MSC Cruises Drink Packages: What's Included and Which One to Choose

MSC Cruises has simplified its drink package lineup, and the current structure is genuinely more straightforward than it used to be, though it still trips people up in one specific way: not every package works the same way on Ocean Cay, MSC's private island. Here is a clear, current breakdown of each package, what it actually covers, and which one fits your drinking habits.

Here is the quick answer. MSC now offers three main tiers: the Non-Alcoholic Package for non-drinkers, the Easy Package as the entry level alcohol option, and Premium Extra as the comprehensive top tier. The older Classic and Easy Plus names some travelers may remember have been phased out, with Easy Plus fully discontinued since August 2025. The detail worth knowing before you buy: the Easy Package does not work on Ocean Cay, while Premium Extra does. If you are also planning a Bahamas or Caribbean sailing more broadly, our guides to cruise ship gratuities and Caribbean private islands can help round out your budget.

MSC's Current Approach to Drink Packages

MSC Cruises has moved to a simpler, three tier structure covering non-alcoholic, entry level, and comprehensive drinking needs, a change from the more layered system the line used in past years. This means passengers now choose between fewer, clearer options rather than working through several closely priced middle tiers. Package pricing is per person, per day, applied to the full length of the cruise except disembarkation day, and generally must be purchased by every adult guest sharing a stateroom, since sharing a single package between two people is not permitted.

MSC also automatically includes the Premium Extra Package for guests booked in the MSC Yacht Club, and some promotional fares bundle a package into the overall price, so it is worth checking what your specific booking already includes before purchasing separately.

MSC Drink Package Tiers Explained

Non-Alcoholic (Alcohol-Free) Package

The Non-Alcoholic Package covers soft drinks, fruit juices, non-alcoholic cocktails, energy drinks, smoothies, specialty teas and coffees, and AQUA by MSC still and sparkling water. It suits non-drinking passengers who want convenient access to a wide range of beverages without paying individually, and it also works well for children on a sailing where parents have purchased an alcohol package, since a separate Minors Package covers similar drinks at a child appropriate rate. This package is not accepted at Ocean Cay, so budget separately for drinks there if you plan to buy it.

Easy Package

The Easy Package is MSC's entry level alcohol tier, covering beers, house wines, well spirits, and standard cocktails up to roughly a $9 to $10 per drink price cap, along with the full range of non-alcoholic drinks. It can be used at the ship's bars, the buffet, and the main dining rooms, but it is not valid in specialty restaurants, in certain signature venues like onboard Lavazza coffee shops, and importantly, it does not carry over to Ocean Cay. For passengers who drink moderately and are happy with standard bar brands rather than premium options, Easy often represents solid value, provided you factor the Ocean Cay exclusion into your day ashore.

Premium Extra Package

Premium Extra is MSC's top and most comprehensive tier, covering an extensive range of premium spirits, wines by the glass, Champagne, cocktails, specialty coffees, and soft drinks, with drinks covered up to roughly a $15 to $16 price cap and no meaningful restriction beyond that limit. It is valid across nearly every onboard venue, including specialty restaurants, and critically, it is the package that does work at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve. Guests are allowed up to 15 alcoholic drinks per day, with unlimited non-alcoholic beverages, and the package includes a discount on bottled wine and Champagne purchases. This is the tier automatically included for MSC Yacht Club guests, and it is the closest MSC equivalent to a genuinely all-inclusive beverage package.

Ocean Cay: The Detail That Trips People Up

This is worth its own section because it genuinely catches passengers off guard. Per MSC's own official policy, the Non-Alcoholic Package and the Easy Package are not accepted on Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, the line's private island in the Bahamas. Only the Premium Extra Package carries over to the island's bars, and the beverage selection there may not include the full onboard menu. If your itinerary includes an Ocean Cay day and you have booked Easy rather than Premium Extra, plan to pay individually for drinks on the island, or consider whether the upgrade to Premium Extra makes sense given how much of your cruise the island day represents.

Which MSC Drink Package Should You Choose?

Tips for Buying MSC Drink Packages

• Buy before you board, since MSC typically offers lower per-day rates when packages are purchased in advance through your booking, and onboard purchase runs more expensive.
• Check what your cabin category already includes, since MSC Yacht Club automatically includes Premium Extra, and some promotional fares bundle a package into the price. Do not double pay for coverage you already have.
• Factor in Ocean Cay before choosing Easy over Premium Extra, since Easy will not cover drinks on the island, which can shift the math meaningfully on itineraries with an Ocean Cay stop.
• Children need the Minors Package, and it is tied to the adult package purchased in the same cabin, so review the combined cost for families.
• Upgrades are available onboard, at the bar or through the MSC for Me app, but downgrades generally are not, and onboard upgrade pricing runs higher than advance purchase, so lock in the right tier before you sail if you can.

MSC Drink Package FAQs