When I booked my first Holland America cruise, one of the big questions I faced was: Should I buy a drinks package or just pay as I go?
Like many other cruisers, I didn’t want to overspend—but I also didn’t want to worry every time I ordered a glass of wine or a morning cappuccino.
Turns out, Holland America gives you quite a few options—some great for light sippers, others ideal for cocktail lovers like me.
After spending time abroad and chatting with other guests, I’ve broken it all down for you in this guide.
Holland America Cruise Drinks Package Calculator
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Simply enter the drinks you usually have on a typical day, and it’ll show you in seconds which package gives you the best value.
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What Drinks Are Always Free on a Holland America Cruise?
Let’s start with the good news: not everything costs extra.
Here’s what you can enjoy free of charge, no matter which ship you’re sailing on:
- Tap water (surprisingly refreshing)
- Brewed coffee and standard teas
- Iced tea
- Lemonade
- Hot chocolate
- Fruit juices at breakfast (I liked the orange and apple juice best)
🛎️ Pro tip: On some mornings, I ordered juice through room service—no extra fee!
Some ships even serve free fruit punch in the buffet, but don’t expect it every day. It’s usually non-alcoholic and shows up at random times.
But once you venture beyond these basics—especially if you’re after sodas, espresso drinks, wine, beer, or cocktails—you’ll need to pay as you go or choose one of their drink packages.
Understanding Holland America’s Drink Packages
Let me walk you through the different beverage packages—each one tailored for different drinking habits. I’ve tried a couple myself and studied the rest carefully.
🥤 The Coca-Cola Package
💲 Price: $8/day + 18% gratuity = $9.44/day
This is your go-to option if you’re a soda drinker. You get unlimited fountain sodas (not cans or bottles), including:
- Coca-Cola
- Diet Coke
- Sprite
- Plus lots of flavor options on Pinnacle-class ships via Coca-Cola Freestyle machines (loved those!)
I sailed on MS Rotterdam, and those machines were a big hit with kids and adults alike. You can mix and match flavors—vanilla Coke, cherry Sprite, you name it.
🍒 Personal tip: I used this package mainly for afternoon pick-me-ups—especially when I skipped dessert but still wanted something sweet!
If you only drink soda, this package can pay for itself after just 3-4 drinks a day.
🥤 The Quench Package (Non-Alcoholic Deluxe)
💲 Price: $17.95/day + 18% gratuity = $21.18/day
This one’s perfect if you enjoy a variety of non-alcoholic drinks.
It includes:
- All the sodas from the Coca-Cola package
- Bottled and canned sodas
- Specialty coffees (cappuccino, espresso, etc.)
- Fresh juices and smoothies
- Non-alcoholic cocktails
- Energy drinks
- Still and sparkling bottled water
There’s a 15-drink-per-day limit on this package—but don’t worry, fountain sodas don’t count toward that cap.
☕ One of my favorite daily rituals was grabbing a cappuccino from the Explorations Cafe and sipping it while watching the sea roll by.
If you’re not a drinker but love your juices, lattes, and mocktails, the Quench package is a solid investment.
Exploring the Signature, Elite & “Have It All” Options (With My Honest Thoughts)
Once you move beyond sodas and mocktails, things get interesting. Holland America offers two main alcoholic drink packages and a third option that bundles drinks with dining, WiFi, and excursions.
Let’s dive into each—I’ll also share what I picked on my own cruise and whether it was actually worth it.
The Signature Beverage Package
💲 Price: $54.95/day + 18% gratuity = $64.84/day
This is Holland America’s standard alcoholic drinks package, and it includes:
- Everything in the Quench Package (non-alcoholic drinks)
- Alcoholic drinks up to $11 each, including:
- House beers and premium beers
- Selected wines by the glass
- Selected spirits (rum, gin, vodka, whisky)
- Classic cocktails
There’s a 15-drink limit per day, which includes alcoholic AND non-alcoholic drinks—except fountain sodas (those are unlimited).
