How Much Is a Beverage Package on Holland America Line Cruise?

When planning a cruise with Holland America Line, one of the most common questions travelers ask is: “How much is the beverage package?” Whether you love sipping cocktails by the pool, enjoying a cappuccino after dinner, or simply staying hydrated throughout the day, knowing what’s included in each drink package helps you budget smartly.

Holland America Line offers a variety of beverage packages designed to suit different preferences — from coffee lovers to wine enthusiasts. Prices vary depending on the type of package, the duration of your cruise, and whether you buy in advance or onboard.

In this complete 2025 guide, we’ll explore the latest beverage package costs, what each package includes, who should buy them, and how to decide if they’re worth it.

Overview of Holland America Line’s Beverage Packages

Holland America Line (HAL) is known for its elegant, premium cruising experience. The cruise line caters to mature travelers who enjoy fine dining, cultural enrichment, and refined onboard entertainment. Naturally, beverages — from wines to specialty coffees — are a big part of that experience.

To make onboard spending more predictable and convenient, HAL offers several beverage packages:

1. Quench Beverage Package (non-alcoholic)

2. Signature Beverage Package (mid-tier, includes most alcoholic beverages)

3. Elite Beverage Package (premium-tier, includes top-shelf drinks)

4. Coca-Cola Package (soft drink plan)

5. Coffee and Hot Chocolate Package (espresso-based beverages)

Let’s break down each of these in detail, including pricing and inclusions for 2025.

Quench Beverage Package

The Quench Beverage Package is perfect for those who prefer non-alcoholic options but still want the convenience of unlimited beverages.

Price:Approximately $17.95 per person per day, plus a 18% service charge (which is standard across all HAL packages).

What’s Included:

• Unlimited soft drinks and bottled water

• Freshly squeezed juices

• Mocktails (non-alcoholic cocktails)

• Specialty coffees and teas

• Energy drinks (Red Bull, etc.)

• Non-alcoholic smoothies

This package is ideal for families, health-conscious travelers, or anyone who doesn’t drink alcohol but wants more than just tap water or basic coffee.

Who Should Buy It:If you plan to order multiple non-alcoholic drinks throughout the day — say, two specialty coffees, a juice at breakfast, a soda at lunch, and a mocktail at dinner — you’ll likely save money compared to buying individually.

Example of Savings:Without the package, a soda costs around $3, and a latte is about $4.50. Just four to five drinks per day can exceed the package price.

Signature Beverage Package

The Signature Beverage Package is the most popular and widely chosen option among Holland America guests.

Price:Around $61.69 per person per day, including an 18% service charge.

What’s Included:

• Beverages priced up to $11 per serving

• All beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits under the $11 limit

• Non-alcoholic beverages (soft drinks, mocktails, bottled water, juices, and specialty coffees)

• Drinks ordered in any onboard bar, restaurant, or lounge

• Room service beverages (when available)

What’s Not Included:

• Drinks over $11 (you can pay the difference)

• Mini-bar beverages

• Wines by the bottle

• Special cocktail flights or souvenir glasses

Who Should Buy It:This package suits guests who enjoy moderate drinking — perhaps a few cocktails, a glass of wine with dinner, and some non-alcoholic drinks throughout the day.

Daily Value Calculation:If you have three alcoholic beverages (averaging $10 each) and two specialty coffees ($4.50 each), you’ll consume about $39 worth of drinks. Add a few sodas or bottled waters, and you’re easily around $50 per day — close to the package’s cost, not counting convenience.

Bonus Tip:The Signature Beverage Package is often included in Holland America’s “Have It All” promotion, where you get the package bundled with shore excursions, Wi-Fi, and specialty dining at a discounted rate. If your cruise includes this deal, it’s a great value.

Elite Beverage Package

The Elite Beverage Package is the top-tier option for those who want unlimited access to premium spirits, top wines, and higher-end cocktails.

Price:Approximately $69.19 per person per day, including the 18% service charge.

What’s Included:

• Beverages priced up to $15 per serving

• All top-shelf liquors, premium wines, and craft cocktails

• Full range of beers, non-alcoholic drinks, and bottled waters

• Specialty coffees and smoothies

• Room service beverages (select items)

Who Should Buy It:This package is ideal for connoisseurs who enjoy fine wines, craft cocktails, or top-shelf spirits like Grey Goose, Patron, or Glenfiddich.

If you’re celebrating a special occasion or just prefer the best available brands, this package offers flexibility and luxury.

