Cruise ship drinks aren't cheap. A single cocktail can cost upwards of $16 on lines like Royal Caribbean and Celebrity! Drink packages aren't always worth the investment, either. So, how can you save money and get free drinks on your cruise?
You might have to get savvy, but you can definitely find ways to score free drinks on your upcoming cruise. For example, I won a bottle of champagne after winning the "Yes or No" game show on a Princess cruise.
Here are 15 ways to get free drinks on your cruise. Cheers to a budget-friendly vacation at sea!
Attend the Captain's Welcome Party
Check your ship's daily schedule to see if the crew is hosting a Welcome Party. It's usually held on the first formal night and is a great way to kick off your cruise with a free drink or two!
The event can last up to an hour, so there will be plenty of time to grab a glass of champagne or wine from the servers.
However, this event is not offered on all cruise lines or to all passengers. For example, Carnival only invites Platinum and Diamond cruisers and their guests.
Stick with one cruise line
Speaking of loyalty, you can be rewarded with free drinks by rising the ranks of a specific reward program.
For example, Royal Caribbean Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle Club cruisers get a daily number of free drinks that can be used on cocktails, beer, soda, and specialty coffee.
Even if you're far away from 80 cruise points (the minimum to reach Diamond), you can get free drinks by attending the top-tier event, which is open to lower tiers of the Crown & Anchor Society.
Similarly, though not as generous as Royal Caribbean's program, Carnival rewards Gold VIFP program cruisers with a complimentary drink on the last night of the cruise on voyages that are 5 nights and longer.
Princess Cruises’ Elite Captain’s Circle members also receive a free mini-bar setup in their cabin!
Use onboard credit for drinks
Another easy way to get free drinks is to use your onboard credit. If you don't spend it in advance through the cruise line's online planning portal, it will automatically be credited to your onboard account.
This means that you'll essentially have free spending money on your cruise, so if you have $100 in onboard credit and spend $100 on drinks, you are getting those drinks for free!
Onboard credit can be used for more than just drinks, though. You may decide you'd rather use the credit to help pay for a pricey excursion or specialty meal.
Sign up for tastings
Cruise ship tastings aren't free, but they are typically a good value. For example, my upcoming cruise aboard Celebrity Eclipse has a wine tasting for $43.99 per person.
The experience includes six wines from wine-producing regions, as well as a sommelier to help guide guests through each wine and explain what makes them unique.
It would be impossible to get six glasses of wine for $43.99 elsewhere on the ship. They'd have to cost no more than $7 each! However, the cheapest on Celebrity ships tend to be $8 or $9 per glass.
Or attend a tasting at the duty-free shops
Of course, since tasting classes aren't free, you can opt to attend a complimentary tasting in the duty-free shops.
Just note these won't be as worthwhile as paid seminars because the samples are much smaller. The purpose is to get guests to purchase something to take home!
Duty-free tastings are listed in the ship's daily schedule. I'd recommend arriving early. I attended one aboard Carnival Celebration, and passengers started lining up around 30 minutes before the scheduled start time.
Attend an art auction
If you like appreciating art and sipping on champagne, consider attending an art auction on your cruise. You don't have to purchase anything for a free glass of bubbly!
Park West Gallery, a commercial art gallery operating on many cruise ships, hosts multiple art events during a week-long cruise.
For example, there may be an introductory session on the first or second evening where they offer free champagne to guests while they preview their art collection.
Book a suite
Not all suites are created equally; however, some of the most lavish give cruisers a more inclusive experience compared to standard cabins. This is especially true for suites in a "ship within a ship" concept, such as MSC Cruises' Yacht Club or Norwegian's The Haven.
Not only do top-tier suites come with free drinks, but they typically have access to private sun decks, exclusive restaurants, and even personal butlers.
Of course, these are more expensive than traditional staterooms, so your primary reason for booking a suite shouldn't be free drinks. However, the perk definitely helps justify the higher price tag!
