I tried MSC's drink package. At $70 per day, I think it's a good value

I tried MSC Cruises' alcoholic drink package for the first time and loved it so much that it would be hard to cruise without it in the future. 

Drink packages are one of the most popular add-ons to purchase before a cruise, and MSC Cruises has a few packages to choose from. Recently, however, they decreased the number of available alcoholic packages to just one. 

Instead of allowing cruisers to choose between the Easy, Easy Plus, and Premium Extra Packages based on their personal drinking habits, only the Premium Extra Package is offered on sailings from North America, including MSC's massive World America cruise ship. 

Read more: MSC Cruises makes controversial decision to overhaul its drink packages

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The Premium Extra Package includes 15 daily alcoholic beverages (valued at up to $16) and features a wide selection of cocktails, spirits, wines, and draft and bottled beers. Guests will also receive a 25% discount on bottled wines and champagne. Non-alcoholic drinks (i.e., soda, specialty coffee, and bottled water) are unlimited during the voyage. 

I've tried my fair share of cruise drink packages, ranging from Royal Caribbean's Deluxe Beverage Package to Princess Cruises' Plus Package and Celebrity Cruises' Premium Drinks Package. I've always appreciated the convenience, as I don't have to keep a close eye on my onboard statement. 

That said, drink packages aren't for everyone. It's hard to justify the cost if you can't envision yourself drinking at least 5 to 6 cocktails per day. Still, I was excited to try MSC's drink package while sailing aboard MSC World America, especially as I didn't buy a package on my last MSC cruise. 

Read more: MSC Cruises Drink Menu and Prices

MSC drink package price

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For my particular sailing, I was staying in MSC's exclusive Yacht Club, so the Premium Extra Drink Package was included in my cruise fare. 

Had I paid for the package out-of-pocket, it would have cost $70 per person, per day, totaling $490 for the weeklong Caribbean cruise, including the mandatory service charge. The Alcohol-Free Package was cheaper, costing $210 for the entire 7-night cruise. 

Drink prices onboard vary, but cocktails are usually around $14, with beers and ciders priced around $9. Knowing the daily price, I'd have to consume around 5 cocktails per day to "break even." However, the alcoholic threshold decreases when you factor in the non-alcoholic options, such as specialty lattes.

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It's also possible to bundle your base fare with MSC's Premium Extra Drink Package. For example, the lowest price for the July 11, 2026, cruise aboard MSC World America (at the time of publication) starts at $1,101 per person in a standard interior stateroom. 

However, bundling the fare with the cruise line's Browse Wi-Fi Package and Premium Extra Drink Package costs $1,493, or an extra $56 per day. 

I never felt restricted 

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I love branching out while on cruises. Oftentimes, cruise lines will develop exclusive cocktails that aren't something I'd typically order at home. 

MSC Cruises has a diverse drink menu, and with the maximum cap allowed with the Premium Extra Package, I never felt restricted in what I could order. Whether a specialty cocktail, a glass of wine with dinner, or a morning latte, the package offered great variety and value. 

While onboard, I indulged in everything from poolside piña coladas to refreshing Aperol Spritzs and pre-dinner champagne. I even created my own unique drink at the gin bar! 

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I was rarely worried about exceeding the daily limit, too. That said, although the Premium Extra Package has a limit of 15 drinks per day, beverages in the Yacht Club areas are unlimited. 

Wanting to take advantage of my suite experience, I spent a lot of time in the Top Sail Lounge and on the Yacht Club Sun Deck. As such, my drinks in these areas didn't count towards the typical package limit. 

For example, if I ordered a glass of wine during dinner in the Yacht Club Restaurant, it was considered part of the Yacht Club’s all-inclusive experience and wasn't deducted from the package's daily drink allowance. 

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We heard from others that bartenders would often miscount their drinks, sometimes hitting the limit after five or six drinks, depending on how they were made. 

I will add that there's no way to check how many drinks you have had through the mobile app, either. You have to ask one of the bartenders. 

The drink package doesn't work at the secret speakeasy...

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MSC's Speakeasy Bar is arguably one of the best venues on MSC World America, but it's only accessible to a select number of guests. Because I knew about the exclusivity of the speakeasy before my sailing, I quickly made it my mission to track down the invite-only tokens. 

The small tokens aren’t just handed out to anyone. You may be lucky enough to receive a token by talking to one of the crew members. Others have also reported being surprised by the tokens in their cabins or when dining at a specialty restaurant.

One thing to note about the speakeasy (if it was on your must-do list like mine!) is that the drinks aren't included in MSC's drink package. However, the craft cocktails are worth the extra cost.

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There are 14 special cocktails on the special speakeasy menu that cost $22 each. The two exceptions are the Aviation and The Last Word, which have a second, larger option available for $36 that is meant to be shared.

The menu also has specialty prohibition shots that cost $16 each. However, you can upgrade to a souvenir shot glass for $20. 

...but it works ashore at MSC's private island in The Bahamas

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One of the best parts about MSC's drink package is that it works at MSC Ocean Cay Marine Reserve in The Bahamas. As such, you don't have to worry about budgeting extra for beverages while ashore. 

There are over 8 bars on the island, ranging from beachside bars to the Lighthouse Bar, which is situated underneath the landmark lighthouse. 

The 15 drink limit still applies, but it's a nice extension of the onboard experience that makes the private island feel like a part of your cruise, rather than an extra expense. 

Is MSC's drink package worth it?

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I would not hesitate to purchase MSC's drink package again on future voyages. For me, part of the joy of cruising is not worrying about every little expense while onboard. 

$70 per day isn't a cheap investment. However, I think it's a no-brainer when bundled with the cruise fare at the time of booking. $56 per person for a drink package and Wi-Fi is a steal these days. 

Even if you aren't a huge drinker, you can take advantage of the unlimited non-alcoholic options, ranging from handcrafted lattes to crisp sodas and bottled water to take ashore.