When planning a cruise, one of the most common questions travelers ask is about onboard beverage costs. Drinks can quickly add up, and understanding whether a beverage package is offered—and how much it costs—can significantly impact your overall cruise budget. American Cruise Lines operates very differently from large ocean cruise brands, and this difference extends to its beverage policy.
Unlike mass-market cruise lines that rely heavily on upselling beverage packages, American Cruise Lines follows a more inclusive, relaxed approach. However, that does not mean beverages are entirely unlimited or free of charge. To make an informed decision, travelers need a clear, detailed explanation of how beverage pricing works on American Cruise Lines.
This article provides a complete breakdown of how much a beverage package costs on American Cruise Lines, what drinks are included by default, what costs extra, and whether purchasing additional beverage options makes financial sense for your cruising style.
American Cruise Lines is known for its small-ship cruising experience, primarily focusing on river cruises and coastal itineraries within the United States. The company caters mainly to mature travelers who value comfort, enrichment, and a relaxed atmosphere rather than high-energy entertainment or party scenes.
Because of this demographic and cruising style, American Cruise Lines does not follow the traditional beverage package model used by large international cruise lines. Instead of offering multiple tiered beverage packages at high daily rates, American Cruise Lines includes many beverages in the base cruise fare.
This inclusive approach reduces confusion and allows guests to enjoy their meals and social time without constantly checking drink prices or tracking usage limits.
The short answer is that American Cruise Lines does not offer a traditional beverage package that passengers must purchase separately at a daily rate.
Instead, the cruise fare already includes a selection of complimentary beverages throughout the day. These beverages are available during meals, onboard activities, and social hours. Alcoholic drinks are also included to a certain extent, which is a major distinction from most cruise lines.
That said, premium alcoholic beverages, specialty wines, and high-end spirits may still incur additional charges. These are charged per drink rather than through a prepaid package.
One of the biggest advantages of cruising with American Cruise Lines is the number of beverages already included in the fare. This inclusivity is often misunderstood by first-time cruisers who are accustomed to paying extra for almost every drink onboard other cruise lines.
Complimentary non-alcoholic beverages typically include coffee, tea, soft drinks, bottled water, and juices. These are available throughout the day in dining rooms, lounges, and common areas. Coffee and tea are usually available 24 hours a day.
Alcoholic beverages are also included during lunch and dinner. Guests can enjoy complimentary beer and wine with their meals without any additional charge. This alone can represent substantial savings for travelers who enjoy a drink or two during meals.
In addition, certain social hours or onboard events may include complimentary cocktails or specialty drinks hosted by the crew or guest speakers.
American Cruise Lines has a generous but controlled alcohol policy. Complimentary beer and wine are offered during lunch and dinner service. The selection usually includes red and white wines chosen to pair with the day’s menu, along with a few beer options.
Spirits, cocktails, and premium wines are not unlimited or freely available all day. These drinks are available for purchase individually from the bar or lounge. Prices are generally reasonable and comparable to upscale hotel bars rather than inflated resort pricing.
There is no pressure to purchase a beverage package because one does not exist in the traditional sense. Guests simply pay for premium drinks as they order them.
Since there is no set beverage package price, it is important to understand the approximate cost of individual drinks on American Cruise Lines.
Non-alcoholic beverages such as soda, juice, coffee, and bottled water are included and do not cost extra.
Beer typically ranges from moderate pricing, depending on brand and availability. Standard domestic beers are more affordable than imported or craft selections.
Wine by the glass beyond the complimentary meal service selection may have an additional charge, particularly if guests choose premium labels.
Cocktails and spirits are priced per drink. Prices vary based on the type of liquor and complexity of the cocktail, but they are generally considered fair and not excessive.
Because drinks are charged individually rather than bundled into a package, guests have full control over their beverage spending.
American Cruise Lines does not offer an unlimited beverage package in the traditional sense. There is no daily flat-rate option that provides unlimited cocktails, spirits, and premium beverages.
However, the inclusion of beer and wine with meals effectively functions as a partial beverage package. For many travelers, this level of inclusion is more than sufficient, especially given the quieter, enrichment-focused nature of these cruises.
Guests who do not drink heavily or who only enjoy alcohol with meals often find that they spend little to nothing extra on beverages during the entire cruise.
The beverage approach on American Cruise Lines is particularly beneficial for travelers who value simplicity and transparency. Guests do not need to calculate whether a beverage package is worth it or feel pressured to drink more to “get their money’s worth.”
Travelers who enjoy wine or beer with meals will find excellent value, as these drinks are already included. Those who prefer non-alcoholic beverages throughout the day also benefit, since coffee, tea, and soft drinks are freely available.
Moderate drinkers generally save money compared to purchasing an unlimited beverage package on a large cruise ship.
Guests who enjoy multiple cocktails per day, premium spirits, or specialty wines may spend more on beverages than they would on a cruise line offering an unlimited beverage package.
