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MSC All Inclusive Drink Package: What Is Included 2026

By Cruise Advisor Editorial Team · Updated 2026-08-08 · 12 min read

Wondering what the MSC all inclusive drink package includes in 2026? This in-depth UK guide covers inclusions, prices in £, ship-by-ship notes, comparisons with P&O and Cunard, and money-saving tips.

If you’re typing "msc all inclusive drink package what is included 2026" into a search bar, you’re in the right place. In this comprehensive MyCruiseAdvisor.co.uk guide we’ll walk you through exactly what MSC Cruises’ all inclusive drink packages include in 2026, how much they cost in £, where they’re worth it, how they compare with UK favourites like P&O, Cunard and Marella, and practical tips to save money before and during your cruise.

For the next planning decision, see the related planning guide.

Overview: MSC drink packages in 2026

In 2026 MSC offers tiered beverage packages designed for differing appetites for alcohol and premium drinks. The most common tiers you’ll see on booking pages and at the bar are the standard “Premium” package and the top-tier often branded as “Premium Plus” or “Premium Extra” depending on the ship (MSC Virtuosa, MSC Seashore, MSC Bellissima, and others). The standard package covers most everyday drinks — soft drinks, house beers, wines by the glass up to a limit, spirits, classic cocktails, and speciality coffees. The higher tier extends the wine price cap, includes premium cocktails and bottled wines, and sometimes adds minibar allowances and room service drinks. Exact names can vary by ship, but the inclusions follow the same principle in 2026.

What ‘all inclusive’ means on MSC in 2026

When MSC brands a package as “all inclusive” for drinks, it generally means you pay one price and receive unlimited servings of the listed drinks within reason (for example, bartenders will refuse service to guests clearly intoxicated). It does not mean unlimited access to the very top-shelf or ultra-premium bottles; those are often excluded or capped. On most ships in 2026 you’ll see value caps for wine by the glass (for instance, up to £10–£12 per glass on the standard package) and a defined list of excluded items like rare vintages, overpriced spirits, or premium bottle service.

MSC tends to promote drink packages at the time of booking and in the 'Extras' or 'Shop' section of your booking management. On MSC.com for 2026 you’ll see options listed as “Premium Beverage Package” and “Premium Beverage Plus” on many itineraries. Agents and third-party sellers may use shorthand like “all inclusive drinks” or “drink package”. On some ships you can also buy packages onboard at bars, reception or via the MSC for Me app — but prices are often higher than pre-booking offers.

<table><thead><tr><th>Feature</th><th>Standard (Premium)</th><th>Premium Plus</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Typical price (per person, per day)</td><td>£30–£35</td><td>£38–£45</td></tr><tr><td>House beers</td><td>Included</td><td>Included</td></tr><tr><td>Wines by the glass</td><td>Included up to ~£10–£12</td><td>Included up to ~£15–£18</td></tr><tr><td>Cocktails</td><td>Classic cocktails included</td><td>Classic & premium cocktails included</td></tr><tr><td>Spirits & liqueurs</td><td>Included (standard brands)</td><td>Included (wider selection)</td></tr><tr><td>Speciality coffees & hot chocolate</td><td>Included</td><td>Included</td></tr><tr><td>Minibar refill / room service</td><td>Usually excluded</td><td>Sometimes included or discounted</td></tr></tbody></table>

Exact inclusions: drinks you can expect

Keep in mind that exact menus and brand lists vary by ship and bar.

• House beer (draught and bottled) such as Peroni and local house lagers
• Wines by the glass up to a monetary limit (e.g., up to £10–£12 per glass)
• Classic cocktails (Mojito, Daiquiri, Negroni, Cosmopolitan etc.)
• Standard spirits and mixers (vodka, gin, rum, whisky, tequila — house brands)
• Soft drinks (Coca‑Cola range, lemonade, tonic, etc.)
• Mineral water (sparkling and still)
• Fresh juices and mocktails
• Specialty coffees (latte, cappuccino, americano) and hot chocolate
• Selected beers and ciders from onboard menu (within price cap)
• Non-alcoholic package for children/teens (separate purchase)

Additions in the Premium Plus tier

Upgrading gets you broader access: higher wine-by-glass cap (so you can choose nicer wines), premium cocktails (sparkling cocktails, signature mixes), an expanded spirit list including premium labels, and sometimes discounts on bottled wines and rare spirits. On MSC Seashore in June 2026 the “Premium Plus” allowed wines up to £18 per glass and included selected bottled wines at an estimated 15–20% discount.

Even with an all inclusive package, expect exclusions: premium champagne by the bottle (Dom Pérignon, Krug), ultra-premium spirits, specialty wines over the cap, some craft beers, certain bottle service items, and some branded water or imported soft drinks. Also, room service or private dining sometimes incurs a small surcharge even with a drinks package — check the small print for 2026 when you book.

