If you’ve recently booked an MSC cruise, first of all, congratulations! MSC has some stunning ships, and if you’re anything like me, one of the first things you’ll be wondering is: “Should I get the drinks package?”
I’ve cruised with MSC several times now — including aboard MSC Virtuosa — and I usually go for a drink package.
Not only does it save money, but it also makes the cruise feel more relaxed. No worrying about individual drink costs every time you fancy a cappuccino, soft drink, or cocktail.
But here’s the catch…
👉 MSC Cruises doesn’t list drink package prices publicly anymore.
You have to log in to your booking to see the cost based on your ship, cruise length, and itinerary.
So, to make it easier for you, I’ve gathered the most up-to-date drink package prices based on region and booking timing.
If doing all the math sounds like a headache, my drinks package calculator makes it easy to figure out if an MSC cruise 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!
MSC Cruises Drinks Package Prices
Prices vary based on destination, length of cruise, and when you buy — but one thing is clear:
Buy your drinks package before your cruise.
It’ll save you around 15% compared to onboard prices!
Here are the latest drink package prices in USD, EUR, and GBP:
MSC Cruises – North America & Caribbean (USD)
| Cruise Length | Purchase Date | Premium Extra | Alcohol-Free | Kids (4–20 yrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 Nights or Less | Prepaid | $88 | $30 | $21 |
| 6 Nights or Less | Buy Onboard | $101 | $35 | $24 |
| 7+ Nights | Buy Onboard | $98 | $32 | $22 |
| 7+ Nights | Prepaid | $85 | $28 | $19 |
🔹 18% gratuity is included in these prices.
🔺 Easy and Easy Plus packages are no longer available for North American cruises.
MSC Cruises – Europe & Middle East (EUR)
| Cruise Length | Purchase Date | Premium Extra | Easy Plus | Easy | Alcohol-Free | Kids (4–17 yrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 Nights or Less | Buy Onboard | €89 | €54 | €49 | €30 | €21 |
| 6 Nights or Less | Prepaid | €77 | €47 | €43 | €26 | €18 |
| 7+ Nights | Buy Onboard | €85 | €62 | €45 | €28 | €20 |
| 7+ Nights | Prepaid | €74 | €54 | €39 | €24 | €17 |
🔹 15% gratuity included.
📝 Easy Plus allows drinks in specialty restaurants, unlike Easy.
MSC Cruises – UK Departures (GBP)
| Cruise Length | Purchase Date | Premium Extra | Easy Plus | Easy | Alcohol-Free | Kids (4–17 yrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 Nights or Less | Buy Onboard | £77.05 | £57.50 | £42.55 | £26.45 | £18.40 |
| 6 Nights or Less | Prepaid | £67 | £50 | £37 | £23 | £16 |
| 7+ Nights | Buy Onboard | £73.60 | £54.05 | £39.10 | £24.15 | £17.25 |
| 7+ Nights | Prepaid | £64 | £47 | £34 | £21 | £15 |
Special Discounts & Offers
Here’s a personal example: When I booked a short 2-night sailing on MSC Euribia, I was able to add the Premium Extra Package for just £40 per person, per day, thanks to a limited-time offer.
So before you pay full price, be sure to:
- 🔍 Check for bundled cruise deals (with drinks & Wi-Fi included)
- ✅ Always prepay — it’s significantly cheaper
What’s Included in Each MSC Cruises Drink Package?
There are five different drink packages available on MSC Cruises — each tailored to different needs, budgets, and drinking habits.
Let’s break them down so you can choose wisely based on what you love to sip!
1. MSC Premium Extra Package (Most Inclusive)
This is the top-tier package that my husband and I usually go for, especially on longer cruises. If you enjoy premium spirits, wines, or espresso-based drinks, it’s totally worth it.
✅ What’s Included:
- Drinks priced up to:
- $16 (USD)
- €14 (EUR)
- £14 (GBP)
- Classic & frozen cocktails
- Sodas, fruit juices, mineral water
- Hot chocolate and tea
- Specialty coffees (latte, espresso, cappuccino)
- 25% discount on wine/Champagne bottles
- Draught, craft & bottled beers
- Energy drinks
- Full wine & Champagne list by the glass
- Premium spirits, liqueurs, cordials
✅ Available at:
- All bars and lounges
- Ocean Cay MSC Reserve
- Specialty restaurants
- Buffet and main dining rooms
- Raj Polo Tea Room & Coffee Emporium (on MSC World Europa)
🚫 Not valid at: Lavazza cafés and Starship Club
2. MSC Easy Plus Package
(Not available in North America)
This is ideal if you enjoy variety but aren’t too picky about high-end brands. I used this once during a Med cruise and found it great for casual sipping.