📝 On my cruise aboard Nieuw Statendam, I went with this package, and it worked out pretty well. I didn’t drink more than 4–5 alcoholic drinks a day, and I loved having unlimited coffee and mocktails too.
The Elite Beverage Package
💲 Price: $59.99/day + 18% gratuity = $70.79/day
This is the top-tier option, and it’s ideal if you’re into premium cocktails and wine. Here’s what you get:
- Everything from the Signature package
- Alcoholic drinks up to $15 each
- Unlimited non-alcoholic drinks (they don’t count toward your 15-drink daily limit)
- More premium choices in cocktails, wine, and spirits
👀 I considered upgrading to Elite, but the $6/day price difference wasn’t worth it for me since I didn’t plan on ordering $15 martinis all day. But if you like high-end pours or specialty cocktails, this package gives you breathing room.
The “Have It All” Package
💲 Price: $50/day + 18% gratuity = $59/day
Now this one’s a little different. It’s a bundled fare option, not just a drink package. But it includes:
- Signature Beverage Package (value: $64.84/day)
- WiFi Surf Package
- Shore excursions (1 to 3, depending on cruise length)
- Specialty dining (1 to 3 meals)
If your cruise offers the “Have It All” fare, it’s usually a better deal than buying everything separately.
✅ I saw the “Have It All” promo when booking and snagged it. Just the drinks and WiFi alone made it worth it—and the bonus excursion in Ketchikan was a nice touch.
At-a-Glance Comparison Table
| Package Name | Price (w/ Gratuity) | Alcoholic Drinks Limit | Max Drink Value | Non-Alcoholic Inclusions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coca-Cola | $9.44/day | N/A | N/A | Fountain soda only |
| Quench | $21.18/day | 15/day (excl. soda) | N/A | Soda, juice, mocktails, coffee |
| Signature Beverage | $64.84/day | 15/day (incl. NA drinks) | $11 | Everything in Quench |
| Elite Beverage | $70.79/day | 15/day (alcohol only) | $15 | Unlimited non-alcoholic |
| Have It All | $59/day | 15/day (alcohol + NA) | $11 | WiFi, excursions, dining too |
💡 Quick Tips:
- You must buy the package for your entire cruise, not just a few days.
- Everyone in your stateroom 21+ must get the same alcoholic package—no sharing allowed.
- If you’re traveling with kids, you’ll need to pay separately for their drinks or get them a package too.
Real Drink Costs, Calculations, and My Experience
So now that we’ve looked at the drink package options, the big question is:
Is it actually cheaper to get a drinks package, or should you just pay per drink?
Here’s where I’ll walk you through typical onboard prices and how to do the math.
What Do Drinks Cost on Holland America?
If you don’t buy a drink package, you’ll be paying these typical prices onboard:
🥃 Alcoholic Drink Prices
| Drink Type | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Beers (bottle/pint) | $6 to $8 |
| Glass of wine | $9 to $14 |
| Cocktails | $9 to $18 |
| Premium spirits | $7.50 to $14 |
I found most classic cocktails like mojitos or margaritas were around $11, but the fancier ones like espresso martinis were $14+.
🥤 Non-Alcoholic Drinks
| Drink Type | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Fountain soda | $2.50 |
| Mocktails | $4 to $6 |
| Bottled water (500ml) | $2 to $3 |
| Specialty coffee (latte etc.) | $3 to $5 |
| Juice | $2 to $3 |
My go-to was a morning cappuccino ($3.50), an afternoon mocktail ($5), and a few sodas with meals. It adds up faster than you’d think!
Doing the Math – When Is a Package Worth It?
To figure out if the drink package saves you money, just add up how many drinks you typically consume in a day. For example:
🍹 Signature Package at $64.84/day
You’d need to drink at least 6 to 7 drinks per day to make this worth it:
- 2 cocktails ($11 x 2) = $22
- 2 glasses of wine ($11 x 2) = $22
- 2 specialty coffees or mocktails = $8
- 2 sodas = $5
Total: $57 (just under the value, but close)
💡 Once I added specialty coffee and sparkling water, I usually came out ahead, even on light-drinking days.
