MSC Drinks Packages: A Complete Guide to What's on Offer

You might want to enjoy a drink or two on your cruise, but you don’t necessarily want to spend the whole time worrying about how much money you’re spending.

MSC Cruises understands that sometimes passengers just want to relax and not worry about the cost of their drinks. That’s why they offer an extensive range of packages that can be as simple or elaborate as you choose, allowing you to take the time to enjoy your drinks without feeling rushed or constrained.

The best part is that there are drink packages for all budgets - from non-alcoholic packages to wines by the glass, discounts on bottles of wine, to cocktails, mineral water, coffee and ice cream packages. There is something for everyone!

Not sure where to start? The following descriptions should give you a good idea on which MSC drinks package works best for you.

On all cruises, excluding South Africa, MSC Cruises has five different drink packages:

1. Easy Package
2. Easy Plus Package (previously Premium package)
3. Premium Extra Package (previously Premium Plus package)
4. Alcohol-Free Package (previously Non-Alcoholic)
5. Minors Package (previously Non-Alcoholic Child)

For South African drink packages, click here.

When choosing a drinks package, choose the right one that fits your needs.

There is no point in buying a premium package if you drink mainly fruit juice, nor taking the Easy Package when you normally drink premium champagne. 

Rob the Humanoid Bartender on MSC Virtuosa 

How much are MSC Cruises' drinks packages?

MSC Cruises no longer publishes the price of the drinks packages on their website. 

If you are unfamiliar with the drinks packages available on your MSC cruise, it can initially seem a bit daunting.

Thankfully, there are several options available to fit your needs best.

You can have speciality drinks with every meal, the occasional cocktail, or even a whole assortment of non-alcoholic drinks anytime.

The MSC drink package prices for a Mediterranean cruise in winter 2024 (estimate per person per day):

• Easy Package: €32  | £29 | R661
• Easy Plus Package: €44  | £39 | R757
• Premium Extra Package: €62  | £55 | R1,066
• Alcohol-Free Package: €23  | £20 | R454
• Minors Package: €15  | £13 | R300

Note: Drink packages in the Caribbean, South America, and some Northern European destinations might cost more.

Below are the details of the drinks packages currently available through MSC Cruises.

They range from simple staples to everything under the sun—enough to make your mouth water just thinking about it!

The price is a guide only, as it is different for each MSC Cruises market and date of travel.

Note: The drinks packages below are not valid for cruising within South African waters—click here for those packages.

Enjoy all sorts of different alcoholic cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks while on a cruise. 

MSC Drinks Package Prices

Drinks Packages Prices for 2024/2025

The MSC Cruises drinks package for Winter 2021/2022

*All beverages priced up to € 8 or $9

**All beverages priced up to € 13 or $ 15

Note: These packages are valid from November 2021

What types of drink packages are available on MSC Cruises?

Easy Package:

This is a great, simple drinks package for casual drinkers—those who just love the basics or those who are travelling on a budget.

These drinks are priced up to $6 / €6. These can be bought at the bars onboard and in the self-service buffet. 

 The Easy Package includes:

• Draft beers
• House wines by the glass
• Certain cocktails (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
• Soft drinks
• Fruit juices
• Bottled mineral water
• Coffee (including cappuccinos, lattes, and espresso)
• Hot chocolate
• Tea

The Easy Package can be enjoyed in all bars, main restaurants, and the buffet. However, it can't be used in any of the specialty restaurants or signature lounges and bars (e.g., Starship Club, Jean Philippe Chocolate).

For anyone who just wants a sip of something special now and then, the Easy Package is designed to keep you hydrated without all the frills.

Easy Package Cost:

Emirates, Antilles & Mediterranean: €32  | £28 | R661

Caribbean, North America, South America & Japan: $38  | £28 | R661

*All packages are per person per day 

Easy Plus Package

If you mainly want the basics, but also might want to try a few new things on your cruise, the Easy Plus package may help you do both!

This package covers all drinks priced up to $9 / €8. 

 The Easy Plus Package includes:

• Frozen and “classic” cocktails
• Liqueurs
• Select wines by the glass
• 10% discount on selected bottles of wine
• Alcohol-free cocktails
• Soft drinks
• Mineral water
• Hot chocolate
• Tea
• Coffees (espresso, lattes, cappuccinos)

The Easy Plus Package can be enjoyed in all bars, main restaurants, buffets, and speciality restaurants.

