Is it worth buying a drink package on Uniworld River Cruises?

Uniworld River Cruises is globally renowned for luxury, curated itineraries, and all-inclusive service. From the majestic Danube to the scenic Douro, travelers enjoy gourmet dining, cultural excursions, and exceptional beverage offerings.

A common question among prospective cruisers is: “Is it worth buying a drink package on Uniworld River Cruises?” Unlike mainstream cruise lines, Uniworld’s approach to beverages is unique, with most drinks already included in the cruise fare.

• How Uniworld handles beverages

• What is included in the standard fare

• Optional beverage experiences

• Regional and specialty offerings

• Cost comparisons and value assessment

• Tips for maximizing your drinking experience

By the end, you will have a complete understanding of whether purchasing a separate drink package is necessary on a Uniworld cruise.

1. Understanding Uniworld’s Beverage Model

A. All-Inclusive Philosophy

Uniworld is a true all-inclusive luxury river cruise line. Unlike mainstream cruise lines that sell beverage packages separately, Uniworld includes most beverages in the base cruise fare, including:

• Premium wines and beers during meals

• Spirits and cocktails at lounges and bars

• Coffee, tea, and soft drinks throughout the day

• Mini-bar and in-cabin beverages

• Gratuities for beverage service

This all-inclusive model significantly reduces hidden costs and simplifies budgeting for travelers.

B. Impact on Drink Packages

Since the majority of beverages are included, traditional drink packages are generally unnecessary. Optional packages typically involve premium experiences like rare wines or private tastings.

2. Standard Beverage Inclusions

Uniworld provides extensive beverage offerings, which form part of the included fare:

A. Wine

• Regional wines matched to each river and itinerary

• Examples:

  • Douro River: Portuguese reds and Ports

  • Rhine/Danube: German Riesling and Austrian Grüner Veltliner

  • Seine/Rhône: French Bordeaux and Champagne

• Wine flights for tasting multiple varietals during meals

B. Beer

• Premium and regional beers available during meals and at bars

• Examples: German pilsners, Belgian ales, Portuguese craft beers

C. Spirits and Cocktails

• Standard spirits: vodka, gin, whiskey, rum, tequila, liqueurs

• Classic cocktails served at lounges and bars

• Specialty cocktails during themed events or receptions

D. Non-Alcoholic Beverages

• Coffee, espresso, and specialty teas

• Juices, soft drinks, bottled water

• Refreshing non-alcoholic cocktails

3. Optional or Premium Beverage Experiences

While standard beverages are included, some optional premium experiences may require additional payment:

• Wine-pairing dinners with rare vintages

• Private wine cellar tastings

• Champagne tastings at special events

• Exclusive off-ship wine or brewery tours

Pricing for these experiences typically ranges from $25–$100 per person and is completely optional.

4. Regional Beverage Highlights

Uniworld curates its beverage offerings to match regional cuisine and culture:

A. Europe

• France: Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne

• Germany & Austria: Riesling, Gewürztraminer, pilsners

• Portugal: Douro reds, Vinho Verde, Port wine

B. Asia

• Vietnam & Cambodia (Mekong): Tropical cocktails, rice wine, local beers

• India (Ganges): Wine and spirits adjusted for local regulations

C. Africa

• Egypt (Nile): Wine flights, spirits, culturally appropriate cocktails

D. South America

• Peruvian Amazon: Pisco-based cocktails, tropical juices, soft drinks

These regional beverages are included in the standard fare, further reducing the need for a separate drink package.

5. Gratuities and Included Service

• Gratuities for beverage service are included in the cruise fare

• Staff will handle drinks, meal pairings, and service without extra tipping

• This ensures a stress-free experience compared to lines where drink packages require additional tips

6. Daily Drink Allowances

Uniworld does not impose a daily drink limit. Guests can enjoy:

• Multiple drinks per meal

• Spirits or cocktails at lounges and bars throughout the day

• Coffee, tea, soft drinks, and bottled water anytime

Essentially, your daily consumption is unlimited, though moderation is encouraged.

