Is it worth buying a drink package on Scenic Luxury Cruises?

Scenic Luxury Cruises is renowned for offering one of the most luxurious and all-inclusive cruising experiences in the world. From elegant river cruises through Europe to opulent ocean voyages, Scenic ensures guests enjoy top-tier dining, immersive excursions, and attentive service. One aspect that often sparks debate among travelers is the drink package. Many wonder: Is it worth buying a drink package on Scenic Luxury Cruises?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore Scenic’s beverage offerings, including the standard package, premium upgrades, pricing, daily consumption, comparisons with other cruise lines, and tips to determine whether a drink package enhances your cruise experience.

Understanding Scenic Luxury Cruises’ Beverage Philosophy

Scenic Luxury Cruises operates on a fully-inclusive model. Unlike many other cruise lines where drinks are an optional add-on, Scenic includes a wide variety of beverages in the base fare.

Standard Beverage Inclusions

The standard drink package included in your Scenic cruise fare typically features:

1. Alcoholic Beverages:

   • Premium wines selected to complement onboard dining

   • Signature cocktails crafted by professional bartenders

   • Beer, spirits, and liquors

2. Non-Alcoholic Beverages:

   • Coffee, tea, and specialty hot drinks

   • Fresh juices, smoothies, and soft drinks

   • Mocktails and non-alcoholic cocktails

3. Service Locations:

   • Main dining rooms and specialty restaurants

   • Bars and lounges onboard

   • Room service in select suites

The all-inclusive nature of Scenic’s beverage policy ensures that guests can enjoy drinks without worrying about additional charges, which is a key differentiator in luxury cruising.

Optional Premium Beverage Packages

While the base package is comprehensive, Scenic offers optional premium beverage packages for guests seeking rare wines, top-shelf spirits, and exclusive experiences. These upgrades are available at an additional cost.

Premium Beverage Options

1. Rare Wine Package

   • Includes vintage, limited-edition, and hard-to-find wines

   • Cost: $150–$300 per person per day

2. Champagne Package

   • Exclusive bottles from renowned champagne houses

   • Cost: $200–$400 per bottle

3. Top-Shelf Spirits Package

   • Premium whiskey, cognac, liqueurs, and specialty cocktails

   • Cost: $50–$100 per day per guest

These premium options allow travelers to tailor their beverage experience according to taste and occasion, adding value to the cruise for those who enjoy high-end drinks.

How Many Drinks Can You Have Per Day?

A key factor in evaluating whether a drink package is worth it is understanding daily consumption limits.

Standard Beverage Package

• Unlimited Consumption: Guests can enjoy as many standard drinks as they like throughout the day.

• Responsible Drinking: Staff monitors excessive consumption to ensure safety and comfort.

Premium Packages

• Consumption is typically limited by availability or cost, rather than policy. Premium bottles may be ordered per meal, tasting session, or day.

Scenic’s inclusive approach allows guests to enjoy beverages during breakfast, lunch, dinner, lounge hours, and onboard activities, providing flexibility and convenience.

Cost Considerations

Standard Beverage Package

• Included in Fare: No additional cost for standard beverages

• Industry Value: Estimated at $60–$100 per person per day

Premium Beverage Packages

• Rare Wine Package: $150–$300 per person per day

• Champagne Package: $200–$400 per bottle

• Top-Shelf Spirits: $50–$100 per day per guest

When evaluating the value of a drink package, it’s important to consider both inclusions and the potential cost savings compared to ordering premium drinks individually onboard.

Comparing Scenic to Other Cruise Lines

Cruise LineBase Beverage PackagePremium Package CostNotes

Scenic Luxury CruisesIncluded$50–$400/dayMost generous inclusivity

Uniworld River CruisesOptional$50–$75/dayStandard drinks not included

Viking River CruisesOptional$60–$100/dayAlcoholic drinks generally extra

Seabourn Cruise LineIncluded$200–$500 for rare winesPremium drinks available for purchase

Insight: Scenic stands out for offering a comprehensive base package included in the fare, giving it high value compared to competitors.

