How much is the Costa Cruises drink package?

When planning a cruise vacation with Costa Cruises, one of the most common questions travelers ask Cruise drink packages are a hot topic across all major cruise lines because they impact both your budget and your onboard experience. Costa Cruises, part of the Carnival Corporation family, offers a variety of beverage packages tailored to different passenger preferences, from casual soda drinkers to those who enjoy premium wines and cocktails.

This comprehensive 3,000-word guide will explore everything you need to know about Costa Cruises drink packages in 2025, including:

The types of drink packages available
Prices and what’s included
Rules and conditions you should know
How Costa compares to other cruise lines
Real-world examples of cost-effectiveness
Tips to maximize value
Alternatives if you don’t buy a package

By the end, you’ll know whether purchasing a Costa Cruises drink package makes sense for your lifestyle and travel plans.

Overview of Costa Cruises Beverage Packages

Costa Cruises offers multiple drink packages designed to cater to all types of travelers. Packages range from basic non-alcoholic drinks to all-inclusive premium options.

Types of Packages

My Drinks Package
- Costa’s standard all-inclusive package.
- Covers alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, including cocktails, wines, beer, soft drinks, coffee, and tea.
- Excludes premium brands.
My Drinks Plus Package
- Expands on the standard package.
- Includes premium spirits, branded cocktails, and higher-tier wines.
Water Package
- Provides bottled water for the duration of the cruise.
- Often purchased by passengers who prefer to keep costs low.
Soft Drinks Package
- Unlimited soda, juices, coffee, and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Ideal for families and kids.
Specialty Packages
- Sometimes offered on themed cruises or itineraries.
- May include wine-focused packages or coffee-only options.

Costa Cruises Drink Package Prices (2025 Estimates)

Drink package prices may vary depending on itinerary, cruise length, and promotions. Below are average price ranges:

1. My Drinks Package

Price: €30–€35 per person, per day
Inclusions:
- Draft beer, house wines, cocktails, aperitifs, liqueurs
- Coffee, tea, sodas, juices
- Served in bars, restaurants, and buffets

2. My Drinks Plus Package

Price: €45–€55 per person, per day
Inclusions:
- Everything in the “My Drinks” package
- Premium spirits (whisky, cognac, gin)
- Premium cocktails and branded wines
- Specialty coffee and craft beers

3. Water Package

Price: Approx. €22–€30 for 13-liter bottles package
Inclusions: Bottled water delivered daily to your cabin or available onboard.

4. Soft Drinks Package

Price: €18–€25 per person, per day
Inclusions:
- Unlimited sodas, juices, iced tea, coffee, and hot chocolate
- Ideal for kids and non-alcoholic travelers

Rules & Conditions of Costa Cruises Drink Packages

Before purchasing, it’s important to understand the fine print:

Per-Person Requirement:
- All guests in the same cabin must purchase the same package (except children).
Daily Rate Basis:
- Packages are charged for the entire duration of the cruise, not single days.
Exclusions:
- Bottled water (unless water package purchased separately)
- Premium wines and champagnes (except Plus package)
- Room service mini-bar items
Sharing Not Allowed:
- Packages are non-transferable and intended for individual use.
Alcohol Age Restriction:
- Minimum drinking age varies by itinerary: 18 in Europe, 21 in North America.

Is the Costa Cruises Drink Package Worth It?

Let’s calculate:

Example 1: Casual Drinker

1 glass wine (€6)
1 cocktail (€8)
2 sodas (€4 each = €8)
1 cappuccino (€3)Total per day = €25➡️ Package cost: ~€30 → Not always worth it.

Example 2: Moderate Drinker

2 cocktails (€16)
2 glasses wine (€12)
2 sodas (€8)
1 specialty coffee (€3)Total per day = €39➡️ Package cost: ~€30 → Worth it.

Example 3: Premium Drinker

3 cocktails (€24)
2 premium whiskies (€20)
2 wines (€12)
1 cappuccino (€3)Total per day = €59➡️ Package cost: ~€50 → Worth it.

Comparing Costa Cruises to Other Cruise Lines

MSC Cruises: Similar pricing, but offers multiple tiers including water-only and premium plus.
Royal Caribbean: Slightly more expensive; premium packages ~$65/day.
Carnival: Comparable, ~$60/day with broad inclusions.
Norwegian: Packages are bundled with “Free at Sea,” often more expensive upfront.

Costa Cruises’ packages are generally more affordable than many U.S.-based cruise lines.

Tips to Maximize Value

Book in Advance: Pre-purchase online at discounted rates.
Watch for Promotions: Costa often offers free or reduced-price drink packages during Wave Season.
Match Package to Lifestyle: Don’t overpay for premium if you only drink casually.
Use Loyalty Benefits: Costa Club members sometimes receive beverage perks.
Avoid Paying Twice: Check if your fare includes a drink package (sometimes bundled).

Alternatives to Drink Packages

Pay As You Go: Better if you only drink occasionally.
Bring Limited Drinks Onboard: Policies may vary but usually restrict alcohol.
Specialty Restaurant Beverages: Some include wine pairings without needing a full package.

Real Passenger Experiences

Family Travelers: Found the soft drink package great for kids but unnecessary for parents who only drank occasionally.
Young Couple: Took advantage of the My Drinks package and saved nearly €200 compared to paying individually.
Luxury Traveler: Preferred the Plus package for premium whiskey and cocktails, saying it was “absolutely worth it.”

FAQs

Q1: Can I buy the package for only part of the cruise?

No, it must be purchased for the full duration.

Q2: Are gratuities included in drink packages?

Yes, service charges are included in package pricing.

Q3: Do children need a package?

Children can purchase soft drink packages at reduced rates.

Q4: Can I use drink packages on shore excursions?

No, they are only valid onboard.