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How much is a beverage package on Azamara Cruises?

  • Michael Rodriguez
  • 18 May 2026

How much is a beverage package on Azamara Cruises?

Planning a voyage with Azamara Cruises often raises one important question: How much does the beverage package cost, and is it worth it? Unlike many mainstream cruise lines that charge separately for nearly every drink, Azamara already includes a broad selection of beverages in its cruise fares. However, premium beverage packages are available for travelers who want upgraded wines, top-shelf spirits, specialty cocktails, or luxury champagne.

This guide explains Azamara beverage package pricing, what is included, upgrade options, whether packages save money, and how to choose the best option for your travel style.

Understanding Azamara’s Beverage Policy

Azamara positions itself as a premium small-ship cruise line. One major advantage compared to larger cruise brands is that standard beverages are already included in the cruise fare.

Included beverages typically feature:

  • House wines by the glass
  • Standard spirits
  • International beers
  • Soft drinks
  • Specialty coffees
  • Tea
  • Bottled water
  • Select cocktails

Because basic drinks are complimentary, Azamara’s beverage packages function more like premium upgrades rather than mandatory add-ons.

This differs from mass-market cruise lines where passengers often purchase beverage plans simply to avoid expensive per-drink charges.

How Much Does an Azamara Beverage Package Cost?

Azamara beverage package prices can vary depending on:

  • Cruise itinerary
  • Sailing region
  • Duration of cruise
  • Promotional offers
  • Seasonal pricing updates

Based on publicly available information, Azamara’s premium beverage packages generally range between:

Beverage Package Type Estimated Price Per Person, Per Day
Premium Beverage Package $25–$35
Ultimate Beverage Package $35–$45

 

These prices are approximate and may change without notice.

Passengers should always confirm final pricing directly through Azamara Cruises Official Website or through their travel advisor before booking.

What Is Included in the Standard Fare?

One reason many travelers choose Azamara Cruises is the generous inclusion of beverages without requiring additional purchases.

Complimentary Drinks Typically Include

  • House red and white wines
  • Domestic and international beers
  • Standard cocktails
  • Select liquors
  • Soft drinks
  • Coffee drinks
  • Tea
  • Sparkling water
  • Bottled water

For many guests, these included options are more than sufficient.

What Does the Premium Beverage Package Include?

The Premium Beverage Package upgrades the standard beverage selection.

Common Upgrades

Guests usually gain access to:

  • Premium liquor brands
  • Better wine selections
  • Enhanced cocktails
  • Craft spirits
  • Higher-tier beers
  • Specialty mixers

Examples may include:

  • Grey Goose vodka
  • Bombay Sapphire gin
  • Johnnie Walker Black Label
  • Premium tequila brands
  • Upgraded wines by the glass

Specific brands may vary by ship and itinerary.

What Does the Ultimate Beverage Package Include?

The Ultimate Beverage Package is Azamara’s highest-tier drink plan.

Typical Features

  • Luxury spirits
  • Fine wines
  • Premium champagne
  • Exclusive cocktails
  • Rare whiskey selections
  • High-end cognac

Passengers who frequently enjoy luxury beverages throughout the day may find this package worthwhile.

Azamara Beverage Packages vs Pay-As-You-Go

Not every traveler benefits financially from a package.

Example Cost Breakdown

Suppose premium cocktails cost approximately:

  • Cocktails: $12–$16 each
  • Premium wine: $14–$20 per glass
  • Luxury spirits: $15–$25 per serving

If the Premium Beverage Package costs $30 daily, a guest drinking:

  • 2 premium cocktails
  • 1 upgraded wine

could already exceed the package cost.

However, light drinkers may spend less paying individually.

Is the Beverage Package Worth It?

The answer depends entirely on your drinking habits and travel preferences.

The Package Is Usually Worth It If You:

  • Drink multiple premium beverages daily
  • Prefer top-shelf liquor
  • Enjoy wine tastings
  • Spend long afternoons at sea
  • Like predictable vacation budgeting
  • Enjoy specialty cocktails frequently

It May Not Be Worth It If You:

  • Rarely drink alcohol
  • Prefer standard included beverages
  • Spend most time ashore
  • Drink only occasionally
  • Prefer simple beer or house wine

Comparing Azamara Beverage Packages

Feature Included Drinks Premium Package Ultimate Package
House Wine Yes Yes Yes
Standard Cocktails Yes Yes Yes
Premium Spirits Limited Expanded Extensive
Luxury Champagne No Limited Yes
Specialty Wines Limited Better Selection Premium Selection
Craft Cocktails Limited Yes Yes
High-End Whiskey No Some Extensive
Approximate Price Included $25–$35/day $35–$45/day

 

How Azamara Differs From Other Cruise Lines

Many major cruise operators require expensive beverage packages to avoid high onboard drink costs.

