One of the most common questions travelers ask before boarding an Oceania Cruise is: “Is it worth buying a drink package?” Oceania Cruises, known for its elegant mid-size ships and gourmet dining, offers a refined cruise experience with an emphasis on quality over quantity. Unlike some large cruise lines where drink packages are essential to enjoy unlimited beverages, Oceania’s offerings are more nuanced.
Before you decide whether to purchase a beverage package, it’s important to understand how drinks work onboard, what each package includes, and how much you realistically consume during your voyage. This detailed guide explores the cost, benefits, and real-world value of Oceania’s drink packages to help you determine if one is right for you.
Oceania Cruises has built a reputation for offering one of the most culinary-focused cruise experiences at sea. The brand markets itself as “The Finest Cuisine at Sea,” and that extends to its beverage program as well. From hand-selected wines to top-shelf spirits, Oceania emphasizes quality beverages over mass-produced selections.
However, Oceania differs from some other luxury lines that include drinks for everyone by default. Instead, it gives passengers flexibility. Drinks are not automatically included in the base fare (unless you choose a specific “Simply More” or promotional package). This means that you can either pay as you go or purchase a beverage package that matches your preferences.
This model benefits travelers who prefer control over their expenses, but it can also lead to confusion about whether a drink package truly saves money.
As of 2025, Oceania Cruises offers several beverage options under its “Simply More” program, which replaced the older “House Select” and “Prestige Select” drink packages. Understanding these packages is crucial to making an informed choice.
Oceania introduced Simply More as an enhanced value offering that includes several benefits bundled into the cruise fare. With this program, guests receive:
A beverage package that covers beer, wine, and champagne at lunch and dinner.
A shore excursion credit.
Unlimited Wi-Fi.
Gourmet dining across specialty restaurants.
If you book your cruise under the Simply More promotion, you’re essentially getting a drink package for lunch and dinner automatically. However, beverages outside these meals—like cocktails at the pool bar, afternoon champagne, or late-night martinis—are still extra unless you upgrade.
Oceania also offers a Premium Beverage Package that extends your coverage to include spirits, cocktails, wines, and beers at any time of day, not just during meals. This package typically costs around $60–$80 per person per day, depending on the ship and sailing.
It covers:
Premium wines by the glass
Top-shelf spirits and liqueurs
Specialty cocktails
Bottled and craft beers
Non-alcoholic drinks like mocktails and smoothies
This upgrade gives you full flexibility, allowing you to enjoy drinks poolside, at lounges, or during entertainment hours without worrying about an extra charge.
To truly evaluate the worth of a beverage package, you need to know the à la carte drink prices on Oceania Cruises. While prices may vary slightly by itinerary, here’s an approximate breakdown for 2025 sailings:
Glass of wine: $12–$18
Beer: $7–$9
Cocktail: $13–$17
Specialty coffee: $5–$7
Bottled water (premium brands): $3–$5
Soft drinks: $4–$6
If you enjoy two glasses of wine at dinner and a cocktail before or after, your daily beverage total can easily reach $45–$60 per person. Add a few soft drinks or an afternoon beer, and you’re likely in the $70 range—roughly the same cost as a Premium Beverage Package.
For light drinkers, however, the math may not add up. Someone who enjoys only a single glass of wine at dinner or an occasional cocktail may find it more economical to pay as they go.
One of the main benefits of a beverage package is knowing your costs upfront. When you prepay for drinks, you can relax without constantly checking your onboard account. This can make your vacation feel more inclusive and stress-free.
With a Premium Package, you’re not limited to meal times. You can order cocktails at the bar, try new wines with dinner, or sip champagne on your balcony at sunset—all included. The freedom to experiment with different drinks often enhances the cruise experience.
If you regularly enjoy multiple drinks per day—say, a mimosa at brunch, a cocktail by the pool, wine with dinner, and an after-dinner digestif—the package easily pays for itself. Many seasoned cruisers say that the ability to indulge without hesitation makes it worthwhile.
Unlike some cruise lines where packages are limited to basic or house-brand drinks, Oceania’s beverage offerings include premium labels. Expect top-shelf liquors like Grey Goose, Bombay Sapphire, or Glenlivet, along with fine wines curated by sommeliers.
When you buy a package, the gratuities on each drink are already included. Without a package, each beverage purchase adds an automatic service charge, usually around 18–20%. This small detail can add up quickly on longer voyages.
If you only drink occasionally—perhaps a glass of wine at dinner or a beer now and then—the package might not offer financial value. In that case, paying per drink is cheaper.
Many Oceania sailings now include wine, beer, and champagne at lunch and dinner through the Simply More program. So if you don’t drink outside those times, there’s little reason to pay extra for the Premium Beverage Package.
Oceania’s drink packages are sold on a per-person basis. If one person in your cabin wants a package, both guests must usually purchase it to prevent sharing. This rule can make the total cost higher than anticipated.
On port-intensive itineraries, you might spend most of the day exploring onshore, leaving little time to enjoy drinks onboard. On such days, the value of an unlimited drink package diminishes.
While Oceania offers fine wines, not every bottle on the list is available by the glass under the package. You’ll find a curated selection rather than the full wine cellar. If you prefer high-end vintages, you’ll still need to pay separately.
To determine if the Oceania drink package is worth it, you should estimate your likely consumption. Here’s a simple framework:
Example Calculation (Pay-as-you-go):
1 cocktail before dinner: $15
2 glasses of wine with dinner: $30
1 beer during afternoon relaxation: $8
1 cappuccino: $6
1 bottled water: $4Total per day: $63
Compare that to the cost of a Premium Beverage Package (around $70 per day). The difference is minimal, but with the package, you gain flexibility to order anything you want without second thoughts.
