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.
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:
For South African drinks packages, click here.
The above drinks packages are coming into effect for all departures from November 2021 onwards.
When you choose a drinks package, make sure you take 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
MSC Cruises do not publish the price of the drinks packages anymore on their website.
If you are unfamiliar with the drinks packages available on your MSC cruise, it can seem a bit daunting at first.
Thankfully, there are several options available to best fit your needs.
You can have speciality drinks with every meal, the occasional cocktail, or even a whole assortment of non-alcoholic drinks any time of the day.
The MSC drink packages prices for a Mediterranean cruise in winter 2021 (estimate per person per day):
Note: Drink Packages in the Caribbean and South America and some Northern Europe 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 at the thought of it!
The price is a guide only, as it is different for each MSC Cruises market and date of travel.
Note: the below drinks packages are not valid for cruising within the South African waters - click here for those packages.
Enjoy all sorts of different alcoholic cocktails and non alcoholic drinks while on a cruise.
The MSC Cruises drinks package for Winter 2021/2022
| MEDITERRANE ANd NORTHERN EUROPE | CARIBBEAN, NORTH AMERICA &JAPAN | |
| Easy Package | € 32 pp | $ 38 pp |
| Easy Plus* | € 44 pp | $ 49 pp |
| Premium Extra** | € 62 pp | $ 69 pp |
| Alcohol-Free | € 23 pp | $ 25 pp |
| Minor Package | € 15 pp | $ 17 pp |
*All beverages priced up to € 8 or $9
**All beverages priced up to € 13 or $ 15
Note: These packages are valid from November 2021
This is a great and 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:
The Easy Package can be enjoyed in all bars, main restaurants and the buffet. Take note that it can't be used in any of the speciality restaurants or signature lounges & bars (eg: 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.
Emirates, Antilles & Mediterranean: €32 | £28 | R661
Caribbean, North America, South America & Japan: $38 | £28 | R661
*All packages are per person per day
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:
The Easy Plus Package can be enjoyed in all bars, main restaurants, buffet 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 is the Easy Plus package allows you to order in speciality restaurants and the option of liqueurs.
Emirates, Antilles & Mediterranean: €44 | £39 | R757
Caribbean, North America, South America & Japan: $49 | £39 | R757
*All packages are per person per day
The Premium Extra package gives you a wide array of 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:
The Premium Extra Package can be enjoyed in all bars, main restaurants, buffet and speciality restaurants.
But does not include any of the signature lounges & bars (eg: Starship Club, Jean Philippe Chocolate).
Note: the previous Premium Plus drink package used to include drinks from the mini-bar. At the moment there is no mention of the mini-bar in the new 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
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 Package can be enjoyed in all bars, main restaurants and buffet.
But does not include any of the speciality restaurants or the signature lounges & bars (eg: 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.
Emirates, Antilles & Mediterranean: €23 | £20 | R454
Caribbean, North America, South America & Japan: $25 | £20 | R396
*all packages are per person per day
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, albeit without the alcoholic options.
The Alcohol-Free Child Package can be enjoyed in all bars, main restaurants and the self service buffet, but does not include any of the speciality restaurants of the signatures lounge & bars (ie Starship Club, Jean Philippe Chocolate).
Emirates, Antilles & Mediterranean: €15 | £13 | R300
Caribbean, North America, South America & Japan: $17 | £13 | R270
*all packages are per person per day
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 includes non alcoholic and alcoholic signatures drinks.
All of 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
A majority of the 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 the Southern African waters. These 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
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 drinks vouchers (Adults only). The price is per cabin.
The MSC Drink Package is the most popular beverage package in the South African market. Passengers can choose from:
The MSC Drink Package can be used at the self service buffet, main restaurants, bars, lounges and speciality restaurants.
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 that are enjoying wine during meals:
The Wine & Water Package Easy can be used at the self service buffet, main restaurants, bars, lounges and speciality 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.
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:
The Bon Voyage Deluxe Package will be served in your cabin on embarkation day. You will get a fresh bowl of fruits in your cabin every day.
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:
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
Price of MSC Non-Alcoholic Drink Package: ZAR 523 (Adults & Kids) for 12 drinks vouchers. Prices are per cabin.
