When it comes to cruising, there’s nothing quite like sipping on a refreshing drink while taking in the stunning views of the open sea. But with so many drink options available, it can be overwhelming to decide whether or not to purchase a drink package.
As a seasoned cruiser with Holland America Line, I’ve tried out their various drink packages and am here to help you decide if they’re worth the investment.
As the saying goes, ‘The world is your oyster.’And with Holland America Line’s drink packages, the world of drinks is your oyster too! From basic soda packages to all-inclusive options, there’s a package to fit every taste and budget. But before you dive in and make a purchase, it’s important to consider factors such as pricing, inclusions, and service charges.
As someone who values freedom and flexibility, I understand the importance of making an informed decision when it comes to purchasing a drink package. So let’s dive in and explore the different options together.
- Holland America Line offers a variety of drink packages starting at $8/person/day and going up to almost $60/person/day, with a 15-drink daily limit and an 18% gratuity included in the package price.
- Guests are allowed to bring 750ml bottles of wine or Champagne onto their cruise with them, but there is a corkage charge, and plastic water bottles are banned.
- Holland America Line’s drinks packages do not cover drinks from the mini bar, Honor Bar, or Room Service Dining.
- The author recommends considering the package options before sailing but arranging it no later than embarkation day, factoring in the amount of time spent on the ship before purchasing a package.
Package Options
When it comes to Holland America Line drink packages, I highly recommend considering the package options available. The packages range from a simple Coca-Cola package to an all-inclusive ‘Have It All’ package with shore excursions and specialty dining included. The prices can reach almost $60/person/day, which is a bit steep, but there are options for all kinds of budgets.
If you’re traveling with others, it’s important to note that sharing packages isn’t allowed, and all adults sharing a stateroom must have the same package. However, there are options for kids who may be thirsty, such as the Coca-Cola package.
It’s essential to consider your needs and preferences before booking a package, and it’s always a good idea to arrange it no later than embarkation day.
Pricing and Inclusions
I personally found it helpful to compare the prices and inclusions of each package before deciding which one to purchase. The Coca-Cola package at $8/person/day is the most affordable, but may not be worth it for those who don’t drink soda frequently. The Quench package at $17.95/person/day includes a wider variety of non-alcoholic drinks, but doesn’t include any alcoholic beverages. The Signature package at $54.95/person/day is a good option for those who plan on drinking moderately throughout the day, as it includes alcoholic drinks up to $11 each. The Elite package at $59.99/person/day is a good choice for those who want premium alcoholic drinks up to $15 each. The Have It All package at $50/person/day is a great choice for those who want everything included, but it’s only available on some itineraries.
When comparing with other cruise lines, Holland America Line’s drink packages are priced similarly to other premium cruise lines like Celebrity Cruises and Princess Cruises. However, it’s important to consider the 15-drink daily limit and the 18% gratuity and service charge that are added to each drink package. Overall, the drink packages can be a good value for those who plan on drinking frequently throughout the day, but may not be worth it for those who only want a few drinks here and there. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons and consider the options before making a decision.
| Package | Price per person per day | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Coca-Cola | $8 | Unlimited fountain sodas |
| Quench | $17.95 | Fountain sodas, premium coffees, fresh fruit juices and smoothies, non-alcoholic cocktails, bottled and canned sodas, energy drinks, and bottled water |
| Signature | $54.95 | Everything in the Quench package plus alcoholic drinks up to $11 each |
| Elite | $59.99 | Everything in the Signature package plus premium alcoholic drinks up to $15 each |
| Have It All | $50 | The Signature package, WiFi Surf package, and extras like shore excursions and specialty dining (only available on some itineraries) |
Wine Packages
Toast to your voyage with one of Holland America Line’s wine packages, which include Cellar No.1, Cellar No.2, and Cellar No.3. Each package offers a unique wine selection, and guests can choose to purchase them before their cruise or onboard.
Here’s what you need to know about the wine packages:
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Cellar No.1: This package features a selection of five red and five white wines, carefully curated by Holland America Line’s wine experts. With options from California, Italy, and beyond, this package is perfect for wine lovers who want to try a variety of flavors.
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Cellar No.2: Guests who want to splurge a little can opt for the Cellar No.2 package, which includes premium wines from around the world. This package includes six red and six white wines, some of which are exclusive to Holland America Line.
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Cellar No.3: For the ultimate wine experience, the Cellar No.3 package includes some of the world’s most sought-after wines. Guests can choose from a selection of rare red and white wines, as well as champagne and sparkling wine.
It’s important to note that corkage fees apply if guests want to bring their own wine onboard. However, with the variety of wine packages available, there’s no need to bring your own.
Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or just looking to enjoy a glass or two with dinner, Holland America Line’s wine packages offer something for everyone.
Special Offers
As a savvy cruiser, it’s always worth checking for any special offers on drink packages before booking. Holland America Line may not offer free drink packages by default, but they do have promotions throughout the year. These offers could include discounts on packages or even an upgrade to a higher tier package for the same price. It’s important to keep in mind the timing of these offers, as they may not be available when you’re ready to book your cruise.
Checking Holland America Line’s website or signing up for their newsletter can keep you informed on any upcoming promotions.
