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Dining Onboard Seabourn Cruises

Seabourn Cruises offers the 'ultimate dining experience' on your schedule. In an atmosphere defined by choice, you choose what you want, when you want it. From award-winning cuisine to simple snacks or even backyard favorites, you can get the food you're craving on your own timeline. With open seating in several restaurants, an experienced staff ready to cater to your needs and an ability to meet most dietary requests, Seabourn is ready to serve you the meal of your dreams. With world renowned Chef Thomas Keller at the helm, these onboard eateries set and maintain incredibly high standards in both service and quality.

Seabourn manages to exceed expectations in most categories when it comes to dining options. For instance, you can try Black River Ossetra Caviar exclusively on Seabourn cruise ships. Most restaurants highlight local flavors and specialty ingredients which you may recognize from the amazing destinations on your journey. Beverages, both alcoholic and otherwise, are generally included in the price of your cruise vacation but some premium liquors can be purchased and delivered to your stateroom.

• CASUAL DINING
• MAIN DINING
• SPECIALTY DINING
• ROOM SERVICE

The Patio and Sky Grill

For poolside snacks and your favorites like hamburgers, hot dogs, fresh pizza and more, visit The Patio. Open for lunch and dinner, this is one of the most comfortable spots on deck.

For dining in a more casual environment while still maintaining a very high quality meal, check out the Colonnade. Breakfast and lunch buffets truly are crowd pleasers. Dinners are regionally themed and include such delightful dishes as shrimp ceviche, pan seared grouper, oven roasted pineapple with frozen yogurt and almond brittle, among others served up bistro style to the delight of guests.

The Restaurant

The name may be simple but the food is quite thoughtful and varied in terms of cuisine and flavors. The Restaurant's refined ambiance embraces open seating to make dining as comfortable as possible. With an experienced staff ensuring your meal is both perfectly prepared and without complication, you're bound to cherish each and every meal in The Restaurant on Seabourn.

Restaurant 2

For dining in a more intimate setting, with tapas style small plates visit Restaurant 2. Innovative dishes are always on the menu in this beautiful venue. You'll need to make a reservation before you sail your way through one of the most fun and exciting menus on board any ship at sea.

The Grill by Thomas Keller

The Grill serves dishes as iconic as its namesake Thomas Keller. This truly is one of the finest American chophouses you'll ever have the pleasure of visiting. A timeless menu doesn't seek to reinvent the culinary wheel it seeks to perfect it in every way. This Keller-trained staff led by an amazing group of talented chefs will cook up your favorite dishes as you like with some of the most flavorful side items of any restaurant on board. Some items have tableside preparation for your entertainment in this elegant area.

Room Service

In suite dining is available 24/7 to accommodate your desires. Whether you opt for course by course service ordered from The Restaurant or prefer to enjoy lighter fare on your veranda, the room service menu is sure to thrill a connoisseur.

*Additional fee applies.

All menus and dining times are subject to change without notice. Some venues are only available on select ships.

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• The Cost of Drinking on a Cruise

The all-inclusive nature of a cruise vacation is perhaps its biggest attraction – inclusive of accommodations, food and many activities for a single price whilst cruising to far-off exotic destinations. It’s the perfect hassle-free vacation style for many people who crave the easy life and no-nonsense trip planning. The only thing missing is the free booze. Those endless poolside piña coladas can soon add up. Cruises undoubtedly offer superb value for money, but a few drinks each day can seriously blow your planned vacation budget out of the water. If you have a taste for beer, wine or hard liquor you could effectively see that ultra-cheap short cruises almost double in price. There is no getting away from the fact that shipboard drinks are expensive, even before gratuities are factored in. From $8 beers to $15 cocktails, drinking on a cruise can easily rack up an onboard bill of hundreds of dollars.   

Sure you can abstain, but where is the fun in that? You can still enjoy your guilty pleasures without the worry of a huge bar tab with a little creative planning. Check out our insightful tips to make your dollars go that much further with drinks on cruises, and the all-important question of whether a prepaid drinks package or a-la-carte pricing is best for you.

Are there any free drinks on cruises?

Can i carry alcohol and beverages onboard the cruise ship, the truth about cruise line beverage packages, do i need to buy a beverage package on my cruise, inclusive drinks on a luxury cruise, tips about drinking on your cruise vacation, raising your glass without the sticker shock.

Tea, coffee, tap water and non-carbonated drinks are often free for all passengers throughout the cruise in certain areas of the ship, but alas, you’ll have to shell out cash for your favourite alcoholic drinks on cruises. However, there are a few creative ways to score free drinks. If you can sit through the art auction, you can happily sip free wine or score free drinks (and nibbles) on cruises at the captain's cocktail party, which is usually open to all passengers on or before formal night. 

Perhaps the best way to drink for free is to show your loyalty. Once you have taken a cruise with a line, you will be enrolled in their loyalty program, which unlocks a whole range of opportunities for free or cheaper boozing, depending on your tier status. This could entail invites to welcome-back parties and other social events with free drinks, or discount coupons for half-price drinking on a cruise.

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The simple answer is almost always no. However, that doesn’t deter hundreds of cruisers every year from trying to sneak bottles of scotch, rum and vodka aboard in a variety of creative ways. A quick browse of YouTube will find dozens of videos promising success with their sneaky booze smuggling hacks, but the simple fact is the cruise lines are aware of every trick out there. The penalty for getting caught? First up the embarrassment factor of being treated like a naughty school child is perhaps not the best way to kick off a cruise vacation. The illicit bottles will be confiscated until the end of the cruise and quite possibly you may never get them back. In the worst case scenario, there is even the threat of getting kicked off the ship which is perhaps unlikely, but worth keeping in mind before you hatch your smuggling plan.

There are some exceptions to the no-booze in bags rule. For many people, a cruise trip is a special occasion – perhaps an anniversary, birthday or even a honeymoon. A bottle of wine or Champagne is permitted on some lines to toast the occasion, although you may be liable for the corkage fee if imbibing in one of the shipboard restaurants. Bringing your own bottled water, soda and juice is allowed on some cruise lines although quite strict limits are set.

Alcohol Polices for Cruise Lines

It sounds pretty enticing. Pay once prior to sailing and enjoy unlimited booze for the duration of your cruise. It’s easy to see the appeal of an ‘all you can drink’ package - no more worrying about running up a huge bar tab. Simply head to the bar, order what you like and enjoy. If you like a tipple, surely it’s a no-brainer. But not so fast… Not all prepaid drinks packages are made equal and each one has its own restrictions. Is an inclusive alcoholic beverages package right for you? That depends. Firstly, let’s look at the cost. They run for $50-60 per person per day (plus service charge), which means you will need to down quite a few drinks a day to make it worthwhile financially. Based on $10 cocktails, you would need to drink at least 6 each day. You’ll need to do the math to work out whether unlimited drinks on cruises offer any cost benefits, or check out one of the online drinks package calculators . Also factor in port of call days. You are required to buy the beverage package for every day of your cruise but you will likely not make full use of it with a full-day excursion on shore.

