Holland America Line beverage packages let you get drinks on board without having to pay for them individually. A drinks package can represent good value for money because drinks are not included in the cruise fare. There are four Holland America Line beverage packages including:
| HAL beverage package | Price |
|---|---|
| Coca-Cola package | US$8 per person per day |
| Quench package | US$17.95 per person per day |
| Signature package | US$54.95 per person per day |
| Elite package | US$59.99 per person per day |
The HAL beverage packages
The range of HAL beverage packages includes both alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. The Holland America Signature beverage package is a popular choice, but there are also soda packages, as well as wine and spirits by the glass packages. Also, there are wine by the bottle packages too.
Coca-Cola package – US$8 per person per day
The Coca-Cola Package is the least expensive of the HAL beverage packages. It includes unlimited fountain sodas. On Koningsdam and Nieuw Statendam the package also includes the Coca-Cola Freestyle program with more than 100 unique Coca-Cola flavours.
A service charge of 15% will be added to the cost of the package. Also, the package must be purchased for the duration of the voyage.
Quench package (Non-alcoholic) – US$17.95 per person per day
The Quench Package includes unlimited non-alcoholic beverages. This includes teas and coffees, as well as juices, Cocoa-Cola products, Red Bull, signature mocktails and bottled water of 500ml or less.
Like all HAL beverage packages, the Quench Package will incur a 15% service charge and the purchase of the package must also cover the entire cruise duration.
Signature package – US$54.95 per person per day
The Holland America Line Signature Package is the cheapest alcoholic HAL beverage package. It includes any alcoholic drinks priced at US$11 or less. This covers most premium beers, spirits and cocktails, as well as a good selection of wines by the glass.
This HAL beverage package also includes unlimited teas and coffees, juices, Cocoa-Cola products, signature mocktails, Red Bull and bottled water of 500ml or less.
The package will attract a 15% service charge. Also, all adults of drinking age staying in the same stateroom must purchase the package. The purchase of this package must also cover the entire cruise duration.
Elite package – US$59.99 per person per day
The Elite Package includes any alcoholic drinks priced at US$15 or less. This covers an even wider choice of drinks from the menu, including Dale DeGroff’s Original Cocktails.
However, it’s worth remembering that the Elite Package does not cover top-shelf spirits and wines by the glass priced over US$15.
The package also includes tea, coffee and bottled water of 500ml or less, as well as Cocoa-Cola products, Red Bull, juices and signature mocktails .
This HAL beverage package will incur a 15% service charge. All adults of drinking age staying in the same stateroom must purchase the package. The purchase of this package must also cover the entire voyage.
Bottled water – US$4 per litre
It’s worth noting that bottled water is not included in your Holland America Line cruise fare. However, bottles of water can be purchased individually, or in bulk and delivered to your stateroom or suite. Bottles of water cost:
- 1 bottle: US$4
- 6 bottles: US$24
- 12 bottles: US$48
Bottled water will incur an 18% service charge.
Happy hours
If you choose not to purchase one of the Holland America Line beverage packages, you might like to take advantage of Happy Hour discounts. There are usually two Happy Hours each day:
- 4:00pm – 5:00pm in the Ocean Bar.
- 6:00pm – 7:00pm in Billboard Onboard and the Rolling Stone Rock Room.
During these Happy Hours guests can buy one beverage and get a second for just US$2.
Wine By The Bottle packages
In addition to the Holland America Line beverage packages, there are also Wine By The Bottle packages.
Indeed, there are three different packages – Cellar 1, Cellar 2 and Cellar 3. Each of these Wine By The Bottle packages offers a choice of seven white and seven red wines. Most of the wines come from Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Argentina and the U.S.A.
You can choose either 4, 6 or 8 bottles, however they must all come from the same package.
Your wines can be enjoyed at meal times, or at any other time on your cruise. You can also take any unopened bottles home at the end of the voyage.
It is important to note that each wine package will attract a 15% service charge.
Holland America Line beverage packages exclusions
Drinks packags can be an economical way to get beverages on your Holland America Line cruise. But there are some things worth remembering. For instance, purchases from the mini-bar, in-room dining and Chocolate Seduction are not included in any of the HAL beverage packages.
Also, self-service draught beers and beverages purchased on Half Moon Cay are excluded from the drinks packages.
In addition, it’s worth noting that there is generally no discount for purchasing HAL beverage packages in advance of your cruise. The price for purchasing a drinks package in advance is the same as purchasing on board.
To learn visit the Holland America Line website or talk to your travel consultant.
About the Author: Jason Kerr
Can you consume the HAL wine package wines in your stateroom?
