What drinks are free on cruise ships?

Explore Cruise Itineraries

Most people dream of a cruise ship vacation. It is one of the finest ways to spend holidays with loved ones. Cruise ships have a variety of different onboard activities, such as cocktail parties, gaming nights, and art auctions that make your experience memorable. Another benefit of cruise ships is that you can get your hands on some of the fanciest and most interesting drinks in the world.

Most luxurious cruise lines have bars that provide you with all that you require for a fee. However, what you might not know is that some cruise lines also have some drinks that you can enjoy without having to pay anything for them. In this article, we’ll provide updates on free drinks on cruise ships, cruise beverage packages, and tips for saving money on the best cruise drinks while on your next voyage. Additionally, we will highlight new trends that are emerging in cruise beverage packages.

What Drinks Are Free of Charge on Cruise Ships?

Most mainstream cruise lines have complimentary drinks that may include some or all of the following:

• Water: Water is always free of charge on most cruise ships. You may be asked to pay a fee for some versions of bottled water. However, you can likely ask for a jug of iced water in any restaurant or bar for no added cost. There are several water dispensers on a cruise ship that you can use to help yourself.
• Flavored Water: Some cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean, provide their passengers with several options for flavored water. The best part is that you will not have to pay a single dime for any of these drinks.
• Lemonade: The drink is delicious, with a little pulp and the perfect amount of sweetness.
• Tea and Coffee: Most cruise lines include beverages such as tea and coffee in your ticket cost. You can get complimentary tea and coffee options from the cafés and restaurants that are present onboard the ships. However, specialty teas and coffees are likely to incur an added cost, so make all the necessary inquiries before you order something.
• Hot Chocolate: Hot chocolate is far from a conventional drink that is consumed regularly, yet some cruise lines do not charge you for it. Royal Caribbean cruise ships provide you packets of hot chocolate mix that you can pick up yourself in the Windjammer buffet or order via room service.
• Milk: Another unsurprising entry on this list is that milk is free on most cruise ships. If your room is equipped with a kettle, room service will likely bring you milk from time to time, whether it is for your morning cup or to feed your baby.

Changes in Free Drink Offerings

Cruise lines constantly update their offerings to improve the guest experience. As of 2024, here are some noteworthy changes in cruise beverage packages:

• New Free Drinks: Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line have increased their range of free drinks on cruise ships. Flavored waters like cucumber-mint and strawberry-basil are now part of the selection available from Royal Caribbean. MSC Cruises has included new varieties of specialty teas and iced herbal teas to enhance the choices available for people who do not drink coffee.
• Removed Free Drinks: A handful of cruise lines have reduced their serving options for complimentary drinks. Norwegian Cruise Line discontinued serving juices such as cranberry and orange as part of their complimentary breakfast during the main dining rooms.
• Quantity Restrictions: Some lines impose limits on daily drink consumption while many beverages stay free. Carnival Cruise Line has now capped the number of free juice servings each day in certain dining spaces. While most cruise lines allow unlimited amounts of basic drinks like coffee and tea, the premium choices for the best cruise drinks now come with limits.

Updates to Beverage Packages

Beverage packages are a convenient way to enjoy unlimited free drinks on cruise ships, and there have been several updates for 2024:

• Price Changes: The prices of beverage packages fluctuate. Royal Caribbean charges Deluxe Beverage Package fares between $65 and $85 per day, with a slight increase based on the cruise's itinerary. Norwegian Cruise Line raised the max price for its premium package to $138 daily.
• New Packages: MSC Cruises created a Non-Alcoholic Beverage Package aimed at individuals who drink non-alcoholic beverages. This package's unique feature is mocktails alongside drinks and teas.
• Additional Perks: Several beverage packages now feature added advantages. Carnival's Cheers! Passengers receive a 25% discount on wine bottles and alcoholic drinks over $20 through the Beverage Program. This is a powerful reason for guests to prefer luxury items throughout their journey.

Changes in Cruise Line Policies

Cruise lines are updating their policies around free drinks on cruise ships, reflecting changes in customer preferences:

• BYOB Policies: Several cruise lines allowed or adjusted their own BYOB rules. Guests may now bring one bottle of wine to Norwegian Cruise Line without paying a corkage fee to drink it in their stateroom. A charge continues to exist for this consumption in open spaces.
• Corkage Fees: Cruise lines have hiked the corkage fees. Guests considering bringing wine on board may find corkage fees at Royal Caribbean and Princess Cruises have climbed to $15–$20 per bottle.
• Non-Alcoholic Beverage Options: Cruise lines have significantly boosted their selection of non-alcoholic drinks. To meet the rising interest in wellness choices, kombucha sparkling water and several herbal teas are offered by Carnival and Royal Caribbean.

Tips for Saving Money on Drinks

For travelers looking to cut costs, there are still many ways to save money on beverages:

• Happy Hours: A wide range of cruise lines has either reintroduced or increased the availability of happy hour discounts. Norwegian Cruise Line now features two happy hours every day with 50% off specific cocktails.
• Drink Coupons: MSC Cruises offers drink vouchers as loyalty benefits. These coupons allow guests to get alcoholic drinks and food for free in venues.
• Alternative Beverage Options: Using a reusable water bottle can lower your expenses. Most ships offer refillable water points that reduce charges for bottled water. For those who cherish cocktails in their cabins, having a house-made option can reduce spending on bar service.

Emerging Trends in Cruise Ship Beverages

As the cruise industry adapts to evolving consumer preferences, several trends have emerged, particularly in sustainability, health, and specialty drinks:

• Sustainability: Several cruise operators are moving towards sustainable methods to accommodate their beverage selection. Biodegradable straws and reusable cups are now available from Carnival and Royal Caribbean. On MSC cruise ships, there is now only boxed water instead of plastic bottles.
• Health and Wellness: You will find wellness-based beverages popular with cruise operators. You can find a range of detox juices and herbal teas by Carnival Cruise Line to support health and wellness. These choices are available at many juice bars aboard the vessels to meet the increasing interest in healthier options.
• Specialty Drinks: A range of craft cocktails and local specialty drinks is appearing on several cruise line menus. Drinks inspired by the destinations covered by Norwegian Cruise Line include Caribbean rum punches and Mediterranean sangrias.

Conclusion

Cruising allows guests to experience fresh locations while complimentary drinks are provided. Keeping up-to-date with the latest changes in the available beverages, packing requirements, and cruise policies can ensure the most pleasurable experience on board. If you’re enthusiastic about free caffeine, enjoying alcoholic drinks during happy hour, or relishing specialty drinks, having knowledge will make your experience so much better. Book a cruise online and embark on your voyage today.