When planning a cruise, one of the biggest questions many travelers have is about drink costs. On many mainstream cruise lines, drink packages are a significant add-on: you pay daily for the privilege of unlimited (or semi-unlimited) drinks. But Silversea Cruises — a well-known ultra-luxury cruise line — handles things very differently. The big surprise for many passengers: there is no traditional “drink package” to buy on Silversea. Instead, the cost of most beverages is built directly into the cruise fare.
So, how much is the Silversea Cruises drink package? In short: for most guests, there is no separate cost. The all-inclusive model means that guests enjoy a wide variety of drinks — wine, spirits, cocktails, soft drinks, specialty coffees, water — without having to pay extra at the bar. This article will unpack exactly what that means, what’s included, where there might be exceptions, how to make the most of the beverage policy, and why this model offers tremendous value compared to more conventional cruise lines.
Unlike many mainstream cruise lines, Silversea does not require passengers to purchase a beverage package. There is no “Deluxe Beverage Package” or “Unlimited Open Bar” add-on. According to cruise-planning resources, Silversea includes virtually all regular bar offerings as part of the base fare. In other words, when you pay for your Silversea cruise, you are already paying for most of your drinks.
This is a core part of Silversea’s ultra-luxury, all-inclusive philosophy. Instead of nickel-and-diming guests for every cocktail or glass of wine, they provide beverages as an integrated part of their premium service.
One of the most attractive aspects of the Silversea model is that there are no daily drink limits. Guests can order as many included beverages as they like, throughout the day, across various ship locations: lounges, bars, the dining room, pool deck, even in their own suite. This is quite different from lines where a package might restrict you to a certain number of drinks per day, or even impose price limits per drink.
The included drinks cover a surprisingly broad and refined selection, consistent with Silversea’s luxury positioning. Some examples of what’s typically included:
House wines, curated by sommeliers
Premium spirits and classic cocktails
Champagne in various venues
Beer (both local and international)
Juices, smoothies, non-alcoholic mocktails
Still and sparkling water (bottled)
Specialty coffees (espresso, cappuccino) and teas
This isn’t just the bare minimum or low-cost line-up: it’s a rich, premium selection designed to let guests enjoy a full luxury experience without worrying about per-drink billing.
Yes — while most things are covered, there are a few exceptions, and understanding these is important for budgeting and expectations.
While everyday premium spirits and wines are included, ultra-rare vintages, collector’s wines, or top-shelf spirits (such as very aged cognacs or limited-edition whiskies) may not be fully covered.These are special items, often from the ship’s wine cellar, and may carry an extra charge.
Some sources suggest that certain beverages ordered via room service or consumed from the minibar might not be included in the all-inclusive model. Depending on the cruise or the suite, these could be treated differently, so it’s wise to check the fine print with Silversea when booking.
On some sailings, Silversea may offer special wine tastings, champagne events, or pairing dinners. While often part of the onboard programming, some very exclusive events or ultra-premium wines might carry a supplemental cost. These are not the everyday bar orders, but rather curated experiences that go beyond standard inclusions.
Although Silversea does not charge a separate daily drink package, it is helpful to estimate what the value of their included beverages would be if you tried to replicate a package on a mainstream line. Many independent sources calculate that the equivalent value of Silversea’s included drinks falls in the range of $80 to $120 per person per day.
This means that while you are not paying extra for a “package,” you are effectively getting a high-value drink allowance folded into your cruise fare. For regular cruise lines, paying $80–$120 daily for a package is quite common, especially for premium or “deluxe” drink packages, yet with Silversea, this comes as part of the deal.
To fully appreciate what Silversea offers, it helps to compare with other cruise brands and how they charge for drinks.
Lines like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, or Carnival often sell drink packages that are optional add-ons. These packages typically range between $70 and $120 per person per day, depending on the level (e.g., basic vs premium). On top of that, there may be service charges, limits on which drinks count, and daily drink caps. Buying such a package gives you freedom, but it’s a separate cost on top of the cruise fare.
Some “premium” lines (not ultra-luxury) also offer drink packages — but often at a lower price than mainstream lines. For example, certain premium cruise brands may charge $65–$90 per day for a package, with curated drink inclusions but possible restrictions on top-shelf or rare items.
Silversea, Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, and similar ultra-luxury lines often use an all-inclusive fare model. These lines do not require separate drink package purchases; most beverages are part of the cost of the cruise. For Seabourn, for instance, the comparable “drink package equivalent” is reported to be in a similar range as Silversea.Their guests enjoy a worry-free, seamless high-end experience without dealing with recurring bar bills or separate drink package calculations.