✅ What’s Included:
- Drinks priced up to:
- $10 / €9 / £10
- Soda, mineral water, juices
- Non-alcoholic cocktails
- Wine by the glass (decent range)
- Frozen and classic cocktails
- Coffee & hot drinks (latte, espresso, tea)
- Select spirits, liqueurs, and cordials
- Draft and bottled beers
- 10% discount on wine bottles
✅ Valid in:
- All bars, buffets, main dining rooms
- Also works in specialty restaurants
🚫 Not valid at Starship Club or The Coffee Emporium
📌 If you’re dining in multiple specialty restaurants, this is much better than the Easy Package.
3. MSC Easy Package
(Budget-friendly, not available in North America)
This is the simplest package — and it’s great if you’re not too fussy and happy with house drinks.
✅ What’s Included:
- Bottled water
- Classic hot drinks (coffee, tea)
- Fruit juices and soda
- A few classic cocktails
- Mocktails
- House spirits
- Heineken draft beer
- House wines by the glass
✅ Valid in:
- All bars, buffets, main dining rooms
🚫 Not valid in specialty restaurants or Starship Club
I personally find the cocktail selection quite limited here — just a heads-up if you like more variety.
4. MSC Alcohol-Free Package
I tried this once during a detox week — surprisingly refreshing! Great for those who don’t drink alcohol but still want fun drinks.
✅ What’s Included:
- Energy drinks
- Soft-serve ice cream
- Soda, juices, flavoured water
- Mineral water
- Alcohol-free cocktails
- Coffee, tea, hot chocolate
✅ Valid in:
- Bars, buffets, main dining rooms, Ocean Cay
🚫 Not available in specialty restaurants
5. MSC Minors Package
For young cruisers aged:
- 3 to 17 in Europe
- 3 to 20 in North America/Caribbean
✅ What’s Included:
- Hot chocolate and tea
- Non-alcoholic cocktails
- Energy drinks
- Soft-serve ice cream
- Coffee (yes, even cappuccino for teens!)
- Soda, juices, flavoured water
- Mineral water
✅ Valid throughout the ship
🚫 Specialty restaurant access only if adults have Easy Plus or Premium Extra
At-a-Glance Package Comparison Table
| Package Name | Max Drink Price | Alcohol? | Coffee & Juices | Specialty Restaurants | Private Island | Ice Cream |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premium Extra | $16 / €14 / £14 | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ |
| Easy Plus | $10 / €9 / £10 | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ |
| Easy | Draft Heineken | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ❌ |
| Alcohol-Free | – | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Minors | – | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ❌* (with adult opt-in) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
MSC Cruise Bar Prices – What You’ll Pay Without a Package
If you’re unsure about purchasing a drink package, it’s important to know how much each drink costs on MSC Cruises.
These prices will help you work out whether you’ll come out ahead or end up overspending.
When I cruised on MSC Virtuosa, I took photos of every bar menu so I could figure this out — and now you don’t have to!
Here’s what drinks cost without a package:
MSC Bar Price List
| Drink Type | Average Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Canned Soda | $3.25 |
| Soda (by the glass) | $2.25 |
| Mocktails | $6 |
| Spirits | $7 – $12 |
| Bottled Water (500ml) | $2.75 |
| Bottled Beer | $6.50 |
| Glass of Wine | $6 – $14 |
| Fruit Juice | $2.95 – $7.50 |
| Cocktails | $7 – $16 |
| Energy Drink (Red Bull) | $4.95 |
| Coffee (espresso, latte etc.) | $2.50 – $4.25 |
| Large Draft Beer | $6 |
⚠️ A tip: Many bartenders serve lighter pours or smaller glasses than you’d expect. Especially wine! Sometimes it barely filled half the glass.
Wine Prices on MSC Cruises
I’m a big wine lover, so this one hits home for me.
- House wine (by the glass): ~$6
- Premium wine: Up to $14
- Bottled wine: Typically $25–$50+
But be warned — wine pours can be on the small side, especially during peak hours. Ordering wine by the bottle might be a better deal (and helps you avoid long waits at the bar!).
