Coincidentally, I was planning a cruise with MSC and wondering which drink package to choose when I stumbled upon the ultimate MSC drink package guide.
As someone who enjoys a good drink while on vacation, I was thrilled to find such a comprehensive guide that provided all the information I needed to make an informed decision.
From the different packages available to their prices and what’s included, this guide had it all.
As I delved deeper into the guide, I was impressed by the author’s attention to detail and their willingness to share their knowledge and expertise.
Not only did they provide a breakdown of each package and its benefits, but they even created a drink package calculator to help readers determine which package would be the best value for their needs.
As someone who values both freedom and getting the best bang for my buck, this was music to my ears.
So, if you’re planning a cruise with MSC and want to make the most of your drink options, join me as we raise a glass to the ultimate MSC drink package guide!
- MSC offers five drink packages: Easy, Easy Plus, Premium Extra, Alcohol-Free, and Minors, with varying prices and inclusions.
- Guests are recommended to book their package before boarding to avoid a 15% surcharge, and all passengers travelling together must have the same package.
- To break even on a package, guests will need to drink around five drinks per day, and freshly squeezed fruit juices are not included in any package.
- Drink packages are available on all ships, except for cruises from South Africa and China, and guests can use their MSC drink package to get free drinks on MSC Cruises private island, Ocean Cay.
Package Options
I’ve done my research and can confidently say that when it comes to MSC drink packages, there’s more than one way to skin a cat. With five package options available, there’s something for every type of cruiser.
The Easy package is the cheapest, and includes draft beer, house wines, and select cocktails. If you’re looking to upgrade, the Easy Plus package includes all drinks priced up to $10 or €9, can be consumed in specialty restaurants, and covers spirits and mixers within the price limit.
For those who want to splurge, the Premium Extra package includes all drinks priced up to $16 or €14, has a limit of €13 or £11, and includes a 25% discount on wine and Champagne bottles. The Premium Plus package includes all drinks with no price limit and covers some cocktails under 8 Euros.
Alternatively, if you’re not interested in alcoholic beverages, the Alcohol-Free package includes a wide variety of non-alcoholic drinks. With so many customization options available, it’s important to compare value to ensure you’re getting the best package for your needs.
Pricing and Booking
To book a drink package on an MSC cruise, simply visit their website or contact their customer service team to learn about the pricing options available for your specific location and length of voyage. It is highly recommended to book your package before boarding to avoid a 15% surcharge. MSC no longer publishes package prices on their website, so it’s best to contact them directly for the most up-to-date information.
To help you determine which package is the best value for your needs, I’ve created a table below comparing the different packages and their prices. Keep in mind that all passengers travelling together must have the same package, and upgrading the package is possible by paying the difference. Remember, to break even on a package, you’ll need to drink around five drinks per day. So, make sure to choose the package that fits your needs and budget best.
| Package | Description | Price per Day |
|---|---|---|
| Easy | Includes draft beer, house wines, and select cocktails. | Starting at $29 per day or €26 per day |
| Easy Plus | Includes all drinks priced up to $10 or €9, can be consumed in specialty restaurants, covers spirits and mixers within price limit. | Starting at $39 per day or €35 per day |
| Premium Extra | Includes all drinks priced up to $16 or €14, includes a 25% discount on wine and Champagne bottles, has a limit of €13 or £11. | Starting at $62 per day or €55 per day |
| Alcohol-Free | Includes a wide variety of non-alcoholic drinks. | Starting at $19 per day or €17 per day |
| Minors | For children aged 3 to 17 on European cruises and aged 3 to 20 on North American and Caribbean cruises. | Starting at $17 per day or €15 per day |
| Premium Plus | Includes all drinks with no price limit, covers some cocktails under 8 Euros. | Starting at $89 per day or €79 per day |
| MSC Yacht Club | Enjoy the equivalent of the Premium Extra package. | Included in MSC Yacht Club experience |
| MSC ALL-IN Offer | Includes free drinks, free Wi-Fi, and free onboard credit. | Starting at $95 per day or €85 per day |
Package Details
Choosing the right drink package on an MSC cruise can be a game-changer, as it unlocks a world of unlimited beverage options and allows you to indulge in your favorite drinks without breaking the bank.
When comparing MSC’s drink packages, it’s important to understand what each package offers and whether it aligns with your drinking preferences and budget.
While the Easy and Easy Plus packages are suitable for those who prefer beer, wine, and basic cocktails, the Premium Extra package is ideal for those who enjoy premium spirits and wines.
For those who want to go all out, the Premium Plus package includes all drinks with no price limit, allowing you to indulge in top-shelf liquor and exotic cocktails. However, it’s important to note that certain cocktails may be excluded from this package if they exceed the €8 price limit.
