!!!!ABSURD!!!! Drinking Package Rules with MSC Cruises 

I'm going to be brutally honest with you. I took a cruise with them in November 2023 from nyc on the Meraviglia ship & I had the most amazing time of my life. The staff was amazing, the food in all the restaurants, including the buffet was simply delicious & the honestly it's so difficult for me to interact with people, I ended up making friends with some great people on this cruise ship. My room had a temperature control thermostat where I was able to control my own air conditioner and heat. I didn't have to wait for my drinks when I ordered. The Butcher's Cut restaurant was omg simply delicious, elegant, and the best damn service I've ever had at a restaurant. My trip was to Bermuda with the drink package and wifi for 8 days, 7 nights, and the total price with the port charges of $857.00 My only complaint - honestly, the wifi simply socks. The wifi simply never worked. Drink package, I consumed about 300 various drinks non alcoholic and alcoholic. I had a lot of Hennessey drinks on this cruise cause I'm a Hennessey girl. And i have no clue what she's talking about.I actually ordered numerous drinks that were over the $9.00 I was charged the difference.

Reasonable people usually familiarize themselves with the rules BEFORE, not AFTER the fact, no?

Choose the drinking package you want and pay more. Don’t blame it on MSC.

Great video, thanks for the info!

MSC Cruises isn't like "most cruise lines". The packages that MSC offer are priced generous and competitive. I'd say if you want a few expensive drinks during formal nights just add some onboard credit prior to boarding so those drinks will be covered. However, just because they don't fall into the category of the "other cruise lines" doesn't make this an absurd rules. Happy cruising.

this sounds like your fault. I am going on MSC for the first time and I found that out on my own before going. Always research.

WE did a short cruise in November,six days,and took advantage of a drinks deal. It cost us £14.00 each per night and could not fault it as there was nothing in the drinks line that you could not get.We shall be going again and if the deal is available then we shall be taking advantage of it.We had a great time on a wonderful time. David Williams

Carnival only let you get a few drinks in the package per day. Msc let you get unlimited drinks.

please note that gratuity is included in drink package unlike other lines where you pay separately for the tip

NCL did that to mee too. I had a drinking package and it was up to $12.....I wanted to order a drink that was outside my package and it was $15 and I had to pay the whole $15 instead of the $3 difference. Its not only MSC, some other cruise lines do it too

I was on seascape in may 2023 and I paid the difference or nothing but I was generous with the bar man

My husband and I have always booked Aurea suites on MSC which at the time included a drink package. We knew what our tier price point was & one night we were at the pool deck & servers were walking around with a specialty cocktail in a carved out pineapple. The drink was $12. We didn't have a problem paying the full amount as an exception. Not all cruise lines adhere to the same logic of paying the difference.

I'm going on an msc cruise in May. Gonna keep this in mind

We were just on Royal and they charge you the full amount (not the difference) of the drink if it is out of the package price. We knew about it prior and we were fine with that. We also experienced the same thing on Carnival Mardi Gras.

Oasis of the seas (Royal Caribbean) does the same thing was a rip off ,served me lighter fluid vodka on my package! This line was the most nickel dime company out of 40 cruises I’ve done over the years. Celebrity,Holland, NCL, great but favorite was Viking!

I personally think the drinking packages are the cheapest out of any cruise line I've sailed with. For a 4 night Bahama's cruise we got the easy package for $150 American which came out to only 40 bucks a night basically. Also something to mention is that gratuities are included with the fee, something my gf and I really appreciated. Anything over and above that you want to tip is your choice. We can't tell you how many other cruise lines charged us absurd prices at the end of our stay for gratuities, so this was quite a surprise to see it included. I think even for the Easy Package, $40 a night is absolutely unbeatable. I'm not a picky drinker so the heineken beer was perfectly fine for me, a couple gin and tonics and rum and cokes in between, my girlfriend enjoyed mixed drinks and the selected wines during dinner, and she only purchased a few fancy drinks which came out to nothing at the end of it all. Plus unlimited bottled mineral water, and you get to enjoy these drinks all day at Ocean Cay, I truly can't see any other cruise line offering a better drinking package.

