Is The Beverage Package Worth Buying On Uniworld River Cruises: What Uniworld Boutique River Cruises Guests Should Know for 2026
Before you plan around this, here's what Uniworld Boutique River Cruises currently has on record for whether the drink package is worth it.
To answer that, it helps to see exactly what the package covers: Gratuities are included in your fare - one of Uniworld's signature all-inclusive touches, along with premium beverages and excursions.
For anything specific to your sailing regarding whether the drink package is worth it, a quick call to +1-800-406-8495 beats guessing. 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's the short version, at least.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the beverage package worth buying on Uniworld?
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. Menus and package details can vary slightly by ship, so it's worth checking what's currently offered on your specific vessel. Not a bad idea to keep that in your back pocket.
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. This can also depend on whether you're sailing during a promotional period, when packages are sometimes discounted or bundled with other perks. Worth keeping in mind either way.
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. Specialty dining venues sometimes have their own separate rules from the main dining room, so it's worth asking about those specifically. 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. This is one of those details worth confirming close to your sail date, since packages and pricing are occasionally refreshed each season. Easy to overlook, but it's worth a mental note.
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. 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.
Who can help calculate if a package makes sense for my Uniworld cruise?
Call +1-800-406-8495 and our advisors can run the numbers based on your typical drinking habits. This is one of those details worth confirming close to your sail date, since packages and pricing are occasionally refreshed each season. Small thing, but it matters if you're planning around it.
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. 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 detail alone can save some back-and-forth later.
Does Uniworld 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. 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.
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. 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's the short version, at least.
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. Comparing the package cost against your expected daily consumption is the most reliable way to know if it's worth it for your trip. Good to know before you finalize anything.