Is It Worth Buying a Drink Package on Viking Cruises?

Planning a cruise is exciting—but once you start looking at add-ons, things can get a bit confusing. One of the most common questions travelers ask is: Should I buy a drink package on Viking Cruises, or just pay as I go?

Unlike many mainstream cruise lines, Viking takes a slightly different approach to beverages. That’s why the answer isn’t as straightforward as it might be with other cruise brands. In this detailed guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know—costs, inclusions, real value, and whether a drink package truly makes sense for your travel style.

Understanding Viking Cruises’ Beverage Policy

Before diving into drink packages, it’s important to understand what Viking already includes in your fare.

Viking Cruises is known for its inclusive luxury experience. Unlike budget cruise lines that charge for almost everything, Viking already includes:

• Beer, wine, and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
• Specialty coffees and teas
• Bottled water
• Room service beverages (limited selection)

This means you’re not starting from zero—you already get a decent amount included without paying extra.

So the real question becomes:Do you drink enough outside meals to justify the package?

What Is the Viking Drink Package?

Viking offers a single main beverage package called the Silver Spirits Package.

What’s Included?

The package typically covers:

• Unlimited alcoholic beverages throughout the day
• Premium wines by the glass
• Cocktails and mixed drinks
• Aperitifs and digestifs
• Craft beers
• Specialty coffees and juices
• Mini-bar restocked daily (on ocean cruises)

What’s NOT Included?

• Ultra-premium or rare wines (some exclusions apply)
• High-end specialty liquors (depending on ship and region)

How Much Does It Cost?

The Silver Spirits Package usually costs around:

$25–$30 per person per day (approx.)

Prices may vary slightly depending on the itinerary and currency, but this is a reliable estimate.

For a 10-day cruise, you’re looking at roughly:

$250–$300 per person

That’s a significant addition to your cruise fare—so let’s evaluate whether it’s worth it.

Average Drink Prices on Viking Cruises

To decide if the package makes sense, you need to know what drinks cost individually.

Here’s a rough idea:

• Wine by the glass: $7–$12
• Beer: $5–$8
• Cocktails: $8–$15
• Premium spirits: $10–$18

These prices are actually quite reasonable compared to other cruise lines.

Break-Even Analysis: When Does It Pay Off?

Let’s do some simple math.

If your package costs $30/day, you’d need to consume approximately:

• 3 cocktailsOR
• 2 cocktails + 1 glass of wineOR
• 4–5 beers

every day to break even.

And remember—you already get drinks at lunch and dinner.

So realistically, you'd need to drink outside meal times to justify the package.

Who SHOULD Buy the Drink Package?

The package can be a great deal for certain types of travelers.

1. Frequent Drinkers

If you enjoy:

• Afternoon cocktails
• Pre-dinner drinks
• Nightcaps
• Multiple drinks throughout the day

Then the package can easily pay for itself.

2. Wine & Cocktail Enthusiasts

If you like trying:

• Different wines beyond house selections
• Premium cocktails
• Specialty drinks

The package gives you the freedom to explore without worrying about cost.

3. Social Travelers

If you plan to:

• Spend time in lounges
• Attend evening entertainment
• Meet people over drinks

You’ll likely consume enough to justify the package.

4. Travelers Who Prefer Convenience

Some people simply don’t want to think about bills.

With the package, you can:

• Order freely
• Avoid tracking expenses
• Enjoy a more “all-inclusive” experience

That peace of mind has real value.

Who Should SKIP the Drink Package?

For many travelers, the package simply isn’t necessary.

1. Light Drinkers

If you:

• Only drink occasionally
• Stick to meals for alcohol
• Prefer non-alcoholic beverages

Then you’ll almost certainly lose money on the package.

2. Excursion-Focused Travelers

Viking itineraries are port-intensive, meaning:

• You’ll spend most of your day off the ship
• Drinking opportunities onboard are limited

If you're exploring cities all day, you may only drink at dinner—which is already included.

3. Budget-Conscious Travelers

If you're trying to:

• Keep costs down
• Avoid unnecessary add-ons

Pay-as-you-go is usually the smarter option.

4. Couples Where Only One Drinks

Unlike some cruise lines, both guests in the cabin may need to purchase the package.

If one person doesn’t drink much, it reduces the overall value significantly.

Hidden Advantages of the Drink Package

Even if the math doesn’t fully justify it, there are some underrated benefits.

1. Freedom to Experiment

Without a package, you might hesitate to try new drinks.

With it, you can:

• Sample cocktails
• Try different wines
• Discover new favorites

2. No Surprise Bills

Nothing ruins a relaxing vacation like a shocking bill at the end.

The package ensures:

• Predictable costs
• No budgeting stress

3. Enhanced Luxury Experience

Viking is already premium—but the package elevates it further:

• Lounge access feels more relaxed
• You’re more likely to indulge
• The experience feels more “all-inclusive”

Downsides You Should Consider

1. You Might Drink More Than You Planned

Ironically, having a package can lead to:

• Overconsumption
• Drinking just to “get value”

That’s not always ideal for your health—or your experience.

2. Limited Need Due to Inclusions

Because Viking already includes drinks with meals, the package fills a smaller gap than on other cruise lines.

3. Not Ideal for Short Cruises

On shorter itineraries:

• You have fewer opportunities to drink
• Break-even becomes harder

Real-Life Scenario Examples

Scenario 1: Casual Traveler

• Wine with dinner (included)
• Occasional afternoon coffee

Verdict: Skip the package

Scenario 2: Moderate Drinker

• Beer at lunch (included)
• Cocktail before dinner
• Wine upgrade occasionally

Verdict: Depends—borderline value

Scenario 3: Enthusiastic Social Drinker

• Afternoon drink
• Pre-dinner cocktail
• Wine with dinner
• After-dinner drink

Verdict: Worth it

Tips to Maximize Value (If You Buy It)

If you decide to go for the package, here’s how to make it worthwhile:

• Try premium wines instead of house options
• Order cocktails instead of basic drinks
• Use it throughout the day—not just evenings
• Take advantage of lounge time and events

Alternative Strategy: Pay-As-You-Go

Many experienced Viking travelers recommend:

Skip the package and pay individually.

Why?

• Prices are reasonable
• You avoid overpaying
• You only spend based on actual consumption

This approach works especially well for:

• First-time cruisers
• Light-to-moderate drinkers
• Port-heavy itineraries

Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

The honest answer is:

It depends on your drinking habits and travel style.

It IS worth it if:

• You drink multiple alcoholic beverages daily
• You enjoy premium drinks
• You want a carefree, all-inclusive feel

It’s NOT worth it if:

• You drink lightly or occasionally
• You’re mostly off the ship
• You’re happy with included meal-time beverages

Expert Recommendation

For most Viking Cruises travelers:

Skip the package on your first cruise

Why?

• You can always observe your drinking habits
• Prices onboard are fair
• You’ll make a better decision next time

If you find yourself frequently ordering drinks outside meals, then the package may be worth it on future trips.

Conclusion

Viking Cruises offers a more inclusive experience than most cruise lines, which makes the drink package a nice-to-have rather than a must-have.

For some travelers, it enhances the journey and adds convenience. For others, it’s an unnecessary expense that doesn’t deliver full value.

The key is simple:Be honest about your drinking habits—not your vacation ambitions.

That one decision will save you money—or help you fully enjoy a luxury experience without second-guessing every order.