But does not include any of the signature lounges & bars (eg: Starship Club, Jean Philippe Chocolate).

The main difference between the Easy package and the Easy Plus package is that the Easy Plus package allows you to order from specialty restaurants and offers the option of liqueurs. 

Price of Easy Plus Package:

Emirates, Antilles & Mediterranean: €44  | £39 | R757

Caribbean, North America, South America & Japan: $49  | £39 | R757

*All packages are per person per day

Premium Extra Package

The Premium Extra package gives you numerous options with practically no limits.

This package is defacto the MSC all-inclusive drinks package.

All drinks up to a limit of $15 / €13 are included.

The Premium Extra Package include:

• Cocktails (both frozen and traditional)
• Premium brand-name spirits
• Liqueurs & cordials
• Variety of wines and champagnes (by the glass)
• 25% discount on bottles of wine and champagne bought onboard
• Beer selection (draft, bottled, craft)
• Fruit Juices
• Soft Drinks / Sodas
• Energy drinks
• Mineral water
• Coffee & coffee-based drinks
• Hot Chocolate 
• Tea

The Premium Extra Package can be enjoyed in all bars, main restaurants, buffets, and speciality restaurants.

But does not include any of the signature lounges & bars (e.g., Starship Club, Jean Philippe Chocolate). 

Note: The previous Premium Plus drink package used to include drinks from the mini-bar. At the moment, the mini-bar is not mentioned in the new Premium Extra Package. 

Price of Premium Extra Package:

Emirates, Antilles & Mediterranean: €62  | £55 | R1,066

Caribbean, North America, South America & Japan: $69  | £55 | R1,280

*all packages are per person per day

Alcohol-Free Package 

For adults who don’t want to drink alcohol while they relax, there is a package for you as well!

Even better, your drinks menu doesn’t have to be boring.

The Alcohol-Free package includes:

• Alcohol-free cocktails - all of the taste, none of the alcohol!
• Soft drinks / Sodas
• Energy drinks
• Fruit Juices
• Flavoured or mineral water
• Coffee (espresso, cappuccinos, lattes, etc)
• Hot Chocolate
• Tea
• Soft-serve ice cream - yum!

Alcohol-free packages can be enjoyed in all bars, main restaurants, and buffets.

However, it does not include any of the specialty restaurants or the signature lounges and bars (e.g., Starship Club, Jean Philippe Chocolate). 

This drinks menu is suitable for adults - you can still have fun and enjoy your beverages without the alcohol content.

Price of Non-Alcoholic Package (Adult):

Emirates, Antilles & Mediterranean: €23  | £20 | R454

Caribbean, North America, South America & Japan: $25  | £20 | R396

*all packages are per person per day

Minor Package

This is a package for children from 3 to 20 in the Caribbean and North America and 3 to 17 on South American and European Cruises.

Minors onboard can enjoy a wide assortment of drinks without alcoholic options. 

• Alcohol-free cocktails - all of the taste, none of the alcohol!
• Soft drinks / Sodas
• Energy drinks
• Fruit Juices
• Flavoured or mineral water
• Coffee & coffee based drinks
• Hot Chocolate
• Tea
• Soft-serve ice cream

The Alcohol-Free Child Package can be enjoyed in all bars, main restaurants, and the self-service buffet, but it does not include any of the speciality restaurants of the signature lounges and bars (e.g., Starship Club, Jean Philippe Chocolate). 

Price of Non-Alcoholic Package (Child):

Emirates, Antilles & Mediterranean: €15  | £13 | R300

Caribbean, North America, South America & Japan: $17  | £13 | R270

*all packages are per person per day

Cirque du Soleil-specific drink packages

On the MSC Grandiosa, MSC Virtuosa and MSC Meraviglia, specific packages are available to enjoy with the Cirque du Soleil At Sea performance.

These packages include non-alcoholic and alcoholic signature drinks. 

Can the drinks packages be used on Ocean Cay?

The drinks packages bought for an MSC cruise that stops at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve can be used on the island.

The Springer's Bar - Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve

Drinks packages exclusively for the South African market

Most cruises in the South African waters are 3 and 4-night itineraries.

So, MSC Cruises has a range of packages catering exclusively to the South African market cruising Southern African waters. These packages are not applicable to itineraries going to or coming from Europe.