Dear Tony,
Thank you for your question. The answer is, yes. Wines can be consumed in the restaurants, or at any other time (in your stateroom, or a bar, etc.). You can also take any unopened bottles home at the end of the voyage
Merry Christmas
Jason Kerr
Managing editor
Yes
Hi Jason,
With the beverage packages, all adults within the same stateroom must make the purchase. Is the same rule applied to the Wine by the Bottle package? In other words, can my wife and I buy one 8 bottle package to share over the cruise?
Merry Christmas and thanks for the article.
Steve
Hi Steve
The Wine by the Bottle package is different to the beverage packages which offer wine by the glass. Only one guest needs to purchase a Wine by the Bottle package and those bottles can be consumed with whomever they please.
Merry Christmas
Jason Kerr
Managing editor
This is so helpful, so many thanks for such a detailed review. We are considering a cruise in 2021 and weighing up whether it is better to take the currently advertised “all-in” package or book the cruise and add on the wine package instead of the drink package. It’s a case of deciding where we get the best value, particularly as we are three star members with HAL. Our other big consideration is the size of the vessel. We love the smaller ships, but would love to experience a newer vessel. Decisions, decisions, decisions – all lovely to think about.
Do they allow you to have a case of wine delivered to your stateroom from an outside vendor?
Dear Cathy
Thanks for your question. You may bring a limited amount of wine onboard, generally only one or two bottles. It would be advisable to contact HAL directly to inquire whether or not they will allow a whole case of wine.
Reagrds
Jason Kerr
Managing editor
For the Alaska Land + Sea packages, does the cost of the Signature Plan apply to the land travel days also, or just the days while on the ship?
Dear Larry
Thanks for your question – it’s a good one. The beverage packages only cover drinks consumed on board. However some land packages may offer beverage inclusions, so I would advise checking with your travel consultant.
I hope this helps
Jason Kerr
Managing editor
What are the current WINES offered in the H.A.L. packages?
Dear Frances
HAL have a large selection of wines on board. On one of my recent sailings (July 2018) these included Villa Sandi “il fresco” Prosecco (Italy), La Fontana Albarino (Spain), Diseno Malbec (Argentina) and Boom Boom Syrah (Washington). The wines are changed on a semi-regular basis, so you will need to wait until you are on board to see exactly what is on offer.
I hope this helps.
Regards
Jason Kerr
Managing editor
You should book d directly with HAL a n d t hen when they lower the fares near sailing, they throw in that beverage package a nd reduce your fare too. I got the signature drink package for less than two hundred dollars for my 11 day sailing.
If there are 2 adults and 1 child in a room, can we buy the coca cola package for the child without buying it for the adults if the adults already have the signature beverage package?
Dear Peter,
My understanding is that if the adults have a Signature Package, the children can have a Coca-Cola Package without the need for others in the Stateroom purchasing it.
Regards
Jason Kerr
Managing editor
Jason, I do not drink alcohol so do not want to purchase a drinks package. I will be happy with free tea, coffee and water and will bring a few bottles of sparkling water with me. My husband will however be wanting to drink. How to we manage this situation. Regards Dianne
Hi Dianne
I would recommend your husband simply purchase alcoholic beverages by-the-glass. HAL have an extensive selection available with 5oz glasses of wine starting from US$9.
It’s worth noting that specialty tea, coffee and bottled water are not complimentary (unless included in a special cruise fare). So you would need a basic beverage package to cover these costs.
I hope this helps.
Regards
Jason Kerr
Managing Editor
Hi Jason,
I do not think that the following information is correct:
“It’s worth noting that tea, coffee and water are not complimentary (unless included in a special cruise fare). So you would need a basic beverage package to cover these costs.”
We have been on over 10 cruises with Holland and never had to pay for tea, coffee or water unless it is a specialty coffee or bottled water. Hope this helps.
Thanks Michael, specialtiy teas and coffees are not included. Nor is bottled water.
Hi Jason,
Thanks for answering my last question. I have one more now because we are trying to work out the cost effectiveness of buying a wine bottle package, a 1 liter bottle of spirits and the odd cocktail at night vs an elite drinks package. For an accurate comparison we need to know how much HAL charges for each can of coke (we plan to drink Jack Daniels with coke in our cabin). Thanks again for the very helpful information.
Regards,
Steve
Hi Steve
HAL chagre US$2.25 for all types of sodas. Bear in mind that a 15% service charge will be added to each.
Regards
Jason Kerr
Managing Editor
Hi Jason,
I am having a lot of trouble trying to find the answer to this:
If we have purchased a drink using our SBP, are we permitted to take that drink to our cabin to drink? We would like to take a cocktail to our cabin of an evening rather than be forced to stay at a bar if possible.