Even with Silversea’s generous inclusive policy, there are a few scenarios where you might spend more on beverages:
Ultra-Premium Wine or Spirits: If you request exceptionally rare wines or top-tier spirits that go beyond the standard onboard selection, there could be a surcharge.
Special Events: Exclusive tastings, wine-pairing dinners, or private wine cellar experiences may come at an additional cost, depending on the sailing.
Minibar or Room Service (Depending on Terms): Depending on your cabin type or the specific cruise, minibar items or room service alcohol may not always be fully covered.
Souvenir or Gift Bottles: If you buy a bottle to take home (from the ship’s shop) or order a rare bottle to open, that may not be included in the standard consumption.
One of the major advantages of Silversea’s model is the simplicity. You don’t need to decide before the cruise whether to buy a drink package or calculate how many drinks you’ll need to break even. Your fare already includes a broad range of drinks, so you can simply enjoy without constantly checking your bar tab.
This also means no surprise charges, at least for most of what you order. There’s no daily cap, no per-drink surcharge for standard items, and no need to worry about keeping receipts or running up a massive onboard bill.
Silversea is all about high-touch, elegant luxury. Having beverages included (rather than paying per drink) aligns with that philosophy. The experience feels less transactional and more like true hospitality. You’re not stopping to think, “Can I afford another glass?” — instead, you relax, savor, and let the crew serve you.
When you break down the implied value of the included drinks (estimated at $80–$120 per person per day), it becomes clear that Silversea’s model offers very strong value, particularly for travelers who enjoy wine, cocktails, or other drinks. The cost of those drinks, if billed separately on another line, could significantly increase the total price of the trip; with Silversea, it's integrated.
Because there’s no per-day or per-drink limit (for standard offerings), guests can indulge reasonably without fear of breaking the budget. On a seven-night cruise, for example, you don’t need to ration your drinks or worry about “running out” of your package allowance — you can enjoy consistently, whether that means a morning espresso, a mimosa at brunch, an afternoon wine, or a late-night cocktail.
While the model is generous, there are a few considerations that some travelers might view as limitations or trade-offs.
Less Transparency on Ultra-Rare Items: Because very rare or collectible wines may not be included, if you are a wine connoisseur looking for high-end cellar bottles, you might face extra charges that are not always clearly advertised upfront.
Minibar Terms May Vary: If your cruise or suite category treats minibar or room-service drinks differently, you could end up paying for some items — so it's essential to confirm your fare’s inclusions with Silversea.
No “Upgrade” Package Option: Unlike cruise lines that sell different tiers of drink packages (basic, premium, ultra-premium), Silversea’s model doesn’t allow you to “upgrade” to a more expensive package because most of what you would get is already included. That means your only route for more exclusive bottles is through specialty purchases or tasting events.
Cost Is Hidden in the Fare: While being all-inclusive is a perk, it also means you’re paying for that luxury whether or not you drink heavily. If you're someone who barely touches alcohol or prefers water and occasional coffee, part of your fare covers something you may not fully use — though you do still get the generosity of the inclusive beverage policy.
To get the most out of what Silversea offers, consider these practical tips:
Ask Your Butler: Silversea suites often come with butler service. Ask your butler to stock your minibar (within allowed included items) with your preferred wines, liquors, mixers, or sparkling water. This means you can enjoy your favorite drinks in your suite without paying extra.
Use All Onboard Venues; Since included drinks are allowed in lounges, poolside, dining rooms, and your suite, you don’t need to limit yourself to bar hours. You can enjoy a cappuccino in the morning, a mimosa on deck, champagne with dinner, or a digestif in the evening, anywhere on the ship.
Attend Tasting Events; Participate in complimentary wine or champagne tasting events hosted onboard. These are not only enjoyable but a way to try premium offerings that you might otherwise not explore.
Be Mindful Before Ordering Specialty Bottles: If you’re interested in a rare wine or high-end spirit, check with the staff about whether it is fully included or carries a surcharge. That way, you can avoid unpleasant surprises.
Order Mindfully for Room Service / Minibar: Clarify with your butler or stateroom host what minibar or room-service drinks are included. If some items aren’t, you can plan your orders to get the maximum value.
Budget for Exceptions: Even though most drinks are included, set aside a small budget for special bottles, rare wines, or tasting events. That way, you’re covered if you decide to splurge on something exclusive.
Given that most beverages are included, some travelers might wonder: Are you paying for a “hidden package” in your fare? The answer is nuanced.
