Every cruise newbie asks the same question: what drinks are actually free onboard? After 40+ sailings, I've figured out exactly how to stay hydrated without breaking the bank – and when those drink packages are actually worth it. Let me break down everything you need to know about cruise beverages in 2026.
Here's the good news: you'll never go thirsty on a cruise. Tap water is completely free everywhere – bathrooms, sinks, drinking fountains, and water stations. The water is perfectly safe too; it's either filtered seawater or sourced from ports and heavily treated.
Your free drink lineup includes:
Pro tip: Bring a reusable water bottle and fill it anywhere onboard. I use a 32-oz Hydro Flask and have never paid for water on any cruise. The Lido Deck on most ships has multiple water stations specifically for bottle refills.
Once you venture beyond basic water and coffee, cruise lines start charging. Here's what you'll pay:
Bottled Water: $2.50-$4.50 per bottle depending on the cruise line. Norwegian charges $2.95 for Evian, while Royal Caribbean hits you for $4.25.
Premium Coffee: Specialty drinks like lattes and cappuccinos run $4-$7 each. Starbucks on Royal Caribbean ships charges the same as on land – expect $5.50 for a grande latte.
Enhanced Waters: Vitamin water, coconut water, and flavored options cost $3-$5 per bottle.
Sparkling Water: San Pellegrino or Perrier will set you back $3.50-$4 per bottle at restaurants.
The markup is steep, but remember – you're paying for convenience and the captive market factor.
Not all cruise lines handle free beverages the same way. Here's what I've learned sailing different brands:
Disney Cruise Line: Gives every guest complimentary bottled water on embarkation day. They also have the best free coffee selection in their buffets.
Virgin Voyages: The standout here – all still and sparkling water is complimentary everywhere onboard. No need to hunt for water stations.
Luxury Lines: Celebrity Suite guests get premium bottled water included. Same goes for Haven guests on Norwegian and suite passengers on most luxury lines.
River Cruises: Viking, AmaWaterways, and other river cruise lines typically include all beverages – even wine and beer with meals.
Budget Lines: Carnival and MSI stick to the basics – tap water and simple coffee are free, everything else costs extra.
Share your experience with different cruise lines' beverage policies in our drink packages forum!
Beverage packages can range from $35-$89 per person per day in 2026. Here's my honest assessment of when to buy:
Skip the Package If:
Consider Buying If:
The math: On Royal Caribbean, their Deluxe Beverage Package costs about $65/day (including gratuities). You'd need to consume 10-12 alcoholic drinks or premium coffees to break even.
I typically skip packages and stick to free options plus maybe 2-3 cocktails I pay for individually. But if you're someone who drinks 4+ alcoholic beverages daily, the package saves money.
After sailing on everything from 3,000-passenger ships to intimate river cruises, here are my best tricks:
Water Strategy: Fill up your water bottle before excursions. Some ports charge $3-5 for bottled water, but you can prep for free onboard.
Coffee Timing: Hit the buffet coffee stations during off-peak hours (9-10am, 2-4pm) when they're freshly brewed and not sitting around.
Room Service Hack: Order a pitcher of ice water for your cabin. It's free and saves trips to water stations.
Pool Deck Secret: Most ships have multiple beverage stations around the pool area – find the less crowded ones for faster service.
Port Days: Load up on free drinks before heading ashore. Some excursion companies provide water, but don't count on it.
For most cruisers, the free drink options are perfectly adequate. I've completed 7-day Caribbean cruises spending exactly $0 on beverages by bringing a good water bottle and enjoying the complimentary options.
However, if you're someone who needs their daily Starbucks fix or enjoys wine with dinner every night, factor beverage costs into your cruise budget from the start. Either buy a package or budget $15-25 daily for individual premium drinks.
The key is being honest about your drinking habits before you board. Don't let aggressive package sales pitches on embarkation day pressure you into something you won't use.
Have questions about specific cruise line beverage policies or want to share your own drink package experiences? Join the conversation in our drinks and beverage packages forum where experienced cruisers share real-world advice!
What's Always Free on Every Cruise Ship
Here's the good news: you'll never go thirsty on a cruise. Tap water is completely free everywhere – bathrooms, sinks, drinking fountains, and water stations. The water is perfectly safe too; it's either filtered seawater or sourced from ports and heavily treated.