Regards, Steve
Dear Steve
Thanks for your question. Certainly HAL do not mention anything in the beverage package fine print stating you may not take drinks back to your stateroom. Indeed, other cruisers report they have done so. However, you might like to check with the staff onboard.
I hope this helps.
Regards
Jason Kerr
Managing editor
Sent alcohol bottle to room – if do not finish can we bring it home – I saw mentioned can bring unopened bottles of wine home
Dear Denise
Thanks for your question. If you purchase a wine by the bottle package you may take any unopened bottles home with you.
I hope this helps.
Kind regards
Jason Kerr
Managing editor
Dear Jason
I’m thinking of buying the 6 bottle wine package with HAL rather than a beverage package. On their web site is listed a number of different wines in each package – and I assumed that I would have a choice eg. Rioja or Malbec etc. However prior to completing the order it questions whether you want delivery to your stateroom or dining room. Does this therefore mean that the ship decides which the actual wines they include in the pack ?
Thanks
Pete
Dear Pete
Thanks for your question. According to the onboard brochure: “You can customize your own personal wine package from one of the three lists that have been thoughtfully curated by our wine experts. Select 4, 6 or 8 bottles from CELLAR No.1, CELLAR No.2 or CELLAR No.3”. So you should be able to choose the wines you prefer from your selected Cellar list.
Regards
Jason Kerr
Managing Editor
Hi, just wondering how it works when you buy a wine package. I know if you order a bottle of wine in the dining room and you don’t finish it they save it for you for the next night. But if you order a wine package, where do they store it and if you want to drink in the lido restaurant or in your room, how do you get access to it? Heading out this Sunday for the Caribbean.
Thanks!
Dear Marion
Thanks for taking time to post your question. If you want to access any of the wines you have purchased simply let a waiter know. They will fetch it for you. If you want to ejoy the wine in your stateroom then call in-room dining.
I hope this answers your questions.
Regards
Jason Kerr
Managing Editor
For the unlimited soda package, do I have to wait 5 minutes in between each soda I get or can I get more than one soda at a time? Does this include iced tea as well?
Hi Stacey
Thanks for the question. The Cocoa-Cola package includes fountain sodas only (On Koningsdam and Nieuw Statendam the package also includes the Coca-Cola Freestyle program). If you want tea and coffee you will need to get the Quench package. According to the HAL fine print “Participants may only order one drink at a time” from the packages.
Regards
Jason Kerr
Managing Editor
I think in simple terms charging for drinks in packages like this or even as paying separately, is just a way to profiteer of customers. A cruise should be all inclusive price when bought from the outset, not separate extra charges (except hairdressers and personal massages etc). Also tips should be included if needed, but to be quite honest, the cruise company should just pay staff a good wage in the first place, not expect customers to top up poor low wages. Bring back the elegant elements of cruising and yes have fun, yes enjoy good new features of entertainment, but lets not allow cruise companies to profiteer from the consumer, a fair price for the service offered, not take advantage of customers just because they are captive market and cannot go anywhere else while on board, thats just ripping of those you relie on to exist.
We are booked for a 17-day cruise on HAL in September and contemplating if it’s worth it for us to get a Signature Package, we like a cocktail or two and wine each day, or do we go a la carte.
My husband needs a can of Tonic Water and a glass of orange juice every day while on the ship.
Is Tonic Water considered a cola? and must we pay the price from our mini fridge?
Is orange juice available in the Lido or dining restaurants? do we have to pay individually or do we have to get the package or is it included in our fare.
Hi Aline
Thanks for your question. Tonic Water should be covered by the Sigature Package, but bare in mind that items from the mini-bar fridge are not included in the package.
And yes, orange juice is available in the dining areas.
I hope this helps.
Regards
Jason Kerr
Managing Editor
I cannot find the definitive answer to this anywhere: HAL’s current “have it all” promotion includes a free signature beverage package. Will we have a surprise gratuity added to our bill for the drink package? I know we will see the standard gratuities on our bill at the end of the cruise (unless we prepay) but what about drink package gratuities? I’ve heard some cruise lines offer “free” drinks but then charge the drink gratuities for the full value of the package. We are not big drinkers at all, so even the gratuities alone might be more than we would normally spend on drinks for a cruise. I would think HAL would disclose if this was the case, but I’d like reassurance from someone who personally knows how it works. Thanks!
Hi! We are taking a Holland America Cruise in May 2021. Do you know if you get a package (Have it all package) that includes the Signature beverage package can you upgrade to the Elite beverage package? If so, do you do this once on board or prior?
Thanks!
Hi Sandy
Thank you for your question. As you can understand, all the cruise lines are offering various incentives for booking right now. Therefore I would speak directly to your travel advisor or HAL for a difinitive answer.
