Is The Beverage Package Worth Buying On Holland America Line: What Holland America Line Guests Should Know for 2026
Let's clear up whether the drink package is worth it with what Holland America Line actually publishes, not guesswork.
To answer that, it helps to see exactly what the package covers: A daily hotel service charge is added automatically to your onboard account, similar in structure to other premium lines, and can be adjusted or removed at Guest Services if you prefer to tip crew members individually instead.
For anything specific to your sailing regarding whether the drink package is worth it, a quick call to +1-800-406-8495 beats guessing. Comparing the package cost against your expected daily consumption is the most reliable way to know if it's worth it for your trip. Small thing, but it matters if you're planning around it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the beverage package worth buying on Holland America?
It depends on your habits - guests who'd have 4+ drinks a day typically save money with a package, while those who drink less often usually spend less paying à la carte. It helps to check whether gratuities are already included in a package price or added separately at checkout. That detail alone can save some back-and-forth later.
Does the package include specialty coffees and bottled water?
Most premium packages include specialty coffees, bottled water, and soft drinks in addition to alcohol, though the exact inclusions vary by tier and cruise line. Pricing for packages tends to be updated periodically, so confirming the current rate before your cruise avoids surprises at checkout. Not a bad idea to keep that in your back pocket.
Is there a cheaper non-alcoholic package option?
Yes, most lines offer a soda or non-alcoholic beverage package at a lower price point for guests who don't drink alcohol but still want unlimited specialty drinks. Comparing the package cost against your expected daily consumption is the most reliable way to know if it's worth it for your trip. That's the short version, at least.
Can I share a package with someone else in my cabin?
No, most lines require all adults sharing a cabin to purchase the same package rather than allowing one package to be shared. Menus and package details can vary slightly by ship, so it's worth checking what's currently offered on your specific vessel. Good to know before you finalize anything.
Is it cheaper to buy the package before sailing or onboard?
Almost always cheaper to prepay before sailing - onboard pricing for the same package is typically higher. For groups sharing a cabin, it's worth checking whether everyone in the room is required to buy the same package. Not a bad idea to keep that in your back pocket.
Who can help calculate if a package makes sense for my Holland America cruise?
Call +1-800-406-8495 and our advisors can run the numbers based on your typical drinking habits. If dietary restrictions are a factor, flagging them with the cruise line ahead of time usually gets a better result than asking once onboard. Good to know before you finalize anything.
How many drinks per day would make a beverage package worth it?
As a general rule of thumb, if you'd typically have 4 or more drinks a day, a package often pays for itself compared to paying per drink - light drinkers usually come out ahead without one. Specialty dining venues sometimes have their own separate rules from the main dining room, so it's worth asking about those specifically. Not a bad idea to keep that in your back pocket.
Does Holland America require everyone in the cabin to buy the package if one person does?
Some cruise lines require all adults sharing a cabin to purchase the same beverage package rather than letting one person buy it alone - check your specific line's current policy. Menus and package details can vary slightly by ship, so it's worth checking what's currently offered on your specific vessel. Worth keeping in mind either way.
Is the package cheaper if bought before boarding versus once onboard?
Yes, prepaying for a beverage package before your cruise is almost always cheaper than the price charged if you wait and purchase it once onboard. For groups sharing a cabin, it's worth checking whether everyone in the room is required to buy the same package. That detail alone can save some back-and-forth later.
Does the beverage package include specialty coffee and bottled water?
Many packages include specialty coffee and bottled water, but this varies by cruise line and package tier, so it's worth checking the specific inclusions before buying. It's worth asking whether a package needs to be purchased before boarding to lock in a lower rate versus buying it once onboard. That detail alone can save some back-and-forth later.