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How much is the Uniworld River Cruises drink package?

  • Michael Rodriguez
  • 11 October 2025
  • 7 min read

How much is the Uniworld River Cruises drink package?

A Uniworld River Cruise promises luxury, comfort, and curated experiences on some of the world’s most scenic rivers — the Danube, Rhine, Seine, Douro, Mekong, and Nile. Among the many perks included in a Uniworld sailing is the all-inclusive beverage service, often referred to as the drink package.

But travelers frequently ask: “How much is the Uniworld River Cruises drink package?” and “Is it worth it?” Unlike many mainstream cruise lines that offer optional beverage packages, Uniworld’s premium experience typically includes beverages in the cruise fare, making it an integral part of the all-inclusive offering.

1. Understanding the All-Inclusive Beverage Philosophy

Uniworld is known for its all-inclusive luxury model. This approach ensures that passengers enjoy a worry-free experience without constant calculations of additional costs.

A. What’s Included

Uniworld includes a wide array of beverages in the standard cruise fare:

  • Premium wines and beers during meals.

  • Champagne and sparkling wines served at brunch or special events.

  • Cocktails, spirits, and liquors at bars and lounges.

  • Non-alcoholic options: coffee, tea, juices, soft drinks, and bottled water.

  • Specialty coffees and teas at the Café or Lounge.

B. Gratuities

  • Beverages are included in the price, and gratuities are already pre-paid in the cruise fare.

  • No tipping is expected for drinks, unlike many traditional cruise lines.

C. Comparison With Other Cruise Lines

  • On mainstream lines, guests often pay $50–$100 per day for premium beverage packages.

  • On Uniworld, these beverages are included for free, meaning the “drink package” is built into your fare.

2. Pricing Overview

A. Are Drink Packages Separate on Uniworld?

Generally, Uniworld does not charge separately for a beverage package because:

  1. The cruise fare is all-inclusive.

  2. Premium wines, spirits, and beers are included with meals.

  3. Onboard bars and lounges provide beverages at no extra cost.

Bottom line: You don’t pay extra unless you order specialty wines or spirits outside normal meal service.

B. Special Cases

Some specialty items may not be included:

  • Rare vintages from the ship’s wine cellar.

  • Off-menu cocktails requested outside regular service hours.

  • Some off-ship excursions that include alcohol.

These are exceptions, and most travelers rarely need to pay extra for beverages onboard.

3. Beverage Options on Uniworld Ships

Uniworld ensures that all passengers have access to a wide variety of beverages, regardless of itinerary or ship class.

A. Wine Selection

  • Local and international wines served with lunch and dinner.

  • Regional specialties:

    • Douro River: Portuguese reds and whites.

    • Rhine & Danube: German Riesling, Austrian Grüner Veltliner.

    • Seine & Rhône: French Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne.

  • Wine flights available for tasting multiple vintages during meals.

B. Beer

  • Local craft and premium beers available at the bar and with meals.

  • Examples include German pilsners on Rhine cruises and Belgian ales on European itineraries.

C. Spirits and Cocktails

  • Standard spirits included: vodka, gin, whiskey, rum, tequila, and liqueurs.

  • Classic cocktails served at lounges and bars, including martinis, mojitos, and cosmopolitans.

  • Specialty cocktails created using local ingredients on themed evenings.

D. Non-Alcoholic Beverages

  • Freshly brewed coffees and espresso drinks.

  • Herbal and black teas.

  • Juices and soft drinks.

  • Bottled water and sparkling water.

4. Specialty Beverage Packages

Some travelers inquire about premium or exclusive beverage packages, which may be available in select circumstances:

A. Wine Pairing Dinners

  • Curated wine flights paired with gourmet multi-course meals.

  • These may carry a nominal surcharge if not included in a special promotional package.

B. Private Tastings

  • Some ships offer private cellar or tasting experiences.

  • Prices range $25–$100 per guest, depending on exclusivity and wine selection.

C. Off-Ship Experiences

  • Wine tours, beer tastings, and distillery visits during shore excursions may have separate costs.

5. Regional Differences in Beverage Offerings

Uniworld adjusts beverage selections to highlight local flavors on each river:

A. Europe

  • France: Champagne, Bordeaux, Burgundy.

  • Germany: Riesling, Gewürztraminer, German beers.

  • Portugal: Douro Port wines, Vinho Verde, Portuguese reds.

B. Asia

  • Vietnam & Cambodia (Mekong): Local beers, rice wine, tropical cocktails.

  • India (Ganges): Wine and spirits selections adjusted to comply with local regulations.

C. Africa

  • Egypt (Nile): Wine flights, cocktails, and non-alcoholic options in line with cultural norms.