The MSC Non-Alcoholic Package is ideal option to complement one of the alcohol packages - perfect for children or for those travellers not into alcohol but still wanting to enjoy their beverages.
The MSC Non-Alcoholic Package can be used at the self service buffet, bars, lounges and speciality restaurants.
Price of Water Package: ZAR 425 (Adults & Kids). Prices are per cabin.
The Water Package includes:
The Water Package can be consumed at the self service buffet, bars, lounges and speciality restaurants.
Price of Coffee Package: ZAR 405 (Adults & Kids) for 15 vouchers. Prices are per cabin.
The Coffee Package includes:
The Coffee Package can be consumed in bars and lounges.
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:
The VIP Treatment Package will be served in your cabin on embarkation day.
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:
The Soft Drink & Ice Cream Package can be consumed in the self service buffet, all restaurants, bars and lounges.
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.
The cost of beverages onboard any of the MSC Cruises ships are in par with other cruise lines and what you can find in an upper-class restaurant on shore.
These prices are approximate and to give you an idea for your budgeting purposes.
Champagne Bar onboard MSC Grandiosa
The below drinks are free on all MSC Cruises ships:
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.
Tap water at the buffet, is available 24 hours for free. Bottled mineral water is available at a fee.
Coffee and tea is 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.
A drinks package may seem like a strange concept at first. It certainly is not the first thing people think of when they plan for a cruise, compared to the shows and excursions.
Why pay in advance for all these drinks at once without even knowing what particular drink you will 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.
As mentioned before, if you are balking at paying for a drinks package at once, remember that buying individual drinks can lead to a tab larger than you would expect.
Buying a drinks package helps you set your budget in advance, and more importantly, stick to it without having to count costs during your trip.
Drinks 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 ever sets sail - it is often 10% to 15% cheaper to pre-book than to buy them onboard.
Horizon Bar onboard MSC Grandiosa
These are valid for the South African market and for packages that have limits on them, eg: 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.
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.
The most common question that we get about drinks packages is what do we do when our family of 6 is booked in two different cabins?
You are free to 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 around the table has one.
If some of the travellers are minor, a non-alcoholic drinks package will have to be purchased.
Blackberry smoothie onboard MSC Preziosa
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about drinks on MSC Cruises.
If you have questions, drop us a line and we will be happy to answer them.
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!
You can either ask your travel agent to add it to your booking or you can log into Manage My Booking on MSC Cruises and add it yourself.
You will be saving +- 15% by pre-booking your packages before your cruise.
We advise to book & pay 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.
MSC Cruises has strict rules about bringing drinks on-board. Guests can bring water if they have a medical need for it and are able to carry an unlimited amount of baby milk with them without any problems.
However, the company does not allow guests to bring alcoholic beverages or soda onto their vessels at all - even when purchased from outside vendors!
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 whatsoever onboard, for fear they might be sneaking in something else too, like some alcoholic substances with their favorite drink!
Yacht Club self service buffet onboard MSC Fantasia
You can save a lot of 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, there will be an additional 15% service charge added.
MSC Cruises offers three specific experiences: Bella, Fantastica and Aurea.
The Bella & Fantastica do not include drinks packages as standard.
The Aurea experience includes:
MSC Yacht Club guest will get a drinks package that is the equivalent to the Premium Extra Drink Package. Unlimited drinks in all restaurants and bars, including speciality dining up to a value of $15 / €13 per drinks.
Butler serving High Tea in the Top Deck Lounge (Yacht Club exclusive lounge) onboard MSC Fantasia
The drinking age is from 18 years old for European / South African cruises and 21 years old for US / Caribbean / South American Cruises as it is in line with local government regulations.
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.
These packages are available on all itineraries around the world, except for South Africa.
As seen above, South Africa has its own drink packages, which differ to the rest of the world.
Cruise ships are a great way to explore the world and enjoy some of the most scenic destinations on Earth.
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. In order to decide if it is the right call for you, take what you think you will drink during the cruise and multiply this with 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, no gratuities will be added to your drinks. When you buy them onboard individually, an extra 15% will be added for gratuities.
As an example, I always take a coffee and cocktail package when I travel 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 date of last update.
Published 30 May 2021 updated 24 June 2021
