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If you’ve ever been mid-way through planning a cruise and then had one of your favourite add-ons suddenly disappear, you’ll know exactly how I felt when I heard the news from MSC Cruises.
From 1st August 2025, the cruise line has decided to stop offering the Easy Plus Drinks Package — a move that’s definitely going to change the way many of us plan our onboard spending.
The Announcement That Got Everyone Talking
I was scrolling through the latest cruise updates when this headline caught my eye — and honestly, I had to double-check it.
MSC confirmed that starting from August 1st, the Easy Plus Package will no longer be available to book.
- Already booked? You’re safe – If you locked it in before 31st July 2025, MSC will still honour it, no matter when you’re sailing.
- New bookings? No chance – From August onwards, the option simply won’t be there.
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen Easy Plus quietly disappear.
Back in December 2024, MSC had already removed it from sailings in the Caribbean, North America, and the Pacific Ocean, along with the lower-tier Easy Package.
At the time, it felt like a regional tweak. Now, it’s a fleet-wide change for new bookings.
What’s Still on the Menu?
Even though Easy Plus is going, MSC hasn’t left us completely high and dry (pun intended).
There are still four drink packages available:
- Easy Package (Europe only)
- Premium Extra Package
- Alcohol-Free Package
- Minors Package
But if you were like me and loved Easy Plus for its sweet spot between variety and value… well, this feels like losing that “just right” option.
Why Easy Plus Was Such a Fan Favourite
I’ll be honest — I’ve always had a bit of a love affair with the Easy Plus Drinks Package.
It was that perfect middle ground: not overly expensive like the premium packages, but far more flexible than the basic options.
Here’s what made it such a win for me:
- Generous selection – Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks up to $10 (or equivalent in other currencies).
- Wide variety – Draught and bottled beers, wines by the glass, cocktails, soft drinks, specialty coffees — basically something for every mood.
- Little perks – A 10% discount on wine bottles, which always came in handy for dinner splurges.
- Specialty restaurant coverage – Unlike the lower-tier Easy Package, Easy Plus lets you enjoy drinks in specialty venues without feeling restricted.
One of my best Easy Plus memories? Sitting in the main dining room on formal night with a glass of sparkling wine in hand, knowing it was all covered.
It made the evening feel effortless — no calculating prices in my head, no awkward “Is this included?” moments with the waiter.
Value for Money (Especially If You Pre-Booked)
While Easy Plus wasn’t technically all-inclusive, it felt like it for most of my days onboard. On UK sailings, it was typically £47 to £57.50 per night, gratuities included.
That last part is worth gold — no extra service charges tacked onto every drink order.
If you were clever enough to book it before your cruise, the discounted rates made it an even better value.
I found it especially worth it on port-heavy cruises, where you might only drink half the day but still want a good range when you are on board.
The First Signs It Was Disappearing
Looking back, the writing was on the wall.
Easy Plus had already been phased out in North America by late 2024, and even then, friends in Europe were wondering if it would stick around much longer.
Now, with this latest update, we know it’s gone for good — unless you were quick enough to book before July 31st.
The problem for many of us? Without Easy Plus, you’re forced to make a choice:
Settle for the Easy Package, which is more limited and doesn’t include specialty restaurant drinks.
Pay more for the Premium Extra Package, which might feel overkill for lighter drinkers.
What’s Left? The Other MSC Drinks Packages
With Easy Plus sailing into the sunset, I’ve been looking closely at what’s still on offer.
And honestly, choosing the right package now really depends on how you like to cruise. Let’s go through them one by one — with my take on who they’re best for.
1. Premium Extra Package — For the “Go Big” Crowd
This is MSC’s top-tier drinks package, and it really does cover almost everything:
- Drinks priced up to $16 / €14 / £14
- Craft, draught, and bottled beers
- Full range of wines and Champagne by the glass
- Premium spirits, cocktails, and liqueurs
- Soft drinks, energy drinks, specialty coffees, hot teas, and hot chocolate
- 25% discount on wine and Champagne bottles
Where you can use it: Pretty much everywhere onboard — all bars (except the Starship Club), specialty restaurants, Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, and premium venues like the Raj Polo Tea Room and The Coffee Emporium.
