If you are planning a cruise with Windstar Cruises, one of the most common questions is: how much is the Windstar Cruises drink package? The current price of Windstar’s main unlimited alcoholic beverage option, known as the Ultimate Beverage Package, is $79 per guest, per day when purchased in advance. If you wait until you are onboard, the price increases to $89 per guest, per day. Windstar also offers an All-In Package, which combines the beverage benefits with Wi-Fi and gratuities. That package is priced at $99 per guest, per day when purchased before the cruise or $109 per guest, per day when purchased onboard. These prices are listed in Windstar’s current beverage-package materials and are subject to the cruise line’s package terms, availability, and applicable taxes or fees.
The price is calculated per guest, per day, so the total cost depends on the length of your sailing. For example, a seven-day cruise with the advance-purchase Ultimate Beverage Package would cost approximately $553 per guest before any applicable taxes or other charges. The same package purchased onboard would cost approximately $623 per guest for seven days. The difference makes advance planning important, particularly for travelers who already know they will want unlimited access to included beer, wine, and cocktails. Windstar states that beverage packages must be purchased for the full duration of the cruise and are generally available for purchase in advance or during the early part of the sailing, subject to the applicable package rules.
Quick summary:
The main Windstar beverage package is designed for guests who want unlimited access to a broad selection of alcoholic drinks throughout their cruise rather than paying separately for each drink. The current Ultimate Beverage Package includes unlimited beer, wine, and cocktails by the glass, based on the package’s eligible selections and Windstar’s applicable terms. This can include a variety of beers, wines, and selected spirits and cocktails, although travelers should understand that package inclusion may depend on the specific brand or beverage being ordered. Windstar’s published beverage information also indicates that package guests can receive a 30% discount on bottles of wine with a retail value of up to $100, adding another potential benefit for guests who enjoy wine with dinner or special occasions.
One important point is that a beverage package does not necessarily mean every single drink on the ship is included. Windstar describes its package as covering eligible beers, wines, and cocktails, with cocktails based on house and select brands. Premium or specially designated beverages may be subject to different rules, so guests should check the current beverage list and package terms for their specific sailing. The package also does not mean that guests can share their benefits with other travelers. As with most cruise beverage programs, the package is intended for the individual who purchased it and is priced per guest, per day.
The package may be particularly appealing to travelers who enjoy having a drink at different times of the day. A guest might have a beer during lunch, a glass of wine with dinner, and a cocktail before an evening show or entertainment. Without a package, each purchase is charged separately, and Windstar’s published à la carte prices show that beers, wines by the glass, and cocktails can add up quickly. The current beverage flyer lists beer prices from $5.95 to $7.95, wine by the glass from $8 to $13, and cocktails from $8.75 to $13, with an 18% service charge automatically added to beverage purchases.
Key inclusions to remember:
To determine whether the Windstar Cruises beverage package price is worthwhile, compare the daily package cost with what you would realistically spend on individual drinks. The advance price of the Ultimate Beverage Package is $79 per guest, per day, while the onboard price is $89. By comparison, Windstar’s current beverage flyer lists beers at approximately $5.95 to $7.95, wines by the glass at approximately $8 to $13, and cocktails at approximately $8.75 to $13 before the standard 18% beverage service charge. That means a traveler who purchases several drinks during a day can potentially approach the package price fairly quickly, particularly if cocktails and wine are the preferred beverages.
For example, imagine a guest who purchases two cocktails at approximately $11 each, two glasses of wine at approximately $10 each, and one beer at approximately $7 during the day. The beverage total would be about $49 before the service charge. Once the 18% service charge is added, the total would be approximately $57.82. In this example, the guest would still be below the $79 advance package price. However, adding another cocktail or additional wine could move the daily total closer to the package cost. This illustrates why the break-even point is not the same for every traveler. A person who drinks only one or two alcoholic beverages per day may find paying individually more economical, while someone who enjoys several drinks throughout the day may find the unlimited option more convenient and potentially more valuable.
The calculation also depends on whether you spend a lot of time ashore. On port-intensive itineraries, you may be away from the ship for much of the day, reducing the number of opportunities to use the package. On sea days, however, guests often spend more time enjoying the ship’s restaurants, lounges, bars, and other onboard spaces. A traveler should therefore consider the entire itinerary rather than simply multiplying the price of one drink by an estimated number of daily beverages. The package is also about convenience: once purchased, you do not need to monitor every eligible drink purchase individually.
A simple value check:
For travelers who want more than beverages, Windstar offers an All-In Package that combines the main beverage benefits with additional cruise amenities. The current price is $99 per guest, per day when purchased in advance and $109 per guest, per day when purchased onboard. Windstar describes the package as including Wi-Fi, unlimited beer, wine, and cocktails, along with gratuities. The beverage component is therefore closely connected to the Ultimate Beverage Package, but the All-In option adds other services that may be valuable to guests who would otherwise purchase them separately.
The key question is whether you actually need the extra benefits. If you already plan to purchase the Ultimate Beverage Package and would also pay separately for Wi-Fi and gratuities, the All-In option may be worth comparing. The difference between the advance Ultimate Beverage Package and the advance All-In Package is $20 per guest, per day. For a seven-day cruise, that difference is approximately $140 per guest. Whether that additional amount represents good value depends on the price of the Wi-Fi plan and the gratuity benefits included in the All-In option for your sailing.
