How to pay for drinks on a MSC Cruises?

Cruising with MSC Cruises is an unparalleled experience, combining luxury, world-class entertainment, and exquisite dining. One of the key elements that enhance the onboard experience is beverages—from specialty coffees and soft drinks to premium cocktails, wines, and spirits. Knowing how to pay for drinks on MSC Cruises is essential for budgeting, convenience, and avoiding unexpected costs.

MSC Cruises offers multiple options for enjoying drinks onboard, including beverage packages, individual purchases, and loyalty program benefits. This guide provides a detailed explanation of all available payment methods, costs, practical tips, and strategies to make your cruise experience seamless and enjoyable.

Overview of Beverage Options on MSC Cruises

Passengers can enjoy a variety of drinks onboard MSC Cruises, ranging from non-alcoholic beverages to premium alcoholic options.

1. Classic Beverages

• Soft drinks, juices, bottled water, tea, coffee

• Available at bars, lounges, poolside, and dining areas

• Often included in Classic or higher beverage packages

2. Alcoholic Beverages

• Wines, beers, cocktails, spirits, and premium drinks

• Available at bars, specialty restaurants, and lounges

• Can be purchased individually or via Premium/Deluxe packages

3. Specialty Drinks

• Smoothies, mocktails, specialty coffees, and top-shelf spirits

• Included in higher-tier packages or available for individual purchase

Payment Methods for Drinks

MSC Cruises provides multiple methods for paying for drinks, making it convenient for all passengers.

1. Drink Packages

Purchasing a drink package is the most common and convenient way to pay for beverages on MSC Cruises.

• Classic Beverage Package: Covers soft drinks, coffee, tea, juices, and selected cocktails

• Premium Beverage Package: Includes alcoholic beverages like wine, beer, spirits, cocktails, plus all drinks in the Classic package

• Deluxe Beverage Package: Offers top-shelf spirits, champagne, craft beers, specialty cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages

• Kids & Teens Beverage Package: Covers smoothies, juices, soft drinks, and other kid-friendly beverages

Advantages of drink packages:

• Convenience: No need to pay for each drink individually

• Cost savings for frequent drinkers

• Predictable daily expense, useful for budgeting

2. Individual Purchases

Passengers who do not purchase a package can pay for drinks individually at bars, lounges, or restaurants.

• Payment is typically made via your MSC cruise card, linked to your onboard account

• Prices for individual drinks vary:

  • Soft drinks: $3–$5

  • Coffee and specialty beverages: $4–$7

  • Beer: $6–$8

  • Cocktails: $8–$12

  • Wine by the glass: $8–$15

  • Spirits and top-shelf cocktails: $10–$20+

3. MSC Card and Onboard Account

Upon embarkation, each passenger receives an MSC cruise card, which serves as the primary method for onboard transactions.

• Linked to your onboard account and payment method (credit card or cash deposit)

• Use the card for drinks, dining, spa services, shopping, and excursions

• Bills are settled at the end of the cruise, providing a convenient cashless system

4. Cash and Credit Cards

• While MSC encourages cashless transactions via the MSC card, cash or credit card payments may be accepted at specialty shops or bars in limited circumstances

• Preferred method remains the MSC card for security, convenience, and tracking

Factors Affecting How You Pay

Several factors determine how passengers typically pay for drinks on MSC Cruises:

1. Cruise Duration

• On longer cruises, beverage packages often provide better value

• Shorter cruises may favor individual purchases if alcohol consumption is minimal

2. Drinking Preferences

• Frequent drinkers benefit from Premium or Deluxe packages

• Occasional coffee or soft drink consumers may find Classic packages sufficient or pay-per-drink more economical

3. Age of Passengers

• Alcoholic beverages are restricted to passengers of legal drinking age

• Kids and teens can access non-alcoholic drinks via a dedicated package or individual purchase

4. Cabin Type and Fare

• Premium cabins or suites may include complimentary or discounted beverage packages

• Bella or standard fares may require full payment for packages or individual drinks