There are also a number of other restrictions to bear in mind before diving in and booking that booze-inclusive package. Most drinks packages have a unit cost upper limit of $12-$15 per drink, depending on the cruise line’s policy. If your favorite tipple is a more expensive premium single malt Scotch, you will have to pay the difference in price. Although wine by the glass is covered, whole bottles of wine are not, but there are sizable discounts offered for wine bottle purchases (up to 40%). Some lines also offer dedicated wine packages. 

What about teetotaler cruisers and kids? There is a range of prepaid packages for you too. In fact there are even more non-alcoholic options available on most cruise lines, including Carnival Cruise Line’s ‘Bottomless Bubbles,’ Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line.  It starts with the soda package which is self-explanatory. You get unlimited refills at the soda fountain starting at under $10 a day depending on the line, and often involve a discount rate for kids. Regular and premium non-alcoholic drinks packages invariably bundles iced tea, fresh juices, specialty coffees, and mocktails for around $20 a day.  Other beverage packages include coffee-only and bottled water only options. 

If you decide to opt for one of the inclusive beverage packages, plan ahead and book it in advance to snag a discount. Most lines offer cheaper rates if booked in advance which can save you 10%-30%. From time to time, cruise lines roll out great cruise vacation deals which bundle a cheap base cruise fare with one or more added perks. Oftentimes this includes a free drinks package, or onboard credit.  A well-timed booking could you save a ton of money .

Beverage packages are not compulsory but there are very distinct rules governing what you can and cannot do with them. There is the obvious temptation to pay for one package and surreptitiously share it with your cruisemates. This is forbidden by virtually all lines, which mandates that if one person orders an alcoholic inclusive beverage package, every adult above drinking age in the same stateroom must also. This combats sneaky sharers but also makes it less attractive if your significant other is either a teetotaler or just a light drinker.

Another significant drawback for some cruisers is that drinks packages have to be purchased for the entirety of the cruise. So, consider this scenario: you have a big blowout on the first night and wish to take it easy the following day to nurse a hangover, so you are unlikely to get the cost benefit. Occasional drinkers are usually better off ordering a la carte.  

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Cruise Lines Beverage Package Cost

Only the ultra-luxury cruise lines offer a true all-inclusive product which means no bloated bar tab to pay off on checkout. Simply order what you want and enjoy. These lines, which include Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, Silversea and Crystal Cruises, include gratuities and all alcoholic and soft drinks in the cruise fare, including Champagne, so overall, it’s a more civilized, hassle-free and transparent way to cruise – for a price. Obviously, you are not selecting a cruise on a high-end line simply to avoid high drinks prices. It’s not just mainstream label drinks included; you also get high-end whiskies and premium wine vintages.  

Premium lines like Azamara Club Cruises adopt a slightly different drinks policy with standard spirits, international beers, and a small selection of wines included in the cruise fare. There is the option to upgrade to a premium beverage package offering high-end liquors, Scotch and Champagne by the glass. There is also a Wine Connoisseur Package. On Oceania Cruises you get complimentary still and sparkling water, soft drinks, specialty coffees and teas with a choice of two alcoholic drinks packages. Enjoy unlimited drinks during lunch and dinner or at any time throughout the day.

• Drinking responsibly:  You’re on vacation, the sun is shining and you’re cruising leisurely to an exotic location. What’s not to love about cruising? You’re in vacation mode with a celebratory mood so the drinks are flowing more than usual. However you don’t want to go overboard – figuratively and literally. There is the ever-present risk of drinking to excess with a prepaid beverage package. You’ve paid upfront and now you can relax without having to worry about the cost. Sure, you want to get your money’s worth but too many booze-filled late nights can severely hamper the overall cruise experience. There is nothing worse than fighting off a raging hangover during an eagerly awaited shore excursion.  While you may come across the occasional group of boisterous boozers in a bar, the cruising fraternity is generally laid back and responsible enough to realize when enough is enough. 
• Drinking on a budget:  You’ve decided an alcoholic drinks package is not for you but there are still dollars to be saved with a well-planned drinking strategy. Savvy cruisers like a tipple but know just how to get more bang for their buck. Rule #1 is to look out for the various happy hours in your ship’s bars. Generally speaking, there will likely be pre- and post-dinner drinks deals, from around 5-6pm and then again from 10pm-midnight. They could range from half-price on the first drink, BOGO specials or any number of other incentives. Check out the daily newsletter for advertised happy hours, although sometimes other ad-hoc cheap deals may only be advertised in the bar itself.  Liquor tastings take place on most cruises offering freebies (or heavily discounted drinks) or join a cocktail-making class for a fee and once you’ve made your cocktail masterpieces, you get to drink them, which works out at half-price or less per glass compared to normal bar service. 
•  Drinking age: The minimum age limit for drinking alcohol is 21 departing a cruise from a US port, however guests aged 18 to 20 may drink provided a parent or guardian (who must be aboard the ship) signs a declaration form giving permission. In this instance, under 21s may drink only when the ship is in international waters. So for cruise ships sailing in Hawaii or Alaska the age limit is strictly 21.  

The various policies and restrictions to the different drinks packages can mystify even the most experienced cruisers. In short, there is no simple one-stop solution for all, so it takes careful planning and the ability to accurately calculate your expected budget for drinks. Whether a la carte or an all-in drinks package, you have plentiful options. It’s important to note that you are on vacation, and worrying too much over every dime will detract from the overall mood. Go ahead and do the math, plan your strategy, but be spontaneous too. Sometimes it’s good to just go with the flow.  We have highlighted just a few ways to save on the cost of drinks but there are many other creative ways to keep your costs down – check back for a dedicated article on the best hacks to get cheap drinks on cruises .

Check out these articles for more information on the costs of cruising:

How much does a cruise cost, what is included in your cruise fare.

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• The Smart Cruiser’s Guide to Tipping on a Cruise

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The Best Cruise Line Drink Packages for Every Budget

I t can be a total buzzkill to constantly pull out your wallet on vacation. If you’re planning a cruise one way around that is to take advantage of cruise line drink packages. Going all-inclusive means you pay a flat daily fee upfront for all the wine, beer, soda, coffee, tea, and cocktails you can possibly drink.

Cruise line drink packages are a way to take financial worries out of the equation and simply kick back and relax. And there’s no denying that drinking is a big part of vacationing on a cruise line, especially since you don’t have to worry about finding a designated driver. Cruise lines put as much attention on their bars and lounges as they do restaurants, with many organized by theme — such as a nightclub, piano bar, wine bar, or romantic lounge. Bar-hopping on board is as much an activity as a shore excursion off the ship. So if you enjoy letting loose on a cruise ship, you might want to seriously consider looking into the cruise line drink packages on the ship of your choice.

These drink packages are not just about alcohol and sodas: some provide unlimited specialty coffee and espresso drinks, a big plus if you’re a java addict, as well as non-pressed juices. Some include gratuities while others do not. It’s worth checking when pricing these out.

In planning a cruise vacation, so much is decided weeks before you hop on board, including the cabin category and shore excursions. Why not remove one more decision and start focusing on what to pack instead? Here is your complete guide to the major cruise line drink packages, and all the information you need to decide which one is right for you.

