Deciding which Cruise to take usually involves weighing up all the optional extras included in your package. One of the most frequently asked questions by travellers is the prices and inclusions of the Drinks Package onboard. Considering whether you take out the drinks package or not can be a costly decision or a real money saver than buying at full price onboard. Some of the questions you should ask yourself when deciding to buy a drink package or not should include:
- How many drinks do you think you will consume onboard?
- What is your drink budget per day?
- Will you be drinking alot of alcoholic beverages or are you a non-drinker?
- Will you be drinking throughout the day or just in the evenings?
- Do you go for the fully inclusive option including Beers, Wines and Soft drinks or just a non-alcoholic option?
- Will the whole family be drinking? Just the kids or just the adults?
- Pacific Aria
- Pacific Dawn
- Pacific Explorer
- Pacific Adventure
- Sun Princess
- Golden Princess
- Diamond Princess
- Sea Princess
- Emerald Princess
- Majestic Princess
- Voyager of the Seas
- Radiance of the Seas
- Legend of the Seas
- Explorer of the Seas
- Explorer Dream
Luckily, we’ve created a comprehensive list of all the available packages and options available for both Adults and Children onboard vessels departing from Australia. So what is the best drinks package for you? Below we take a look at all the beverage options for Australian Cruises.
P&O Cruises Australia
P&O have recently included drinks packages on all P&O Cruise ships. The Premium Beverage Package which includes Alocholic drinks however is only currently available on crusies of 7 nights or more. For shorter cruises the Soft Drinks package is available and can be upgraded to include in room Bottled Water.
The P&O Premium Beverage Package includes soft drinks, wine, beer, selected spirits, cocktails, coffee and small bottles of water. Priced at $79 AUD per person / per day this can be a great value for money and a real saving if you like to drink more than just a few beverages per day. Only available to those aged 18 years and over the package must be purchased for the entire trip and includes any individual beverage up to the value of $12 AUD. Items above $12 AUD are not included in the P&O Premium Package. Beverages are served one drink per order per eligible guest.
Including the Premium Drinks package on your cruise would be worth it if you think you'll drink a range of cocktails, wine, beer and spirits throughout the day and with your meals. Having for example 3 cocktails by the pool, some water, a coke for lunch, a beer, wine and coffee with your evening meal and you'll definately hit the $79 mark anyway if you didn't include the package prior to departure.
The P&O Soft Drink package is priced at $7 AUD per person / per day and includes unlimited Coca Cola, Diet Coke, Sprite, Lift, Fanta, Tonic Water, Soda Water and Ginger. The package does not include bottled water (still or sparkling) and juice, or energy drinks such as Red Bull. The package does not include orders made from your cabin. Again, the package must be purchased for the entire duration of your trip.
As an upgrade you may want to also include the In Room Bottled Water package is priced at $15 per package and includes 6 large bottles of water for the price of 3 delivered to you cabin oboard.
P&O Ships departing Australia including these packages are:
| Premium Beverage Package | |
|---|---|
| What is Included? | Soft drinks, selected spirits, wine, beer, coffee, cocktails and small bottles of water up to the value or equal to $12 AUD. |
| Excluded | Items exceeding $12AUD, room service, water in cabin, food and merchandise items, events or tastings, beverage and merchandise packaged items, New Zealand Natural ice cream products or cover charges. |
| Price | $79 AUD per person / per day |
| Must be purchased for the entire duration of cruise? | Yes |
| Tipping | Tipping is optional |
| How do I pay? | You can pay up to 90 days prior to departure and up to 3 days before your trip. You can also pay on the day of departure for a limited time. Payment is by debit or credit card. Cash or travellers cheques are also accepted. |
| Other Information | Only available on cruises of 7 nights or more on the day of departure. Only available to those 18 years and older. Packages are non-refundable and non-transferable. |
| Soft Drinks Package | |
|---|---|
| What is Included? | Unlimited Coca Cola, Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Lift, tonic water, soda water and ginger. Soft drinks are served in a can poured into a glass. |
| Excluded | Bottled water (still or sparkling), Energy Drinks (eg. Red Bull), juice, and room service orders. |
| Price | $7 AUD per person / per day |
| Must be purchased for the entire duration of cruise? | Yes |
| Tipping | Tipping is optional |
| How do I pay? | As per Premium Drinks Package. |
| Other Information | Packages are non-refundable and non-transferable. |
| In Room Bottled Water Package | |
|---|---|
| What is Included? | 6 Large bottles of water for the price of 3 delivered to your room |
| Price | $15 AUD per package |
Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises in Australia have recently included the Premier Beverage Package which includes both alcoholic an non-alcoholic drinks.