Ultimately, the right drink package for you depends on your personal preferences and drinking habits, so it’s important to carefully consider your options before making a decision.
Free Drink Options
When cruising with MSC, I always make sure to take advantage of the complimentary beverages available. There are a variety of options, including water, coffee, tea, and juices at breakfast. These drinks are free and readily available, making them a great option for those looking to save money on their trip.
In addition to the standard complimentary beverages, MSC also offers a range of non-alcoholic options. These drinks are included in the Alcohol-Free package and include a wide variety of choices such as mocktails, sodas, and specialty coffee drinks. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing beverage to enjoy by the pool or a warm cup of coffee to start your day, MSC has got you covered with their selection of complimentary and non-alcoholic drink options.
Drink Prices
I always keep in mind the drink prices on MSC cruises, as they can quickly add up if you’re not careful with your spending. While some drinks are free, such as water, coffee, tea, ice tea, milk, and juices at breakfast, alcoholic beverages can be quite expensive. A glass of wine can cost between £8 to £10, while a large beer can cost between £7.50 and £9. Tap water is free, but bottled water costs £2.50 for a 500ml bottle. Full price must be paid for occasional premium drinks, not just the price difference.
To help navigate the pricing, I have created a comparison table of some common drink prices on MSC cruises. It’s important to note that these prices are subject to change and may vary by ship and itinerary. It’s also important to keep in mind any hidden costs, such as the 15% service charge automatically added to bills for all-inclusive packages. By being aware of the prices and any additional costs, you can make informed decisions about which drink package to choose and how much to budget for drinks on your cruise.
| Drink | Price |
|---|---|
| Glass of House Wine | £8-£10 |
| Large Beer | £7.50-£9 |
| 500ml Bottle of Water | £2.50 |
| Specialty Cocktail | £10-£12 |
| Soft Drink | £3-£4 |
Comparing drink prices and keeping hidden costs in mind can help you stay within your budget while still enjoying your favorite beverages on an MSC cruise. Utilizing the free drink options available, such as water, coffee, tea, and juices at breakfast, can also help keep costs down. By planning ahead and being aware of the costs, you can fully enjoy your cruise without worrying about overspending on drinks.
Author’s Experience
Moving on from drink prices, let me share my personal experience with MSC drink packages.
As someone who has cruised with MSC twice in the past year, I can confidently say their drink packages are a great value for money. I highly recommend booking your package before boarding to avoid the 15% surcharge. Use the drink package calculator I created to determine which package is the best fit for your needs.
Here are some additional tips based on my experience:
- Compare MSC’s drink packages with those of other cruise lines to see which one offers the best value for your budget.
- Consider upgrading your package by paying the price difference to enjoy more premium drinks.
- If you’re traveling with a group, make sure everyone in the cabin has the same package to avoid confusion when ordering drinks.
- Don’t forget to check for any drink package add-ons, such as free Wi-Fi or onboard credit, to get the most out of your cruise experience.
Overall, I’ve been very satisfied with MSC’s drink packages and would definitely book them again on my next cruise. Just remember to drink responsibly and enjoy your vacation to the fullest.
Package Calculator
To determine the best value for your needs, try out my drink package calculator when booking your next cruise with MSC. This user-friendly tool makes it incredibly easy to compare the five different drink packages available and provides personalized recommendations based on your individual preferences.
Simply input the length of your cruise, the number of passengers in your cabin, and your preferred drink types, and the calculator will do the rest. The comparison chart provides a breakdown of the prices and inclusions of each package, making it simple to see which one is the best fit for you.
Plus, the personalized recommendations take into account factors such as your budget and the number of drinks you typically consume per day, ensuring that you get the most bang for your buck. With this tool, you’ll be able to confidently select the perfect drink package for your upcoming MSC cruise.
tips for Lowest Price
Now that you’ve used my drink package calculator to determine the best option for your needs, it’s time to discuss how to get the lowest price for your package.
One of the easiest ways to save money is by negotiating rates with your travel agent or MSC directly. It’s always worth asking if there are any discounts available, especially if you’re booking well in advance or if you’re a repeat cruiser with MSC.
Another way to save money is by taking advantage of early bird discounts. MSC often offers discounts for passengers who book their cruise and drink package far in advance. Be sure to keep an eye on their website and sign up for their email newsletter to stay up to date on any special deals.
Remember, booking your package before boarding is also recommended to avoid the 15% surcharge. With a bit of effort, you can get the best value for your money and enjoy all the drinks you desire during your MSC cruise.
