How much is a beverage package on Aurora Expeditions?

How Much Is a Beverage Package on Aurora Expeditions?

Aurora Expeditions is renowned for its small-ship adventure journeys to the world’s most remote destinations — from Antarctica and the Arctic to the Galápagos Islands, Costa Rica, and Patagonia. The cruise line’s focus on exploration, education, and sustainability makes it a leading choice for travelers seeking authentic, eco-conscious voyages. While many guests are drawn to the incredible wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and scientific enrichment onboard, another frequently asked question concerns the beverage experience — specifically, how much is a beverage package on Aurora Expeditions?

1. Understanding the Aurora Expeditions Onboard Experience

Before diving into beverage package details, it’s important to understand the overall nature of Aurora Expeditions’ onboard lifestyle. Unlike mainstream luxury cruise lines that operate on large ships with numerous bars, nightclubs, and restaurants, Aurora’s voyages are intimate and purposeful. Each ship — such as the Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle — accommodates a smaller number of guests (around 130 to 140), ensuring a more personalized, relaxed, and community-oriented environment.

Because Aurora’s primary mission is adventure, learning, and connection with nature, onboard offerings like dining and drinks are thoughtfully curated to complement that experience. The atmosphere is casual yet refined, emphasizing quality over quantity and sustainability over extravagance.

This same philosophy applies to the beverage program — a balanced offering that allows guests to enjoy fine wines, local spirits, and refreshing non-alcoholic beverages while maintaining focus on the expedition’s spirit of discovery.

2. What’s Included in the Standard Cruise Fare?

Aurora Expeditions is more inclusive than many other cruise lines. The base fare covers a wide range of amenities, including:

All onboard meals
Daily shore excursions and Zodiac cruises
Educational lectures and workshops
Access to expedition gear (like parkas and boots)
Tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and soft drinks
Wine, beer, and soft drinks with dinner

This means that some beverages are already included in your fare, making the experience generous even without purchasing an additional package.

During lunch and dinner, guests can enjoy a selection of complimentary wines, beers, and soft drinks. Espresso-based coffee, teas, and filtered water are also available throughout the day at no extra cost.

However, for guests who enjoy specialty drinks, premium wines, or cocktails outside mealtimes, Aurora Expeditions offers beverage upgrades and bar service options for purchase.

3. Beverage Package Overview

Aurora Expeditions’ beverage packages are designed for flexibility. Instead of forcing every guest into a one-size-fits-all plan, the cruise line allows travelers to customize their onboard experience.

The beverage offerings can generally be divided into three tiers:

Standard (Included) — Beer, wine, soft drinks with meals; water, coffee, and tea all day.
Premium Beverage Package — Unlimited access to a curated selection of wines, beers, and standard cocktails throughout the voyage.
Luxury or Top-Shelf Upgrade — Access to premium spirits, craft cocktails, and top-tier wines from global vineyards.

Let’s explore these in more depth.

4. Standard Beverage Inclusions

Even without paying extra, Aurora Expeditions ensures guests can enjoy a comfortable level of beverage service.

Inclusions:

Filtered still and sparkling water available 24/7
Specialty teas and herbal infusions
Espresso, cappuccino, and other barista-made coffees
Soft drinks such as cola, ginger ale, tonic, and fruit juices
House wines and domestic beers served during lunch and dinner

This standard inclusion is ideal for most travelers, especially those who prefer light alcohol consumption or who prioritize health and hydration during adventure-focused journeys.

For many, the included beverages already meet their needs, making the cruise experience both cost-effective and satisfying.

5. Premium Beverage Package: Cost and Features

For guests who enjoy more variety, Aurora Expeditions offers a Premium Beverage Package, which can be purchased before embarkation or onboard.

Approximate Cost:

While prices may vary by itinerary and season, as of recent voyages:

Premium Beverage Package: USD $60–$80 per person, per day

This package allows guests to enjoy alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages at any time of day without worrying about per-drink charges.

