An all-inclusive river cruise will always include some type of an “unlimited beverage” policy. However, there are variations to what this actually means. And even with those companies that do not have “all-inclusive” river cruise packages, there are still some beverages included in the fare.
Companies – All Beverages Included
All river cruise companies listed below serve unlimited beverages; however, exactly what that includes varies among suppliers. All provide unlimited coffee, tea, soft drinks and at the very least select or non-premium alcoholic beverages.
- Unlimited beverages (coffee, tea, soft drinks, beer, wine and spirits) featured onboard for the duration of your river cruise.
- Bottled Water – replenished in stateroom daily.
- Unlimited beverages (coffee, tea, soft drinks, beer, wine and spirits) featured onboard for the duration of your river cruise.
- Bottled Water – replenished in stateroom daily.
- In-Suite MiniBar – replenished in stateroom daily.
- Unlimited beverages (coffee, tea, soft drinks, beer, wine and spirits) featured onboard for the duration of your river cruise.
- Uniworld is one of the most all-inclusive river cruise lines. The company does feature unlimited beverages, which includes “an extensive selection of distinctive wines, crafts and regional beers, spirits, cocktails, soft drinks, juices and specialty teas and coffees.
- Note: Uniworld’s “unlimited beverage policy” does not include premium wine and premium spirits.
Companies – Some Beverages Included
With regard to beverages, all of the river cruise companies listed below serve coffee and tea free of charge. Many of them also provide bottled water every day. And most serve soft drinks and house beer or wine with lunch and dinner.
- Coffee and Tea: Yes – includes specialty coffees, such as espresso and café late.
- Bottled Water: Yes – replenished in staterooms daily.
- Soft Drinks: Yes – served with lunch and dinner.
- Beer and Wine: Yes – served with lunch and dinner.
- Premium Beer, Wine and Spirits: No.
- Coffee and Tea: Yes – always available free of charge.
- Soft Drinks: Yes – always available free of charge.
- Beer and Wine: Yes – select beer and wine are served with lunch and dinner.
- Premium Beer, Wine and Spirits: No.
American Queen Steamboat Company
- Coffee and Tea: Yes – also includes specialty coffees, such as espresso and café late.
- Bottled Water: Yes. – replenished in staterooms daily.
- Soft Drinks: Yes – served with lunch and dinner.
- Beer and Wine: Yes – served with dinner. Beer and wine are available for purchase during lunch.
- Premium Beer, Wine and Spirits: No.
- Coffee and Tea: Yes – always available free of charge.
- Soft Drinks: Yes – served with lunch and dinner.
- Beer and Wine: Yes – served with lunch dinner.
- Premium Beer, Wine and Spirits: No.
- Coffee, Tea, Mineral Water and Fruit Juice: Yes – served with every meal.
- Beer and Wine: Yes – select beer and wine are served with every meal.
- Premium Beer, Wine and Spirits: No.
- Note: Some itineraries feature an open bar. For cruises that do not have an open bar, a drink card can be purchased for less than $35 per person. Any remaining balance at the end of the cruise is credited back to the purchaser’s account.
Emerald Cruises
- Coffee and Tea: Yes – always available free of charge.
- Bottled Water: Yes – replenished in staterooms daily.
- Soft Drinks: Yes – served with lunch and dinner.
- Beer and Wine: Yes – served with lunch and dinner.
- Premium Beer, Wine and Spirits: No.
- Coffee, Tea and Espresso: Yes – always available free of charge.
- Soft Drinks: Yes – served with lunch and dinner.
- Beer and Wine: Yes – served with lunch and dinner.
- Premium Beer, Wine and Spirits: No.
- Coffee and Tea: Yes – always available free of charge.
- Bottled Water: Yes – replenished in staterooms daily.
- Soft Drinks: Yes – served with meals.
- Beer and Wine: Yes – house wines and beers are served with meals. You may purchase your own local wine and bring it onboard to enjoy with your meals. There is no charge for corkage.
- Premium Beer, Wine and Spirits: No. (A Silver Spirits’ beverage package is available for purchase.)
- Note: A Silver Spirits’ beverage package for premium wines, beers, cocktails and sparkling wine is available for purchase.
Average Savings for Beverages Included in the Fare
This type of savings all depends on your choice of beverage or beverages and the quantity with which they are consumed. If you plan to enjoy a fairly large quantity of alcoholic beverages, then your best option would be to either select a cruise line that has an unlimited beverage policy or choose to purchase a beverage card with another less inclusive river cruise company.
See other all-inclusive river cruise articles in this series:
- Airport Transfer Fees
- Fitness Center/Pool/Bikes
- Free WiFi
- Laundry Services or Facilities
- Port Charges
- Prepaid Gratuities
- Private Butler Serivce
- Shore Excursions
Leave a Reply