MSC Cruise Drinks Packages Explained: What to Know Before You Book

Picture the scene. You’re aboard an MSC cruise ship, the sun is shining, the sea is sparkling and you’re confidently ordering a cocktail like someone who has their life together.

Then the onboard bill arrives.

Suddenly, that cocktail has become the most expensive relationship you’ve had all holiday.

Fear not, future cruiser. Choosing the right MSC cruise drinks package before you sail can help you understand your options, plan your spending and avoid any nasty surprises when it’s time to settle the bill.

Here’s what to know before booking your next MSC cruise, with a few handy tips to help you get more from your holiday.

What Is an MSC Cruise Drinks Package?

An MSC cruise drinks package allows you to pay for an eligible selection of drinks as part of a package, rather than paying separately for every drink you order.

Depending on the package and sailing, options can cover alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, speciality coffees, teas and other beverages.

The important bit? Not every package includes the same drinks, and the terms can vary. So before you start practising your holiday bartender routine, check exactly what your chosen package offers.

Cruise Nation offers MSC cruise deals with drinks package options, including its Premium Drinks Package offers. These can make budgeting easier when the package suits your drinking habits and is included in the deal you choose.

Want to see what’s available? Explore our MSC all-inclusive cruise deals and compare the options for your next sailing.

What Is Included in the MSC Premium Drinks Package?

MSC’s Premium Drinks Package offer featured by Cruise Nation includes eligible drinks priced up to €10. The selection covers a range of beverages, including:

• Beer: Selected draught and bottled beers.
• Wine: Eligible sparkling, white, red and rosé wines by the glass.
• Cocktails: A selection of classic cocktails, subject to the package terms and drinks menu.
• Spirits: Eligible standard and premium spirits within the price limit.
• Aperitifs and liqueurs: Selected options available on the onboard menu.
• Non-alcoholic drinks: Selected soft drinks, bottled mineral water and zero-alcohol cocktails.
• Coffee and tea: Eligible coffees, hot drinks and other listed options.

The package information also states that eligible drinks can be consumed across onboard bars, the self-service buffet and restaurants, including speciality restaurants.

However, don’t assume every drink on the ship is automatically included. The price limit and package conditions matter, and premium items outside the terms may cost extra.

Think of it as a drinks menu with rules, rather than a magical tap that dispenses absolutely everything. Even on holiday, the small print occasionally wants to join the party.

Always check the current package terms and onboard menu for your specific sailing before booking.

Is an MSC Cruise All-Inclusive?

This is where things can get a little confusing.

An MSC cruise fare and an MSC all-inclusive cruise package are not necessarily the same thing. What’s included depends on the fare, any extras purchased and the specific holiday deal.

Your cruise fare will generally cover your cabin, meals in included dining venues and access to many onboard facilities and entertainment. A drinks package may be included in a particular offer or available as an additional purchase.

Your overall holiday package may also include flights, hotel accommodation, transfers or other extras, depending on the deal.

So, when comparing MSC all-inclusive cruise deals, check the complete package rather than relying on the words “all-inclusive” alone.

Ask yourself:

• Are flights included?
• Is a hotel stay included before or after the cruise?
• Is a drinks package included in the quoted price?
• Which drinks are covered by that package?
• Are gratuities included, or will they be charged separately?
• Are there any additional costs for baggage, transfers or optional experiences?

A little detective work now can save you from doing the holiday equivalent of finding a parking ticket under your windscreen wiper.

For a straightforward starting point, browse our MSC all-inclusive deals and check the individual package details.

Is an MSC Drinks Package Worth It?

The million-euro question. Well, hopefully not literally.

Whether an MSC cruise drinks package is worth it depends on what you like to drink, how often you order drinks and the cost of the package compared with buying beverages individually.

If you enjoy a mixture of coffees, soft drinks, cocktails or wine throughout the day, a package could offer convenience and help you manage your holiday budget.

If you’re more of a one-coffee-in-the-morning-and-water-for-the-rest-of-the-day sort of cruiser, paying extra for a drinks package may not make financial sense.

Here’s a simple way to think about it.

1. Work out your likely daily spend

Think about your usual holiday habits. Do you enjoy a coffee after breakfast, a soft drink by the pool, a cocktail before dinner and a glass of wine in the evening?

Add up what you would realistically spend, then compare it with the package price.

Be honest with yourself. Planning to drink twelve cocktails a day because you’re on holiday is one thing. Actually wanting twelve cocktails a day is another matter entirely.