The All-In Package can be attractive for travelers who prefer to bundle expenses before departure. Instead of tracking multiple onboard costs, guests pay one daily package price for several included amenities. This may make budgeting easier and provide a more predictable cruise experience. However, travelers should not automatically assume that a bundled package is the cheapest choice. If you do not need Wi-Fi, do not drink enough to justify the beverage component, or already have certain amenities included through your booking, paying separately may be better.
Before purchasing, compare the exact benefits available for your sailing. Package details and pricing can change, and Windstar’s published materials note that package conditions, availability, applicable taxes, and service-charge treatment should be considered.
The All-In Package may suit you if:
Whether the Windstar drink package is worth it depends primarily on your drinking habits, itinerary, and preference for convenience. At the advance price of $79 per guest, per day, the package is not automatically the best choice for every traveler. Someone who drinks one glass of wine with dinner and perhaps an occasional cocktail may spend less by purchasing beverages individually. By contrast, a guest who enjoys multiple cocktails, glasses of wine, or beers throughout the day may find the unlimited package more appealing. Windstar’s published à la carte prices provide a useful starting point for estimating the comparison, although actual spending depends on the drinks selected and the applicable service charge.
The type of cruise you choose also matters. A seven-day itinerary with several full days at sea may provide many opportunities to use a beverage package. A port-intensive itinerary may offer fewer hours onboard, especially if you spend most days exploring destinations. However, some travelers still prefer a package because they enjoy a drink before going ashore, returning to the ship, or relaxing in the evening. The value is therefore partly financial and partly practical.
Another factor is the wine-bottle discount. Windstar states that beverage-package guests can receive a 30% discount on qualifying wine bottles with a retail value of up to $100. For wine enthusiasts, this additional benefit can improve the overall value of the package, especially when sharing a bottle during a meal.
The best approach is to estimate your likely daily consumption honestly. If you would normally purchase several eligible drinks every day, the package could be a convenient option. If your drinking is occasional or unpredictable, paying as you go may be financially safer. Also remember that package prices can change, so checking the current terms for your specific cruise before making a final decision is important.
The package may be worth considering when:
The easiest way to reduce the cost of the Windstar drink package is to purchase the package before boarding when the advance price is available. Windstar’s current beverage materials show the Ultimate Beverage Package at $79 per guest, per day in advance compared with $89 onboard. For a seven-day cruise, purchasing in advance could save approximately $70 per guest compared with the onboard price. The same principle applies to the All-In Package, which is listed at $99 per guest, per day in advance compared with $109 onboard.
Travelers should also compare the package with their expected à la carte spending rather than purchasing automatically. Create a realistic estimate based on your normal habits. Consider how many beers, glasses of wine, and cocktails you would genuinely purchase on an average day. Then account for the 18% beverage service charge that Windstar lists for beverage purchases. This calculation can provide a more accurate comparison than simply assuming that a drink package is always cheaper.
If you enjoy wine, remember to consider the qualifying bottle discount. Windstar states that guests with beverage packages can save 30% on wine bottles with a retail value of up to $100. That benefit may be useful for couples or groups who enjoy sharing wine during meals.
Finally, compare the Ultimate Beverage Package with the All-In Package. If you already want Wi-Fi and value included gratuities, paying the additional amount for the All-In option may make sense. If you only want drinks, the Ultimate Beverage Package may be the more focused choice. The right decision depends on your personal priorities, cruise length, itinerary, and onboard spending habits.
Money-saving tips:
The Ultimate Beverage Package currently costs $79 per guest, per day when purchased in advance and $89 per guest, per day when purchased onboard. The package includes unlimited eligible beer, wine, and cocktails by the glass. The exact package terms and availability should be checked for your specific sailing.
At the current advance price of $79 per guest, per day, a seven-day Ultimate Beverage Package costs approximately $553 per guest. At the onboard price of $89 per day, the same seven-day package would cost approximately $623 per guest, before any applicable taxes or other conditions.
Yes. The Ultimate Beverage Package includes unlimited eligible cocktails by the glass, along with eligible beer and wine. Windstar’s current package information states that cocktails are based on house and select brands, so not every premium or specialty beverage should automatically be assumed to be included.
The answer depends on how much you expect to drink and how much time you spend onboard. Guests who enjoy several eligible drinks per day may find the package convenient and potentially worthwhile, while light drinkers may save money by paying à la carte. Comparing your expected daily spending with the $79 advance package price is the best way to decide.
The Ultimate Beverage Package focuses on unlimited eligible beer, wine, and cocktails. The All-In Package adds other benefits, including Wi-Fi and gratuities, and currently costs $99 per guest, per day when purchased in advance or $109 onboard.
The current Windstar Cruises drink package costs $79 per guest, per day when purchased in advance, or $89 per guest, per day onboard. For travelers who enjoy multiple eligible drinks daily, the package can provide convenience and predictable spending. For light drinkers, paying individually may be more economical. The All-In Package is another option for guests who also want Wi-Fi and gratuities bundled into one daily price. Because package prices and terms can change, always review the latest details for your specific sailing before purchasing.
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