Disney Cruise Line Offers Two Main Beverage Packages

Disney Cruise Line sells two separate beverage packages that cover non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks throughout your sailing. The Beverage Package includes beer, wine, spirits, and soft drinks at bars and lounges. The Non-Alcoholic Beverage Package covers sodas, juices, coffee, tea, and smoothies. Both packages exclude bottled water, room service beverages, and specialty drinks made with premium liqueurs or rare spirits.

You purchase these packages before boarding or during your cruise, though prices are lower if you buy ahead. The packages work at all bars, lounges, and pool deck beverage stations across the ship. Gratuity (tip) is not included and is added to your onboard account separately.

Neither package covers beverages at the specialty restaurants, though some dining packages bundle beverage coverage with meals. You also cannot share a package between passengers — each person who wants coverage must purchase their own.

Key Takeaways

  • Disney offers a full Beverage Package covering alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and a Non-Alcoholic Beverage Package for soft drinks and coffee.
  • Package prices vary by sailing length and ship, and are cheaper when purchased before your cruise than when purchased onboard.
  • Packages cover drinks at bars, lounges, and pool deck stations but exclude bottled water, room service, and premium specialty cocktails.
  • Gratuity is not included in either package and is charged separately to your onboard account.
  • Each passenger must purchase their own package — you cannot buy one package and share it among multiple people.

How Package Pricing Works

Beverage package prices depend on how many nights you are sailing and which ship you are on. A 3-night sailing costs less than a 7-night sailing. Newer ships like the Disney Wish and Disney Treasure typically cost more than older ships like the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder.

Pre-purchase prices are locked in when you buy before your cruise. If you wait and buy onboard, the per-night cost is usually higher. Disney sometimes offers discounts on pre-purchased packages during promotional periods, though these vary by sailing date and are not may provide.

The Non-Alcoholic Beverage Package costs roughly 40 to 50 percent less than the full Beverage Package, depending on the sailing. If you are unsure whether a package makes financial sense for your group, calculate what you would normally spend on drinks during your cruise and compare it to the package price.

What Drinks Are Included in Each Package

The full Beverage Package covers beer (draft and bottled), wine by the glass, spirits, liqueurs, coffee, tea, soft drinks, juices, and smoothies. It includes drinks at all ship bars, the pool deck bar, lounges, and casual dining venues. You can order as many drinks as you want throughout the day — there is no limit per person.

The Non-Alcoholic Beverage Package covers sodas, bottled juices, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and smoothies. It does not include bottled water, which you can purchase separately or bring onboard yourself (Disney allows guests to bring their own bottled water).

Both packages exclude drinks at specialty restaurants like Remy (on Disney Wish and Disney Treasure) and Palo Steakhouse. They also exclude premium cocktails made with top-shelf spirits or rare liqueurs, which are charged separately. Room service beverages are not covered either — if you order a drink to your cabin, you pay out of pocket.

When to Buy Your Package and How to Purchase

You can purchase a beverage package up to the day before your cruise through the Disney Cruise Line website under "My Reservations." Log in with your booking confirmation number and add the package to your party. Prices are lower when you buy this way than when you purchase onboard.

If you did not purchase before your cruise, you can buy onboard at Guest Services on your first day. The onboard price is per-night and typically higher than the pre-purchase rate. You must purchase before 5 p.m. on your first day to have the package active for that evening's drinks.

You can also purchase a package for part of your cruise if you only want coverage for certain days. This is useful if you plan to dine at specialty restaurants on some nights and want to skip the package for those days.

Gratuity and How Drinks Are Charged

Gratuity is not included in the beverage package price. Disney automatically adds a gratuity of roughly 18 percent to your onboard account for beverage service. This is charged separately from the package itself and appears as a line item on your final bill.

When you order a drink, the bartender or server scans your room key to confirm your package is active. The drink is then included at no additional charge. If you do not have a package, the drink is charged to your onboard account at the menu price.

You can request that gratuity be removed or adjusted at Guest Services if you believe it was added in error or if you have a complaint about service. This must be done before you disembark.

Alternatives to Buying a Package

If a beverage package does not fit your budget or drinking habits, you can pay per drink. Soft drinks, coffee, and tea are included free with your cruise fare at most venues. Alcoholic drinks and specialty beverages are charged individually to your onboard account at menu prices, which are typically higher than what you would pay with a package.

Some guests bring their own bottled water and refillable bottles to reduce costs. Disney allows you to bring bottled water onboard, though outside alcohol is not permitted. You can also visit the buffet or casual dining venues where soft drinks and coffee are complimentary.

If you are traveling with a group where only some people want a package, you can purchase packages for those individuals and let others pay per drink. There is no penalty for mixing passengers with and without packages on the same cruise.

Special Considerations and Restrictions

Guests under 21 cannot purchase the full Beverage Package and are not served alcoholic drinks even if someone else paid for their package. The Non-Alcoholic Beverage Package is open to all ages.

If you have a medical condition that prevents you from consuming certain beverages, you can still purchase a package and straightforward not use the portions that do not explore to you. There is no refund for unused drinks.

Beverage packages are non-transferable. If you purchase a package and then cancel your cruise, you cannot transfer the package to another person or another sailing. You would need to contact Disney Cruise Line to discuss refund options based on your cancellation policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a beverage package for just one day of my cruise?

Yes. You can purchase a package for any number of days during your sailing, not just the full length. This is useful if you plan to dine at specialty restaurants on certain nights and want to skip package coverage for those days. Contact Guest Services onboard or purchase through your online reservation before your cruise.

Does the beverage package cover drinks at the pool bar?

Yes. The pool deck bar is included in both the full Beverage Package and the Non-Alcoholic Beverage Package. You can order drinks at the pool bar the same way you would at any other bar on the ship — just scan your room key.

What happens if I order a drink and forget to scan my room key?

The drink will be charged to your onboard account at the full menu price. You can contact Guest Services to request a refund or credit if this happens. Keep your receipt and explain the situation — Disney usually corrects this error without issue.

Can I share a beverage package with someone else in my cabin?

No. Each person must purchase their own package. You cannot buy one package and have multiple people use it. If you are traveling with family or friends, each person who wants package coverage needs their own.

Is bottled water included in the Non-Alcoholic Beverage Package?

No. Bottled water is not included in either package. However, you can bring your own bottled water onboard, or you can purchase bottled water separately. Tap water, coffee, and tea are free throughout the ship.