Are Starbucks drinks included in beverage packages?

When travelers ask “Are Starbucks drinks included in beverage packages?”, they are usually trying to avoid surprise charges and maximize value from pre-paid drink plans. The answer, however, is not universal. Inclusion depends heavily on where you are—a cruise ship, all-inclusive resort, hotel, theme park, or airport lounge—and how the Starbucks outlet is licensed or operated.

This in-depth guide explains exactly when Starbucks drinks are included, when they are not, and how to get the best value from beverage packages using real-world examples, official policies, and expert insights. The goal is to help you make cost-effective, informed decisions without marketing confusion.

Key Takeaway (Quick Answer)

In most cases, Starbucks drinks are not fully included in standard beverage packages.However:

• On cruise ships, Starbucks drinks are usually excluded, but partial credits or discounts may apply

• At all-inclusive resorts, Starbucks-branded cafés are often excluded

• Airport lounges and hotels rarely include Starbucks-branded drinks

• Theme parks almost never include Starbucks in dining plans

That said, some cruise lines and hotels offer exceptions, which we explore in detail below.

Understanding Beverage Packages: What They Typically Include

Before focusing on Starbucks specifically, it’s important to understand how beverage packages are structured.

What Beverage Packages Are Designed For

Beverage packages are intended to:

• Simplify onboard or on-property spending

• Encourage use of in-house bars and cafés

• Control licensing and supply costs

Most packages cover:

• Brewed coffee and tea

• Fountain sodas

• House alcoholic drinks (with price caps)

• Select specialty coffees made in-house

Starbucks, however, operates under separate licensing agreements, which complicates inclusion.

Why Starbucks Is Often Excluded from Beverage Packages

Starbucks locations inside cruises, hotels, and resorts are usually licensed stores, not company-owned outlets. This distinction matters.

Key Reasons for Exclusion

1. Separate Revenue ContractsLicensed Starbucks locations pay royalties and must follow Starbucks pricing models.

2. Branded Ingredients & EquipmentStarbucks uses proprietary syrups, beans, and brewing standards.

3. Point-of-Sale SystemsStarbucks purchases often run through a separate payment system, even onboard ships.

4. Consumer Brand ProtectionStarbucks tightly controls discounting and bundle pricing.

According to Starbucks Corporation’s licensing disclosures, licensed partners must adhere to strict operational and pricing rules (Starbucks Investor Relations).

Are Starbucks Drinks Included in Cruise Ship Beverage Packages?

Short Answer: Usually No (But There Are Exceptions)

Cruise lines are where this question is asked most frequently—and where confusion is highest.

Starbucks & Beverage Packages by Major Cruise Lines

Royal Caribbean International

Are Starbucks drinks included? No, Starbucks drinks are not included in Royal Caribbean beverage packages.

What is included instead?

• Specialty coffees made at:

  • Café Promenade

  • Park Café

  • Windjammer

• Lavazza-based espresso drinks (not Starbucks)

Good to Know

• Royal Caribbean ships with Starbucks locations operate them as standalone cafés

• Starbucks purchases do not count toward the Deluxe Beverage Package

Official Source:Royal Caribbean Beverage Package FAQ (royalcaribbean.com)

Carnival Cruise Line

Starbucks Inclusion:  Not included

Carnival Coffee Program:

• Uses Carnival Seaday Coffee (not Starbucks)

• Specialty coffees included with CHEERS! Package

Starbucks onboard?

• Available on select ships

• Always charged separately

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)

Starbucks Inclusion:  Not included

What’s Different with NCL?

• Starbucks locations accept:

  • Starbucks gift cards

  • Starbucks Rewards points (select ships)

Free at Sea Beverage Package

• Covers non-Starbucks specialty coffees only

Celebrity Cruises

Starbucks Inclusion:  Not included

Exception

• Some Edge-class ships offer Illy coffee bars

• Included in Premium Drink Packages (not Starbucks)

Disney Cruise Line

Starbucks Inclusion:  Not included

What Disney Offers

• Starbucks-branded cafés onboard

• Charges apply even with Deluxe Beverage Package

MSC Cruises (Important Exception)

Starbucks Inclusion:  Partially Included on Select Ships

Some MSC ships (e.g., MSC Virtuosa) feature Starbucks locations where:

• Non-branded espresso drinks may be included

• Fully branded Starbucks beverages usually cost extra

Based on publicly available information, there is no confirmed data on full Starbucks inclusion across all MSC ships.