Situations Where Buying a Premium Drink Package is Worth It

1. Special Occasions:

   • Anniversaries, birthdays, or honeymoon celebrations may justify a premium package for rare wines, champagne, or top-shelf spirits.

2. Frequent Beverage Consumers:

   • Guests who consume several drinks per meal or enjoy multiple daily cocktails may benefit from a curated premium package rather than ordering individually.

3. Wine Enthusiasts:

   • Travelers who want to explore rare vintages and curated tasting experiences will find value in the rare wine package.

4. Cocktail Lovers:

   • Premium spirits packages allow guests to enjoy high-end cocktails and rare liquors without worrying about individual charges.

Situations Where a Drink Package May Not Be Necessary

1. Moderate Drinkers:

   • Guests who enjoy one or two drinks per day may find the base package sufficient.

2. Non-Alcoholic Preferences:

   • Those primarily consuming coffee, tea, juice, or soft drinks can enjoy unlimited beverages without purchasing upgrades.

3. Cost-Conscious Travelers:

   • For guests looking to minimize expenses, the included standard package is already generous.

Tips to Maximize Value

1. Understand Standard Inclusions:Know what is already included to avoid spending on beverages unnecessarily.

2. Combine Base and Premium:Enjoy included beverages most of the day and reserve premium packages for special occasions or tastings.

3. Participate in Pairings and Tastings:Wine and cocktail tastings offer a way to sample premium beverages without committing to full bottles.

4. Plan Around Meals:Drink pairings with breakfast, lunch, and dinner maximize daily consumption and value.

5. Communicate Preferences:Bartenders and sommeliers can create customized experiences based on individual tastes.

Daily Beverage Consumption Examples

Leisure River Day

• Breakfast: Coffee, juice, mimosa

• Lunch: Sparkling water, white wine

• Afternoon Lounge: Cocktail, mocktail

• Dinner: Wine pairing, digestif

• Evening: Cocktail or whiskey

Total Drinks: 7–9 beverages

Active Excursion Day

• Breakfast: Coffee and juice

• During Excursion: Water, soft drinks

• Lunch: Wine pairing

• Post-Excursion: Cocktail

• Dinner: Wine pairing, dessert wine

Total Drinks: 5–7 beverages

Celebration Day

• Breakfast: Champagne toast

• Lunch: Wine pairing

• Afternoon: Cocktail

• Dinner: Premium wine tasting, champagne

• Evening Lounge: Specialty cocktail

Total Drinks: 8–12 beverages, including premium options

FAQs: Is Buying a Drink Package Worth It?

1. Are standard drinks included?

Yes, the base beverage package is included in the cruise fare, covering most alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

2. Do I need a premium package?

Not necessarily. Premium packages are optional and provide access to rare wines, champagne, and top-shelf spirits for enthusiasts or special occasions.

3. How many drinks can I have per day?

There is no formal limit for standard beverages, but staff monitors responsible consumption. Premium drinks may be limited by availability.

4. Can the package be shared?

No, beverage packages are per guest and cannot be transferred or shared.

5. How does it compare to other cruises?

Scenic’s base package is more generous than most luxury cruise lines, providing high value without additional cost.

Included standard beverage package

So, is it worth buying a drink package on Scenic Luxury Cruises? The answer depends on your drinking habits and preferences. For most guests, the included standard beverage package offers exceptional value, covering wines, spirits, cocktails, coffee, tea, and non-alcoholic drinks with unlimited daily consumption.

Premium beverage packages, which include rare wines, top-shelf spirits, and exclusive champagne, are worth considering for:

• Special occasions such as anniversaries or birthdays

• Wine enthusiasts seeking curated tastings

• Cocktail and spirits aficionados wanting high-end options

For moderate drinkers or non-alcoholic beverage consumers, the base package is more than sufficient. By understanding inclusions, pacing your daily consumption, and using tastings and pairings wisely, Scenic Luxury Cruises provides a flexible and luxurious beverage experience that caters to every type of traveler.

Ultimately, Scenic’s drink policy ensures that whether you sip a morning coffee, enjoy a midday cocktail, or toast with premium champagne, your beverage experience enhances the luxury and comfort of your cruise without stress or surprise costs.