Real Cost Breakdown of MSC Cruise Beverage Packages
A common question many travelers ask before sailing, “Is a drink package worth it on a cruise?” The answer depends on how often you drink and whether you enjoy the convenience of an all-inclusive experience. On my recent MSC Grandiosa cruise, I put the MSC Premium Extra Package to the test.
Short answer: For most travelers, the MSC cruise drink package is worth it if you plan to have 4-6 drinks per day, including cocktails, wine, beer, or specialty coffee. On our MSC Grandiosa sailing, the Premium Extra beverage package cost about $47 per person per day after discounts, which meant the package paid for itself after just a few premium drinks daily.
Is the MSC Cruise Beverage Package a Good Value?
Before our MSC Grandiosa cruise even set sail in mid-December, my phone was buzzing nonstop – and it wasn’t about what to pack or which excursions to take. It was endless conversations and texts about the on-board drink package, and whether it was worth the price tag of nearly $100 a day.
Our MSC cruise group of 11 debated the pros and cons of purchasing the beverage package like it was a high-stakes game show, and nobody wanted to walk away a loser:
“How much is a glass of wine onboard?”
“What if I want specialty coffees?”
“How many drinks a day to break even?”
“Am I really going to drink that much?”
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Cruise vacation drink packages are one of the most confusing (and emotionally charged) decisions cruisers make — thanks to endless tiers, exceptions, add-on fees, and fine print that somehow make ordering a cocktail feel more complicated than booking the cruise.
For many travelers researching whether drink packages are worth it on cruises, MSC’s simplified beverage packages make the math easier than most cruise lines. But like anything in the cruise world, the value depends on your habits, preferences, and expectations.
Real Cost Breakdown of the MSC Premium Extra Drink Package
When you compare the price of individual drinks with the daily package cost, the MSC beverage package value becomes much clearer — especially on sea days when you spend more time onboard.
But in order for me to evaluate this for my blog, I grabbed my iPhone and saved a screenshot of my final drink package bill. The price totaled $671 for the PREMIUM EXTRA PACKAGE for two people on the Dec. 6-13, 2025 sailing MSC Grandiosa cruise to the Bahamas, Ocean Cay and Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.
When evaluating the MSC cruise drink package cost, it helps to keep in mind that premium cocktails often range from $12–$18, while top-shelf spirits can reach $40.
Now, let’s do the math. $671 divided by two people, divided by seven days (…subtract the two…carry the one…), and you come up with how much? For Pete’s sake, no wonder I majored in public relations!All joking aside, if you’re wondering if the MSC cruise beverage package is a good value, here’s the magic number: I spent $47.92 per day for my drinks on board with the premium beverage package.
How Many Drinks Per Day Make the MSC Drink Package Worth It?
Again, most premium cocktails onboard MSC Cruises cost $12-$18, while top-shelf spirits can reach $25-$40.
The MSC Premium Extra drink package price typically ranges from $85–$100 per person per day, depending on the sailing and promotions, so you break even at:
- 4-5 cocktails
- 3 cocktails + 2 specialty coffees
- A bottle of wine split between two people
For many cruisers, this happens naturally during a day at sea.
I knew I had made the right decision within the first hour of boarding. I watched one of my friends who had NOT purchased the drink package order a top-shelf scotch at the Horizon Bar. The drink cost him a whopping $40, and right then and there, he marched to Guest Services to sign up for the drink package. Again, if you’re having more than 4-5 drinks a day with gratuity, you’re actually saving by buying the beverage package vs. à la carte.
Here’s a closer look at what MSC cruises offer, what makes their policies unique, and how to determine if the drink package is the right fit for your upcoming sailing.
MSC Cruise Drink Packages Explained
Traditionally, MSC cruises offered multiple-level beverage packages — everything from Easy to Premium to Premium Extra — each with specific price caps and inclusions. They covered a lot, but it was too many choices, resulting in information overload for overwhelmed cruisers.
Now, MSC has streamlined everything. Instead of multiple tiers with different drink limits, there are only three packages:
| MSC Drink Package | Best For | What’s Included |
| Premium Extra | Most cruisers | cocktails, wine, beer, coffee |
| Alcohol Free | Non-drinkers | mocktails, soda, coffee |
| Minors Package | Kids/teens | soda, juice, non-alcoholic drinks |
For many cruisers, this removes the guesswork and makes choosing your drink package on MSC cruises a breeze. You no longer have to compare long lists, worry about beverage price limits, or second-guess your decision. MSC’s new beverage structure is designed to be easier, more transparent, and more user-friendly. Speaking of easy, travel does not have to be stressful. If you’re planning a cruise, my Smart Woman’s Travel Toolkit includes my foolproof packing checklist, money-saving strategies, and booking tips I personally use before every sailing.
What’s Included in MSC Premium Extra Package?
Make no mistake, every night was a party on the MSC Grandiosa. With around 20 bars and lounges, there was a variety of atmospheres to kick back and enjoy your drink package. Key venues include the Infinity Bar, Atmosphere Bar North/South, Champagne Bar, Carousel Lounge, and the exclusive Yacht Club bars.
