MSC Cruises offers a comprehensive range of bundled amenities on their cruise vacations, but understanding the various components can be quite intricate, particularly when it comes to the drink packages on MSC. Therefore, we aim to simplify the intricacies of MSC Cruises’ drink packages by providing a detailed breakdown of their pricing and offering a clearer explanation of how they function. MSC beverage packages are not unlike other cruise lines, where they have certain rules that take some understanding. From champagne beverage gratuities to draught beer, let’s dig into the lesser packages to the premium extra packages.

Check out the easy comparison chart direct from MSC: Drink Package Chart

Table of Contents

MSC Drinks Package Pricing

MSC Cruises presents passengers with four distinct drink package options aboard their ships: the “Easy” package, “Easy Plus” package, “Premium Extra” package, and the Alcohol-Free package (with separate pricing for minors and adults).

While each beverage package on MSC Cruises comes with its own peculiar set of rules, once you grasp their intricacies, you’ll be able to fully indulge in your voyage. However, it’s important to note that you might encounter some initial frustration during the first day or two as you familiarize yourself with the various rules and exceptions in place.

The pricing table can be overwhelming and detract from the enjoyable experience of choosing the ideal package. The existence of varying prices based on the duration of the cruise may appear peculiar and adds to the perception that MSC tends to unnecessarily complicate matters.

MSC Drink Package Prices

Package Price Per Person (Purchased in Advance)

  Easy Package                                          $46 /day or $49/day for short sailings

 Easy Plus Package                              $61 /day or $64/day for short sailings

Premium Extra Package             $85 /day or $88/day for short sailings

          Alcohol-Free Package                  $28 /day (21 yrs +) / $30 for short sailings

                      Minors Package                                   $19 / day (3-20 yrs old) / $21 for short sailings

Did MSC Raise Their Drink Package Pricing?

MSC Cruises has recently implemented notable price increases for their beverage packages in 2023. This development might not come as a surprise, considering that MSC’s drink packages have been among the most affordable in the industry, albeit accompanied by a higher degree of complexity when it comes to understanding their terms.

Nonetheless, the situation is not as dire as it initially appears. MSC Cruises has opted to incorporate gratuity charges into the revised pricing, resulting in an overall effective price increase of less than 10% when purchased in advance.

It is essential to note that purchasing the beverage packages onboard the ship on the day of departure can lead to prices being up to 20% higher. Therefore, if you anticipate indulging in the drink packages during your upcoming MSC Cruise, it is advisable to acquire the package during the booking process or before setting sail.

Drink Packages Explained

The MSC Easy Package: Menu and Pricing

The MSC Easy Package covers the most fundamental alcoholic beverage package, priced at $46 per day per adult. It is occasionally offered as a promotional inclusion at no additional cost. It is important to note that this package costs $49 per day for cruises lasting less than 6 nights and incurs even higher expenses if purchased onboard.

What does the Easy Beverage Package include?

The Easy drink package grants you access to a wide range of beverages, with a price limit of $7.50 (with some exceptions). To ensure convenience, menus across the ships feature a dedicated section that outlines the items included in the easy package. However, it’s worth noting that certain beers priced at $7.50 or less per bottle are not covered by this package. This discrepancy may appear peculiar at first glance.

ALL OF THE “CLASSIC” COCKTAILS INCLUDED WITH THE EASY BEVERAGE PACKAGE

Martini | Gin or vodka, dry vermouth, olive or lemon peel
Manhattan | Whisky, red vermouth, Angostura bitters
Daiquiri | Rum, lime juice, sugar syrup
Cosmopolitan | Vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice, lime
Sidecar | Brandy, triple sec, lemon juice
Screwdriver | Vodka, orange juice
Margarita | Tequila, triple sec, sweet & sour mix, lime juice
Moscow Mule | Vodka, lime, ginger beer
Cape Cod | Vodka, cranberry juice
Mimosa | Sparkling wine, orange juice
Gin Fizz | Gin, lemon juice, sugar syrup, soda
Pink Lady | Gin, lemon juice, grenadine
Sea Breeze | Vodka, grapefruit juice, cranberry juice
Caipiroska | Vodka, diced lime, sugar
Blue Hawaiian | Rum, blue curaçao, pineapple juice, coconut cream
Tequila Sunrise | Tequila, orange juice, grenadine
Bloody Mary | Vodka, tomato juice, salt, pepper, tabasco, Worcestershire sauce Long Island Iced Tea | Vodka, rum, gin, tequila, triple sec, sweet & sour mix, cola Mojito | Rum, fresh mint, lime, sugar, soda
Piña Colada | Rum, coconut cream, pineapple juice
Strawberry Daiquiri | Rum, strawberry purée, sweet & sour mix

Alcohol-free cocktails included

Nojito | Lime, fresh mint leaves, sugar, Mojito mix, club soda
Magic Island | Pineapple, orange and lemon juice, grenadine, Sprite
Cuddle on the Beach | Peach purée, orange juice, cranberry juice
Royal Punch | Passion fruit purée, pineapple juice, cranberry juice
Fruit Smoothie | Orange juice, pineapple juice, grenadine, fresh banana, guava juice, mango purée
Coco Colada | Fresh pineapple, coconut cream, pineapple juice, milk
Virgin Strawberry Daiquiri | Strawberry purée, sweet & sour mix, sugar syrup

Beer Included in the MSC Easy Drinks Package

Heineken draft beer (ONLY)

For this package, even though bottled beers are less than the price cap of $7.50, they’re specifically excluded. Mindblowing, right? It just adds to the confusion about the MSC Drinks packages.

Sodas Included in the Easy Package

Sodas by the glass, Fruit juices by the glass, Still or sparkling bottled mineral water

Other beverages included

Including these beverages at the base level really does set MSC apart from other cruise lines that usually exclude specialty coffee from their drink packages. House wines by the glass and some wine and champagne bottles.

Espresso, Decaf espresso, Cappuccino, Decaf cappuccino, Caffè latte, Glass of milk, Hot chocolate, Hot tea

Is the Easy Package Worth it?

Determining the value of the Easy package largely depends on individual preferences. If you enjoy straightforward cocktails like Gin & Tonic, Bloody Mary, Screwdriver, and are not particular about the specific brand of liquor used, then the Easy Package could be a suitable option for you.

On the other hand, if your preference lies in beer or wine, the available options may be limited. With the MSC Easy Drink Package, the sole beer option is Heineken Draft, and the wine selection consists of off-label or budget-friendly brands simply labeled as “chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel Rose, Cabernet, or Merlot” (along with a sporadic label of sparkling wine or Prosecco). If you’re not too particular about your beer or wine choices, this package could still meet your needs.

An advantage of this beverage package is that it includes bottled water, soft drinks, juices, as well as espresso, coffee, cappuccino, and other hot beverages like tea and hot chocolate. This differs from many other cruise lines that often exclude bottled water and coffee drinks from their drink packages.

Therefore, if you find yourself enjoying multiple cups of coffee throughout the day, appreciate having bottled water readily available, and occasionally indulge in a few beers, the MSC Easy Package is likely your most suitable choice.

It is important to note that the Easy beverage package CANNOT be utilized in any of the specialty restaurants onboard. This means that if you desire a gin & tonic during dinner in these venues, you will be unable to avail yourself of that option. Adding to the peculiarity, the policy specifically prohibits guests from bringing their own beverages to dinner in specialty restaurants. Consequently, you are required to purchase drinks, regardless of their price, for the duration of your visit to a specialty restaurant.

The MSC Easy Plus Drink Package Menu & Price

To access the Easy Plus Package, you’ll need to allocate $61 per day (or $64 for cruises lasting 6 days or less). However, it’s possible to upgrade from the Easy package by paying an additional $23 per day per person (along with a 15% gratuity/service charge).

With the Easy Plus package, you gain the ability to order drinks in specialty dining restaurants, in addition to enjoying all the beverages included in the standard Easy package. MSC claims this inclusion, but there are still some important details to consider.

Under this package, the price limit for each beverage has been raised to $10. This expanded allowance grants access to a broader range of beer options, additional wine choices, and certain frozen drink selections not available in the basic package. Furthermore, you’ll find a wider selection of liquor brands, cordials, and martinis within this price range.

What is included in the Easy Plus drink package?

The Easy Plus package offers an inclusive selection of beverages priced up to $10. With this package, you have the freedom to order drinks in specialty restaurants, including an expanded array of options. This encompasses frozen drinks, premium spirits for cocktails, and a broader range of specialty cocktails. Additionally, the Easy Plus package grants access to the full range of beer options available on the ship.

In addition to the Easy Package, you can also order the following:

Cocktails included:

Sapphire Martini
Bombay Sapphire gin, Martini dry, olive or lemon peel
Appletini
Absolut Classic and Absolut Vanilia vodka, apple sour liqueur, sweet & sour mix
Royal Manhattan
Crown Royal, Martini Rosso, Angostura bitters
Cuban Daiquiri
Bacardi Superior white rum, lime juice, sugar syrup
Absolut Cosmo
Absolut Citron vodka, Cointreau, cranberry juice, Rose’s lime
Spanish Sidecar
Cardinal Mendoza brandy, Cointreau, lemon juice, sugar syrup
Screwdriver Made in USA
Tito’s vodka, orange juice
Classic Margarita
Jose Cuervo silver tequila, triple sec, sweet & sour mix, lime juice
Dutch Mule
Ketel One vodka, lime, ginger beer
Absolut Cape Cod
Absolut Classic vodka, cranberry juice
Mimosa Blossom
Absolut Mango vodka, Galliano, orange juice, prosecco
Bombay Fizz
Bombay Sapphire gin, lemon juice, sugar syrup, soda
Ultimate Pink Lady
Beefeater London Dry gin, lemon juice, pomegranate syrup
Caribbean Breeze
Ketel One vodka, grapefruit juice, cranberry juice, lime
Masters of the Sea Caipirinha
Premium cachaça, diced lime, sugar
Blue Hawaiian Punch
Bacardi Superior white rum, Malibu coconut rum, blue curaçao, pineapple juice, coconut cream
Aperol Spritz
Aperol, prosecco, club soda, orange slice
Jalisco Sunrise
Jose Cuervo silver tequila, orange juice, grenadine
Absolut Bloody Mary
Absolut Classic vodka, tomato juice, salt, pepper, tabasco, Worcestershire sauce
Ultimate Iced Tea
Smirnoff vodka, Bacardi Superior White rum, Beefeater gin, Jose Cuervo silver tequila, triple sec, sweet & sour mix, cola
Bacardi Mojito
Bacardi Superior white rum, fresh mint leaves, lime, sugar, club soda
Mudslide
Absolut vodka, Kahlúa coffee liqueur, Baileys Irish Cream, heavy cream
Baileys Alexander
Baileys Irish Cream, dark crème de cacao, cream

Frozen Drinks:

Mango Tropical Trooper
Cruzan mango rum, peach schnapps, triple sec, mango juice, fresh mint
Rock Lobster
Malibu coconut rum, banana liqueur, grenadine, fresh banana, pineapple and orange juice, Gosling’s Black Seal rum
Ultimate Piña Colada
Bacardi Superior white rum, pineapple juice, coconut cream, fresh pineapple
B.B.C
Baileys Irish Cream, Bacardi Superior white rum, coconut cream, pineapple juice, fresh banana
Original Strawberry Daiquiri
Bacardi Superior white rum, strawberry purée, sweet & sour mix
Miami Vice
Miami’s hottest drink: half Strawberry Daiquiri and half Piña Colada
Frozen Toblerone
Baileys Irish Cream, macadamia nut syrup, Swiss white chocolate syrup, cream

Beer Included in the Easy Plus package:

Miller Lite USA
Budweiser USA
Bud Light USA
Coors Light USA
Michelob Ultra USA
Heineken Netherlands
Corona Extra Mexico
Dos Equis Mexico
Red Stripe Jamaica
Stella Artois Belgium

Samuel Adams USA
Yuengling Lager USA
Newcastle Brown Ale England
Blue Moon USA
Beck’s Germany
Peroni Nastro Azzurro Italy
Pilsner Urquell Czech Republic
Guinness Pub Draft Ireland
Angry Orchard Apple Cider USA
Heineken 0.0 Netherlands

What to Know About The Easy Plus Beverage Package

One can take advantage of certain promotional offers where you might receive the Easy Package for free and decide to upgrade to the Easy Plus package by paying $13 per person per day (plus a 15% service charge). *Please note that starting from March 2023, the upgrade cost will be at least $23 per day.

One should have no issues ordering any beverage, including bottled water and coffee, at any open bar on the ship. However, we have heard of complications when using certain drink packages combined with specialty dining.

The official policy states that you are required to order from the menu of the specific dining venue at the restaurant of choice. The package covered items up to $10 on these menus. Unfortunately, this means that if you wanted a specific wine like Pinot Noir, which was not on the menu but listed on the shipwide bar menu, you would be unable to order it or bring it to the same table in the restaurant.

This policy became particularly problematic when some of the restaurants were out of the beverages listed on the menu within the package’s coverage, leaving cruisers with no option but to purchase a much more expensive cocktail or glass of wine.

Some cruisers have encountered this perplexing policy at the specialty steak restaurant, “Butchers Cut.” The only available glasses of wine within the price limit were either unappealing or unavailable. When trying to order a basic Pinot Noir from the ship menu, they refused to accommodate requests and instead offered glasses of wine priced at $32 or more each.

Another frustrating inconsistency others have run into, happens when ordering margaritas at HOLA TACOS. While a margarita fell well within the price range covered by the Easy Plus package throughout the ship, oddly enough, it was priced higher at HOLA TACOS compared to other venues. The exact same margarita, which would be covered under this package and even the basic Easy Package as a classic cocktail, required an additional payment of more than $10 at HOLA TACOS. You are better off going to the restaurant pre dining and asking the Maitre D these questions in advance to avoid confusion during dinner.

These inconsistencies in the packages truly detract from the simplicity and enjoyment of having a beverage package on MSC cruises. It is indeed mind-boggling and takes away from the overall experience.

If the package included margaritas from cruise ship bars, it would be an overall simplifed process to cover drinks the same way throughout the entire ship. Sometimes the path of least resistance is the easier path to take. Order a bottled beer or frozen and classic cocktails in place of something they might say in not included in the all inclusive beverage packages.

The MSC Premium Extra Package

The MSC Premium Extra Package grants you the freedom to purchase any beverage priced up to $16. However, it comes with a higher price tag of $85.00 per day per person (which can increase to $104/day if purchased onboard for shorter cruises). If you already have a lower-tier package, such as the Easy Package, you can upgrade to the Premium package by paying the price difference, which is approximately $43 per day (please note that prices can change often and this information reflects the most recent pricing).

With the Premium Extra Package, you gain access to a wide range of premium liquors, including brands like Grey Goose, Aviation Gin, and Belvedere (refer to the menu for the full selection). However, it’s important to note that there are still many drinks strategically priced above the $16 limit, making this package far from all-inclusive. Additionally, most of the champagne and higher-quality wines on board exceed the limit imposed by this package. To truly appreciate the value of this package, it’s best suited for those whose preferences align with the included premium liquor brands.

One benefit of these packages is a 25% discount on bottles of wine. However, it’s worth mentioning that the availability of good wine bottles is typically limited to The Butchers Cut steakhouse. Therefore, unless you frequent this dining venue regularly, the wine discount may have minimal impact on your overall experience.

What is included in the Premium Extra Package (in addition to the Easy and Easy Plus Package)

Aviation Martini
Aviation gin, maraschino liqueur, crème de violette, fresh lemon juice
Hemingway Daiquiri
Zacapa 23Y rum, fresh lime juice, grapefruit juice, maraschino liqueur
Santa Teresa Manhattan
Santa Teresa 1796 rum, orange bitters, red vermouth
Gold Rush
Woodford Reserve bourbon, fresh lemon juice, honey syrup
MSC Signature Martini
Disaronno liqueur, Grey Goose vodka, Licor 43, lemon peel
Mule Le Poire
Grey Goose Le Poire vodka, fresh lime juice, ginger beer
Shanghai Margarita
Patrón Silver tequila, agave nectar, fresh lime juice, fresh ginger zest
Chili Passion Caipirinha
Premium caçhaca, lime, raw sugar, hot chili sauce, passion fruit, jalapeño

Ultimate Mai Tai
Appleton Estate rum, Bacardi Superior white rum, Disaronno liqueur, pineapple and orange juice, sweet & sour mix, grenadine
Purple Rain
Bacardi Superior white rum, Finlandia vodka, Bombay Sapphire gin, peach schnapps, blue curaçao, sweet & sour mix, grenadine
Coco Loco
Bacardi Oakheart spiced rum, Malibu coconut rum, Piña Colada mix, mango purée, fruit punch
Jamaican Paradise
Appleton Estate rum, Malibu coconut rum, Jose Cuervo silver tequila, Midori melon liqueur, blue curaçao, sweet & sour mix
Miami Beach Iced Tea
Bacardi Superior white rum, Beefeater gin, Smirnoff vodka, Cuervo silver tequila, blue curaçao, sugar syrup, Sprite
Sunset Beach
Malibu coconut rum, raspberry liqueur, orange and pineapple juice, grenadine
Tropical Tease
Midori melon liqueur, Malibu coconut rum, banana liqueur, pineapple juice
Emerald Mariachi
1800 Reposado tequila, blue curaçao, lime juice, passion fruit syrup, pineapple juice
Mango Mojito
Bacardi mango rum, mango purée, fresh mint leaves, lime, club soda

The Alcohol Free Package

The Alcohol-Free Package on MSC cruises offers a beverage option for guests who prefer non-alcoholic drinks. This package allows you to enjoy a variety of alcohol-free beverages, including soft drinks, juices, specialty mocktails, and non-alcoholic beer. It provides a suitable choice for those who do not consume alcohol or prefer non-alcoholic options during their cruise vacation. Perfect for budget conscious cruisers looking to avoid the rich drink packages cost and still being able to enjoy fun drinks at signature venues.

This package covers non alcoholic cocktails, can include virgin mixed drinks, canned soft drinks, hot drinks and even energy drinks. This is the most basic drink package that is over and above your cruise fare.

This is what is listed as included for the great value drink packages being non alcoholic:

• Non-alcoholic cocktails

• Fresh fruit and protein cocktails

• Energy drinks

• Sodas

• Flavored water

• Wide range of hot drinks

• Soft serve ice cream

• Beverage gratuities included

Minors Package

The Minors Drink Package on MSC cruises is specifically designed for underage guests. This package offers a selection of non-alcoholic beverages such as soft drinks, juices, mocktails, and non-alcoholic cocktails. It provides young passengers with a range of refreshing options to enjoy throughout their cruise experience while adhering to the cruise line’s policy regarding the consumption of alcohol by minors.

What’s Included:

• Non-alcoholic cocktails
• Fresh fruit and protein cocktails
• Energy drinks
• Flavored water
• Soda by glass and bottle
• Wide range of hot drinks
• Soft serve ice cream
• Beverage gratuities included

Carry-On Alcohol Policy

Oddly enough, while other cruise lines might let you carry on 1 x 6 pack of beer or a single bottle of wine, MSC does not allow any alcohol carry on whatsoever. Below is written into the ships Conditions of Carriage:

13.1 Alcoholic drinks, including wines, spirits, beer or other liqueurs are available for purchase onboard the Vessel at fixed prices. Passengers are not permitted to bring onboard any such drinks for use during the voyage, whether for consumption in their own cabins or otherwise. Alcoholic drinks in any form will not be sold to Minors during the cruise. When the itinerary includes a port located in the U.S.A the same conditions will apply for any passengers under the age 21.

13.2 The Carrier and/or its servants and/or agents may confiscate alcohol brought onboard by Passengers.

13.3 The Carrier and/or its servants and/or agents may refuse to serve a Passenger alcohol or further alcohol where in their reasonable opinion the Passenger is likely to be a danger and/or nuisance to himself/herself, other passengers and/or the Vessel.

MSC Cruise Time?

MSC Cruise Lines is a great choice for an enjoyable vacation at sea. To make the most of your experience, opting for a pre-paid beverage package that suits your preferences is highly recommended. By doing so, you can conveniently access a wide variety of beverages tailored to your liking throughout your cruise.

One of the advantages of pre-paying for a beverage package is the inclusion of bottled wine options. Rather than being limited to the islands’ beverage offerings or settling for subpar selections, you can indulge in a range of quality wines that perfectly complement your dining experiences.

Additionally, pre-paying for a beverage package ensures that you have access to a comprehensive selection of liqueurs and cordials. Whether you prefer a classic cocktail or a specialty drink, you can savor a wide array of premium spirits and mixers without worrying about additional costs or restrictions.

By selecting and pre-paying for the beverage package that suits you best, you can enhance your MSC cruise experience by enjoying a variety of beverages tailored to your preferences. This approach allows for a seamless and efficient way to fully immerse yourself in the pleasures of the cruise, making the most of your time onboard and creating lasting memories.

**please note this information is accurate at the time of this writing. It’s always best to go to the Cruise Line’s website for the most accurate and up-to-date information related to MSC drink packages.