Planning a cruise means thinking beyond just your cabin and itinerary. Drinks—whether cocktails, sodas, coffee, or bottled water—can make up a big part of your onboard spending. That’s why many guests look closely at Holland America beverage packages before they sail. Understanding the typical beverage package price, how different options are structured, and what’s included can help you budget your cruise drink cost more confidently.
Holland America beverage package pricing concepts, different package types (including non-alcoholic options), and how to decide which drink package rate makes sense for your cruise style.
A beverage package is a prepaid plan that allows you to enjoy selected drinks around the ship without paying each time at the Holland America bar. Instead of signing receipts and tracking every latte or cocktail, you pay a fixed daily rate.
Typically, Holland America beverage package options are sold on a per-person, per-day basis and must be purchased for the full length of the cruise. The main goals are:
Convenient access to your favorite drinks
Predictable cruise drink cost
A more relaxed onboard experience without surprise bar bills
Exact prices can vary depending on itinerary, promotions, and onboard currency, but the structure remains similar across most sailings.
When you look at the cost of beverage package on Holland America, there are a few common elements to keep in mind:
Daily rate per person Each package has a fixed daily drink package rate. This is multiplied by the number of days on your itinerary.
Service charge or gratuity A percentage-based service charge is often added on top of the base beverage package price. This is usually collected at the time of purchase.
Per-glass price limit Many alcoholic beverage packages include drinks up to a certain menu price per glass. More premium packages generally allow a higher per-glass limit.
Stateroom rule for alcohol If one adult in a stateroom buys an alcoholic package, other adults in the same stateroom are often required to purchase a package as well. This is part of the package usage rules.
Because of these factors, the total cost of beverage package on Holland America for your trip will depend on your cruise length, the package level you choose, and any taxes or service fees tied to your sailing.
For guests who enjoy wine, beer, and cocktails, alcoholic plans are usually the first options to look at in the list of Holland America beverage package options.
A typical alcoholic package might include:
Beer, wine by the glass, and cocktails up to a specific menu price
Spirits and liqueurs within the package cap
A variety of non-alcoholic items such as sodas and juices
A daily limit on the number of alcoholic drinks allowed
Because premium drinks and craft cocktails can add up quickly at the Holland America bar, many travelers find that a mid- or higher-tier plan can bring the cruise drink cost under control if they enjoy several drinks per day.
While specific numbers change over time, alcoholic packages are usually at the higher end of beverage package price brackets compared to non-alcoholic options, reflecting the cost of spirits and wine.
Not everyone needs or wants alcohol on their vacation. For those guests, Holland America beverage package options often include dedicated non-alcoholic plans. These are especially appealing for families, teens, or guests who prefer soft drinks and coffee.
Common non-alcoholic categories include:
A Holland America non alcoholic drink package price at the soda level typically covers:
Fountain sodas
Sometimes certain juices or flavored drinks
Refills during the day at bars and restaurants
These packages usually carry a lower drink package rate than alcoholic plans and can be a cost-effective way to manage soda-heavy habits.
For coffee lovers, there are often options that target specialty drinks. A typical Holland America soda and coffee package cost might include:
Cappuccinos, lattes, and espresso-based beverages
Specialty hot chocolates and other café-style drinks
Additional non-alcoholic beverages, depending on the plan
Frequent visits to the café can quickly add up, so this type of package may be attractive if you know you’ll order multiple specialty coffees each day.
It’s natural to want a simple answer to “how much is it?” but Holland America beverage package pricing can shift based on several variables:
Destination and region – Itineraries in certain areas may have different pricing structures due to taxes or local regulations.
Cruise length – While the daily rate might be similar, the total cruise drink cost rises with longer itineraries.
Current promotions – Sometimes, packages are discounted or bundled into a fare, effectively reducing your beverage package price.
Onboard vs. pre-cruise purchase – On some sailings, buying in advance via the cruise planner may offer a better drink package rate than purchasing once onboard.
Because of these factors, it’s always best to check your booking portal or ask your travel advisor for the precise pricing on your specific sailing.
To decide whether a Holland America beverage package is right for you, compare the daily beverage package price with what you’d likely spend on drinks à la carte.
Estimate a realistic daily pattern, such as:
2 specialty coffees
2 soft drinks
2–3 alcoholic beverages (cocktails, wine, or beer)
Bottled water or juice throughout the day
Multiply typical menu prices by that number of drinks, add the expected service charge, and compare the total against your drink package rate.
If your estimated cruise drink cost per day is close to or higher than the package price, the plan may offer good value and greater convenience. If your daily consumption looks much lower, paying per drink might be more economical.
A Holland America beverage package is likely to be a good fit if you:
Enjoy multiple drinks every day (alcoholic or non-alcoholic)
Want predictable billing and don’t want to track each bar charge
Prefer to try different cocktails, wines, and coffee drinks freely
On the other hand, a package might not be ideal if you:
Drink very little alcohol or mostly stick to complimentary options
Spend many days ashore, with minimal bar time on the ship
Only want an occasional glass of wine or a single specialty coffee
In those cases, managing your cruise drink cost à la carte may be simpler and cheaper.
Because specific numbers change with time and promotions, the most accurate way to see current Holland America beverage package pricing is to:
Log in to your booking or cruise planner.
Navigate to the “Beverage Packages,” “Onboard Services,” or similar section.
Review each package’s description, daily rate, and the included terms.
You can also ask your travel advisor to explain the Holland America non alcoholic drink package price versus alcoholic plans, and to help you compare the Holland America soda and coffee package cost with your typical drinking habits.
If you decide a Holland America beverage package makes sense, a few simple strategies can help you maximize the value:
Buy early if discounted – Look for pre-cruise offers that reduce the beverage package price.
Use it throughout the day – Remember that specialty coffees, sodas, and water contribute to your savings, not just cocktails.
Stay informed on rules – Know what’s included in your drink package rate and which high-end items may incur extra charges.
Choose a package that matches your habits – Don’t overbuy; a non-alcoholic plan or lower-level package may suit you better than the most expensive option.
1. How much does a typical Holland America beverage package cost per day?
The daily beverage package price varies by sailing, region, and package type (alcoholic vs. non-alcoholic). It’s charged per person, per day, plus service charges. Check your cruise planner for exact rates.
2. Are non-alcoholic packages cheaper than full alcohol packages?
Yes. The Holland America non alcoholic drink package price is usually lower than full-alcohol options because it focuses on sodas, juices, and coffees rather than wine and spirits.
3. Does the drink package cover specialty coffees and sodas?
Many plans do, especially if they’re listed as part of the Holland America beverage package options. Some itineraries offer separate soda and coffee plans, each with its own drink package rate.
4. Is it better to buy a beverage package before the cruise or onboard?
Buying in advance through your planner can sometimes lock in better Holland America beverage package pricing or promotional discounts. However, offers can vary, so compare both options when available.
5. How can I tell if a beverage package is worth the cost for me?
Estimate your daily cruise drink cost using typical bar menu prices and compare that to the cost of beverage package on Holland America. If your expected spending is close to or above the package rate, a package may provide both value and convenience.
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