Your free drink lineup includes:
- Ice water at all restaurants and buffets
- Basic coffee and tea at buffet stations and cafes
- Water fountains on pool decks and in gyms
- Room service ice water (24/7 on most lines)
- Flavored water at some buffet stations
Pro tip: Bring a reusable water bottle and fill it anywhere onboard. I use a 32-oz Hydro Flask and have never paid for water on any cruise. The Lido Deck on most ships has multiple water stations specifically for bottle refills.
What Costs Extra (And Real 2026 Prices)
Once you venture beyond basic water and coffee, cruise lines start charging. Here's what you'll pay:
Bottled Water: $2.50-$4.50 per bottle depending on the cruise line. Norwegian charges $2.95 for Evian, while Royal Caribbean hits you for $4.25.
Premium Coffee: Specialty drinks like lattes and cappuccinos run $4-$7 each. Starbucks on Royal Caribbean ships charges the same as on land – expect $5.50 for a grande latte.
Enhanced Waters: Vitamin water, coconut water, and flavored options cost $3-$5 per bottle.
Sparkling Water: San Pellegrino or Perrier will set you back $3.50-$4 per bottle at restaurants.
The markup is steep, but remember – you're paying for convenience and the captive market factor.
Cruise Line Differences You Need to Know
Not all cruise lines handle free beverages the same way. Here's what I've learned sailing different brands:
Disney Cruise Line: Gives every guest complimentary bottled water on embarkation day. They also have the best free coffee selection in their buffets.
Virgin Voyages: The standout here – all still and sparkling water is complimentary everywhere onboard. No need to hunt for water stations.
Luxury Lines: Celebrity Suite guests get premium bottled water included. Same goes for Haven guests on Norwegian and suite passengers on most luxury lines.
River Cruises: Viking, AmaWaterways, and other river cruise lines typically include all beverages – even wine and beer with meals.
Budget Lines: Carnival and MSI stick to the basics – tap water and simple coffee are free, everything else costs extra.
Share your experience with different cruise lines' beverage policies in our drink packages forum!
Beverage Packages: When They're Worth It
Beverage packages can range from $35-$89 per person per day in 2026. Here's my honest assessment of when to buy:
Skip the Package If:
- You mainly drink water and basic coffee
- You're not a big alcohol consumer (less than 4-5 drinks daily)
- You plan to spend most time in port
- You're sailing for less than 5 days
Consider Buying If:
- You drink specialty coffee multiple times daily
- You enjoy cocktails, wine, and beer regularly
- You want premium bottled water and juices
- You're sailing 7+ days
The math: On Royal Caribbean, their Deluxe Beverage Package costs about $65/day (including gratuities). You'd need to consume 10-12 alcoholic drinks or premium coffees to break even.
I typically skip packages and stick to free options plus maybe 2-3 cocktails I pay for individually. But if you're someone who drinks 4+ alcoholic beverages daily, the package saves money.
Insider Tips to Maximize Free Drinks
After sailing on everything from 3,000-passenger ships to intimate river cruises, here are my best tricks:
Water Strategy: Fill up your water bottle before excursions. Some ports charge $3-5 for bottled water, but you can prep for free onboard.
Coffee Timing: Hit the buffet coffee stations during off-peak hours (9-10am, 2-4pm) when they're freshly brewed and not sitting around.
Room Service Hack: Order a pitcher of ice water for your cabin. It's free and saves trips to water stations.
Pool Deck Secret: Most ships have multiple beverage stations around the pool area – find the less crowded ones for faster service.
Port Days: Load up on free drinks before heading ashore. Some excursion companies provide water, but don't count on it.
My Bottom Line Recommendation
For most cruisers, the free drink options are perfectly adequate. I've completed 7-day Caribbean cruises spending exactly $0 on beverages by bringing a good water bottle and enjoying the complimentary options.
However, if you're someone who needs their daily Starbucks fix or enjoys wine with dinner every night, factor beverage costs into your cruise budget from the start. Either buy a package or budget $15-25 daily for individual premium drinks.
The key is being honest about your drinking habits before you board. Don't let aggressive package sales pitches on embarkation day pressure you into something you won't use.
Have questions about specific cruise line beverage policies or want to share your own drink package experiences? Join the conversation in our drinks and beverage packages forum where experienced cruisers share real-world advice!