One of the most common questions travelers ask before sailing on a Holland America Line cruise is: Is it worth buying a drink package? With multiple beverage options, daily drink limits, and a range of prices, understanding whether a drink package adds value to your voyage can feel confusing.
Holland America Line (HAL) offers several drink packages designed for different preferences — from those who enjoy a few glasses of wine at dinner to guests who like to sip cocktails all day long. But not everyone drinks enough to justify the cost, and sometimes the included amenities or loyalty benefits already cover a portion of what’s offered in a package.
In this detailed guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Holland America Line drink packages — their types, costs, inclusions, exclusions, and real-life examples to help you determine if buying one is truly worth it for your next cruise.
Holland America Line provides a well-structured range of beverage packages that cater to different drinking habits. Each package covers a specific range of beverages and daily consumption limits.
The most popular packages include:
Quench Beverage Package – Ideal for non-alcoholic drinkers who prefer soft drinks, mocktails, smoothies, and bottled water.
Signature Beverage Package – The most commonly purchased option, covering most alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages under a certain price limit.
Elite Beverage Package – Designed for premium drinkers who prefer high-end spirits, wines, and specialty cocktails.
Coca-Cola Package – Perfect for soda drinkers who want unlimited fountain drinks throughout the cruise.
Water and Coffee Packages – For guests who simply want bottled water, espresso, or specialty coffee during their voyage.
Let’s take a closer look at each option.
The Quench Beverage Package is a non-alcoholic option priced for guests who don’t drink alcohol but still want convenience. It includes:
Unlimited fountain sodas
Fresh juices
Specialty coffees and teas
Non-alcoholic cocktails (mocktails)
Bottled water (still and sparkling)
Smoothies and milkshakes
Average Price: Around $17–$20 per person, per day (plus 18% service charge).
This package is ideal for families or health-conscious travelers who prefer refreshing beverages throughout the day without worrying about extra costs. If you regularly order bottled water, coffee, and mocktails, this package can easily pay for itself.
The Signature Beverage Package is the most popular and widely used drink option among Holland America guests. It covers nearly all standard drinks on board priced at $11 or less, including:
All beers
Most wines by the glass
Standard cocktails and mixed drinks
Non-alcoholic beverages like sodas, coffees, and mocktails
Average Price: Approximately $60–$65 per person, per day (plus 18% gratuity).
Daily Limit: Up to 15 drinks per day (the limit resets at midnight).
This package is often included as a promotional perk in Holland America’s “Have It All” fare, which bundles the beverage package with shore excursions, Wi-Fi, and specialty dining.
For moderate to heavy drinkers, the Signature package offers solid value, as just a few cocktails and glasses of wine can quickly reach $60 per day if purchased individually.
The Elite Beverage Package is designed for premium drinkers who want access to the highest quality selections available on board. It includes:
All drinks priced at $15 or less
Premium wines and spirits
Craft cocktails
Specialty coffees, sodas, and bottled water
Average Price: Around $75–$80 per person, per day (plus 18% gratuity).
Daily Limit: 15 alcoholic beverages per day.
This package is ideal for guests who prefer top-shelf liquor brands or enjoy premium wine and martini tastings. The difference in price compared to the Signature package may be worth it if you frequently order higher-end drinks that exceed the $11 threshold.
The Coca-Cola Package is the simplest beverage plan available and covers unlimited fountain sodas.
Average Price: Around $9 per person, per day.
This package is best suited for children, teens, or adults who only drink soft drinks and want the convenience of unlimited refills without paying per glass.
For those who simply want convenience in hydration, HAL also offers:
Water Packages: 6, 12, or 24 bottles of still or sparkling water delivered to your cabin or available throughout the ship.
Coffee Packages: Pre-paid cards for espresso-based drinks, cappuccinos, or lattes at onboard cafés.
While not as comprehensive as the main beverage packages, these smaller options are cost-effective for light drinkers or those who only want specific beverages.
To determine whether a Holland America drink package is worth buying, it’s essential to compare daily consumption costs with package prices.
Example 1: Average Drinker (Signature Package)
2 cocktails ($12 each) = $24
2 glasses of wine ($10 each) = $20
1 specialty coffee ($4) = $4
2 bottled waters ($3 each) = $6Total: $54
In this case, paying à la carte would cost nearly as much as the $60/day package — meaning you’d break even if you typically consume this amount or more daily.
Example 2: Light Drinker
1 glass of wine at dinner ($10)
1 cocktail at sunset ($12)
1 soft drink ($3)Total: $25
Here, you’d pay far less than the $60/day package, suggesting the drink package isn’t worth it if you only enjoy an occasional drink.
Before purchasing any beverage package, it’s important to understand the fine print:
Both guests in the same stateroom must purchase the package.This rule prevents sharing between passengers and can double your cost if your travel companion doesn’t drink much.
Service charge applies.An 18% service fee is automatically added to the package cost, increasing the overall price.
Drink limits per day.You’re allowed up to 15 alcoholic beverages per day under both the Signature and Elite packages. Non-alcoholic drinks are unlimited.
Not all drinks are included.Some premium wines, top-shelf liquors, and souvenir glass drinks may exceed the price limit and require an extra charge.
Covers most venues.Packages are valid in bars, restaurants, and lounges across the ship but typically not for mini-bar or room service orders.
Packages are for the full cruise duration.You cannot buy a drink package for individual days; it must cover your entire cruise.
Applicable to all adults in the cabin.Even if only one person drinks, both adults in the same room must purchase the package unless one qualifies for an exception (e.g., medical or religious reasons).
1. Frequent Drinkers:If you typically consume 4–6 alcoholic beverages daily — whether cocktails, wine, or beer — the Signature Beverage Package offers great value.