All drinks packages can be enjoyed on Portuguese Island and Pomene if included in the itinerary. 

Related: MSC Orchestra full guide & specials

MSC Drink Package

You can download the full list of pre-paid packages, including the MSC Orchestra drinks packages prices here.

Price of MSC Drink Package: ZAR 1,017 for 18 drink vouchers (Adults only). The price is per cabin.

The MSC Drink Package is the most popular beverage in South Africa. Passengers can choose from:

• Liqueurs & Spirits (excluding high-end brands)
• All cocktails on the menu
• Wines by the glass
• Bottled & Draught beers
• Ciders & spirit coolers
• Soft drinks / Sodas
• Energy drinks
• Fruit juices
• Mineral water
• Ice creams at the Ice cream bar
• Coffee & coffee-based drinks
• Hot Chocolate

The MSC Drink Package can be used at the self-service buffet, main restaurants, bars, lounges, and specialty restaurants.

Wine & Water Package Easy

Price of Wine & Water Package Easy: ZAR 1,146 (Adults only). The price is per cabin.

The Wine & Water Package Easy is ideal for those passengers who are enjoying wine during meals:

• 4 bottles of wine from a selection
• 7 bottles of mineral water

The Wine & Water Package Easy can be used at the self-service buffet, main restaurants, bars, lounges, and specialty restaurants.

Any unfinished bottles of wine while you are eating at the main restaurants will be kept for the next day. In any of the other premises, the ship doesn't guarantee the safe-keeping of the wine. 

Bon Voyage Deluxe Package

Price of Bon Voyage Deluxe Package: ZAR 701 (Adults only). Prices are per cabin.

The Bon Voyage Deluxe Package is ideal to get you started on your adventure:

• 1 Bottle of Pongracz Cap Classique
• 2 MSC Cruises flutes (to take home)
• 1 Tray of chocolate-dipped fruits
• 1 Bowl of fresh fruits

On embarkation day, the Bon Voyage Deluxe Package will be served in your cabin. You will get a fresh bowl of fruits in your cabin every day.

Bon Voyage Package

Price of Bon Voyage Package: ZAR 504 (Adults only). Prices are per cabin.

The Bon Voyage Package is ideal to get you started on your adventure:

• 1 Bottle of J.C. Le Roux Sparkling wine
• 1 Tray of canapés
• 1 Bowl of fresh fruits

The Bon Voyage Package will be served in your cabin on embarkation day. You will get a fresh bowl of fruit in your cabin every day.

S32 Disco - Night Club onboard MSC Poesia

MSC Non-Alcoholic Drink Package

The price of the MSC Non-Alcoholic Drink Package is ZAR 523 (Adults and kids) for 12 drinks vouchers. Prices are per cabin.

The MSC Non-Alcoholic Package is an ideal complement to one of the alcohol packages. It is perfect for children or for travellers who are not into alcohol but still want to enjoy their beverages.

• Smoothies
• Non-alcoholic cocktails
• Energy drinks
• Milk Shakes
• Fruit juices, mineral water
• Coffee and Chocolate based drinks
• Ice cream from the ice cream bar

The MSC Non-Alcoholic Package can be used at the self-service buffet, bars, lounges and speciality restaurants.

Water Package

Price of Water Package: ZAR 425 (Adults & Kids). Prices are per cabin.

The Water Package includes:

• 14 1L Bottles of mineral water

The Water Package can be consumed at the self-service buffet, bars, lounges and speciality restaurants.

Coffee Package

Price of Coffee Package: ZAR 405 (Adults & Kids) for 15 vouchers. Prices are per cabin.

The Coffee Package includes:

• Cappuccino
• Caffe latte
• Espresso
• Non-Alcoholic coffee delights
• Hot tea
• Frozen Coffee drinks
• Hot chocolate

The Coffee Package can be consumed in bars and lounges.

VIP Treatment

Price of VIP Treatment Package: ZAR 326 (Adults only). Prices are per cabin.

The VIP Treatment Package is ideal to surprise a friend or family member onboard:

• 1 Bottle of J.C. Le Roux Sparkling wine
• 1 Bowl of fresh fruit

The VIP Treatment Package will be served in your cabin on embarkation day.

Soft Drink & Ice Cream Package

Price of Soft Drink & Ice Cream Package: ZAR 306 (Adults & Kids) for 10 vouchers. Prices are per cabin.

