How much is the MSC Cruises drink package?

Planning an MSC cruise often leads to one important question: How much is the MSC Cruises drink package, and is it worth the cost?

The answer depends on several factors, including your sailing region, cruise length, booking date, and the specific beverage package you choose. MSC Cruises offers multiple drink package options that range from basic soft-drink plans to premium packages covering cocktails, spirits, specialty coffee, wine, and beer.

This comprehensive guide explains:

• Current MSC drink package options
• Typical pricing ranges
• What's included and excluded
• Whether drink packages provide good value
• How MSC compares to other cruise lines
• Expert strategies to save money
• Frequently asked questions from cruise travelers

MSC Cruises Drink Package Overview

MSC Cruises offers several beverage package tiers designed for different travel styles. Depending on the market and sailing date, available packages may include:

1. Easy Package
2. Premium Extra Package
3. Alcohol-Free Package
4. Minors Package

MSC periodically updates package structures and availability based on region and itinerary. For some markets, package options have changed over time, making it important to verify availability for your specific sailing.

How Much Does the MSC Cruises Drink Package Cost?

The exact cost varies by itinerary and booking market.

Typical MSC Drink Package Prices (2026)

Package	Typical Daily Cost	Best For
Easy Package	$35–$50 per day	Casual drinkers
Alcohol-Free Package	$20–$35 per day	Non-drinkers and families
Minors Package	$12–$20 per day	Children and teens
Premium Extra Package	$75–$100+ per day	Frequent cocktail, wine, and premium liquor drinkers

 

These figures represent common market pricing observed across MSC sailings. Actual prices may differ depending on:

• Cruise destination
• Departure port
• Length of sailing
• Seasonal promotions
• Pre-cruise versus onboard purchase

MSC states that beverage package pricing can vary by itinerary and booking region.

Important Pricing Note

Based on publicly available information, there is no confirmed data on a single universal MSC Cruises drink package price because MSC uses dynamic pricing that changes by cruise and market.

What Is Included in the MSC Easy Package?

The Easy Package is MSC's entry-level alcoholic beverage package.

According to MSC Cruises, it includes:

Included Drinks

• Coffee and tea
• Soft drinks
• Fruit juices
• Bottled and draft beer (selected brands)
• House wines by the glass
• Sparkling wine by the glass
• Basic cocktails
• House spirits
• Mocktails
• Water

Included Venues

• Main dining rooms
• Buffets
• Selected bars

Limitations

• Not accepted at some specialty venues
• Not accepted on certain private island locations under newer package rules
• Maximum of 15 alcoholic drinks per day applies under MSC's responsible drinking policy

What Is Included in the Premium Extra Package?

The Premium Extra Package is MSC's highest mainstream beverage package.

It includes everything from lower-tier plans plus additional premium beverages.

Included Beverages

• Premium cocktails

• Premium spirits
• Liqueurs
• Specialty coffee
• Premium wines
• Sparkling wine
• Draft and bottled beers
• Smoothies
• Protein shakes
• Fresh fruit cocktails
• Energy drinks
• Water
• Soft drinks

Additional Benefits

• Use in specialty restaurants
• Use at more onboard venues
• Use on eligible private islands
• Discounts on bottled wine and champagne purchases

MSC Drink Package Comparison Table

Feature	Easy Package	Premium Extra Package
Beer	Yes	Yes
House Wine	Yes	Yes
Premium Wine	Limited	Yes
Cocktails	Basic	Premium
Spirits	House Brands	Premium Brands
Specialty Coffee	Limited	Yes
Smoothies	No	Yes
Energy Drinks	No	Yes
Specialty Restaurants	Limited	Yes
Private Islands	Restrictions Apply	Yes
Gratuities Included	Yes	Yes

 

Source: MSC Cruises beverage package descriptions.

Are Gratuities Included?

Yes.

MSC confirms that beverage gratuities are included in prepaid and onboard beverage packages.

This can significantly increase the value of a package because many cruise lines add gratuities separately.

For example:

Item	Without Package
Cocktail	$12
18% Gratuity	$2.16
Total	$14.16

 

After several drinks per day, gratuities alone can add substantial costs.

How Many Drinks Can You Have Per Day?

MSC now limits alcoholic beverages included in drink packages.

Current Policy

Guests may consume:

• Up to 15 alcoholic beverages per day
• Unlimited eligible non-alcoholic beverages within package terms

The daily count resets according to MSC's onboard policy.

This rule was introduced as part of MSC's responsible alcohol service policy.

Is the MSC Drink Package Worth It?

The answer depends on your drinking habits.

 1: Casual Drinker

Suppose you consume:

• 2 beers
• 1 glass of wine
• 1 specialty coffee

Daily spending might total:

Beverage	Cost
Beer x2	$16
Wine	$10
Coffee	$5
Total	$31

 

In this case, an Easy Package costing $45 per day may not provide value.

2: Moderate Vacation Drinker

Daily consumption:

• Morning latte
• Two cocktails
• Two beers
• Wine with dinner
• Bottled water

Estimated cost:

Beverage	Cost
Latte	$5
Cocktails	$24
Beer	$16
Wine	$10
Water	$6
Total	$61

 

A drink package becomes more attractive.

