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Choosing whether to buy a drink package on Avalon Waterways is a decision many travelers face when booking their dream river cruise. While Avalon is known for its elegant ships, personalized service, and immersive itineraries, its semi-inclusive approach to beverages sometimes leaves guests wondering: Is the drink package really worth it?For some, the freedom to sip wine on deck or enjoy unlimited cocktails throughout the day is a highlight of their vacation. For others, the drinks included in Avalon’s fare may already be enough.
Before diving into drink packages, it’s important to understand Avalon’s overall cruise philosophy.
Avalon Waterways, part of the Globus family, offers luxury European and international river cruises with a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere. Unlike all-inclusive cruise lines such as Uniworld or Scenic, Avalon blends inclusion and flexibility — offering many complimentary amenities but letting guests choose add-ons like beverage packages based on their preferences.
This model appeals to both light and moderate drinkers, ensuring guests only pay for what they truly enjoy.
Even before purchasing any upgrade, Avalon Waterways already provides an impressive selection of complimentary beverages. This built-in generosity makes the cruise experience enjoyable for guests who don’t wish to buy a package.
At Breakfast: Fresh juices, tea, coffee, espresso drinks, and sparkling wine.
At Lunch and Dinner: Complimentary regional wines, draft or bottled beers, and soft drinks.
All Day: Unlimited tea, coffee, and filtered water stations in the lounge and bar areas.
Essentially, during meals, you can enjoy unlimited wine, beer, and sodas at no extra cost — a major perk compared to many ocean liners.
However, drinks outside of meal times (like cocktails, spirits, or a beer on the deck) are not included in your base fare. That’s where the Avalon Beverage Package becomes relevant.
The Avalon Waterways Beverage Package is an optional add-on that provides unlimited access to a wide variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the day.
It transforms your semi-inclusive cruise into a near-all-inclusive experience, giving you flexibility to enjoy drinks anywhere, anytime, without worrying about your tab.
Unlimited wine, beer, cocktails, spirits, and soft drinks.
Available in all bars, lounges, and public areas.
One fixed daily rate per person.
Both guests in a cabin must purchase it.
No receipts or signing for each drink.
The goal is simple — offer guests convenience, value, and the ability to fully relax while sailing the world’s most scenic rivers.
While exact prices can vary slightly by region and currency, the average Avalon drink package price in 2025 is:
RegionCost per Person, per Day (USD)
Europe (Rhine, Danube, Seine, Douro)$30
Asia (Mekong, Ganges)$25
South America (Amazon, Galápagos)$30–$35
So, for a 7-night European river cruise, the total cost would be:
$30 × 7 nights = $210 per personor $420 per stateroom (since both guests must purchase the package).
Considering that à la carte cocktails onboard typically cost $8–$12 each, this can offer substantial savings for moderate and social drinkers.
Avalon’s beverage package offers an impressive variety of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options designed to suit every palate.
House Wines: Regional red, white, rosé, and sparkling wines.
Beers: Draft, bottled, and local craft selections.
Spirits: Vodka, gin, rum, whiskey, tequila, and brandy.
Cocktails: Mojitos, margaritas, martinis, spritzes, and regional specialties.
Liqueurs and Digestifs: Baileys, Kahlúa, Amaretto, Cointreau, etc.
Soft drinks and sodas.
Freshly squeezed juices and mocktails.
Espresso, cappuccino, and specialty coffee drinks.
Sparkling and still bottled water.
You can order these drinks anywhere onboard — from the lounge bar to the Sky Deck — without restrictions on timing or quantity.
While generous, a few exclusions apply to the package:
Ultra-premium spirits and top-shelf brands.
Champagne by the bottle.
Drinks purchased from the mini-bar.
Specialty tasting events or excursions with alcohol.
These exceptions are minor and rarely affect the average traveler’s experience.
Yes — Avalon’s beverage package is considered unlimited, meaning there’s no fixed daily drink limit.
However, service adheres to responsible drinking guidelines, and:
Only one drink per person may be ordered at a time.
Crew may refuse service to visibly intoxicated guests.
Alcohol service typically ends around midnight.
In practice, most guests consume between 6–12 beverages per day without any restrictions or additional charges.
Let’s compare:
Drink TypeAverage À La Carte Price (USD)
Glass of Wine$8
Beer$6
Cocktail$10
Spirits$7
Soft Drink$3
A guest ordering just 5–6 drinks daily could easily spend $35–$45 per day, which is more than the package’s $30 rate.
That means even moderate drinkers often save money while gaining convenience.
Consumption LevelWithout Package (USD/day)With Package (USD/day)Savings
Light Drinker (3 drinks)$20$30-$10 (not worth it)
Moderate Drinker (6 drinks)$40$30+$10 saved
Social Drinker (10 drinks)$70$30+$40 saved
As this table shows, if you average more than 4–5 drinks per day, the package begins to pay off.
Beyond financial savings, many travelers say the biggest perk of the Avalon beverage package is convenience.
You can:
Order drinks freely without signing receipts.
Try new cocktails without worrying about cost.
Enjoy beverages anywhere, anytime.
Relax knowing your bill is already settled.
