MSC Premium Drink Package Cost: A 2026 Price Guide

Uncorking the perfect cruise vacation often involves a simple pleasure: ordering a drink without thinking about the bill. On [MSC Cruises](/cruise-lines/msc-cruises), the Premium Extra Drink Package is the key to that truly all-inclusive feeling. But a common question we hear is, "How much does the premium drink package on MSC Cruises cost if I buy it separately?"

Navigating drink package pricing can feel complex, with costs varying by when you buy and what's included. This guide will break down everything you need to know about MSC's top-tier beverage package, helping you decide if it's the right investment for your next sea adventure.

Key Takeaways

Here’s a quick summary of what you need to know about the MSC Premium Extra Drink Package:

* Onboard vs. Pre-Cruise Price: Expect to pay between $98 and $105 per person, per day when purchasing the package onboard. You can save at least 15-20% by booking it online before your cruise.

* What's Included: This package covers almost everything by the glass up to a generous $16 price point, including premium spirits, fine wines, an extensive cocktail list, specialty coffees, and more.

* Is It Worth It?: The value depends on your drinking habits. If you enjoy 6-8 alcoholic and premium non-alcoholic drinks per day, the package quickly pays for itself.

* Consider Bundled Fares: MSC's "All-In Plus" fare often includes the Premium Extra package and Wi-Fi, which can be a better value than adding the package a la carte.

Understanding the MSC Premium Extra Drink Package

The Premium Extra package is MSC's most comprehensive, all-inclusive beverage option. It’s designed for guests who appreciate top-shelf liquor, a wide selection of wines, and the freedom to try virtually any drink on the menu without worrying about the price.

What's Included in the Premium Extra Package?

When you opt for this package, you unlock an impressive array of beverages across the ship's bars, lounges, and main dining rooms. Here’s a detailed look at what you can enjoy:

* Premium Spirits: A wide selection of top-shelf liquors like Hendrick's gin, Grey Goose vodka, Don Julio tequila, and Johnnie Walker Black Label scotch.

* Extensive Cocktail List: All classic and molecular cocktails, frozen drinks, and signature creations priced up to $16.

* Fine Wines & Champagne: A broad selection of wines and Champagne by the glass up to $16.

* Full Beer Selection: All draft and bottled beers on the menu.

* Premium Non-Alcoholic Drinks: Freshly squeezed fruit juices, energy drinks, canned sodas, premium brand bottled water, and a full menu of hot beverages like cappuccinos, lattes, and premium hot chocolate.

* Discounts: A 25% discount on purchased bottles of wine and Champagne.

What’s Not Included?

While very comprehensive, there are a few exceptions:

* Drinks priced above the $16 threshold.

* Full bottles of wine, Champagne, or spirits (though the discount applies).

* Beverages from souvenir glasses.

* Items from the minibar in your stateroom.

The Cost: Buying Pre-Cruise vs. Onboard

The single most important factor determining how much you'll pay for the premium drink package is when you buy it. MSC, like most cruise lines, heavily incentivizes guests to purchase extras before they ever step on the ship.

Buying Pre-Cruise: The Smartest Way to Save

Purchasing your drink package through MSC's online portal after you've booked your cruise is almost always the most cost-effective option. While prices are dynamic and can vary, you can typically expect to pay between $83 and $90 USD per person, per day.

Booking in advance not only saves you money but also allows you to lock in the price and pay for it before your vacation begins, helping you manage your budget more effectively.

Buying Onboard: The Price for Waiting

If you decide to wait and purchase the package once you're on the ship, be prepared to pay a premium. The onboard price for the Premium Extra package typically ranges from $98 to $105 USD per person, per day, plus an 18% service charge that is automatically included.

This means you could pay up to 20% more for the exact same package simply by waiting a few days.

A Real-World Cost Comparison

Let's use a real itinerary to see the difference. Imagine you and a partner are booked on the beautiful [MSC Seaside](/ships/msc-cruises/msc-seaside) for its 7-night Caribbean & Bahamas cruise departing from Miami on May 4, 2026.

* Onboard Cost: At an average of $105 per person, per day, the total for two people would be:

$105 x 7 nights x 2 adults = $1,470

* Pre-Cruise Cost: Assuming a pre-cruise price of $88 per person, per day, the total would be:

$88 x 7 nights x 2 adults = $1,232

By booking in advance, you would save $238—enough for a nice dinner, a shore excursion, or souvenirs.

Is the MSC Premium Drink Package Worth It for You?