When comparing Holland America Line’s drink packages to other cruise lines, it’s important to factor in the additional 18% service charge on all drinks purchases. However, Holland America Line’s packages do offer a wide range of options, from basic Coca-Cola packages to the all-inclusive Have It All package.
If you’re someone who enjoys premium alcoholic drinks, the Elite package may be worth the investment. And if you’re interested in combining your drink package with other extras like WiFi and specialty dining, the Have It All package could be a great value.
Ultimately, it’s up to each individual cruiser to decide if a drink package is worth it for their specific needs and preferences.
Drink Limits and Service Charges
Interestingly, all drink packages offered by Holland America Line come with a daily limit of 15 drinks, except for the fountain soda package. This means that if you purchase the Signature, Elite, or Have It All packages, you can only have up to 15 alcoholic drinks per day. However, it’s important to note that this limit is per person, not per stateroom.
Here are some drink package benefits and alternatives to consider:
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Drink package benefits:
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Convenience: With a drink package, you don’t have to worry about carrying cash or credit cards around the ship to purchase drinks.
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Predictability: You can plan your onboard expenses in advance by purchasing a drink package.
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Value: If you’re a heavy drinker or plan to indulge in premium drinks, a drink package can save you money compared to purchasing individual drinks.
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Drink package alternatives:
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Pay as you go: If you don’t plan on drinking much, it may be more cost-effective to pay for drinks individually.
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Bring your own: As mentioned earlier, Holland America Line allows guests to bring a limited amount of their own wine or Champagne onboard.
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Happy Hour discounts: Keep an eye out for Happy Hour specials, which can offer discounted drinks during certain times of the day.
What’s Not Covered
Now that we’ve discussed the drink limits and service charges of Holland America Line’s drink packages, let’s take a closer look at what’s not covered.
It’s important to note that the drink packages do not cover drinks from the mini bar, Honor Bar, or Room Service Dining. This means that if you want a drink from these sources, you’ll have to pay for them separately.
In addition, there are some hidden costs to consider. For example, if you bring your own wine or Champagne, you’ll be charged a corkage fee. Plastic water bottles are also banned, so if you want to bring your own water, you’ll have to buy cans or cartons. However, it’s worth noting that milk alternatives like almond and oat milk are available for coffee drinks, so you don’t have to worry about paying extra for those.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide whether the drink packages are worth it for your specific needs and preferences. Alternatively, you can opt to pay for drinks as you go or bring your own beverages to save money.
Considerations Before Buying
Before making a decision, I like to consider a few key factors when it comes to purchasing a drink package for my cruise.
Firstly, cost analysis is important. I look at the price of the package and compare it to the number of drinks I typically consume in a day. If the cost of the package is more than what I would normally spend on drinks in a day, then it may not be worth it for me.
Secondly, I consider the length of the cruise. If I’m only going on a short cruise, I may not want to spend extra money on a drink package. However, if I’m going on a longer cruise, it may be more cost-effective to purchase a package. Additionally, if I plan on spending a lot of time on the ship, I may want to purchase a package to have access to unlimited drinks throughout the day.
Lastly, I take into account any special offers or discounts that may be available. If there’s a promotion for a free drink package or a discounted price, it may be worth it to purchase the package.
Overall, it’s important to weigh the cost and benefits before making a decision on whether to purchase a drink package or not.
Author’s Recommendations and tips
Personally, I can’t stress enough the importance of considering the length of your cruise and your typical daily drink consumption when deciding whether to purchase a package or not, as it can drastically impact the value of your investment.
If you’re only sailing for a few days or if you don’t drink much alcohol, it may not make sense to purchase one of the more expensive packages. However, if you’re sailing for a longer period or if you tend to indulge in alcoholic beverages, it might be worth it to invest in one of the pricier packages to save money in the long run.
When it comes to room types, keep in mind that if you’re staying in a suite, you may have access to complimentary drinks in certain lounges or bars. This can help you save money on drink packages and make your overall experience more enjoyable.
Additionally, if you’re someone who prefers milk alternatives like almond or oat milk in your coffee drinks, don’t worry – Holland America Line offers these options, so you won’t have to go without your preferred beverage during your cruise.
Are there any discounts for purchasing drink packages in advance?
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Can guests bring their own alcohol on board?
Unfortunately, bringing alcohol onboard is not allowed on Holland America Line. However, guests are allowed to bring 750ml bottles of wine or Champagne with them, but there is a corkage fee.
Are there any restrictions on where and when guests can use their drink packages?
As a frequent cruiser, I can attest that drink packages are a great way to save money on beverages. However, it’s important to note the limitations and expiration dates of these packages, which vary by cruise line and package type.
How do the prices of Holland America Line’s drink packages compare to those of other cruise lines?
When considering drink package value, it’s important to compare prices to other cruise lines. Holland America Line’s packages range from $8-$60/person/day and include soda, coffee, and alcohol. However, other lines may offer different options and prices.
Can guests purchase drink packages for only part of their cruise, or do they have to purchase it for the entire duration of their trip?
Yes, partial purchase availability is possible for Holland America Line drink packages. However, the pricing comparison suggests it may be more cost-effective to purchase for the entire duration of the trip.