Is it worth buying a drink package on Windstar Cruises?

When planning a luxury voyage with Windstar Cruises, many travelers ask a common yet crucial question: “Is it worth buying a drink package on Windstar Cruises?”

Windstar is celebrated for its small-ship elegance, immersive destinations, and personalized service. Yet, unlike fully all-inclusive luxury lines, not everything is automatically included in your fare. Drinks—both alcoholic and non-alcoholic—are available à la carte, or you can opt for one of Windstar’s beverage packages to simplify your experience.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know to make an informed decision. We’ll break down the costs, inclusions, value comparisons, real-world examples, and insider tips to help you determine whether the drink package truly enhances your Windstar experience—or if you’d be better off paying per drink.

1. Understanding Windstar’s Beverage Packages

Windstar Cruises offers two main beverage options to fit various travel styles and budgets:

Captain’s Exclusive Beverage Package
All-In Package (Topmast Discoveries)

Let’s take a closer look at what each offers.

1.1 Captain’s Exclusive Beverage Package

This is Windstar’s standard drink package, allowing guests to enjoy a wide variety of premium beverages for a fixed daily rate.

Includes:

Unlimited alcoholic drinks (beer, wine by the glass, and cocktails)
Non-alcoholic beverages (soft drinks, bottled water, juices, and specialty coffees)
Gratuities on beverages

Cost: Approximately $65–$70 per person, per day

This package is ideal for guests who enjoy several drinks daily and prefer predictable budgeting.

1.2 All-In Package (Topmast Discoveries)

For guests seeking a completely carefree cruise experience, Windstar offers the All-In Package—a bundle that goes beyond just drinks.

Includes:

All beverages from the Captain’s Exclusive list
Unlimited Wi-Fi access
Crew gratuities
Room service beverages

Cost: Around $89–$100 per person, per day

This option appeals to travelers who want an all-inclusive feel without paying luxury-line fares.

2. Typical Drink Prices Without a Package

To determine whether a beverage package is worth it, it’s helpful to understand Windstar’s regular drink prices.

Beverage TypeAverage Price (USD)

Cocktails$10–$14

Wines by the glass$9–$16

Beers$6–$8

Soft drinks$2–$4

Bottled water$2–$4

Specialty coffees$3–$5

Without a package, a typical guest might spend $50–$90 per day on beverages, depending on their drinking habits.

3. How the Beverage Packages Work

When you purchase a Windstar drink package, it’s automatically linked to your onboard account and keycard.

Unlimited drinks: You can order beverages at any onboard bar, restaurant, or lounge.
One drink at a time: Drinks cannot be ordered in bulk or shared with other guests.
Applies all day: From morning coffee to late-night cocktails, your drinks are covered.
Responsible service: The crew reserves the right to stop service if necessary for guest safety.

Packages must be purchased for the full duration of the cruise and for all adults in the same stateroom.

4. Daily Cost vs. Package Value Comparison

Here’s a side-by-side look at how much you might spend without a package versus with one:

Example 1: Moderate Drinker

2 glasses of wine ($12 each)
1 beer ($7)
1 cocktail ($13)
1 soft drink ($3)
1 espresso ($4)Total: $51/day (before gratuity)

With gratuity, that’s about $58/day. The Captain’s Exclusive Package costs roughly $65/day, so this is close to break-even.

Example 2: Frequent Drinker

3 cocktails ($13 each)
2 glasses of wine ($12 each)
2 sodas ($3 each)
1 specialty coffee ($5)Total: $86/day

In this case, the drink package clearly offers savings and convenience.

Example 3: Light Drinker

1 glass of wine ($12)
1 cocktail ($13)
2 sodas ($3 each)Total: $31/day

Here, buying drinks à la carte makes more sense.

5. The Advantages of Buying a Drink Package

Purchasing a Windstar Cruises drink package offers multiple benefits beyond just saving money.

5.1 Predictable Budgeting

No surprises at the end of your cruise—just one flat fee.

5.2 Convenience

No need to sign receipts or keep tabs on drink prices throughout your journey.

5.3 Flexibility

Enjoy cocktails, beer, wine, or specialty coffee any time you like, without second thoughts.

5.4 Quality

Windstar offers premium spirits and fine wines—not just basic brands—so you’ll get exceptional value for your money.

5.5 All-Inclusive Experience

For those who want an effortless vacation, pairing the drink package with the All-In option ensures everything—Wi-Fi, tips, and drinks—is covered.

6. Potential Downsides of the Drink Package

While many guests love Windstar’s drink packages, they’re not perfect for everyone.

6.1 Not Ideal for Light Drinkers

If you only have a couple of drinks per day, you might spend less by paying à la carte.

6.2 Must Be Purchased for the Entire Cruise

You can’t buy it for specific days or cancel mid-cruise.

6.3 Both Adults in a Cabin Must Purchase

Even if one person drinks less, both must purchase the same package.

