MSC drinks packages can look like a ladder from basic to luxurious, but I think the best value depends on what you actually order—not the name printed on the package. On MSC Euribia I tasted the wines and cocktails, compared the brands and price limits, and discovered that even the entry-level option offered more than I expected.
The three MSC drinks packages I compared
I compared Easy, Easy Plus and Premium Extra on MSC Euribia. Easy focused on straightforward house drinks, Easy Plus widened the choice of beers, spirits and cocktails, and Premium Extra added premium labels and champagne. The names are less important than the drinks you genuinely enjoy, so I worked upwards from my normal order rather than starting with the most expensive option.
Easy: surprisingly broad, but brand choice is limited
Easy suited me when I wanted a rum and Coke without worrying about the label, a basic wine, a familiar beer or one of roughly 20 cocktails made with house spirits. I found the Cabernet Sauvignon smooth and perfectly drinkable, while the Pinot Grigio lacked character for my taste. Beer was the clearest limitation, with Heineken bottled or draught as the choice.
Bottled mineral water, tea and coffee added useful everyday value. For a higher-priced spirit or cocktail, the package contributed €7/US$8 and I paid the difference plus gratuity, although that arrangement did not extend to beer. Easy also stayed outside the speciality restaurants during my cruise.
Easy Plus: my sweet spot for choice
Easy Plus included drinks up to €9/US$10 and unlocked a much wider beer selection, including Guinness, Strongbow, Desperados and Beck’s. I also gained upgraded spirits and the ability to use the package in speciality restaurants.
The broader cocktail list is where I really felt the benefit. I tried a BBC with Baileys, Bacardi, coconut, pineapple and banana; a light Hugo with elderflower, prosecco, soda and mint; an Ultimate Piña Colada; and a Mango Tropical Trooper. For me, the middle package earned its value through variety, particularly for beers and cocktails.
Premium Extra: premium labels, champagne and a higher ceiling
Premium Extra covered drinks up to €14/US$16, with a wider range of premium spirits and champagne by the glass. I tried Lanson Black Label Brut in the Champagne Bar and it delivered the convincingly premium experience I wanted from the top package. For anything above the ceiling, I could pay the difference.
The package also offered 25% off bottles of wine and champagne. MSC Yacht Club guests received Premium Extra with an additional minibar replenishment perk; outside Yacht Club, the package did not automatically replenish the minibar.
Know the exclusions before you upgrade
I quickly discovered that the top package did not mean literally every drink everywhere. Venchi, the gelato outlet and drinks served in souvenir cups were excluded. Minibar access also depended on Yacht Club status. Those details matter because a favourite speciality venue can be the very reason someone upgrades.
Before buying, I read the package summary for venue exclusions, minibar, room service, speciality restaurants, gratuity and what happens above the package ceiling. Five minutes with the small print is much better than discovering an exclusion after boarding.
Which MSC drinks package is best for you?
Match the package to a realistic order, not an aspirational holiday version of yourself. A simple three-day sample is usually enough to reveal the right tier.
- Choose the entry package if house wine, Heineken and standard mixed drinks cover most of your orders.
- Choose the middle tier, where offered, if beer variety, recognisable spirit brands and cocktails are your priorities.
- Choose the premium tier if you regularly want champagne, premium labels or drinks above the middle ceiling.
- Consider no package if you spend long days ashore, drink lightly or one adult in the cabin would use it far less.
Buy at the right time
My first choice is a cruise fare that already includes the drinks package. If that is not available, I compare the pre-cruise and onboard prices; booking before sailing saved at least 15% in my comparison. I always compare the total fare, because a headline package offer is only good value when the whole holiday price stacks up.
For me, the best MSC drinks package is the lowest tier that comfortably includes the drinks and venues I genuinely want. Easy was better than I expected, Easy Plus delivered the biggest jump in everyday choice, and Premium Extra made sense for guests who would actively enjoy its champagne and premium ceiling.