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When planning a river cruise with Avalon Waterways, one of the most common questions travelers ask is: How much is the Avalon Waterways drink package?Avalon Waterways, known for its luxurious river cruises and immersive experiences, already includes many beverages in its standard fare. However, for guests who want the flexibility to enjoy unlimited drinks throughout their voyage—beyond wine and beer with meals—Avalon offers a premium beverage package that adds a touch of indulgence to your journey.Cost and what’s included
What beverages are complimentary without a package
When and how to purchase
Value comparison for different drinking preferences
Expert tips to help you decide if it’s worth it
Whether you enjoy a casual glass of wine, a morning cappuccino, or sunset cocktails on the sundeck, this guide will help you make the most informed decision before embarking on your Avalon Waterways cruise.
Avalon Waterways operates on an inclusive but not fully all-inclusive model. This means that while many beverages are provided at no extra cost, others—especially premium spirits and cocktails—are available for purchase or through a package upgrade.
Every Avalon Waterways cruise includes:
Complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner.
Sparkling wine and juices at breakfast.
Free coffee, tea, and bottled water throughout the day.
This level of inclusivity covers the majority of casual travelers. However, if you prefer more flexibility or plan to enjoy alcoholic beverages outside mealtimes, Avalon’s drink package can enhance your cruise experience.
The Avalon drink package is an optional upgrade that allows guests to enjoy a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages at any time during their cruise, not just during meals.
Unlimited access to house wines, beers, cocktails, and spirits.
Specialty coffees and teas throughout the day.
Non-alcoholic beverages such as mocktails, juices, and sodas.
Premium brand selections in most bars and lounges.
Service available from morning to late evening.
This package is especially popular among guests who enjoy relaxing with cocktails on deck, socializing at the Panorama Lounge, or having a nightcap after dinner.
As of 2025, the Avalon Waterways drink package is priced between $25 and $35 USD per person, per day, depending on the cruise region and itinerary.
RegionAverage Daily Cost (USD)Inclusions
Europe (Rhine, Danube, Seine, Douro)$30House wines, beers, cocktails, spirits, sodas, juices, specialty coffee.
Asia (Mekong, Ganges)$25Local beers, wines, mixed drinks, soft drinks, bottled water.
South America (Amazon)$30–$35Local spirits, cocktails, international wines, and soft drinks.
Prices are per person, per day and must be purchased for the entire duration of the cruise.
Both guests in a stateroom must purchase the package.
Prices can vary slightly depending on ship and season.
The Avalon Waterways drink package covers a broad range of beverages available in lounges, bars, and restaurants.
House wines: Red, white, and rosé selections from local vineyards.
Beers: Both local and international brands.
Spirits: Vodka, gin, rum, whiskey, tequila, and brandy (standard and select premium labels).
Cocktails: Classic drinks such as mojitos, martinis, gin and tonics, margaritas, and cosmopolitans.
Aperitifs & digestifs: Campari, vermouth, and after-dinner liqueurs.
Soft drinks: Coca-Cola, Fanta, Sprite, tonic, soda water.
Juices: Orange, apple, cranberry, pineapple, and local fruit juices.
Mocktails: Non-alcoholic versions of cocktails.
Specialty coffees: Espresso, cappuccino, latte, macchiato, etc.
Teas: Herbal, black, and green varieties.
Mineral water: Still and sparkling bottles available anytime.
Panorama Lounge
Sky Deck Bar
Dining Room (outside mealtimes)
Bistro area or coffee corner
Although the drink package is generous, there are a few exclusions to note:
Mini-bar items in your suite (charged separately).
Room service beverages.
Premium wines by the bottle from Avalon’s curated list.
Specialty cocktails with rare liquors.
Guests who prefer top-shelf or vintage wine selections can still order these items à la carte at menu prices.
Avalon’s inclusive nature means you might not even need to purchase a package, depending on your habits. Here’s what’s already included:
Breakfast: Sparkling wine, coffee, tea, juices.
Lunch & Dinner: House wine, beer, and soft drinks.
All day: Coffee, tea, and bottled water in lounges.
If you enjoy only one or two drinks outside of mealtimes daily, it may be more cost-effective to pay per drink instead of purchasing the package.
If you opt out of the package, you can still order beverages individually. Below is an approximate pricing guide for à la carte orders (2025 rates):
BeverageAverage Price (USD)
House wine (glass)$6–$8
Premium wine (glass)$9–$12
Beer (local/imported)$5–$7
Cocktails$8–$12
Spirits (single pour)$6–$10
Coffee (espresso/cappuccino)Complimentary
Soft drinksComplimentary during meals, $2–$3 outside
If you plan to have more than three alcoholic beverages per day, the package typically offers better value.
You can buy the Avalon Waterways drink package through several methods:
Add it when booking your cruise online.
