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When planning a luxury river cruise with Avalon Waterways, one of the key decisions travelers face is whether to purchase a beverage package. For many guests, sipping fine wine on the Rhine, enjoying a cocktail on the Danube, or sampling local beer along the Douro is part of the experience.
But how much does a beverage package on Avalon Waterways actually cost? And is it worth the investment compared to the drinks already included in your fare?
In this comprehensive 3,000-word guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Avalon Waterways beverage package, including:
Detailed pricing for 2025 itineraries
What’s included and excluded
Drink varieties and service options
Cost comparisons versus à la carte pricing
Insider tips for getting the best value
By the end, you’ll know exactly how much to budget, whether to purchase in advance, and how to make the most of your drink experience aboard Avalon Waterways.
Avalon Waterways is part of the Globus family of brands, offering boutique-style river cruises that combine luxury, culture, and comfort. Unlike ocean liners that charge for nearly every beverage, Avalon Waterways includes many drinks in its base fare.
Their goal is to create a semi-inclusive experience where guests enjoy high-quality beverages during meals, with the flexibility to upgrade to a full beverage package for all-day enjoyment.
This hybrid model gives travelers choice—ideal for both light drinkers and those who like to indulge throughout the day.
Before you consider upgrading, it’s important to know what Avalon Waterways already includes for all guests:
Breakfast: Unlimited coffee, tea, juices, and sparkling wine.
Lunch and Dinner: Complimentary house wines, regional beers, and soft drinks.
Throughout the Day: Tea, coffee, and bottled water available in lounges and at stations.
This generous offering means that even without buying a package, you can still enjoy beverages throughout the day—especially during meals.
However, if you want to enjoy a cocktail at sunset, sip wine on the Sky Deck, or order a gin and tonic between excursions, the beverage package becomes the convenient and cost-effective option.
The Avalon Waterways Beverage Package is an optional add-on that provides unlimited access to a broader range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
It allows you to enjoy beverages anytime and anywhere onboard—not just during meals—without having to worry about running up a tab.
Unlimited house wines, regional beers, spirits, and cocktails.
Access to premium non-alcoholic beverages.
Available in all bars and lounges.
Flat daily fee with no per-drink charges.
The package is designed for simplicity and value, giving guests freedom to relax and indulge at their own pace.
The cost of Avalon Waterways’ beverage package varies slightly based on region, itinerary, and cruise length. However, average 2025 pricing falls within the following range:
RegionApproximate Daily Cost (per person)Notes
Europe (Rhine, Danube, Seine, Douro)$30 USD per dayMost popular region; balanced pricing.
Asia (Mekong, Ganges)$25 USD per daySlightly lower due to regional pricing.
South America (Amazon, Galápagos)$30–$35 USD per dayIncludes tropical and premium cocktails.
Both guests sharing a stateroom must purchase the beverage package if one does.
For a 7-night European cruise, the package costs approximately:$30 x 7 nights = $210 per personor $420 per cabin.
This flat rate covers unlimited beverages for the entire voyage.
Avalon’s drink package offers an extensive selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages that highlight both international favorites and regional specialties.
House Wines: Red, white, rosé, and sparkling wines sourced from local vineyards.
Beers: Draft and bottled options including regional brews (e.g., Pilsner, Heineken, Grolsch).
Spirits: Vodka, gin, rum, whiskey, tequila, and brandy.
Cocktails: Classic and signature mixes like mojitos, margaritas, martinis, and spritzes.
Liqueurs: Baileys, Kahlua, Cointreau, and other digestifs.
Soft drinks and sodas.
Fresh juices and mocktails.
Sparkling and still bottled water.
Espresso-based coffee drinks (latte, cappuccino, macchiato).
Specialty teas and herbal infusions.
This list ensures there’s something for everyone—from morning coffee lovers to evening cocktail connoisseurs.
While the package is generous, a few exclusions apply:
Premium top-shelf liquors (available à la carte).
Mini-bar and in-room bottled wines.
Specialty tasting events or excursions with alcohol.
Champagne by the bottle.
That said, most guests find the included range more than sufficient for daily enjoyment.
Yes, Avalon Waterways’ beverage package is “unlimited” in the sense that there’s no official drink count limit per day.
You can order as many beverages as you want throughout the day, subject only to responsible service guidelines.
Only one drink per person per order.
Service may be declined to visibly intoxicated guests.
Alcohol service typically ends around midnight.
In practice, guests typically enjoy 6–15 drinks daily without any issues or restrictions.
Let’s analyze whether the beverage package provides good value.
Drink TypeAverage Price (USD)
Wine (per glass)$8
Beer$6
Cocktail$10
Spirits$7
Soft Drink$3
If you order around 5–7 drinks per day, your daily cost without a package can easily reach $35–$50.
With a $30/day beverage package, you’ll break even or save money while enjoying unlimited access and convenience.
Let’s look at how the beverage package value compares across different traveler styles:
Wine at lunch and dinner, cocktail at night → ~$26/day Might not need the package; included drinks may suffice.
Cocktail before lunch, wine with meals, beer in the afternoon → ~$45/day The package saves around $15/day.
Cocktails, beer, after-dinner liqueurs, coffee drinks → ~$70/day The package provides excellent value and convenience.
In short: if you drink more than 4–5 beverages daily, the package pays for itself.