Get lucky in the casino
Cruise lines have casino reward programs separate from their loyalty program. The more you gamble, the better perks you will receive.
They could be as minimal as extra onboard credit or they could be more substantial, like a free cruise! Somewhere in between, however, you typically get free drinks while playing.
Plus, did you know that Celebrity Cruises gives free drinks to all players in the casino, regardless of their reward tier?
Free drinks on shore excursions
While enjoying the ship's amenities is one of the best parts of any cruise, it's equally exciting to visit new destinations!
Certain excursions may be all-inclusive or include a complimentary drink. If, for instance, you're cruising to the Caribbean, consider booking a day pass to a resort. One of my favorites is Jaime's at the Blue Reef in Costa Maya. It includes all you can eat and drink!
Other tours may give a free drink voucher. For example, I booked an island tour of St. Kitts through Celebrity Cruises. At the last stop, we enjoyed a complimentary rum punch before making our way back to the ship.
Visit a luxury boutique
Luxury stores on board, such as Breitling, BVLGARI, and more, may host a special event with complimentary drinks.
The daily schedule likely won't say "free drinks." Rather, the events may be called "special showcases" or "trunk shows." In any case, if you aren't sure, you can walk past on the way to dinner and see if they're offering anything.
Or, if you're considering making a large purchase, they may even pull out the good stuff while you browse!
Take part in onboard contests and game shows
Game shows are one of my favorite parts of a cruise vacation! Not only are they a great way to mingle with other passengers, but the antics can be hilarious. The winners may win free alcohol, too!
For example, Princess Cruises awarded winners of the "Yes or No" game show aboard Sun Princess a complimentary bottle of champagne. Winners of the guest dance competition also for a free bottle of bubbly.
Even if you don't walk away with a complimentary drink, game shows are a fun way to spend your time onboard. Check the daily schedule for a list of what's offered.
Book the right specialty meal
Most specialty meals won't include alcohol. However, some–namely the Chef's Table—ensure you won't have an empty glass during your meal, as the wine tasting is included in the price of the meal.
When I ate at the Chef's Table on Allure of the Seas, I enjoyed a 6-course meal, where each course was paired with the perfect wine. The last course was even served with tasty espresso martinis!
My specialty meal at Le Voyage on Celebrity Ascent also began with a complimentary glass of Veuve Clicquot.
Keep an eye out for deals
Sometimes, you can book your cruise with a drink package included in the base fare. However, notable cruise lines with inclusive packages are Norwegian, Princess, Celebrity, and Holland America Line.
Last year, I tried Princess Cruises' Princess Plus package. It was an amazing deal, totaling $300 for a 5-night cruise.
The price included my gratuities, up to 15 alcoholic beverages per day, two casual specialty meals, Wi-Fi, and more. Compartively, some cruise lines charge over $80 per day just for their drink package!
If you aren't sure how to find these deals, I'd recommend working with a reputable travel agent.
Befriend a bartender
Not all bartenders make their drinks the same way. If you find a bartender who makes your drinks a specific way, don't be afraid to chat with them during slower periods.
Getting to know a bartender may result in them making your drinks a little stronger, helping you stretch your cruise budget further. That said, I'd advise straying away from crowded pool and lobby bars. They're likely going to be too busy!
And, while it's never guaranteed, some cruisers report giving tips at the beginning of the cruise also ensures they get stronger beverages.
Go to the bar during happy hour
Happy hour might not mean free drinks, but you can usually save money by scouting out daily deals.
Royal Caribbean has a drink of the day that's cheaper than other cocktails. Disney Cruise Line also typically offers a happy hour with discounted beverages where are can save around 30% off drinks!
In January, Royal Caribbean Blog reported about new deals spotted onboard Wonder of the Seas, including $6 margaritas from 4:00pm to 6:00pm and 1/2 off draft beers daily in the Pub.
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she had the privilege of traveling frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas her freshman year of high school. She wanted to pursue a career that highlighted her passion for travel and strengths as a writer.