Value Insight:Many premium cocktails and wines by the glass fall in the $13–$15 range. If you usually order two to three of these daily, the package pays off quickly. Plus, it includes everything in the Signature tier.

Important Note:If you order a drink over $15, you only pay the price difference — you won’t lose package benefits.

Coca-Cola Package

For guests who mainly drink soft drinks, the Coca-Cola Package offers unlimited fountain sodas during the cruise.

Price:Around $10.95 per person per day, plus 18% service charge.

What’s Included:

• Unlimited fountain soda (Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Fanta, etc.)

• Refills available at any bar or restaurant

This package is not available for bottled or canned soda — only fountain drinks.

Who Should Buy It:Great for families with children or guests who prefer sodas throughout the day.

Coffee and Hot Chocolate Package

Coffee enthusiasts can purchase a pre-paid punch card or package covering espresso-based drinks, cappuccinos, and hot chocolates.

Price:Usually around $30–$35 per package, depending on the number of beverages (typically 10–15 drinks).

What’s Included:

• Espresso drinks, cappuccinos, lattes, mochas, and hot chocolates

• Available at Explorations Café or specialty bars

Tip:You can share this package with another traveler, making it a flexible and affordable way to enjoy premium coffee on board.

Are Beverage Packages Worth It?

Whether a beverage package is worth it depends on your drinking habits, cruise length, and preferences. Let’s analyze the pros and cons.

Pros

1. Convenience – No need to sign receipts or track spending.

2. Budget Control – Know your total beverage costs in advance.

3. Flexibility – Try different drinks without worrying about prices.

4. Bundled Value – Often discounted when included in the “Have It All” offer.

Cons

1. Fixed Cost – You pay daily even if you don’t drink much.

2. Sharing Not Allowed – Packages are per person and cannot be shared.

3. Alcohol Limits – Drinks above price thresholds still incur extra cost.

4. Port Days – You may not use the package much when ashore.

Comparing Individual Drink Prices vs. Packages

Here’s a quick look at average Holland America drink prices (2025 estimates):

Beverage TypeAverage Cost per Drink

Domestic Beer$7.50

Craft Beer$8.50–$9

Glass of Wine$10–$13

Classic Cocktails$9–$11

Premium Cocktails$13–$15

Specialty Coffee$4.50–$6

Soda$3

Bottled Water$2.25–$3

Break-Even Estimate:

• Signature Package: ~6–7 drinks/day

• Elite Package: ~5–6 premium drinks/day

• Quench Package: ~5–6 non-alcoholic beverages/day

If you drink that much or more daily, the package makes financial sense.

Rules and Policies You Should Know

Before purchasing a beverage package, understand the key rules and conditions:

1. All Guests in Cabin – Holland America requires all guests aged 21+ in the same stateroom to purchase the same alcoholic beverage package.

2. Per-Day Basis – Packages are charged for every day of the cruise, including embarkation and disembarkation days.

3. No Sharing – Packages are non-transferable and intended for individual use.

4. Service Charge – A mandatory 18% service charge applies.

5. Age Limit – Minimum drinking age is 21 on U.S.-based cruises and 18 on some international itineraries.

6. Room Service & Mini-Bar – Not all packages cover in-room drinks.

7. Alcoholic Limitations – Excessive intoxication can result in service denial even with a package.

These policies help maintain fairness and responsible drinking standards onboard.

How to Purchase the Beverage Package

You can buy your Holland America beverage package in three ways:

1. Before the Cruise (Online through Manage My Booking)

   • Recommended because it locks in the best rate.

2. During Embarkation

   • Available at guest services or bars once you board.

3. Onboard Purchase Later

   • You can upgrade or buy mid-cruise, but you must pay for all remaining days.

Pro Tip:Prices may increase slightly if purchased onboard, so pre-booking is financially smarter.

Tips to Maximize Your Beverage Package Value

1. Order Bottled Water for Excursions – You can carry unopened water bottles from your package ashore.

2. Try Specialty Coffees Daily – Use your package for premium lattes and cappuccinos at the Explorations Café.

3. Experiment with New Cocktails – Since there’s no per-drink charge, explore HAL’s creative drink menu.

4. Use It at All Venues – The package covers bars, restaurants, lounges, and pool decks.

5. Ask for Half Glasses – Sample wines by requesting half pours if you enjoy tasting different varieties.

6. Keep Track of Included Prices – Order drinks under your package limit ($11 for Signature, $15 for Elite) to avoid extra charges.

