MSC Drink Packages: Alcohol vs. Non-Alcoholic Guide

One of the most common questions cruisers have when booking a voyage with [MSC Cruises](/cruise-lines/msc-cruises) is about the beverage options. You're planning your dream vacation, and you want to know: should I get a drink package, and if so, which one? Specifically, how do the alcoholic drink packages compare to the non-alcoholic ones?

Understanding the different tiers, inclusions, and rules can feel overwhelming, but it's the key to unlocking the best value for your holiday. Whether you enjoy a cocktail by the pool, a glass of wine with dinner, or you're a connoisseur of specialty coffees and mocktails, MSC has a package designed for you. This guide will break down everything you need to know to make the perfect choice.

Key Takeaways

Before we dive deep, here are the essential points to understand about MSC's drink packages:

* Tiered System: MSC offers several distinct alcoholic and non-alcoholic packages, each with a different price point and list of included beverages.

* The Main Difference: The primary distinction is the inclusion of beer, wine, spirits, and cocktails in the alcoholic packages, which are absent from the non-alcoholic versions.

* It's a Personal Choice: The best package for you depends entirely on your personal drinking habits, your itinerary (port days vs. sea days), and your budget.

* The Cabin Rule: Generally, all adults sharing a cabin must purchase the same drink package. The non-alcoholic version can sometimes be substituted for one adult for documented reasons.

Decoding MSC's Drink Package Tiers

MSC Cruises structures its beverage offerings into a clear, tiered system. This allows you to select a package that closely matches how much and what you plan to drink onboard. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, you can choose from multiple levels of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic packages.

The packages are priced per person, per day, and must be purchased for the entire duration of the cruise. The price can vary slightly based on the ship, itinerary, and when you purchase it (pre-cruise is often cheaper). The main packages we'll be comparing are the Easy Package, Easy Plus Package, and Premium Extra Package on the alcoholic side, versus the Alcohol-Free Package and Minors Package on the non-alcoholic side.

The Alcoholic Drink Packages: A Deep Dive

If you enjoy alcoholic beverages, from a simple beer to a sophisticated cocktail, one of these packages will likely be your focus. They all include the full range of non-alcoholic drinks as well.

The Easy Package

The Easy Package is MSC's entry-level alcoholic option. It's designed for cruisers who enjoy a few standard drinks throughout the day without needing top-shelf brands.

* What's Included: This package covers a selection of draft beer (like Heineken), house wines by the glass (red, white, rosé), a specific list of classic cocktails (like a Gin & Tonic or a Moscow Mule), select spirits and liqueurs, plus all the non-alcoholic options like fountain sodas, juices, bottled water, and classic hot drinks (espresso, cappuccino, etc.).

* Price Point: It's the most affordable alcoholic package, making it a popular choice.

* Who It's For: This is perfect for the casual drinker. If you're happy with a couple of beers by the pool, a glass of house wine with dinner, and a standard cocktail in the evening, the Easy Package offers excellent value and prevents a surprise bill at the end of your cruise.

The Easy Plus Package

For those who want more variety and slightly more premium options, the Easy Plus Package is a significant step up from the Easy. It broadens your choices considerably.

* What's Included: This package includes everything in the Easy Package, plus a much wider selection of beverages priced up to €9 or $10 (depending on the sailing). This opens the door to a larger variety of beers (bottled and draft), more wines by the glass, and a huge list of cocktails, including frozen ones. You also get a 10% discount on bottles of wine purchased on board.

* Price Point: It sits in the middle of the alcoholic tiers, offering a balance of choice and cost.

* Who It's For: If you're a cocktail enthusiast or like to try different types of beers and wines, this is your sweet spot. It covers the vast majority of drinks you'll find on the menu in bars and restaurants across ships like the [MSC Seascape](/ships/msc-cruises/msc-seascape).

The Premium Extra Package

This is the top-tier, all-inclusive package for cruisers who want the best of everything without limitations. If you have discerning taste or simply don't want to worry about price limits, this is the one.

* What's Included: You get everything from the lower packages, but the price limit for drinks is extended to €15 or $16. This covers virtually everything by the glass, including premium-brand spirits (top-shelf vodka, aged rum, single malt scotch), fine wines, champagne by the glass, and all cocktails. You also receive a 25% discount on purchased bottles of wine and champagne.

* Who It's For: This package is for the connoisseur or the ultimate vacationer who wants a truly all-inclusive feel. If your go-to drink is a premium spirit or you love exploring high-end wine lists, the Premium Extra package is worth the investment.

