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The answer depends on your drinking habits, cruise length, itinerary, and the package available with your fare. For some travelers, a Costa drink package can save hundreds of dollars while making onboard spending predictable. For others, it may cost more than paying as you go.
This comprehensive guide examines Costa Cruises drink packages, pricing structures, inclusions, exclusions, real-world scenarios, break-even calculations, and expert recommendations to help you make an informed decision.
For most passengers who enjoy:
A Costa drink package is often worth purchasing because it can reduce overall beverage costs and eliminate surprise onboard charges. Costa's "My Drinks" package includes many beverages travelers commonly purchase individually.
However, if you:
Paying individually may be the better value.
Costa Cruises currently offers two primary beverage packages:
This is the standard package and includes:
The package is designed to cover the beverages most passengers consume throughout the day.
The premium package includes everything in My Drinks plus:
It targets travelers who regularly choose premium brands.
Costa's beverage packages generally cover:
Many travelers mistakenly assume "all-inclusive" means every beverage onboard.
Some exclusions may include:
Costa specifically notes that some restaurants and venues offer limited package applicability. Premium brands may also require an additional charge.
Before purchasing, understand several important rules.
Costa generally requires all guests sharing a cabin and reservation number to purchase the same beverage package.
This policy exists to discourage sharing of package benefits.
Guests aged 3–17 receive:
Alcoholic beverages are excluded.
Some markets include service charges within package pricing. Costa's published guidance indicates beverage package pricing incorporates applicable service fees.
The biggest factor is whether your daily consumption exceeds the package's break-even point.
| Beverage | Quantity | Estimated Daily Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Cappuccino | 2 | €8 |
| Bottled Water | 3 | €9 |
| Soda | 2 | €8 |
| Glass of Wine | 2 | €16 |
| Cocktail | 2 | €20 |
| Beer | 1 | €6 |
| Total | — | €67 |
In this example, a package costing around €35–€50 daily could provide substantial savings.
A drink package often makes financial sense if you consume:
Two specialty coffees
This level of consumption can exceed individual drink costs quickly.
Sea days increase beverage consumption because passengers spend more time onboard.
Many cruisers report significantly higher drink spending during:
You may save money without a package if:
For example:
per day typically won't justify the package cost.
If your itinerary includes long days ashore, your onboard beverage consumption may be limited.
Examples:
In these cases, passengers often spend less time using onboard beverage benefits.
Daily consumption:
Estimated beverage spending:
€15–€25 daily
Recommendation: Skip the package.
Daily consumption:
Estimated spending:
€45–€70 daily
Recommendation: Package likely offers value.
Daily consumption:
Estimated spending:
€60–€100+ daily
Recommendation: My Drinks Plus often provides strong value.
Many experienced cruisers purchase packages for reasons beyond pure mathematics.
One of the biggest advantages is knowing beverage expenses before departure.
Instead of receiving a large onboard account at the end of the cruise, costs are prepaid.
You can:
Consumer behavior research consistently shows that prepaid experiences often reduce spending anxiety and increase perceived enjoyment because travelers don't evaluate every individual purchase. This concept has been discussed extensively in hospitality and consumer spending literature, including analyses from organizations such as Harvard Business Review.
While packages can be valuable, they are not perfect.
Paying several hundred dollars before the cruise may strain some travel budgets.
Some travelers find themselves ordering drinks they wouldn't otherwise purchase.
This behavior can lead to overconsumption.
The World Health Organization recommends moderation in alcohol consumption and notes that excessive drinking increases health risks. Health considerations should always outweigh perceived package value.
The standard package excludes some premium products.
Travelers seeking luxury wines and top-tier spirits may still incur extra charges.
Write down:
you realistically consume.
Multiply each beverage by estimated onboard pricing.
This creates a realistic daily total.
Costa package prices vary by market, itinerary, and booking method.
Publicly available pricing examples show standard packages often ranging from approximately £20–£36 per person daily when purchased in advance, though actual costs vary by sailing.
More sea days generally increase package value.
Remember that all cabin occupants usually must purchase the package. This can significantly affect overall value.
In many cases, yes.
Benefits may include:
Costa frequently bundles beverage packages with higher-tier fare options.
| Feature | My Drinks | My Drinks Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee & Tea | Yes | Yes |
| Soft Drinks | Yes | Yes |
| Wine by Glass | Yes | Yes |
| Draft Beer | Yes | Yes |
| Classic Cocktails | Yes | Yes |
| Premium Cocktails | Limited | Yes |
| Premium Spirits | Limited | Yes |
| Minibar Access | No | Yes |
| Premium Water Options | Limited | Expanded |
Source: Costa Cruises beverage package descriptions.
Advance pricing is often lower than onboard purchases.
Many travelers underestimate how quickly specialty coffee purchases add up.
If you normally drink one cocktail daily, don't assume you'll consume six simply because drinks are prepaid.
Some Costa fare categories already include beverage packages.
Double-paying for benefits already included is a common booking mistake.
Alcohol consumption can increase dehydration risk, particularly in warm-weather destinations.
The World Health Organization recommends responsible drinking practices and adequate hydration.
Helpful strategies include:
Cruises should enhance relaxation—not create health problems.
Costa describes My Drinks as providing extensive access to included beverages throughout the cruise. Package rules and venue restrictions still apply.
Generally, no. Costa typically requires all guests on the same reservation and in the same cabin to purchase the package.
Yes. Coffee, cappuccino, and other hot beverages are included under the standard package.
Yes, though coverage differs between My Drinks and My Drinks Plus.
Yes. Costa generally allows package purchases onboard, often during the first part of the cruise.
Yes. Wine by the glass with meals is included in eligible beverage packages.
Premium cocktails are primarily included in My Drinks Plus.
Some specialty venues may have exclusions or limited package applicability.
Costa indicates applicable service charges are incorporated into package pricing in many markets. Verify your booking region's terms.
Usually not, unless you consume significant quantities of specialty coffee, bottled water, juices, and soft drinks.
Yes, where minibar service is available.
For many travelers, consuming approximately €35–€50 worth of beverages daily can justify the package cost, though actual pricing varies by sailing and market.
For the average vacationer who enjoys multiple beverages throughout the day—including coffee, soda, bottled water, wine, beer, and cocktails—a Costa Cruises drink package is often a worthwhile investment. It provides convenience, predictable budgeting, and the freedom to enjoy drinks without constantly monitoring costs.
However, travelers who drink sparingly, spend most days ashore, or primarily consume complimentary beverages may save money by paying individually.
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