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

If you are looking at taking a cruise with MSC Cruises, especially, if a weekend cruise, you are probably considering one of their 4 drink packages or beverage packages. We will cover all the specifics and frequently asked questions related to MSC's non-alcoholic package, easy drink package, easy plus drink package, and premium drink package.
Filmed onboard the MSC Magnifica.
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[@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!

[@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

[@mtnstpt]

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

[@simoneking6724]

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

[@joangroothuis4031]

Good information.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!!

[@704musicent]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@redhatbear1135]

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.

[@redhatbear1135]

@@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.

[@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.

[@denniscostabile4264]

Hip Hip Horray Brandon! A 12 min video about cocktails by someone who does not consume alcohol? Liked and subscribed because I felt sorry for him.

[@TheWeekendCruiser]

haha Thank you Dennis! Don't feel sorry, I love doing these kind of things and researching it! The crew could not have been more helpful in giving me talking points! After all, they are the ones who know best what us guest mess up cruise after cruise ;-)

[@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

[@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