Is it worth buying a drink package on Viking Cruises?

Viking Cruises is renowned for its premium, destination-focused voyages that prioritize cultural discovery and comfort over flashy entertainment. From luxurious staterooms to gourmet cuisine and immersive shore excursions, Viking’s philosophy is “Exploring the world in comfort.” Among the many amenities guests consider adding to their voyage, the Viking Silver Spirits Beverage Package is one of the most discussed.But is it really worth the extra cost? This comprehensive, 3000-word guide explores every detail of Viking Cruises’ drink package — its price, inclusions, exclusions, savings potential, and whether it suits your travel style and drinking habits. By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to confidently decide if the Viking drink package is a smart purchase or an unnecessary expense.

1. Understanding Viking Cruises’ Beverage Philosophy

Viking Cruises differentiates itself from mass-market cruise lines by offering a refined, all-inclusive experience. Unlike other cruise companies where guests pay separately for most beverages, Viking already includes several drink options in the base fare.

Here’s what’s included at no extra charge:

House wines and beers served during lunch and dinner in all onboard restaurants
Soft drinks, juices, and water during meal service
Specialty coffees and teas throughout the day

This baseline inclusion already covers the needs of many passengers, particularly those who enjoy a glass or two of wine with meals but don’t consume large amounts of alcohol outside of dining hours.

However, for those who prefer sipping cocktails by the pool, indulging in premium spirits, or enjoying champagne at sunset, Viking offers a paid upgrade — the Silver Spirits Beverage Package.

2. The Silver Spirits Beverage Package Explained

The Silver Spirits Beverage Package is Viking’s premium beverage plan designed to offer unlimited access to a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks throughout the day.

What It Includes:

Premium wines by the glass (beyond the standard house selections)
Champagne and sparkling wines
A full range of cocktails and mixed drinks
Liquors, aperitifs, and digestifs
Beers (including craft and imported brands)
Specialty coffees such as cappuccinos and lattes
Juices, sodas, and bottled water
Minibar replenished daily in your stateroom with wine, beer, and soft drinks

Essentially, this package eliminates the need to sign checks for every drink and provides access to nearly any beverage served on board, at any time of day.

What It Does Not Include:

Premium wines sold by the bottle
Ultra-premium liquors or rare spirits
Special wine-tasting events
Certain exclusive cocktails priced above the package limit

3. Cost of the Beverage Package

As of 2025, the Silver Spirits Beverage Package costs around $25 per person per day on Viking River Cruises and $25–$30 per person per day on Viking Ocean Cruises.

This cost applies to each adult in the same stateroom — meaning both must purchase it if one does.

Example Calculations:

7-day cruise: $25 × 7 = $175 per person ($350 per cabin)
14-day cruise: $25 × 14 = $350 per person ($700 per cabin)
10-day ocean voyage: $30 × 10 = $300 per person ($600 per cabin)

While this might seem like a notable expense upfront, the potential savings can be significant for moderate or frequent drinkers.

4. Typical Drink Prices Without the Package

To assess value, let’s examine the average drink prices on Viking if you decide to pay as you go:

BeverageAverage Price (USD)

Glass of house wine$8–$12

Premium wine by glass$12–$16

Beer$6–$8

Cocktail$10–$15

Spirit or liquor$12–$18

Specialty coffee$4–$6

Soda or juice$3–$4

If you enjoy several beverages daily, your total can add up quickly. For example, if you drink:

Two glasses of wine at lunch ($10 × 2 = $20)
Two glasses at dinner ($10 × 2 = $20)
One cocktail in the evening ($12)
One soda or coffee during the day ($5)

That’s $57 per day — more than double the cost of the beverage package.

However, if you usually drink just a glass of wine at dinner and water the rest of the day, paying per drink may be cheaper.

5. Where and When the Package Applies

The Silver Spirits Beverage Package is valid throughout the ship:

Restaurants: Unlimited access to premium wines, beers, and cocktails at lunch and dinner.
Lounges and Bars: Order drinks anytime during operational hours, from the Explorer’s Lounge to the Pool Bar.
Room Service: Some alcoholic beverages may be available for in-room enjoyment under the package.
Minibar: Restocked daily with included beverages.

Availability

On Viking River Cruises, the package applies to all river itineraries across Europe, Asia, and the Nile.
On Viking Ocean Cruises, it’s valid fleetwide across all global voyages.

6. Pros of Buying the Beverage Package

1. Convenience and Simplicity

You never have to sign receipts or keep track of drink charges. Everything is prepaid, letting you relax and enjoy without financial worries.

2. Unlimited Variety

Access an expansive drink selection — from sparkling wines to craft beers — without worrying about cost.

3. Cost Savings for Regular Drinkers

If you typically enjoy three or more alcoholic drinks daily, the package will likely save you money compared to paying per glass.

4. Minibar Perks

Having your minibar replenished daily with wine, beer, and sodas can enhance the in-room experience, especially during scenic cruising days.

5. Enhanced Onboard Experience

From sunset cocktails to late-night digestifs, it adds a sense of all-inclusive luxury to your voyage.

7. Cons of Buying the Beverage Package

1. Not Ideal for Light Drinkers

If you drink sparingly, you might not consume enough to justify the daily rate.

2. Both Guests Must Purchase

Viking requires both adults in the same stateroom to buy the package, even if only one drinks regularly.