Carnival Cruises

Photo: Carnival Corp

There are two options for drinks packages available on Carnival Cruises: Bottomless Bubbles (soft drinks and juices only, $6.95 child and $9.50 adult, per day) and Cheers! (as the name implies, this one offers wine, beer, and cocktails—in addition to soft drinks, juices, teas, and coffee, starting at $59.95 per day).

Pros: While wine-by-the-glass and cocktails (under $20 on the menu) are included in the Cheers! package, you also get 25 percent off a bottle of wine or Champagne, and glasses on the menu over $20, in case you want to splurge a night or two.

Cons: Carnival Cruises’ cocktail and beer lists are more in-depth than its wine selections. If you’re more of a wine drinker, looking for higher-end labels, this might not be too enticing.

Celebrity Cruises

Photo: Celebrity Cruises

There are two alcohol packages on Celebrity Cruises: Classic (covers drinks up to $10, for $89 per day) and Premium (covers drinks up to $17 for $109 per day), and three non-alcoholic options, too.

Pros: The Premium Non-Alcoholic Package expands beyond soda, coffee, and teas. Coconut water, normally a costly choice, is also unlimited. There’s also a Wines by the Bottle option, sold in three, five, or seven bottles in each package — perfect if you’re traveling in a group.

Cons: In some of the spirits categories, there are twice as many options with the Premium Package, which is more expensive.

Cunard has four main drinks packages available. For those looking for a non-alcoholic option, there’s the Premium Soft Drinks bundle. For $30 you can enjoy soft drinks, small bottled waters, juices, hot drinks, and non-alcoholic cocktails. For coffee and tea lovers, a hot drinks package includes illy specialty coffees, Tea Forté infusions, and hot chocolates for $12.50. If you want unlimited soft drinks, that’s $10.

Cunard’s Beers, Wines, and Spirits option allows you to order an array of beers, wines, spirits, liqueurs, and cocktails costing up to $13.50 per serving. This includes soft drinks too and you’ll also receive a 20 percent discount on drinks priced above $13.50. The package costs $70 for voyages over five nights and $85 for trips under five nights. For those passionate about wine, you can choose between two signature collections, or create your own. Bottles can be enjoyed in restaurants, bars, or the comfort of your stateroom. This varies in price and offers up to 20 percent off regular wine list prices.

Pros: The Beers, Wines, and Spirits Package also gives you 20 percent discount to Cunard Wine Academy and Cocktail Master Class activities. Double measures for spirits and premium mixers are available on request. Packages include a 15 percent service charge, so that’s another thing not to worry about.

Cons: It seems a little unfair to charge more to those taking a voyage under five days.

Disney Cruise Line

Disney is one of the few cruise lines that do things a little differently. Rather than having an unlimited package, you can purchase a set number of drinks at a discounted price. Overall this saves you money compared to purchasing beverages individually on-board. And while this might not be great for those looking to sink trays of pina coladas by the pool, Disney is family-centric, so this is no serious booze cruise.

That said, there are some packages you can choose from. There are two wine options available, the Classic Wine and the Premium packages. Each offers a superb selection of bottles. Prices vary. For seven bottles the Classic will set you back $199, and the Premium $309. You can drink all seven in one night if you’d like, and you can take any open bottles back to your stateroom. The beer option ultimately offers you six beers for the price of five. And there’s a pretty long list to choose from.

Pros: If you don’t manage to drink all of your bottles of wine, you can take up to two with you when you disembark. Both the wine and beer lists are extensive. Drinks overall are not expensive either. A glass of wine ranges from $8 to $17, and a beer will set you back around $6.50 to $9. Prices include gratuity.

Cons: For those looking for unlimited drinks, this is not the best option. However, it could also be a good thing as Disney is quite magical enough.

Holland America Line

This cruise line’s Signature Beverage Package ($54.95 per day) includes drinks priced at $15 or lower, such as alcohol (wine, beer, spirits, and cocktails) and non-alcoholic beverages (sodas and specialty coffees).

Pros: Fold the Signature Beverage Package into Holland America Line’s Have It All Cruise Package (which also includes — for a week or less sail — one shore excursion, one specialty-dining experience, and Wi-Fi throughout, $60 — $100 per day) and it’s even more of a tempting deal.

Cons: There’s only one drinks package so if you really want the premium tiers of drinks you may have to pay a la carte for those.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Photo: Norwegian Cruise Line

Five drinks packages are offered by Norwegian Cruise Line, two of which are non-alcoholic (Unlimited Soda Package, at $9.95 per day; and Unlimited Starbucks Package, at $12.95 per day). Then, for alcoholic options, there’s the Premium Beverage Package (covers up to $15 drinks for coffee, wine, beer, spirits, fountain sodas, coffee, and teas for $109 per day) and the Premium Plus Beverage Package ($138 per day). The differences between the two come down to lower-end and higher-end wine and spirits.

Pros: Although the lower-priced of the two, there’s nothing left to be desired with the Premium Beverage Package, including 20 wines by the glass and hundreds of spirits and cocktails options.

Cons: For some, sipping a flute of Veuve Clicquot makes or breaks the sailing. If that’s you, then get the Premium Plus Beverage Package.

MSC Cruises

Photo: MSC Cruises

Two of MSC Cruises ’ five drink packages (Alcohol-Free Package and Minors Package) cater to dry sailors, too with mocktails, sodas, energy drinks, mineral and flavored waters, fruit juices, coffee drinks, hot chocolate, and tea. For the Easy Package (starts at $42 per day), Easy Plus Package (covers drinks up to $10 from $58 per day), and Premium Extra Package (covers drinks up to $16 from $79 per day), you get all that plus the alcohol.

Pros: Just like kids sail free on many MSC Cruises sailings, two drinks packages (Minors and Alcohol-Free) cater to little ones, too.

Cons: Only two beer brands are covered in the Easy Package — Heineken and Miller Lite — and no frozen classic cocktails.

P&O Cruises

Like most cruise lines, you get a discount if you book before you leave. With P&O this is a generous 10 percent. The packages are available on any route of five nights or more. Each person is limited to 15 drinks within a 24-hour period (which begins at 6:00 AM). If you exceed this, you’ll have to purchase drinks with a 20 percent discount. There are four tiers beginning at an average price of $13 up to around $67 for the Delux. The cheapest package includes Pepsi, juice, and lemonade, and the most expensive allows you to choose from an extended range of cocktails and wines, craft beers, and dessert and fortified wines.

Pros: The new Deluxe Package was launched in 2023 and offers a much wider range of spirits, wines, and cocktails.

Cons: Every adult in the same cabin must have the same drinks package, which means no sharing.

Princess Cruises

Among the simplest of the cruise lines’ drink packages (in terms of deciphering all the options), Princess Cruises offers only four options : Zero Alcohol Package (covers non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks up to $20 on the menu, for $84.99 per day), Premier Coffee and Soda Package (coffee and teas, hot chocolate, sodas, mocktails, energy drinks, smoothies and milkshakes, for $29.99 per day) and Classic Soda Package (sodas, fruit juices, mocktails and smoothies, for $14.99 per day).