The Premier Beverage PAckage includes beer, cocktails, spirits, wine by the glass, soft drinks, shakes, specialty coffees, and bottled water. Priced at $59.99 USD per person per day plus an 18% service charge (Total $70.79 USD) this package is slightly better priced than the P&O Premium Drinks package. This package is only available on cruises of 8 nights or more and only includes drinks up to the value of $16 AUD. As an added incentive to take up this offer, passengers who purchase the deal also receive a 40% discount on bottles of wine under $100 AUD.
The Unlimited Soda & More Package inludes soft drinks and soda water served by the glass at all bars and restaurants plus mocktails, juices, and hot chocolate. The package can be purchased for $7.95 AUD per person per day.
These prices are valid for Princess Cruise Ships within Australia including:
| Premier Beverage Package | |
|---|---|
| What is Included? | Beer, Wine, Cocktails, Spirits, Soft Drinks, Shakes, Specialty Coffees and Bottled Water up to the value of $16 AUD (for Cruises Departing AU/NZ). |
| Excluded | Items exceeding $16AUD, room service, water in cabin, souvenir, mini-bar and vending machine items. |
| Price | $59.99 USD per person / per day + 18% Service Charge - Total $70.79 USD |
| Must be purchased for the entire duration of cruise? | Yes |
| Tipping | Tipping is optional |
| Other Information | Only available on cruises of 8 nights or more on the day of departure. Only available to those 18 years and older. Packages are non-refundable and non-transferable. |
| Unlimited Soda Package | |
|---|---|
| What is Included? | Unlimited fountain soft drinks, mocktails, juices, and complimentary hot chocolate. |
| Excluded | Canned Soft Drinks and bottles of water. Drinks ordered through room service. |
| Price | $7.95 AUD per person / per day |
| Must be purchased for the entire duration of cruise? | Yes |
| Tipping | Tipping is optional |
| Other Information | Only available on cruises of 8 nights or more on the day of departure. Only available to those 18 years and older. Packages are non-refundable and non-transferable. |
| Premium Coffee Card | |
|---|---|
| What is Included? | 15 espresso based hot or cold specialty coffee drinks with complimentary brewed coffee and premium tea for the duration of your cruise. |
| Price | $36 AUD per person / per day |
| Must be purchased for the entire duration of cruise? | Yes |
Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean currently has 4 drinks packages available onboard cruise lines entering Australia. The packages range from the basic optioned Royal Replenish package up to the Ultimate Package which includes a virtually unlimited variety of drinks at a rate of $67 USD per person per day.
Drink packages are available on ships entering Australia and other vessels within the Royal Caribbean International fleet.
| Royal Replenish | |
|---|---|
| What is Included? | Premium Coffee, tea, bottled water, freshly squeezed orange juice, non-alcoholic cocktails, fountain soda with souvenir cup |
| Excluded | Room Service, mini bar, Evian Water, Canned Soda, Bottled juice, Souvenir glassware, specialty beers |
| Price | $22 USD per person / per day |
| Must be purchased for the entire duration of cruise? | Yes |
| Tipping | Included in Price |
| Select Package | |
|---|---|
| What is Included? | Beer, Wines by the Glass (up to $9 USD), non-alcoholic cocktails, fountain soda with souvenir cup |
| Excluded | Room Service, mini bar, Evian Water, Canned Soda, Bottled juice, Souvenir glassware, specialty beers |
| Price | $42 USD per person / per day |
| Must be purchased for the entire duration of cruise? | Yes |
| Tipping | Included in Price |
| Premium Package | |
|---|---|
| What is Included? | Call and Premium Cocktails, (up to $14 USD), Frozen Cocktails, Beer, Premium Wines by the Glass (up to $14 USD), non-alcoholic cocktails, Bottled Water (Still) fountain soda with souvenir cup |
| Excluded | Room Service, mini bar, Evian Water, Canned Soda, Bottled juice, Souvenir glassware, specialty beers |
| Price | $57 USD per person / per day |
| Must be purchased for the entire duration of cruise? | Yes |
| Tipping | Included in Price |
| Ultimate Package | |
|---|---|
| What is Included? | Virtually Unlimited Options. The Ultimate Package is a combination of the Premium and Royal Replenish Packages. |
| Excluded | Room Service, mini bar, Evian Water, Canned Soda, Bottled juice, Souvenir glassware, specialty beers |
| Price | $67 USD per person / per day |
| Must be purchased for the entire duration of cruise? | Yes |
| Tipping | Included in Price |
Carnival Cruises Australia
Carninval Cruises now offers an alcohol inclusive package on Australian Cruises through it's CHEERS! drinks package. The price as at 14 September 2021 is $119 per person per day and applicable on all cruises 7 days or longer departing Australia.