Yes, in a way, you are paying for the service and the cost of beverages, because they are folded into your total cruise fare.
But you’re not paying for them as a separate add-on. There’s no optional “buy this for $90/day” choice at checkout.
From a value perspective, if you drink a moderate to high amount of premium beverages, you very likely “get your money’s worth” in terms of the implied value of the included drinks.
If you drink very little, you may be subsidizing others’ consumption, but you’re still receiving the comfort and convenience of a highly inclusive, high-quality bar service.
Overall, for many guests, the drink component of Silversea’s fare represents a very favorable trade-off: you pay a higher upfront fare, but you eliminate stress, surprise bar tabs, and transactional friction throughout your journey.
To illustrate how this works in practice, here are a few hypothetical (but realistic) scenarios of how different types of cruisers might experience Silversea’s beverage policy:
Frequent Wine Drinker
You enjoy wine with every meal, a glass by the pool, and possibly a nightcap.
On a 7-night cruise, you easily reach the “equivalent” of $80–$120/day in value for what you drink.
Since drinks are included, you don’t feel constrained or worried about your bar tab.
Cocktail Lover
You enjoy classic or craft cocktails in the evenings, maybe a champagne brunch.
With mixologists and premium spirits included, you can indulge freely.
If you decide to try a very rare or high-end liquor, you might pay extra, but only for that particular bottle.
Moderate Drinker or Non-Alcoholic Guest
You mostly drink coffee, juice, soda, or water, maybe an occasional wine or beer.
Even though your consumption is lower, you benefit from the generous all-inclusive drink policy.
If you barely drink, part of your cruise fare is covering beverages for others, but you also get a more relaxed, all-included experience.
Luxury Experience Seeker
You love the idea of being able to request premium wines, attend tastings, and enjoy butler service.
You might pay extra for very rare cellar bottles, but mostly you use the included options.
The absence of separate packages makes the cruise feel more seamless and refined.
Monetary Cost: For most guests, zero — you do not pay a separate “drink package” fee.
Value Equivalent: The included beverage offering is roughly equivalent to a $80–$120 per person per day drink package on many mainstream or premium cruise lines.
Exceptions: Extra charges may apply for ultra-rare wines, top-shelf spirits, specialty tasting events, or certain minibar items, depending on your suite and cruise terms.
Benefits: Unlimited drinks (with no daily cap), ease and simplicity, premium quality, but the cost is “hidden” in the higher fare.
Considerations: You should verify what is included for your specific sailing, especially for minibar and room-service items, and set aside a small budget if you plan to indulge in rare bottles or special experiences.
Hassle-Free Luxury: No need to track drink tabs, worry about package limits, or constantly check prices.
All-Inclusive Feel: Everything feels seamless — from ordering a drink in your suite to enjoying a glass of wine at dinner.
Excellent Implicit Value: For guests who enjoy premium drinks, the all-inclusive model represents tremendous value.
Service-Oriented: More than just cost savings, it aligns with Silversea’s high-touch, refined service ethos — you feel taken care of, not charged for every sip.
Travelers who enjoy wine, cocktails, or premium beverages and would otherwise spend a lot on drinks.
Luxury seekers who prioritize a seamless, worry-free vacation experience.
Guests who don’t want to manage per-drink billing or negotiate package limits.
People open to trying different drinks, from wine pairings to specialty coffees, across multiple venues.
So, how much is the Silversea Cruises drink package? Strictly speaking: nothing extra for most standard beverage orders — because there is no separate drink package to purchase.* Instead, Silversea builds the cost of drinks into the total cruise fare, giving guests access to a generous, high-quality, all-inclusive selection. Unlimited wine, cocktails, beer, soft drinks, specialty coffee — it’s all part of the onboard experience.
The implied dollar value of these inclusive drinks is substantial, often matching or exceeding what you might pay on a mainstream cruise with a paid package. While there are a few potential surcharges — rare wines, ultra-rare spirits, minibar exceptions — for the vast majority of guests, Silversea’s beverage policy delivers exceptional value, freedom, and luxury.
If you’re someone who enjoys a well-made drink, loves variety, or simply appreciates not having to worry about bar tabs, Silversea’s approach is highly compelling. On the other hand, if you rarely drink and are very conscious of cost, you might feel that part of the fare covers something you don’t fully use — though even then, the peace of mind and premium service often justify it.
Ultimately, Silversea’s all-inclusive beverage program aligns beautifully with its brand: elegant, refined, and thoughtful. And for many cruisers, that “hidden” drink package is one of the most valuable parts of the journey.
Recent Guide