Includes: House wines, draft beer, soft drinks, and mineral water during lunch and dinner in main restaurants and buffet.
- Notes: Guests can upgrade to other packages onboard. Not available for separate purchase.
Key Details and Policies:
- Gratuities: All packages include an 18% gratuity (for U.S. sailings) or 15% (for Euro-based sailings), so no additional tipping is required unless desired.
- Availability:
- Packages are available on all MSC ships except those sailing in South Africa and China.
- Can be used on Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve and Sir Bani Yas (Emirates), though beverage selection may be limited.
- Alcohol is not served in Saudi Arabian ports due to local laws but is available in international waters.
- Purchase Requirements:
- All guests in the same cabin or dining together must purchase the same package (minors get the Minors Package).
- Packages are sold per cruise, not per day, and cover the entire cruise except disembarkation day.
- Exclusions:
- Signature venues (e.g., Venchi 1878, Lavazza, Jean-Philippe Maury, MSC Virtuosa Starship Club, Hola! Tacos & Cantina) are not covered by any package.
- Minibar items and bottled alcoholic beverages are excluded.
- Pre-Booking Discounts:
- Booking before the cruise saves up to 20% compared to onboard prices.
- Limited-time offer: 40% off drink packages (except Alcohol-Free Package) for select cruises through December 31, 2025.
- Drink Limits:
- 15 alcoholic drinks per day for Premium Extra Package (outside Yacht Club). Non-alcoholic drinks are unlimited.
- One drink per order.
- Upgrades:
- Guests with the Dine & Drinks Package can upgrade to other packages onboard.
- If a drink exceeds the package’s price limit (e.g., $16 for Premium Extra), you pay only the difference.
Discontinued Packages (U.S. Sailings)
- Easy Package and Easy Plus Package were discontinued for U.S. sailings as of December 18, 2024, for cruises starting April 1, 2025. Guests who purchased these before the cutoff date will have their packages honored.
- Easy Package (previously $46–$49/day): Included basic cocktails, house wines, draft Heineken, soft drinks, and hot drinks up to $7.50. Excluded specialty restaurants.
- Easy Plus Package (previously $61–$64/day): Included drinks up to $10, valid in specialty restaurants, with a broader selection of cocktails, beers, and wines.
Is a Drink Package Worth It?
- Consider Your Habits:
- Cocktails typically cost $10–$11, beers $6–$8, and soft drinks $3–$5.
- To break even on the Premium Extra Package ($85/day), you’d need roughly 8–10 drinks/day (e.g., 5 cocktails, 3 soft drinks, 2 coffees).
- The Alcohol-Free Package ($33/day) requires about 7–10 non-alcoholic drinks to justify the cost.
- Pros:
- Unlimited drinks (within limits for alcohol) simplify budgeting.
- Packages work on Ocean Cay, unlike some cruise lines.
- Gratuities are included, reducing hassle.
- Cons:
- Everyone in the cabin must purchase a package, which can be costly if some don’t drink much.
- Exclusions at signature venues may limit options.
- You pay for the package even on port days when you might not use it (except Ocean Cay).
- Tips:
- Book early for discounts.
- Check promotions; some include drink packages at reduced rates (e.g., Premium Extra for £40/day on select bookings).
- If you don’t drink heavily, consider paying à la carte or opting for the Alcohol-Free Package.
Additional Notes:
- Basic Beverages Included in Cruise Fare: Non-bottled water, iced tea, lemonade, brewed coffee, hot tea, and breakfast juices are free in the buffet and main dining rooms. Soft drinks, specialty coffees, and alcohol are extra.
- No Alcohol Brought Onboard: MSC prohibits bringing alcohol onboard at embarkation. Alcohol bought in ports is held until the cruise ends.
- Brand Variations: Drink brands vary by destination and season.
- MSC World Cruise: Includes the Dine & Drinks Package by default, with upgrade options.
For the most accurate pricing for your specific cruise, log into the My MSC Area or contact MSC directly, as prices vary by itinerary and booking time.