Beer Prices on MSC
One thing I noticed was the absence of full pints. Even “large” beers come in smaller pilsner-style glasses — about ¾ of a pint.
| Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Bottled Beers (Corona, Moretti, etc.) | $6.50 – $7 |
| Small Draft | $3.50 |
| Large Draft (Heineken) | $6 |
| Alcohol-Free Beer | $6.50 |
⚠️ I found it a bit odd that alcohol-free beer is often more expensive than draft Heineken! Doesn’t seem fair, does it?
Water, Coffee & Juices
| Drink | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Espresso | $2.50 |
| Cappuccino/Latte | $3.50 – $4.25 |
| Fresh Juice | Up to $7.50 |
| Soda (Canned) | $3.25 |
| Soda (Glass) | $2.25 |
| Bottled Water (500ml) | $2.75 |
| Red Bull | $4.95 |
| Bottled Water (1L) | $5.50 |
☕ If you love specialty coffee like I do, you’ll rack up costs quickly. On my last cruise, I had 3 coffees a day — that’s $10+ daily without a package!
Is the Drinks Package Worth It?
Here’s a quick calculation to help you decide:
🎯 Break-Even Estimate (per person, per day):
| Package | Price (Avg.) | Break-Even # of Drinks |
|---|---|---|
| Premium Extra | $85–$98 | 5–6 premium drinks |
| Easy Plus | $47–$57 (GBP) | 4–5 drinks (mix of cocktails/wine/coffee) |
| Easy | $34–$43 (GBP) | 3–4 house drinks |
| Alcohol-Free | $21–$30 (GBP) | 4–5 sodas, juices, coffees |
I used this method myself on a 7-night cruise, and I was surprised how quickly it adds up. Even just:
- 2 cocktails ($14 × 2 = $28)
- 1 Red Bull ($5)
- 1 espresso ($3)
- 1 bottle of water ($3)
That’s $39/day already — and I was barely drinking!
So yes, the drinks package can easily be worth it, especially on sea days when you’re onboard all day.
MSC Drinks Package Rules You Should Know
Before you go all in on a drinks package, it’s crucial to understand the fine print.
Trust me — knowing these rules will save you from awkward moments at the bar or unexpected charges on your final bill.
1. Fantastica and Aurea Don’t Include Drinks Anymore
MSC’s experience tiers (Bella, Fantastica, Aurea) no longer come with drink packages, unless there’s a special promotion.
- Aurea used to include an Easy Package — now it comes with welcome prosecco and chocolates instead.
- You may still see deals like “free drinks with Fantastica upgrade”, but always read the fine print.
2. There’s Now a 15-Drink Limit Per Day
MSC recently added a limit of 15 alcoholic drinks per day on all drink packages that include alcohol.
This is in line with most major cruise lines now. The limit resets at midnight, and you can still order unlimited:
- Water
- Soda
- Coffee
- Juices
- Mocktails
💡 To be honest, I rarely hit that limit. But it’s something to be aware of — especially if you’re cruising with a group and enjoying long days at sea.
3. Everyone in the Cabin Must Have the Same Package
If one adult gets the Premium Extra package, all adults in the same cabin must buy it too. You can’t mix and match or “go without.”
- Children (3–17 in Europe, 3–20 in North America) must get the Minors Package
- Kids under 3 are exempt
⚠️ No sharing allowed — giving your drink to someone without a package could lead to cancellation of your plan without refund.
4. Yacht Club Guests Get Free Premium Extra Package
If you’re sailing in the MSC Yacht Club, you’re in luck:
- You get the Premium Extra drinks package included
- It works in all bars and restaurants
- Plus, Yacht Club guests get a stocked minibar and drinks in the exclusive Top Sail Lounge
If you’re considering an upgrade to Yacht Club, this perk alone makes a big difference.
5. You Can’t Bring Your Own Drinks
Unlike other cruise lines that allow one bottle of wine per adult, MSC doesn’t allow any outside drinks onboard. This includes:
- Alcohol
- Soft drinks
- Water bottles
🔄 The only exceptions are:
- Baby formula
- Medical needs (e.g. bottled water for a medical condition)
Funny enough, I once forgot a Dr Pepper in my backpack and accidentally brought it onboard — no one noticed. But don’t count on that!
6. Buy Before You Cruise — It’s 15% Cheaper
Whatever package you choose, buy it before your cruise via the MSC “Manage My Booking” portal. Onboard prices are 15% higher.
| Example: Premium Extra |
|---|
| Pre-Cruise Price: $85/night |
| Onboard Price: $98/night |
| Savings (7 nights): $91 per person |
Multiply that by two people, and it’s almost $200 saved just by planning ahead!