If you’re someone who drinks moderately every day, even just 3–4 beverages, the package often breaks even or saves a little money. However, if you only drink on select days, buying à la carte will likely be cheaper.
The worth of a drink package on Oceania also depends on your itinerary. For example:
Sea-Day Heavy Cruises: If your cruise includes many days at sea, you’ll likely spend more time onboard relaxing, attending events, and enjoying the bars—making a package more valuable.
Port-Intensive Cruises: Mediterranean or Baltic itineraries often feature full days ashore. You might return to the ship late, reducing opportunities to use your package.
Long Cruises: On longer voyages, the cumulative cost of a daily beverage package adds up significantly. For a 20-day cruise at $70 per day, that’s $1,400 per person. Paying as you go might make more sense unless you drink consistently.
Social Enjoyment: When everyone around you is toasting at the bar or enjoying cocktails on deck, having a package allows you to participate freely without mental math.
Try New Drinks: You can sample wines or cocktails you might not otherwise order. If you don’t like something, no money feels wasted.
Enhanced Dining Experience: Wine pairings with each course are easier to enjoy when covered by a package. It adds a layer of luxury to Oceania’s gourmet meals.
No Signing Slips: You don’t need to sign for every drink. Your card automatically registers included beverages, saving time.
There are also clear scenarios where a drink package is not the best choice:
You prefer non-alcoholic drinks most of the time.
You plan to spend most of your cruise exploring ports.
You receive onboard credit that can be applied to bar purchases.
You’re traveling on a shorter cruise with only a few sea days.
You’re a wine enthusiast who prefers ordering bottles rather than glasses.
In these cases, purchasing drinks individually provides more control and flexibility.
Book During Promotions: Oceania frequently runs deals where the drink package is included at no additional cost as part of Simply More or Olife Choice. Booking during such periods increases overall value.
Upgrade Only One Guest (When Allowed): Occasionally, Oceania may allow one guest to upgrade to the Premium Beverage Package while the other sticks with the included one. Always confirm with your travel advisor.
Use the Package Across Venues: Remember, the Premium Package is accepted at all onboard bars and restaurants, not just the main dining room. Take advantage of lounges and pool bars.
Combine with Onboard Credit: If you receive onboard credit, you can use it to offset the cost of upgrading your beverage package.
Enjoy Specialty Coffees and Mocktails: Many passengers forget that these are included in the package. Use it for non-alcoholic beverages too, especially during mornings or sea days.
Frequent Oceania guests often share mixed reviews regarding the value of drink packages. Here are a few common perspectives:
Frequent Drinkers: Those who enjoy cocktails, wine, and socializing at bars find the package liberating and cost-effective. It enhances the vacation mood.
Casual Drinkers: Many report they didn’t drink enough to justify the cost, especially since wine and beer at meals were already included.
Long Cruisers: Guests on world cruises or extended itineraries often skip the package to save money, opting to buy drinks selectively.
Couples: If one partner drinks significantly less, the mandatory “both must purchase” rule can make it less appealing.
These real-world accounts highlight that the value of Oceania’s drink package is subjective—it depends heavily on your drinking habits and lifestyle onboard.
To understand Oceania’s beverage pricing, it helps to compare it with other premium cruise lines.
Celebrity Cruises: Their “All Included” fares offer drinks, Wi-Fi, and tips. However, beverage quality is more mass-market compared to Oceania’s artisanal focus.
Regent Seven Seas: Includes all beverages and excursions in the base fare, but fares are significantly higher.
Holland America: Offers an affordable package, but selection is narrower.
Silversea: All-inclusive drinks but at luxury pricing.
Oceania sits comfortably in the middle—providing flexibility between pay-as-you-go and fully inclusive luxury.
Ultimately, the answer depends on your personal drinking style, itinerary, and the cruise deal you’ve booked.
It’s worth buying the drink package if:
You enjoy several alcoholic drinks each day.
You want cost predictability and convenience.
You’re sailing on a sea-day-heavy itinerary.
You like to try new cocktails or premium spirits.
You appreciate the freedom to drink anywhere, anytime.
It’s not worth it if:
You drink minimally or only during meals.
You’re satisfied with the included lunch/dinner beverages.
You spend most days exploring ashore.
You prefer bottled wine rather than by-the-glass options.
For many travelers, the Simply More package alone strikes the perfect balance—offering drinks with meals without paying extra for all-day service. However, for those who relish sipping cocktails by the pool or enjoying late-night drinks with live music, the Premium Beverage Package can elevate the experience and simplify budgeting.
If you’re the kind of traveler who enjoys daily cocktails, wine tastings, or leisurely afternoons with a drink in hand, buying a drink package on an Oceania Cruise is likely worth it. The convenience, variety, and premium quality align well with Oceania’s luxury ambiance.
However, if your drink consumption is moderate or limited to mealtime, the included offerings under the Simply More program are already generous. Paying per drink might save you money while still letting you enjoy Oceania’s exceptional dining and onboard atmosphere.
In short, the decision isn’t just about cost—it’s about the experience you want to create. Oceania’s drink packages are designed for travelers who value flexibility, indulgence, and ease. If that sounds like your travel style, the investment will likely feel well worth it.
Recent Guide
Your ultimate guide to cruise adventures. Discover amazing destinations, find the perfect cruise, and create unforgettable memories on the high seas.
Quick Links
Cruise Types
© 2025 Cruisebookinghub.com. All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service