The Soft Drink & Ice Cream Package is great for kids and adults that are Ice Cream aficionados:

• Sodas
• Fruit Juices
• Ice cream from the Ice cream bar

The Soft Drink and ice Cream Package can be consumed at the self-service buffet, all restaurants, bars, and lounges.

Can I use the drinks package on Portuguese Island & Pomene?

All drinks packages can be used at both of these MSC Cruises destinations. Don't forget to take the vouchers when you leave the ship.

How much are drinks on MSC Cruises?

The cost of beverages onboard any of the MSC Cruises ships is on par with other cruise lines and what you can find in an upper-class restaurant on shore.

MSC Drinks Prices European Cruises:

• Draught Beer: €3.50 
• Sparkling Wines by the glass: €6.50
• Wine: €6.50
• Cocktail: €6.00
• Soft Drinks: €3.00
• Mineral Water (500ml): €1.90
• Cappuccino: €3.50 

MSC Drinks Prices South African Cruises:

• Draught Beer: $2.30 
• Sparkling Wines by the glass: $3.30
• Wine: $2.50
• Cocktail: $4.50
• Soft Drinks: $1.80
• Mineral Water (500ml): $1.40
• Cappuccino: $1.80

These prices are approximate and to give you an idea for your budgeting purposes.

Champagne Bar onboard MSC Grandiosa

Which drinks are free onboard MSC Cruises?

The below drinks are free on all MSC Cruises ships:

• Coffee 
• Tea
• Ice Tea
• Tap Water
• Milk
• Chocolate Milk
• Fruit juices (at breakfast)

Those drinks are available mainly at the main restaurants and the self service buffet.

You will not find any of these in any bars or speciality restaurants onboard.

Is water available for free?

Tap water at the buffet, is available 24 hours for free. Bottled mineral water is available at a fee.

Is coffee and tea for free?

Coffee and tea are available for free at the self-service buffet area and in the main restaurant during breakfast. The coffee is standard filtered coffee. Speciality coffee is available at a fee.

Is a drinks package worth it?

A drinks package may seem like a strange concept at first. It certainly is not the first thing people think of when planning a cruise, compared to the shows and excursions.

Why pay in advance for all these drinks without even knowing what particular drink you want with dinner yet? 

You can purchase drinks individually, but while the individual drinks seem cheaper one at a time, they can add up quickly. Purchasing a drinks package ahead of time can save passengers a financial headache. 

If you prefer a single cup of coffee with breakfast and a simple beer with dinner, a drinks package may not be the best deal for you.

If you want the freedom to have a mimosa at breakfast, beer with lunch, and a cocktail with dinner, a drinks package can help keep those costs down and give you peace of mind. 

Are drink packages expensive?

As mentioned before, if you are hesitant to pay for a drinks package at once, remember that buying individual drinks can result in a larger tab than you would expect.

Buying a drinks package helps you set your budget in advance and, more importantly, stick to it without counting costs during your trip. 

Drink package prices will depend on your exact selection. They can range from about $20 to $40 a day.

When you include alcoholic drinks (which can easily be $10+), this can match or even end up lower than what you would pay for drinks individually. 

There are some other ways to save on drinks packages as well. One of these ways is to book your packages in advance. You can often get discounts by arranging these well before your ship sets sail - it is often 10% to 15% cheaper to pre-book than buy them onboard. 

Horizon Bar onboard MSC Grandiosa

How do the drink packages work onboard the ship?

When MSC provides you with vouchers:

These are valid for the South African market and for packages with limits, e.g., 5 ice creams/mineral water.

For any non-alcoholic pre-booked packages, such as ice cream and coffee packages, the cabin steward will deliver the vouchers to your room on the first day of your cruise.

In the instance that you have purchased alcoholic packages, you will need to collect them from the front desk and sign for them.

When no vouchers are used:

If the ship doesn't use vouchers, for example, when you buy some of the unlimited packages, those will be loaded on your cruise card beforehand.

How does the drinks package work when travelling with my family?

The most common question we get about drinks packages is what to do when our family of 6 is booked in two different cabins.

If you have vouchers:

You can do anything you wish with your vouchers, use them yourself or donate them to a family member or a friend. 

For unlimited packages:

The official answer from MSC Cruises is that all persons travelling together have to purchase the same packages. 