Now for the million-dollar question: is the package a good value for you? The answer depends entirely on your vacation style and drinking habits. The key is to calculate your potential break-even point.

Do the Math: Your Daily Break-Even Point

Let's break down the approximate a la carte cost of drinks on an MSC ship:

* Premium Cocktail (e.g., Aperol Spritz, Old Fashioned): $13 - $15

* Glass of Premium Wine (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc): $12 - $14

* Bottled Beer (e.g., Heineken): $8

* Specialty Coffee (e.g., Latte): $5

* Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice: $6

* Large Bottled Water: $4

Using a pre-cruise price of $88 per day, here’s a sample day of drinking that would make the package worth it:

* Morning: 1 Latte ($5) + 1 Fresh Juice ($6) = $11

* Afternoon by the pool: 2 Cocktails ($14 each) + 1 Bottled Water ($4) = $32

* Dinner: 2 Glasses of Premium Wine ($13 each) = $26

* Evening Show/Lounge: 2 Premium Cocktails ($14 each) = $28

* Total Daily Spend: $97

In this scenario, you've already surpassed the daily cost of the package. If this looks like your typical cruise day, the package is a fantastic deal that provides both value and peace of mind.

Who Should Buy the Premium Extra Package?

This package is an excellent choice for:

* The Connoisseur: You enjoy top-shelf spirits, craft cocktails, and a better class of wine with your meals.

* The All-Inclusive Vacationer: You want to relax completely and never see a bill for a drink. The convenience is worth the price.

* The Social Cruiser: You plan to spend time in the various bars and lounges, trying different drinks throughout the day and night.

Who Might Want to Skip It?

Consider paying as you go if you are:

* A Light Drinker: If you only have one or two alcoholic beverages per day, you'll save money by buying them individually.

* On a Port-Intensive Itinerary: On a sailing like the 7-night voyage on the [MSC World Europa](/ships/msc-cruises/msc-world-europa), you'll be exploring ports like Barcelona, Marseille, and Genoa almost every day. If you're off the ship from morning until late afternoon, you have less time to get value from the package.

* Strictly on a Budget: The package adds a significant amount to your total cruise cost. If budget is your top priority, sticking to complimentary beverages and paying for the occasional drink is the way to go.

Comparing MSC's Drink Package Tiers

To give you the full picture, it's helpful to see where the Premium Extra package fits among MSC's other offerings.

* Easy Package: The entry-level option. Includes a selection of house wines, draft beer, basic spirits, fountain sodas, and classic cocktails. Drinks are typically capped around $10.

* Easy Plus Package: The mid-tier choice. Expands the selection to include more brands, a wider variety of cocktails and beers, and drinks up to approximately $14.

* Premium Extra Package: The top tier. Includes everything in the lower packages plus premium brands, fine wines, and the highest price cap at $16.

* Minors Package: A non-alcoholic version for children, including mocktails, sodas, juices, and hot drinks.

For most adults who enjoy a variety of quality beverages, the choice comes down to the Easy Plus and the Premium Extra. The main difference is access to those top-shelf brands and the most expensive wines by the glass.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do both people in a cabin have to buy the package?

Yes. To prevent sharing, [MSC Cruises](/cruise-lines/msc-cruises) requires all adults sharing a stateroom to purchase the same drink package. If you are traveling with children, they must purchase the Minors Package.

Can I use the package at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve?

Absolutely! Your drink package works seamlessly on MSC's private island in the Bahamas, Ocean Cay. All the bars and restaurants on the island will honor your package, just like on the ship. This is a fantastic perk for anyone on a Caribbean itinerary, such as the 4-day trip on the [MSC Seaside](/ships/msc-cruises/msc-seaside).

What if I book the "All-In Plus" fare?

The "All-In Plus" fare is a promotional rate that bundles your cruise fare with the Premium Extra Drink Package and a Browse Wi-Fi package. This is often the most economical way to get the package. Always compare the cost of a cruise-only fare plus adding the package a la carte versus booking the All-In Plus fare from the start.

Are gratuities included in the package price?

Yes. The 18% service charge (also known as a bar gratuity) is included in the daily price of the drink package, whether you purchase it pre-cruise or onboard. You will not be charged an extra 18% on each drink you order.

Deciding on a drink package is a key part of planning your cruise budget. The MSC Premium Extra package offers incredible variety and convenience for those who enjoy premium beverages throughout their vacation. By purchasing it before you sail, you can lock in significant savings and start your holiday on a truly carefree note.

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