💎 Elite Package at $70.79/day
To make this one worth it, you’ll want to be ordering premium drinks regularly:
- 2 premium cocktails ($15 x 2) = $30
- 1 glass of premium wine ($14)
- 2 non-alcoholic drinks = $6
Total: $50
Elite made sense on sea days when I was relaxing more, but on port-heavy days, I probably wouldn’t drink enough to justify it.
Realistic Tips from My Cruise
- If you’re doing lots of excursions, you might not drink enough on board to make a package worthwhile.
- If your cruise has at-sea days, or you love lounging with a drink in hand, the package pays off quickly.
- If your cruise offers “Have It All” fares, just grab it. It’s often a better deal than the Signature package on its own.
Drink Package Calculator (DIY Method)
Here’s a simple way to estimate your own break-even point:
- Write down what you’d drink in a typical day (e.g., 2 coffees, 2 cocktails, 1 mocktail).
- Look up the average prices above.
- Add 18% gratuity.
- Compare the total to the package price.
If your total exceeds the package cost, it’s worth it.
If doing all the math sounds like a headache, my drinks package calculator makes it easy to figure out if a Holland America drinks package will actually save you money.
Just enter how many drinks you expect to enjoy each day, and you’ll see whether a package or paying as you go is the better deal. Get instant access for free below!
Holland America Wine Packages, BYOB Rules & Extra Tips
If you’re more of a wine drinker or just like the idea of having a bottle with dinner, Holland America has something special for you: wine packages.
I tried one on my cruise and found it surprisingly flexible, especially when I didn’t want a full drink package.
Holland America Wine Packages: Sommelier Collection
Holland America offers three wine bundle tiers. These aren’t part of the drink packages but are purchased separately and can offer big savings if you enjoy a bottle now and then.
📦 Wine Package Options
| Package Name | # of Bottles | Price | Per Bottle Avg | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cellar No.1 | 4 / 6 / 8 | $119 / $169 / $219 | ~$27–30 | Popular everyday wines |
| Cellar No.2 | 4 / 6 / 8 | $149 / $229 / $289 | ~$36–38 | Mid-tier premium wines |
| Cellar No.3 | 4 / 6 / 8 | $189 / $269 / $329 | ~$45–47 | Top-level curated selections |
📌 You can enjoy these bottles in the restaurants, have them delivered to your room, or even take unopened bottles home.
I went with a 4-bottle Cellar No.2 and split it between dinner nights and one sunset balcony drink. Worth it for wine lovers like me!
Bringing Your Own Drinks – What You Can (and Can’t) Bring
Yes, you can bring your own wine onboard a Holland America cruise—but with a few conditions:
- ✅ Up to 750ml wine or Champagne per person is allowed
- ❌ No liquor, beer, or spirits
- ❌ No plastic water bottles
📌 There is a $20 corkage fee per bottle, even if you plan to drink it in your room.
🚫 Water Rules
You can bring up to 6 liters of water, but it must be in:
- ✅ Cans or cartons only
- ❌ No plastic bottles allowed
💡 We brought 12 small boxed waters, and they were fine at security.
Holland America Happy Hour – Secret Drink Deals
One of my favorite budget-friendly tips? Happy Hour specials. These usually happen once or twice per day, typically in select bars.
💥 What to Expect
- 🥂 Buy one, get one 50% off
- 🍸 Or flat 50% off select drinks
- 📍 Offered in limited locations, announced daily in the onboard planner
We hit the Ocean Bar’s Happy Hour almost every afternoon. Two mojitos for the price of one? Yes, please.
Smart Ways to Save Without a Package
If you’re not a heavy drinker, here are some tricks I used:
- Use Happy Hour – Especially for cocktails or wines.