The Non-alcoholic drinks package Bottomless Bubbles on Carnival Cruises includes unlimited soft drinks and juice for the full length of your cruise.
"Bottomless Bubbles" is available on Carnival Spirit and Carnival Legend out of Australia and internationally.
| CHEERS Package | |
|---|---|
| What is Included? | Beers, Wine and sparkling wine by the Glass, frozen cocktails, hand-crafted cocktails, mocktails, energy drinks, coffee, juice, soft drinks. tea, bottled water and more. |
| Price | $119 per person / per day |
| Must be purchased for the entire duration of cruise? | Yes, and only for 7 day cruises or more. |
| Bottomless Bubbles | |
|---|---|
| What is Included? | Unlimited soft drinks and juice for the full length of your cruise |
| Excluded | Room Service and mini bar |
| Price | $6 USD per person / per day |
| Must be purchased for the entire duration of cruise? | Yes |
Carnival serves alcoholic beverage packages on its international cruises within its CHEERS all inclusive package which can be booked for $49.95 USD per person, per day plus gratuities. Note: Cut off for purchasing is 1 day prior boarding and is only available for those 21 years and over.
Holland America
Holland America Line tailors a Signature Beverage Package for those aged 21 and over. The HAL drinks package includes a variety of wine, spirits, beers and cocktails (non-alcoholic included) from a variety of bars, lounges and restaurants onboard. Prices are per day and valid for the length of the entire cruise.
After dinner coffee drinks are available in the Explorer's Lounge, and espresso's made to order from the Explorations Cafe.
Holland America's Signature Beverage Package also includes soft drinks and beverages poolside.
Within Australian waters, the HAL drinks package is available on Volendam and Noordam.
| Signature Beverage Package | |
|---|---|
| What is Included? | A large variety of cocktails / mocktails, wine, beer, spirits. Drinks up to the value of $7 are included and a limit of 15 maximum drinks per day. |
| Excluded | No sharing is permitted, room service and minibar items not included. |
| Price | $44.95 USD per person / per day |
| Must be purchased for the entire duration of cruise? | Yes |
| How can I buy this package? | You can purchase the package prior to your cruise or on the 1st or 2nd day of the cruise. If one passenger wishes to buy the package, all the other adults within the same cabin must also buy the package. |
| Other Information | Only available to those over 21 years. 15 drink maximum |
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity offers a number of drinks packages however these are only available Celebrity Solstice in Australian waters and all ships that sail internationally, except for Celebrity Xpedition.
Dream Cruises
Dream Cruises drinks packages are unlimited and guests sharing the same stateroom do not need to order the same package unlike other cruise liners. Drinks Packages are based on 7 night cruises. Prices range from $290 per person for the Refresh Package to the Premium Package @ $599 per person. Guests in "The Palace" have the Premium Package included in their fare.
Dream Cruises ships within the Australia / New Zealand region includes:
| Refresh Package | |
|---|---|
| What is Included? | Soft drinks, Chilled Juices, Still Water, Sparkling Water, Coffee, Tea and Flavoured Hot Drinks. |
| Price | $290 per person |
| Classic Package | |
|---|---|
| What is Included? | Refresh Package (above) + Beer, Sparkling Wine, Wine (Red, Rose, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc) |
| Price | $329 per person |
| Premium Package | |
|---|---|
| What is Included? | Refresh Package + Classic Package (above) + Mocktails, Cocktails, Vodka, Gin, Rum, Tequila, Scotch Whiskey, Irish Whiskey, Canadian Whiskey, Sherry, Port, Appertifs & Digestifs, Ameretto, Baileys Irish Cream, Cointreau, Drambuie, Dom Benedictine, Frangelico, Galliano, Grand Marnier, Kahlua, Sambuca and Tia Maria. |
| Price | $599 per person |
| Note: | The Premium Package is included free of charge for guests in "The Palace" suites. |
Disclaimer:
Please note the prices and inclusions on this page are subject to change without notice and are for use as a guide only. For up to date information please refer to the actual company websites or contact the cruise line directly.