D. South America

  • Peruvian Amazon: Exotic fruit juices, local spirits (like Pisco), and standard international beverages.

6. Alcohol Policies

  • Guests must be of legal drinking age (18–21, depending on the country).

  • No outside alcohol may be brought onboard in passenger cabins.

  • All-inclusive service covers standard beverages; premium selections may incur a nominal surcharge.

7. Tips for Maximizing the Beverage Experience

  1. Ask for local specialties: Regional wines and cocktails are included — take full advantage.

  2. Try wine flights: Great for sampling multiple vintages without paying extra.

  3. Join themed events: Cocktail evenings or wine-pairing dinners often come included.

  4. Check daily menus: Uniworld rotates wine and beer selections depending on the meal.

  5. Plan shore excursions accordingly: Enjoy complimentary beverages onboard to save money off-ship.

8. How It Compares to Other Luxury River Cruises

Cruise LineBeverage Package CostCoverageGratuityNotes

UniworldIncludedWine, beer, spirits, cocktails, non-alcoholicIncludedAll-inclusive model; premium tastings may cost extra

Viking RiverOptional, ~$199–$399/personSelected spirits & cocktailsExtraPay-per-package; tipping may apply

AmaWaterwaysOptional, ~$200–$300/personWine/beer/cocktailsIncludedPackages separate from cruise fare

Scenic LuxuryIncludedPremium all-inclusiveIncludedIncludes mini-bar and room service drinks

Uniworld’s model stands out as true all-inclusive, minimizing surprise expenses and simplifying budgeting.

9. Budgeting for Beverages on Uniworld Cruises

Since beverages are included, budgeting is easier:

A. Standard Fare

  • Your cruise fare includes most drinks.

  • Typical costs for comparable packages on other lines could reach $50–$100 per day per guest.

B. Special Tastings

  • Budget $25–$100 per event if attending optional wine or cocktail experiences.

  • Not mandatory, but adds a luxury twist to your journey.

C. Off-Ship Drinks

  • If you enjoy local bars or winery visits during excursions, plan $20–$60 per person depending on activity.

10. Benefits of Uniworld’s All-Inclusive Beverage Policy

  • No daily beverage charges — enjoy freedom and flexibility.

  • Staff serves drinks alongside meals, ensuring perfect pairings.

  • Budgeting is simple — no surprise charges at the end of the cruise.

  • Enhances the luxury experience, focusing on enjoyment rather than accounting.

11. FAQs About Uniworld Beverage Packages

Q1: Do I have to pay extra for cocktails?

No, standard cocktails are included, but specialty or off-menu cocktails may carry a small charge.

Q2: Are soft drinks included?

Yes, all non-alcoholic beverages, including coffee, tea, and juices, are included.

Q3: Is tipping required for drinks?

No, gratuities are included in the fare.

Q4: Are mini-bars in cabins free?

Yes, most ships stock mini-bars as part of the all-inclusive beverage policy.

Q5: Can I request a rare wine?

Rare vintages or exclusive bottles may be available for a fee.

12. Insider Tips to Make the Most of the Beverage Package

  1. Attend wine-pairing dinners included in the itinerary.

  2. Ask the sommelier for local wines and hidden gems.

  3. Try regional beers and cocktails — part of the included experience.

  4. Enjoy included non-alcoholic beverages if traveling with family or non-drinkers.

  5. Plan around themed cocktail or wine evenings — often included for all guests.

13. Summary: How Much Does the Uniworld Drink Package Cost?

  • Most of the time, it’s included in your cruise fare.

  • No additional “drink package” is required.

  • Optional extras like private tastings or rare vintages carry separate costs but are completely optional.

  • This all-inclusive approach ensures a stress-free luxury experience where beverages are part of your Uniworld journey, not an add-on expense.

14.True all-inclusive luxury experience

Uniworld River Cruises delivers a true all-inclusive luxury experience, and beverages are an essential part of that. Whether sipping a fine Riesling along the Rhine, a Port wine in Portugal, or a cocktail at sunset on the Mekong, travelers can enjoy a curated drink selection without worrying about additional costs.The “drink package” isn’t sold separately — it’s embedded in the cruise fare, giving guests freedom to indulge, explore, and enjoy the rivers of the world in style. Optional tastings or premium bottles are available, but the everyday indulgence of wine, beer, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages comes included, ensuring maximum value and an elevated travel experience.For anyone planning a luxury river cruise, this all-inclusive beverage policy is a major perk, helping you focus on what matters most: the scenery, culture, and moments of pure enjoyment along the world’s most stunning rivers.

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