Pros: Got a sweet tooth? Milkshakes and coffee frappes are covered in the Premier Beverage Package. You also get 25 percent off bottles of wine with that package. Another add-on value is with the Premier Coffee & Soda Package: a 25 percent discount on bottles of water and cans of soda or juice (otherwise they are fountain drinks).

Cons: Even with the drinks package, wine-by-the-glass selections are limited if you’re not in a specialty-dining restaurant, so plan your meals accordingly.

Royal Caribbean

From the Classic Soda Package (from $12.99 to $15 per day) to the Deluxe Beverage Package (includes alcohol and non-alcohol drinks, from $56 to $105 per day), everyone’s palate is covered in the cruise line’s four different drinks packages , including one where Evian water can be bought by the case and brought to the room.

Pros: Wine drinkers love the 40 percent discount on bottles with the Deluxe Beverage Package.

Cons: A lot of cruise lines include coffee and soda in the same drinks package, but not here. For specialty coffee in your package, you’ll need to upgrade from the Classic Soda Package to the Refreshment Package (from $29 to $38 per day).

Seabourn Cruise Line

Photo: Seabourn Cruise Line

Seabourn offers complimentary beer, wine, Champagne, and spirits at all times during the cruise. They also have Wine Collector Packages , which are available for an additional cost. This added extra allows you to order from the Reserve Wine Menu. The menu includes a hand-selected collection from the world’s most exceptional wine-producing regions. There are three tiers starting at $350 each offering a bonus amount towards an extra bottle of your choice.

Pros: The included cost means you don’t have to worry about the differing tiers of drink packages. The onboard sommeliers purchase local wines along the route so expect a nice variety onboard.

Cons: This is luxury cruising, so expect a hefty price point for your standard ticket.

Virgin Voyages

Photo: Virgin Voyages

Richard Branson’s cruise line offers Essential Drinks on Us for free on every sailing. This includes filtered still and sparkling waters, non-pressed juices, sodas, teas, and coffee. There isn’t a drink package per se like other cruise lines with daily fees but you can drop $300 on a pre-paid tab which gets you an extra $50.

Pros: Virgin Voyages hired top-notch mixologists (like James Beard Award winner Charles Joly, the Academy Awards’ official bartender) to develop a drinks menu. Also, you can use this pre-paid bar tab for others in your party.

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• Seabourn Cruise Line

Wine/beer choices?

By snowmc , April 15, 2017 in Seabourn Cruise Line

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We are considering sailing to Alaska this summer. Does anyone have a copy of the wine and beer list available onboard? We have never sailed on Seabourn. Just curious if they offer lower quality beverages in order to get passengers to buy an upgraded package like other lines do.

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Overall I'd say the quality of the included beverages is good. I'm not sure what other cruise lines you'd compare to, but certainly in my experience the quality matches Silversea's included beverages.

Someone will probably be along soon who can post a recent included wines list. Despite the marketing claims, they're not fine wines, but invariably you can find something drinkable amongst them. As far as I know there isn't a list of beers, at least I've never seen one.

Seabourn doesn't offer an 'upgrade package' for most alcoholic beverages although you can choose fine wines from the premium (payable) wine list. . You can also buy a package of pre-selected wines ahead of your cruise or you can have a chat with the Head Sommelier and make up your own package of several bottles of wine from the premium list if you like. They offer a discount on this if you ask them nicely ;)

For beer, if it's something fairly unusual you can request it for your in-suite mini bar ahead of your cruise, just be sure to give plenty of notice. The suite stewardess will keep your mini bar replenished for the duration. There's usually a good choice onboard anyway.

You didn't mention spirits but Seabourn doesn't skimp here. Included vodka choices on my last SB cruise were such as Grey Goose, Ketel One, Belvedere as well as Absolut, Smirnoff etc. I don't drink other spirits so my fellow posters can add more here.

It's probably easiest if you tell us what brands you like and we can then let you know if SB usually has them onboard.

Whisky. Glenlivet, glenmorangie, glenfiddich

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There's an included wine list here on this post from a year ago. Please note that the wines are subject to change, although some of these have been offered for the last 4 or 5 years or so on each SB cruise I've taken. Also they often have additional odd bottles that aren't on the list.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=49830351&postcount=1

Thank you everyone. This has been very helpful. We usually sail with Celebrity and get their premium beverage package. We do like spirits, so it is helpful to see that SB includes premium brands. For wines, we drink Sav. Blancs from New Zealand and enjoy various red wines. Nice to see the wines included are not the "grocery store" variety that many lines offer. For beers, husband likes craft style beers from around the world. I'm sure SB offers a good selection.

Camillus112

My DH could get his favorite Belgian Leffe beer when we last cruised on Seabourn.

They do upcharge for wines like Silver Oak Cabernet or Veuve Cliquot champagne. However, Their house cabs and champagnes are very drinkable.

As for beer, I don't recall a lot of craft beers on the menu, but they had all the standards at no charge like Bud Light, Stella Artois, Heineken, Guinness. They really aim to please. I wanted Miller Lite for my room fridge and they did not have it. However, they went to town in the first port and bought me a 12 pack of miller Lite!

They do upcharge for wines like Silver Oak Cabernet or Veuve Cliquot champagne. However, Their house cabs and champagnes are very drinkable.   As for beer, I don't recall a lot of craft beers on the menu, but they had all the standards at no charge like Bud Light, Stella Artois, Heineken, Guinness. They really aim to please. I wanted Miller Lite for my room fridge and they did not have it. However, they went to town in the first port and bought me a 12 pack of miller Lite!

That's what I call customer service! I would expect an uncharge for wines like Silver Oak and Veuve....definitely top shelf products. Nice to know they will do what is possible to keep the passenger happy.

The beer varieties available usually depend on where the ship has been cruising.

Sojourn will have been in Asia, so there will probably be some Asian and Japanese beer available as well as the usual US and European.

Last cruise we were on, the Quest had just circumnavigated the U.K. There was an amazing variety of beer and stouts available.

I found different bars had a different selection, just ask the barman.

Depends on your personal preference. The basics are good, unless you have favorites in which case you may (as we do) purchase premium wines for some lunches and dinners, but not necessary unless you are finicky as are we.

Just off Quest's transatlantic.

Each day and evening they feature a red and a white wine, I would guess in the $12-15 range in the stores in the US. Pinot grigios, chardonnays, blends, cabs, merlots, all made their appearance. If you prefer, they have 2-3 others available also. They generally were pretty good, except one Tempranillo I didn't like.

I only ordered off the premium list twice, in the Grill, because I had onboard cash to use up. There I had a nice Brunello, a likely 25-28 in the US, for which the tab was $99. And a nice Pouilly Fume which ran $89. Their list went from about $40 on up to the $500 range. Overpriced, yes, but basically free for me, as I have enough ship's shirts.

Ship's choices were by and large quite good. And the benefit is you can have as much or as little as you wish.

There's an included wine list here on this post from a year ago. Please note that the wines are subject to change, although some of these have been offered for the last 4 or 5 years or so on each SB cruise I've taken. Also they often have additional odd bottles that aren't on the list.   http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=49830351&postcount=1

Do you know if they offer a Pinot Grigio. Going on our first Seabourn cruise with a friend who only drinks this wine. Didn't see it on the list.

