One of the questions we get asked all the time: “Is the MSC drink package worth it?” And our go-to answer is… it depends.
So on our latest MSC cruise, we decided to stop guessing and start tracking. We kept a running tally of every drink ordered over the course of a 7-night cruise to find out for ourselves whether the package paid off — or if we just thought it did.
Spoiler alert: the results might surprise you.
The Deal We Got
We usually view the drink package as a bit of a break-even situation. Cruise lines aren’t in the business of giving away value, so they tend to price these packages to match what an average guest spends on drinks anyway.
But about six weeks before our cruise, the Premium Extra Drink Package went on sale — dropping from $490 to $357 per person. At that price, we couldn’t resist. That comes out to about $51 per day to break even.
So… could we outdrink the price? Let’s see.
Day 1 – Embarkation Day: All Aboard and All In
Total: $106.75 ($125.97 with gratuity)
Embarkation day is always a little boozy — you’re excited, you’re on vacation, and frankly, what else is there to do before your cabin is ready? A margarita kicked things off, and the rest of the day followed what would become a familiar routine: sodas at lunch, wine with dinner, cocktails in the evening, and water to close things out.
| Beverage | Cost | With Gratuity |
|---|---|---|
| Margarita | $14.00 | $16.52 |
| Coke Zero | $3.50 | $4.13 |
| Coke Zero | $3.50 | $4.13 |
| Gin | $14.00 | $16.52 |
| Pinot Noir | $14.00 | $16.52 |
| Water | $3.25 | $3.84 |
| Vodka | $14.00 | $16.52 |
| Vodka | $14.00 | $16.52 |
| Miller Lite | $10.00 | $11.80 |
| Miller Lite | $10.00 | $11.80 |
| Water | $3.25 | $3.84 |
| Water | $3.25 | $3.84 |
Day 2 – Ocean Cay Day 1: Beach + Beer = Bliss
Total: $77.75 ($91.75 with gratuity)
One of the best parts of cruising with MSC? Your drink package works on Ocean Cay, their private island. This was very much a beach day, and that meant Coronas all around. After a quick dinner back on the ship, we headed to Lighthouse Bar for the sunset and a little light show to cap things off.
| Beverage | Cost | With Gratuity |
|---|---|---|
| Corona | $9.00 | $10.62 |
| Water | $3.25 | $3.84 |
| Water | $3.25 | $3.84 |
| Coke Zero | $3.50 | $4.13 |
| Coke Zero | $3.50 | $4.13 |
| Corona | $9.00 | $10.62 |
| Corona | $9.00 | $10.62 |
| Malbec | $16.00 | $18.88 |
| Water | $3.25 | $3.84 |
| Corona | $9.00 | $10.62 |
| Corona | $9.00 | $10.62 |
Day 3 – Ocean Cay Day 2: Back for More
Total: $79.00 ($93.92 with gratuity)
Ocean Cay’s overnight stay is a huge perk of the Seashore itinerary. After another beach morning and some wandering, we headed back to sea. Drink volume stayed strong during the day, but slowed down at night with just a couple beers to close it out.
| Beverage | Cost | With Gratuity |
|---|---|---|
| Coke Zero | $3.50 | $4.13 |
| Coke Zero | $3.50 | $4.13 |
| Coke Zero | $3.50 | $4.13 |
| Vodka | $14.00 | $16.52 |
| Gin | $14.00 | $16.52 |
| Gin | $14.00 | $16.52 |
| Miller Lite | $10.00 | $11.80 |
| Miller Lite | $10.00 | $11.80 |
| Water | $3.25 | $3.84 |
| Water | $3.25 | $3.84 |
Day 4 – At Sea: Wine Time
Total: $68.50 ($80.83 with gratuity)
This was our slowest drinking day — but that’s relative. I finally found a Cabernet I really liked and may have gone back to that well a few times between lunch and an evening show at Le Cabaret Rouge.
| Beverage | Cost | With Gratuity |
|---|---|---|
| Mojito | $14.00 | $16.52 |
| Cabernet | $16.00 | $18.88 |
| Cabernet | $16.00 | $18.88 |
| Water | $3.25 | $3.84 |
| Cabernet | $16.00 | $18.88 |
| Water | $3.25 | $3.84 |
Day 5 – Costa Maya: Rainy Port, Ship Bar Gains
Total: $70.00 ($82.60 with gratuity)
Costa Maya was a wash — literally. With storms rolling through, we cut our land plans short and explored more of the ship. Pro tip: always grab water bottles before leaving the ship. They’re handy and help get your drink count up!
| Beverage | Cost | With Gratuity |
|---|---|---|
| Water | $3.25 | $3.84 |
| Water | $3.25 | $3.84 |
| Coke Zero | $3.50 | $4.13 |
| Coke Zero | $3.50 | $4.13 |
| Gin | $14.00 | $16.52 |
| Cabernet | $16.00 | $18.88 |
| Miller Lite | $10.00 | $11.80 |
| Miller Lite | $10.00 | $11.80 |
| Water | $3.25 | $3.84 |
| Water | $3.25 | $3.84 |
Day 6 – Cozumel: Bad Weather, Good Pool Bar
Total: $69.50 ($82.01 with gratuity)
Cozumel’s weather had other plans. We ditched the buggy idea and made the most of the day by hanging by the pool and testing out bars we hadn’t tried yet. Found a new favorite in the Yule Mule.
| Beverage | Cost | With Gratuity |
|---|---|---|
| Gin | $14.00 | $16.52 |
| Coke Zero | $3.50 | $4.13 |
| Gin | $14.00 | $16.52 |
| Yule Mule | $18.00 | $21.24 |
| Miller Lite | $10.00 | $11.80 |
| Miller Lite | $10.00 | $11.80 |
Day 7 – Final Sea Day: Coasting to the Finish
Total: $44.00 ($51.92 with gratuity)
This was the only day we dipped below the break-even line. Honestly, by this point we were all pretty much tapped out. We lounged, sipped a few drinks here and there, and took in the final hours on board.
| Beverage | Cost | With Gratuity |
|---|---|---|
| Coke Zero | $3.50 | $4.13 |
| Coke Zero | $3.50 | $4.13 |
| Gin | $14.00 | $16.52 |
| Gin | $14.00 | $16.52 |
| Affligem | $9.00 | $10.62 |
The Final Tally
| Total Spent Without Package | $515.50 |
| Total With Gratuity | $606.83 |
| Package Cost | $357.00 |
Even if you just count the base prices — the drink package saved over $150. And once you add gratuities? The savings jump even higher.
Final Thoughts
Is the MSC drink package worth it? For us — with a mix of beach days, sea days, and a steady flow of drinks — it was absolutely worth it. Especially when it goes on sale. Even with one lighter day at the end, we still came out well ahead.
Of course, your mileage may vary. If you’re not planning to drink daily (or at all), it might not be for you. But if you’re like us — a few cocktails, some wine with dinner, a steady stream of Coke Zero and bottled water — you’ll probably find yourself raising a glass to the savings.
ant to dive deeper into what’s included, what it costs, and how to get the best value? Check out our full MSC Drink Package Guide for everything you need to know.