Comparison Table: Starbucks & Cruise Beverage Packages

Cruise Line	Starbucks Included?	Notes
Royal Caribbean	No	Separate Starbucks café
Carnival	No	Starbucks always extra
Norwegian	No	Rewards accepted
Celebrity	No	Illy coffee included instead
Disney	No	Always extra
MSC	Partial	Ship-dependent

Are Starbucks Drinks Included at All-Inclusive Resorts?

Generally: No

Most all-inclusive resorts exclude Starbucks drinks, even if a Starbucks café is located on-site.

Why Resorts Exclude Starbucks

• Starbucks operates as a retail tenant

• Resort drink packages focus on:

  • House cocktails

  • Local coffee brands

  • In-room coffee service

Real-World Examples

• Hyatt Zilara / Ziva: Starbucks present, charged separately

• Royalton Resorts: Starbucks-branded cafés excluded

• Sandals & Beaches: No Starbucks locations; in-house coffee only

Are Starbucks Drinks Included at Hotels?

Major Hotel Chains (Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt)

Hotel Brand	Starbucks Included?
Marriott	No
Hilton	No
Hyatt	No

Even when Starbucks operates inside the hotel:

• Purchases are charged separately

• Not covered by room rates or lounge access

Are Starbucks Drinks Included in Airport Lounges?

Almost Never

Airport lounges typically serve:

• Lavazza, Illy, or local coffee brands

• Self-serve espresso machines

Starbucks drinks are not included, even if a Starbucks outlet is nearby.

How to Save Money on Starbucks When It’s Not Included

Expert-Backed Strategies

1. Use Starbucks Rewards & Gift Cards

• Accepted on many cruise ships and resorts

• Earn points even while traveling

2. Order “Off-Brand” Equivalent Drinks

Many ship cafés can replicate:

• Lattes

• Cappuccinos

• Vanilla or caramel flavors

At no extra cost under beverage packages.

3. Bring Your Own Coffee Gear (Where Allowed)

• Travel pour-over kits

• Instant Starbucks VIA packets

Check cruise line policies before packing.

Step-by-Step: How to Confirm Starbucks Inclusion Before Booking

1. Check Official Beverage Package Terms

   • Cruise line or resort website

2. Search the Ship or Property Deck Plan

   • Starbucks listed separately = likely excluded

3. Email Guest Services

   • Ask specifically: “Are Starbucks-branded beverages included?”

4. Review Recent Traveler Forums

   • Cruise Critic, TripAdvisor, Reddit

5. Verify Onboard Once You Arrive

   • Policies can change without notice

Health & Nutrition Considerations (Expert Insight)

According to CDC and NIH dietary guidance:

• Specialty coffee drinks can exceed 300–500 calories

• High sugar intake is linked to:

  • Weight gain

  • Increased cardiovascular risk

WHO recommends limiting added sugars to less than 10% of daily caloric intake.

This makes beverage packages useful—but Starbucks add-ons can increase both cost and calorie intake.

Sources

• CDC.gov – Added Sugars Guidelines

• WHO.int – Healthy Diet Fact Sheets

• PubMed – Coffee Consumption & Health Outcomes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Are Starbucks drinks ever fully included in cruise beverage packages?

In most cases, no. Starbucks operates separately from cruise beverage programs.

2. Can I use Starbucks gift cards on cruise ships?

Yes, on many ships, including Norwegian and Royal Caribbean, but availability varies.

3. Are Starbucks Refreshers included?

No. Refreshers are Starbucks-branded and typically cost extra.

4. Do any cruise lines include Starbucks completely?

Based on publicly available information, no cruise line consistently includes full Starbucks menus.

5. Are Starbucks drinks included in Disney Cruise Line packages?

No. Disney charges separately for Starbucks beverages.

6. Can beverage package credits be used at Starbucks?

Rarely. Most packages exclude Starbucks from credit systems.

7. Are Starbucks drinks included in hotel club lounges?

No. Lounges usually offer non-Starbucks coffee.

8. Are Starbucks drinks included in theme park dining plans?

Generally no (including Disney and Universal parks).

9. Is Starbucks cheaper onboard or on land?

Prices are often higher onboard due to logistics and licensing.

10. Are there healthier alternatives included in beverage packages?

Yes. Brewed coffee, tea, and low-sugar espresso drinks are usually included.

Final Verdict: Are Starbucks Drinks Included in Beverage Packages?

In most travel scenarios, Starbucks drinks are not included in beverage packages.They are treated as premium retail purchases, even when located inside cruises, resorts, hotels, or theme parks.

Best Advice from Travel Experts

• Buy beverage packages for value and convenience

• Treat Starbucks as an occasional add-on

• Use rewards, gift cards, or included café alternatives

By understanding how licensing works and planning ahead, travelers can avoid surprises and still enjoy great coffee without overspending.