In recent times I have noticed that there has been an increasing amount of ships and cruise companies offering complimentary drinks packages with certain bookings, or the option to upgrade you cruise holiday to an all inclusive package which includes drinks at the time of booking.

Celebrity Cruises is one example. They have been offering complimentary drinks packages on selected European sailings in 2013 which depart from the UK on Celebrity Infinity and Celebrity Eclipse. Complimentary drinks packages such as these ones generally include soft drinks, coffees, domestic spirits, beers and house wines with premium spirits, fine wines and selected other drinks incurring a charge.

Martini Bar on Celebrity Infinity

Complimentary deals such as these can be great value if you’re not too fussy with what you’ll be drinking while you are on your cruise holiday. If you don’t necessarily need premium spirits and expensive wines during your time on board, then packages such as these can be real bargains as you will barely have to spend a penny on your on board account on drinks.

Also the Spanish line Pullmantur Cruises have all inclusive packages on all of their ships and at very good prices with Cruises from Barcelona a very popular choice on their ship Sovereign.

Fusion Restaurant Bar On Sovereign

If however, you’re a lover of a particular wine or spirit that you know won’t be included within an alcohol package such as this one, then it’s perhaps not the best deal for you, and I wouldn’t allow it to sway which cruise holiday I was thinking of booking.

If you fall into the latter category then cruise companies which offer ALL drinks complimentary with all sailings, such as Seabourn, could definitely be the answer if you’re a fan of premium wines and spirits. With this sort of policy in place on board it allows all passengers to enjoy fine wines and delicious spirits without having to worry about running up a big tab, as it’s all included in the price you pay for your cruise holiday.

Observation Bar on Seabourn Sojourn

Of course, cruises on board Seabourn are more expensive than your average cruise. However, if you are going to spend a considerable amount of money during a normal cruise on wines, spirits and other beverages then it could work out just as cost effective. If you are prepared to spend a bit more on the initial cruise and then enjoy not having to spend any money on drinks during your cruise holiday. Do your maths and try to come up with a figure of how much you generally spend on board on drinks and if it’s worth the extra money, you might just surprise yourself!

With the majority of cruise companies it is possible to purchase drinks packages once you are on board. You can generally purchase soda packages that will give you unlimited soda or wine packages that will give you a discount on a certain number of bottles. Have a look at the sample packages offered (these can normally be found on the website) and again, do the maths to work out the potential savings.

Thanks Emma