My take: If you’re someone who enjoys top-shelf brands, variety, and sipping Champagne without worrying about the price tag, this is the one. But for casual drinkers? It might be more than you need.
2. Easy Package — Budget-Friendly, But Limited
Only available in Europe and the Middle East, this one’s for those who just want the basics:
- Heineken draught beer
- Limited selection of house wines, classic cocktails, and mocktails
- House spirits, juices, soft drinks, mineral water
- Classic hot drinks like espresso, cappuccino, and tea
Where you can use it: Bars, the buffet, and the main dining room — but not specialty restaurants or the Starship Club.
My take: Cheap and cheerful, but after Easy Plus, it feels a little restrictive. If you like to try new cocktails or enjoy a glass of wine in specialty dining venues, you’ll feel the limitations quickly.
3. Alcohol-Free Package — Perfect for Non-Drinkers
For adults who don’t drink alcohol (or just want a healthier trip):
- Alcohol-free cocktails
- Sodas, juices, flavoured water, energy drinks, mineral water
- Coffee drinks, hot teas, and hot chocolate
- Soft-serve ice cream
Where you can use it: All over the ship, including Ocean Cay — but not in specialty restaurants or the Starship Club.
My take: I actually think this is underrated. If you love mocktails, coffee, and fancy non-alcoholic drinks, you’ll get your money’s worth.
4. Minors Package — For the Younger Cruisers
Designed for kids and teens (3–17 in Europe, 3–20 in North America & the Caribbean), it’s basically the Alcohol-Free Package with a focus on fun treats:
- Alcohol-free cocktails
- Sodas, juices, mineral, and flavoured water
- Hot drinks and soft-serve ice cream
My take: If you’re cruising with teens, this is a lifesaver. It stops them from charging sodas and ice cream to the cabin account all day long.
My Final Thoughts — Life After Easy Plus
I won’t lie — I’m going to miss Easy Plus.
For me, it was the “goldilocks” package: not too basic, not too expensive, and it worked beautifully whether I was lounging by the pool or enjoying a date night in a specialty restaurant.
Now that it’s gone, here’s how I’d approach picking a drinks package on MSC:
My Personal Tips for Choosing the Right Package
- Think about where you’ll drink, not just what you’ll drink.
If you love spending time in specialty restaurants or sipping cocktails in unique bars, you’ll need a package that actually covers those venues. - Factor in port days.
On port-heavy cruises, you might be off the ship half the day, so paying for a top-tier package may not make sense unless you plan to indulge in the evenings. - Do the math before you book.
MSC requires all guests in a cabin to have the same package for the entire cruise. Add it up — sometimes paying per drink is actually cheaper. - Watch for pre-cruise deals.
Booking in advance usually gets you a lower nightly rate, and sometimes they run bundle promotions with Wi-Fi or excursions. - Mix it up if you’re a light drinker.
If you only want a couple of alcoholic drinks a day, you might skip the package entirely and just buy what you need onboard — especially if you prefer wine or beer over cocktails.
My Insider Hack for MSC Drinks
Here’s something I’ve noticed on my MSC cruises: specialty coffees, bottled water, and mocktails can add up quickly — even if you’re not drinking alcohol.
If you’re skipping the drinks package, at least budget for those extras, because they can quietly rack up a hefty tab.
Final Word
The removal of Easy Plus is definitely a shake-up for MSC regulars like me. It forces us into a choice between more limited but cheaper or more expensive but fully loaded.
Will it change the way I cruise MSC? Probably. But as with anything at sea, you adapt — and maybe even discover a new favourite way to enjoy your days onboard.
For now, I’ll be keeping an eye on how MSC prices the Premium Extra Package, because if they throw in a tempting pre-cruise deal… I might just be persuaded.