They usually do. But just in case, your friend may want to email SB guest services in advance to special request it.

I'll be amazed if they don't. There seems no escape from this wine, its everywhere!

Usually they offer Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio.

On that list posted above I recognized about half from our just completed transatlantic. Seems to me the choice on ours was wider.

I assure you, there was pinot grigio available every day and in every bar. The gentleman will not suffer.

Agree. I'm sure there is more on offer. Anyone with more recent info on this topic for us winos?

Sent from my iPad using Forums

I'm sorry, I've only just seen this post. Concur with the others, there is always at least one Pinot Grigio onboard. Usually the Santa Margherita mentioned previously. Depending which area of the world your cruise is in there will likely be others too.

As I said when I linked to that specimen wine list, there are always more bottles to choose from than show up on that list, it was posted just as an example.

Agree. I'm sure there is more on offer. Anyone with more recent info on this topic for us winos?     Sent from my iPad using Forums

Which wines are available can differ from ship to ship and from week to week. When is your cruise and on which ship?

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Seabourn announce Traditional Owners, Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit      LEARN MORE

Sail of the Year

For a limited time only, until February 29, Seabourn’s exclusive Sail of the Year is your best opportunity to sail away in ultra-luxury with savings up to 25% on our Ocean and Expedition voyages and a reduced 15% deposit . Book by January 31 and enrich your experience even more with up to $1,000USD per suite shipboard credit . Mark your calendar now for Seabourn’s Sail of the Year, and get ready for moments you’ll treasure for years to come.

Why Seabourn?

Intimate ships with a private yacht-like atmosphere.

All ocean-front suites luxuriously appointed

Intuitive, personalized service

Complimentary premium spirits and fine wines

Complimentary caviar, world-class dining and culinary experiences, all dining venues are complimentary, welcome champagne and complimentary in-suite bar, guest testimonials, seabourn guest testimonials, announcing  2025 seabourn pursuit new kimberley and south pacific voyages.

Rounding out Seabourn Pursuit’s 2025 season, we are pleased to announce the addition of 13 more expedition voyages to over 40 destinations departing between August and September, curated to bring you closer and deeper to wildlife, history, and new cultures that few will ever see.

Seabourn welcomes you to all-inclusive, luxury cruising refined to its purest form. Where hand-selected itineraries take you to places beyond the reach of larger ships.

The seabourn all-inclusive difference.

Intimate ships with a private yacht-like atmosphere masterfully designed by iconic hospitality atelier Tihany Design*

All ocean-front suites luxuriously appointed, most with a private veranda

Intuitive, personalized service provided by team passionate about exceeding guests expectations

Complimentary premium spirits and fine wines available on board at all times 

Complimentary caviar, an extra indulgence offered throughout your voyage

World-class dining and culinary experiences that rival the finest restaurants anywhere

All dining venues are complimentary, dine where, when and with whom you wish 

Welcome Champagne and complimentary in-suite bar stocked with your preferences  

Tipping is neither required, nor expected 

Seabourn Conversations, connecting with visionary experts 

Curated voyages to all seven continents delivering award-winning authentic experiences

Ventures by Seabourn®, optional shore excursions, enhance and extend your experience in select destinations**^ 

Complimentary entertainment experiences, offering a variety of shows and live music

Complimentary Wi-Fi packages with unlimited minutes powered by SpaceX's Starlink

Complimentary Signature Events: Marina Day, Caviar in the Surf®, Evening at Ephesus, Shopping with the Chef, Caviar on the Ice, Polar Plunge, and more

Spa & Wellness with Dr. Andrew Weil, featuring an exclusive mindful living program** 

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From the moment you arrive, everything about your trip just flows. Your entire experience - beautifully choreographed and seamlessly carried out, so you can relax and truly be on vacation. 

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Expedition Cruises: Where Luxury Meets Adventure

What is a seabourn expedition.

Think of it as a Safari at Sea. Our ultra-luxury purpose-built ships, Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit are your richly-appointed base camps. Your guides are our elite Expedition Team. Your 4 x 4 is a Zodiac, kayak, or six-person submarine that allows you to experience cultural encounters as well as confront rare creatures in the wild.

Seabourn announce Traditional Owners, Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit

We are thrilled to announce the Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners as godparents of Seabourn Pursuit, our newest ultra-luxury purpose-built expedition ship. The naming of Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners serves as a symbolic gesture of stewardship and responsibility toward the environment and the communities that we visit, as well as our commitment to sustainable tourism. 

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Expedition Experience

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The incredible Expedition experiences are all complemented by your “base camp” for each itinerary: an ultra-luxury, purpose-built expedition vessel in Seabourn Venture or her new sister, Seabourn Pursuit.

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Optional, guided Expedition Experiences include state-of-the-art custom-built 6-guest submarines, providing the option to extend your expedition further for greater ocean exploration, kayaks, and other destination experiences**

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Handcrafted itineraries designed to take the luxury traveler further, deeper, and closer to the most coveted and remote destinations in the world

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*At the Captain’s discretion 

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Our Expeditions are centered around authentic, personalized experiences, all facilitated by a 24-person Expedition team. This select group of academics, scientists and general naturalists share your passion for exploring and learning about some of the world's remote regions.

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5 Ways Cruise Ships Are Better Places to Drink Now

Think star bartenders, craft cocktails and drinks-focused shore excursions.

Princess Cruises

Beyond the endless shuffleboard and all-you-can eat buffets, there’s another reason people book cruise vacations: to drink. Booze is the number one cash cow on most major cruise lines, accounting for roughly one third of all onboard revenue. That’s more than food, shopping and entertainment.

And to what can be attributed our sudden thirst on the high seas? Over the past few years, cruise companies have doubled down on their beverage programs, including drink-making classes, locavore wine lists and celebrity bartenders. Say goodbye to the days of the watered-down deckside Piña Colada and hello to the glorious future of big-boat drinking. These are five trends pushing the cruise business into the booze business.

Big Name Bartenders Join the Fleet

Holland America’s Elite Beverage package lets passengers taste some of legendary barman Dale DeGroff’s top cocktails like a Sidecar riff called the Ritz Carlton, and the genever-based Midnight Sun, created to celebrate 70 years of the cruise line exploring Alaska. Crystal Cruises has long worked with Tony Abou-Ganim, and Seabourn cruise line has partnered with Brian Van Flandern, named America’s Top Mixologist by Food Network. Van Flandern’s role includes upgrading bar offerings, creating handcrafted drinks that utilize ingredients procured from local markets that ships visit, and training staff across the fleet on classic and modern drinks.

Boats Are the New Beverage Schools

U by Uniworld

“The new generation of travelers is seeking immersive experiences,” says Ellen Bettridge, the CEO of U by Uniworld , a river cruise line. Cocktails, beer and wines hailing from the current port city are served on-board, where guests are encouraged to grab a brush, canvas and glass during a wine and painting class or perfect their smoked Manhattan skills at immersive cocktail sessions led by the boat’s bartenders. After the paint dries, passengers are invited to lounge with their liquid masterpiece on a daybed on the deck while watching Old Europe pass by.

