Taking a look at the MSC drinks menus before your cruise can be a good way to know what drinks are available on board, how much the drinks cost, and whether to buy a drink package or not.
If you’ve not yet decided whether to get a drinks package or which one to get out of the five different packages that MSC Cruises offer, then be sure to take a look at my MSC Cruises Drink Package Guide.
That will give you all the info you need to easily work out whether the drinks package is worth it or not.
In this guide to the drinks menus on MSC Cruises ships, you’ll be able to see photos of the drinks menus from each of the bars, lounges and restaurants on MSC Virtuosa.
MSC Cruises Drinks Menus
- Pool Bar Menu
- Cocktail Bar Menu
- British Pub Drinks Menu
- Buffet Drinks Menu
- MSC Starship Club Drinks Menu
- Minibar Price List
I cruised on MSC Virtuosa from the UK in May 2021. On this cruise, every guest was given a Premium Drink Package. This entitled us to unlimited drinks priced at £10 or less each.
As the cruise was only for UK residents, all of the onboard pricing was in pounds (£). On other cruises, the drinks are priced in Euros (€) or US Dollars ($), depending on where in the world the ship is sailing.
(At the time of writing, £10 is equivalent to around €11.50 or $14.)
The different MSC Cruises drink menus
MSC Cruises ships each have a variety of indoor and outdoor bars, lounges and restaurants. Oftentimes, you’ll see that the same menu is used in more than one venue.
For example, the Pool Bar Menu will be found in all of the outdoor bars as well as the Tropical Bar which is by the indoor pool. Most of the cocktail bars will have the same Cocktail Bar Menu.
There are, however, some drink lists which you can only get in one venue – such as the British Pub or the Starship Club.
Online and paper menus
Since cruising has resumed, MSC Cruises now use online menus wherever possible. This is great for hygiene as you don’t need to touch a menu that’s been touched by somebody else.
On each table, there’s a sign with a QR code which you can scan with your mobile phone and it will take you to the menu.
You’ll need to be connected to the ship’s wifi to see the menus. You don’t need a wifi package to do this, so it won’t cost you anything. A wifi package enables you to see the rest of the internet or to send messages and make calls on Whatsapp etc.
If you don’t have a mobile device or don’t feel comfortable reading menus on one, disposable paper menus are always available. Just ask one of the waiters for one and they won’t mind at all.
How to order drinks
Although the menus are online, you cannot order drinks online on MSC Cruises ships. Instead, you just tell a waiter what you would like.
Wherever you’re sitting, even if it’s on a sunlounger, the servers will come over regularly to ask if you would like a drink.
On our cruise, you could go to the bar to order drinks, but the person to take your order would be a server with a portable computer, not the person behind the bar. The bartenders were only making drinks and the servers would hand them out.
How much do drinks cost on MSC Cruises?
The drinks on MSC Cruises ships are similarly priced to other cruise lines. You’ll pay around £8 for a beer, £9 for a glass of wine, £10 for a cocktail and £3 for a soft drink.
Read on to see photos of all of the MSC Cruises driinks menus with the latest pricing in pounds sterling…
Pool Bar Menu
On MSC cruises, cocktails are always a popular choice, especially when sitting by one of the swimming pools.
All drinks served outside or by the pool are served in plastic glasses. They are nice plastic glasses, however, particularly the tall cocktail glasses. All of the drinking straws on MSC Cruises are biodegradable.
On MSC Cruises ships you cannot take your drinks into the pools or hot tubs as you can with other cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean.
On the pool bar menu, every drink is £10 or less, so you can order whatever you want without worrying about it not being included in the drinks package.
Cocktail Bar Menu
MSC Cruises’ cocktail bar menu is the one that you’ll find in most of the indoor bars and lounges such as the Sky Lounge.
At the start of this menu there are a few pages of premium cocktails that aren’t included in the standard drink package.
Once you get past this, there are lots of cocktails priced at £10 or less as well as a large selection of beers, wines, spirits, and hot drinks.
British Pub Drinks Menu
The British Pub on MSC Virtuosa is called Masters of the Seas. On other ships it has a different name such as The Brass Anchor on MSC Meraviglia.
If you love beer, this is the place to be as you’ll find 12 different beers on draft as well as a huge selection of bottled beers and beer-based cocktails.
Wine List & Restaurant Drinks Menu
In the Main Dining Rooms, each of the lunch and dinner menus has a section headed ‘Sommelier Recommends’ where you can choose from a selection of wines of the day.
However, you can also order anything from the full wine list. If you have a drink package, it makes sense to order by the glass as wines by the bottle are not included in any package.
When you order by the glass, some of the serving sizes are quite small. This is a photo of a glass of rose wine that in ordered in the Main Dining Room. (No, I hadn’t drank any before I took the photo!)