Hygiene and Menus
When I was on my MSC cruise, I found it helpful to view drink menus on my mobile phone for enhanced hygiene. With the current global pandemic, sanitation measures are at the forefront of everyone’s minds. By using mobile ordering, you can avoid touching physical menus that may have been handled by multiple people. Plus, it’s convenient and easy to use!
To make things even easier, MSC Cruises has provided a helpful QR code on tables and in bars that will take you directly to the drink menu on your phone. This not only helps with hygiene but also helps save time by not having to wait for a physical menu to be brought to your table. With MSC’s commitment to safety and hygiene, it’s great to see them implementing measures like this to ensure a safe and enjoyable cruising experience.
| MSC Drink Package | Price | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Easy | Varies | Draft beer, house wines, and select cocktails |
| Easy Plus | Varies | All drinks up to $10 or €9, spirits and mixers within price limit |
| Premium Extra | Varies | All drinks up to $16 or €14, 25% discount on wine and Champagne bottles |
| Alcohol-Free | Varies | A variety of non-alcoholic drinks |
This table provides a quick overview of the different MSC drink packages and what’s included in each one. It’s important to note that prices vary based on location and length of the cruise. By using this table and the drink package calculator provided by the author, you can determine which package is the best value for your needs. So go ahead, enjoy a drink (or five) on your next MSC cruise with peace of mind knowing that you’re staying safe and hygienic.
Other Information
Interestingly, I’ve discovered that MSC Cruises’ website provides a drinks calculator to estimate the cost of drink packages. This can be a helpful tool when planning your cruise budget. It takes into account the length of your cruise, the destination, and the number of passengers in your cabin to provide an accurate estimate of the cost of each drink package. It’s a great way to compare the different packages and decide which one is the best value for your needs.
When it comes to onboard entertainment, MSC Cruises offers a wide variety of options to keep guests entertained throughout their cruise. From live music and theater performances to dance classes and sports activities, there is something for everyone.
The cruise destinations themselves also offer plenty of opportunities for adventure and exploration. Whether it’s soaking up the sun on a tropical beach or exploring historic landmarks in Europe, no matter what your interests are, you’re sure to find plenty of entertainment and excitement on an MSC cruise.
Cruise Line Restrictions
I have found that it’s important to be aware of the cruise line restrictions before booking your next vacation. Different cruise lines have varying policies when it comes to drink packages, age restrictions, and other limitations. In terms of drink packages on MSC Cruises, it’s important to note that all passengers travelling together must have the same package, and packages cannot be purchased for only two days – they are for the entire length of the cruise. Additionally, MSC does not allow guests to bring any drinks on board and freshly squeezed fruit juices are not included in any package.
When it comes to age restrictions, the Minors package is available for children aged 3 to 17 on European cruises and aged 3 to 20 on North American and Caribbean cruises. It’s also important to note that the Easy drinks package for a minor is not required if the parent only purchases it for themselves. It’s always a good idea to double-check the age restrictions and other limitations before booking your next MSC Cruise to ensure that everyone in your party can fully enjoy their vacation.
| Cruise Line Limitations | Age Restrictions |
|---|---|
| All passengers travelling together must have the same drink package. | Minors package available for children aged 3 to 17 on European cruises and aged 3 to 20 on North American and Caribbean cruises. |
| Drink packages are for the entire length of the cruise and cannot be purchased for only two days. | Easy drinks package for a minor is not required if the parent only purchases it for themselves. |
| MSC does not allow guests to bring any drinks on board. | |
| Freshly squeezed fruit juices are not included in any package. |
Are there any restrictions on where you can use your drink package on the ship?
There are no designated drink package areas on MSC Cruises, meaning that guests can use their drink package in any bar, restaurant, or lounge on the ship. However, there may be some drinks excluded from the package in certain venues.
Can you purchase a drink package for only part of the cruise?
Unfortunately, MSC does not offer partial drink packages. The cost is not pro rated, so you’ll need to purchase the package for the entirety of your cruise. All passengers in the cabin must have a package.
Are there any additional fees or charges associated with the drink packages?
Yes, there are additional fees associated with the drink packages on MSC Cruises. A 15% service charge is automatically added to the bill for all inclusive packages, and there may be hidden charges for premium drinks.
Does MSC offer any promotions or discounts on their drink packages?
Hey there! As of now, MSC is offering some fantastic promotions and discounts on their drink packages. However, availability and limitations may vary depending on the location and length of the cruise. As a seasoned MSC cruiser, I suggest keeping an eye out for any special deals when booking your package.
How do the drink prices on MSC compare to other cruise lines?
When comparing drink prices on MSC to other cruise lines, I’ve found that MSC’s drink package value is generally better. While individual drink prices may be higher, the packages offer more options and better savings.