Will you have an in-suite minibar on your river cruise? It depends on the river cruise company and usually on the stateroom category. There are some cruise lines that provide a complimentary minibar and others that offer one but charge you for the service.
Not all in-suite minibars are the same. Just as some are free of charge and others are not, each cruise line is different with regard to the types of beverages that are included. Most will provide at least beer and wine along with some soft drink choices.
Scenic Sapphire. Photo courtesy of Scenic Tours
Each of the cruise lines listed below offers some level of minibar service. You’ll find that there’s quite a variation among the different companies.
AmaWaterways features an in-suite minibar in suite staterooms with twin balconies; however, the service is not included in the fare. Be sure to check the prices before you start to consume.
A complimentary minibar is available to A-ROSA guests who book a suite. These items are included in the minibar: mineral water, apple juice, Pepsi Cola, Mirinda, beer, white wine, sparkling wine, red wine and peanuts.
With Avalon Waterways all staterooms and suites feature a “well-stocked” minibar. You will incur a fee for this service, so be sure to understand the pricing for each item before you start to consume.
Owner’s one-bedroom suites on all of Emerald Cruises’ vessels are stocked with beer, wine and soft drinks. This is complimentary and the minibar is restocked daily.
Scenic Cruises is one of the most all-inclusive river cruise companies. A fully-stocked, complimentary minibar is featured in all staterooms.
A complimentary minibar stocked with water and soft drinks is offered on all Tauck’s vessels, regardless of stateroom category.
Uniworld provides a fully-stocked, complimentary minibar for all suite staterooms.
Added Value of An In-Suite Minibar
It really depends whether or not this service is complimentary or it’s billable. If it’s included in your fare, then it can definitely enhance the time you spend in your stateroom. While you probably won’t spend a lot of time in your stateroom, it’s still nice to know that beverages will be available in your cabin free of charge.
If it’s a service for which you will be charged, it’s a matter of preference. You can either drink the beverages that are supplied to your stateroom, or you can choose to order them in one of the public areas during non-dining hours. Either way you will be charged for some of the beverages your consume outside of meals.
Some people prefer to spend more time socializing with others whether it’s enjoying a soft drink or sipping a glass of wine. Other travelers may enjoy spending some quiet time away from the crowd. With either scenario you can expect to pay for the drinks you consume.
Read more about All-Inclusive River Cruises.
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