However, American Cruise Lines does not cater to a party-oriented crowd. Bar service is available, but the atmosphere remains relaxed and refined rather than high-energy.
For guests who view drinking as a central part of their cruise experience, the absence of an unlimited beverage package may feel restrictive. That said, most passengers appreciate the balance between inclusion and choice.
On large ocean cruise lines, beverage packages often cost a significant amount per person per day. These packages are typically mandatory for all adults in the same cabin and come with usage restrictions and service charges.
American Cruise Lines avoids this model entirely. Instead of charging a high daily rate upfront, the company includes essential beverages and allows guests to pay only for what they actually consume beyond that.
This approach often results in lower overall beverage costs, especially for couples or solo travelers who drink moderately.
One advantage of American Cruise Lines’ beverage policy is transparency. There are no hidden beverage package service charges or mandatory gratuities added to drink prices.
When guests order a drink that is not included, the price is clearly listed, and the charge is added to the onboard account. This makes it easy to track spending and avoid surprises at the end of the cruise.
Gratuities for bar service are typically included in the overall cruise gratuity structure, further simplifying the experience.
American Cruise Lines has a more relaxed approach to personal beverages compared to many large cruise lines. Policies may vary by itinerary and vessel, but in many cases, guests are allowed to bring a limited amount of personal wine or alcohol onboard.
If guests choose to consume their own alcohol in public areas or dining rooms, a corkage fee may apply. This fee is generally reasonable and clearly communicated.
Guests are encouraged to check specific policies before sailing, as rules can change depending on itinerary and ship type.
When evaluating the total cost of a cruise, beverage expenses are often overlooked. American Cruise Lines’ inclusive beverage approach enhances the overall value of the cruise fare.
Because many beverages are already included, the advertised cruise price more accurately reflects the final cost. Guests do not need to add hundreds of dollars for beverage packages when budgeting their trip.
This is especially appealing to travelers on fixed incomes or those who prefer predictable expenses.
For guests who stick primarily to included beverages, daily beverage spending may be zero or very minimal.
Moderate drinkers who order one or two cocktails per day in addition to complimentary beer and wine may spend a modest amount daily.
Guests who regularly enjoy premium cocktails, spirits, or specialty wines should budget additional funds accordingly, though costs remain reasonable compared to luxury resorts.
Overall, beverage spending on American Cruise Lines is usually significantly lower than on traditional ocean cruises.
The absence of a traditional beverage package aligns with American Cruise Lines’ brand identity. The company emphasizes enrichment, comfort, and personalized service rather than upselling add-ons.
By including many beverages in the base fare, the cruise experience feels more relaxed and less transactional. Guests are not constantly signing receipts or monitoring package limits.
This philosophy resonates strongly with the line’s core audience, which values quality over quantity.
Many travelers assume that because American Cruise Lines does not advertise a beverage package, drinks must be expensive. In reality, the opposite is often true.
Others believe that alcohol is completely free and unlimited, which is also not accurate. The truth lies in the balanced middle: generous inclusion with reasonable pay-as-you-go options.
Understanding this structure helps guests set realistic expectations and enjoy their cruise without confusion.
To get the most value from the included beverage policy, guests should take advantage of complimentary wine and beer during meals.
Participating in hosted social events can also provide access to complimentary drinks.
Guests who prefer premium beverages may consider moderating consumption or alternating between included and paid options to manage costs.
Staying hydrated with complimentary bottled water and soft drinks further reduces the need for additional purchases.
For the majority of travelers, American Cruise Lines’ beverage policy is not only fair but advantageous. The inclusion of beer and wine with meals alone can represent substantial savings.
The absence of a forced beverage package allows guests to cruise at their own pace without pressure to consume more than they want.
While heavy drinkers may prefer an unlimited package on other cruise lines, American Cruise Lines is not designed for that type of experience.
So, how much is a beverage package on American Cruise Lines? Technically, there is no separate beverage package price. Instead, many beverages are included in the cruise fare, and premium drinks are available individually at reasonable prices.
This system offers transparency, flexibility, and value, particularly for travelers who appreciate a refined, relaxed cruising environment.
For most guests, beverage costs on American Cruise Lines are lower, simpler, and less stressful than on traditional cruise lines, making it an appealing choice for river and coastal cruising within the United States.
Understanding beverage costs is essential when choosing a cruise, and American Cruise Lines stands out for its inclusive and guest-friendly approach. While there is no traditional beverage package to purchase, the generous inclusion of non-alcoholic drinks and complimentary beer and wine during meals significantly enhances the onboard experience.
By eliminating complicated packages and focusing on quality and simplicity, American Cruise Lines ensures that guests can enjoy their cruise without constantly thinking about extra costs. For travelers seeking comfort, enrichment, and transparency, this beverage policy is a refreshing departure from the norm.
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