Contact Avalon or your travel advisor to include it in your reservation.
Pay in advance, which locks in the current rate and ensures it’s added to your account.
Visit the Reception Desk or Panorama Lounge Bar on embarkation day.
The staff will activate the package immediately.
Charges are added to your onboard account.
Purchasing early is recommended, as onboard prices may be slightly higher.
Whether the Avalon Waterways drink package is worth it depends on your drinking preferences and habits.
Let’s consider an example:
2 glasses of wine ($14)
1 beer ($6)
1 cocktail ($10)Total: $30 per day
Unlimited drinks for $30 per day, including coffee and juice.
In this case, you break even with just 3–4 drinks daily. Guests who enjoy afternoon cocktails, pre-dinner wine, and a nightcap easily exceed that threshold, making the package a good deal.
The drink package is ideal for:
Guests who enjoy socializing at the bar or on the sundeck.
Those who prefer cocktails, spirits, or drinks outside mealtimes.
Travelers on longer cruises who value flexibility.
Couples celebrating special occasions or anniversaries.
However, light drinkers or guests who prefer non-alcoholic options may find the included beverages sufficient.
Cruise LineDrink Package CostInclusionsNotable Features
Avalon Waterways$25–$35/dayWines, beers, cocktails, coffeeIncludes sparkling wine at breakfast.
Viking River Cruises$25/dayPremium wines & spiritsSimilar value, but fewer local selections.
AmaWaterwaysIncluded (select wines & beers)Premium package extraFocuses on regional wines.
UniworldFully all-inclusiveAll drinks includedHigher base fare.
Avalon strikes a balance between affordability and choice, offering flexibility for guests who prefer to customize their experience rather than paying for full all-inclusive pricing.
Avalon’s drink selections often reflect local flavors and destinations, making the package a cultural experience as well.
Try Austrian Grüner Veltliner or German Riesling on the Danube.
Enjoy Belgian and Czech beers on Rhine sailings.
Savor Port wine and Vinho Verde on the Douro River.
Local beers like Saigon or Angkor.
Exotic cocktails using tropical fruits.
Rice wines and regional spirits.
Pisco Sour in Peru.
Brazilian Caipirinha on Amazon itineraries.
The drink package allows you to sample these unique beverages without worrying about individual charges.
Start early: Enjoy morning cappuccinos or mimosas.
Try local specialties: Each region features unique wines and liquors.
Attend onboard tastings: Many ships host free or discounted wine and cocktail events.
Use multiple bars: Explore different settings like the Sky Deck and Panorama Lounge.
Avoid waste: Order one drink at a time to fully enjoy each.
No. It must be purchased for the entire cruise duration for all guests sharing a cabin.
Yes. The package includes mocktails, juices, and sodas.
No. Gratuities are already included in your cruise fare or added automatically.
Avalon typically allows limited personal wine or champagne, but corkage fees may apply in dining areas.
Convenience—no need to track bills.
Unlimited access to a wide range of drinks.
Enhances social and leisure time.
Opportunity to try local beverages.
Fixed cost regardless of daily consumption.
Both guests in the cabin must buy it.
Doesn’t include minibar or bottled premium wines.
Ask yourself:
Do I drink alcohol outside lunch and dinner?
Do I enjoy cocktails or spirits regularly?
Do I prefer convenience over tracking expenses?
If you answered yes to at least two, the drink package likely offers excellent value.
If you don’t want to purchase the full drink package, you can still enjoy:
Pay-as-you-go pricing.
Special drink-of-the-day promotions.
Happy hour events offering reduced prices.
Wine tastings that showcase local producers.
These options allow flexibility without committing to the package.
Avalon Waterways promotes sustainable practices, including:
Local wine sourcing to support regional vineyards.
Eco-friendly packaging for bottled water.
Responsible service policies to prevent overconsumption.
Their bar staff are trained to encourage moderation while ensuring guests enjoy responsibly.
Avalon may continue enhancing beverage options by:
Expanding zero-proof cocktail menus.
Introducing wine-focused river cruise themes.
Offering digital drink credits instead of flat packages.
These evolving options reflect growing interest in wellness and personalization.
The Avalon Waterways drink package offers a flexible, cost-effective, and enjoyable way to enhance your river cruise experience. At approximately $25–$35 per person per day, it provides excellent value for guests who enjoy multiple beverages throughout the day.From regional wines and classic cocktails to espresso and fresh juices, the package transforms your cruise into a worry-free experience of relaxation and indulgence.For occasional drinkers, Avalon’s included beverages during meals may suffice, but for those who love the freedom of sipping cocktails on deck or sampling local wines whenever they please, the drink package is a worthy upgrade.Ultimately, it’s not just about the drinks—it’s about savoring every moment on your Avalon Waterways journey, glass in hand, as Europe, Asia, or South America unfolds before you.
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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