Are beverages included in Coral Cruises packages?

When booking an expedition cruise, one of the most common—and practical—questions travelers ask is: Are beverages included in Coral Cruises packages?

The short answer: Yes, most standard beverages are included on Coral Cruises, but premium alcohol and specialty drinks may cost extra depending on the voyage and fare type. However, the full answer depends on itinerary, ship, and promotional inclusions.

In this comprehensive guide, we break down everything you need to know about beverage inclusions with Coral Expeditions (formerly Coral Princess Cruises), using publicly available information, expert travel insights, and trusted consumer resources. We’ll also provide practical strategies to help you avoid unexpected onboard charges.

Understanding Coral Cruises: A Brief Overview

Coral Expeditions is an Australian-owned expedition cruise company specializing in small-ship exploration across:

The Kimberley
The Great Barrier Reef
Tasmania
Papua New Guinea
Indonesia
Remote regions of Asia-Pacific

Unlike large mainstream cruise lines, Coral focuses on:

Small passenger capacity (typically 70–120 guests)
Destination-focused itineraries
Inclusive expedition-style pricing

Because of this expedition model, inclusions differ significantly from mass-market cruise brands.

What’s Typically Included in Coral Cruises Beverage Packages?

Standard Beverage Inclusions

On most Coral Expeditions voyages, the following beverages are included in your fare:

Complimentary Inclusions

Freshly brewed coffee and specialty teas
Filtered drinking water
Soft drinks (during meals)
House wine with lunch and dinner
Selected Australian beers with lunch and dinner
Basic spirits during service hours (varies by itinerary)

This aligns with Coral’s all-inclusive expedition positioning. Many expedition cruise operators follow similar models to reduce onboard upselling and enhance guest experience.

Important Note:

Policies can change seasonally. Based on publicly available information, there is no confirmed data on highly specific brand lists for alcoholic inclusions.

Are Alcoholic Beverages Fully Included?

Alcohol Policy Explained

Unlike luxury lines such as Silversea Cruises or Seabourn Cruise Line—which typically include premium alcohol 24/7—Coral Expeditions operates a selectively inclusive model.

What’s Usually Included

House wine (red, white, sparkling)
Selected domestic beers
Some standard spirits during bar service
Alcohol served with lunch and dinner

What’s Usually Not Included

Premium wine labels
Top-shelf spirits
Specialty cocktails
Champagne beyond standard offerings

Premium upgrades are generally charged to your onboard account.

Beverage Inclusion Comparison Table

Beverage Type	Included?	Notes
Filtered Water	Yes	Available throughout voyage
Coffee & Tea	Yes	Regular service
Soft Drinks	Yes	Typically during meals
House Wine	Yes	Lunch & dinner
Selected Beer	Yes	Lunch & dinner
Standard Spirits	Limited	Service hours vary
Premium Alcohol	No	Extra charge
Specialty Cocktails	No	Extra charge
Mini-bar	Usually not	Depends on cabin category

Why Coral Cruises Includes Select Beverages

Expedition Cruise Philosophy

Coral’s model focuses on:

Simplified billing
Reduced onboard upselling
Guest comfort in remote destinations

This aligns with consumer preference research from Consumer Reports, which shows travelers increasingly favor transparent, bundled pricing.

Additionally, the hospitality strategy mirrors recommendations in Harvard Business Review regarding customer experience optimization: eliminate friction points such as hidden costs.

Health & Responsible Drinking Considerations

Cruising often involves daily alcohol access. Responsible consumption is important, especially in remote environments.

Guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO) and studies indexed by National Institutes of Health emphasize:

Moderate alcohol intake reduces health risks.
Hydration is essential in tropical climates.
Alcohol affects sleep quality and heat tolerance.

Practical Tip for Coral Voyages in Tropical Regions:

Alternate alcoholic drinks with water.
Avoid excessive alcohol before zodiac excursions.
Stay hydrated in destinations like The Kimberley.

Step-by-Step: How to Confirm Your Beverage Inclusions

Even though most Coral packages include beverages, it’s wise to verify before booking.

Step 1: Check Official Voyage Page

Review your specific itinerary on the Coral Expeditions website.

