What Changed in 2025?
In April 2025, MSC made two major changes to its drink package program. First, the Easy and Easy Plus packages were officially retired. These were once popular with cruisers looking for budget-friendly options, but now, the only available packages are the Premium Extra, Alcohol-Free, and Minors Packages. Second, and more importantly, MSC implemented a cap of 15 alcoholic beverages per day for guests with drink packages. This change applies to all cruises beginning April 1, 2025, and while it might seem restrictive, non-alcoholic drinks remain unlimited, and guests can still purchase drinks a la carte if they exceed the limit.
Quick Answer: How MSC Drink Packages Work
MSC Cruises offers several drink package options, with the Premium Extra Packagebeing the main alcoholic drink package currently promoted for U.S. guests. MSC also offers Alcohol-Free and Minors packages. Packages generally must be purchased by all guests in the same stateroom, cannot be shared, and are priced per person for each cruise day except disembarkation day.
For most U.S. cruisers, the big question is whether the Premium Extra package is worth it. It usually makes sense if you plan to drink several alcoholic drinks per day, plus specialty coffee, bottled or premium water, soda, mocktails, or drinks at Ocean Cay. It may not be worth it for light drinkers, port-heavy cruises, or guests who mostly drink free buffet beverages.
MSC Drink Package Options in 2026
The Premium Extra Package is MSC’s top-tier offering and includes a broad range of beverages. Guests can enjoy cocktails, premium spirits, wine and champagne by the glass (up to $16), draft and bottled beers, specialty coffee, hot chocolate, energy drinks, smoothies, and soft drinks. This package also includes a 25% discount on bottled wine and champagne purchases. The Premium Extra Package is valid at all bars, restaurants, and on Ocean Cay. It even includes gratuities, so the price you see is what you pay. The regular rate is $85 per day, but we’ve seen promotions offering up to 40% off.
For non-drinkers or those who prefer to skip alcohol altogether, the Alcohol-Free Package is a solid choice. This package includes non-alcoholic beer and cocktails, soda, juices, bottled water, coffee and tea, and energy drinks. It’s available for $33 per day onboard and covers most venues, including Ocean Cay. However, it’s not accepted in some specialty restaurants or signature bars like Venchi 1878 or Jean-Philippe Maury.
The Minors Package is designed for guests under 21 and includes mocktails, soft drinks, fruit juices, bottled water, and even soft serve ice cream. It mirrors the Alcohol-Free Package in terms of non-alcoholic options and is priced at $22 per day onboard. This package is required for any minor sharing a stateroom with an adult who has purchased a drink package.
What Drinks Are Complimentary?
Before deciding on whether you need a drink package, it’s important to know what drinks are complimentary. MSC offers a variety of drink options in the complimentary dining venues.
Drink Package Rules You Need to Know
If you’re booking a drink package, be prepared to commit—because MSC requires that everyone in a stateroom purchases a package. If one adult buys the Premium Extra, the other adult must as well. If a parent purchases the Alcohol-Free or Premium Extra Package, their child must purchase the Minors Package. The only exception is if the other guest is underage; in that case, they’re expected to get the appropriate non-alcoholic package.
This policy exists to prevent sharing, and while it might be frustrating for couples or families with mixed preferences, it’s standard practice among cruise lines. If you’re traveling with someone who rarely drinks, this rule is something to factor into your budget.
What If You Turn 21 During the Cruise?
MSC’s minimum drinking age on U.S.-based cruises and at Ocean Cay is 21. If you’re turning 21 during the cruise, you won’t be able to purchase a drink package in advance. However, you can stop by Guest Services on your birthday and have your account updated. From that point forward, you’ll be allowed to purchase alcoholic beverages individually, but a package still won’t be available. Find more information on the process for turning 21 on an MSC Ship.
Is a Drink Package Included in Yacht Club?
Yes, and it’s one of the many perks that makes Yacht Club a premium experience. Guests staying in the Yacht Club receive the Premium Extra Package automatically. This package is valid in Yacht Club areas, all restaurants and bars, and on Ocean Cay. Even better, the in-suite mini-bar is stocked daily with beer, soda, juices, and water—and those beverages don’t count against your daily limit. It’s a nice touch that helps you maximize the value without constantly tracking what you’ve ordered.