3: Premium Beverage Enthusiast

Daily consumption:

• Specialty coffee
• Four premium cocktails
• Two glasses premium wine
• Water and soda

Estimated spending:

Beverage	Cost
Coffee	$5
Cocktails	$48
Wine	$24
Other Drinks	$8
Total	$85

 

The Premium Extra Package often provides substantial savings.

How to Calculate Your Break-Even Point

Use this simple formula:

Package Cost ÷ Average Drink Price = Drinks Needed

Example:

• Package cost = $80
• Average cocktail = $12

Break-even:

80 ÷ 12 = 6.7 drinks

You need approximately seven premium drinks daily to justify the package.

MSC Drink Package vs Paying As You Go

Advantages of the Package

Predictable Budget

No surprise beverage charges at the end of the cruise.

Convenience

Order drinks without signing receipts repeatedly.

Better Vacation Experience

Many travelers prefer enjoying drinks freely without tracking every purchase.

Included Gratuities

An important value factor.

Advantages of Paying Individually

Lower Cost for Light Drinkers

If you consume only a few beverages daily, paying individually is usually cheaper.

More Flexibility

No need to commit before knowing your actual consumption.

Avoid Wasted Spending

Some passengers purchase packages and drink far less than expected.

MSC Cruise Destinations Where Drink Packages Matter Most

Drink package value varies by itinerary.

Caribbean Cruises

Best value because:

• More sea days
• More poolside drinking
• Tropical cocktails
• Longer onboard hours

Mediterranean Cruises

Potentially lower value because:

• Many port-intensive days
• More time ashore
• Less onboard consumption

Transatlantic Cruises

Often the highest value because:

• Multiple sea days
• Extensive onboard leisure time

Money-Saving Tips for MSC Drink Packages

1. Buy Before Boarding

MSC frequently offers discounts for advance purchases.

Online pricing may be lower than onboard pricing.

2. Evaluate Your Actual Consumption

Many travelers overestimate how much they'll drink.

Review:

• Coffee habits
• Soda consumption
• Alcohol preferences
• Port-day schedules

3. Consider Cabin Rules

MSC generally requires all adults in the same cabin to purchase a package if one adult buys a package. Minors may require a corresponding minors package.

This can significantly affect overall cost.

4. Take Advantage of Included Drinks

Many MSC fares include:

• Water in dining rooms
• Coffee
• Tea

Understanding what's already included prevents unnecessary spending.

5. Watch for Cruise Promotions

MSC frequently advertises:

• "Drinks Included"
• "All-In" fares
• Beverage package upgrades

These promotions can dramatically reduce beverage costs.

Health Considerations When Purchasing Unlimited Beverage Packages

Vacation drinking often increases alcohol consumption.

The World Health Organization notes that excessive alcohol consumption can increase risks related to injuries, dehydration, and other health concerns.

Practical cruise recommendations:

• Alternate alcoholic drinks with water.
• Stay hydrated during excursions.
• Avoid excessive consumption in hot climates.
• Monitor alcohol intake on sea days.

These recommendations align with public health guidance regarding responsible alcohol use.

Common Mistakes Travelers Make

Buying a Package Without Doing the Math

Many passengers never reach the break-even point.

Ignoring Port Days

If you're off the ship for eight hours daily, package value decreases.

Forgetting Cabin Purchase Requirements

Package costs can double when multiple adults must participate.

Purchasing the Wrong Tier

Some travelers buy Premium Extra but mostly consume beer and house wine.

A lower-tier package may offer better value.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much is the MSC Cruises drink package per day?

Most MSC beverage packages range from approximately $20 to over $100 per person per day depending on package type, itinerary, and booking market.

2. Does MSC offer unlimited alcohol?

Not entirely. MSC currently applies a limit of 15 alcoholic beverages per day for package holders.

3. Are gratuities included in MSC drink packages?

Yes. MSC includes beverage gratuities in its drink package pricing.

4. Is bottled water included?

Yes. Eligible drink packages include still and sparkling water under MSC's beverage program.

5. Can I share my drink package?

No. Drink packages are personal and non-transferable.

6. Do drink packages work at specialty restaurants?

The Premium Extra Package generally includes specialty restaurant coverage, while lower-tier packages may have restrictions.

7. Is specialty coffee included?

Premium Extra includes specialty coffees. Availability varies by package tier.

8. Do children need a beverage package?

If adults in a cabin purchase beverage packages, MSC may require eligible minors to purchase the corresponding minors package.

9. Is the drink package available on all MSC ships?

MSC states beverage packages are available fleetwide, with limited exceptions in certain regions.

10. Is it cheaper to buy before the cruise?

Usually yes. MSC often provides advance-purchase savings compared with onboard pricing.

Final Verdict: How Much Is the MSC Cruises Drink Package?

MSC Cruises drink packages generally cost anywhere from $20 to over $100 per person per day, depending on the package level and sailing. The most popular options are the Easy Package and Premium Extra Package, with the latter offering the broadest beverage selection and venue access.

For travelers who enjoy several cocktails, wines, specialty coffees, and bottled waters daily, a drink package can provide substantial value and budgeting convenience. However, light drinkers, port-intensive cruisers, and travelers who consume only a few beverages per day may save money by paying individually.

Before purchasing, calculate your likely daily consumption, review cabin participation requirements, and compare pre-cruise promotional pricing. Taking these steps will help ensure you choose the most cost-effective MSC beverage option for your vacation.