As seasoned navigators of the world’s oceans and dedicated chroniclers of all things cruising, we’ve found ourselves on countless decks, experiencing a plethora of cruise lines and their onboard offerings. Our recent voyage aboard the magnificent MSC Euribia brought us face-to-face with a question many of you have likely pondered during your cruise booking process: is the MSC Euribia drink package truly worth the investment? We’re here to share our firsthand experience, dissecting the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision for your own upcoming cruise vacation.
We know that when you’re planning a cruise vacation, every detail matters, especially when it comes to managing your budget and enhancing your overall experience. The allure of a comprehensive drink package is undeniable, promising freedom from constant tab-checking and the opportunity to explore a wider range of beverages. However, with different tiers and varying consumption habits, it’s a decision that warrants careful consideration. Let’s dive into the details of our MSC Euribia drink package experience.
MSC Cruises, known for its stylish European flair and extensive global itineraries, offers a variety of drink packages designed to cater to different preferences and budgets. Onboard the MSC Euribia, we encountered several options, each with its own set of inclusions and limitations. It’s crucial to understand these distinctions before committing.
The Core Offerings: A Glimpse at the Tiers
MSC typically presents a tiered system for their drink packages, allowing passengers to select the level of indulgence that best suits them. For our MSC Euribia cruise, we focused on the most popular packages, as these are often the ones that spark the most curiosity among our readers.
The “Easy” Package: For the Casual Sipper
The “Easy” package is generally positioned as the entry-level option. It’s designed for those who enjoy a few drinks throughout the day and evening but aren’t necessarily looking for premium spirits or an unlimited supply of every beverage imaginable. We observed that this package typically covers a good selection of soft drinks, juices, coffees, teas, and a curated list of house wines, beers, and some basic spirits. It’s a solid choice for many first-time cruisers or those who prefer a more moderate approach to their onboard libations. For us, this package represented a baseline of understanding what “included” really meant.
The “Advanced” Package: Stepping Up the Selection
Moving up the ladder, the “Advanced” package usually expands the horizons considerably. This is where we start to see a broader range of cocktails, branded spirits, and often a more extensive wine list. For those who enjoy experimenting with different concoctions or appreciate a specific brand of whiskey or gin, the “Advanced” package often becomes a more appealing proposition. We found that this tier frequently includes popular brands that aren’t always available on the “Easy” package, offering a more sophisticated drinking experience.
The “Premium Extra” Package: The Ultimate Indulgence
At the top of the spectrum, the “Premium Extra” package is for those who want it all. This is where you’ll find the widest selection of premium spirits, liqueurs, cocktails, wines by the glass from a premium list, and often even certain bottled beers and waters that might be excluded from lower tiers. We found this package to be comprehensive, aiming to cover almost any beverage desire a discerning cruiser might have, from artisanal cocktails to fine wines. This is the package that truly allows you to forget about your onboard bill for drinks.
What’s Typically Not Included?
It’s equally important to be aware of what might fall outside the scope of even the most comprehensive drink packages. We’ve learned over the years that fine print exists, and understanding it can prevent unexpected charges.
Specialty Coffees and Premium Bottled Water
While basic coffee and tea are usually covered, those seeking gourmet lattes or cappuccinos from onboard cafes might find these incurs additional costs, even with a drink package. Similarly, premium bottled still or sparkling water, beyond what’s offered at bars and restaurants, might not be part of the deal. On the MSC Euribia, we noticed that the specialty coffee bars often had their own pricing structure that was separate from the drink packages.
Mini-Bar and In-Room Beverages
The contents of your stateroom’s mini-bar are almost universally an extra charge, irrespective of any drink package you might have purchased. This is a common point of confusion for new cruisers, so it’s worth reiterating.
Beverages from Specialty Restaurants
While drink packages often apply to the main dining rooms and buffet, some specialty restaurants might have their own curated drink menus or require a supplement for certain items, even if they are typically included in your package elsewhere. We always advise checking the specific terms for any specialty dining venue you plan to visit.
