How Much Is the Holland America Line Cruise Drink Package?

When planning a cruise vacation with Holland America Line, one of the most common questions passengers ask is about the drink package prices. Whether you’re a casual coffee drinker, a cocktail enthusiast, or someone who enjoys fine wines with dinner, Holland America offers several beverage packages designed to fit different preferences and budgets.

Cruise drink packages are a great way to enjoy beverages on board without worrying about individual drink charges every time you order. But understanding which package to choose — and whether it’s really worth the cost — can make a big difference in your onboard experience and expenses.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the Holland America drink package prices, what each package includes, the differences between them, and tips on how to get the best value for your money.

Overview of Holland America Line’s Beverage Philosophy

Holland America Line, known for its elegant and premium cruising style, focuses heavily on fine dining and top-quality beverages. The cruise line’s bars and lounges feature a diverse selection — from premium spirits and wines to fresh juices, coffee specialties, and mocktails.

The idea behind their drink packages is simple: offer passengers the convenience of prepaid beverages, allowing them to enjoy the cruise without worrying about tallying up a hefty bar bill by the end of their trip.

What makes Holland America’s system attractive is its flexibility. You can choose from several packages depending on your drinking habits, from basic soft drinks and bottled water to full alcohol-inclusive plans with top-shelf spirits.

Types of Holland America Drink Packages in 2025

Holland America Line offers four main types of beverage packages, plus some specialty add-ons. The key options include:

1. Quench Beverage Package – Non-alcoholic beverages

2. Signature Beverage Package – Mid-range alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks

3. Elite Beverage Package – Premium-tier alcoholic and specialty drinks

4. Coca-Cola Package – Basic soft drinks for casual travelers

Let’s look at each package in detail, including what’s included and how much they cost per day.

1. Quench Beverage Package

The Quench Package is designed for guests who prefer non-alcoholic beverages but still want the freedom of unlimited drinks. It’s perfect for families, teens, and guests who don’t consume alcohol.

What’s Included:

• Specialty coffees and teas (from Explorations Café or Lido Market)

• Freshly squeezed juices

• Smoothies

• Bottled water (still and sparkling)

• Soft drinks (Coca-Cola, Sprite, Diet Coke, etc.)

• Mocktails and non-alcoholic cocktails

• Energy drinks (where available)

Price:

As of 2025, the Quench Beverage Package costs approximately $17.95 per person, per day, plus a 15% service charge.

So, for a 7-day cruise, the total would come to around $144 per person (including gratuities).

Ideal For:

• Non-drinkers or guests who prefer healthy beverages

• Families with teens or young adults

• Early risers who love coffee and juice throughout the day

Value Tip:

If you tend to drink several coffees or smoothies daily, this package can easily pay for itself. For instance, a specialty latte costs about $5 onboard, so just four drinks per day make it worthwhile.

2. Signature Beverage Package

The Signature Beverage Package is the most popular and commonly purchased drink package on Holland America cruises. It offers a balanced selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks at a moderate price point.

What’s Included:

• All beer, wine, spirits, and cocktails priced up to $11 per serving

• All non-alcoholic beverages included in the Quench Package

• 15 drinks per day limit (applies to alcoholic beverages only)

• Eligible for drinks at all onboard bars, lounges, and restaurants

Price:

In 2025, the Signature Beverage Package costs $59.95 per person, per day, plus a 15% service charge, bringing the total to roughly $68.95 per day.

For a 7-day cruise, expect to pay around $482 per person.

Ideal For:

• Guests who enjoy a few cocktails, wine, or beers daily

• Travelers who want simplicity and value without paying for top-shelf brands

• Couples who prefer to have their drinks included for convenience

Value Tip:

If you typically order around five alcoholic drinks per day, this package will likely save you money. Individual drinks on Holland America average between $10–$12, so the package pays off quickly for moderate drinkers.

3. Elite Beverage Package

The Elite Beverage Package is the top-tier option for guests who prefer premium spirits, wines, and cocktails. This is perfect for connoisseurs or those who enjoy craft cocktails, high-end liquor brands, and exclusive wines.

What’s Included:

• All beer, wine, spirits, and cocktails priced up to $15 per serving

• 15-drink daily limit (for alcoholic drinks)

• Access to premium brands (Grey Goose, Glenfiddich, Patron, Hendrick’s Gin, etc.)

