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How much is a beverage package on Costa Cruises?

  • Michael Rodriguez
  • 5 June 2026

How much is a beverage package on Costa Cruises?

The answer depends on your cruise fare, destination, booking date, and drinking habits. Costa Cruises offers several beverage package options, ranging from soft-drink plans to comprehensive packages that include cocktails, wine, beer, coffee, and premium spirits. Prices can vary by market and sailing, but most travelers can expect to pay approximately €35–€48 per person per day when purchased before departure, with onboard prices typically higher.

This comprehensive guide explains:

  • Current Costa Cruises beverage package pricing
  • What each package includes
  • Differences between My Drinks and My Drinks Plus
  • Whether beverage packages save money
  • Hidden rules and restrictions
  • Expert tips for maximizing value
  • Frequently asked questions

Costa Cruises Beverage Package Overview

Costa Cruises primarily offers two unlimited beverage packages:

  1. My Drinks
  2. My Drinks Plus

Some sailings and regions may also offer a non-alcoholic package called My Soft Drinks and specialty beverage bundles. Availability varies by itinerary and market.

The cruise line frequently bundles beverage packages into certain fare categories, meaning some passengers receive drinks as part of their booking rather than purchasing a package separately.

Costa Cruises Beverage Package Prices

Costa does not consistently publish worldwide beverage package pricing because rates vary by sailing, itinerary, and booking region.

However, publicly available pricing data provides a reliable estimate.

Estimated Costa Beverage Package Prices

Package Pre-Cruise Price Onboard Price
My Drinks Around €35 per person/day Around €42 per person/day
My Drinks Plus Around €48 per person/day Around €57 per person/day
My Soft Drinks Around €23 per person/day Around €27 per person/day

 

Prices vary by ship, departure region, and promotional offers.

UK Market Pricing

Costa's UK website indicates that the My Drinks package generally costs between £20 and £36 per person per day when purchased online with eligible cruises.

Key Takeaway

Buying before departure is usually cheaper than purchasing onboard. Many cruise lines, including Costa, encourage advance purchases through discounted pricing structures.

What Does the My Drinks Package Include?

The My Drinks package is Costa's standard unlimited beverage plan.

It covers a wide variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the cruise.

Included Beverages

Coffee and Hot Drinks

  • Espresso
  • Cappuccino
  • Coffee
  • Tea
  • Herbal tea
  • Hot chocolate

Water

  • Unlimited water by the glass
  • One bottled water (0.5-liter) per person per day

Soft Drinks

  • Pepsi
  • 7UP
  • Iced tea
  • Orange soda

Beer

  • Draft beer selections

Wine

  • Unlimited wine by the glass during meals

Cocktails

  • Mojitos
  • Gin and tonic
  • Aperol Spritz
  • Bacardi Breezer
  • Various classic cocktails

Spirits

  • Whiskey

  • Brandy
  • Cognac
  • Sambuca
  • Amaro
  • Other standard brands

What Does My Drinks Plus Include?

My Drinks Plus is Costa's premium beverage package.

It includes everything found in My Drinks plus upgraded beverage options.

Additional Benefits

Premium Cocktails

  • Signature cocktails

  • Molecular cocktails
  • Higher-end mixology selections

Premium Spirits

  • Top-shelf liquor brands
  • Expanded whiskey selection
  • Premium vodka and gin offerings

Premium Beer

  • Corona
  • Beck's
  • Additional bottled beers

Enhanced Water Benefits

  • Unlimited bottled water

Minibar Access

  • Selected minibar beverages included in qualifying cabins

Additional Juices

  • Expanded fruit juice options

Beverage Package Comparison Table

Feature My Drinks My Drinks Plus
Coffee & Tea Yes Yes
Soft Drinks Yes Yes
Wine by Glass Yes Yes
Draft Beer Yes Yes
Cocktails Yes Yes
Premium Cocktails No Yes
Premium Spirits No Yes
Bottled Beer Limited Expanded
Bottled Water 1/day Unlimited
Minibar Drinks No Yes
Premium Juice Options Limited Yes

 

Is the Costa Beverage Package Worth It?

The value depends on your drinking habits.

Let's look at a realistic example.

Example Daily Spending Without a Package

Beverage Estimated Quantity
Cappuccino 2
Bottled Water 2
Soft Drink 2
Glasses of Wine 3
Cocktails 2

 

Even conservative cruise beverage prices can quickly exceed €35–€45 daily.

For travelers who enjoy:

  • Specialty coffee
  • Wine at lunch and dinner
  • Afternoon cocktails
  • Soft drinks throughout the day

The package often pays for itself.

When the Beverage Package Makes Sense

The package is usually worthwhile if you consume:

Daily

  • 2–3 alcoholic drinks
  • Specialty coffee
  • Bottled water
  • Soft drinks

or

Throughout the Day

  • Wine at meals
  • Cocktails by the pool
  • Evening drinks
  • Coffee between meals

Cruise industry analyses frequently find that regular beverage consumers recover the package cost relatively quickly compared with paying à la carte.

When You May Skip the Package

You might save money by purchasing drinks individually if you:

  • Rarely drink alcohol
  • Primarily drink complimentary buffet beverages
  • Spend most days ashore
  • Only enjoy one drink with dinner

In these cases, paying as you go may be more economical.

Some Costa passengers report successfully using wine or beverage bundles instead of unlimited packages.

Important Costa Beverage Package Rules

Before purchasing, understand the restrictions.

Everyone in the Cabin Must Purchase

One of Costa's most significant policies is that all guests sharing a cabin generally must purchase the same beverage package.

This rule helps prevent sharing of beverage benefits.

