LOTS of Drink Package Options on MSC! See if YOU Can Save Money! | MSC Cruises

[@michaeltoma1023]

Let's give Brandon a cheer here in that this 12 min video probably took him 8-10 hours to research, prepare and produce. Way to go Brandon! Keep the great content coming.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Awww thank you for this Michael! Yes, this one took a bit more research given my non-drinking behaviors but glad to do it!

[@LisaLivingFreeInFlorida]

@@TheWeekendCruiser❤❤❤❤❤

[@adamp2384]

One plus to MSC and beverage packages is that almost 365 days a year they are running a free drinks and WiFi promotion when you book and MSC doesn’t charge prepaid gratuities on the “free” drinks like some other lines do, gratuities are included in the cost of the package which is a huge deal and the free drinks is the easy plus package so it can be worth it to book that promotion

[@simoneking6724]

Really useful vid, thank you for this full breakdown 👏🏾👍🏾

[@Feralyank]

I appreciate your effort in explaining the convoluted pricing structure of a cruise. I've been researching my first cruise for a while and what strikes me most is the effort to decipher the myriad of minutiae every step of the way. You provide clear guidance. I can't help but be left with the feeling that one should not have to spend hours researching, reading and watching videos to have a clear understanding of the transaction itself. I understand the appeal of choice. I embrace it. But, as your informative video illustrates, little is understood without much research.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

I think this is what the cruise lines plan on. All of these programs are designed to get us to spend more money than we normally would.

[@704musicent]

I feel like going with the free drinks + wifi package that is offered while booking is the best way to go

[@lindsaymishaw4341]

For us that sail out of Europe, MSC also has the dine and drink package ❤️

[@lexa_power]

Thank you for this! I’m on the seashore for a solo cruise for my birthday in a couple days ❤❤ I’m going with the “I’m good” package but it’s always good to watch these to make sure. I mostly like the Jamaican Paradise and it’s only covered by the premium package and I only drink 3-4 drinks a day, so I wouldn’t break even!

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Smart Lexa! Save money and go on more cruises!!! Hope you are having a blast on the ship!!

[@LisaLivingFreeInFlorida]

This was a phenomenal explanation!!!! I am not a huge drinker but I do love the fact we can get protein and special juices in the spa. MSC Seashore had a huge special and I decided to get the Easy Plus since My cruise was $353 😂😂😂😂 didn’t want to go Premium although they were pre booking it for $186 instead of $264.00

[@Reed-2big]

I was taught that in general if you order something like a daiquiri or pina colada you normally can’t tell what brand of liquor in it anyway. When you get to Martinis, scotch and soda, gin and tonic you are going to have many more preferences. In fact some have specific preferences for which tonic water is used.

[@Aquinas181]

You are correct if someone is drinking a fruity or sugary drink the type of alcohol isn't going to matter much at all in taste. That said, if you expect to drink 7 or more drinks a day I would highly recommend not getting more than one or two of the sugary types of drinks and alternating with vodka sodas or red wines which will have less sugar, less calories and most importantly less of a hangover. In those cases the type of liquor will matter.

[@Reed-2big]

@@Aquinas181 To me the reason no to drink the sugary drinks is you’ll probably be much sicker than just a hang over! I’ve not seen someone be able to drink 7 of those, but I’m sure it’s been done.

[@tiny8469]

Superb video! Especially the “Im a bit older part and the hangovers being a bit worse” 😂the recovery time for a hangover changes drastically as you get older 😂

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

haha I am glad someone got my serious/humorous comment. The struggle is real!

[@LisaLivingFreeInFlorida]

😂😂😂i loved that part bc I’m a bit older!!! ❤❤❤❤😂😂😂😂😂

[@joangroothuis4031]

Good information.

[@Yazanova]

Easy package is enough for me as im not a picky drinker

[@DPinFL]

Superb (as always) recap of the beverage package options, and one I wish I'd known full details about before my first cruise early last year on MSC. At the time, their website lacked a lot (!!) of quality information. With the one exception of a cruise that was totally off the rails throughout, I've had really good experiences with both the Easy Plus+ and Premium packages while onboard MSC. If they have a properly stocked Champagne Bar onboard, I think the Premium package is the way to go, with some of those delicious wonderfully-crafted champagne options being fully included. The Easy Plus+ definitely satisfied on the other sailings (with the atrium and casino bars offering numerous inclusions). I found/find the wording about use of the packages in specialty dining venues to be oddly confusing and occasionally contradictory. Basically for me, the packages are more a convenience than any sort of savings, and I should definitely rethink some of my bookings when a la carte purchasing would actually be better for the budget (as you clearly suggested). Thanks, again, for the fantastic info presented. 🥂🍷🍸

[@TheLoneRayven]

The checkout price of the cruise goes up by almost the exact amount of the drink package + wifi when you select the 'free perk', just FYI.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@BlackBroadwayLady]

Thank you for sharing. Excellent video. Very helpful. We'll be sailing on the MSC Meraviglia next month in July. I now know what to expect in regards to my drink package.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Awesome and have a blast! Don't forget to get a designated walker to get back to the cabin!

[@mismatmom]

Sailing in couple days. Opted for non alcohol for the cappuccinos which are amazing. Having bottle of sparkling wine in cabin for $19. Every day there is a special drink for $8. Hopefully my planning will be successful. Did not realize gratuity was included. Good to know.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

And their drinks are reasonably priced! Nothing crazy!