It transforms your vacation into a stress-free experience, especially on scenic sailings where spontaneous indulgence feels natural.
Here are scenarios where buying the beverage package is a smart choice:
You enjoy several drinks daily – cocktails before dinner, wine with meals, nightcaps afterward. You’re celebrating – birthdays, honeymoons, or anniversaries. You want peace of mind – no surprise charges at the end. You enjoy trying regional wines and cocktails. You’ll spend lots of time onboard – like during scenic sailing days.
For these travelers, the package enhances comfort, flexibility, and overall satisfaction.
You may skip the package if: You drink little or only with meals. You prefer non-alcoholic options, which are mostly included already. You plan to explore ports extensively and rarely drink onboard. You’re on a shorter cruise (3–4 days).
For light drinkers, Avalon’s complimentary offerings (wine, beer, soda at meals) already provide good value.
Avalon tailors drink menus to reflect each cruise destination, which adds cultural depth and flavor diversity.
French Bordeaux, German Riesling, Austrian Grüner Veltliner.
Local beers from the Netherlands, Belgium, and Bavaria.
Aperol spritzes, gin cocktails, and regional liqueurs.
Local beers like Saigon and Angkor.
Tropical cocktails with fresh fruit.
Regional spirits like Mekhong or rice whiskey.
South American wines, Pisco Sour, and Caipirinha cocktails.
This customization adds authenticity, making the beverage package feel like part of the destination experience.
Avalon ships, though intimate, offer multiple venues where guests can enjoy drinks:
Panorama Lounge: Main bar and entertainment hub.
Sky Deck Bar: Perfect for scenic toasts and sundowners.
Dining Room: Wines and beers served with meals.
Observation Lounge: Quiet space for coffee or nightcaps.
Your beverage package covers drinks at all these locations.
Feedback from past Avalon travelers offers valuable insight“We loved the convenience — ordering cocktails without signing bills made our trip stress-free.”“The wine and beer with meals were already generous, but the package gave us flexibility to enjoy drinks between excursions.”“It was worth it for us because we like trying local wines and sipping cocktails in thelounge after dinner.”
Most guests rate the package as excellent value for its cost and convenience, particularly on longer cruises.
Cruise LineDrink PolicyPackage Cost (USD/day)Value
Avalon WaterwaysSemi-inclusive + optional package$25–$35Best balance
Viking River CruisesWine/beer with meals + upgrade$25Similar
AmaWaterwaysWine/beer with meals only—Moderate
UniworldFully all-inclusiveIncludedPremium pricing
Avalon stands out as offering one of the best value drink programs — flexible, affordable, and high quality.
Avalon occasionally offers:
Wine tastings featuring regional vineyards.
Cocktail-making classes.
Themed evenings with signature beverages.
While some events are complimentary, others may carry a small fee outside the package.
Still, having the drink package means you can indulge freely in accompanying beverages during these social events.
Avalon Waterways maintains a strong commitment to responsible alcohol service, ensuring guest safety and comfort.
Bartenders and servers are trained to monitor consumption, encourage hydration, and politely refuse further service when appropriate. This policy ensures a safe and enjoyable environment for all guests.
To enhance value, Avalon sometimes offers drink package promotions such as:
Early booking discounts (often during Wave Season: January–March).
Complimentary drink packages on select itineraries.
Loyalty program perks for repeat guests.
Checking these promotions can help you secure the package at a lower cost or even for free.
Important details:
Both guests in the same stateroom must purchase the package.
It must be bought for the entire cruise (not selected days).
Sharing between passengers is not permitted.
These rules ensure fairness and streamline onboard operations.
Here’s what a day with the beverage package might look like:
8:00 AM: Cappuccino or orange juice at breakfast.
11:00 AM: Refreshing soda or iced coffee.
12:30 PM: Regional wine with lunch.
3:00 PM: Beer or sparkling water on the Sky Deck.
6:00 PM: Aperol spritz at the bar before dinner.
8:00 PM: Wine with your evening meal.
10:00 PM: Whiskey nightcap while enjoying live music.
That’s around 8–10 drinks — comfortably exceeding the break-even point for the package.
Avalon focuses on sustainability by:
Partnering with local vineyards and breweries.
Using eco-friendly packaging and reducing plastic waste.
Offering refillable glass bottles and recyclable materials.
This approach not only enhances the authenticity of your drink experience but also supports local economies.
To make the most of your beverage package:
Start early: Enjoy espresso or juices each morning.
Try regional drinks: Sample local wines and beers.
Balance with water: Stay hydrated throughout the day.
Explore the menu: Ask bartenders for recommendations.
Use during scenic sailing days: Great for long hours onboard.
These tips ensure you get full enjoyment and value from your purchase.
Some travelers assume Avalon’s beverage package is similar to ocean cruise packages, but there are key differences:
Avalon’s focus is quality over quantity.
Most drinks with meals are already free.
You won’t find flashy bars or unlimited frozen cocktails — it’s about refinement, not excess.
Understanding this helps align expectations with Avalon’s elegant, relaxed cruise experience.
So, is it worth buying a drink package on Avalon Waterways?
Your ultimate guide to cruise adventures. Discover amazing destinations, find the perfect cruise, and create unforgettable memories on the high seas.
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