What drinks are included on cruise?

Decoding the Cruise Drink Menu: What's Included and What's Extra

Stepping onto a cruise ship is often synonymous with relaxation and indulgence. But before you raise a glass to the open sea, it's helpful to understand the often-complex world of onboard beverages. What's included in your cruise fare, and what will cost you extra? Let's clarify the situation.

The basic beverage package included in most cruise fares typically covers the essentials: coffee, tea, juice, and water. This usually means you can freely enjoy these throughout the day at various locations on the ship, including the buffet and some casual dining venues. However, the specifics can vary depending on the cruise line and even the specific class of cabin you've booked. Always check the details of your booking confirmation for any nuances.

Beyond the basics, the world of cruise ship drinks opens up into a vast and often pricey landscape. While those complimentary coffee refills are a welcome perk, most cruise lines offer a range of premium beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, which come at an additional cost.

This is where the beverage packages come into play. Many cruise lines tempt you with all-inclusive options, bundling various drinks into a package for a set price, often offering significant savings over purchasing individual drinks. These packages generally include a selection of cocktails, wines, beers, and sometimes even non-alcoholic options like specialty sodas or bottled waters. The exact content of these packages varies significantly between cruise lines, so carefully compare what's offered before committing.

Crucially, purchasing drinks individually is generally significantly more expensive. Each individual drink is usually subject to an automatic gratuity, often exceeding 15%, which adds a substantial surcharge to your bill. This can quickly add up, particularly for those who enjoy a few drinks during their voyage.

In short: while you'll be well-hydrated with the included coffee, tea, juice, and water, be prepared to pay extra for anything beyond those basics. Carefully considering a beverage package – and understanding exactly what it covers – can be a significant factor in managing your cruise expenses. Research your chosen cruise line's beverage offerings beforehand, and choose the option that best fits your drinking habits and budget to avoid any unpleasant surprises at the end of your trip.