When people hear about drink packages on cruises, they often imagine extra charges, tiers of packages, and long debates about whether they are worth the cost. On Silversea Cruises, however, the philosophy is different. Unlike many mainstream cruise lines where drinks are an add-on, Silversea embraces an all-inclusive model. That means most beverages — including fine wines, premium spirits, champagne, specialty coffees, and soft drinks — are already included in the cruise fare.
This distinction is vital to understand before discussing the idea of a drink package. Silversea does not require passengers to buy a separate beverage package for everyday drinks, as these are integrated into the fare. Instead, the only additional charges may come from extremely rare vintages, high-end bottles of wine, or exclusive spirits beyond the standard luxury offerings.
Silversea operates with a philosophy of making luxury seamless. Rather than nickel-and-diming passengers with extra costs for cocktails, wine, or water, the cruise line provides an effortless experience where nearly everything is included. This creates a sense of indulgence and ease where guests do not need to sign receipts constantly or worry about surprise charges at the end of their voyage.
Sparkling and still water
Espresso, cappuccino, and specialty coffee drinks
A wide selection of teas
Soft drinks and juices
House wines selected by sommeliers
Premium spirits and cocktails
Beer and cider
Champagne served throughout the ship
While most drinks are included, Silversea reserves an elite selection of rare wines and top-shelf liquors for an extra charge. For example:
A rare bottle of Château Margaux vintage wine.
Exclusive single malt whiskies or aged cognacs.
Private wine-pairing events.
These are not part of a drink package but are instead available as à la carte upgrades for connoisseurs who want to indulge further.
On lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, or Norwegian Cruise Line, drink packages are optional add-ons. Prices can range from 60 to 120 USD per person per day. These cover cocktails, wines by the glass, beer, and soft drinks, but usually exclude premium beverages or bottled water.
Lines like Celebrity Cruises and Holland America sometimes offer drink packages bundled with promotions, though they may exclude higher-end spirits. Guests often must decide whether to buy packages based on their drinking habits.
Silversea, along with Regent Seven Seas and Seabourn, operates on a nearly all-inclusive model. The cruise fare is higher, but drinks are seamlessly included. Thus, the concept of a traditional “drink package” does not apply in the same way.
On a mainstream line, a couple could easily spend hundreds of dollars a day on drinks if they do not buy a package. On Silversea, these expenses are eliminated.
When guests do not have to consider the price of every cocktail, they are free to try new beverages, sample rare wines chosen by sommeliers, and relax in a carefree atmosphere.
Some travelers initially question why Silversea fares are higher. Once they factor in inclusions like drinks, gratuities, and specialty dining, they realize the overall value often surpasses mainstream cruises.
Silversea ships feature expert sommeliers who curate daily selections. Guests can request pairings with meals, join tasting sessions, or simply ask for recommendations.
Because drinks are included, guests can experiment with bespoke cocktails. Bartenders are eager to craft personalized drinks based on preferences, making the experience interactive.
Unlike some cruise lines where drinks must be purchased in designated areas, Silversea allows inclusive beverages throughout the ship — in suites, lounges, poolside, and even on private verandas.
Every Silversea suite comes with a butler. Guests can ask their butler to stock their minibar with preferred wines, liquors, or mixers at no additional cost.
Some sailings feature complimentary tasting events, from champagne introductions to regional wine samplings. These enrich the onboard experience while broadening guests’ palates.
On Silversea, there is no need to purchase a package, since it is built into the fare. However, guests who desire ultra-rare labels should budget extra for these.
If one compares Silversea’s inclusive model to mainstream packages, the equivalent value is easily 80 to 100 USD per person per day — already folded into the fare.
Exclusive bottles of wine may range from 100 USD to several thousand, depending on rarity. Spirits like a 25-year-old Macallan whisky may also carry premium prices.