6.4 Excludes Certain Items

The package doesn’t include bottles of wine, champagne, or ultra-premium spirits.

Despite these limitations, the convenience often outweighs the downsides for most travelers.

7. What’s Included: A Closer Look

Windstar’s packages include a broad range of beverages:

Alcoholic Options

House wines and select premium wines by the glass
Top-shelf spirits
Handcrafted cocktails
Domestic and imported beers

Non-Alcoholic Options

Specialty coffees and teas
Bottled water
Fresh juices
Mocktails
Sodas and sparkling waters

For All-In Package guests, beverages ordered via room service are also covered.

8. What’s Not Included

Even the best packages have limits. Windstar’s beverage plans exclude:

Bottled wines or champagnes
Wine tastings or premium pairing dinners
Ultra-premium liquors above a set price threshold (around $15)
Drinks purchased ashore

You can still enjoy these, but you’ll pay only the difference beyond the package allowance.

9. The All-In Package: Worth the Upgrade?

The All-In Package goes beyond just drinks—it’s an all-encompassing cruise upgrade.

Let’s compare the value:

FeatureCost Without Package (Approx.)

Drink Package$70/day

Wi-Fi$20/day

Gratuities$15/day

Total Daily Cost$105/day

Since the All-In Package costs $89–$100 per day, you actually save money while gaining total convenience.

It’s ideal for longer voyages where Wi-Fi and gratuities would otherwise add up.

10. Real Guest Insights: Is It Worth It?

Reviews from past Windstar guests reveal high satisfaction with the drink package:

Convenience: “We loved not having to sign for every drink or worry about costs.”
Value: “After the first few days, the package paid for itself.”
Quality: “The bartenders use premium brands and know how to make real cocktails.”
Flexibility: “Having coffee, cocktails, and wine anytime felt like true luxury.”

However, some light drinkers noted they would have saved more by paying as they went.

11. Who Should Buy the Drink Package?

You should consider the package if you:

Enjoy 4+ alcoholic drinks per day.
Appreciate premium wines, spirits, and specialty coffees.
Want a worry-free, all-inclusive experience.
Plan to relax onboard instead of spending most time ashore.

You might skip it if you:

Drink very little alcohol or prefer non-alcoholic beverages only.
Spend most of your day exploring ports.
Are traveling with someone who doesn’t drink (since both must buy it).

12. Tips to Maximize Your Drink Package

To get the most out of your beverage plan:

Try new cocktails – bartenders are creative and love customizing drinks.
Use it throughout the day – from morning coffee to late-night drinks.
Order premium selections – don’t limit yourself to house brands.
Stay hydrated – bottled water is included.
Enjoy mocktails – a refreshing way to make full use of your package.
Ask for regional wines – Windstar often features wines from local ports.

13. Comparing with Other Cruise Lines

Windstar’s drink packages are competitively priced when compared to other small luxury lines:

Cruise LineDrink Package Price (USD/day)Notes

Windstar Cruises$65–$100Includes gratuities

Oceania Cruises$60–$80Wine and beer at lunch/dinner only

Azamara$70–$85Similar inclusions

Viking OceanIncludedFully all-inclusive fare

SilverseaIncludedUltra-luxury, higher fares

Windstar strikes a perfect balance—luxury quality with flexible pricing.

14. Responsible Enjoyment Policy

Windstar encourages guests to enjoy responsibly. There’s no drink limit, but service is monitored for guest safety. You’ll always be treated with discretion and respect.

15. Pros and Cons Summary

ProsCons

Unlimited drinks with no daily capMust purchase for full cruise

Predictable daily costBoth cabin guests must buy

High-quality premium brandsExcludes top-tier wines and spirits

Convenience—no signing receiptsNot ideal for light drinkers

Gratuities includedFixed structure (no partial days)

16. Verdict: Is It Worth Buying the Windstar Drink Package?

So, is it worth it? For most guests—yes.

If you enjoy multiple beverages daily, the Captain’s Exclusive Beverage Package delivers significant value and peace of mind. You’ll savor quality cocktails, fine wines, and barista-made coffees without worrying about your bill.

If you want complete simplicity—where even Wi-Fi and tips are handled—the All-In Package is one of the best deals in luxury cruising.

However, if you’re a light drinker or spend most of your time exploring ashore, you may find à la carte purchases more economical.

Rule of Thumb:

4+ drinks per day = worth it
3 or fewer = skip it

Windstar Cruises offers

Windstar Cruises offers one of the most flexible and transparent beverage programs in the luxury cruise industry. With premium brands, no daily drink limit, and a relaxed onboard vibe, the drink packages enhance your sailing experience by adding ease, indulgence, and exceptional value.

For travelers who cherish seamless service and refined freedom at sea, the Windstar drink package is not just worth it—it’s the finishing touch on a truly unforgettable voyage.