- Bring your own wine – One bottle per person can last a couple of dinners.
- Buy a wine bundle – Perfect if you prefer sharing bottles.
- Mix & Match – Get the soda package and just pay cash for the one cocktail you really want each day.
- Drink Free Options – Stick to complimentary juices, coffee, lemonade, and breakfast juices when possible.
What’s Not Included & Is It Really Worth It?
Before you swipe your card for any of Holland America’s drink packages, there are a few important limitations you should know.
These may affect whether a package actually makes sense for you. Even the top-tier Elite Beverage Package doesn’t cover everything.
Here’s a breakdown of excluded items:
| ❌ Not Included | 🔍 Details |
|---|---|
| Mini Bar Drinks | Drinks in your stateroom fridge aren’t part of the package |
| Honor Bar & Room Service | Beverages ordered via room service are chargeable |
| Half Moon Cay Purchases | Drinks bought on the private island aren’t included |
| Self-Serve Draft Beer | Found on some ships, not covered by any package |
| Chocolate Seduction Drinks | Specialty chocolate/coffee drinks are excluded |
I learned the hard way when I ordered a smoothie from the spa bar—it wasn’t included and cost me $9 with gratuity.
Drink Limits Explained
All drinks packages except the basic Coca-Cola option have daily drink limits, and it’s not quite “unlimited” like some people assume.
| Package | 15-Drink Daily Limit Includes… |
|---|---|
| Quench | All non-alcoholic drinks (excl. fountain soda) |
| Signature | Alcohol + non-alcoholic (excl. fountain soda) |
| Elite | Alcohol only — all non-alcoholic drinks are unlimited |
💡 The limit resets daily at 6 AM, and you can’t “bank” unused drinks.
BYOB & Wine Package Tricks on Holland America
I’ve cruised on a few Holland America ships, and one thing I always look forward to is sipping wine while watching the ocean roll by.
But you don’t always need a full drinks package to enjoy your favorite vino. Here’s how you can bring your own wine or take advantage of Holland America’s bottle bundles to save a bit of cash.
Can You Bring Your Own Wine on Board?
Yes! Holland America allows each adult to bring one 750ml bottle of wine or Champagne onboard at embarkation.
But here’s the catch…
| 🍷 BYO Rules | 📋 Details |
|---|---|
| Allowed | One 750ml bottle per adult at embarkation |
| Corkage Fee | $20 per bottle (applies if consumed in public areas) |
| Other Alcohol | Not permitted (no spirits, beer, etc.) |
| Water | No plastic bottles; up to 6L allowed in cans/cartons |
On one of my cruises, I brought a bottle of Prosecco and enjoyed it on my balcony—it was the perfect sail-away treat, and since I drank it in my room, I didn’t have to pay the corkage fee.
Holland America’s Wine Packages (Sommelier Cellar Program)
If you’d rather not pay per glass or commit to a full drinks package, consider Holland America’s bottle bundle program. These are pre-set wine packages offering 4, 6, or 8 bottles at discounted rates.
Here’s a breakdown:
| 🥂 Package | 🍇 4 Bottles | 🍇 6 Bottles | 🍇 8 Bottles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cellar No. 1 (Popular Picks) | $119 | $169 | $219 |
| Cellar No. 2 (Mid-Range Wines) | $149 | $229 | $289 |
| Cellar No. 3 (Premium Wines) | $189 | $269 | $329 |
Each level includes 7 reds & 7 whites to choose from, and you can:
- Have them delivered to your stateroom
- Bring the bottle to dinner or a show
- Take any unopened bottles home at the end of the cruise
I went for the 6-bottle Cellar No. 2 package once on a 10-night cruise. It was perfect—2 dinners with wine, a couple of sunset glasses on the balcony, and still had a bottle left to gift a friend onboard.
