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When booking a luxury river cruise with Avalon Waterways, one of the most frequently asked questions travelers have is: How many drinks can you get a day with the Avalon Waterways drink package?Avalon Waterways is renowned for its boutique-style river ships, personalized service, and immersive cultural experiences. But for many guests, the enjoyment of fine wines, regional beers, or creative cocktails adds an extra layer of relaxation and indulgence to their voyage.While Avalon Waterways already includes a generous selection of beverages with meals, its optional drink package offers more freedom and flexibility.We’ll cover everything from drink package inclusions and service policies to comparisons with other cruise lines and value-based recommendations. Whether you’re a casual sipper or a cocktail enthusiast, this guide ensures you know exactly what to expect from your Avalon Waterways drink package in 2025.
Avalon Waterways follows a semi-inclusive model when it comes to drinks. That means you’ll enjoy complimentary beverages during mealtimes and throughout the day, with the option to upgrade for more extensive selections.
Here’s what’s included for all passengers, even without purchasing the drink package:
Breakfast: Sparkling wine, juices, coffee, and tea.
Lunch and Dinner: Unlimited house wines, regional beers, and soft drinks.
All Day: Coffee, tea, and bottled water in lounges.
For most travelers, this is already generous. However, those who want to sip cocktails in the lounge, enjoy a beer on the Sky Deck, or order drinks outside of meal hours can benefit from Avalon’s drink package.
The Avalon Waterways drink package is an optional add-on available to guests who want unlimited access to a wider variety of beverages throughout their cruise.
Access to house wines, local beers, premium spirits, and cocktails.
Includes non-alcoholic drinks like juices, mocktails, sodas, and coffee.
Available in all onboard bars and lounges.
Can be purchased before or during the cruise.
This package ensures you can enjoy drinks whenever you like—without worrying about individual costs or signing receipts every time.
The Avalon Waterways drink package is structured as “unlimited” rather than having a fixed number of drinks per day.
That means there’s no official limit on the number of beverages you can order in a single day—whether it’s a cappuccino in the morning, wine with lunch, cocktails in the evening, or a nightcap after dinner.
However, there are reasonable consumption guidelines in place to ensure responsible enjoyment. These guidelines focus on guest well-being and maintaining a relaxed atmosphere onboard.
Avalon Waterways uses the term unlimited to describe the flexibility of the drink package. But what does that mean in practice?
While guests can order as many beverages as they want throughout the day, the bar staff may limit service to maintain responsible drinking standards and ensure all guests enjoy a comfortable environment.
You can order one drink at a time.
You can order multiple times a day without restriction.
Staff may refuse service to visibly intoxicated guests.
In short, you can expect to enjoy anywhere between 8 to 20 drinks per day, depending on your personal pace and preferences.
Let’s explore how a typical day might look for a guest with the Avalon Waterways drink package.
Morning cappuccino
Juice at breakfast
Glass of wine at lunch
Afternoon soda or mocktail
Glass of wine at dinner
After-dinner liqueurTotal: ~6 drinks per day
Morning coffee or smoothie
Mimosa with breakfast
Beer or cocktail before lunch
Wine with lunch
Afternoon cocktail
Glass of wine at dinner
Post-dinner cocktailTotal: ~8–10 drinks per day
Espresso and juice at breakfast
Two beers at lunch
Afternoon cocktail
Glass of champagne before dinner
Wine with dinner
Two mixed drinks after dinnerTotal: ~12–15 drinks per day
All of these fall comfortably within Avalon’s “unlimited” allowance.
Avalon Waterways adheres to international maritime alcohol service standards. That means while the package is marketed as “unlimited,” bartenders are trained to serve responsibly.
They reserve the right to:
Refuse service to any guest who appears intoxicated.
Limit multiple drink orders made at once.
Encourage water breaks between alcoholic beverages.
This ensures a safe and enjoyable cruise for everyone onboard.
Avalon’s drink package covers a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.
House wines: Red, white, rosé, and sparkling varieties.
Beers: Local drafts, European imports, and select international brands.
Spirits: Vodka, gin, rum, tequila, whiskey, and brandy.
Cocktails: Classics like mojitos, martinis, margaritas, and spritzes.
Aperitifs & digestifs: Vermouth, Campari, Bailey’s, and after-dinner liqueurs.
Juices and smoothies
Soft drinks and sodas
Bottled still and sparkling water
Specialty coffees (espresso, cappuccino, latte)
Mocktails
Tea varieties
There’s truly no shortage of options, making it easy to indulge throughout your day.
Even without the drink package, Avalon Waterways includes many beverages:
With meals: Unlimited wine, beer, and soft drinks.
At breakfast: Sparkling wine and juices.
Throughout the day: Coffee, tea, and bottled water in lounges.
So if you typically enjoy only one or two drinks outside of mealtimes, you may find that the included offerings are sufficient.
For guests who choose not to purchase the package, beverages are available à la carte.
Drink TypeAverage Price (USD)
Wine (glass)$6–$10
Beer$5–$7
Cocktail$8–$12
Spirits$6–$10
Soda$2–$3
Specialty CoffeeComplimentary
With à la carte pricing, enjoying 3–4 drinks per day can already match or exceed the daily package cost—making the package more cost-effective for frequent drinkers.