Boutique Shore Excursions Are Born

It used to be that shore excursions were for those who wanted to go snorkeling or climb a Mayan ruin. But nowadays you’re just as likely to disembark for an afternoon of Margaritas and salsa-making in Mazatlán or a history lesson on the significance of Russian vodka in St. Petersburg. All are offered on Princess Cruises in collaboration with Bon Appétit. On select Crystal Cruises excursions during port days, oenophiles can taste the island’s namesake wine on Madeira at a family-run producer in Funchal, slurp oysters and sip local bottles in Tasmania and discover South African chenin blanc and pinotage along the Western Cape.

“These boutique excursions are available to an extremely limited number of participants,” says Ross Martin, the corporate beverage manager of Crystal Cruises. “Intimate and enriching, they allow guests to explore a particular topic of interest or destination in depth with the guidance of a local expert in a private setting.”

Cocktail Menus Tell a Story

Princess Cruises and master bartender Rob Floyd recently unveiled a new drink menu mirroring the destinations of its 17 ships. It includes 20 drinks such as the Mayan Heat, a Margarita with muddled jalapeño; and the Italian Sunset, made with gin, Aperol, lemon and Angostura bitters. “While our guests will always love umbrella drinks, they’re also expecting a wider, more modern selection of beverages that reflect the global palate,” says Bob Midyette, the director of guest beverage operations.

Crystal Cruises pays homage to Iberian Gin & Tonic culture, which Martin describes as “the Spanish-style freedom to dream up innovative recipes using the freshest ingredients and garnishes.” Nineteen variants are served in large copa de balon glasses, like the April in Positano (made with Gordon’s gin, limoncello, Campari and Mediterranean tonic water) and the Tonic Delight (made with Sipsmith gin, rose water, grapefruit bitters, Indian tonic water, a grapefruit slice and rosebuds.)

New Ships Stack the Deck

Virgin Voyages

While veteran cruise lines have the difficult job of convincing guests that they’ve graduated from the dark ages of “Love Boat”-level blender drinks, new companies are hitting the water full steam ahead. The adults-only Virgin Voyages cruise line debuted its first ship, the Scarlet Lady, in 2020. It’s going all-in on its beverage offerings, including freshly made-to-order craft cocktails at its bars. Soju shots kick off every meal at its Korean barbecue restaurant Geonbae. And during drag brunches at veggie-forward casual restaurant Razzle Dazzle, sailors can quaff the Yaasss Queen!, made with hibiscus, ginger, ruby-red disco dust, Hella citrus bitters and bubbles, or the Rizzle Dizzle, a mix of gin, lime, elderflower, tonic, black pepper, egg white and CBD-oil-infused foam.

Is it cheaper to buy a drinks package on board? Here's what cruise passengers should know.

A latte in the morning here, a piña colada by the pool there. On a cruise, ordering drinks can rack up a steep bill before you know it.

Though beverages like water, regular coffee, iced tea and lemonade are generally included in cruise fares, others cost extra. That’s where drink packages come in handy.

The optional add-ons broaden the range of beverages you can order without worrying about incurring charges each time. But they aren’t always worth it, and it can be cheaper to quench your thirst a la carte.

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“What I tell clients is: Do the math on it,” said Rusty Pickett, a travel adviser and owner of Shellback Cruises.

What do cruise drink packages include?

“Each cruise line has a different package system,” Pickett said. The packages typically range from more limited soda or coffee packages to those that cover a wide range of alcohol and other drinks.

Carnival offers a Bottomless Bubbles package that includes sodas and juice. The line’s Cheers! package includes those, plus spirits, beer and wine by the glass priced at $20 or less, specialty coffee and more (guests can order only one drink at a time and are limited to 15 alcoholic drinks in 24 hours). Carnival also offers wine-specific packages. 

Be sure to read the fine print, too, because there are often restrictions. On Royal Caribbean International ships, for example, beverage packages exclude drinks served in licensed Starbucks stores.

How much do cruise drink packages cost?

Beverage packages are typically priced per person, per day and sold for the duration of a cruise. Starting prices vary but can range from $10 to $15 for soda and specialty coffee packages to upward of $100 for those that include alcohol. Pickett also noted that a number of lines have raised drink package prices in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The aforementioned Cheers!, Carnival's most comprehensive package, starts at $59.95 per person, per day, while the Bottomless Bubbles package starts at $6.95 for kids and $9.50 for adults. During a recent cruise on the line’s newest ship, Jubilee , cocktails at new venues Dr.Inks, Ph.D., and The Golden Mermaid were priced at $14 a la carte, plus an 18% gratuity charge. Beverage packages generally include gratuities, Pickett said.

The most I racked up in a single day on Jubilee – for two lattes at the ship's JavaBlue Cafe and Marina Bar; two bottles of water in my stateroom; and one cocktail at the Marina Bar that night (plus additional gratuities I added) – was $34.86.

“When (clients) want to talk it through, it's usually about how much you drink per day,” said Valerie Dorsey, a franchise owner and travel adviser at Cruise Planners. “And if you're only going to have one or two drinks, even at $15 a drink, it's still cheaper than buying a $100-a-day package.”

Mainstream cruise lines may offer lower prices if guests purchase a package advance, according to Dorsey (luxury lines tend to include more in their fares, including drinks). Operators may also bundle them as part of other offers.

Even if not for cost savings, Pickett and Dorsey both said some travelers are drawn to drink packages for the convenience. “They're willing to pay money for not being nickeled-and-dimed when they go up to the bar,” Pickett said.

Does everyone in the cabin need to get the drink package?

Often, all guests of legal drinking age in the same stateroom are required to purchase a drink package if any guest in the cabin buys one, including the Cheers! package and Royal Caribbean's Deluxe Beverage Package .

Can I buy a drink package midcruise?

Even if you don't buy a drink package beforehand, you're not out of luck. Passengers may be able to buy them after they board, depending on when they make the purchase.

Royal Caribbean, for instance, sells drink packages on the first or second day of cruises four nights or longer; for sailings three nights or less, they're sold only on the first day. Celebrity Cruises (also part of Royal Caribbean Group), meanwhile, sells them up until three days before the end of a cruise.

Prices would be prorated on a per-day basis.

Can I bring my own drinks on a cruise?

Yes, depending on what it is. Beer and hard liquor are not allowed , but guests can bring wine or champagne to enjoy during their sailing – though Dorsey warned they will probably have to pay a corkage fee if they want to drink them outside their cabin.

For example, Princess Cruises charges $20 “should guests wish to consume their wine or champagne in the ship’s public areas,” according to its passage contract.

Guests may also be able to bring non-alcoholic drinks like bottled water, sodas and milk, but policies vary by line.

Dorsey also noted that if guests don’t mind going without espresso-based drinks or cocktails, they can opt not to buy a drink package at all. “I say to clients, ‘You don't have to put up extra money on a cruise if you don't want to.’ ”

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is it cheaper to buy a drinks package on board? Here's what cruise passengers should know.

