Is it worth buying a drink package on Avalon Waterways?

When planning a river cruise with Avalon Waterways, one of the most common questions travelers ask is whether a drink package is worth the cost. Unlike many ocean cruise lines, Avalon takes a different, more inclusive approach to beverages—so the answer isn’t as straightforward as “yes” or “no.”

This in-depth guide breaks down everything you need to know—from what’s already included to real-world cost comparisons, health considerations, and expert-backed insights—so you can make an informed, financially sound decision.

Understanding Avalon Waterways’ Beverage Policy

What’s Already Included?

Avalon Waterways is known for its “almost-inclusive” model. Unlike mass-market cruise lines, many drinks are already part of your fare.

Included beverages typically cover:

Complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks during lunch and dinner
Sparkling wine with breakfast
Specialty coffees (like cappuccino, espresso)
Tea, juices, and bottled water
Self-serve coffee stations available throughout the day

This means you’re already getting a baseline level of beverage service without needing to pay extra.

Does Avalon Offer a Drink Package?

Here’s where things differ from ocean cruises.

Avalon Waterways does not offer a traditional unlimited drink package like those seen on brands such as Carnival or Royal Caribbean. Instead, they provide:

Optional Add-Ons (Depending on Region/Itinerary)

Prepaid bar tabs
Happy hour promotions
Limited drink upgrades in certain itineraries

Important note:

Based on publicly available information, there is no confirmed data on a standardized, fleet-wide unlimited drink package for Avalon Waterways.

How Much Do Drinks Cost Onboard?

While prices vary slightly by itinerary and region (Europe vs. Asia, for example), here’s a general estimate:

Beverage Type	Average Price (USD)
Beer	$4 – $6
Wine (per glass)	$6 – $10
Cocktails	$8 – $12
Premium spirits	$10 – $15
Soft drinks	$2 – $4

Cost Comparison: Package vs Pay-As-You-Go

Since Avalon doesn’t offer a traditional package, let’s compare typical spending scenarios:

Example Traveler Profiles

Traveler Type	Daily Drinks	Estimated Daily Cost	Worth a Package?
Light Drinker	1–2 drinks	$8 – $15	No
Moderate Drinker	3–5 drinks	$20 – $40	Maybe
Heavy Drinker	6+ drinks	$50+	Possibly

Key Insight:

Because wine and beer are already included at meals, most travelers fall into the light-to-moderate category, reducing the need for a package.

Pros and Cons of Buying Extra Beverage Options

Advantages

Predictable spending (if prepaying bar tabs)
Convenience—no need to track every drink
Access to premium cocktails and spirits
Ideal for social travelers who frequent the lounge bar

Disadvantages

Limited availability of full drink packages
May overpay if you don’t drink frequently
Already high level of included beverages reduces value

Real-World Example: 7-Day Danube Cruise

Let’s break down a realistic scenario:

Traveler A (Moderate Drinker):

2 cocktails daily = $20/day
7 days = $140 total

Traveler B (Light Drinker):

Occasional drink outside meals = $50 total trip

Conclusion:Most travelers spend under $150 total on drinks, which is significantly lower than typical ocean cruise drink packages ($400–$700 per week).

Health and Lifestyle Considerations

Before deciding, it’s worth considering not just cost—but consumption habits.

Guidance from Health Authorities

Organizations like the World Health Organization and National Institutes of Health emphasize moderate alcohol consumption.

General recommendations:

Limit intake to 1–2 drinks per day
Avoid binge drinking
Stay hydrated (important while traveling)

Over-purchasing a drink package may unintentionally encourage higher consumption, which can impact health and overall travel enjoyment.

When Is It Worth Paying Extra for Drinks?

It might be worth it if:

You drink premium spirits regularly
You enjoy cocktails outside meal times
You spend evenings in the lounge bar
You prefer all-inclusive budgeting

It’s probably not worth it if:

You mainly drink wine/beer with meals (already included)
You’re a casual or occasional drinker
You prioritize excursions over onboard bar time
You prefer flexible spending

Step-by-Step: How to Decide If It’s Worth It

Step 1: Estimate Your Daily Drinking Habits

Be honest—are you a 1-drink or 5-drink-per-day traveler?

Step 2: Multiply by Cruise Length

Example:3 drinks/day × 7 days × $8 average = $168

Step 3: Subtract Included Drinks

Remove wine/beer at meals from your estimate.

Step 4: Compare With Prepaid Options

Check if Avalon offers bar credit or promotions for your itinerary.

Step 5: Consider Lifestyle Factors

Health goals
Budget comfort
Social preferences

Expert Insights: Value vs Experience

According to consumer behavior studies from Consumer Reports, travelers often overestimate how much they’ll consume when purchasing all-inclusive packages.

Meanwhile, research published in Harvard Business Review suggests that prepaid models can increase consumption simply because the cost feels “already paid.”

Translation:You may drink more—but not necessarily enjoy it more.

Comparison: Avalon vs Ocean Cruise Drink Packages

Feature	Avalon Waterways	Ocean Cruise Lines
Drinks at meals	Included	Often extra
Unlimited drink packages	No	Yes
Daily drink cost	Lower	Higher
Value for light drinkers	High	Low
Overall inclusivity	High	Moderate

Practical Tips to Save Money on Drinks

Take advantage of happy hours
Stick to included meal beverages
Use local wines instead of premium imports
Stay hydrated to reduce alcohol intake
Track your spending daily

Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

For most travelers, buying extra beverage options on Avalon Waterways is not necessary.

The cruise line’s inclusive approach already covers:

Wine and beer at meals
Coffee, tea, and soft drinks
Daily hydration needs

Only frequent drinkers or cocktail enthusiasts are likely to see real value in paying extra.

Bottom line:Avalon’s model is designed so you don’t need a drink package to enjoy your cruise.

FAQs

1. Does Avalon Waterways offer unlimited drink packages?

No, Avalon does not provide a standard unlimited drink package across all cruises.

2. Are drinks included on Avalon cruises?

Yes, wine, beer, and soft drinks are included during meals, along with coffee and tea throughout the day.

3. How much should I budget for drinks?

Most travelers spend between $50 and $150 for the entire cruise.

4. Is alcohol expensive onboard?

Prices are moderate and comparable to upscale bars—generally $6–$12 per drink.

5. Can I bring my own alcohol onboard?

Policies vary by itinerary, so check your specific cruise terms.

6. Are there happy hours or promotions?

Yes, some sailings offer limited-time drink specials.

7. Is it cheaper than ocean cruise drink packages?

Yes, significantly cheaper due to included beverages.

8. Do I need a drink package to enjoy the cruise?

No—most guests are satisfied with what’s already included.

9. Are non-alcoholic drinks free?

Yes, including coffee, tea, juices, and soft drinks.

10. Should heavy drinkers consider extra options?

Yes, if you consume multiple drinks daily outside meals, it may be worth budgeting extra.

Conclusion

Choosing whether to spend extra on drinks with Avalon Waterways comes down to your personal habits—not marketing pressure.

Unlike traditional cruise lines, Avalon’s built-in inclusions already deliver strong value. For most travelers, skipping additional drink spending is not only economical—but also aligned with a more balanced and enjoyable travel experience.

If you approach it thoughtfully, you’ll likely find that Avalon has already done the math for you.

Recent Guide