MSC Drink Packages Update (Dec 2024)
MSC Cruises is making some changes to their drink packages from 18th December 2024, and we’ve rounded up all the changes in one easy post for you!
You’ll find the changes won’t make much of a difference to the vast majority of you – MSC is known for offering some of (if not) the best value drinks packages around!
Remember, booking your Premium Extra drink package during booking will save you the most per day, too! At Simply Cruises, we frequently run offers that include it in the fare!
Drink Packages availability and changes
The drink packages and their changes will come into force on any drink package purchases from 18 December 2024 for sailings from 01 April 2025 onwards.
What does this mean for me?
If you buy your drinks package before 18 December 2024:
- There are no changes to any packages for your booking.
If you buy your drinks package after 18 December 2024:
- If your cruise is before 1 April 2025, there are no changes to packages.
- If your cruise is on or after 1 April 2025, this article lists the changes to your package.
What is changing?
Pricing
The pricing of drink packages will change based on how many nights your sailing is.
They will be split into 1-3 nights, 4-9 nights and 10+ nights.
A new increased drink price threshold will be introduced for Easy Plus Packages that are purchased for cruises that embark in a USA port.
Package Availability
Some packages will be restricted to where they can be purchased.
Bookings made via International websites/agencies can purchase:
- Easy Package
- Easy Plus Package
- Premium Extra Package
- Non-Alcoholic Package
- Minors Package
Bookings made via USA/Canadian websites/agencies can purchase:
- Premium Extra Package
- Non-Alcoholic Package
- Minors Package
All-Inclusive Changes
As part of MSC’s ongoing commitment to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests on their ships, the new All-Inclusive packages will operate as follows:
- Alcoholic drinks will be limited to 15 per day for Easy, Easy Plus and Premium Extra drink packages per guest (see FAQ for more details)
- Non-alcoholic drinks will remain unlimited and will be based on the drink package purchased per guest.
MSC Yacht Club Drink Packages
There are no changes to any MSC Yacht Club bookings (which include the Premium Extra Drink package), you will continue to receive an unlimited amount of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks whilst in the exclusive MSC Yacht Club venues.
Since this guide was published, MSC has changed its policy and stated that MSC Yacht Club guests will also receive 15 drinks per day (to be consumed within MSC Yacht Club and the rest of the ship).
This only applies to bookings made after December 18, 2024.
Outside of MSC Yacht Club venues, the new All-Inclusive change will apply.
Drink Packages Terms and Conditions
It is a good time for a reminder of the terms and conditions that apply to all drink packages, irrespective of when you buy/have bought them; they are pretty straightforward and include the following:
- MSC Drink packages are not transferable and can not be shared with other passengers who have not purchased one.
- MSC Drink packages are valid for one drink per order.
- Pricing applies to each day of the cruise (except for disembarkation day).
- MSC Drink packages are not obligatory for infants under three years old.
- MSC Drink packages must be booked by all guests occupying the same cabin/suite and/or travelling together and wishing to dine at the same table/time. This includes children, for which the Minors Package must be booked.
MSC Drink Packages FAQ
This general FAQ should answer all your questions about the drink packages!
Are drink packages available on all sailings fleetwide?
Pre-paid drink packages are available on all MSC Cruises ships, excluding ships sailing in South Africa and China.
Do the drinks included in drink packages vary depending on the ships, destinations or season?
Yes, the brand of the products varies depending on the destination and season.
Which drink packages are available for my cruise?
International websites/bookings:
* Easy Package
* Easy Plus Package
* Premium Extra Package
* Alcohol-Free Package
* Minors Package
USA/Canadian websites/bookings:
* Premium Extra Package
* Alcohol-Free Package
* Minors Package
I purchased a drink package before December 18 2024. What happens now?
Guests who purchased any drinks packages before December 18 2024, will continue to receive the same service that corresponds to their package at the time of booking.
What drink package is included in the MSC Yacht Club experience?
The Premium Extra Package is included with the MSC Yacht Club experience on all cruises.
The only difference is that the limit of 15 alcoholic beverages per day applies only to areas outside of the exclusive MSC Yacht Club area.
Within MSC Yacht Club, guests can enjoy the alcoholic beverages of their package without any restrictions.
NOTE: MSC has updated its policy for MSC Yacht Club guests – please read the information further up the article (in the yellow box).
I booked a MSC Grand Voyage or MSC World Cruise – Is there any drink package included?
Grand Voyages:
Drink packages are not included by default (unless MSC Yacht Club), but offers may be available depending on promotions.
MSC World Cruise:
The Dine & Drinks Package is included. This package covers house wines, draught beer, soft drinks, and mineral water, which are available during lunch and dinner in the main restaurants and the buffet. The Easy, Easy Plus, Premium Extra, Non-Alcoholic and Minors Drink packages can be purchased separately. Upgrades from the Dine & Drinks Package are available.
Can drink packages be used on MSC private islands?
Yes, the drink packages can be consumed on MSC Ocean Cay and on Sir Bani Yas (based in the Emirates).
The island’s offerings may not include the full onboard beverage selection, though.
Can I purchase a drink package before my cruise?
Yes, drink packages can be purchased before your cruise at a discount starting from 15% compared to onboard prices
Are gratuities included in the cost of the drink package?
Yes, all MSC Cruises’ pre-paid and onboard drink packages include gratuities.
Will alcohol be served on cruises calling at Saudi Arabian ports?
In compliance with Saudi Arabian law, alcohol will not be served whilst the ship is docked at Saudi Arabian ports. Alcohol will be available again when the ship is in international waters.
If an adult purchases a drink package, are underage guests also required to purchase one?
Yes, underage guests are required to purchase the Minors Package at the same time (unless the child is under three)
Which packages can be used in the onboard Speciality Restaurants?
Easy Plus Package
Premium Extra Package
Minors Package (if the family/group has purchased the Easy Plus/Premium Extra)
Can I upgrade my drink package before I sail?
International bookings:
Guests can upgrade to an Easy, Easy Plus or Premium Extra package before embarkation.
USA/Canada bookings:
Guests will be able to upgrade only to Premium Extra before embarkation
Can I upgrade my drink package onboard?
Yes, however, only the Premium Extra, Alcohol-Free and Minors packages will be available to purchase on ships sailing in the Caribbean, America (embarking) including Alaska.
All other drinks packages will be available to upgrade to onboard when the ships are sailing in other world regions (such as Europe).
What happens if I want to enjoy a drink that is not included in my drink package?
Yes, you can purchase a drink outside of your package – you only pay the difference between your package allowance and the price of the ordered drink. Drink gratuities will be applied to the price difference for drinks not included in your package.
What happens when I reach my 15 alcoholic drinks per day maximum?
Once you have consumed 15 (alcoholic) drinks within a 24-hour period, you will be able to purchase drinks at the full menu price. The 24hrs are measured between 06:00-06:00 daily.
What happens if I have already purchased an all-inclusive drink package and I request a date change to a cruise date later than 01 April 2025?
You will get one of the new all-inclusive drink packages at the new pricing and conditions.