P&0 are the same they charge you for the whole drink if it's outside of your package. But they informed me on their Web sites that would be the case, so I knew in advance

Great Infos, thansk for sharing, very interesting

I'm going on the Meraveglia next month but I don't drink alcohol. Non alcoholic drinks up to 9 bucks are included so I'm fine with it.

we were told they dont have packages on 3 night cruises!!! Did you book before or did you have to book your package on the boat?

Thanks for the guidance. I’m getting nervous to my upcoming MSC cruise.

You only pay difference now (Since April 23).. They are not the only line that charged full price outside package btw.. Carnival owned P&O do too..

I would probably make the same mistake. Thanks for the tip!

Not all other cruise lines offer so many drink package options. I can understand their reasoning behind their policy. Even the premium package is a good deal compared to other cruise lines.

People should not be scrutinizing this woman for her experience. MSC is not like Carnival or Royal Carr. and their website is not as upfront with information. Alot of the information I found had to be word of mouth from other cruisers because its either not on the website or you call the customer service and they have no idea. We dont leave until next week and our embarkation time has changed 5 times. Luckily we live an hour from the Port.

I just booked my first ever cruise, which will be on the MSC Seascape this December, and was curious about this very scenario. It's not something that I'd assume one way or the other, so I was planning on asking guest services on embarkation day, if I didn't find out for sure before then, so this settles that. Thank you! I wouldn't bash them for it, though, so at least it's good that you didn't decide to make it your last cruise with them on account of that. I already pre-paid for the premium extra package anyway, because I like expensive beverages. But then it just means it'd be an extra ouch if I exceeded that bad boy a few times. I'll be sure not to do that.

I need a drink after watching this

Thank you for this information. Very informative and useful. I agree-this is absurd!☹😮😟 If you don't mind, I have a quick question about duty free on MSC Meraviglia board shopping. Do you know if selection of wines and spirits are good? Are the prices on board more expensive than those on land? Thank you very much.

This is strange because I purchased drinks above my package and was only charged the difference, $3 I was told I would be charged that $3 and given other options. I approved it and on my bill was the $3 charge and nothing more.

I am sailing with MSC and bought the plus package. Do you think that will cover me? I don’t do super chop shelf but maybe absolute vodka or Tangaray

I've cruised on MSC and only had to pay the difference between what the drink I wanted cost and what I ordered (ie. paid an extra $1 or $2 for the fancier drink).

For me they just charged the difference , It was one time they charged ful but went to info and they removed it, this was on msc fantasia

Thanks for posting this, I am new to cruising and would have never thought of looking out for that.

I agree..too many people are quick to defend getting ripped off by these companies because they are fans

Thank you for the video! Which ship did you sail on? How was the food?

Reminded me how awesome moderation is when I cruise.

This is exactly why I usually don't get a drink package. I want what I want...and even if at the end of the day it ends up costing me a little more I don't care. In reality....if you are on a cruise where you are getting off in any ports...you really have to be a heavy drinker to make them worthwhile IMO because all that time you spend off the ship is unavailable for using the package. We just went on a Holland America cruise and they wanted $700 for the two of us for a 5 night cruise....I didn't buy it...we drank whatever we wanted...expensive wine by glass...fancy cocktails and even got a bottle of wine one night....total spent on alcohol for the cruise was $650. So we saved money and got exactly what we wanted.

its normal for some cruise lines,p&o cruise lines do the same, your allowed 15 drinks per day up to about £6.95 and only every 15 mins,1 drink per card, and if you want a more expensive drink more than the stated amount in the package you pay the full price we just come back from msc seaside and found the drinks package brilliant as many drinks as you like in the package, not like p&o ships

What drinks are free in fantastica water, milk, tea,juice or nothing?

Msc has the best drink packages, you were not well prepared. You can even upgrade your package once on the ship for a few bucks. They give you the easy package plus wich is mid tier. It is included in your price if you pick the right package. You gotta do your homework. With all cruise lines. Plus your gratuities are also included. It is a win win.

Ahh man I booked in feb for the basic plus and was hoping to just pay the difference. We’re there decent $9 drinks?