Children Receive Different Benefits

Guests aged 3–17 receive:

  • Soft drinks
  • Juice
  • Non-alcoholic beverages

Alcoholic beverages are not included.

Excluded Restaurants

Packages are not valid in certain specialty venues, including:

  • Archipelago Restaurant
  • Casanova Restaurant

Policies can change, so verify onboard.

Premium Brands May Cost Extra

Standard My Drinks does not include every premium liquor.

Some top-shelf selections may require an additional charge.

How to Purchase a Costa Beverage Package

1: Book Your Cruise

Reserve directly through Costa or an approved travel agency.

 2: Access Your Cruise Reservation

Log into your Costa booking portal.

 3: Review Available Packages

Available beverage packages depend on:

  • Ship
  • Sailing date
  • Destination
  • Fare category

 4: Purchase Before Departure

Advance purchases usually offer the best value.

5: Verify Package Confirmation

Check your cruise documents before embarkation.

Does Costa Include Drinks in the Cruise Fare?

It depends on the fare type.

Certain Costa fares include beverage packages automatically.

Examples may include:

  • Cruise Plus Drinks fares
  • Comfort Plus fares
  • Suite bookings with My Drinks Plus

The exact naming varies by market and booking region.

Always review your booking confirmation to determine whether beverages are already included.

Health and Responsible Drinking Considerations

Cruise vacations often involve increased alcohol consumption.

According to the World Health Organization, excessive alcohol use increases risks including:

  • Injuries
  • Dehydration
  • Impaired judgment
  • Cardiovascular complications

Travelers should:

  • Alternate alcoholic beverages with water
  • Stay hydrated in warm climates
  • Drink responsibly during excursions
  • Follow crew instructions regarding alcohol service

The WHO recommends moderation and awareness of alcohol-related risks during travel. Maintaining hydration is particularly important in tropical cruise destinations.

Tips for Getting Maximum Value from a Costa Beverage Package

1. Buy Before Sailing

Pre-cruise pricing is typically lower than onboard pricing.

2. Use Specialty Coffee Benefits

Daily cappuccinos and espresso drinks can significantly increase package value.

3. Drink Bottled Water

Purchasing bottled water individually throughout a cruise adds up quickly.

4. Enjoy Wine with Lunch and Dinner

Wine-by-the-glass inclusion is one of the package's strongest benefits.

5. Consider Your Port Days

If you'll spend most days ashore, calculate carefully before purchasing.

6. Upgrade Only If You'll Use Premium Brands

Many travelers find My Drinks sufficient and don't fully utilize the premium offerings in My Drinks Plus.

Common Mistakes Travelers Make

Buying the Premium Package Without Using Premium Drinks

Many cruisers would spend less with the standard package.

Ignoring Included Fare Benefits

Some guests accidentally purchase beverages already included in their fare.

Waiting Until Boarding Day

Onboard prices are generally higher.

Assuming Sharing Is Allowed

Costa's cabin-wide purchase rule exists specifically to discourage sharing.

Costa Beverage Package vs Paying Individually

Traveler Type Best Option
Frequent cocktail drinker My Drinks Plus
Wine enthusiast My Drinks
Family with children My Drinks
Occasional drinker Pay individually
Coffee lover My Drinks
Premium spirit enthusiast My Drinks Plus
Non-drinker My Soft Drinks

 

The best choice depends more on personal consumption habits than on cruise length.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much is the Costa Cruises beverage package?

Most travelers pay approximately €35–€48 per person per day when purchased before departure, depending on package type and sailing.

2. Is My Drinks included in Costa cruise fares?

Some fare categories include My Drinks automatically. Check your booking confirmation for details.

3. Does My Drinks include alcohol?

Yes. It includes beer, wine, cocktails, and many spirits.

4. What is the difference between My Drinks and My Drinks Plus?

My Drinks Plus includes premium cocktails, premium spirits, minibar beverages, and expanded beverage selections.

5. Do all cabin guests need the package?

Yes. Costa generally requires all guests in the same cabin to purchase the same package.

6. Are gratuities included?

Costa's beverage package pricing generally includes applicable service charges, though policies may vary by region and booking channel.

7. Can I buy a beverage package onboard?

Yes. Packages are usually available after embarkation, but onboard pricing is often higher.

8. Are specialty restaurants included?

Not always. Certain specialty venues may exclude beverage package benefits.

9. Is bottled water included?

Yes, but benefits vary. My Drinks includes limited bottled water, while My Drinks Plus generally includes unlimited bottled water.

10. Is the package worth it for a seven-day cruise?

For travelers consuming multiple alcoholic drinks, specialty coffee, and bottled water daily, the package often provides good value over a week-long cruise.

11. Can children use the beverage package?

Children receive access to non-alcoholic beverages and juices but not alcoholic drinks.

12. Does Costa offer unlimited drinks?

The My Drinks and My Drinks Plus packages are marketed as unlimited beverage packages, subject to onboard policies and responsible-service rules.

Final Verdict

For most Costa Cruises passengers, beverage packages cost between €35 and €48 per person per day when purchased before sailing, with onboard prices generally higher. The standard My Drinks package delivers strong value for travelers who enjoy coffee, wine, beer, cocktails, and soft drinks throughout the day, while My Drinks Plus is best suited for guests who prefer premium spirits, premium cocktails, and enhanced beverage options.

Before purchasing, calculate your likely daily consumption, review your fare inclusions, and compare package costs against expected onboard spending. For many travelers, especially those who enjoy multiple beverages each day, a Costa beverage package can provide both savings and peace of mind by eliminating surprise bar charges at the end of the cruise.

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