When sitting together at the table, the MSC crew members will not allow you to purchase the wine on packages when no one else has one. 

If some of the travellers are minors, a non-alcoholic drinks package must be purchased.

Blackberry smoothie onboard MSC Preziosa

MSC drinks packages FAQs

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about drinks on MSC Cruises.

If you have questions, drop us a line; we will happily answer them.

Does everyone travelling together / in the cabin have to buy the same drinks package on MSC Cruises?

Kids up to three years old need not purchase any drinks, but everyone else must have at least one of MSC Cruises' drink packages that best suits their needs and preferences - there is something available for every budget!

How do I book drink packages for my next cruise?

You can either ask your travel agent to add it to your booking or log into Manage My Booking on MSC Cruises and add it yourself. 

You will save +- 15% by pre-booking your packages before your cruise. 

We advise booking and paying for any onboard packages at least 5 days before your cruise departs, as this booking information is transferred to the ship 3 days before departure. Anything booked after that has a high risk of not showing onboard.  

Can you bring your own drinks on MSC Cruises?

MSC Cruises has strict rules about bringing drinks on board. Guests can bring water if they have a medical need for it and can carry an unlimited amount of baby milk without any problems.

However, the company does not allow guests to bring alcoholic beverages or soda onto their vessels—even when purchased from outside vendors!

Can I smuggle alcohol onto the ship?

Sneaking alcohol onto a cruise ship is not recommended, and it can get you kicked off the vessel.

MSC Cruises doesn't allow guests to bring any beverages onboard, for fear they might sneak in something else, like alcoholic substances with their favorite drink!

Yacht Club self-service buffet onboard MSC Fantasia 

Do you have to add service charges on MSC Cruises drink packages?

You can save much money by booking your drinks packages before your cruise. One of them is you do not pay service charges on pre-booked packages.

If the package is booked during boarding, an additional 15% service charge will be added.

Does the Fantastica experience include drinks?

MSC Cruises offers three specific experiences: Bella, Fantastica and Aurea. 

The Bella & Fantastica do not include drinks packages as standard.

What is the package that I get with my Aurea experience?

The Aurea experience includes:

• Easy Drink package
• Free access to the solarium
• Bathrobe and slippers in the cabin
• Choice of dining time
• Dedicated restaurant on a certain ship
• Free Gift
• SPA packages 

MSC Yacht Club drinks package

MSC Yacht Club guests will get a drinks package equivalent to the Premium Extra Drink Package. This package includes unlimited drinks in all restaurants and bars, including speciality dining, up to a value of $15 / €13 per drink.

Butler serving High Tea in the Top Deck Lounge (Yacht Club exclusive lounge) onboard MSC Fantasia

What is the age limit for drinking alcohol on MSC Cruises?

The drinking age is 18 for European / South African cruises and 21 for US / Caribbean / South American Cruises, as this is in line with local government regulations.

What is the daily limit on my drink packages on MSC Cruises?

MSC Cruises doesn't have any limit on the amount of drinks you can have during a single day.

However, you are not allowed to share your package with anyone, and if you get too intoxicated, the bar will refrain from serving you. 

Are drinks packages available on all MSC Cruises itineraries?

These packages are available on all itineraries worldwide, except for South Africa.

As seen above, South Africa has its own drink packages, which differ to the rest of the world. 

MSC beverage packages that have been discontinued:

• MSC Premium package
• MSC Premium Plus package
• MSC drinks vouchers on non-South African cruises
• MSC Allegrissimo drinks package
• MSC Mealtime drinks package
• MSC Classic drinks package

Conclusion

Cruise ships are a great way to explore the world and enjoy some of its most scenic destinations.

However, it’s worth noting that prices for drinks onboard tend to be very similar to those at home in an upmarket restaurant or bar.

Drinks packages are really personal. To decide if it is the right call for you, take what you think you will drink during the cruise and multiply this by the average price of those drinks as per the list above. This will give you a base to compare what you will pay for individual drinks against a package.

It is also important to remember that with a pre-paid package, gratuities are not added to your drinks. When you buy them onboard individually, an extra 15% is added for gratuities.

For example, I always take a coffee and cocktail package when travelling with MSC Cruises. It gives us peace of mind and enough to enjoy ourselves without abusing it. 

Note that all prices are for information only and were correct at the date of the last update.