Ice Cream and Juices Beyond Basic Offerings
Some packages might include certain types of ice cream or fresh juices, but it’s not a universal inclusion. Always double-check the specifics of the package you’re considering.
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Our MSC Euribia Drink Package Experience: The “Advanced” Package Trial
For our recent MSC Euribia cruise, we decided to opt for the “Advanced” drink package. This felt like a good middle ground, offering a substantial upgrade in selection from the “Easy” package without necessarily breaking the bank like the “Premium Extra” might. Our goal was to see if the perceived value matched the reality of our onboard consumption.
Daily Consumption Habits: Our Personal Baseline
To properly assess the value, we meticulously tracked our daily beverage intake. This is the single most crucial step any cruiser can take when considering a drink package. We are not heavy drinkers by any means, but we do enjoy a few beverages throughout the day and evening.
- Morning: A coffee or two from the buffet or a casual cafe. Sometimes a glass of juice with breakfast.
- Afternoon: A refreshing soft drink or a glass of iced tea while relaxing by the pool or on our balcony. Occasionally, a beer or a simple cocktail.
- Evening: This is where our consumption typically increased. We’d enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail with dinner, followed by another drink at one of the lounges or during a show.
The “Pre-Cruise Calculation” Strategy
Before we even stepped onto the cruise ship, we engaged in some careful “pre-cruise calculation.” This involved looking at sample menus from the MSC Euribia’s bars and restaurants (often available on MSC’s website or through your cruise booking agent) and estimating the individual cost of the drinks we realistically thought we would consume. We factored in prices for:
- House wines by the glass
- Standard beers
- Soft drinks
- Coffees and teas
- A few cocktails
We then multiplied these estimated daily costs by the number of days of our cruise. This gave us a ballpark figure of what our individual bar tab might look like without a package. We then compared this to the upfront cost of the “Advanced” drink package.
The “Advanced” Package in Action: Hits and Misses
The “Advanced” package on MSC Euribia proved to be a mixed bag, offering both significant benefits and areas where we felt the cost-benefit ratio could be tighter.
The Freedom of Choice: A Major Plus
The most immediate and significant benefit was the freedom from constantly checking our onboard account. Knowing that a wide array of drinks was readily available without an additional charge was liberating. We felt more inclined to try different cocktails, order an extra glass of wine with dinner, or grab a refreshing beer while exploring the cruise port during a tender. This psychological benefit alone is something many cruisers value highly. We found ourselves saying “yes” to more beverage opportunities than we might have otherwise.
Discovering New Favorites: Unlocking the Menu
The “Advanced” package allowed us to explore a broader spectrum of beverages. We tried cocktails we wouldn’t normally order, sampled different types of beers, and enjoyed a more varied selection of wines by the glass. This was particularly enjoyable during our evenings at sea, where we could leisurely peruse the drink menus without the pressure of individual purchase decisions.
Port Day Value: A Strategic Consideration
One of the unexpected benefits we discovered was the value of the drink package on port days, especially on days with longer excursions or when we opted for a tender port. Being able to grab a cold drink on the cruise ship upon returning from a hot day exploring a new destination without worrying about the cost was a welcome relief. This is where planning your shore excursion strategically can directly impact the value of your drink package. For example, if your shore excursion involves a lot of walking in the heat, you’ll likely appreciate having easy access to refreshments back on the ship.
Specific Drink Inclusions: Where the Package Shone
We were pleased with the selection of spirits included in the “Advanced” package. Our preferred brands of gin and vodka were readily available, and the house red and white wines by the glass were perfectly acceptable for our tastes. The range of soft drinks and juices also met our needs. We found that ordering a spirit and mixer was straightforward and always covered.
Areas for Re-evaluation: When the Package Felt Less Essential
There were, however, instances where we questioned the absolute necessity of the “Advanced” package for our specific consumption habits.