Comparison With Competitors

Cruise Line Basic Drinks Included? Typical Beverage Package Cost
Azamara Yes Lower upgrade pricing
Norwegian Cruise Line Limited Often $100+ daily
Royal Caribbean Limited $80–$120 daily
Carnival Cruise Line Limited $60–$90 daily
Celebrity Cruises Some fares include drinks Variable

 

Azamara’s structure appeals to travelers seeking a more inclusive premium experience.

Real-World Example: Couple on a 10-Day Cruise

Consider two passengers on a Mediterranean itinerary.

Without Beverage Package

Daily spending:

  • 2 premium cocktails each
  • 1 glass premium wine each

Estimated total:

  • Around $80–$100 daily combined
  • 10-day cruise total: $800–$1,000

With Premium Beverage Package

Estimated:

  • $30 daily × 2 guests × 10 days
  • Approximately $600 total

Potential savings:

  • Around $200–$400

Specialty Coffee and Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Many passengers ask whether coffee beverages are included.

Usually Included

Azamara generally includes:

  • Espresso
  • Cappuccino
  • Latte
  • Tea
  • Soda
  • Bottled water

This adds significant value compared to cruise lines that charge separately for premium coffee.

Are Beverage Packages Required for Both Guests?

Cruise lines often require all adults in the same cabin to purchase identical beverage packages.

Based on publicly available information, Azamara may apply similar policies depending on the package type and booking conditions.

Passengers should verify directly with:

  • Azamara customer service
  • Their travel advisor
  • Official cruise contract terms

Can You Buy a Beverage Package Before the Cruise?

Yes. Most guests can purchase beverage upgrades:

Purchase Options

  • During online cruise check-in
  • Through the Azamara guest portal
  • Via travel agents
  • Once onboard

Buying before embarkation may occasionally provide promotional savings.

Do Beverage Packages Include Gratuities?

Cruise beverage package pricing sometimes excludes gratuities.

Based on publicly available information, Azamara package pricing policies may vary by promotion and sailing.

Always review:

  • Taxes
  • Service charges
  • Automatic gratuities

before finalizing the purchase.

Are There Drink Limits?

Unlike some mainstream cruise lines, Azamara generally focuses on a luxury guest experience rather than strict beverage monitoring.

However:

  • Responsible alcohol service rules apply
  • Cruise staff may refuse service if necessary
  • Policies can change without notice

Wine Lovers and Azamara Cruises

Azamara’s wine-focused atmosphere appeals strongly to many travelers.

Wine Program Highlights

Guests often enjoy:

  • International wine selections
  • Regional wines linked to itineraries
  • Food-and-wine pairings
  • Specialty tasting events

Mediterranean and European itineraries especially complement Azamara’s wine culture.

Best Beverage Package for Different Travelers

Casual Cruiser

Best option:

  • Included beverages only

Cocktail Enthusiast

Best option:

  • Premium Beverage Package

Luxury Traveler

Best option:

  • Ultimate Beverage Package

Wine Collector

Best option:

  • Ultimate Package or pay-per-glass premium wines

Hidden Costs Travelers Should Know

Even premium cruise experiences can involve additional expenses.

Possible Extra Charges

  • Rare reserve wines
  • Vintage champagne
  • Specialty tastings
  • Certain luxury liquors
  • Mini-bar items

Always ask staff what falls outside the package before ordering.

How to Decide Before Booking

 1: Estimate Daily Consumption

Calculate realistic beverage habits.

 2: Review Included Options

You may discover the complimentary selection already meets your needs.

3: Compare Daily Pricing

Estimate whether premium purchases exceed package cost.

 4: Consider Port Days

Guests spending extensive time ashore may drink less onboard.

5: Evaluate Convenience

Some travelers prefer unlimited access without worrying about prices.

Expert Cruise Budgeting Tips

Consumer-focused financial experts frequently recommend evaluating vacation add-ons based on actual usage rather than perceived value.

Publications like Consumer Reports emphasize comparing package costs against expected spending behavior before purchasing travel upgrades.

Smart Cruise Budget Strategies

  • Track average drink costs
  • Avoid impulse package purchases
  • Review cruise promotions carefully
  • Check loyalty member discounts
  • Compare package inclusions closely

Health and Responsible Drinking Considerations

Cruise vacations can encourage overconsumption of alcohol. Health organizations such as the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend moderation when consuming alcohol during travel.