[@jackiebakerdupree5036]

Thanks Brandon. This video was awesome. The prices you mentioned are they for 2024. I will be doing my first cruise on Magnifica in a few weeks … 5 days 4 nights and wanted to know the prices. Unfortunately we booked through a travel agent and she didn’t include the drink package in the cruise prices. Easy Plus and Premium are the packages we are interested in.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

You can still log into the MSC website and purchase in advance for a discount! Take a look and see what you think!

[@mtnstpt]

Terrific VID= I am on the Magnifica 6/28- Cannot wait Brandon gives me the answers I need, TY

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Aww you are too kind and thank you!

[@ErickAndBrianna]

Love the video; very informative! Last time my wife and I went on a cruise, we felt the package wasn't worth it and said we'd just buy drinks a la carte. I know you said you aren't a drinker, but how much would a "basic" drink be (I.e., rum and coke, etc.), if you know? Thanks!

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

They would not be bad - under $10. I think a la carte is the right move for a lot of folks if you need to "make the drink package worth it" vs. just not wanting to nickel and dime yourself on vacation.

[@_shonneri]

Thank you so much. My goodness I needed some clarity

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

haha you got it!

[@msreberobi]

Fantastic my friend

[@losv1913]

Great video 🎉

[@mineirodeminas5651]

One question, I’m planing to make a cruise next year with 2 friends, me and other doesn’t drink, but the other does. Is possible at the cruise to buy only one package for our Drunk Friend have fun?😂

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

haha the best route will be for the people who want to drink to buy the alcohol package and the one who doesn't buy the non-alcohol package. You will need to call to make this happen. Too many people have shared drinks over the years and all lines have cracked down and insist everyone has a drink package.

[@abimottram9091]

I have a couple of questions! So with the I’m good package (free), can you order the water in places that aren’t the buffet and it still be for free? Throughout the day can you go to the buffet at any time to get drinks? And can I fill an empty bottle with water? Thank you for this video, very informative 😊

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Yes, you can walk up to any bar and ask for a cup of water with no issue! I have not tried having them feel a bottle, imagine for sanitary reasons they might fill a cup and hand it to you with water in it but there is a way. This is my favorite package :-)

[@abimottram9091]

@@TheWeekendCruiser oh that’s brilliant! thank you so much for your response, I appreciate it, with the lack of information about it online you’ve been so helpful! 😊

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

@@abimottram9091 Aww my pleasure! Hope you have a wonderful time!

[@shellywalker153]

There has to be a water dispenser at the buffet right? That's what I din on Carnival.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

@@shellywalker153 There sure is! There is always a way to get water from a tap or dispenser of some kind.

[@rebeccahall5939]

So if I get the non-alcoholic adult package, I can't get like a virgin strawberry daiquiri

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Those are included in the non-alcohol package. Drink up!

[@javamon]

Can you bring your own wine on MSC? Corkage fees?

[@adamp2384]

No unfortunately no alcohol/beverages can be brought onboard

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Darn, meant to mention this in the video and forgot! You cannot bring any alcohol onboard MSC ship.

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

@@TheWeekendCruiserMaybe a stupid question, but can you bring alcohol free beverages, beer or wine onboard?

[@robwhitley7902]

You could in Europe for two bottles of wine or liquor if you keep in your room.

[@adamp2384]

@@mitchellbarnow1709 no nothing can be brought onboard MSC in the USA but apparently it seems internationally you might be able to

[@MUDDYBRONCOS]

If I get the alcohol free package and order a beer I just pay the difference or I will pay the full price of the beer?

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

You will pay the full price of the beer. But this brings up a great point most people forget. If you are drinking "lower cost" items like beer, you have to drink a lot more than someone drinks martinis all night. The drink package might not be worth it even at 5 beers a day.

[@sebkeccu4546]

it's still not clear, it would have helped to see the text while you speak about the packages. Here are my two questions: if you have nonalcohol package you are allowed to have speciality coffees and fresh juices, but if you take the more expensive easy package then you cannot, my question do we pay the difference? with easy we are entitled to drink everything up to 10 dollars so how does that work with the speciality coffees that are 6.5 dollars? Question 2: the aurea spa also has a bar: do the drink packages apply there as well? or is it extra?

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

Hey there! Apologies for the confusion! The drink packages continue to build with what is included. All alcohol packages will include all the non-alcoholic drinks (coffee, soda). And yes, the Aurea bar will also be included if you purchase a package. Hope this helps!

[@sebkeccu4546]

@@TheWeekendCruiser Thank you that helps a lot, glad they changed that strange rule

[@jackiebakerdupree5036]

Thanks Brandon. This video was awesome. The prices you mentioned are they for 2024. I will be doing my first cruise on Magnifica in a few weeks … 5 days 4 nights and wanted to know the prices. Unfortunately we booked through a travel agent and she didn’t include the drink package in the cruise prices. Easy Plus and Premium are the packages we are interested in.

[@mitchellbarnow1709]

Liqueurs are usually strong and sweet and are sipped slowly from a one ounce liquor glass. Galliano, Baileys, Frangelico, Grand Marnier, Cointreau, Kahilúa, etc etc etc (from The King and I) I can see Yul Brenner singing etc etc etc in the movie) The King of Siam is who he played. Useless information

[@jinelbowland-nelson7245]

Can you order just bottle water

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

for an extra fee or with any of the packages. I drink the water on the ship with no issue.