MSC Cruises Drink Package Calculator: Compare 2026 Prices & Packages

Planning a voyage with MSC Cruises? You’re likely asking, “Is the MSC drink package worth it?” With recent 2026 updates to their lineup, choosing between the comprehensive Premium Extra Package, the Alcohol-Free plan, or the Minors Package depends entirely on your personal drinking habits. Our interactive MSC Drink Package Calculator provides an instant comparison between package costs (gratuities included!) and the “Pay As You Go” menu prices on board. Enter your typical daily drink counts below to find your break-even point and ensure you’re getting the best value for your 2026 cruise.

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Select Cruise Line & Package
Drink package prices are based on current pre-cruise rates and include gratuity. Some cruise lines, like Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and Margaritaville at Sea, offer occasional deep discounts on beverage packages. These discounts would not be reflected in the calculation, so we suggest checking for specials and promotions for additional savings.
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Automatic Gratuity Rate
Gratuity Rate: --%
This gratuity rate is set by the cruise line. It is included in the package price calculations below but will be added to "Pay As You Go" purchases in the comparison. Onboard, this is the minimum amount you will see as an automatic gratuity on your individual bar checks.
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Daily Drink Habits
Alcoholic Drinks
Non-Alcoholic Drinks
A Note About Drink Packages
When you buy a drink package, cruise lines require that all adults in the same stateroom purchase one. If two adults share a cabin and only one wants the package, both must still buy it.

MSC Cruises Package Comparison Chart (2026)

Note: MSC has simplified its offering for 2026 to focus on these three primary collections. Gratuities are already included in the daily package price.  Pricing based on 4+ night sailings with pre-cruise discounts. Gratuities are included in these rates.

Premium Extra

$85.00 /day (4+ Nights)
  • 🍷Inclusions: All wines, spirits & cocktails up to $16.
  • 🛑Daily Limit: 15 alcoholic drinks per 24-hour period.
  • ☕Unlimited NA: Specialty coffees, smoothies & energy drinks.
  • 🏝️Private Islands: Valid on Ocean Cay & Sir Bani Yas.

Alcohol-Free

$33.00 /day (4+ Nights)
  • 🍹Selection: Hand-crafted mocktails, NA wine & cocktails.
  • 🍦Indulgence: Soft-serve ice cream, smoothies & shakes.
  • 💧Hydration: AQUA by MSC mineral water (Still/Sparkling).
  • ❌Restriction: Not accepted in specialty restaurants.

Minors Package

$22.00 /day (4+ Nights)
  • 🥤Variety: Unlimited sodas, juices, and soft drinks.
  • ⚡Energy: Red Bull and other energy drinks included.
  • 🍦Bonus: Soft-serve ice cream and hot chocolate.
  • ✨Dining: Usable in restaurants if with an adult package.

Note: Gratuities are included in MSC package prices. Packages exclude Room Service, Mini-Bar, and thematic bars. Selections vary by ship and season.

Frequently Asked Questions About MSC’s Drink Packages

Which drink packages are available for 2026 MSC sailings?

For 2026 sailings, MSC offers three main drink packages: the Premium Extra Package for alcoholic beverages, the Alcohol-Free Package, and the Minors Package. The former Easy and Easy Plus packages are no longer available for new 2026 bookings.

Are MSC drink packages available on every ship?

Prepaid drink packages are available fleetwide on nearly all MSC sailings. The current exception is ships sailing in South Africa, where these all-inclusive drink packages are not offered.

Can I purchase a drink package for only certain days of my cruise?

No. MSC drink packages must be purchased for the entire length of the voyage and cannot be bought for individual days or part of the cruise.

Can I use onboard credit to purchase an MSC drink package?

Yes, but only if you purchase the package onboard at the higher onboard rate. Onboard Credit cannot be used toward the discounted pre-cruise prices available through the MSC website.

How many alcoholic drinks can I have per day with MSC?

The Premium Extra Package includes a daily limit of 15 alcoholic beverages per 24-hour period, which resets at 6:00 AM. Once you reach the 15-drink limit, any additional alcoholic drinks must be purchased at full menu price. All non-alcoholic beverages included in the package remain unlimited.

Is there a limit on non-alcoholic drink packages?

No. The Alcohol-Free Package and the non-alcoholic beverages included with the Premium Extra Package are unlimited and do not count toward the 15-drink daily limit.

Does ordering a double count as more than one drink?

Yes. Ordering a double alcoholic drink counts as two drinks toward the daily 15-drink limit.

Is there a waiting period between ordering drinks on MSC?

No. Unlike many other cruise lines, MSC does not enforce a specific waiting time between drink orders.

Are gratuities included in the MSC drink package price?

Yes. All MSC beverage packages, whether purchased in advance or onboard, include the 18% gratuity in the advertised price.

What happens if I order a drink that costs more than the package limit?

If you have the Premium Extra Package and order a drink priced above $16, you only pay the price difference plus gratuity on that difference.

Do bottles of wine count toward the 15-drink limit?

No. Bottles of wine are not included in MSC drink packages and must be purchased separately at full price. Only drinks served by the glass that are included in your package count toward the daily limit.

Does everyone in the stateroom have to buy a drink package?

Yes. If one adult in a stateroom purchases a drink package, all other guests in that cabin must purchase the same package. Children and teens are required to purchase the Minors Package.

Are there any exceptions to the 15-drink limit for MSC Yacht Club guests?

No. The daily limit of 15 alcoholic beverages applies to all guests, including those staying in the MSC Yacht Club, regardless of where they are drinking onboard.

Can I use my MSC drink package on private islands?

The Premium Extra Package is honored at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve and Sir Bani Yas. The Alcohol-Free Package is generally not accepted on MSC’s private islands.

Which drink packages can be used in specialty restaurants?

Only the Premium Extra Package can be used in specialty restaurants. The Minors Package is accepted when the child or teen is dining with an adult who has the Premium Extra Package.

Are mini-bar drinks and Room Service beverages included?

No. Mini-bar items, Room Service beverages, and drinks served in souvenir glasses are excluded from all MSC drink packages and are charged at standard menu prices.

What is the AQUA by MSC system?

AQUA by MSC is an onboard water system that produces mineral-enriched still and sparkling water. Guests with drink packages have unlimited access to AQUA by MSC, served by the glass at bars or in 1-liter reusable bottles in dining rooms.

Can I use my drink package on disembarkation day?

No. MSC drink packages are not valid on the morning of disembarkation.

What is the refund policy for MSC drink packages?

Once a drink package has been activated or used onboard, it is strictly non-refundable.