3. Limited to Certain Beverages

While the selection is broad, some rare wines or high-end spirits aren’t included.

4. Itinerary Factors

On port-intensive cruises where you spend most of your day off the ship, you may not have time to take full advantage of the package.

5. No Carryover Value

You can’t “save” drinks or roll over value — it’s a daily flat rate.

8. Evaluating Whether It’s Worth It

The value of Viking’s beverage package depends primarily on your personal drinking habits and how you spend your time onboard.

Ideal for You If:

You enjoy several alcoholic drinks daily.
You prefer premium wines or craft cocktails.
You spend significant time onboard (e.g., sea days).
You want a hassle-free, all-inclusive feel.

Not Worth It If:

You only drink wine or beer during meals (which is already included).
You plan to spend long days exploring ports.
You prefer non-alcoholic beverages most of the time.

Break-Even Estimate:

If you consume more than three drinks per day, the package pays for itself. Below that, you’ll likely spend less paying à la carte.

9. Comparing Viking’s Package to Other Cruise Lines

Cruise LinePackage Price (per day)Key Notes

Viking Cruises$25–$30Includes minibar and premium wines

Celebrity Cruises$70–$90Multiple tiers, expensive but broad

Princess Cruises$60–$80Includes bottled water and coffee

Royal Caribbean$70–$90Extensive cocktails, soda, specialty coffees

Norwegian Cruise Line$70–$100Mandatory gratuity on package

Compared to other cruise lines, Viking’s drink package is relatively affordable and straightforward, reflecting its upscale yet understated brand philosophy. While other lines push drink packages as profit centers, Viking positions theirs as a value enhancement, not a necessity.

10. The Complimentary Beverage Advantage

One reason many guests skip Viking’s package is because the complimentary inclusions are already generous. The house wines and beers served with meals are of high quality — often rotating daily to reflect regional styles.

You might find yourself enjoying crisp Rieslings along the Rhine or rich Portuguese reds on the Douro — all included without paying extra. For many, this already fulfills their vacation drinking desires.

Additionally, specialty coffees, teas, and water are free throughout the day — a notable perk compared to mainstream cruise lines that often charge for premium coffee.

11. What Guests and Experts Say

Positive Feedback:

Many past guests describe the Silver Spirits Beverage Package as one of the best-value upgrades on any cruise line. They praise the convenience, the quality of drinks, and the seamless service.

“It’s worth every penny. The wines are wonderful, and having unlimited cocktails without worrying about the bill adds so much relaxation.” — Viking Ocean guest review

“We enjoyed our Douro River Cruise with Silver Spirits — it made socializing in the lounge more enjoyable.” — Viking River passenger

Mixed Opinions:

Some light drinkers or those on busy itineraries feel it’s unnecessary.

“We were off the ship most of the day exploring, so we didn’t drink much onboard. Probably not worth it for us.”

Expert Cruise Opinion:

Travel advisors often recommend the package for guests who value an all-inclusive experience and plan to relax onboard. For more active travelers who spend long hours on shore excursions, they suggest skipping it.

12. Alternatives to the Beverage Package

If you decide not to buy the Silver Spirits Beverage Package, you can still enjoy drinks at reasonable prices. Viking’s menus are fairly priced and transparent.

Tips for Non-Package Guests:

Take Advantage of Complimentary Wines and Beers: Served during all lunches and dinners.
Buy Bottles Instead of Glasses: If you prefer premium wines, purchasing by the bottle can be more economical.
BYOB Policy: Viking allows guests to bring their own wine or spirits onboard (check policy updates), and there’s no corkage fee in most cases.
Focus on Local Drinks Ashore: Many itineraries feature wine tastings or brewery visits in port — great for exploring without needing the onboard package.

13. Money-Saving Strategies

Purchase Before the Cruise: Prices are often slightly lower when pre-booked through My Viking Journey.
Use Loyalty Discounts: Past passengers may qualify for small perks or onboard credits that offset the cost.
Evaluate Itinerary Duration: On shorter cruises, pay-as-you-go might make more sense. Longer cruises often favor the package.
Share Feedback: Some guests receive future cruise discounts for onboard feedback participation.

14. Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

Ultimately, the Viking Cruises drink package is worth buying if you enjoy multiple alcoholic beverages daily, want convenience, and appreciate the feeling of an all-inclusive experience.

For moderate or heavy drinkers, the Silver Spirits Beverage Package offers excellent value — providing freedom to explore premium wines, handcrafted cocktails, and spirits without worrying about the bill.

However, for guests who drink lightly or prefer to enjoy beverages mainly during meals, the complimentary options already included may be more than sufficient.

In Summary:

CategoryWorth It?

Daily 3–5 drinks✅ Yes

Light drinkers (1–2 drinks/day) No

Port-intensive itineraries Probably not

Sea-day heavy cruises Absolutely

Couples with both moderate drinkers Great value

Solo light drinker Skip it

15. Silver Spirits Beverage

The Silver Spirits Beverage Package epitomizes Viking’s philosophy of comfort and sophistication. While not every traveler needs it, those who choose it often find it enhances the experience — adding indulgence and ease to their journey.

By removing the need to monitor spending or sign endless receipts, it lets you focus entirely on enjoying the scenery, the cuisine, and the company.

Whether you’re savoring a vintage Bordeaux as you glide along the Rhône or toasting with champagne under the northern lights, the decision comes down to one question: