Planning an MSC cruise and wondering which drinks package is right for you? MSC Cruises drinks packages offer an excellent way to enjoy unlimited beverages whilst sailing, but with multiple options available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming.
This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about MSC’s drinks packages, helping you decide which option delivers the best value for your cruise.
MSC Cruises Drinks Packages Overview
MSC Cruises currently offers five different drinks packages to suit various budgets and drinking preferences. Each package includes gratuities and must be purchased for all guests staying in the same cabin. Here’s what’s available:
- Premium Extra Package – The premium all-inclusive option
- Easy Package – Budget-friendly alcoholic drinks (not available for North American cruises)
- Easy Plus Package – Mid-tier option with specialty restaurant access (being phased out)
- Alcohol-Free Package – Non-alcoholic beverages only
- Minors Package – For children and teenagers
Important Changes for 2025
MSC has made significant changes to their drinks packages for 2025. All new bookings after 18th December 2024 for cruises departing from 1st April 2025 onwards now include a 15-drink daily limit on alcoholic beverages. This affects all alcoholic packages, including MSC Yacht Club guests.
However, if you booked before 18th December 2024, you’ll receive the service associated with your original package without the limit.
Premium Extra Package: The Ultimate Choice
The Premium Extra Package is now MSC’s flagship alcoholic drinks package. After MSC’s 2024 revamp, this has become the primary alcoholic option for most cruises.
What’s Included
The Premium Extra Package covers all beverages priced up to £14/€14/$16:
- Full selection of draught, craft, and bottled beers
- Complete wine and champagne selection by the glass
- Extensive variety of frozen and classic cocktails
- Premium brand spirits, liqueurs, and cordials
- All soft drinks, fruit juices, and energy drinks
- Coffee drinks, hot chocolate, and teas
- 25% discount on wine and champagne bottles
Where You Can Use It
Premium Extra works in all bars, buffet restaurants, main dining venues, and specialty restaurants. It’s also valid on Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve and in the Raj Polo Tea Room on MSC World Europa.
Exclusions: Signature venues like Venchi 1878 establishments, Jean-Philippe Maury venues, and MSC Virtuosa Starship Club.
Pricing
Premium Extra packages typically cost £61-£101 per person, per night, with savings of up to 15% when booked in advance.
Easy Package: Budget-Friendly Option
The Easy Package remains available for European and Middle Eastern cruises but is no longer offered for North American itineraries.
What’s Included
The Easy Package covers selected drinks with a more limited selection:
- Heineken on draught and bottled
- House wines by the glass (red, white, sparkling, rosé)
- Selection of classic cocktails and mocktails
- House spirits
- Soft drinks and fruit juices
- Classic hot drinks (espresso, cappuccino, latte, tea, hot chocolate)
Important Limitations
The Easy Package cannot be used in specialty restaurants—only in bars, buffet areas, and main dining rooms. This is a crucial difference from higher-tier packages.
Pricing
Easy Package prices range from £34-£42.55 per night for UK cruises, making it the most affordable alcoholic option where available.
Easy Plus Package: Being Phased Out
The Easy Plus Package is being discontinued for new bookings, though existing bookings will be honoured. This mid-tier option offered more variety than the Easy Package and included specialty restaurant access.
Alcohol-Free Package: Perfect for Non-Drinkers
The Alcohol-Free Package caters to guests who prefer non-alcoholic beverages.
What’s Included
- Wide selection of alcohol-free cocktails
- Sodas, energy drinks, and flavoured water
- Fruit juices and mineral water
- Full range of coffee drinks and hot beverages
- Soft-serve ice cream
This package works in bars, buffet, and main dining rooms but not in specialty restaurants.
Minors Package: For Young Travellers
The Minors Package is designed for children aged 3-17 (or 3-20 on American/Caribbean cruises) and must be purchased when adults in the same cabin buy alcoholic packages.
What’s Included
- Alcohol-free cocktails and mocktails
- Soft drinks, energy drinks, and fruit juices
- Coffee drinks, hot chocolate, and tea
- Soft-serve ice cream
Pricing
The Minors Package costs approximately €17 per day regardless of cruise length.
Where Drinks Packages Work (and Don’t Work)
Understanding where you can use your drinks package is crucial for getting value:
Included Venues:
- All ship bars and lounges
- Buffet restaurants
- Main dining rooms
- Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve
- Specialty restaurants (Premium Extra and Easy Plus only)
Excluded Venues:
- Venchi 1878 establishments
- Jean-Philippe Maury venues
- MSC Virtuosa Starship Club (so nothing from the robot bartender)
- Room service
- Minibar
- Onboard shops
Special Considerations
Saudi Arabian Ports
Alcohol service is suspended whilst docked in Saudi Arabian ports, even with a drinks package. Service resumes once the ship returns to international waters.
MSC Yacht Club
MSC Yacht Club guests receive the Premium Extra Package as standard, but are still subject to the 15-drink daily limit for new bookings.
Group Dining Requirements
All guests dining together must have the same type of drinks package. This ensures a consistent experience when sharing tables in restaurants.
Should You Buy an MSC Drinks Package?
MSC drinks packages can offer excellent value, but success depends on your drinking habits:
- Heavy drinkers: Premium Extra Package typically pays for itself with 5+ drinks daily
- Moderate drinkers: Easy Package (where available) works well for 3-4 drinks daily
- Specialty restaurant diners: Must choose Premium Extra or Easy Plus for package coverage
- Non-drinkers: Alcohol-Free Package offers good value for frequent beverage consumption
Money-Saving Tips
- Book in advance for up to 15% savings
- Calculate your typical daily consumption before deciding
- Consider specialty restaurant dining when choosing package tiers
- Remember gratuities are included in all packages
The Bottom Line
MSC Cruises drinks packages can significantly enhance your cruise experience whilst providing cost savings for regular drinkers. The Premium Extra Package offers the most flexibility and coverage, making it ideal for guests who enjoy variety and plan to dine in specialty venues. The Easy Package provides budget-conscious value for European cruises, whilst the Alcohol-Free and Minors packages cater to specific needs.
With MSC’s recent changes introducing daily limits and phasing out some options, booking early ensures you get the best prices and package terms for your cruise. Whether you’re sipping champagne by the pool or enjoying a morning cappuccino, the right drinks package makes every moment aboard your MSC cruise more enjoyable.
All prices and package details are subject to change. Check MSC’s website for the most current information when booking your cruise.
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