Is it worth buying a drink package on Costa Cruises?

Cruising with Costa Cruises is about enjoying a stress-free vacation, and for many, that includes indulging in drinks onboard—whether coffee, soda, wine, or cocktails. One common question travelers face is:Drink packages can provide convenience, cost savings, and unlimited access to a variety of beverages. However, their value depends heavily on your drinking habits, itinerary, and how often you plan to consume beverages each day.

Types of Costa Cruises drink packages
Pricing and inclusions
Daily consumption considerations
Cost vs. value calculations
Real-world passenger experiences
Tips to maximize package benefits
Comparisons to paying per drink
Rules, restrictions, and exceptions
Expert recommendations

Understanding Costa Cruises Drink Packages

Costa Cruises offers several drink packages for different traveler preferences:

1. My Drinks Package

Inclusions: Draft beer, house wine, cocktails, soft drinks, juices, coffee, tea, and mineral water by the glass.
Price: €30–€35 per person, per night
Best for: Casual to moderate drinkers who want standard alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

2. My Drinks Plus Package

Inclusions: All “My Drinks” options plus premium spirits, branded cocktails, higher-quality wines, specialty coffees, and energy drinks.
Price: €45–€55 per person, per night
Best for: Passengers who prefer premium options or enjoy multiple drinks daily.

3. Soft Drinks Package

Inclusions: Unlimited soft drinks, juices, iced tea, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate.
Price: €18–€25 per person, per night
Best for: Families, children, and non-drinkers.

4. Water Package

Inclusions: Bottled water packs delivered to your cabin or available onboard.
Price: €24–€30 per cruise for multi-bottle packs

Factors to Consider When Deciding

1. Daily Consumption

Break-even point: A standard “My Drinks” package (€32/day) is cost-effective if you consume 5–6 drinks daily.
Heavy drinkers: Premium packages pay for themselves at 7–8 drinks daily.
Light drinkers: Packages may not be worth it; pay-as-you-go could be cheaper.

2. Cruise Length

Short cruises (3–5 nights) may not provide enough time to fully utilize the package.
Longer cruises (7–14 nights) make packages more cost-effective due to higher total drink consumption.

3. Travel Companions

Costa requires all adults in the same cabin to purchase the same package, affecting overall cost.

4. Type of Drinks You Prefer

Standard vs. premium cocktails
House wines vs. branded wines
Coffee, tea, or specialty drinks

Cost vs. Value Analysis

My Drinks Package Example

1 cocktail (€8), 2 glasses wine (€12), 2 sodas (€6), 2 coffees (€6) → Total per day = €32
Package cost = €32/day → Break-even reached

My Drinks Plus Package Example

3 cocktails (€24), 2 premium wines (€20), 2 specialty coffees (€6), 1 energy drink (€5) → Total per day = €55
Package cost = €50/day → Slight savings, good value for premium drinkers

Soft Drinks Package Example

3 sodas (€9), 2 juices (€8), 1 coffee (€3) → Total per day = €20
Package cost = €20/day → Break-even reached

These examples show that moderate and heavy drinkers can save significantly, while light drinkers may not benefit.

Advantages of Buying a Drink Package

Convenience: No need to calculate individual drink costs at every bar or restaurant.
Unlimited Access: Enjoy beverages throughout the day in multiple venues.
Variety: Try cocktails, premium coffees, wine, and beer without worrying about costs.
Predictable Budget: Know your daily beverage expense upfront.
Perks: Some packages include promotional perks like energy drinks or specialty coffees.

Disadvantages / Limitations

Initial Cost: Upfront cost can be significant, especially for multiple passengers.
Not Always Cost-Effective for Light Drinkers: If you consume only a few drinks daily, pay-as-you-go may save money.
Cabin Policy: All adults in a cabin must purchase the same package.
Restrictions: Packages don’t cover minibar, bottles of wine, or shore excursions.
Responsible Service Rules: Staff may refuse service if a passenger is intoxicated.

Real Passenger Experiences

Family Traveler: Parents purchased My Drinks, children had Soft Drinks Package. They saved €400 over a 7-night cruise and found convenience unmatched.
Young Couple: Bought My Drinks Plus for premium cocktails; enjoyed trying specialty drinks nightly. Reported savings of ~€300.
Solo Traveler: Only consumed 2–3 drinks daily; decided the package wasn’t cost-effective.

These examples highlight that personal drinking habits determine whether a package is worthwhile.

Tips to Maximize Your Drink Package

Start Early: Use the package for coffee or juice at breakfast.
Mix Alcohol and Non-Alcohol: Alternate cocktails, wine, and sodas throughout the day.
Try Specialty Drinks: Explore cocktails you wouldn’t normally buy individually.
Use Multiple Venues: Pool bars, lounges, restaurants, and buffets all accept packages.
Check Menus for Exclusions: Avoid ordering items outside your package.

Comparing Costa Cruises to Other Lines

Cruise LineAverage Package PriceInclusionsValue Compared to Costa

MSC Cruises€30–€55/dayStandard & premium drinksComparable, similar inclusions

Royal Caribbean€35–€65/dayAlcohol, cocktails, specialty coffeeSlightly higher prices

Carnival€30–€60/dayAlcohol, soft drinks, coffeeSimilar or slightly higher

Norwegian€35–€65/dayAlcohol, coffee, soft drinksUsually bundled with promotions

Costa is competitive in pricing, particularly for European travelers.

FAQs

Q1: Can I buy a package for part of the cruise?

No, packages must be purchased for the full duration.

Q2: Can children purchase a package?

Yes, children can purchase the Soft Drinks Package at reduced rates.

Q3: Are gratuities included?

Yes, service charges are included in package pricing.

Q4: Can I share a package with another passenger?

No, sharing is strictly prohibited.

Q5: Are drinks unlimited?

Yes, within responsible consumption limits and package inclusions..