When you sail with MSC Cruises, you will quickly notice something that surprises a lot of first time guests. MSC includes the essentials, but they do not bundle in as many drinks as some North American cruise lines. That is part of how they keep base fares so low, which is great, but it also means it helps to know exactly what you can drink for free.
The good news is you will always have access to safe drinking water, coffee, tea and a few other basics. The caution is that anything bottled, carbonated or specialty will cost extra. Below, we break down every complimentary drink on an MSC cruise so you can decide whether you need a drink package or not.
Water
Water is always included on MSC Cruises and you will find it in restaurants and buffet drink stations. MSC processes its own drinking water onboard and it is 100 percent safe to drink. It’s available in several different areas and is always included:
- Tap water in all restaurants
- Water from the buffet dispensers
What is not included:
- Bottled water of any size
- Seltzer water
If you drink mostly water during your cruise, you will have no trouble staying hydrated without a package. Just know you will be drinking tap water or buffet water, not bottled.
Coffee and Hot Tea
Brewed Coffee
You can get basic brewed coffee, regular and decaf at:
- The buffet
- Main Dining Room
This is your standard drip style coffee. Specialty beverages like lattes, cappuccinos or Americanos are not included. For more information about coffee drinks available at most bars, check out our coffee guide.
Hot Tea
Tea is available at the buffet using self serve tea bags. Expect simple flavors like black tea, green tea and an herbal option or two. The buffet also has dedicated hot water dispensers so you can prepare tea any time.
Hot Chocolate
Hot chocolate packets are available at the buffet and work with the same hot water dispensers used for tea. This is a nice little treat on cooler evenings or sea days.
Milk
Regular milk and skim milk are available, typically during breakfast in the buffet and in the Main Dining Room. Some ships have chocolate milk as well. The milk is generally available in half pints and also sometimes available in a dispenser in the drink station.
Juices
MSC offers complimentary juice only at breakfast, and where you eat matters.
Juices in the Main Dining Room (Breakfast)
The MDR has the widest selection of complimentary juices. During breakfast you can order:
- Orange
- Pineapple
- Plum
- V8
- Apple
- Cranberry
- Grapefruit
- Tomato
This is the place to go if you want options.
Juices in the Buffet (Breakfast)
The buffet keeps it simpler. You will typically find a subset of what is in the Main Dining Room, with Orange and Apple being there close to 100% of the time.
Outside of breakfast hours, juices are not available.
Where You Can Get These Drinks
Buffet
- Water
- Brewed coffee
- Tea bags with hot water
- Hot chocolate packets
- Milk
- Breakfast juices
Restaurants Including the MDR
- Tap water
- Brewed coffee
- Hot tea
- Full juice selection during breakfast in the MDR
Room Service Breakfast
Room service breakfast is complimentary for guests sailing in Fantastica or higher. Bella guests can order it for a fee.
Available drinks include:
- Orange or apple juice
- Milk and skim milk
- Iced tea
- Black, green and herbal teas
- Coffee and decaf
- Hot chocolate
It is a comfortable way to ease into the day if your experience level includes the benefit.
What Is Not Complimentary
To avoid surprises, here is what you will always pay for unless you have a drink package:
- Bottled water
- Espresso or specialty coffee drinks
- Soda
- Energy drinks
- Smoothies or fresh squeezed juices
- Alcohol of any kind
- Gelato or specialty milkshakes
Can I Fill My Own Insulated Bottle With Water?
Technically, no. MSC posts signs at the buffet asking guests not to refill personal bottles directly at the drink stations. There are no dedicated bottle filling stations onboard.
In practice, here is what actually happens:
- Some guests fill their bottles right at the dispenser and get a few judgmental looks.
- Others fill several cups of water and quietly pour those into their bottle.
- It is much easier to fill your bottle using purchased bottled water, but bottled water is not complimentary.
Bottom line: MSC does not encourage direct refilling, but many people do it one way or another.
Common Misconceptions
A few things often trip people up:
- The tap water is absolutely safe. MSC processes it onboard. Each ship that serves the US is CDC inspected with a public grade available. The cruise line takes utmost precautions to ensure their drinking water is safe.
- Bottled water is never free unless you have a drink package.
- Espresso drinks are not included without a package.
- Breakfast juices are included only during breakfast hours.
Tips to Make the Most of the Complimentary Options
- If you enjoy large choice of juices, plan to eat breakfast in the Main Dining Room for the best selection.
- Use the buffet’s hot water dispenser to make tea or hot chocolate whenever you like.
- If you primarily drink water and basic coffee, you can skip the drink package with no problems.