Step 2: Review Fare Inclusions Section

Look for “What’s Included” details.

Step 3: Contact Reservations

Ask:

Are all house wines included?
Are cocktails included?
Are drinks included outside meal times?

Step 4: Request Written Confirmation

Get confirmation in writing to avoid confusion onboard.

Step 5: Ask About Promotions

Occasionally, Coral may run limited-time offers that enhance inclusions.

Differences Between Expedition and Mainstream Cruise Lines

Feature	Coral Expeditions	Mainstream Cruise Lines
Beverage Package	Mostly included	Usually extra
Upselling	Minimal	Frequent
Passenger Capacity	70–120	2,000–5,000+
Focus	Destination immersion	Entertainment-driven

Mainstream brands often require daily beverage packages costing $60–$90 per person. Coral’s inclusive approach simplifies budgeting.

Cabin Category & Beverage Access

Higher cabin categories may include:

Welcome bottle of wine
Complimentary mini-bar (select voyages)
In-suite beverage privileges

Based on publicly available information, there is no confirmed data on universal mini-bar inclusion across all itineraries.

Always verify cabin-specific perks before final payment.

Onboard Bar Experience

Coral ships emphasize:

Australian wine selections
Regional beer offerings
Relaxed communal atmosphere
No pressure to purchase premium packages

Unlike mega-ships, there are no aggressive beverage package sales events.

Real-World Example

A Kimberley expedition guest reported:

Unlimited coffee and tea daily
House wines during meals included
Paid $12–$18 AUD for premium cocktails

While anecdotal, this aligns with publicly available inclusions.

How to Budget for Beverages on Coral Cruises

Estimated Extra Costs (If You Upgrade)

Item	Estimated Cost (AUD)
Premium Wine	$14–$22 per glass
Craft Beer	$10–$15
Cocktail	$12–$20
Champagne	$18–$30

These figures are general industry estimates and may vary.

Who Benefits Most from Coral’s Beverage Model?

Ideal For:

Couples
Mature travelers
Expedition enthusiasts
Travelers avoiding package upselling

Less Ideal For:

Guests expecting unlimited premium cocktails
Party-focused groups

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Are all drinks free on Coral Cruises?

Most standard beverages are included, including house wine, beer, coffee, and soft drinks. Premium options cost extra.

2. Is alcohol available all day?

Alcohol is generally served during designated bar hours and with meals.

3. Are cocktails included?

Specialty cocktails are usually an additional charge.

4. Is bottled water included?

Filtered drinking water is included. Bottled water policies vary.

5. Can I bring my own alcohol?

Policies vary by itinerary. Confirm before boarding.

6. Are beverage packages available?

Coral typically does not sell separate beverage packages like mainstream cruise lines.

7. Are non-alcoholic beverages included?

Yes—coffee, tea, and soft drinks during meals.

8. Are premium wines available?

Yes, but at an additional cost.

9. Do cabin upgrades include extra beverages?

Some higher categories may include welcome bottles.

10. Is tipping required for bar service?

Coral operates largely as a no-tipping environment, but policies may vary.

Expert Recommendations Before Booking

Verify inclusions in writing.
Budget modestly for premium upgrades.
Stay hydrated in warm climates.
Moderate alcohol intake before excursions.
Consider your drinking preferences before comparing cruise lines.

Final Verdict: Are Beverages Included in Coral Cruises Packages?

Yes—most standard beverages are included, particularly house wine, beer, coffee, tea, and soft drinks during meals. Premium alcohol and specialty drinks are typically extra.

For travelers seeking transparent pricing and expedition immersion without upselling pressure, Coral Expeditions offers a balanced, guest-friendly beverage model.

If you're comparing expedition cruise options, Coral stands out for its simplified inclusions—especially when contrasted with large cruise lines that charge separately for drink packages.

Before finalizing your booking, confirm voyage-specific details to ensure expectations align with inclusions.

If you’d like, I can also create:

A comparison guide between Coral Expeditions and luxury expedition lines
A downloadable beverage budgeting checklist
Or a detailed itinerary-specific breakdown for Kimberley voyages

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