MSC Cruises drink packages: Prices, inclusions and how to save money on onboard beverages

A sailaway from port doesn't seem quite as celebratory without a glass of Champagne or cocktail in hand. But if you don't have a drink package for your cruise , ordering these sailaway glasses of bubbly every day — and a glass of wine at lunch and dinner — can add up quickly during a weeklong vacation.

If you're sailing with MSC Cruises , the line offers five options for all-inclusive drink packages, with two for nonalcoholic beverages. If you know you'll be imbibing daily, it might be worth purchasing a drink package rather than buying cocktails a la carte. Also, bottled mineral water, soft drinks, specialty coffees and soft-serve ice cream on some ships (gasp!) are not included in your cruise fare, so you'll have to factor in the additional cost of those beverages — and the beloved frozen treat — along with any alcohol you plan to consume.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

We've broken down the list of MSC Cruises' drink packages to explore which refreshments are (or are not) included and the cost per person, per day. We've also answered the most frequently asked questions to help you determine whether or not a drink package will save you money on your next cruise.

What's included in MSC Cruises' drink packages?

Here are the details of MSC Cruises' five drink packages. If one passenger books a drink package, all guests traveling together in the same cabin and dining at the same table must also book a package. Beverage packages are not transferable, and you cannot use them to buy drinks for friends.

None of the drink packages include items purchased at the signature venues, which include Venchi 1878 (chocolate, coffee and gelato), Lavazza (coffee), Jean Philippe (chocolate, coffee, crepes and gelato), Starship Club (robotic bartender on MSC Virtuosa) and Hola! Tacos & Cantina.

Related: What is the best cruise ship cafe? I spill the tea on the best cups of joe at sea

Minors Package

The Minors Package is for children ages 3 to 17 on European itineraries and ages 3 to 12 in the Caribbean and North America. It must be purchased when underage guests are traveling with adults who've purchased a beverage package.

This package covers a wide variety of nonalcoholic beverages. They include mocktails, fresh fruit and protein cocktails, energy drinks, flavored water, sodas by the glass or bottle, hot beverages (think regular coffee and tea) and soft-serve ice cream. (Note that soft-serve ice cream is complimentary only on MSC ships sailing from the U.S.)

Related: Which cruise ice cream is the best? I ate dozens of scoops to find out

Guests can use the package to purchase drinks in the self-service buffet; the main restaurant; on Ocean Cay , the line's private island; and at bars on the ship. Kids can only use the package in the specialty restaurants if the adults traveling with them have purchased an Easy Plus or Premium Extra package.

Alcohol-Free Package

The Alcohol-Free Package includes the same beverages as the Minors Package, but it's available to purchase for adults (or anyone 13 and older in the Caribbean and North America).

The same restrictions apply regarding where you can (and cannot) use the package on and off the ship.

Easy Package

MSC's Easy Package offers both alcoholic and nonalcoholic options for adult passengers. The list of covered beverages includes select classic or international cocktails; a variety of spirits (vodka, gin, rum, tequila, brandy and whisky); house wines (white, red, rose and sparkling); Heineken on draft or in the bottle (the brand of beer may vary); nonalcoholic cocktails and mixed drinks; fountain or canned soft drinks; fruit juices by the glass or in the bottle; bottled mineral water; and hot drinks such as espressos, cappuccinos, lattes, hot tea and hot chocolate.

You can use the package in the bars, the main restaurant and the buffet, and on Ocean Cay, but not in the specialty restaurants or signature venues.

Easy Plus Package

The next upgrade in MSC Cruises' drink packages is the Easy Plus option, which covers drinks up to $10. The included beverages with the package are a selection of classic and frozen cocktails; protein shakes and fresh fruit cocktails; well spirits, liqueurs and cordials; a variety of bottled and draught beers; mocktails and all nonalcoholic beverages; bottled mineral water; and the hot drinks included in the Easy Package mentioned above.

The Easy Plus Package also provides a selection of wines by the glass and a 10% discount on bottles of wine. You can use this package in the main restaurant, at the bars, in the buffet, on Ocean Cay and in the specialty dining venues. It is not available to use in the signature venues.

Related: 8 best drinks to order with a cruise ship beverage package (and 3 to avoid)

Premium Extra Package

If you enjoy Champagne, fine wines and premium spirits, you'll want to splurge on MSC's Premium Extra Package for your cruise vacation.

This package covers drinks up to $16; a wide selection of international and premium cocktails; mocktails and nonalcoholic drinks; premium spirits, liqueurs and cordials; fresh fruit and protein cocktails; a wide variety of draft and bottled beers; bottled mineral water; and classic or specialty hot drinks (Irish coffee, anyone?).

You can also purchase bottles of wine and Champagne at a 25% discount and order fine wines and Champagne by the glass (up to $16). You can use the package everywhere except for the signature venues.

If you've reserved accommodations in the MSC Yacht Club, the line's ship-within-a-ship private enclave, you will automatically receive the Premium Extra Package as part of your cruise fare. You may use it to purchase beverages at the Top Sail Lounge and exclusive restaurant in the Yacht Club and at any of the complimentary or specialty dining venues around the ship.

What are the MSC drink package prices?

MSC's package pricing is based on the length of the cruise, with longer voyages having a lower price per day. You'll save at least 15% on the price if you purchase the package online before your cruise rather than on board. (The current prices listed below come in at even higher savings.) All gratuities are included in the prices.

The following package prices are per person, per day.

• Advance purchase: One- to six-night cruise, $21; seven-night or longer cruise, $19
• Onboard purchase: One- to six-night cruise, $25; seven-night or longer cruise, $22
• Advance purchase: One- to six-night cruise, $30; seven-night or longer cruise, $28
• Onboard purchase: One- to six-night cruise, $35; seven-night or longer cruise, $33
• Advance purchase: One- to six-night cruise, $49; seven-night or longer cruise, $46
• Onboard purchase: One- to six-night cruise, $60; seven-night or longer cruise, $57
• Advance purchase: One- to six-night cruise, $64; seven-night or longer cruise, $61
• Onboard purchase: One- to six-night cruise, $76; seven-night or longer cruise, $72
• Advance purchase: One- to six-night cruise, $88; seven-night or longer cruise, $85
• Onboard purchase: One- to six-night cruise, $104; seven-night or longer cruise, $100

You can also take advantage of MSC's special promotions on select sailings that include a beverage package. For example, a current promotion online has 40% off cruise fares and includes a drink package (the Easy Plus Package), Wi-Fi and up to $400 of onboard credit per cabin, depending on the category booked. You can upgrade the drink package before you sail (at a discounted price) or once on board the ship for full price.

Related: How to get free or cheap drinks on a cruise

MSC cruise drink packages FAQ

What happens if I want to purchase a drink that costs more than the package allowance price?

If you want to order a cocktail, glass of wine or spirit that's not included in the package you've purchased, you will only pay the difference in price between the package allowance and the price of your beverage.

Are the drink offerings the same on all MSC Cruises?

You'll find a variety in the selection of beverages and ingredients used to make cocktails, depending on the destination of your MSC cruise and the time of year. If you thoroughly enjoyed one type of wine during your summer cruise in the Mediterranean, you might not be able to order the same wine on board your Caribbean cruise during the holidays.