Tips to Maximize BYO & Wine Packages
- Avoid corkage by drinking your wine in your cabin or balcony
- Ask your waiter to serve your bottle at dinner (you still pay the corkage, but it’s better than ordering by the glass)
- Save leftovers – your open bottle can be stored for your next meal
- Mix and match white and red wines depending on your dining plans
What About a Free Drinks Package?
You might be wondering—can you get a free drinks package as part of a Holland America deal?
Not usually, but…
- Occasional promos (like January Wave Season) may include it
- Have It All fares sometimes work out cheaper than buying drinks packages separately
Ask your travel agent or watch Holland America’s site for special offers. Sometimes the Have It All option costs the same or less than just a Signature Package—plus you get excursions and Wi-Fi included.
Actual Drinks Prices on Holland America (With Examples)
One of the most common questions I get is:
“Is it actually cheaper to buy drinks individually instead of getting the package?”
Well, to help you answer that, I took notes during my cruise on the Rotterdam and saved the real menu prices—cocktails, wines, beers, even specialty coffees.
Let’s break it down 👇
Cocktail & Spirit Prices
Here’s what you’ll typically pay for cocktails and spirits onboard:
| 🍹 Drink | 💰 Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Classic Cocktails (Margarita, Mojito) | $9–$11 |
| Premium Cocktails (Martini, Old Fashioned) | $13–$15 |
| Non-Alcoholic Cocktails | $4–$5 |
| House Spirits (Single) | $7.50–$9 |
| Premium Spirits (Double) | $12–$14 |
| Liqueurs & Port | $7–$10 |
I had a Spicy Margarita at Half Moon Bar for $11—worth every cent, but I quickly saw how those add up if you’re having more than two per day.
Wine Prices (By The Glass)
| 🍷 Wine Type | 💰 Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| House Red/White (175ml) | $9–$10 |
| Premium Red/White | $11–$14 |
| Rosé Wine | $10–$12 |
| Sparkling Wine | $11–$18 |
| Veuve Clicquot (Not included in any package) | $18 per glass |
Most wines are covered under the Signature Package (up to $11), but some higher-end options go beyond that.
Beer Prices
| 🍺 Beer Type | 💰 Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Domestic Lager (Bud, Coors) | $6.50 |
| Premium Beer (Heineken, Stella) | $7.50 |
| Craft & International | $8–$9 |
| Alcohol-Free Beer | $5 |
Coffee & Specialty Drinks
| ☕ Coffee Type | 💰 Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Brewed Coffee | Free |
| Espresso / Americano | $3 |
| Cappuccino / Latte | $4 |
| Iced Coffee / Cold Brew | $4.50 |
| Specialty Teas (Chai, Matcha) | $4–$5 |
| Hot Chocolate | Free (standard) or $3 (gourmet) |
I grabbed a cappuccino almost every morning. If you drink 2–3 a day, the Quench Package starts making sense fast.
Soda & Juice Prices
| 🥤 Drink | 💰 Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Fountain Soda | $2.50 |
| Bottled/Canned Soda | $3 |
| Juices (Orange, Pineapple, etc.) | $2.50–$3 |
| Energy Drinks | $4–$5 |
| Bottled Water (Still or Sparkling) | $2.50–$3.50 |
| Milkshakes (select venues) | $5 |
Now Add the Gratuity…
Every drink you order—whether it’s a beer, soda, or latte—gets an 18% automatic gratuity added.
That means:
- A $10 cocktail = $11.80
- A $9 glass of wine = $10.62
- A $3 coffee = $3.54
Multiply that across a 7-day cruise, and suddenly a $64/day package doesn’t sound so wild, especially if you drink more than four alcoholic drinks or mix in specialty coffees and sodas.
My Tip: Use a Simple Rule of Thumb
If you’re going to drink at least 4–5 alcoholic beverages per day, or mix in fancy lattes, bottled water, and sodas, the Signature or Elite Package is likely worth it.
If you mostly drink soft drinks and coffee, the Quench Package may be a better fit.