The Avalon Waterways drink package typically costs $25–$35 per person, per day, depending on itinerary and region.
Europe (Danube, Rhine, Seine): $30/day
Asia (Mekong, Ganges): $25/day
South America (Amazon): $30–$35/day
Both guests in a stateroom must purchase the package if one does.
Let’s calculate the average value of drinks consumed daily:
DrinkAverage CostQuantityTotal
Wine$83$24
Cocktails$102$20
Beer$62$12
Coffee & Soda$33$9
Total Value:$65/day
When compared to a $30 drink package, this offers up to 50% savings.
Avalon doesn’t cap drink counts but manages service responsibly. Here’s how it typically operates:
You can order as frequently as you like.
One drink per person per order policy applies.
No limits are enforced unless for safety reasons.
Alcohol service ends around midnight, depending on itinerary.
Essentially, you can enjoy as many drinks as your comfort allows—within reasonable limits.
No. The drink package is non-transferable and non-shareable.Each guest must have their own package. Sharing or ordering for another person is prohibited and may result in revocation.
You can buy the Avalon drink package:
Before sailing: Through Avalon’s website or your travel agent.
On embarkation day: At the reception or Panorama Lounge.
Buying in advance locks in current pricing and avoids onboard surcharges.
You can enjoy your package drinks almost anywhere onboard, including:
Panorama Lounge
Sky Deck Bar
Main Dining Room
Observation Lounge
Bistro Corner
Some ships also offer self-serve coffee and tea stations 24/7.
The Avalon drink package is most beneficial for:
Guests who enjoy multiple alcoholic beverages daily.
Travelers who love cocktails and spirits.
Those celebrating anniversaries, honeymoons, or group trips.
Guests wanting convenience and no surprise bills.
If you enjoy only an occasional glass of wine, you may not need the package.
Avalon customizes drink selections by region, making each sailing a cultural tasting experience.
Rhine & Danube: Riesling, Grüner Veltliner, and Pilsner beers.
France: Bordeaux, Champagne, and Cognac.
Portugal: Port wines and Douro reds.
Mekong River: Local beers like Angkor and Saigon.
Ganges: Indian rum, local whiskey, and tropical fruit cocktails.
Amazon: Pisco Sour and Caipirinha specials.
Each region’s flavors are part of what makes Avalon’s beverage program so enjoyable.
Cruise LineDrink Package TypeLimitationsCost (Daily)
Avalon WaterwaysUnlimitedResponsible service policy$25–$35
Viking River CruisesSilver Spirits PackageUnlimited$25
AmaWaterwaysRegional Wine & BeerMeals onlyIncluded
UniworldFully InclusiveUnlimitedBuilt-in to fare
Avalon offers a balanced option between affordability and flexibility, ideal for guests who want control without overpaying.
Start early: Enjoy a cappuccino or mimosa in the morning.
Sample local wines: Try regional varieties unique to your itinerary.
Mix it up: Alternate between wine, cocktails, and mocktails.
Hydrate regularly: Ask for sparkling or still water between drinks.
Use all venues: Try both the Panorama Lounge and Sky Deck Bar.
Take advantage of events: Join onboard tastings and cocktail hours.
Myth 1: There’s a strict drink limit. False. You can enjoy as many drinks as you like responsibly.
Myth 2: You must drink heavily to get value. False. Even 3–4 drinks daily can justify the cost.
Myth 3: You can share your package. False. It’s non-transferable and per guest only.
Myth 4: It includes minibar drinks. False. Mini-bar and room service beverages are extra.
Avalon promotes responsible drinking by:
Offering water stations throughout the ship.
Providing alcohol-free alternatives.
Training staff to monitor service tactfully.
Guests can also enjoy daily wellness activities like yoga, guided walks, and fitness classes to balance indulgence with well-being.
Certain themed cruises, such as Wine Appreciation or Culinary River Journeys, enhance the drink experience further. These sailings often include:
Onboard wine tastings.
Visits to local vineyards.
Mixology demonstrations.
Your drink package seamlessly integrates into these events, allowing endless tasting opportunities.
Cruisers often praise the Avalon drink package for:
Convenience (“No need to sign receipts.”)
Variety (“Loved the regional wines.”)
Value (“Paid for itself by day three.”)
Service (“Bartenders remembered our preferences.”)
Negative feedback typically revolves around limited top-shelf spirits, which are available à la carte.
Avalon partners with regional producers to feature eco-conscious wines and beers, supporting local economies and sustainability efforts. Their ships minimize plastic use by serving beverages in glassware and refillable bottles.
As many as you reasonably wish.
Avalon’s drink package is truly unlimited, offering flexible access to a broad range of beverages—wine, beer, cocktails, spirits, and non-alcoholic options—throughout your cruise. With an average guest enjoying anywhere from 6 to 15 drinks per day, the package provides convenience, savings, and indulgence all in one.
Priced at about $25–$35 per day, it represents exceptional value for travelers who want to unwind freely and savor every moment without worrying about their tab.
Whether you’re cruising the Rhine, Danube, or Mekong, the Avalon Waterways drink package ensures your glass is always full—and your river cruise experience remains effortlessly enjoyable.
Your ultimate guide to cruise adventures. Discover amazing destinations, find the perfect cruise, and create unforgettable memories on the high seas.
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