7. Comparing Uniworld to Other River Cruises

Cruise LineDrink Package CostIncluded DrinksDaily Limit

UniworldIncludedWine, beer, spirits, cocktails, coffee, tea, soft drinksUnlimited

Viking RiverOptional $199–$399 per personSelected spirits, wine, beer15–20/day

AmaWaterwaysOptional $200–$300 per personWine, beer, cocktailsVaries

ScenicIncludedPremium spirits, wines, cocktails, mini-barUnlimited

Uniworld’s model is unique in providing unlimited beverages as part of the cruise fare, offering superior value.

8. Evaluating the Value of a Drink Package on Uniworld

A. For Standard Travelers

• Most travelers do not need a separate drink package

• Standard wines, beers, spirits, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks are included

B. For Enthusiasts or Premium Seekers

• Optional experiences, such as rare wine tastings or private cellar tours, may enhance the experience

• Costs are modest compared to purchasing a full beverage package on other cruise lines

C. Cost-Benefit Analysis

• Purchasing a separate package is often unnecessary

• Standard fare already provides unlimited drinks, gratuities included, and quality selections

• Optional premium experiences offer enhancement, not necessity

9. Insider Tips for Maximizing Beverage Value

1. Try local wines and beers to experience regional culture

2. Attend included cocktail receptions and wine tastings

3. Use bars and lounges throughout the day for unlimited drinks

4. Enjoy in-cabin mini-bar offerings without extra cost

5. Participate in optional tastings if interested in rare vintages or specialty cocktails

10. Specialty Drinks and Occasional Extras

While the majority of drinks are included, optional extras may include:

• Rare vintages

• Off-menu cocktails outside standard service

• Exclusive wine-pairing events

These options are small additional expenses and are not required to enjoy a complete beverage experience.

11. Responsible Drinking and Policies

• Legal drinking age compliance (usually 18–21 depending on the country)

• No formal daily drink limit, but staff may refuse service if a guest appears intoxicated

• Outside alcohol is prohibited in cabins

Uniworld encourages guests to enjoy beverages responsibly while fully experiencing the luxury cruise environment.

12. Benefits of the All-Inclusive Beverage Model

• Eliminates the need for a separate beverage package

• Simplifies budgeting for the trip

• Encourages trying regional wines, beers, and cocktails

• Gratuities included, reducing extra costs

• Enhances the overall luxury and stress-free experience

13. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Do I need to buy a drink package on Uniworld?

No, most drinks are included in your cruise fare.

Q2: Are cocktails included?

Yes, standard cocktails are included. Rare or off-menu cocktails may have a small additional cost.

Q3: Are soft drinks and coffee included?

Yes, all non-alcoholic beverages are included.

Q4: Is there a daily limit on drinks?

No, beverages are unlimited per day.

Q5: Are mini-bar drinks included?

Yes, in-cabin drinks are included.

Q6: Are gratuities included for drinks?

Yes, gratuities for beverage service are included in your cruise fare.

14. Is It Worth It?

is it worth buying a drink package on Uniworld River Cruises?

• For most travelers, the answer is no, because standard beverages are already included in the all-inclusive cruise fare.

• Guests enjoy premium wines, beers, spirits, cocktails, coffee, tea, and soft drinks without additional cost.

• Optional premium experiences, like private wine tastings or rare vintages, may enhance the journey, but are not required.

Uniworld’s approach emphasizes luxury, convenience, and value, allowing guests to focus on scenery, culture, cuisine, and relaxation rather than managing drink costs.In short, the all-inclusive beverage model eliminates the need for a separate drink package, making Uniworld a stress-free and premium river cruise experience.By enjoying unlimited beverages, regional wines, specialty cocktails, and included gratuities, travelers can maximize their experience and truly savor every moment on the river.