If you enjoy cocktails by the pool, wine with dinner, or specialty coffees on sea days, understanding the Holland America drink package options is essential before you sail. While you can always pay as you go for cruise drinks, many guests prefer a prepaid package for convenience and easier budgeting. But the big question is: how much is Holland America beverage package pricing, and is it worth it for your trip?
Holland America typically offers a few main types of drink packages, each with its own price range and inclusions. Though names and details can change over time, two of the most widely recognized options are:
A mid-tier, all-around package often known as the Signature level
A higher-end package often referred to as the Elite level
On top of that, you’ll find soft drink or non-alcoholic options, plus simple pay-per-drink alternatives.
When you look at the Holland America drink package price, remember that it’s usually charged per person, per day, and often subject to an automatic service charge or gratuity on top of the base rate. This is important when you calculate the total for your cruise.
Many guests first look at the Holland America signature drink package cost because it tends to balance value and variety. While the precise daily rate can vary by itinerary and promotion, this package is generally priced in the mid-range among cruise packages.
Common features of a Signature-style package typically include:
A wide selection of alcoholic cruise drinks up to a certain menu price per glass
Beer, wine by the glass, spirits, and cocktails up to the price limit
Non-alcoholic beverages such as soda, juices, and sometimes specialty coffees
A cap on the number of alcoholic drinks allowed per day, designed for responsible consumption
When you consider the Holland America drink package price at this level, you should think about how many drinks you realistically enjoy in a day. If you usually have several cocktails, some wine, plus soft drinks and coffees, the package may feel worthwhile compared to standard cruise bar prices.
For guests who enjoy higher-end wines and spirits, there is usually a more comprehensive option, often called the Elite level. As you might expect, the Holland America elite drink package price is higher than the Signature-style package, but it includes more premium beverages.
Typical differences with an Elite-style package might include:
Higher per-glass price limit, covering more premium brands and craft cocktails
Broader choice of wines by the glass and top-shelf liquors
Inclusion of a wide variety of non-alcoholic beverages, similar to the mid-tier package
The same or similar daily drink limits in terms of number of alcoholic beverages
The Holland America cruise alcohol package rates at this level make the most sense for guests who prefer higher-end labels and know they’ll take advantage of the extra range. If you mostly drink standard beers and simple cocktails, you may find the Signature-style package sufficient.
Not everyone needs an alcohol package. Holland America also provides ways to manage cruise drinks without going for a full alcoholic plan.
You might see options such as:
Soft drink packages – Covering sodas and sometimes juices.
Coffee or café packages – Focused on specialty coffees, espresso drinks, and similar items.
Pay-as-you-go – Simply pay the menu price for each drink plus gratuity.
If you rarely drink alcohol or only want one or two drinks over the course of the day, these alternatives may be better than purchasing a full Holland America drink package. Comparing expected daily consumption against the package cost is the key.
While it’s tempting to look for one fixed number for how much is Holland America beverage package, the truth is that several factors can influence your final rate:
Cruise length and region – Longer or specialty itineraries can sometimes have different pricing structures.
Currency and local regulations – On some routes, pricing may be adjusted based on local taxes or rules.
Promotions and bundles – Packages sometimes appear inside promotional offers where part of the beverage package cost is wrapped into your overall fare.
Timing of purchase – Buying before the cruise vs. purchasing onboard can occasionally impact the total.
Because of these variables, it’s always smart to check the latest Holland America cruise alcohol package rates in your booking portal or with your travel advisor before you sail.
To decide if the Holland America drink package is worth it, compare the daily package rate to typical cruise bar prices and what you normally drink.
For example, a typical day might look like:
2 specialty coffees
1–2 soft drinks
2–3 cocktails or glasses of wine
Bottled water or juice throughout the day
Add up the menu prices for those items plus service charges, then compare that total to the Holland America drink package price per day. If the package costs less or roughly the same, you gain the convenience of not watching every individual charge. If your calculated daily total is much lower than the package cost, paying à la carte might be the smarter choice.
When evaluating how much is Holland America beverage package, you should also be aware of some common rules:
Per-person requirement – Typically, if one adult in a stateroom purchases an alcoholic package, all adults in that stateroom must do the same, at the same level.
Daily limits – Drink packages usually include a maximum number of alcoholic beverages per day.
Non-transferable – You cannot share your package with others; it’s meant for your use only.
No carryover – Unused drinks don’t roll over to the next day.
These conditions are part of what shapes the value of each Holland America drink package and protect against misuse.
A drink package may be a good fit if you:
Enjoy multiple alcoholic drinks daily plus coffee, sodas, and juices
Want to lock in your beverage package cost before sailing for easier budgeting
Prefer the simplicity of not signing a chits and tracking every individual drink
On the other hand, paying per drink may be better if you:
Only drink occasionally or stick mostly to water and complimentary beverages
Spend many days in port with minimal onboard bar time
Just want a few glasses of wine with dinner and the occasional cocktail
The right choice depends on your habits, itinerary, and how you like to enjoy your cruise drinks.
Because promotions and pricing can change, the best way to confirm the exact Holland America drink package price for your sailing is to:
Log in to your cruise planner or booking portal
Navigate to the “Beverage Packages” or “Onboard Services” section
Review the listed daily rate, including any service charge
You can also ask your travel advisor to explain current Holland America cruise alcohol package rates and help you choose between Signature and Elite-style options based on your preferences.
1. How much is the Holland America drink package per day?
The Holland America drink package price varies by sailing, package level, and promotion. It’s generally charged per person, per day, plus service charges. Check your booking portal for the exact rate on your specific cruise.
2. What’s the difference between the Signature and Elite drink packages?
The Holland America signature drink package cost typically covers a wide selection of drinks up to a certain menu price, while the Holland America elite drink package price is higher and usually includes a broader range of premium wines and spirits with a higher per-glass limit.
3. Is a beverage package worth it compared to cruise bar prices?
It depends on how much you drink. If your normal daily spending on cruise drinks would match or exceed the beverage package cost, a package can offer convenience and value. Light drinkers may be better off paying à la carte.
4. Can I buy a non-alcoholic drink package only?
Yes, there are typically soda or non-alcoholic options for guests who don’t need a full alcohol package. These can include soft drinks, juices, and sometimes specialty coffees, at a lower daily rate.
5. How do I add a drink package before my cruise?
You can usually add a Holland America drink package through your cruise planner or by contacting your travel advisor. It’s often best to do this before sailing so you understand your total Holland America cruise alcohol package rates in advance.
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