Included in the Premium Package:

A wide range of red, white, and sparkling wines
International and craft beers
Standard cocktails (gin and tonic, rum and cola, vodka soda, etc.)
Aperitifs and digestifs
Non-alcoholic mocktails
Juices, sodas, and mineral waters
Specialty coffees (Irish coffee, espresso martini, etc.)

The selection is carefully curated by the onboard hospitality team, ensuring quality and balance while reflecting the expedition’s destinations.

For example, voyages in South America might include Chilean and Argentine wines, while Arctic expeditions could feature Scandinavian craft beers or aquavit.

6. Luxury or Top-Shelf Upgrade

Some Aurora Expeditions voyages — particularly longer or premium ones — may offer a Top-Shelf Beverage Upgrade for connoisseurs who prefer high-end spirits and exclusive labels.

Approximate Cost:

Luxury Beverage Package: USD $100–$120 per person, per day

Inclusions:

Premium spirits such as Glenfiddich, Grey Goose, Bombay Sapphire, and Patrón
Boutique wines from Australia, France, and New Zealand
Classic and signature cocktails (Negroni, Old Fashioned, Espresso Martini, etc.)
Dessert wines and liqueurs
Extended range of mocktails and non-alcoholic wines

This option transforms the onboard bar experience into one reminiscent of a boutique hotel — perfect for travelers celebrating milestones, anniversaries, or simply indulging in luxury after a day of exploration.

7. Pay-As-You-Go Option

For guests who consume beverages occasionally, Aurora Expeditions maintains a pay-as-you-go bar service. Drinks can be purchased individually using onboard credit or linked to the cabin account.

Sample Prices (approximate):

Glass of wine: USD $8–$15
Beer: USD $6–$10
Cocktail: USD $12–$18
Specialty coffee: USD $5–$7
Soft drinks: USD $3–$5

This option ensures flexibility and affordability, as not everyone drinks enough to justify a full package.

8. Comparing Value: Is the Beverage Package Worth It?

Whether the beverage package is worth buying depends on your personal drinking habits and preferences.

It’s Worth It If:

You enjoy a few glasses of wine or cocktails daily.
You prefer not to track expenses or sign receipts.
You value convenience and variety.
You plan to socialize frequently at the bar or observation lounge.

It Might Not Be Worth It If:

You only drink occasionally or stick to included mealtime beverages.
You focus mainly on shore excursions and early nights.
You prefer non-alcoholic drinks, which are mostly included already.

As a general guideline, if you consume three or more alcoholic drinks per day, the package likely provides good value.

9. Onboard Bar Experience

Aurora Expeditions’ ships feature warm, inviting lounges and bars with panoramic views. These spaces serve as social hubs where travelers can share stories of the day’s adventures.

Key Venues:

Observation Lounge: Offers cocktails, wines, and panoramic ocean views.
Dining Room Bar: Serves wines and beers during lunch and dinner.
Deck Bar (Select Voyages): Perfect for outdoor toasts in tropical or temperate destinations.

Bartenders are trained not only in mixology but also in storytelling. Many share local insights about the spirits they serve, transforming each drink into a cultural experience.

10. Sustainability and Responsible Sourcing

Aurora Expeditions takes its environmental responsibilities seriously. Even in its beverage program, sustainability remains a top priority.

Key Practices:

Locally sourced and regional wines to reduce transport emissions
Biodegradable straws and recyclable glass bottles
Elimination of single-use plastics
Eco-certified coffee beans and teas
Fair-trade spirits where possible

Guests are encouraged to enjoy responsibly, reflecting the company’s eco-friendly ethos.

11. Destination-Themed Beverage Experiences

Aurora’s itineraries often inspire destination-themed drink offerings, turning the bar into an extension of the voyage itself.

Examples:

Antarctic Voyages: Toast with glacial ice cocktails or polar martinis.
Patagonia Expeditions: Chilean Carménère or Argentine Malbec selections.
Arctic Journeys: Nordic aquavit tastings or Icelandic craft beers.
Australian Coastal Cruises: Boutique Tasmanian wines and local gins.

These curated selections enrich the expedition narrative — every sip becomes part of the story.

