Are beverages included in Emerald Cruises packages?

When planning a river or yacht cruise with Emerald Cruises, one of the first questions travelers ask is: “Are beverages included in my cruise fare?” This is a fair concern, as drink packages can significantly impact the overall cost of your vacation.

Emerald Cruises, known for its exceptional value and contemporary luxury, offers an array of inclusive amenities — but the specifics around beverages can vary depending on the type of cruise, destination, and package. In this detailed 2000-word guide, we’ll uncover exactly what beverages are included, which ones cost extra, and how you can upgrade your drink experience aboard Emerald Cruises’ river ships and luxury yachts.

1. Understanding Emerald Cruises’ All-Inclusive Philosophy

Emerald Cruises is part of the Scenic Group, renowned for offering premium river and ocean cruise experiences at competitive prices. Emerald is often described as “luxury lite,” meaning it offers an impressive selection of inclusions — but not always everything.

The brand aims to provide excellent value by including many essentials (such as dining, excursions, gratuities, and Wi-Fi), while allowing guests to customize extras like premium beverages or spa treatments.

Beverages fall right in the middle: some are complimentary, while others require an upgrade.

2. What Beverages Are Included in Emerald Cruises Packages?

A. Complimentary Beverages During Meals

Every Emerald Cruises package includes a selection of complimentary drinks with lunch and dinner. You don’t need to purchase a separate beverage package to enjoy these. The free options typically include:

Red and white house wines
Local beers
Soft drinks
Bottled water
Tea and coffee

The included wines and beers are often sourced from the region you’re cruising in — for example, French wines on a Rhône itinerary or German lagers on a Rhine cruise. This regional focus enhances the culinary experience.

B. Coffee and Tea Throughout the Day

Emerald Cruises ships feature 24-hour self-service tea and coffee stations, allowing guests to enjoy cappuccinos, espressos, or herbal teas anytime. These drinks are always complimentary, whether you’re relaxing in the lounge, enjoying a morning on deck, or returning from an excursion.

C. Bottled Water in Cabins

Each cabin comes with complimentary bottled water, which is replenished daily by your cabin steward. This is a small but appreciated touch for guests exploring cities and towns along the rivers.

3. What’s Not Included? (Extra Cost Beverages)

While Emerald Cruises provides several inclusive drink options, certain beverages incur additional costs. These include:

Premium wines and champagne
Top-shelf spirits and cocktails
Specialty coffees from the barista menu
Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages outside meal times
Mini-bar items (if available in suite categories)

If you’d like to enjoy a cocktail in the evening lounge or a glass of sparkling wine before dinner, you’ll need to either pay à la carte or purchase a premium drink package.

4. Emerald Cruises’ Drink Packages Explained

To enhance your onboard experience, Emerald Cruises offers optional drink packages that allow you to enjoy a wider range of beverages throughout the day.

A. The Premium Drinks Package

The Premium Drinks Package is the most popular add-on for guests who enjoy socializing and sipping throughout their voyage.

What It Includes:

Unlimited premium wines (from an expanded list)
A broad selection of beers (international and local)
Standard spirits (vodka, gin, rum, whiskey, etc.)
Classic cocktails
Non-alcoholic options (mocktails, juices, soda)
Specialty coffees and teas

When It Applies:

Available from 10 AM until midnight daily
Valid in all onboard bars and restaurants

Pricing:Prices may vary by itinerary and region, but typically range between €25–€35 per person per day on European river cruises, and slightly more on yacht sailings.

Who Should Get It:This package is ideal for travelers who plan to enjoy multiple drinks per day — such as cocktails at sunset, wine at dinner, and after-dinner digestifs — as it quickly becomes cost-effective compared to paying à la carte.

B. The Non-Alcoholic Drinks Package

For guests who prefer not to drink alcohol, Emerald offers a Non-Alcoholic Package, including:

Fresh juices
Mocktails
Soft drinks
Bottled water
Specialty coffees and teas

This is often priced at €10–€15 per person per day and is a great option for families, health-conscious travelers, or those who want unlimited refreshments throughout the cruise.

5. Beverage Inclusions on Emerald River Cruises

Emerald Cruises operates on many of Europe’s most iconic rivers — including the Danube, Rhine, Douro, Rhône, and Moselle. On these voyages:

Lunch and Dinner: Complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks are always served.
Breakfast: Tea, coffee, and juices are complimentary.
Throughout the Day: Complimentary water, coffee, and tea are available.
Bars and Lounges: Alcoholic drinks outside meal times are extra, unless you have a beverage package.

Notable Perk: On select itineraries (such as the Douro River in Portugal), Emerald occasionally includes regional tastings, like port wine samplings, at no extra charge.

6. Beverage Inclusions on Emerald Yacht Cruises

Emerald Cruises’ luxury yacht fleet — including Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara — offers a slightly more elevated experience compared to the river fleet.

Included Beverages on Yacht Cruises:

Complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
Bottled water, coffee, and tea throughout the day
Welcome cocktails at embarkation
Complimentary sparkling wine or mimosa at breakfast (on select sailings)

However, just like on river cruises, premium spirits, cocktails, and off-meal alcoholic drinks are not included unless you purchase the Premium Drinks Package.