2. Guests on Longer Cruises:On longer itineraries, drink prices can add up fast. A package can help manage your budget without worrying about every order.
3. Social Travelers:Guests who enjoy spending time at bars, lounges, or poolside will appreciate the convenience of ordering freely.
4. “Have It All” Fare Guests:Since this fare often includes the Signature package at a discounted rate, it’s a hassle-free option that enhances your overall experience.
5. Non-Drinkers Who Love Coffee or Juices:The Quench package is ideal if you prefer non-alcoholic beverages like smoothies, bottled water, or mocktails.
1. Light or Occasional Drinkers:If you typically have one or two drinks per day, you’ll likely spend less by paying à la carte.
2. Short-Cruise Passengers:On 3–4 day cruises, the daily cost may outweigh the actual benefit unless you drink frequently.
3. Guests with Beverage Perks:Some loyalty levels, suite categories, or promotions already include free or discounted drinks.
4. Travelers Exploring Ports Daily:If you spend most of your day ashore, you might not use the package enough to make it worthwhile.
Holland America’s “Have It All” fare bundles several perks into one upfront price — including the Signature Beverage Package, one specialty dining credit, shore excursion credit, and Wi-Fi.
When purchased separately, these inclusions would cost more than the combined fare increase, making the “Have It All” deal especially appealing for guests who plan to use all components.
For instance, the beverage package alone can justify much of the fare difference, while the added dining and internet benefits create further value.
Holland America is known for offering a sophisticated onboard drinking experience, with an emphasis on quality over quantity. The beverage menus across ships feature premium brands like:
Grey Goose, Ketel One, and Bombay Sapphire for spirits
Wines curated from around the world, including California, France, and Italy
Craft beers and regional selections depending on the cruise itinerary
Bars and lounges such as Notes (Whiskey Bar), Mix, and Ocean Bar provide themed menus that appeal to different tastes. Specialty cocktails and martinis are well-crafted, and bartenders are known for their hospitality and skill.
If you appreciate well-made drinks and plan to indulge regularly, the package can elevate your onboard experience.
Here’s an approximate idea of individual beverage costs on Holland America Line (prices may vary slightly by ship and itinerary):
Domestic beer: $7–$8
Imported or craft beer: $8–$9
Glass of wine: $9–$12
Cocktails: $11–$15
Specialty coffee: $4–$6
Soft drinks: $2.50–$3.50
Bottled water: $3
These prices show how quickly your tab can add up, especially when you factor in service charges. Having a drink package eliminates the constant mental math and lets you relax without worrying about your bar bill.
Many Holland America guests share mixed opinions about whether the drink package is worth the money:
Positive Experiences:
Guests who enjoy cocktails at different venues throughout the day find the package convenient and budget-friendly.
Travelers who use the “Have It All” fare feel it enhances their experience by removing spending anxiety.
Those who drink premium coffee, bottled water, and juice frequently find even the Quench package valuable.
Negative Experiences:
Light drinkers often regret the purchase, realizing they couldn’t consume enough daily to justify the cost.
Couples where only one drinks heavily sometimes feel penalized by the “both must purchase” rule.
Some guests find the 15-drink limit restrictive on longer sea days, though it’s rarely an issue for most travelers.
Overall, satisfaction largely depends on your personal drinking habits and how much you value convenience over cost control.
If you’re unsure about investing in a drink package, here are a few ways to enjoy beverages on board without overspending:
Bring your own wine:Holland America allows guests to bring up to one bottle of wine or champagne per person (750 ml) on embarkation day without corkage fees (additional bottles incur a fee).
Watch for onboard specials:Happy hours, wine tastings, and cocktail events often offer discounts on select drinks.
Use the “Have It All” promotion:Booking this fare during promotional periods often provides the drink package at a much lower overall cost.
Leverage loyalty perks:Mariners (Holland America’s loyalty program) sometimes receive complimentary drinks or discounts.
Share bottled water packages:Water and soda packages can be shared among cabinmates, unlike the main beverage plans.
When deciding if the drink package is worth it, consider three key factors:
Your Average Daily Consumption:If you drink 4–6 alcoholic beverages per day, the Signature or Elite package is worth it. If not, paying à la carte will be cheaper.
Cruise Duration:The longer the cruise, the more value you might extract from a package due to cumulative savings.
Lifestyle Preference:Some guests value the freedom of ordering without thinking about cost, even if they don’t “break even” financially. For them, the peace of mind justifies the price.
In most cases, yes — the Holland America Line drink package can be worth it if you plan to drink moderately to heavily or want a worry-free experience. The Signature Beverage Package, in particular, provides solid value when bundled with the “Have It All” fare.
However, for light drinkers or guests who spend most of their days exploring ports, purchasing the package separately may not be cost-effective.
To decide, honestly estimate your daily drinking habits — including water, coffee, and alcohol — and compare the potential cost of individual purchases. If your total approaches or exceeds the package rate, it’s worth it. If not, stick to à la carte orders and enjoy the occasional happy hour instead.
The question of whether a Holland America Line drink package is worth it doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your preferences, habits, and travel style.
If you enjoy convenience, variety, and the freedom to explore the ship’s bars without worrying about the bill, a drink package enhances the cruise experience. For occasional drinkers, however, buying drinks individually or taking advantage of promotions may be the smarter financial move.
Ultimately, the value lies in how you cruise — whether you’re savoring sunset cocktails on the deck, enjoying fine wines at dinner, or sipping coffee at sea. Understanding your consumption patterns and the details of each package ensures you make the best decision for a memorable and cost-effective voyage aboard Holland America Line.
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