The MSC Premium Extra Package is the most popular option for cruisers because it includes cocktails, wine, beer, specialty coffee, energy drinks, bottled water, and more:
- All filtered water, juices, and soda
- Espresso, cappuccinos, lattes, hot chocolate, and tea
- Red Bull
- Wines and beers
- Cocktails and spritzes
- Spirits and mixed drinks
- Premium wines and champagne
- Specialty restaurant beverages
For me, the variety alone made it feel much more all-inclusive. If you’re a coffee lover like I am, having an insulated tumbler in your cabin keeps your morning cappuccino hot while you watch the sunrise on deck.
MSC Cruises Do Not Allow You to Bring Wine Onboard
One of the biggest differences between MSC and many other mainstream cruise lines: guests are not allowed to bring bottles of wine onboard at embarkation.
On other lines like:
- Carnival Cruise Line
- Royal Caribbean
- Disney Cruise Line
- Princess Cruises
Passengers can typically bring at least one or two bottles per stateroom.
With MSC Cruises, that option simply isn’t available. Because you can’t BYOB, this policy nudged me toward purchasing the drink package. À la carte wine prices range from $12 and up, which also factored into my decision.
I know that while I’m on vacation, I enjoy a glass of wine or a pre-dinner cocktail poolside around 5 p.m. My go-to cruise uniform at cocktail time? A lightweight sling bag for my phone and MSC Cruise card, oversized sunglasses, and a simple black cover-up.
Both Guests In Cabin Must Buy an MSC Cruise Drink Package
Another important detail: If one adult in a stateroom purchases a drink package, all adults in that cabin are required to buy it as well.
This policy is designed to prevent sharing, but it can significantly impact your total trip cost.
When This Policy May Affect Your Decision
- If one person drinks regularly and the other rarely does
- If you’re traveling with someone who doesn’t drink at all
- If you’re comparing MSC pricing with other cruise lines
Sailing soon and still trying to decide whether to pre-purchase your drink package? I’ll break down the real numbers — plus, how I saved nearly 50% before boarding.
The Best Time to Buy Your Beverage Package on MSC Cruise
I always recommend purchasing your drink package before your cruise.
For this sailing, several of us monitored the MSC cruise app for weeks leading up to Black Friday. Sure enough, MSC offered additional savings.
The Premium Extra Package typically costs around:
- $85 per person, per day when purchased pre-cruise
- $100 per person, per day when purchased onboard
As I mentioned earlier, I paid about $50 per day.
Why Buying in Advance Saves Money
- Prices are lower pre-cruise
- Gratuities are already included
- You avoid 18% per-drink service charges
- You board relaxed knowing your bar tab is handled
Bottom line? Buying ahead saves money and removes stress. While you’re planning ahead, it’s also smart to keep your travel documents organized and your luggage trackable.
Don’t Forget About Cruise Excursions
While you’re in the MSC cruise app, choose your excursions in advance as well. They’re typically less expensive and can sell out quickly.
In the past, I’ve booked excursions through the cruise lines and through other vendors. One strategy for saving money on excursions is to use a source like Viator. This company provides an easy user experience and I trust their brand. For instance, you can Swim with the Pigs in Nassau, Bahamas through Viator and there are tons of other popular options like a Private Jeep Tour.
Pro tip: I always cruise with a waterproof phone pouch and portable charger, so I can track expenses, snap photos, and use the MSC cruise app without worrying about battery life or poolside splashes.
So, Is the MSC Cruise Drink Package Worth It?
For me, the answer is a resounding YES – especially if you enjoy all of the convenience of an all-inclusive cruise experience. It’s really about how you cruise. By understanding the MSC beverage package cost, policies, and break-even point, you can decide whether the package adds value to your cruise vacation.
The package is typically worth it if you:
- Enjoy 4-6 alcoholic beverages per day
- Drink specialty coffee each morning
- Want the convenience of not thinking about the bill
- Prefer having bottled water on hand throughout the day
- Like the predictability of an all-inclusive feel
On the other hand, the package may not be worth it if you:
- Only drink occasionally
- Prefer mocktails or soft drinks and don’t mind paying à la carte
- Are traveling with someone who doesn’t drink at all (because they’ll still have to purchase it too)
One final consideration is the itinerary. On port-intensive cruises where you’re off the ship all day, you may not drink enough onboard to justify the cost. But on sea-day-heavy itineraries or winter sailings where you’re indoors more often, you might find yourself using it more than you expected.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right MSC Cruise Beverage Package For Your Trip
MSC’s simplified drink package removes a lot of confusion — but it doesn’t automatically guarantee savings. Think through your daily habits, add up what you’d realistically consume, and consider the line’s rules on bringing wine onboard and requiring both adults to purchase the package. For many cruisers, the convenience and freedom make it worth it. For others, a pay-as-you-go approach may be the smarter choice.
Either way, understanding your options before boarding ensures that you’ll sip confidently throughout your MSC cruise vacation. Cheers to smooth sailing!