12. Wine Lists and Sommelier Selections

Aurora Expeditions employs knowledgeable wine stewards who curate lists that balance variety and sustainability.

Typical selections include:

Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand
Shiraz and Pinot Noir from Australia
Chardonnay from Chile
Riesling from Germany
Sparkling wines from Italy and Tasmania

The goal is not just luxury but taste diversity — allowing guests to explore global terroirs while exploring the world’s oceans.

13. Beverage Packages for Special Diets and Preferences

Aurora Expeditions caters to diverse guest needs, including:

Non-alcoholic beverage packages (mocktails, juices, 0% beers)
Low-sugar and gluten-free options
Caffeine-free or herbal teas

Guests can also request customized bar menus tailored to dietary preferences before departure.

14. Booking and Pre-Purchase Tips

To maximize savings, Aurora Expeditions often allows guests to pre-purchase beverage packages before embarkation.

Tips:

Pre-purchase online to secure lower rates.
Check promotional offers; some voyages include beverage upgrades as a bonus.
Use onboard credit (from loyalty rewards or booking offers) toward the package.
Discuss with the onboard hospitality manager for partial upgrades mid-voyage.

15. Comparing Aurora Expeditions to Other Luxury Expedition Lines

Compared with competitors like Hurtigruten, Quark Expeditions, and Ponant, Aurora’s beverage packages are competitively priced and more inclusive overall.

Cruise LineBase Beverage InclusionPremium PackageNotes

Aurora ExpeditionsWine/beer with meals$60–$80/dayBalanced and eco-friendly

HurtigrutenBasic drinks extra$70–$90/dayLimited premium selection

PonantAll-inclusiveIncluded in fareMore luxurious pricing

Quark ExpeditionsBasic wine/beer$65–$95/daySimilar flexibility

Aurora strikes the ideal middle ground — providing both inclusion and choice, aligning with its expedition ethos.

16. Alcohol Policy and Responsible Service

Aurora Expeditions follows international maritime standards for alcohol service. Passengers must be 18 or older (or 21, depending on jurisdiction). Bartenders are trained in responsible service to ensure safety and comfort for all guests.

The line also promotes moderation, reminding passengers that early-morning Zodiac departures and rough seas are best enjoyed clear-headed.

17. Feedback from Past Travelers

Reviews from past Aurora guests highlight the beverage program’s quality and balance:

“The wines were excellent, and the bar team remembered our preferences every night.”
“The premium package was worth it for convenience alone — especially during sunset drinks.”
“Loved the destination-themed cocktails. The Antarctic gin and tonic was unforgettable.”

These testimonials reflect Aurora’s commitment to service and authenticity.

18. The Role of Drinks in Expedition Culture

While beverages may seem secondary to glaciers, wildlife, and adventure, they play a vital role in fostering community and celebration aboard.

Evening drinks bring passengers together after a day of exploration, creating shared memories over laughter, stories, and toasts to new discoveries. Aurora’s beverage offerings enrich this human connection, turning each voyage into an experience of both exploration and camaraderie.

19. Tips for Maximizing Your Beverage Experience

Hydrate often – carry a reusable water bottle; stations are available onboard.
Try local selections – ask bartenders about regionally inspired drinks.
Pace yourself – adventure days start early!
Attend cocktail workshops (available on select voyages).
Use the Observation Lounge – it’s the best place to enjoy drinks with panoramic views.

20. Final Thoughts: Value, Experience, and Choice

The Aurora Expeditions beverage package is more than a cost consideration — it’s part of the overall adventure. Whether you choose the included wines and coffees or upgrade to a full premium plan, every option is crafted with care, sustainability, and traveler comfort in mind.

For many guests, the value lies not only in the quantity of drinks but in the quality of experience — sharing a toast beneath Antarctic skies, sipping hot chocolate after a Zodiac landing, or enjoying a crisp Sauvignon Blanc while watching whales breach from the deck.

Ultimately, Aurora Expeditions offers something rare: a beverage program that complements the voyage’s spirit — thoughtful, responsible, and deeply human..