How pricing works in 2026 — what you’ll pay in £

MSC prices packages by day, per person and often differ depending on cruise length and whether you pre-book or buy onboard. These are sample ranges — always check your cruise’s booking page for exact fares.

Ship / Route	Standard (Premium)	Premium Plus
MSC Virtuosa (Mediterranean 2026)	£30	£42
MSC Seashore (Western Med 2026)	£28	£40
MSC Bellissima (Northern Europe 2026)	£32	£45
MSC Orchestra (Canary Islands 2026)	£29	£39

Booking tips on price

Pre-book online: prices are typically lower when booked through MSC.com at the time of final payment or during promotional windows. Onboard purchases often attract a premium of £3–£7 per day. Also, longer cruises sometimes lower the daily rate slightly. If you’re travelling as a couple, watch for occasional bundle promotions (e.g., buy two packages get around 10% off) in 2026 — these appear on select sailings.

Are children covered? Teen and kids packages explained

MSC has separate non‑alcoholic soft-drink packages for under‑age guests. In 2026 the kids’ package typically includes all soft drinks, juices, smoothies, and specialty non‑alcoholic beverages from bars and restaurants. Price point for children (where available) is usually around £7–£9 per day. Note: alcohol is never included for under‑18s and is only served in line with UK legal and ship policies.

Family booking advice

If you travel as a family, it’s usually cheaper for adults to buy an adult package and for children to pick the kids’ soft-drink package. Some families choose to split packages across cabin mates depending on drinking habits. Always remember you’ll need to show ID for alcohol purchases if guests look under 25.

How drinks are ordered and billed onboard MSC in 2026

Ordering with a package is straightforward: show your cruise card when ordering, and the bar staff will ring the drink to the package. Anything outside the package (a premium bottle or a high-value wine) will be charged to your account and requires signature. Bars, specialty restaurants and some partner venues on board will have menus indicating package inclusions. Use the MSC for Me app in 2026 to check your package, view sample menus and see exclusions.

Room service: many ships include room service drinks as part of the premium tiers, but there may be a delivery fee (usually £3–£5) in 2026. Minibar: standard packages rarely include minibar refills in the cabin; on Premium Plus some ships offered a limited minibar allowance or complimentary one-time refill. Check your booking confirmation for ship-specific rules.

Comparing MSC with UK cruise lines — P&O, Cunard and Marella

UK cruisers often ask how MSC’s all inclusive drink package stacks up against P&O, Cunard and Marella. Below we compare the most relevant points: inclusions, price and overall value for typical UK sailings in 2026.

<table><thead><tr><th>Feature</th><th>MSC (Premium) (estimate)</th><th>P&O (Premium) (estimate)</th><th>Cunard (Beverage Package) (estimate)</th><th>Marella (All Inclusive Option) (estimate)</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Typical price (per day)</td><td>£30–£35</td><td>£30–£40</td><td>£35–£50</td><td>£25–£35</td></tr><tr><td>Wines by the glass cap</td><td>~£10–£12</td><td>approximately £11–£14</td><td>Higher cap or curated list</td><td>expect around £8–£12</td></tr><tr><td>Cocktail inclusion</td><td>Classic included</td><td>Classic included</td><td>Selected included</td><td>Classic included</td></tr><tr><td>Speciality coffees</td><td>Included</td><td>Included</td><td>Often excluded</td><td>Included</td></tr><tr><td>Family/child package</td><td>Available (non-alcoholic)</td><td>Available</td><td>Available</td><td>Available</td></tr></tbody></table>

What the differences mean for UK passengers

Cunard’s package in 2026 tends to be pricier but matches the line’s more formal dining and premium wine list — good for wine enthusiasts and formal diners. P&O’s offering is competitive and often appears in bundle promotions alongside fare sales. Marella’s simpler, budget-friendly package works well for casual drinkers. MSC sits in the middle: good value for cocktail lovers and those who want lots of variety without top-end bottle access.

If you sail on Cunard for a formal ballroom dinner experience you might prefer Cunard’s more curated wine options despite the higher price.

How to decide if a drinks package is worth it for you

Use this simple calculation: estimate how many drinks each adult will have per day and total the likely onboard pay-as-you-go cost. Compare that to the package price. For example, in 2026 if the Premium package is around £30 per day and the average cocktail is £9 and wine by the glass £8, then three drinks a day likely exceed the package cost. Also factor in that having a package simplifies budgeting.

1. Estimate daily drinks per person.
2. Multiply by average per-drink price (use £8–£10 for wine/cocktails as a baseline).
3. Compare to the daily package price shown for your cruise.
4. Consider convenience value and potential discounts on special events.
5. Check if room service or minibar is important — upgrade if so.

Money‑saving strategies and promos in 2026

Here are trustworthy ways to save money on MSC drink packages in 2026.