Regards
Jason Kerr
Managing Editor
I am traveling with a friend in the same cabin. We have the drink package as part of our cruise. I think I want to upgrade to the elite package. Does my room mate also have to upgrade?
Hi Carolyn,
Thank you for your question. Yes, both of you will need to upgrade. All guests sharing the same cabin must purchase the same alcoholic beverage package.
Regards
Jason Kerr
Managing Editor
We purchased three cruises and received the signature beverage package for free on each. We must pay the 15% gratuity fee. Is that per drink or is that on the whole package? We mainly drink water. Thank you.
Hi Lana
Thanks for your questions. Many cruise lines are offering booking incentives like beverage packages at the moment. If you have a Signature Beverage Package included in your crusie fare then that generally means gratuities associated with the package are included too. However, I would strongly recommend calling your local HAL office for clarification.
Regards
Jason Kerr
Managing editor
Hello Jason,
Does the signature drink package include Irish Coffee?
Hi Harriet
Thanks for your question. The Signature Package includes all alcoholic drinks priced at US$11 or less. Pre-COVID the price of a standard cocktail (or Irish Coffee) was US$8.50. So on that basis you can assume it is included in the package.
That said, HAL’s mixologist Dale DeGroff also has his own special Irish Coffee available onboard. This version is included only in the Elite Beverage Package.
Hope this helps.
Regards
Jason Kerr
Managing editor
Hi Jason. I was curious if we have the free signature drink package, what happens if we buy a drink for $15. Do we pay full price, or does the $4 extra get charged to our room.
Hi John
It’s a good question. If the beverage costs more than the maximum price your package allows you will be charged the full price for that beverage.
Regards
Jason Kerr
Managing editor
We’re looking at a SIGNATURE BEVERAGE PACKAGE, does that mean we can have wine by the glass in the standard dining rooms with dinner as long as it’s under $11?
Dear George,
Yes, any wine valued at US$11 or less. I hope you enjoy your cruise.
Regards
Jason Kerr
Managing Editor
Dear Jason,
Regarding the “Have It All” Promotion – which beverage package and which Internet package are they including? I can’t find details in their booking information that give that information specifically.
Thank you,
Penny
Dear Penny
Thank you for your question. According to the HAL blog, the “Have It All” promotion includes the Signature Beverage Package.
Regards
Jason Kerr
Managing Editor
Cruising in 2022, was looking for the list of what’s included in the Signature package, especially Scotch for my husband
Dear Elaynefzj
The Signature Beverage package includes any alcoholic drinks valued at US$11 or less. In my experience this include most spirits on board. However, you won’t know the brands of spirits they stock until you sail.
Hope this helps.
Jason Kerr
Managing Editor
Hi Jason
We are cruising with Holland America in Spring of 2022 and will have the Signature Beverage package. This package includes ‘coffee’. Would an ‘espresso’ or ‘latte’ fall under this category?
Dear Patti
Thanks for your question. Yes, if coffee is part of your package that will generally include espresso and cafe latte, as well as other styles of non-alcoholic coffee.
Hope this helps
Regards
Jason Kerr
Managing Editor
What is the corkage fee, if we bring our own wine ? Do we still get 2 bottles with no fee?
Hi
We are doing an Alaskan cruise in 2023 and have purchased the Signature drinks package and understand if a drink is over the $11 we need to pay for it. I’m finding it difficult to get a drinks menu to see what wines by the glass would be above $11 and if we are better to buy the next level up
With the “have it all” package, ee get the signature drinks package included. What is the cost per person to upgrade to the elite package?
I find this all extremely complicated and difficult to understand. I usually have a drink with dinner or a glass of wine but maybe a nightcap of a drink. I might have an occational soda at lunch, tea for breakfast. Which package should I buy?
Hi Judith
Thanks for your question. You might find it more economical to purchase your drinks by-the-glass, rather than getting a drinks package. I hope this is useful advice.
Regards
Jason Kerr
Managing Editor
Is can soda included in the Elite Package. If not do they still have a happy hour where I could purchase 2 cans for the price on one.
Dear Mike
Yes, soda is included in the Elite package.
Regards
Jason Kerr
Managing Editor
Hi Jason. I cannot find an HAL price list for whiskeys and bourbons anywhere. I booked the Signature package. I’m just trying to see if I should upgrade to Premium, it’s not much of a jump in price, but I want to see if it is necessary. If I can’t find out until I board, will they let me upgrade then? Any ideas?
Dear Clay
Thank you for your question. Please see below the prices we snapped whilst on board Rotterdam about 18 months ago. I hope it helps.
Regards
Jason Kerr
Managing Editor