Just saw a post from someone that cruised Seascape April 2023 and he mentioned that MSC was now doing 'pay the difference' however I have not seen anything official from MSC. We are onboard next month, keep you posted.

Did you say Easy package or Easy plus package you purchased ? There is a difference

When are people going to learn that drugs are expensive anytime you're going to go and do a bunch of drugs it's going to cost you a bunch of money alcohol is no exception

Shock horror... you have to stick with what you have bought

What i don't like is i don't want to buy any package. And i don't drink any alcohol. And would rather just bring my own 8/12 pack of cans on the cruise. But msc doesn't allow that.

That took a long time to say that MSC cruisers can't go outside of their drinking package or individualy upgrade their drinks.

if you were dealing with a travel agent they should explain the package to you. All cruise lines are different. Always Ask if you do not know

Thanks for the warning ⚠️! I guess msc just wants to make it a simple fact...stay within your package and no hopping around trying to create our own package!

On European ships ist is much more complicated - try german Aida Cruiseline - there are drinking packages wich are different in different bars on the ship. If you want to have a soda its possible that a drink in the first bar ist included and the same soda has to be paid on another bar or restaurant. They do the same like MSC by the way - if your out of your package you have to pay the whole price. so this is very common on european ships. But with easy Plus its very comfortable on MSC - most of the things what you need is included - and the price is very ok. What bothers me more on MSC are the service fees - i had a 1 hour massage for 120€ and after fees it was over 150€ - but this was nowhere mentioned - i must admit we germans are used to see the "last" price on ads and in stores which means its alwas the price we have to pay including fees and tax.

Thank you for the heads up. After researching lots of reviews and videos today, we have personally decided to skip MSC cruisline. Repeatedly we’ve heard that they “nickel and dime” you. It’s hard enough to come up with the cost of the cruise. No one needs the worry of extra charges to enjoy a treat here or there.

Msc drinking package is one of the brst onrs ive had at sea. Unlimited drinks with no wait inbetween with a huge choice

Rules are rules, lady!

I like the way MSC does their drink packages. I pretty much just drink beer and wine. I don’t mind buying the one fancy cocktail I’ll have out side the package.

Well just was on the meravilia last week I got the easy plus and cover most everything and if something was out of the package I paid just the difference and I have proof 🙃

It's good that they have changed it now, but the easy package was always designed to be a house drinks package and nothing more.

Hi there can anyone tell me Im litle confused My husband and I we are taken MSC cruse this year If I got the tikets for the cruise Do we have to take the drink package also? or is include I mean basic drink non alcoholic

Plz include the drink package prices

That’s a messed up policy

Carnival does the same thing

Ridicolous never had a problem with drink package! It's in print what your getting. If you're ordering out of drink package that's on you.

I was watching another video about this and the guy said that you cant do that on the easy package but if you have the easy plus package then u can pay the difference if it cost a little more that $10.

I heard from all the complaints they changed it back to the difference.

First off, it was always like this. Which is why MSC offered THREE different packages. You pick the one that suits you. They still offer these same packages, but several weeks ago started offering the upgrade on individual drinks. There is still a 15% gratuity added to that. Secondly, it was WELL advertised this was the case. If you are as experienced as you say, you should have known this. Research is wonderful. So anyone watching this now, the information is not correct anymore.

What you described is industry standard and is the same on most cruise lines. I would expect some with a cruise channel to have had experience with this process prior on other lines as it’s certainly not anything new!

Good to know when you dont know or assume that it might be a certain way. So you may know the answer to this since you experienced it. I got the easy plus package: It says All beverages priced up to $9. Includes bottomless frozen and classic cocktails, well spirits, liquors and cordials and a selection of wine by the glass. 10% discount on bottled wine purchased on board and a wide variety and im assuming these this list is covered in the package: it states that all below items are covered that is served at bars, buffet, main restaurants draft and bottled beer non alcoholic cocktails soft drinks mineral water coffee drinks ( caffe latte, cappuccino etc ) hot chocolate and teas Also it includes Ocean Cay and other exclusive destinations but does not cover the signature venues

I don’t understand why are we forced to give pre paid gratitudes.. doesn’t tip means “tip”.. optional!! Not mandatory! Mandatory is called salary!! Which ship should give, not us

That was your fault. The drink package was well explained. I had no problems with mine! The menu even had the passes and what they included on them.

