Confused about MSC drink packages? I’m happy to break down the basics including the options for drinks not included.
There are 3 categories for drink packages for US sailings: Easy, easy plus, and premium.
PRICE
Prices are variable depending on cruise location and length. It’s best to log into your booked cruise to see the exact price. Unfortunately prices were increased in February 2023. Drink package prices for a 7 night or longer Caribbean based cruises are as follows:
- Easy = $46 per person per day
- Easy Plus = $72 per person per day
- Premium = $85 per person per day
INCLUSIONS
I found the categories rather confusing beforehand but it didn’t take us long to catch on. All levels include juices, bottled water, and specialty coffee as long as it falls within the price point. The easy package includes drinks $7.50 or less and draft beer only (Heineken), no bottles or cans. Easy plus includes all drinks $10 or less. Premium caps out at $16 per drink. You save up to 15% by booking it in advance but most people choose the bundled “cabin + free drinks + WiFi for a single device” at time of booking. The current drink package included in this bundle is easy plus. You can upgrade to premium for the price difference if you choose.
Drink packages work at the bar, restaurants, and specialty restaurants. The good news is they also extend to the private island, Ocean Cay.
As far as wine there really isn’t a brand choice at the easy plus level but they did have at least one for most major varietals. The Sauvignon Blanc included in easy plus on our cruise was Matua.
There is no limit on number of drinks per day and you do not need to wait a specified amount of time between orders. We frequently ordered 2 beers at a time while walking around and sometimes took the extra back to the fridge in the room.
EXCLUSIONS
MSC recently made a change to their policy and drinks over the designated price point are now partially covered up to the designated price package price point. You just pay the difference.
All of the drink packages exclude signature venues like Venchi 1878, Lavazza Coffee Shop, and Jean Philippe Chocolate. This is unfortunate because there were several delicious dessert cocktails on offer.
WORK AROUNDS
We didn’t find easy plus limiting at all. Usually you can still order the pricier drinks for free by having them sub out the premium liquor for one covered by your package. For example Tito’s and Absolute were included on easy plus but Grey Goose was considered premium. It so happens we prefer Tito’s over Grey Goose so it really worked out well for us.
Another fun option is to order alcohol-free mocktails and request alcohol be added. Since most of these are being consumed by kids, they do tend to run on the sweet side. If you’re lucky enough to find a bar you like with an attentive bar tender, don’t be afraid to ask them to surprise you. After you’ve ordered a few drinks they tend to get a feel for your style and liquor choice and can introduce you to something you’ve never had before. On our recent Seascape cruise, we had a fantastic bartender, Ryan. After asking him to surprise me a few times, I discovered my new favorite cocktail, the Cucumber Gimlet!
Overall we found the servers and bartenders helpful in navigating the packages and ready to answer questions and offer suggestions.
SAMPLE MENUS
Planning to take an MSC cruise soon? Check out this post to learn more about dining packages and specialty restaurants.