How Drink Packages Work

1. Purchase Process

• Packages can be purchased before the cruise online or via MSC’s app

• Alternatively, packages can be purchased onboard, with daily rates prorated for remaining cruise days

2. Using Your Package

• Present your MSC card when ordering drinks at bars, restaurants, or lounges

• Package covers all eligible beverages for that day, subject to fair usage limits

• Fair usage policies ensure responsible consumption and prevent excessive orders

3. Benefits of Packages

• Convenience and ease of payment

• Cost savings for regular beverage consumers

• Wide selection, from non-alcoholic beverages to premium cocktails

Paying for Individual Drinks

Passengers who choose not to purchase a package can pay for drinks individually:

• Drinks are charged to your MSC card or paid in cash/credit card at the point of purchase

• Prices vary depending on type of beverage, location, and cruise region

• Individual purchases provide flexibility for those who drink minimally

Tips for Paying Individually

1. Track your spending to avoid surprises at the end of the cruise

2. Mix non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks to manage costs

3. Consider purchasing packages mid-cruise if spending exceeds package cost

Tips to Maximize Value

1. Estimate Consumption

• Review your daily drinking habits to decide between a package or individual purchases

• Heavy drinkers typically save money with Premium or Deluxe packages

2. Take Advantage of Promotions

• Early booking promotions, loyalty perks, and special offers can reduce costs

• MSC Voyagers Club members may receive discounts or complimentary packages

3. Use Packages Wisely

• Spread drinks throughout the day, during meals, and at bars or lounges

• Explore specialty beverages included in packages for maximum enjoyment

4. Monitor Spending

• For pay-per-drink passengers, keep track of individual purchases to manage your budget

• Use MSC app or statements to check your onboard account regularly

Real-Life Examples

Scenario 1: Short Caribbean Cruise

• Passenger does not buy a package

• Drinks 2 soft drinks at lunch, 1 coffee in the morning, and 1 cocktail at dinner

• Total cost: $15–$20 for the day, manageable without a package

Scenario 2: Mediterranean Cruise

• Passenger buys the Premium Beverage Package for 10 days at $65 per day

• Total cost: $650 for the cruise

• Enjoys cocktails, wine, beer, and soft drinks, saving money compared to individual purchases totaling over $900

Scenario 3: Family with Kids

• Parents purchase Premium package; children purchase Kids & Teens package

• Ensures unlimited beverages for the entire family, simplifies budgeting, and enhances convenience

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I upgrade my beverage package mid-cruise?

Yes, packages can be purchased or upgraded after embarkation, with daily rates prorated for remaining days.

2. Are specialty drinks included in packages?

Yes, Premium and Deluxe packages include specialty cocktails, top-shelf spirits, and premium coffee.

3. How do I pay for drinks if I don’t have a package?

Use your MSC card linked to your onboard account, cash, or credit card (where accepted).

4. Are alcohol drinks limited per day?

Yes, fair usage policies apply to ensure responsible consumption, especially for alcoholic beverages.

5. Can packages be shared?

No, beverage packages are per person and cannot be shared.

Responsible Drinking Tips

1. Hydrate with water alongside alcoholic beverages

2. Spread drinks throughout the day instead of consuming multiple drinks at once

3. Eat regularly to balance alcohol intake

4. Follow staff guidelines and fair usage policies

5. Alternate between non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages to enjoy maximum variety

Conclusion

Paying for drinks on MSC Cruises can be done through beverage packages, individual purchases, or a combination of both. Packages offer convenience, cost savings, and variety, making them worthwhile for moderate to frequent drinkers. Individual purchases provide flexibility for occasional drinkers or short cruises.

• Classic Package: $22–$30 per person per day, ideal for non-alcoholic or light drinkers

• Premium Package: $55–$75 per person per day, ideal for frequent alcohol consumers

• Deluxe Package: $75–$99 per person per day, ideal for premium and celebratory experiences

• Kids & Teens Package: $10–$15 per person per day, ideal for children

By understanding how to pay, evaluating your drinking habits, and considering cruise duration and promotions, passengers can make informed decisions, maximize value, and enhance their MSC Cruises experience.