- The “Not Quite Enough” Factor: While the “Advanced” package offered a good selection, there were still certain premium spirits and wines by the glass that were excluded. If your palate leans towards high-end liquors or vintage wines, you might find yourself occasionally needing to upgrade or pay extra, diminishing the “all-inclusive” feel of the package. We noticed this particularly with some of the more artisanal cocktails that were advertised but not included.
- The “Occasional Drinker” Scenario: For individuals who truly only have one or two drinks per day, primarily soft drinks or basic coffees, the cost of the “Advanced” package might not be recouped. This is where our pre-cruise calculation becomes paramount. If your estimated individual spend falls significantly short of the package price, it’s probably not worth it.
- The “All-Inclusive Cruise Line” Comparison: We’ve cruised with lines where drink packages are almost an afterthought because drinks are more broadly included. If you’re used to that level of inclusion, the tiered system can feel a bit restrictive. However, for MSC, this tiered approach is standard.
Factors to Consider for Your Cruise Vacation
When making your own decision about the MSC Euribia drink package, consider these crucial factors that will influence whether it’s a wise investment for your cruise vacation.
Your Drinking Habits: The Ultimate Determinant
This cannot be stressed enough. Be brutally honest with yourselves.
The “Two Drink Minimum” Cruiser
If you typically have one drink with lunch and one with dinner, and perhaps an occasional soft drink during the day, you need to meticulously calculate the cost of those specific beverages. It might be more economical to pay as you go.
The “Social Butterfly” Drinker
If you enjoy socializing in various bars and lounges, partaking in pre-dinner cocktails, and enjoying after-dinner drinks, the math will likely favor a package. The freedom to hop between venues and try different offerings without a second thought adds significant value.
The “Hydration Station” User
If you primarily stick to water and perhaps a single coffee a day, a drink package is almost certainly not for you. Focus on the cost of bottled water if that’s your main concern.
The Duration of Your Cruise Vacation
A longer cruise vacation naturally increases your potential for drinking more beverages. On a shorter 3-4 night cruise, the impact of a drink package might be less pronounced unless you’re a very heavy drinker. Conversely, on a 7-night or longer cruise, the ability to spread the cost over more days and enjoy more drinks throughout the itinerary can make the package a more attractive proposition. We found that for our 7-night voyage, the “Advanced” package hit a sweet spot in terms of daily value.
Your Cruise Itinerary and Shore Excursions
As we touched upon earlier, your itinerary plays a significant role.
Extensive Port Days vs. Sea Days
If your cruise is packed with full port days where you’ll be off the ship for most of the day, your onboard drink consumption might be lower. However, if you have a significant number of sea days, or days with shorter port visits where you’ll be back on the cruise ship by mid-afternoon, the drink package can certainly be utilized more effectively.
Tender Ports and Excursion Length
On days with tender ports, where you might have to wait for a lifeboat to go ashore, or if you’re on long, strenuous shore excursions, the immediate refreshment you can grab upon returning to the air-conditioned comfort of the MSC Euribia can feel like pure gold. Planning your shore excursion with a mind for when you’ll want that first cold drink can influence your decision.
The Cost of the Package vs. Individual Drinks
This is the core of the financial decision. Always compare the total cost of the drink package against the estimated total cost of your individual beverage purchases.
Always Do Your Homework
Before your cruise booking, visit the MSC Cruises website or contact your travel agent to get the most up-to-date pricing for the drink packages. Then, try to find sample menus online for the bars and restaurants on MSC Euribia and estimate your consumption.
Consider Promotions and Discounts
Sometimes, MSC Cruises offers promotions or discounts on drink packages when booked in advance, either directly or through your travel agent. These can significantly sway the cost-benefit analysis in favor of purchasing the package. We always recommend looking for these early bird specials.
