How much is the Coral Cruises drink package?

How much is the Coral Cruises drink package?

Planning a small-ship expedition cruise with Coral Expeditions and wondering about drink package costs? You’re not alone. Beverage pricing can significantly impact your overall cruise budget—especially on longer voyages through remote regions like the Kimberley or Cape York.

Coral Expeditions does not offer traditional “unlimited” drink packages like large mainstream cruise lines.

Instead, the Australian expedition operator includes a generous selection of beverages in its cruise fares, with premium options available for purchase onboard. This guide explains exactly how much you’ll pay, what’s included, and how to decide whether upgrading makes financial sense.

About Coral Expeditions

Coral Expeditions is an Australian-owned small-ship cruise company specializing in expedition-style voyages across:

• The Kimberley

• Cape York & Arnhem Land

• Tasmania

• Papua New Guinea

• The Great Barrier Reef

• The South Pacific

Unlike mega-ship operators, Coral Expeditions focuses on:

• Small passenger capacities (typically 70–120 guests)

• Remote destinations

• Expert-led shore excursions

• Inclusive pricing structures

Understanding this inclusive model is key to answering the drink package question.

Does Coral Expeditions Offer a Drink Package?

Short Answer

Coral Expeditions does not sell a separate, unlimited beverage package like you might find on:

• Royal Caribbean International

• Carnival Cruise Line

• Princess Cruises

Instead, beverages are largely included in your cruise fare.

What Drinks Are Included in the Cruise Fare?

Based on publicly available information from Coral Expeditions’ official materials, the following beverages are typically included:

 Included Alcoholic Beverages (With Lunch & Dinner)

• Australian house wines

• Selected local beers

• Basic spirits

• Soft drinks

• Juice

 Included Non-Alcoholic Options (All Day)

• Tea and coffee (barista-style available on most ships)

• Filtered water

• Soft drinks

• Juice

 Welcome & Social Drinks

• Welcome drinks at embarkation

• Captain’s welcome event drinks

• Selected social event beverages

• Based on publicly available information, there is no confirmed data on unlimited all-day premium alcohol inclusion outside meal service.

So, How Much Is the Coral Expeditions Drink Package?

Because there is no formal “drink package,” here’s how costs typically break down:

 Included Drinks Cost: $0 Extra

Your cruise fare already covers:

• House wine and beer at meals

• Soft drinks

• Tea & coffee

Premium Drinks: Pay-As-You-Go

Premium beverages not included in fare:

• Champagne

• Premium wine labels

• Craft or imported beers

• Top-shelf spirits

• Specialty cocktails

Estimated Onboard Pricing (Industry Benchmarks)

Beverage Type	Estimated Price (AUD)
Premium Wine (Glass)	$12–$18
Craft Beer	$9–$14
Premium Spirit	$12–$20
Cocktail	$15–$22
Champagne	$18–$30+

 

These figures are typical of Australian boutique cruise operations. Exact pricing may vary by voyage.

Comparison: Coral Expeditions vs Mainstream Cruise Drink Packages

Feature	Coral Expeditions	Royal Caribbean	Carnival
Separate Drink Package	No	Yes	Yes
Alcohol Included at Meals	Yes	No	No
Unlimited Premium Package	No	$80–$100/day	$60–$75/day
Specialty Coffee Included	Often	Usually extra	Usually extra
Focus	Expedition	Resort-style	Fun/party

 

Coral’s pricing model is closer to luxury expedition lines than mass-market ships.

Why Coral Expeditions Doesn’t Offer Unlimited Packages

From a business model perspective, small-ship operators prioritize:

• Intimate dining experiences

• Curated Australian wine selections

• Moderate alcohol culture

• Expedition-focused travel

According to insights from Harvard Business Review on experiential travel trends, modern travelers increasingly value immersive experiences over volume consumption.

Coral Expeditions aligns with this shift.

Health & Responsible Drinking Considerations

Cruising through remote regions presents unique safety factors:

• Heat exposure

• Dehydration risk

• Remote medical access

• Zodiac landing excursions

According to the World Health Organization, excessive alcohol intake increases dehydration risk, particularly in hot climates.

Research indexed on PubMed supports that alcohol impairs heat regulation and cognitive function — important considerations during expedition activities.

Coral’s limited alcohol model likely reflects these realities.

Real-World Example: 10-Night Kimberley Cruise Budget

Let’s break it down.