Final Verdict: Is Holland America’s Drinks Package Worth It?
After cruising with Holland America and testing different drink options (yes, including quite a few cocktails, I’ve got a clear view on when these packages make sense, and when they’re just not worth the money.
Let’s walk through the decision — and I’ll share what I personally chose.
First, Think About How You Cruise
Are you someone who:
- Enjoys 4+ alcoholic drinks per day?
- Orders bottled water, specialty coffees, and sodas throughout the day?
- Prefers the freedom not to worry about the final bill?
Then, a drink package could be a great value, especially Signature or Elite.
But if you…
- Only drink occasionally (1–2 drinks a day or just with dinner),
- Stick mostly to free drinks like coffee, juice, or tap water,
- Or plan to be off the ship on excursions a lot…
You’ll likely spend less just buying drinks individually.
Example 1: My Cocktail-Loving Cruise on Nieuw Statendam
- 3 cocktails/day = $36
- 1 coffee = $4
- 1 bottle of water = $3
- Total = ~$43/day
Since the Signature Package costs around $65/day with gratuity, I’d have overpaid by $22/day. I skipped the package and paid as I went—definitely the right call.
Example 2: Wine-Focused Alaska Cruise with My Partner
- 2 glasses of wine each at lunch & dinner = 4 x $11 = $44
- 1 pre-dinner cocktail = $11
- 1 cappuccino = $4
- Total = ~$59/day
In this case, the Signature or Have It All Package made sense because it was cheaper and included Wi-Fi and shore excursions.
My Tips For Smart Decision-Making
- Use a calculator to estimate your daily drink costs
- Remember the 18% gratuity on every package
- Compare with Have It All – it often includes more for less
- Avoid buying packages last-minute; prices are higher onboard
My Experience
On my cruise, I personally chose the Signature Beverage Package because:
- I wanted to enjoy wine with dinner and the occasional cocktail by the pool.
- I drink specialty coffee every morning.
- And I liked not having to calculate prices every time I ordered.
And it paid off! I was hitting about 6 to 7 drinks per day, between wine, soda, and coffee, so I saved around $15–$20/day versus paying individually.
If I had chosen the Elite Package, I probably wouldn’t have broken even, because I don’t usually go for the premium $15 cocktails or brand spirits.
Summary Table – Who Should Buy Which Package?
| Package | Best For | Approx. Break-Even Point |
|---|---|---|
| Coca-Cola Package ($9.44/day) | Soda drinkers only | 4 fountain sodas/day |
| Quench Package ($21.18/day) | Coffee + juice + soda lovers | 5+ non-alcoholic premium drinks/day |
| Signature Package ($64.84/day) | Regular wine, beer & cocktail drinkers | 5–6 alcoholic drinks/day |
| Elite Package ($70.79/day) | Premium spirits/cocktails fans | 2+ $15 cocktails daily |
| Have It All ($59/day) | Cruisers wanting extras like WiFi, shore excursions | Automatically worth it if available |
When It’s Not Worth It
Skip the drinks package if:
- You drink mainly free stuff (tea, water, juice at breakfast).
- You’re only having a glass of wine with dinner.
- You’re on a short cruise and planning to be off the ship a lot.
- You don’t want to be tied into a per-day cost (packages must be bought for the full trip).
Extra Pro Tip: Check for “Have It All” Offers Before Booking
Sometimes, the Have It All fare costs less than buying the drinks package separately, and it comes with other benefits too.
If it’s available on your itinerary, it’s often a no-brainer over paying for Signature or Elite on their own.
Final Thoughts
Cruise drinks packages aren’t one-size-fits-all, but for many guests, they really can offer peace of mind and decent value.
What worked best for me was:
- Being honest about how much I’d drink,
- Comparing real menu prices,
- And factoring in non-alcoholic options too (because lattes add up fast!).
Whatever you choose, don’t stress too much. As long as you enjoy your drinks and your time at sea, you’ve made the right choice.