Can You Use the Drink Package at Ocean Cay?
Absolutely. Your drink package carries over seamlessly to Ocean Cay, MSC’s private island. Bars on the island honor your package just like onboard. While drinks at BBQ stations may be excluded, you’ll have no problem ordering cocktails, beer, or soda at any of the island bars. It’s a welcome feature and one that adds serious value, especially on beach days.
Should You Book the Drink Package Prior to Sailing?
If you are planning to use the drink package, the answer is typically “Yes” as the drink package is less costly prior to boarding the ship. Many sailings offer a combo package on drinks and WiFi. Check out our analysis on Drinks and WiFi package.
Real Drink Prices Onboard in 2026
To understand the value of a drink package, it helps to know what drinks cost without one. Standard cocktails generally run around $14, while premium options go for $16 to $18. Mocktails fall in the $10–$11 range. Beer, whether bottle or draft, is typically $9. Wine by the glass ranges from $14 to $16. If you’re more into soft drinks, expect to pay $3.50 for soda, $3.25 for bottled water, and $4.25 for a specialty coffee like a cappuccino or latte.
If you have the Premium Extra Package, all drinks priced at $16 or under are fully covered. If you order something more expensive, you’ll just pay the difference. We have drink menus to get into the details of drink pricing for your cruise.
Tips to Maximize Your Package
One of the best ways to stretch the value of your drink package is to take advantage of the non-alcoholic options. Bottled water—both still and sparkling—adds up quickly if you’re paying out of pocket. Specialty coffees and smoothies are included and can be a welcome treat in the morning or mid-afternoon. Don’t sleep on the mocktails either—many are crafted with fresh ingredients and can rival the real thing.
Visit a variety of bars to explore the full range of what’s available. Each location has a slightly different vibe and menu. And if you’re worried about hitting the 15-drink limit, know that most guests don’t reach it—but if you do, you can always buy extra drinks individually.
Want some real-world data? We’ve tracked every drink on a 7 day cruise to give you an idea on the value of the package.
How Much Are MSC Drink Packages in 2026?
MSC drink package pricing can vary by sailing, ship, region, and promotion. In general, U.S. cruisers should expect the Premium Extra Package to be the most expensive option, followed by the Alcohol-Free Package and the Minors Package.
The best place to check your exact price is inside your MSC booking before the cruise. MSC often offers pre-cruise pricing or bundled offers, including Drinks & Wi-Fi promotions, which can change the math compared with buying a drink package onboard.
Is the MSC Drink Package Worth It?
| Type of Drinker | Worth It? |
| 5+ alcoholic drinks/day | ✅ Yes |
| Coffee/energy drink fan | ✅ Yes |
| Soda/mocktail only | ✅ (Alcohol-Free) |
| Light drinker (1–2 per day) | ❌ Maybe not |
| Yacht Club guest | ✅ Already included |
Ultimately, whether the MSC drink package is worth it depends on your personal preferences. But for many cruisers, the peace of mind of not getting a surprise bill at the end—and the convenience of ordering whatever you want—is worth the price.
Use our Drink Package Calculator to run the numbers for your cruise.
MSC Drink Package FAQ
What drink packages does MSC Cruises offer?
For U.S. guests, MSC currently lists the Premium Extra Package, Alcohol-Free Package, and Minors Package. Availability can vary by sailing, so check your cruise in the My MSC area.
Are gratuities included in MSC drink packages?
Yes. MSC says prepaid and onboard beverage packages include gratuities.
Can you use an MSC drink package in specialty restaurants?
Only the Premium Extra Package can be used in specialty restaurants. Other packages can generally be used in buffet restaurants, main restaurants, and bars.
Can MSC drink packages be shared?
No. MSC drink packages are not transferable and may not be shared with other guests.
Does the MSC drink package work at Ocean Cay?
Yes, MSC drink packages generally work at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, though the exact drink selection may vary by bar and island setup.
Is the MSC drink package worth it?
It depends on how much you drink, what you drink, and your itinerary. The package is usually more attractive for guests who drink cocktails, beer, wine, specialty coffee, soda, mocktails, and water throughout the day. It is less attractive for light drinkers or very port-heavy cruises.
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