The Non-Alcoholic Drink Packages Explained

For guests who don't drink alcohol, or for the younger cruisers in your party, MSC offers excellent non-alcoholic packages that go far beyond just soda.

Alcohol-Free Package (for Adults)

This package is designed for adults (18+ or 21+ depending on itinerary) who want a wide variety of premium non-alcoholic beverages throughout their cruise.

* What's Included: This package is a teetotaler's dream. It includes an extensive range of non-alcoholic cocktails (mocktails), fresh juices, smoothies, energy drinks, flavored water, premium coffees and teas, hot chocolate, and soft-serve ice cream.

* Who It's For: It's the perfect choice for non-drinkers who still want to enjoy the social atmosphere of the bars and lounges with a fancy drink in hand. It’s also great for those who love specialty coffees or fresh smoothies to start their day.

Minors Package (for Children)

Tailored for guests under the legal drinking age (ages 3-17 or 3-20 depending on the route), this package ensures kids and teens have plenty of options.

* What's Included: Similar to the adult Alcohol-Free package, it includes mocktails, smoothies, fresh juices, sodas, flavored water, hot chocolate, and soft-serve ice cream. The selection is designed to appeal to younger tastes.

* Who It's For: This is a must-have for families. It allows kids the freedom to grab a drink whenever they're thirsty without parents having to constantly sign for purchases. It works seamlessly when adults in the same cabin have an alcoholic package.

Head-to-Head Comparison: Which is Right for You?

Choosing between an alcoholic and non-alcoholic package comes down to a simple cost-benefit analysis based on your personal preferences.

Price and Break-Even Point

The most significant difference is, of course, the price. Alcoholic packages cost substantially more per day. To see if it's worth it, do some simple math. Onboard, a beer might cost €6-€7, a glass of wine €7-€9, and a cocktail €9-€12. The non-alcoholic package might cost around €25 per day, while the Easy Plus might be €55 per day (prices are examples and vary).

In this scenario, the difference is €30 per day. If you plan to drink 3-4 alcoholic beverages per day, you'll likely break even or come out ahead with the Easy Plus package. Remember, the alcoholic packages also include all the premium non-alcoholic drinks, so you don't miss out on specialty coffees or mocktails.

The 'Everyone in the Cabin' Rule

This is a critical factor. MSC's policy requires all guests staying in the same cabin and traveling together to book the same beverage package. This prevents guests from sharing drinks from a single package. For example, two adults in a cabin must both book the Easy Plus Package.

There is an important exception: if one adult can provide a valid reason for not consuming alcohol (e.g., for documented medical or religious reasons), MSC may allow them to book the Alcohol-Free Package while the other adult books an alcoholic one. This must be arranged by contacting MSC directly and is handled on a case-by-case basis.

Is an MSC Drink Package Worth It For You?

To make the final decision, ask yourself these questions:

1. How many alcoholic drinks will I realistically have each day? Be honest. Don't forget to factor in both sea days, where you're on the ship all day, and port days, where you might be ashore for many hours.
2. What is my itinerary? On a port-intensive trip like a 7-night tour of the Greek Isles during your [Mediterranean cruise](/destinations/mediterranean), you'll spend less time on the ship compared to a transatlantic crossing with many sea days.
3. Do I enjoy beverages other than alcohol? If you love specialty coffees, fresh juices, and mocktails, remember that these can cost $4-$7 each. These are included in both the premium non-alcoholic and all alcoholic packages, adding to their value.
4. Do I value convenience? For many, the biggest benefit is the peace of mind. You can order a drink without thinking about the cost, making for a more relaxed, all-inclusive vacation experience. Gratuities are also included in the package price, simplifying your final bill.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can one person in a cabin get an alcohol package and the other a non-alcoholic one?

Generally, no. MSC requires all adults in the same cabin to have the same package to prevent sharing. However, you can contact MSC to request an exception for one adult to have the Alcohol-Free package for documented medical or religious reasons.

Are gratuities included in the price of MSC drink packages?

Yes, when you purchase a drink package, the service charge or gratuity for your beverages is included in the daily price. You won't see an extra 15-18% added to each drink you order.

Can I use my drink package on MSC's private island, Ocean Cay?

Absolutely! Your drink package works at all the bars on Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, just as it does on the ship. This is a fantastic perk for enjoying your day on this beautiful island in the [Caribbean](/destinations/caribbean).

Choosing the right drink package is a key part of planning your perfect cruise. By comparing your own habits to the alcoholic and non-alcoholic options MSC offers, you can find the perfect fit for your budget and vacation style.

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