You can purchase the Avalon beverage package:
Before your cruise: Via Avalon’s online portal or your travel advisor.
During embarkation: At reception or the Panorama Lounge.
Buying in advance often ensures the best rate, as onboard purchases may include small surcharges or be subject to availability.
Avalon’s intimate river ships offer multiple locations where guests can enjoy beverages:
Panorama Lounge: Main hub for cocktails and wine.
Sky Deck Bar: Perfect for scenic sipping under the sun.
Dining Room: Wine and beer during meals.
Observation Lounge: Ideal for a quiet drink or coffee.
Every venue accepts beverage package benefits, so you can enjoy drinks anywhere onboard.
Avalon curates its beverage menus based on the region you’re sailing in, allowing guests to experience local flavors.
Wines from France, Germany, Austria, and Portugal.
Local beers like Erdinger, Grolsch, or Heineken.
European spirits such as gin, Campari, and Aperol.
Local beers like Angkor and Saigon.
Tropical cocktails and fruit-infused spirits.
Fresh juices from regional produce.
South American wines.
Signature cocktails like Caipirinha and Pisco Sour.
This regional customization adds cultural depth to every drink you enjoy.
Avalon also hosts themed beverage events such as:
Wine Tastings: Featuring regional vintages.
Cocktail Demonstrations: Learn how to mix local favorites.
Coffee Workshops: Experience European espresso culture.
While some of these are complimentary, others may carry a small fee and are separate from the standard beverage package.
Let’s compare Avalon Waterways with other popular river cruise lines:
Cruise LineBeverage InclusionDrink Package CostNotes
Avalon WaterwaysDrinks with meals + optional package$25–$35/dayFlexible and affordable.
Viking River CruisesDrinks with meals + Silver Spirits$25/daySimilar inclusions.
AmaWaterwaysWine/beer with meals onlyNoneNo full package offered.
UniworldFully all-inclusiveIncludedHigher overall fare.
Avalon’s model offers the best balance between flexibility and price—ideal for travelers who want the benefits of all-inclusive without the higher base fare.
Avalon’s beverage package policy requires that:
Both guests in a stateroom purchase the package.
Sharing between passengers is not allowed.
The package is valid for the full duration of the cruise (not partial days).
These rules maintain fairness and consistency across the ship.
Here’s what a day might look like with the package:
8 AM: Cappuccino with breakfast
11 AM: Mimosa or fruit smoothie
12:30 PM: Wine or beer with lunch
3 PM: Iced tea or soda on deck
5 PM: Aperol Spritz during scenic sailing
7 PM: Red wine at dinner
9 PM: Cocktail or whiskey nightcap
That’s about 8–10 drinks per day—easily within typical consumption for guests using the package.
Beyond price, the beverage package offers priceless convenience:
No need to sign receipts or carry your card.
Unlimited flexibility to order anywhere, anytime.
Freedom to try new drinks without cost concerns.
For many, the stress-free aspect alone makes the upgrade worthwhile.
While Avalon’s package is “unlimited,” it also prioritizes guest safety. The onboard crew follows strict international alcohol service standards:
Encouraging hydration.
Refusing service if needed.
Offering alcohol-free alternatives.
You can enjoy your drinks responsibly while still making the most of your package.
Occasionally, Avalon offers promotions that include:
Complimentary beverage packages for early bookings.
Reduced daily rates when purchased pre-cruise.
Loyalty discounts for returning guests.
To catch these offers, book during Wave Season (January–March) or check Avalon’s newsletters for current deals.
Here’s a quick checklist to decide whether you should buy the beverage package:
You plan to drink 4+ beverages per day. You enjoy cocktails or spirits outside meal times. You prefer convenience and simplicity. You’re celebrating a special occasion.
If you answered “yes” to two or more, the package likely offers great value for your cruise.
Start early: Enjoy cappuccinos or juices with breakfast.
Try regional drinks: Sample wines and beers unique to your route.
Hydrate: Ask for sparkling or still water between alcoholic beverages.
Mix it up: Alternate between cocktails, wines, and mocktails.
Enjoy themed nights: Some cruises feature drink specials tied to local culture.
Travelers consistently praise Avalon’s drink package for:
Transparency: No hidden fees or limits.
Variety: Wide drink selection.
Convenience: Seamless onboard experience.
Value: Break-even after a few drinks daily.
Some guests mention that ultra-premium spirits are extra, but the included range satisfies most preferences.
Special Avalon itineraries—like Wine Appreciation Cruises or Culinary Journeys—make the beverage package even more valuable. These sailings often feature additional tastings, vineyard visits, and mixology events, letting you explore regional flavors more deeply.
Avalon emphasizes eco-friendly and local sourcing for its drink program:
Wines from nearby vineyards.
Regional craft beers.
Minimal plastic usage.
This sustainable focus enhances both taste and authenticity, making each drink part of the destination’s story.
In 2025, expect to pay between $25 and $35 per person, per day, depending on itinerary and location.When you consider that à la carte drinks can easily exceed $40 daily, the package offers both financial savings and unmatched convenience for most travelers.It provides flexibility to enjoy wine, beer, cocktails, spirits, coffee, and sodas—all without worrying about costs adding up.For guests who love to relax with a drink in hand while admiring Europe’s castles, Asia’s temples, or South America’s rainforests, the Avalon Waterways beverage package is a simple, smart, and indulgent upgrade that elevates your entire cruise experience.
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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