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If you want to make a cruise vacation even more relaxing while sipping on refreshing cruise drinks, we have a suggestion for you. Pick an all-inclusive drinks package and forget about having to pay every time you go to the cruise bar!
From cruise cocktails to cruise ship wine and everything in between - there is something for everyone’s taste on a cruise ship. Even the all-inclusive drinks packages can be selected depending on the passenger’s preferences.
If you are from the cruise ship side of things, however, there are things you need to consider and refine when building your beverage program, in order to boost customer satisfaction. From doing the beverage selection and building great wine lists to organizing inventory - you have a lot of work to do.
Let’s look into some beverage packages for cruise ships together. If you are still refining your offers, you will be able to gain helpful information.
Beverage Package Options for Cruise Ships
There are many different options when it comes to beverage packages for cruise lines. Most lines have some of their own unique offers, but there are also some common ones that work great.
If you are in the midst of planning the all-inclusive drinks and the packages for your cruise line, check out the following options.
Key Takeaway: Creating a range of beverage packages for your cruise line will allow people to choose what suits best their preferences. This is also a great opportunity to plan well your inventory and in accordance with the beverage packages passengers have purchased before you set sail.
Unlimited Beverage Package
The unlimited beverage package on cruises usually includes various types of alcohol, as well as non-alcoholic drinks. This package covers other drinks, too. They can include specialty coffee, tea, bottled water, and other soft drinks.
When a passenger gets this package, they can enjoy any of the drinks they want in a bar and lounge or even in the restaurant or their own cabin. It’s a great option for anyone who wants to enjoy all-inclusive drinks and not think about it while vacationing.
Soft Drinks Package
As the name suggests, this is the perfect package for passengers who prefer soft and non-alcoholic beverages. When creating the package, make sure people will have access to juices, mocktails, sodas, and other non-alcoholic options. These could even include plant-based milk, non-alcoholic beer, and non-alcoholic wine.
Premium/Deluxe Package
If you want to offer an even better experience to your guests, you can create a special package with access to a wider range of beverages. It doesn’t matter what you call it but you need to carefully curate what it’s going to include.
To make it different from the standard Unlimited Package, it should include premium alcohol, unique craft beers, and special selections of wine bottles. Ask a mixologist to create custom drinks, too.
Wine Package
The ideal offer for wine enthusiasts is a Wine Package. Most cruise lines set the number of bottles or glasses of wine the guest can have when they purchase this package. You can have some wine offers exclusively for the passengers who have this package. It’s also a great idea to source different varieties of wine from all over the world so there’s something for everyone’s taste.
Beer Package
Beer is one of the most popular drinks worldwide, so it deserves its own package. Make beer lovers happy by offering a wide variety of domestic and international beer brands. You should also include beer on tap that can be enjoyed in the bars and restaurants.
All classic types of beer need to be available for passengers, but you should also add gluten-free beer options. People who are gluten intolerant or avoid it for other reasons will surely appreciate it.
Water Package
Although normally water is available free of charge, whether you have an all-inclusive drinks package or not, offering a separate Water Package makes sense. That’s because some people may prefer the convenience of having bottles of water they can carry around.
Coffee Package
Coffee lovers deserve some special offers, too. Curate a selection of specialty coffee for passengers to enjoy either plain, with dairy milk, or with plant-based alternatives. The true enthusiast will enjoy the variety and will likely return to your cruise line!
Why All-Inclusive Drinks and Beverage Packages Are a Must on Cruises
Having different beverage packages on your cruise ship can bring a lot of benefits to both sides. Some of them include:
- Convenience - Having a pre-paid beverage package brings peace of mind to passengers and allows them to enjoy the drinks they love when they want.
- Access to More Beverages - Purchasing a cruise beverage package often gives guests access to more and better options. This is also a great value proposition for restaurant brands if you are on the business side of things.
- Budget Control - By purchasing a beverage package, the passengers don’t need to calculate how much they are spending. They’ve done the math beforehand and are now ready to fully dive into the cruise experience you are offering.
- Saving Time - Passengers who bought packages typically have access to the drinks they want in various bars and restaurants all over the ship. They won't have to wait in line and will get things quicker and easier. Bartenders and restaurant managers will be prepared because they will know prior the number of people who purchased specific packages and will have everything needed in stock.
Generally, giving people the option to choose from different packages or all-inclusive drinks before they board the ship will allow you to plan your cruise beverage inventory better. You can notice what people are more interested in and plan quantities. It's important to spend your money well and get the right liquor bottle sizes and quantities before you set sail.
As for keeping everything in check and counting bottles while you are at sea, you can use BinWise Pro and make it easier and more enjoyable! With our beverage inventory software, you will be able to track everything that goes out, see consumption trends, update the wine lists, and more.
Book a demo now to find out more about the great features of BinWise!
Frequently Asked Questions about All-Inclusive Drinks and Beverage Packages on Cruise Ships
If something was left unclear, these frequently asked questions and their answers will give you additional information.
How Much Does it Cost to Get a Beverage Package on a Cruise?
Prices of cruise beverage packages vary depending on the duration of the cruise, the ship, the cruise line, and what’s included in the package. On average, a beverage package can cost between $20 to $80 per person, per day.
When Can I Purchase a Beverage Package?
Most lines allow passengers to purchase beverage packages before they board the ship. However, you can also get the beverage package you desire once you are already onboard.
Can I Upgrade My Beverage Package Once Onboard?
While you will most likely able to upgrade your package once you board the ship, it’s best to select the best package for you beforehand. This way you will be sure all the drinks you want will be available to you easily.