7. You Only Pay the Difference If a Drink Exceeds Your Limit
Let’s say you have the Easy Plus Package (limit: $10), and you order a cocktail worth $12. You’ll only be charged the $2 difference.
I love this rule. On some other lines, you’d have to pay the full $12 just because you exceeded the threshold.
8. Drink Packages Don’t Work Everywhere
Here’s where you can’t use your drink package:
| Excluded Venues | Why? |
|---|---|
| Starship Club (MSC Virtuosa) | Signature venue |
| Jean-Philippe Chocolat & Gelato (some ships) | Premium café and gelato spot |
| Venchi 1878 Chocolate & Coffee Bar | Branded signature venue |
| Lavazza Coffee Bars (some ships) | Third-party operated |
| Room Service / Mini Bar | Not included in any package |
✅ However, you can use the packages at Ocean Cay and Sir Bani Yas Island bars – a nice bonus!
Final Tips Before We Dive Into Each Package
- Always check if any promotions are available — you might get a free upgrade
- Calculate your “break-even” point based on your personal habits (we’ll help with that in the next part)
- Use your package! Even bottled water, soda cans, and cappuccinos add up fast
Drinks Packages Comparison Table
| Feature | Premium Extra | Easy Plus | Easy | Alcohol-Free | Minors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max Drink Price | $16 / €14 / £14 | $10 / €9 / £10 | Limited Selection | Non-alcoholic only | Non-alcoholic only |
| Cocktails | ✅ Full Menu | ✅ Mid-range | ✅ Basic | 🚫 | 🚫 |
| Wine & Champagne | ✅ All by glass | ✅ House wines | ✅ House only | 🚫 | 🚫 |
| Spirits | ✅ Premium | ✅ Mid-range | ✅ House spirits | 🚫 | 🚫 |
| Soft Drinks & Juices | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Coffee & Tea | ✅ Specialty | ✅ Specialty | ✅ Basic | ✅ Specialty | ✅ Specialty |
| Ice Cream | ✅ (sometimes) | ✅ (sometimes) | ✅ (sometimes) | ✅ | ✅ |
| Specialty Restaurants | ✅ | ✅ | 🚫 | 🚫 | 🚫 |
My Personal Pick
For longer cruises or if you enjoy premium cocktails, wines, and better spirits, Premium Extra is worth it.
On my last MSC cruise, I easily got my money’s worth (even with a few sea days missed).
For budget-friendly cruises or port-heavy itineraries where you won’t drink much onboard, Easy Plus strikes a good balance — you still get cocktails, decent wines, and coffees.
Are MSC Drinks Packages Worth It? (Real Math & Prices)
One of the most common questions I get is:
“Is the MSC drinks package worth the money, or should I just pay as I go?”
After cruising multiple times with MSC and experimenting with drink packages on different itineraries, here’s what I’ve learned — and how you can decide for your own cruise.
How Many Drinks Per Day to Break Even?
Let’s do some simple math using the Premium Extra package as an example.
Cost: ~$85 per person/day (USD)
Average drink price: ~$9
Break-even point: ~9–10 drinks/day
That might sound like a lot, but when you include:
- 1–2 glasses of wine with dinner
- 2 specialty coffees (morning + after lunch)
- 1–2 cocktails before dinner
- A nightcap or beer
- A few sodas/waters during the day
…it adds up quickly, especially on sea days.
💡 On port days, I usually don’t drink as much since I’m off the ship exploring — so it’s harder to hit that break-even point on those days.
Break-Even Summary Table
| Package Type | Avg Price/Day | Break-Even (Drinks/Day) | Worth It If… |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premium Extra | $85 | 9–10 drinks | You enjoy cocktails, wine, spirits, and specialty coffee all day |
| Easy Plus | $54 | 6–7 drinks | You want a variety of drinks without top-shelf brands |
| Easy | $39 | 4–5 drinks | You’re a light drinker who sticks with wine, beer, and soft drinks |
| Alcohol-Free | $24 | 5–6 drinks | You prefer mocktails, coffee, soda, juices, or water |
| Kids (Minors) | $19–24 | N/A (required for kids) | Required if adults have packages; includes juices, soda, etc. |
When the Package Is Not Worth It
Based on my experience, you may want to skip the package if:
- You’re doing a port-heavy itinerary with little time on the ship.