• All non-alcoholic beverages included in lower-tier packages

• Fresh juice, smoothies, energy drinks, bottled water, mocktails

• Specialty coffee and tea

Price:

The Elite Beverage Package is priced at $69.95 per person, per day, plus a 15% service charge — about $80.45 per day in total.

For a 7-night cruise, that adds up to approximately $563 per person.

Ideal For:

• Guests who appreciate premium liquors or fine wines

• Regular cocktail drinkers who enjoy variety and quality

• Travelers who want the best available drink experience onboard

Value Tip:

If you prefer high-end cocktails or wines (typically priced between $13–$15 each), the Elite Package offers excellent value, especially for longer cruises where the costs can quickly add up.

4. Coca-Cola Package

The Coca-Cola Package is the simplest beverage plan available and ideal for those who just want unlimited soft drinks during their voyage.

What’s Included:

• Unlimited fountain sodas

• Refills at any bar, restaurant, or lounge

• Souvenir Coca-Cola tumbler (on select ships)

Price:

The Coca-Cola Package costs $8.00 per person, per day, plus a 15% service charge, making it around $9.20 daily.

For a 7-day cruise, this comes to about $64.40 per person.

Ideal For:

• Children and teens

• Adults who only drink soda

• Budget-conscious travelers

Value Tip:

If you drink more than two sodas a day, this package saves you money since individual sodas onboard cost around $3 each.

Alcoholic Beverage Policy and Limits

Holland America Line sets a 15-drink limit per day for all alcoholic beverage packages. This is designed to promote responsible drinking and ensure guest safety.

Non-alcoholic drinks such as coffee, water, and soft drinks do not count toward this limit. You can order drinks in bars, lounges, main dining rooms, specialty restaurants, and poolside venues.

It’s important to note that sharing drink packages between guests is prohibited. Each adult must purchase their own package if one person in the cabin has it. Holland America enforces this rule to prevent misuse.

Gratuities and Taxes on Drink Packages

When you purchase a drink package, a 15% service charge (gratuity) is automatically added to the total price. This covers bartenders and waitstaff, so you don’t need to tip separately when ordering drinks onboard.

For example:

• Signature Beverage Package: $59.95 + 15% = $68.95/day

• Elite Beverage Package: $69.95 + 15% = $80.45/day

Keep in mind that drink prices and service charges can vary slightly by region or ship, but the difference is usually minimal.

Are Drink Packages Worth It on Holland America?

This depends entirely on your drinking habits and preferences. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

Package TypeDaily Cost (approx.)Best ForWorth It If...

Coca-Cola$9Soda drinkersYou drink 3+ sodas per day

Quench$18Non-drinkersYou enjoy smoothies, coffee & juices daily

Signature$69Moderate drinkersYou drink ~5 alcoholic drinks/day

Elite$80Premium drinkersYou prefer top-shelf spirits or fine wines

If you’re unsure, think about your average consumption. For instance:

• A glass of wine costs around $10.

• A cocktail averages $12–$15.

• Bottled water: $2.50–$3.

• Specialty coffee: $5.

So if you order several drinks per day, the package typically saves money, especially for longer sailings.

How to Buy a Holland America Drink Package

You can purchase your beverage package in three ways:

1. Before Your Cruise (Online via “Manage My Booking”)

   • Recommended: often available at a slight pre-cruise discount.

   • Can be purchased until 4 days before sailing.

2. Onboard the Ship

   • Purchase at any bar, restaurant, or through Guest Services.

   • Charges will be added to your onboard account.

3. Included in “Have It All” Fare

   • Holland America’s “Have It All” promotion bundles the Signature Beverage Package, shore excursion credit, Wi-Fi, and specialty dining into one fare.

   • It’s often the best value for guests who plan to buy multiple amenities.

The “Have It All” Fare: A Smart Alternative

If you plan to buy a drink package anyway, consider the Have It All fare. This bundled pricing option includes the Signature Beverage Package along with other perks:

• Shore excursion credits

• Specialty dining meals

• Surf Wi-Fi package

• Gratuities (on select offers)

While the upfront fare is higher, the total savings can be substantial compared to buying each amenity separately.

For instance, if you’re on a 7-day cruise, the “Have It All” bundle can save anywhere from $200–$400 per person, depending on your chosen extras.