Can You Bring Your Own Drinks Onboard?

Yes, Holland America Line allows a limited amount of alcohol and beverages to be brought onboard:

• Wine/Champagne: 1 bottle (750ml) per adult per voyage is allowed without a corkage fee.

• Additional Bottles: A corkage fee (around $20 per bottle) applies for extras.

• Spirits/Beer: Not permitted to bring onboard.

• Non-Alcoholic Drinks: Reasonable quantities (such as soda cans or bottled water) are typically allowed in carry-on luggage.

This policy is generous compared to some other cruise lines, making it ideal for wine lovers who want to bring a special bottle for dinner.

Beverage Packages and “Have It All” Promotion

Holland America often runs a promotion called “Have It All”, which bundles popular add-ons into a discounted package price. It usually includes:

• Signature Beverage Package

• Shore Excursion Credit

• Specialty Dining Meals

• Wi-Fi Package

When booked under this offer, you essentially get the Signature Beverage Package at a fraction of its standalone cost.

For example, a 7-day cruise might cost $350 more per person with “Have It All,” but you’d get hundreds of dollars in added benefits, making it a strong value proposition for most travelers.

Non-Alcoholic Alternatives for Kids and Teens

While the alcoholic beverage packages are limited to adults, Holland America offers non-alcoholic options suitable for younger passengers:

• Coca-Cola Package: Unlimited soft drinks throughout the cruise.

• Quench Package: Great for teens who like smoothies or energy drinks.

• Juice Bars: Fresh juices available at breakfast and the Lido Market.

Families can mix and match packages to suit everyone’s tastes.

How Beverage Packages Compare to Other Cruise Lines

To put Holland America’s offerings into perspective, here’s a brief comparison with other major cruise lines:

Cruise LineBasic Alcohol Package PricePremium Package PriceDaily Drink Limit

Holland America$61.69 (Signature)$69.19 (Elite)None (price cap only)

Royal Caribbean$70–$90N/ANone

Celebrity Cruises$89$109None

Princess Cruises$64.99$84.99None

Norwegian Cruise Line$74$99None

Holland America’s pricing is relatively moderate, especially given the premium service and relaxed onboard atmosphere. The lack of a strict “15-drink limit” (common on some lines) is a plus for guests who enjoy flexibility.

Expert Advice: Should You Buy It?

Here’s a breakdown based on traveler type:

• Casual Drinkers: Skip the alcoholic package unless bundled in a promotion; buy drinks à la carte.

• Daily Wine or Cocktail Drinkers: The Signature Beverage Package offers solid value and convenience.

• Luxury Travelers or Celebrating Guests: Go for the Elite Package — it enhances the premium cruise experience.

• Families: The Quench or Coca-Cola packages are ideal.

• Coffee Lovers: Consider the Coffee Card — it’s shareable and budget-friendly.

In short:If you plan to have 5–7 drinks daily, a beverage package is usually worth it. If not, ordering individually might save you money.

Practical Example: 7-Day Cruise Cost Comparison

CategoryDrink PackageCost for 7 DaysAverage Individual CostSavings

Moderate DrinkerSignature Package$432~$385 (6 drinks/day)–$47 (not worth it)

Heavy DrinkerSignature Package$432~$490 (8+ drinks/day)+$58 (worth it)

Premium DrinkerElite Package$484~$560 (6 top-shelf drinks/day)+$76 (worth it)

Non-AlcoholicQuench Package$125~$150 (5+ beverages/day)+$25 (worth it)

As shown, heavy or consistent drinkers get the best value, while occasional drinkers might prefer paying per beverage.

Final Thoughts

Holland America Line’s beverage packages are designed to enhance your cruise experience, offering convenience, predictability, and flexibility.

For 2025, the Signature Beverage Package costs around $61.69 per person per day, while the Elite Beverage Package is approximately $69.19. Non-alcoholic and soda options start from around $10.95 per day.

Whether these packages are worth it depends on your lifestyle. If you enjoy multiple beverages daily and prefer the ease of not signing every bill, a beverage package adds excellent value. On the other hand, if you’re a light drinker or plan to spend more time ashore, buying drinks individually may be more economical.

In any case, knowing the prices and inclusions upfront helps you plan your cruise budget with confidence and ensures you can sit back, relax, and sip your favorite drinks as you sail with Holland America Line.