• Pre‑book online: often cheaper than paying onboard.
• Book during MSC sales windows (Spring/Autumn sales in 2026 offered close to 10%–15% off packages on some sailings).
• Look for bundle deals (accommodation + drinks + gratuities) when booking, especially on longer Mediterranean sailings.
• Share packages strategically in multi‑occupancy cabins (one adult buys a package if the other drinks very little).
• Consider buying the package for sea days only and paying for drinks in port (not always possible on some fare types — check the terms).
• Use loyalty club perks: MSC Voyagers Club sometimes offers discounts for members.
• Check your travel agent: some UK agents can add discounted packages at time of booking.

Watch for flash offers and restricted dates

In 2026 MSC introduced time-limited offers tied to particular sailing dates — e.g., Mediterranean sailings in May 2026 had 12 or so% discounts for early bookers. Keep your booking reference handy and check deals in the My Booking section.

When not to buy the package

If you rarely drink alcohol or favour top-shelf spirits, the package may not be for you. Also, if your cruise has many port days where you prefer local bars and excursions, paying as you go could be cheaper. For short cruises (2–3 nights) a package often isn’t cost-effective unless you plan a heavy drinking itinerary.

How to buy — step‑by‑step (pre-cruise and onboard)

Buying a package is straightforward but there are nuances to save money or avoid surprises.

1. Log into your booking at MSC.com and go to "Extras" or "My Booking".
2. Select the beverage package and compare the daily price options.
3. Check the package inclusions and small print for your specific ship and sailing date in 2026.
4. Add to basket and complete payment — watch for promotional codes.
5. Confirm package is applied to each adult passenger and print or save confirmation.

1. Visit Guest Services or a main bar (or use the MSC for Me app).
2. Ask the team for the available package options — expect slightly higher rates.
3. Provide your booking details and pay; the charge posts to your onboard account.
4. Keep receipts and check final bill at disembarkation.

Can you add or remove the package during the cruise?

Yes — most ships allow you to add the package during your sailing, but the daily rate may be higher onboard. Removing is harder and often subject to no refund unless within a short window. Verify with Guest Services for your 2026 itinerary.

Practical tips for using the package wisely

An all inclusive drinks package gives freedom but use it smartly to maximise value and enjoyment.

• Order water and soft drinks with meals if you have the package — it adds up.
• Try premium cocktails early in the cruise if on Premium Plus.
• Keep track of your drinking pace; staff may flag frequent orders.
• Avoid ordering large format bottles assuming they’re included — check first.
• Use the MSC app to double-check whether a drink is in your package before ordering.
• Combine with speciality dining nights if the package includes limited drinks in specialty restaurants (check menus).

Special venue rules: bars, specialty restaurants and shows

Many ships have specialty venues (wine bars, cocktail lounges, sushi bars). In 2026 these will often include standard package drinks but may exclude signature items or bottle service. Theatre and show concession stands can be mixed — check signage. If you plan to wine-taste or order rare bottles, be prepared to pay extra.

Private events, tastings and shore excursions

Private wine tastings and shore-based tastings are usually separate purchases. If you’re a connoisseur planning tastings in port (e.g., Spanish wineries in summer 2026), don’t rely on the onboard package to cover those costs.

Tipping and service charges in 2026

MSC typically has a daily service charge per person (gratuity) already added to your bill or included in promotional fares. Drink packages generally do not remove the need for tipping; the service charge covers crew wages but an extra tip for exceptional service is appreciated. Check your final invoice before disembarkation — for UK guests, MSC says service charges and gratuities are included in the cruise fare (MSC Cruises UK, checked 1 Nov 2026).

At the end of your cruise, review your onboard account: ensure any excluded items were correctly charged and that your package is applied for all entitled drinks. If there's a discrepancy, Guest Services can investigate before you leave the ship.

What to do if you don’t drink but someone in your party does

If you travel as a mixed-drinking couple or family, strategies include: one adult buys the full package and the other pays as they go; both buy the package on port-heavy itineraries; or buying the package only for selected days (if the cruise allows daily activation). Also consider drinks vouchers from port tours or onboard promotions.

Splitting costs fairly

For group travel, divide expected drink consumption and run a shared tab if appropriate — sometimes buying fewer packages and supplementing pay-as-you-go for one or two heavy drinkers is the cheapest solution.

Onboard enforcement and responsible drinking

Cruise lines enforce responsible drinking policies. Expect staff to refuse service to visibly intoxicated guests and for cabins to be monitored if behaviour causes disturbance. In 2026 MSC reiterated that packages are for responsible consumption only — breaching the code can lead to package removal or disembarkation without refund.

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

Several mistakes trip up guests: not checking the wine cap, assuming bottles are included, forgetting family member rules, and buying onboard at higher prices. Avoid these by reading the small print, confirming exclusions and pre-booking where possible.