Responsible Drinking Tips

  • Alternate alcohol with water
  • Eat before drinking
  • Stay hydrated in warm climates
  • Know alcohol tolerance at sea
  • Avoid excessive drinking excursions

Travel fatigue, sun exposure, and dehydration can intensify alcohol effects onboard ships.

Does Azamara Offer Drink Promotions?

Occasionally, cruise promotions may include:

  • Beverage package upgrades
  • Onboard credit
  • Complimentary premium drinks
  • Loyalty member offers

These deals vary seasonally.

Passengers should monitor:

  • Official Azamara promotions
  • Travel agency offers
  • Cruise holiday sales

Loyalty Program Benefits

Frequent Azamara guests may receive additional beverage-related perks through loyalty status.

Possible benefits can include:

  • Complimentary wine
  • Special cocktail events
  • Exclusive lounge access
  • Discounted upgrades

Benefits change periodically.

Shore Excursions and Beverage Access

Azamara emphasizes immersive destination experiences.

On heavy port itineraries, some passengers discover they drink less onboard because they spend significant time exploring cities and local restaurants.

This can influence whether purchasing a package makes financial sense.

Common Mistakes Travelers Make

Buying Without Checking Included Drinks

Many first-time guests mistakenly assume no beverages are included.

Overestimating Consumption

Travelers often expect to drink more than they actually do.

Ignoring Port Schedules

Busy excursions reduce onboard beverage time.

Forgetting Luxury Upcharges

Not every premium item falls within beverage package limits.

How Beverage Culture Enhances the Azamara Experience

Azamara markets itself around destination immersion and relaxed luxury.

The onboard beverage experience complements this atmosphere through:

  • Curated wine menus
  • Destination-inspired cocktails
  • Social lounges
  • Sunset deck gatherings
  • Elegant dining pairings

Unlike party-focused cruise brands, Azamara emphasizes sophisticated leisure and cultural exploration.

Sustainability and Beverage Programs

Cruise lines increasingly face pressure to improve environmental practices.

Many modern beverage programs now include:

  • Reduced plastic bottle usage
  • Sustainable wine sourcing
  • Eco-friendly packaging
  • Water filtration systems

Based on publicly available information, there is no confirmed data on specific sustainability metrics tied directly to Azamara beverage packages.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are drinks included on Azamara Cruises?

Yes. Azamara includes many beverages in the standard cruise fare, including house wines, beer, spirits, coffee, tea, soft drinks, and bottled water.

2. How much does the Premium Beverage Package cost?

Pricing generally ranges from approximately $25–$35 per person, per day, though rates may vary by sailing.

3. What is the difference between Premium and Ultimate Beverage Packages?

The Ultimate package typically includes higher-end spirits, luxury wines, and premium champagne selections.

4. Is the beverage package worth it?

It depends on your drinking habits. Frequent premium drink consumers usually receive better value from a package.

5. Can I buy the package after boarding?

Yes. Many sailings allow beverage package purchases onboard, although pre-cruise booking may provide savings.

6. Does Azamara include specialty coffee?

Yes. Many specialty coffee drinks are generally included in the standard fare.

7. Are gratuities included in the beverage package price?

Policies vary. Guests should verify whether gratuities or service fees apply to their specific sailing.

8. Can one person buy the package and not the other?

Policies may differ by booking conditions. Some sailings may require all adults in the same cabin to purchase the same package.

9. Are there drink limits on Azamara?

Azamara generally offers a more flexible premium experience, though responsible alcohol service policies apply.

10. What drinks are not included in the Ultimate Package?

Some ultra-premium wines, vintage champagne, or rare liquors may still carry additional charges.

11. Does Azamara offer non-alcoholic beverage packages?

Because many non-alcoholic drinks are already included, dedicated soft-drink packages are less emphasized than on other cruise lines.

12. Where can I verify the latest beverage package pricing?

Travelers should confirm directly through Azamara Cruises Official Website or their travel advisor for the most current rates.

Final Thoughts

Azamara Cruises offers one of the more inclusive beverage experiences in the premium cruise market. Because standard drinks are already included, many guests may not need an upgrade package at all. However, travelers who prefer luxury spirits, premium wines, or high-end cocktails often find substantial value in the Premium or Ultimate Beverage Packages.

The key to deciding is evaluating your actual onboard habits rather than assuming unlimited drinks automatically provide savings. By understanding package pricing, included beverages, itinerary structure, and personal preferences, travelers can make a financially smart and enjoyable cruise decision.

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