What’s Included in MSC Drinks Packages?
When booking an MSC Cruise, one of the most debated decisions is whether or not to purchase a drinks package. With so many options available, it’s important to know what’s included, what’s not, and which package is the best fit for you. In this guide, I’ll break down MSC’s four drinks packages, share my personal experience, and provide tips to help you make the best choice for your cruise.
Overview of MSC Drinks Packages
MSC offers a variety of drinks packages designed to suit every traveler, whether you’re a casual soda drinker or a premium wine enthusiast. Here are the four main options:
1. Easy Package
With The Easy Package, you can enjoy:
- A selection of house wines, draft beer, and classic cocktails.
- Non-alcoholic beverages like soft drinks, juices, and bottled water.
- Classic hot drinks such as espresso, cappuccino, and tea.
Limitations: Easy Drinks must be priced below €6/£6, and the package isn’t valid in specialty restaurants or signature venues like Venchi 1878 or the Starship Club.
Price: From £34 per day (for cruises of 7+ nights).
2. Easy Plus Package
Whilst The Easy Plus Package expands on the Easy Package with:
- A wider range of spirits, liqueurs, and cordials.
- Frozen and classic cocktails.
- Wines by the glass, plus a 10% discount on bottled wines.
- Specialty coffees, teas, and hot chocolates.
Limitations: Covers drinks priced up to €9/£9 and is valid in most venues, including specialty restaurants (but excludes signature venues).
Price: From £47 per day (for cruises of 7+ nights).
3. Premium Extra Package
MSC’s most comprehensive package, offers:
- Premium spirits, liquors, and champagnes.
- A large selection of frozen and classic cocktails.
- Craft, draft, and bottled beers.
- Wines and champagnes by the glass, plus a 25% discount on bottled options.
- Energy drinks, smoothies, and specialty coffees.
Limitations: All Drinks must be priced upto and including €14/£14, and the package excludes signature venues.
Price: From £64 per day (for cruises of 7+ nights).
4. Alcohol-Free Package
Perfect for non-drinkers and families, this package includes:
- Non-alcoholic cocktails, sodas, energy drinks, juices, and water.
- Specialty coffees, teas, hot chocolate, and soft-serve ice cream.
Price: From £21 per day (for cruises of 7+ nights).
What’s Not Included in MSC Drinks Packages
Regardless of the package you choose, some items are excluded. For instance, drinks served in souvenir glasses, room service and minibar beverages, and items from signature venues like Venchi 1878, Jean-Philippe Maury, and the Starship Club are not part of the packages.
My Personal Experience with the Premium Extra Package
When my family and I cruised on MSC Virtuosa last June, we weren’t sure if a drinks package was worth it. With two kids (our 4.5-year-old daughter and 4-month-old son), we knew we wouldn’t be drinking heavily. Initially, we didn’t plan to purchase a package, but after speaking to seasoned cruisers, we decided to try the Premium Extra Package—and it was a fantastic decision.
We secured a deal of £50 per day for two adults on the Premium Extra Package, along with the Minors Package for our daughter. It was our honeymoon, and the package made the experience so much more enjoyable. We never had to worry about drink costs, and the inclusion of soft drinks and ice cream for the kids was a bonus. It added real value to our cruise and made it feel like a proper holiday.
How to Book an MSC Drinks Package
To get the best value, I recommend booking your drinks package through your travel agent at the time of booking your cruise. This approach often provides exclusive deals that are unavailable later. Additionally, onboard prices for drinks packages are significantly higher—up to £67 per day for the Premium Extra Package.
Why Pre-Purchasing is Cheaper:
- Onboard prices for individual drinks are steep:
- Bottled water: £2.50.
- Soft drinks: £3.50.
- Coffee: £5.
- Beer: Up to £8.
- Wine: Around £10 per glass.
Is a Drinks Package Worth It?
The value of a drinks package depends on your drinking habits. Here’s a rough guide to how many drinks you’d need per day to break even:
- Easy Package: ~6 drinks/day (£6 each).
- Easy Plus Package: ~5 drinks/day (£9 each).
- Premium Extra Package: ~4 drinks/day (£14 each).
For my family, the Premium Extra Package was worth every penny. With unlimited access to premium drinks, soft drinks, and specialty coffees, it saved us money and removed the stress of budgeting.
Tips for Choosing the Right Package
- Consider Your Drinking Habits: Casual drinkers might prefer the Easy Package, while those who enjoy premium options should go for Premium Extra.
- Think About Kids: If you’re traveling with children, the Minors Package offers excellent value with soft drinks and ice cream included.
- Pre-Book Your Package: Avoid onboard price hikes by purchasing early.
- Research Your Itinerary: If your cruise includes more sea days, you’re likely to use the package more frequently.
For More Information
For a full breakdown of MSC drinks packages, visit MSC Cruises’ official drinks packages page.
For tips on a smooth start to your cruise, check out our MSC Virtuosa Embarkation Guide.
Conclusion
MSC’s drinks packages offer something for everyone, whether you’re looking for basic refreshments or top-tier indulgence. From my experience, choosing the right package can truly elevate your cruise experience by eliminating unexpected costs and giving you the freedom to enjoy your trip. Whatever you decide, pre-booking is the best way to save money and make the most of your holiday.
Which drinks package would you choose? Share your thoughts in the comments!
