When planning a luxury vacation at sea, one of the most common questions travelers ask is: Is it worth buying a drink package on Silversea Cruises? This question often arises because Silversea, unlike mainstream cruise lines, already includes a significant number of beverages in its base fare. Travelers who have sailed with non-luxury lines are used to complicated drink packages, daily fees, gratuities, and strict drink limits. But Silversea’s beverage model works differently—more refined, more inclusive, and often more financially balanced.
To evaluate whether buying a drink package on Silversea Cruises makes sense, one must consider what is already included, what the additional beverage purchases offer, personal drinking habits, itinerary, and the overall luxury value proposition. This article explores the subject in a detailed, human-style, unbiased manner, providing a carefully researched breakdown so every traveler can confidently decide what works best for their preferences and budget.
Silversea positions itself in the ultra-luxury cruise market, which means the fare includes a wide range of amenities that cost extra on most other cruise lines. When it comes to beverages, Silversea is especially well-known for its almost all-inclusive model.
In the standard cruise fare, guests already receive:
Complimentary wines from a curated selection
Premium international beers
Spirits and cocktails (from a predefined premium list)
Mineral water, sparkling water, juices, soft drinks, and specialty coffees
Beverages available throughout the ship—including bars, lounges, restaurants, and in-suite
A fully stocked in-suite mini-bar personalized by your butler
This is more generous than what many travelers expect. Since Silversea is all-suite and butler-served, even in-room drinks follow an elegant, personalized experience. Your butler can restock your favorite spirits, chill champagne, or supply mixers and garnishes anytime.
Given this extensive inclusion, many guests wonder: Why would anyone buy a drink package on Silversea at all? The answer lies in the distinction between included beverages and ultra-premium specialty selections.
While not marketed the same way as mainstream cruise lines, Silversea does offer enhanced beverage upgrades. These upgrades focus on:
Ultra-premium wines
Top-shelf spirits
Luxury champagne brands
Rare or vintage selections
The reason these upgrades exist is simple: Silversea attracts travelers who often have refined tastes in wine, whisky, cognac, champagne, and other high-end beverages. While the included offerings are excellent, some guests prefer more sophisticated or rare labels.
Therefore, Silversea’s “drink package” is not a traditional package but an upgraded beverage experience that provides access to higher-tier selections. These premium choices can be purchased individually or as part of curated connoisseur packages.
Before deciding whether an upgrade is worth it, it’s essential to understand just how generous the included options are. Silversea’s complimentary beverage list typically includes:
A rotating selection of red, white, rosé, and sparkling wines sourced from major wine regions around the world. The sommelier frequently updates the selection based on itinerary and seasonal availability.
These wines are often far better quality than what mainstream cruise lines offer in their premium packages.
A high-quality selection of liquors such as:
Vodka (mid-premium brands)
Gin (recognizable name labels)
Whisky (various mid-range scotches and bourbons)
Rum, Tequila, Brandy
While not the rarest selections, the included choices still satisfy most experienced drinkers.
Classic cocktails prepared by expert bartenders, using available spirits. Specialty cocktails may vary by ship or bar location but often reflect destination themes.
A variety of international beers including lagers, ales, and seasonal varieties.
Guests enjoy:
Fresh juices
Smoothies (on some ships)
Espresso-based coffees
Specialty teas
Bottled still and sparkling water
Soft drinks
Your butler can stock your suite with:
Wine or champagne (included)
Beer
Spirits
Mixers and sodas
Snacks and chocolates
Because of this wide range, many Silversea guests already feel satisfied without needing to purchase additional beverage upgrades.
The value of a premium drink upgrade depends on your personal drinking habits and preferences. Because Silversea’s base fare already covers so much, buying an enhanced package generally makes sense only for certain types of travelers.
If you’re someone who enjoys rare vintages or premium wines such as:
Château Margaux
Dom Pérignon
Opus One
Vintage Barolo
High-end Bordeaux or Burgundy
…then an upgraded wine package may be worth it.
Silversea’s included wines are excellent, but they may not match the taste profiles of connoisseurs accustomed to ultra-premium bottles.
Travelers who appreciate luxury spirits such as:
Macallan 18 or 25
Hibiki Harmony or higher
Hennessy XO
Louis XIII
Pappy Van Winkle
may find value in purchasing specialty spirits by the glass or opting for a curated package.
While Silversea includes sparkling wines, they may not satisfy dedicated champagne lovers. If you seek Dom Pérignon, Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame, Cristal, or Krug, you’ll need an upgrade.
For anniversaries, birthdays, or milestone vacations, the upgraded beverage menu can enhance the celebratory mood.
Some bars onboard offer unique cocktails using ultra-premium ingredients. These are not included in the standard fare.