The yacht atmosphere is casual and relaxed, with several bars onboard where passengers enjoy sunset cocktails or after-dinner nightcaps — making the drinks package particularly popular here.

7. EmeraldDISCOVERY Events and Complimentary Tastings

Emerald Cruises’ EmeraldDISCOVERY program offers a series of immersive excursions and cultural experiences. Occasionally, these include complimentary tastings, such as:

Local wines at a vineyard in Bordeaux
Beer sampling at a traditional German brewery
Port tasting in Porto
Raki or ouzo tasting in Greece (for yacht itineraries)

These are part of the cruise’s enrichment program and do not require a drink package.

8. Comparison: Emerald Cruises vs. Other Cruise Lines

To understand Emerald’s beverage policy better, it helps to compare it with similar cruise brands:

Cruise LineComplimentary BeveragesPremium Drink PackagePrice RangeInclusions

Emerald CruisesWine, beer, soft drinks with mealsOptional€25–€35/daySpirits, cocktails, premium wines

Scenic Luxury CruisesAll drinks included 24/7Fully included—Top-shelf liquor, cocktails, champagne

Viking River CruisesWine, beer with lunch/dinnerOptional “Silver Spirits”$25–$30/dayAll-day drinks

Avalon WaterwaysWine, beer with lunch/dinnerOptionalSimilarAll-day drinks

AmaWaterwaysWine, beer, soft drinks with mealsOptionalSimilarExpanded bar menu

Key Takeaway: Emerald Cruises sits comfortably in the middle — more inclusive than budget lines but slightly less all-encompassing than Scenic or Crystal Cruises.

This makes it perfect for travelers who want flexibility — pay for what you actually use, without overpaying for unlimited drinks you may not consume.

9. How to Add a Drink Package to Your Emerald Cruise

There are several ways to add a drink package to your Emerald Cruises booking:

At the time of booking: You can add the package through your travel agent or directly via Emerald Cruises’ website.
Before departure: Log in to your “My Emerald” account to add optional packages before you sail.
Onboard: You can purchase a drink package at the reception or bar after boarding. This option offers flexibility if you’re unsure how much you’ll drink.

If you buy onboard, the package will be charged to your onboard account, and typically needs to be purchased for the entire duration of the cruise.

10. Tips to Maximize Your Beverage Value

Assess your drinking habits: If you typically enjoy only a glass of wine at dinner, the complimentary options will likely suffice.
Buy early for discounts: Emerald Cruises occasionally offers promotional discounts on drink packages when booked in advance.
Share with your travel companion: Packages are priced per person, but you can coordinate your choices — one can order cocktails à la carte while the other sticks to included wines.
Use local excursions: Many ports feature wine or beer tastings as part of the excursion price, giving you an extra way to enjoy local beverages at no cost.
Leverage Happy Hours: On some yacht sailings, Emerald hosts cocktail hours with discounted or complimentary drinks.

11. Dietary and Non-Alcoholic Options

Emerald Cruises caters thoughtfully to guests with dietary preferences or restrictions. Non-alcoholic, low-sugar, and caffeine-free options are widely available, including:

Herbal teas and decaf coffee
Non-alcoholic beer and mocktails
Plant-based milk alternatives
Freshly squeezed juices (available at breakfast and bar areas)

If you have specific beverage requests, you can inform the cruise staff before sailing, and they will often accommodate special orders.

12. Sustainability and Beverage Choices

Emerald Cruises is known for its commitment to sustainability. Beverage services reflect this ethos:

Reusable glass bottles are increasingly used instead of plastic.
Locally sourced wines and beers reduce transportation emissions.
Paper straws and eco-friendly materials replace single-use plastics.

This focus ensures guests enjoy their drinks guilt-free, knowing Emerald is reducing environmental impact across all operations.

13. Guest Feedback and Reviews on Beverage Inclusions

Reviews from past Emerald Cruises guests often praise the quality and selection of included wines and beers. Many appreciate the regional pairing, such as enjoying Bordeaux wines in France or Riesling along the Rhine.

Common feedback includes:

“The included wines were excellent and changed daily.”
“The Premium Drinks Package was worth it for cocktails and after-dinner drinks.”
“Loved the complimentary coffee machine — I used it every morning!”

However, some travelers note that cocktails and off-meal drinks can add up quickly without a package, especially on longer sailings — making the drink package a worthwhile investment for social cruisers.

14. Are Beverages Included in Emerald Cruises Packages?

In summary:Yes, Emerald Cruises includes beverages such as wine, beer, and soft drinks during lunch and dinner, plus tea, coffee, and water throughout the day. However, premium drinks, cocktails, and spirits are extra, unless you purchase a Premium Drinks Package.

The brand’s beverage policy is designed to give you freedom and flexibility — enjoy complimentary drinks during meals, or upgrade to an all-day option if you prefer a more indulgent experience.

For travelers who enjoy a balance of value and luxury, Emerald Cruises’ approach to beverage inclusions offers the perfect middle ground: quality wines, great coffee, and the choice to elevate your experience when you wish.