If you have cruised Carnival out of Galveston, you already know the drill. You board the ship ready for that first piña colada, and then you remember that the drink package does not kick in until Day 2. Not ideal.
MSC Cruises handles things very differently, and thankfully, a lot more generously.
Below is everything you need to know about how MSC treats embarkation day for guests with a drink package, including some quirks that apply when sailing from Texas.
Short Answer: Yes, your MSC drink package works on embarkation day
On MSC, your drink package becomes active the moment you step onboard, regardless of what port you are in. That means as soon as you finish check in, tap your card, and walk into the atrium or your first bar, you can use your package freely.
This applies across all homeports, including Miami, Port Canaveral, New York, and yes, Galveston.
Cruisers familiar with Carnival find this surprising because Carnival is required to delay drink package activation on Day 1 out of Texas. MSC does not follow that rule, which sets them apart for passengers who love a Day 1 cocktail or glass of sparkling wine.
Why Galveston rules differ between cruise lines
Here is the big question. If Carnival cannot offer drink packages on embarkation day in Galveston, how can MSC?
It comes down to different interpretations of Texas alcohol law and how each line structures its onboard systems. MSC has confirmed that drink packages work immediately after boarding on all itineraries, including those leaving from Texas.
That said, Texas does have a unique rule that affects what you can order before the ship reaches international waters.
Texas local alcohol law still applies while the ship is docked
When your ship is still in the Port of Galveston, bars can only serve alcohol that is classified as a Texas product. You may notice a limited selection of spirits or beer until the ship heads far enough offshore. Once the ship reaches international waters, the full bar inventory opens up again.
Even with this rule, the drink package stays active. You just might see a temporary change in available brands until the ship clears state jurisdiction.
Expect a small tax on drinks purchased while still in port
Here is something many first time MSC guests do not realize. Most US homeports apply a local tax on alcoholic beverages purchased while the ship is still docked. MSC will pass this tax on to you even if you have a drink package.
It is usually very minor, often just a few dollars total for your Day 1 drinks. Once the ship leaves port, the tax disappears and you are back to all inclusive sipping at no extra charge.
What this all means for your first day on board
You can absolutely plan on enjoying your drink package as soon as you board. Whether that means a cocktail by the pool, a beer while watching sailaway, or a celebratory glass of prosecco in the atrium, MSC allows it.
Just keep these quick notes in mind:
- The drink package is active immediately after you enter the ship
- Expect to pay small local taxes on drinks while the ship is docked
- In Texas, only local spirits and beers may be served until the ship reaches open water
Aside from that, MSC makes embarkation day incredibly drink package friendly, which is a welcome change for many US cruisers.
Final Takeaway
If you are sailing MSC from any port and wondered whether the drink package works on embarkation day, the answer is a confident yes. MSC activates your benefits right away, and the only two things you may notice onboard are a small port tax and a temporary Texas liquor restriction if you are sailing from Galveston.
Otherwise, go ahead and start your vacation the moment you walk on the ship. MSC gives you full permission.