Most travelers will find the included beverages more than sufficient. You probably do not need an upgrade if:
You enjoy wine but are not picky about vintage or brand.
You prefer classic spirits like gin and tonic, whisky and soda, or rum cocktails.
You drink moderately.
You enjoy beer more than wine or spirits.
You do not feel compelled to drink luxury champagne.
You want a simple, stress-free vacation without overthinking beverage choices.
For the majority of guests, the inclusive model is perfectly adequate.
Because Silversea does not publicly advertise fixed drink package prices like mainstream cruise lines, costs vary by ship and region. However, beverage upgrades generally include:
These may be offered in tiers based on label quality or vintage rarity. Wines can also be purchased by the bottle or through a connoisseur list.
High-end whisky, bourbon, cognac, and tequila can be purchased individually, usually priced per glass.
Premium champagne is available by the bottle or glass. Costs vary depending on the label.
Some itineraries offer specialized tasting packages for:
Italian wines
French wines
South American selections
Japanese whiskies
Rare cognacs
Pricing depends on availability and region.
To answer this question thoroughly, it's helpful to examine the value from several angles.
Unlike mainstream lines where included beverages are limited, Silversea’s selection feels premium. The quality is generally above expectations, even for seasoned travelers.
This reduces the need for an additional package.
Most guests who buy beverage upgrades are serious wine or spirit enthusiasts. The casual traveler likely won’t notice much difference between included and premium selections.
If you only drink one or two glasses per day, a premium upgrade makes little financial sense. But if you typically enjoy several glasses of high-end wine or multiple ultra-premium cocktails, the cost may balance out.
On port-intensive cruises, travelers spend more time off the ship, reducing consumption.
On sea day-heavy itineraries, guests may drink more aboard.
Since your butler can restock your mini-bar with included spirits and wines, many travelers feel they receive exceptional value without buying anything extra.
Instead of buying a full package, many guests simply purchase a few premium drinks individually. This often provides the best balance of luxury and cost.
Verdict: Not worth it
With plenty of complimentary options, you’ll never feel deprived.
Verdict: Worth it
Fine wine drinkers typically find great value in premium packages.
Verdict: Not worth it
Silversea bartenders craft excellent cocktails using quality ingredients.
Verdict: Possibly worth it
A premium champagne or whisky experience might elevate the occasion.
Verdict: Worth it
Silversea’s premium list can transform the experience into a tasting adventure.
Many guests discover that the complimentary wines and spirits match their preferences perfectly.
Silversea’s sommeliers are highly skilled and can suggest exceptional included wines that pair beautifully with your meals.
Instead of a full package, buying premium beverages individually may offer better value.
Your butler can restock drinks anytime, including specialty coffees, sodas, and spirits.
Some tastings are complimentary; others have a small fee and offer access to premium selections without buying a full package.
If most days are spent exploring ports, it’s unlikely you’ll drink enough to justify a premium package.
Silversea Cruises appeals to travelers who prioritize personalized luxury and exquisite service. From this perspective, the decision to buy a drink package is not purely financial. Some travelers enjoy having unrestricted access to rare beverages simply because it enhances their sense of indulgence and relaxation.
In this context, the premium beverage upgrade may feel worthwhile because it supports the overall luxury ambiance of the voyage.
However, many experienced Silversea guests report that the included beverage selection is so well-curated that upgrading adds little additional joy unless one has very specific preferences for ultra-premium labels.
After analyzing the beverage inclusions, upgrade options, traveler habits, and overall value, the conclusion is clear:
For most passengers, buying a drink package on Silversea Cruises is not worth it.
Silversea already includes an exceptional range of premium drinks—much more generous than nearly any mainstream cruise line. Unless you consistently prefer ultra-premium wines, rare spirits, or top-tier champagne, the complimentary beverages will more than satisfy you.
However:
For wine connoisseurs, whisky collectors, champagne lovers, or travelers celebrating special occasions, a premium beverage upgrade can absolutely be worth the investment.
It ultimately comes down to your drinking style, preferences, and the type of luxury experience you wish to enjoy.
Silversea Cruises is renowned for offering an unparalleled level of luxury and hospitality, and its all-inclusive beverage program is a shining example of this commitment. The included drink selection is thoughtfully curated, high-quality, and enjoyable for the vast majority of travelers. Most guests will find no need to spend extra on premium drink packages.
But for those who appreciate rare vintages, specialty spirits, or exclusive champagne labels, Silversea’s premium beverage upgrades offer a refined enhancement that aligns beautifully with a luxury cruise lifestyle.
Before purchasing any upgrade, consider your drinking habits, itinerary, and personal preferences. If the included beverages suit your tastes—which they often do—your voyage will be luxurious, relaxing, and satisfying without the need for any additional cost.
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