Is The Beverage Package Worth Buying On Viking River Cruises: What Viking River Cruises Guests Should Know for 2026
Whether the drink package is worth it comes up often enough with Viking River Cruises bookings that it's worth spelling out clearly.
To answer that, it helps to see exactly what the package covers: Gratuities are not included in the base fare and are auto-charged to your onboard account, generally around $20 per person, per day, unless you adjust the amount at Guest Services.
Since whether the drink package is worth it can vary by cabin category and sail date, an advisor at +1-800-406-8495 can confirm exactly what applies to your booking. Specialty dining venues sometimes have their own separate rules from the main dining room, so it's worth asking about those specifically. Good to know before you finalize anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the beverage package worth buying on Viking River?
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. For groups sharing a cabin, it's worth checking whether everyone in the room is required to buy the same package. Worth keeping in mind either way.
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. It helps to check whether gratuities are already included in a package price or added separately at checkout. 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. If dietary restrictions are a factor, flagging them with the cruise line ahead of time usually gets a better result than asking once onboard. Worth keeping in mind either way.
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. 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. 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.
Who can help calculate if a package makes sense for my Viking River cruise?
Call +1-800-406-8495 and our advisors can run the numbers based on your typical drinking habits. 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.
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. For groups sharing a cabin, it's worth checking whether everyone in the room is required to buy the same package. Worth keeping in mind either way.
Does Viking River 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. Specialty dining venues sometimes have their own separate rules from the main dining room, so it's worth asking about those specifically. 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. Menus and package details can vary slightly by ship, so it's worth checking what's currently offered on your specific vessel. 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. Specialty dining venues sometimes have their own separate rules from the main dining room, so it's worth asking about those specifically. That detail alone can save some back-and-forth later.