- You only plan to have 1–2 drinks per day.
- You prefer to buy bottles of wine to share at dinner (not fully covered).
- You don’t drink alcohol and only need 1–2 coffees or juices daily.
In those cases, it’s more economical to pay as you go.
When It Is Worth It
A drinks package is a smart deal when:
- You’ll relax on the ship often (especially on sea days).
- You plan to have more than 5–6 drinks daily, including coffee, mocktails, or sodas.
- You enjoy trying different cocktails, wines, and spirits, without worrying about cost.
- You don’t want to keep track of your bill.
My Tip: Use the Calculator
Before my last MSC cruise, I used an online MSC Drinks Package Calculator where I entered my daily habits (like how many coffees, cocktails, and waters I usually have), and it told me which package was most cost-effective.
✅ Get instant access for free below!
My Honest Take
On our 7-night Caribbean cruise on MSC Virtuosa, I had the Premium Extra package. I usually had:
- A morning cappuccino
- A mimosa or fresh juice at brunch
- A frozen cocktail by the pool
- A beer before dinner
- A glass of wine with dinner
- An espresso and a dessert liqueur
That easily hit 7–8 drinks, some days even 10. So yes, it paid off.
But on our 3-night Europe cruise, I stuck with Easy Plus and paid for any extras. That was a smarter move.
Final Comparison & Which MSC Drinks Package Is Right for You?
Choosing the right drinks package on MSC isn’t just about price — it’s about what you actually like to drink, where you plan to drink it, and how often you’ll be sipping.
After cruising with MSC multiple times and trying several packages myself, here’s how I’d help you figure it out.
🥇 Quick Comparison Table
| Package | Max Drink Price | Specialty Restaurants | Bars/Lounges | Includes Alcohol | Kids Option | Avg. Price (per night) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premium Extra | $16 / €14 / £14 | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ | $85–$101 / €74–€89 |
| Easy Plus | $10 / €9 / £10 | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ | $47–$62 / €47–€62 |
| Easy | ~$7–$8 range | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ | $34–$49 / €34–€49 |
| Alcohol-Free | N/A | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ | $24–$35 / €24–€30 |
| Minors | N/A | ❌ No (unless parents upgraded) | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Age 3–17/20 | $17–$24 / €17–€21 |
Which Package Should You Choose?
Let’s break it down by drinking style and cruising habits:
For Premium Drinkers & Cocktail Lovers
👉 Get the Premium Extra Package
- Best for those who love craft cocktails, premium spirits (like Grey Goose, Bombay Sapphire), and fine wines.
- Also ideal if you want to drink in all venues, including Ocean Cay, specialty restaurants, and lounges.
💡 Personal Tip: I loved this one when we did a special anniversary cruise — I didn’t have to think about price tags and could try new drinks freely.
For Casual Wine, Beer & Basic Spirits Drinkers
👉 Get the Easy Plus Package
- Great if you’re okay with mid-tier options and don’t need top-shelf brands.
- Still gives you dining room and bar access, so it’s flexible without being expensive.
💡 I used this on a Mediterranean cruise when I knew I’d be off-ship most of the day and wanted just a few drinks at dinner and in the evenings.
For Budget-Conscious or Light Drinkers
👉 Get the Easy Package
(Only available in Europe and UK)
- You get your basic beers (like Heineken), wines, and a small list of cocktails.
- Not valid in specialty restaurants — best for casual cruisers who don’t mind repetition.
💡 It’s limited, but if you’re not fussy and want to save money, this is a good low-cost option.
For Non-Drinkers or Health-Conscious Cruisers
👉 Get the Alcohol-Free Package
- Covers smoothies, mocktails, specialty coffees, soft drinks, juices, teas, and even soft-serve ice cream.
- Great if you just want hydration and the occasional fancy drink.
💡 My go-to for shorter cruises when I wanted my caffeine fix and didn’t feel like drinking alcohol.
For Kids & Teens
👉 Get the Minors Package
- Everything a young cruiser might want — juices, sodas, mocktails, hot chocolate, and ice cream.
- Required if parents opt for Premium or Easy Plus.
💡 My nephew loved the fancy mocktails and soft serve. Totally worth it to avoid constant individual charges.
Final Word From My Experience
Personally, I’ve found that MSC’s drink packages are among the most affordable compared to other cruise lines, and much easier to calculate.
Whether I’m enjoying a sunset cocktail on deck or grabbing a cold beer after dinner, knowing it’s covered helps me relax more.