Calculating the Value: Our Personal Breakdown
To provide a concrete example of our decision-making process, let’s break down our hypothetical daily spend versus the package cost on MSC Euribia. Please note these are illustrative prices and actual costs may vary.
Our “Pay-As-You-Go” Estimate (Illustrative)
Based on our typical consumption pattern for a day with both lunch and dinner onboard, plus a couple of drinks in the evening:
- Morning Coffee x 2: €3.00 each = €6.00
- Soft Drink with Lunch: €3.50
- Glass of Wine with Dinner: €7.00
- Cocktail in the Evening: €9.00
- Another Soft Drink: €3.50
- Total Daily Estimate (Without Package): €29.00
For a 7-night cruise, this would equate to approximately €203.00 per person.
The “Advanced” Package Cost (Illustrative)
Let’s assume the “Advanced” drink package for a 7-night cruise is priced at around €40.00 per person per day.
- Total Package Cost (7 Nights): €280.00 per person
The Verdict: Was It Worth It for Us?
In this illustrative example, our estimated individual spend (€203.00) is less than the package cost (€280.00). However, this calculation doesn’t account for the intangible benefits.
- The Freedom Factor: The psychological benefit of not worrying about the tab was immense. We found ourselves ordering that extra drink, trying a new cocktail, or having a soft drink by the pool without a second thought. This easily added to our actual consumption.
- Convenience: Not having to sign for every single drink saves time and is simply more convenient, especially when you’re in the flow of conversation or enjoying a show.
- Port Day Value Reinforcement: As mentioned, returning from a hot port and immediately grabbing a cold, included beverage significantly enhanced our post-excursion experience.
Considering these factors, even though our strict calculation showed a slight deficit, we felt the “Advanced” package was worth it for our MSC Euribia cruise. The enhanced enjoyment and freedom from financial worry outweighed the marginal cost difference. For us, a cruise vacation is about relaxation and indulgence, and the drink package contributed significantly to that feeling.
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Final Thoughts and Recommendations for Your Cruise Booking
As we conclude our deep dive into the MSC Euribia drink package, our primary advice to you, whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler, is this: Do your homework, be honest about your consumption, and weigh the tangible cost against the intangible benefits.
For the First-Time Cruiser
- Start with the “Easy” Package: If you’re unsure about your drinking habits or on a tight budget, the “Easy” package is often a safe bet. It covers the basics and gives you a taste of the convenience without a significant upfront investment. You can always upgrade onboard if you find yourself wanting more.
- Focus on the “Cruise Vacation” Experience: Remember that a cruise vacation is meant to be enjoyable and stress-free. If the thought of tracking every drink adds stress, consider a package.
- Talk to Your Travel Agent: They can often provide the most up-to-date pricing and package details, and can offer personalized recommendations based on your stated preferences.
For the Frequent Cruise Traveler
- Re-evaluate Your Package Choice: Don’t assume what worked on your last cruise line or even your last MSC cruise will be the best fit now. Cruise lines frequently update their offerings and pricing.
- Consider the “Premium Extra” for Specific Itineraries: If you’re on a longer cruise, a more relaxed itinerary with plenty of sea days, or if you truly appreciate premium beverages, the “Premium Extra” package might be your best bet.
- Compare with Onboard Purchases: Even for seasoned cruisers, a quick calculation before booking can be illuminating. Sometimes, paying a la carte for a few specific drinks can be more economical if your habits have changed.
Ultimately, the decision of whether the MSC Euribia drink package is worth it is a personal one. Our experience with the “Advanced” package on MSC Euribia was largely positive, contributing to a more relaxed and enjoyable cruise vacation. We found the freedom and convenience to be significant advantages. By understanding the different package tiers, honestly assessing your own consumption habits, and performing a little pre-cruise calculation, you can make an informed decision that best enhances your own unforgettable cruise vacation. We wish you smooth sailing and many enjoyable sips on your upcoming adventures!