Related: 17 best cruise ship bars

What is the best time to buy MSC Cruises drink packages?

As I mentioned above, it's best to purchase your drink package online before your cruise for the lowest price. The MSC Cruises website advertises discounts of up to 15% when you purchase in advance of your sailing rather than on board the ship. Once your cruise is booked, you can select the package of your choice for your voyage under the "Manage Your Booking" section.

Are drink packages available on MSC Cruises ships?

Drink packages are available on all MSC Cruises ships, except for vessels sailing to South Africa or China.

Is a drink package included if I book a world cruise?

The line's Dine & Drinks package is included if you're embarking on a world cruise with MSC. The package covers house wines, draft beer, soft drinks and mineral water at the buffet and in the main restaurant during lunch and dinner. This package is only available to guests sailing on the world cruise; it is possible to upgrade the package.

Can you upgrade an MSC Cruises drink package?

Yes, all passengers have the option to upgrade their packages. Before your sailing, upgrades are only available if the package is included in your cruise promotion; the upgrade will be available at a discounted price. Otherwise, you can upgrade your beverage package once you board the ship, but it will be at full price.

Is there a limit on drinks with an MSC Cruises drink package?

The all-inclusive packages do not put a limit on the number of alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, bottled mineral waters or other drinks you can order each day.

Is an MSC Cruises drink package right for you?

If you enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail or aperitif, have a glass of wine (or two) at dinner and possibly even splurge on a chocolate martini for an after-dinner drink at the show, a drink package could be a worthwhile investment for your cruise.

Many people also prefer bottled water over the free water available at the dining venues and lattes or cappuccinos over regular coffee in the morning. If that's you, the cost of the individual nonalcoholic and alcoholic beverages can add up quickly during a weeklong cruise. And you could pay a lot more for purchasing a la carte drinks than you would with a beverage package, especially if you plan on ordering fancy wines and specialty cocktails.

For example, if you're on a four-night cruise, the Easy Plus Package will cost you $64 per person, per day, which includes gratuities, for a total of $208. There is no limit to either the nonalcoholic or alcoholic beverages you consume, so if want one or two lattes to start your day, have a glass of wine and bottled water at lunch and have a few bottled waters by the pool, you're probably already at about half of the daily price (or more) of the package if you were purchasing the items individually.

Add to that a pre-dinner drink, a glass of wine or two at dinner with bottled mineral water, and then maybe a cocktail later in the evening, and you're easily past that $64 per day — and you've had to pay gratuities on the bar bills.

Related: Are cruise line drink packages worth the price? What to know before you buy

An advantage of buying one of the two higher-tier packages is the discount on bottles of wine. If you enjoy ordering bottles of fine wine at dinner, then this could be a plus if you have one of the more expensive packages.

If you're cruising in the Middle East, you should know that MSC Cruises will not serve alcohol due to Saudi law while the ship is docked in a Saudi Arabian port. Alcohol will be served again once the ship is sailing in international waters. But if you have a few days in Saudi Arabia, that's something to consider when purchasing a beverage package.

Bottom line

Doing the math is the best way to determine if a drink package makes sense. If you think you'll want all the beverages that come at an extra cost on the ship, then the best option is to purchase a package pre-cruise online. Buying the package beforehand affords the most significant discount and will save money over waiting to purchase it on board the ship.

Also, if you're traveling with someone in the same cabin (or you plan to dine with them) and they want a drink package, you won't have the choice to purchase a package — you'll have to spring for one, too.

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I worked on cruises for 3 years. Here are 6 things I'd never do on board.

• I used to work on cruises. After many days at sea, there are things I'd never do on a cruise .
• I never wear my room key around my neck and try to avoid misnaming the ship.
• I never buy the drink package or pay for meal upgrades in the main dining room.

I've sailed around the world as a cruise-ship employee , and now I enjoy cruising as a passenger.

I love the salty sea air, waking up in a new country, and lazy days by the pool, but a week at sea could get more complicated this year with cruises predicted to be in high demand .

While fighting a little harder to secure a prime seat on the pool deck, you may as well also avoid some rookie mistakes.

Here are six things I'd never do on a cruise after working on them for three years.

Pay for upgrades in the main dining room

Typically, main dining room meals are included in the cost of a cruise. But in recent years, it's become common for cruise lines to charge guests extra if they want to upgrade to "supplementary" items like lobster or certain steaks.

I know $12 may not seem like much for a steak or lobster tail at dinner, but the cost of the cruise is supposed to include your food.

So, even though I enjoy lobster, I stick with the items without the upcharges.

Buy the drink package

I enjoy a piña colada by the pool or a Manhattan while listening to a jazz set after dinner. Even so, it doesn't make sense for me to pay in advance for 12 to 15 cocktails a day.

I've done the math on typical unlimited drink packages , and the cost simply isn't worth it for me.

This is especially true with a port-heavy itinerary. If I've gone ashore to explore all day, that means I'm not sidled up to the bar slurping down alcoholic slushies.

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I prefer to buy as I go and take advantage of happy hour and other drink specials that are available on certain cruise lines. I also check the beverage policy in advance and bring on my own wine, if allowed.

Touch shared contact surfaces with my fingers

Fellow guests will never see me touching the elevator buttons with my fingertips. Knuckles and elbows do the trick.

Some cruise lines are better than others at wiping down commonly touched surfaces, but I don't take any chances. I avoid touching things others frequently touch, and I wash my hands frequently.

This strategy has worked for me, as I have never contracted norovirus, even when it was running rampant on a ship I was on. It's quite contagious and can linger on your fingertips even after using hand sanitizer . I'd definitely rather be safe than sorry.

Wear my room key around my neck

I never walk around the ship with my room key around my neck, and I especially never do this when on land.

There are two reasons for this. First, I see many passengers using the room keys dangling from their necks to flaunt their cruise loyalty status . It just looks pretentious.

The sophisticated cruisers with the highest status, with the most days at sea, never show off their fancy room keys.

That's because they know the more important reason — safety. In port, that room key bouncing off your chest looks like an invitation to be robbed. It screams, "I have money! Come and take it from me."

Misname the ship

English is a funny language that has its quirks. Naming conventions make that even more complicated.

Ships have proper names, and so do not require a definite article. For example, "Tomorrow I am embarking on Discovery Princess," or "I enjoyed scenic cruising on MS Westerdam."

If you want to look like a savvy sailor, learn to drop the "the!"

Plan my port-day itinerary so tight that I may not make it back to the ship on time

Oh, the recurring nightmares I've had about not making it back to the ship on time during a port day.

I've never missed a sail away, but I have cut it too close at times and have had to run down a pier or two. Just recently, as a passenger, my taxi driver got lost returning our group to the port at night.

When I realized how late we were going to be, I forked over $8 per minute to be connected with the ship. I pleaded with them to wait for us. It was a sprint through the port to get back on and we received quite a scolding from the first officer.

That time, we got lucky. In the future, I'll be giving myself more time than I think I need to make it back.

Watch: Why it costs $1 million a day to run one of the world's biggest cruise ships

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