When going on a cruise, one of the most frequently asked questions by cruise passengers is “What drinks are included for free on a cruise?” With cruise lines offering a wide variety of beverage packages and drink deals, it can get confusing figuring out what is actually free and what you need to pay extra for. In this comprehensive guide, we will break down exactly what drinks are typically included for free across major cruise lines.
Water
The most basic drink that is always free on every cruise line is water. Tap water, both hot and cold, is provided free of charge in your cruise cabin and also in the ship’s restaurants and buffet areas. Some cruise lines also have water fountains or filtered water dispensers around the ship where you can get free water anytime. Bottled water is not provided free, but can be purchased from the ship’s bars or through room service.
Coffee & Tea
Regular brewed coffee and tea are also free on most cruise lines. Coffee machines and hot water for tea are usually available 24 hours a day as a self-serve station in the buffet or cafe. Specialty coffees like espressos, lattes and cappuccinos often cost extra when dining at specialty restaurants or cafes.
Juice
At breakfast time in the main dining room and buffet, there is usually a selection of free juices – typically orange juice, apple juice, cranberry juice and tomato juice. The juice is often available from dispensers rather than individual bottles or cartons. Freshly squeezed juices may be available for an extra charge.
Milk
Milk is also commonly available for free with breakfast, either from dispensers or in small single-serve containers. Options are usually skim milk or 2% milk, and sometimes chocolate milk for kids. Milk may also be obtained at no charge from room service during breakfast delivery.
Lemonade & Iced Tea
Lemonade and unsweetened iced tea are free options during lunch and dinner in the main dining rooms and buffet areas. The lemonade is usually dispensed from a machine rather than freshly squeezed. Sweetened iced tea sometimes costs extra depending on the cruise line.
Soda & Sparkling Water
Fountain sodas and sparkling water from dispensers are typically available free of charge in the main dining rooms and buffets during lunch and dinner. Common soda options are Coke, Sprite, ginger ale and sometimes root beer or lemon-lime soda. Sparkling water such as Perrier may be available in addition to still water.
Alcoholic Drinks
Most cruise lines do NOT include alcoholic beverages in their regular fares. Passengers need to pay extra for beer, wine, cocktails, spirits, specialty coffees with alcohol, etc. The exceptions are luxury lines like Crystal, Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, Silversea, and Oceania, which include house beer and wine by the glass for free at meals. A few premium cruise lines like Cunard and Disney will throw in free wine or beer with dinner. But for the majority of cruises, booze costs extra.
Bottomless Bubbles Soda Package
Many cruise lines offer a soda package, marketed under names like Bottomless Bubbles, Cheers Deluxe beverage package, etc. This allows guests unlimited fountain soda at no charge for the entire trip when dining or by the pool. Prices are typically $6-8 per person/per day. This can be a good value for soda drinkers compared to paying a la carte.
Beverage Packages
Beverage packages include a variety of drinks like premium coffees, bottled water, soda, fresh juices, and alcohol. What’s included and the price varies by cruise line. Packages might start at $20/day per person but can run up to $60/day for full premium open bar. These packages make the most sense for those planning to drink several alcoholic drinks daily.
Coffee Cards
For coffee aficionados who will take advantage of the ship’s specialty coffee bar frequently, most lines offer a coffee card for discounted espressos and other gourmet coffee drinks. A set number of coffees are included upfront for a flat rate instead of paying full a la carte prices.
Free Drinks for Casino Players
Many cruise ship casinos will provide free fountain soda, coffee and bottled water to players while they are actively gambling. Alcoholic drinks are sometimes free in the casino for those betting at higher limits, depending on the cruise line’s policy.
Free Drinks for High-Level Cruise Loyalty Program Members
On some cruise lines like Princess, Norwegian, and Royal Caribbean, passengers with high standing in the cruise line’s loyalty program can qualify for free drinks like premium coffee, soda and bottled water. Top-level elites may even get a free alcohol package.
Free Drink Samples
Specialty bars around the ship will frequently offer free sample-size drinks to interest passengers in coming in to order a full-size cocktail. Samples may include a variety of mixed drinks, wine, champagne, liquors, etc. They are small but give you a chance to try out the offerings.
Bottomless Drink Packages on Cruise Lines
| Cruise Line | Free Drinks | Beverage Packages |
|---|---|---|
| Carnival | Coffee, tea, water, lemonade, iced tea, juice, milk | Bottomless Bubbles, Cheers beverage packages |
| Royal Caribbean | Coffee, tea, water, lemonade, iced tea, juice, milk | Royal Refreshment, Deluxe Beverage packages |
| Princess | Coffee, tea, water, lemonade, iced tea, juice, milk | Premier Beverage Package |
| Norwegian | Coffee, tea, water, lemonade, iced tea, juice, milk | Ultimate Beverage Package |
| Celebrity | Coffee, tea, water, juices | Classic, Premium, Ultimate drink packages |
| Holland America | Coffee, tea, water, fountain soda | Signature Beverage Package |
Summary
While alcoholic drinks are mostly chargeable on a cruise, there are still plenty of free options to quench your thirst. Water, tea and coffee are always complimentary. Juice, soda, lemonade and iced tea are often free with meals in the main dining room and buffet. Those who plan to imbibe heavily should look into a beverage package. Or for casual soda drinkers, a bottomless soda package can be a cost saver. Understanding what’s included free versus options that cost extra allows you to better plan your cruise beverage budget.
Conclusion
When sailing on a cruise ship, basic non-alcoholic beverages like tap water, coffee, tea, juices, and fountain sodas are typically available free of charge. Booze, specialty coffees, bottled water and fresh juices usually cost extra. But cruise lines offer packages so passengers can get unlimited drinks with a single payment for the duration of the sailing. Knowing what’s free and where to find it means you can quench your thirst without spending a fortune.