Scenario A: Moderate Drinker (Included Options Only)

• Wine at lunch/dinner: Included

• Occasional beer at sunset: Included

• Coffee daily: Included

Extra cost: $0

Scenario B: Premium Preferences

• 1 premium cocktail per day ($18)

• 2 glasses premium wine nightly ($15 each)

Daily premium spend: ~$4810 nights: ~$480 AUD

Still less than many mainstream unlimited packages.

Step-by-Step: How to Estimate Your Beverage Budget

Step 1: Assess Your Drinking Habits

Ask yourself:

• Do you prefer premium brands?

• Do you drink outside meal times?

• Do you drink more on sea days?

Step 2: Review Voyage Length

Longer voyages increase total spend.

Step 3: Check Official Pre-Departure Info

Visit:

• Coral Expeditions official website

• Your booking confirmation portal

• Pre-cruise documentation

Step 4: Contact Guest Services

Confirm:

• Latest beverage pricing

• Wine list availability

• Special event inclusions

When Might Premium Spending Make Sense?

Premium upgrades may appeal if you:

• Celebrate a honeymoon

• Enjoy boutique wine tasting

• Prefer top-shelf whisky

• Value curated champagne experiences

But for most guests, included beverages suffice.

Is Coral Expeditions “All-Inclusive”?

Not fully all-inclusive like ultra-luxury lines.

However, fares typically include:

• Accommodation

• All meals

• Daily guided excursions

• Zodiac tours

• Lecture programs

• House beverages at meals

Compared to mainstream cruise lines, the inclusions are generous.

Consumer Perspective: Is It Good Value?

According to insights from Consumer Reports, transparent pricing improves traveler satisfaction.

Coral Expeditions’ model avoids:

• Hidden mandatory drink packages

• Daily auto-gratuity add-ons

• Surprise beverage service charges

That clarity benefits travelers.

Hidden Costs to Watch For

Even without a drink package, consider:

• Specialty tastings

• Premium wine dinners

• Private celebrations

• Bar purchases outside meal service

Always confirm with official documentation.

How Coral Expeditions Compares to Luxury Expedition Lines

Cruise Line	Drinks Included	Unlimited Option
Coral Expeditions	House alcohol at meals	No
Silversea	Yes (almost all)	Included
Ponant	Yes (many voyages)	Included
Hurtigruten	Limited	Optional

 

Coral sits between premium and luxury tiers.

Tips to Maximize Value Without Overspending

 Stick to Included Wines

Australian house selections are often high quality.

 Hydrate Frequently

Especially in tropical climates.

 Budget a Premium Allowance

Set a fixed onboard beverage budget.

 Ask About Local Selections

Expedition routes often feature regional wines.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Does Coral Expeditions offer an unlimited alcohol package?

No. Drinks are included at meals, but unlimited premium packages are not offered.

2. Are cocktails included?

Basic spirits may be included at meals. Specialty cocktails are usually extra.

3. Is water free onboard?

Yes. Filtered water is included.

4. Are barista coffees included?

On most ships, yes — but confirm before sailing.

5. How much should I budget for premium drinks?

Moderate premium drinkers may spend $30–$60 AUD per day.

6. Are drinks included all day?

House beverages are generally included with meals; outside those times may incur charges.

7. Is gratuity added to drinks?

Coral Expeditions does not follow large-ship tipping models, but confirm with your booking documentation.

8. Can I bring my own alcohol onboard?

Policies vary. Confirm with official cruise documentation before embarkation.

9. Do expedition cruises encourage heavy drinking?

No. The focus is on wildlife, nature, and guided exploration.

10. Is Coral Expeditions good for wine lovers?

Yes — particularly those who appreciate Australian wines served with meals.

Final Verdict: How Much Is the Coral Expeditions Drink Package?

There is no traditional drink package cost.

Instead:

• Most standard beverages are included.

• Premium drinks are charged individually.

• Typical premium spending ranges from $0–$60 AUD per day depending on habits.

For most expedition travelers, this model provides excellent value while promoting responsible, experience-focused travel.

If you’re budgeting for a Coral Expeditions voyage, assume:

• Base fare covers most beverage needs.

• Premium indulgences are optional.

• You retain full spending control.

That flexibility is often more cost-effective than mandatory unlimited drink packages found on large cruise ships.

If you'd like, I can also create a comparison guide between Coral Expeditions and other Australian expedition cruise lines for beverage inclusions.