Supposedly MSC has recently changed this only charging the difference.

But then MSC cruises are much cheaper so you will still pay less than e.g. Royal or Celebrity even if you get the more premium drink. Or go for Yacht club as we do, then you have the premium package

MSC is the only cruise line that doesn’t have a cap on the amount of daily drinks - they are truly unlimited . Other cruise lines stop you after 8-12 drinks so actually they have the truly unlimited packages and they are the cheapest- you never mentioned that ….

Thank you for bringing this up. Many people are not aware of this. Always ready the fine print.

read the rules lady it tells you drinks 6 bucks and below

This is why I like MSC. I'm not taking a cruise to be around wasted ppl. MSC is more of an opulent cruise line. If drinking is your focus, go on Carnival.

just look what is in the package and you have no problem

take the all in its only 147 for 7 days

Info at 2:45

Just to let you know that Msc has changed its policy. From now on you’ll just pay for the difference + gratuities.

You need to ask questions before you go on any vacation. You should have bought the easy plus. Get informed before you go.

Go on the Seaside now and wait 30 minutes for a drink . Don’t go on the Seaside if you drink . Way understaffed !!!

You just pay the difference now, for drinks not on MSC DPs!

Wrong information. With MSC you only pay the difference. See quote from MSC website below. Quote: If I choose a drink not included in the package, do I pay a full price? No. Guests who purchase alcoholic all-inclusive beverage packages Easy, Easy Plus, or Premium Extra, and who want to enjoy cocktails, spirits and/or wines by the glass that are not included in their package, will pay only the price difference between the package allowance and the à la carte price of ordered drinks. Unquote.

Also can you specify what restaurants require a dress code? Whether its just jeans and a tshirt or more on this cruise ship Meraviglia?

We've done 4 cruises 7 nights each on MSC & were thoroughly pleased. But we were also smart enough to do research before hand. Maybe SHAME ON YOU for being cheap. Don't blame them for your mistakes.

Ok Karen. Obviously you did not research the drink package. MSC drink package is actually much simpler and makes more sense.

go to 2:45 your welcome.....

Some research before buying the cruise package could have saved you a lot of grief...the package restrictions were in place before you got on board.

Passengers should buy drinks from outside before boarding.

So basically you made an assumption without actually checking if they charged the difference or total cost then blamed them ?

So in your opinion: you het a Heineken in your package but you prefer another. So you order the other but only wanna pay the difference??? That not logical. Its like going to the bakery getting an other loaf of bread than usual but you only wanna pay the difference. 🤷🏽‍♂️ Thats a weird thinking.

A drinking package is a total waste! plus whose drinking like a fish anyways! lol Duty-free liquor purchased for your room is the best way to go. No one forces you to purchase those ridiculous packages.

The truth is, people are boycotting them since they ditched Steve Hoffmeyers gig. SA dont want to go on such ships. Now they blame dry docking for cancellations in April. Bad Planning crap. Bad advertising and decisions.

I don't want the fancy stuff, mainly a beer guy. For me this plan structure adds choice to not have to pay for things I don't want. Perfect! I would suggest that if you don't want to invite the nasty comments maybe stay away from excessive clickbait type titles with caps and 8 exclamation points. In my opinion that was the only absurd thing here.

But why would you think you could do this. Just buy the premium package

MSC is absolutely ridiculous !! What a waste of time …the people defending them must be employees 😂

Some people just have to complain about something.....saddddddddddd

If you wanted to drink "Several Martinis" you should have got a package to suit. It's not MSCs fault you decided to go outside your package.

I'd like to buy a ferrari but my budget only stretches to a ford.

Sorry, not ALL other cruise lines let you pay the difference. Plus MSC has one of the best drink package by cost. People must do their research.

It's your own fault for not doing your research before you cruised.