For more detailed advice on budgeting and onshore spending see our related guides: How much to budget for a cruise, Packing tips for UK cruisers and Top Mediterranean ports in 2026. These will help you plan the whole holiday — not just the bar tab.

Sample daily drink budgets — realistic examples

Below are realistic budgets based on drinking styles. They illustrate when packages are financially sensible.

Drinker Type	Typical daily consumption	Pay-as-you-go cost	Package chimed?
Light	1 coffee + 1 soft drink	£4–£6	No
Moderate	1 wine + 1 cocktail + coffee	£20–£25	Maybe
Heavy	3 cocktails + beers	£30–£45	Yes (saves money)

Worked example

If you mainly order premium cocktails, add up what a typical day would cost à la carte and compare it with the daily price of the higher package. Tracking a couple of days will help you decide.

Special offers for 2026 — what to watch for

In 2026 MSC ran a few notable drink promotions: early-book discounts on beverage packages for Mediterranean and Northern Europe sailings, member-only offers for MSC Voyagers Club, and bundle discounts when combined with speciality dining. These vary by route and sail date; check the My Booking area and our dedicated offers page.

Set alerts for MSC sales, subscribe to newsletters, and check MyCruiseAdvisor.co.uk — we publish curated offers regularly. Example roundup: our Top MSC offers May 2026 article lists active promotions and is updated frequently.

Special situations: weddings, conferences and group cruises

Groups and chartered sailing contracts often have bespoke drink packages negotiated with MSC. If you’re organising a wedding or conference in 2026, ask for a tailored beverage agreement — it’s sometimes cheaper than individual packages for large groups.

Event planner note

For private events onboard request a drinks matrix with exact inclusions and excluded brands. Confirm if drinks are per person or per event, whether extras like champagne toasts are covered, and how gratuities are handled.

Final verdict — is MSC’s all inclusive drink package worth it in 2026?

For most social cruisers and cocktail-lovers sailing on MSC in 2026, the Premium package offers strong value. Premium Plus is worth considering if you prioritise higher-end wines and premium cocktails. The package removes surprise costs and simplifies holiday budgeting. If you drink sparsely or only enjoy premium labels, pay-as-you-go may be cheaper. Use the decision checklist and sample budgets above to make a personalised choice.

Summary checklist before you buy

• Check exact inclusions and wine-by-glass monetary cap for your specific ship and sailing date in 2026.
• Pre-book where possible for better pricing.
• Compare likely pay-as-you-go spend with package cost.
• Consider kids’ soft-drink package for under‑18s.
• Read the small print about minibar and room service.

FAQ: Can I share my drinks package with others?

Packages are for the named guest and not transferable between passengers. Bars may refuse service if it’s clear a guest without a package is using another’s entitlement. On some ships, you can purchase additional packages for other cabin mates — check the booking rules.

FAQ: Are drinks charged in port covered?

No — the MSC drinks package covers onboard purchases only. Drinks purchased ashore are pay-as-you-go and not included in your onboard package.

faq

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does MSC include spirits and cocktails in the all inclusive package in 2026?

Yes — standard packages include most classic spirits and cocktails. Premium tiers expand the selection to premium cocktails and higher-value spirits. Check the ship-specific menu for brand lists and exclusions for your 2026 sailing.

How much does MSC’s drink package cost per day in 2026?

Typical prices in 2026 range from about £30 to £45 per person, per day depending on the package tier and ship. For example, MSC Virtuosa Mediterranean sailings showed around £30 for Premium and £40 for Premium Plus.

Can I buy a drinks package for only some days of my cruise?

Often you can add the package mid-cruise, though you’ll usually be charged the daily rate for each remaining day. Buying for selected days from the start may not be available on all fare types, so check your booking terms.

Are kids included in the adult package?

No — children and teens have separate non-alcoholic soft-drink packages at lower cost (typically £7–£9 per day in 2026). Alcohol is never included for under‑18s.

Is it cheaper to buy the package before sailing?

Yes — pre-booking online typically offers the best price. Onboard purchases generally cost more by £3–£7 per person, per day.

What is excluded from MSC drink packages?

Excluded items often include premium champagnes, very high-value wines and spirits, certain bottles, private tastings, shore excursions, and some room-service items. Always read the exclusions for your specific 2026 sailing.

Related articles

• MSC Cruises Independent Review: Is It Worth Booking in 2026?
• MSC Virtuosa Drink Package Review 2026: Is It Worth It?
• MSC Cruises Review for First-Time Cruisers 2026: Is It Right for You?
• MSC Cruise Drink Packages 2026 — Independent Planning Guide
• MSC Cruise Drink Package Cost 2026 — Independent Planning Guide
• MSC Cruises: What Is Included in the Price 2026