Alcoholic Beverage Selections Onboard

Holland America Line is known for its refined and diverse drink menus. Depending on your package, you can enjoy:

Wines:

• Kendall-Jackson Chardonnay

• Robert Mondavi Cabernet

• Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc

• Meiomi Pinot Noir

Cocktails:

• Cosmopolitan, Mojito, Margarita, Negroni, Mai Tai

• Signature cocktails crafted by onboard mixologists

Beers:

• Heineken, Corona, Stella Artois, Budweiser, Guinness

• Regional craft beers on select ships

Spirits:

• Absolut, Bacardi, Bombay Sapphire, Johnnie Walker Black

• Patron Silver, Grey Goose, Glenfiddich (Elite Package only)

The ship’s bars and lounges also feature seasonal specials and themed cocktails unique to each voyage.

Non-Alcoholic Selections

For those opting for non-alcoholic packages, Holland America offers a robust variety of beverages, including:

• Espresso drinks and cappuccinos

• Hot chocolate and iced coffee

• Bottled water (Evian, San Pellegrino)

• Fresh fruit smoothies

• Mocktails and virgin cocktails

• Energy drinks like Red Bull

These are available at various locations, including Explorations Café, Lido Market, Crow’s Nest Lounge, and poolside bars.

Tips to Maximize Your Drink Package Value

1. Buy Before Boarding: Pre-purchase online to avoid price increases onboard.

2. Start Early: Packages are active from the moment you board, so you can enjoy beverages immediately.

3. Use Everywhere: Your package is valid at restaurants, lounges, pool bars, and even private island bars at Half Moon Cay.

4. Mix Drinks Smartly: Try premium mocktails or coffee drinks during the day and save alcoholic beverages for the evening.

5. Know Your Limit: You’re allowed up to 15 alcoholic drinks daily, so plan accordingly to get your money’s worth responsibly.

Special Notes for Alaska and Caribbean Cruises

On Alaska cruises, passengers often prefer hot beverages, coffee, and wine, making the Signature Package an excellent choice. Meanwhile, Caribbean cruisers typically enjoy tropical cocktails, beers, and soft drinks throughout the day, so both the Signature and Elite Packages are highly popular there.

If your itinerary includes Half Moon Cay, Holland America’s private island in the Bahamas, your beverage package works there too — a perk not all cruise lines offer.

Can You Bring Your Own Alcohol on Holland America?

Holland America allows limited personal alcohol onboard:

• Guests may bring one bottle (750ml) of wine or champagne per person at embarkation.

• Additional bottles incur a $20 corkage fee if consumed in public areas.

• Beer, spirits, or other alcoholic beverages are not allowed to be brought onboard.

This policy helps maintain a balanced onboard experience while still letting guests enjoy a personal bottle of wine in their stateroom.

Refunds and Cancellations

If you purchase a drink package before sailing and later change your mind, you can usually cancel for a full refund up to 4 days before your cruise.

Once onboard, cancellations or refunds are typically not permitted after the first day of sailing, as packages are charged for the entire duration of the cruise.

Is the Holland America Drink Package Right for You?

Ultimately, whether a beverage package is worth it depends on your individual habits. Ask yourself:

• How many drinks do I have daily — alcoholic or non-alcoholic?

• Do I prefer premium liquor brands or house wines?

• Do I enjoy convenience and not worrying about individual bills?

If you’re the type who enjoys a cocktail at sunset, a glass of wine at dinner, and a coffee or smoothie in the morning, the Signature Beverage Package will likely save you money and enhance your cruise experience.

For those who love luxury and premium brands, the Elite Package offers top value and the widest selection onboard.

And for non-drinkers or families, the Quench or Coca-Cola Packages provide comfort, variety, and convenience at a very reasonable rate.

Final Thoughts

The Holland America Line drink packages in 2025 offer something for everyone — from casual soda drinkers to cocktail lovers and fine wine enthusiasts. Prices range from about $9 per day for the Coca-Cola Package to $80 per day for the Elite Beverage Package.

These packages deliver not only cost savings but also peace of mind, allowing guests to enjoy their favorite drinks without thinking twice about the bill. Whether you choose to sip cappuccinos on the deck or toast with champagne at dinner, Holland America ensures that every glass poured adds to the luxury and relaxation of your cruise experience.