2. Check the drinks price limit

For Cruise Nation’s featured MSC Premium Drinks Package, the stated limit is €10 per eligible drink.

If your favourite drink falls within the package terms, that’s useful. If you prefer something outside the eligible selection or above the price limit, you may need to pay extra.

Check the latest onboard menu and package rules rather than assuming your usual order will be covered.

3. Think about your whole travel party

If you’re travelling as a couple, with friends or with family, consider everyone’s preferences and the rules that apply to your booking.

Package eligibility and purchase requirements can vary, so check the terms for all passengers before making a decision.

4. Compare the total holiday price

A cheap-looking cruise can become less attractive when you start adding extras. Equally, a package with more included may represent better value for your particular needs.

Compare the full price, what’s included and any additional charges. That’s a much better way to choose than simply picking the lowest number on the screen and hoping for the best.

Five Tips for Getting More Value from Your MSC Cruise

You don’t need to remortgage the house to have a brilliant cruise holiday. A little planning can go a long way.

Tip 1: Compare deals with and without extras

Look at the full package price and compare the benefits. If a drinks package is included in one offer, check whether the difference in price makes sense for you.

Start with our MSC cruise deals to explore available sailings and offers.

Tip 2: Read the package terms before you book

Check which drinks are eligible, any price limits, where the package can be used and whether any exclusions apply.

Five minutes reading the terms beats five days wondering why your favourite drink isn’t included.

Tip 3: Budget for the extras you actually want

Excursions, speciality dining, Wi-Fi and other experiences can all add to the cost of a cruise. Decide which extras matter to you and build them into your budget.

You don’t need to buy every upgrade offered. You’re booking a holiday, not trying to complete a collection.

Tip 4: Choose your destination as well as your ship

The right itinerary can make a huge difference to your holiday. You might fancy Mediterranean sunshine, historic cities, beautiful beaches or a longer Caribbean escape.

Explore our MSC Mediterranean cruise options if sun-soaked ports and European adventures are calling.

Tip 5: Check what happens before and after the cruise

Depending on the deal, you may be able to combine your sailing with a hotel stay or extra time exploring your departure city.

A cruise-and-stay package can give you more time to discover a destination instead of racing straight from the airport to the ship like you’re competing in the world’s least glamorous obstacle course.

Explore our Cruise & Stay holidays to see how you could add another chapter to your trip.

Why Book Your MSC Cruise with Cruise Nation?

Choosing a cruise should be exciting, not an administrative endurance test.

At Cruise Nation, you can explore MSC cruise holidays and compare packages to find an option that suits your budget and travel plans. Depending on the deal, your holiday may combine your cruise with flights, hotel accommodation, transfers or drinks package benefits.

The trick is to compare what’s included and choose the package that gives you the best value for the holiday you actually want.

Whether you’re planning a Mediterranean getaway, a longer adventure or a relaxing escape at sea, start by exploring our MSC cruise deals.

And if you’d like to focus on packages featuring drinks benefits, head straight to our MSC all-inclusive cruise deals.

Your next cruise could be closer than you think. Your suitcase, meanwhile, has already started making unreasonable demands.

Frequently Asked Questions About MSC Cruise Drinks Packages

Does an MSC cruise drinks package include alcoholic drinks?

Some MSC drinks packages include eligible alcoholic drinks, such as selected beers, wines, cocktails and spirits. The selection and any price limits depend on the package. Check the terms for your sailing before booking.

Does the MSC Premium Drinks Package have a price limit?

Cruise Nation’s featured MSC Premium Drinks Package states that it covers eligible drinks priced up to €10. Check the current offer details and onboard menu for exclusions and any changes to the package.

Can I use my MSC drinks package in restaurants?

The package information featured by Cruise Nation states that eligible drinks can be consumed in onboard bars, the self-service buffet and restaurants, including speciality restaurants. Check the terms of your specific package to confirm where it applies.

Is an MSC all-inclusive cruise worth it?

It can be good value if the included benefits match your needs. Compare the total price with what you’d otherwise pay for your cruise, drinks and any other extras you want. Remember that inclusions vary between offers.

Where can I find MSC all-inclusive cruise deals?

You can compare current offers on the MSC all-inclusive page at Cruise Nation. Check the individual deal for its price, sailing dates, drinks package details and other inclusions before booking.

---

Ready to raise a glass to your next getaway? Explore MSC all-inclusive cruise deals with Cruise Nation and find a holiday that suits your plans, your budget and your preferred level of cocktail-based decision-making.