Buffet Drinks Menu
In the Marketplace Buffet restaurant on MSC Cruises, there is a simple drinks menu with beers, wines, soft drinks and coffees.
At breakfast, if you ask for coffee or fruit juice in the buffet, it will be given to you from the machines. These drinks are free for everyone, with or without a drinks package, and they’re not the best.
However, if you do have a drink package then you should ask for freshly squeezed juices and a latte or cappuccino. These are included in the package but you won’t get them unless you ask specifically.
MSC Starship Club Drinks Menu
On MSC Virtuosa, there’s a robot bartender called Rob who makes drinks for you in the Starship Club.
You can order a drink from Rob using the touchscreens that are located in the bar. There’s a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks to choose from, or you can create your own.
Drinks made by Rob the robot cost £18 for alcoholic drinks and £10 for non-alcoholic drinks. They come in a souvenir cup which you get to take home in a box.
Drinks made by the robot aren’t included in the MSC drinks packages, but you can order from a human server instead if you want the free drinks.
Minibar Price List
Each cabin on MSC Cruises ships has a refrigerated minibar that is refilled daily.
Drinks from the minibar are not included in the standard drink package are may be included in some upgrade drinks packages or in Yacht Club Suites.
MSC drinks packages are changing from winter 2021. They will have different names and the inclusions such as the minibar may change, so it’s worth checking before you use it and get charged.
To conclude
MSC Cruises drinks prices are broadly similar to other cruise lines. The cocktails aren’t particularly strong and the glasses of wine can be fairly small, so you may drink more than you expect to.
If you’re wondering whether to buy a package or not, be sure to take a look at my MSC drink package guide which has information about the various packages and also lists the drinks that are always free or charge with or without a drink package.
I’ve also created a drink package calculator tool that will help you to work out how much you would spend on drinks during your cruise if you didn’t have a package.
If this sounds useful, just leave your email below and it will be sent straight to your inbox…
Don’t Overpay For Your MSC Cruise!
Here’s how I get the lowest price when I book a cruise…
1. Compare prices from every travel agent in one place.
2. Choose a trusted travel agent with a best price guarantee.
Please don’t book with any old company just because they have a cheap deal. I recommend that you find the best price and then take it to a trusted travel agent who will beat it, as well as giving you the best service.
Related posts:
- MSC Bella Vs Fantastica Vs Aurea: Which to choose?
- The MSC Starship Club featuring Rob the humanoid robotic bartender
- MSC Cruises ships by size, age and class
- MSC Drink Packages
You're welcome to share this guide with your friends if you think it may help them too.
FAQs
How much is beer on MSC cruise? ›
Cost considerations. Drink menus are quite extensive on MSC cruise ships, and so too are the range in prices. Prices for popular beverages: Draught beer is $3.50 for 7 oz, $6 for 14 oz.
What's included in MSC Easy drinks package? ›- Draught beer.
- Selection of house wines by the glass.
- Selection of classic cocktails.
- Mixed drinks and non-alcoholic cocktails.
- Soft drinks and fruit juices by the glass.
- Bottled mineral water.
- Classic hot drinks (espresso, cappuccino, caffe latte, hot tea)
Yes, you can upgrade to the Classic drink package for $18 per person/per day. You can upgrade to the DELUXE drink package for $26 per person/per day. Either upgrades must be purchased by all guests staying in the same stateroom, 21 years of age and older, for the duration of the cruise.
Can you get unlimited drinks on a cruise? ›Yes, you can buy a beverage package. These all-you-can-drink packages allow passengers to pay a set fee up front for unlimited drinks (of a certain type, as outlined by the package's fine print), rather than pay per drink once onboard the cruise ship.
Is ice cream free on MSC Cruises? ›One last food gripe: A highlight of every family cruise I've been on is the free soft-serve ice cream on the pool deck. Your kids should be able to get themselves cones when it's hot outside. It's the quintessential vacation experience.
Can I bring bottled water on MSC cruise? ›MSC Cruises do not allow guests to bring any soft drinks or water onto their cruise ships. If you need to bring water for medical reasons, you should let MSC Cruises know before you cruise as they may require you to fill in a form.
How much does MSC charge for gratuities? ›Gratuities (called Hotel Service Charge on MSC) vary by destination and cruise type. Cruises in North America - the Caribbean, the United States, and Canada are $14 per night for guests 12 and over. For kids 2 and up it is $6.25, and there is no charge for kids under 2.
Can you take alcohol on MSC? ›Alcohol. 13.1 Alcoholic drinks, including wines, spirits, beer or other liqueurs are available for purchase onboard the Vessel at fixed prices. Passengers are not permitted to bring onboard any such drinks for use during the voyage, whether for consumption in their own cabins or otherwise.
Is coffee free on MSC Cruises? ›On MSC Cruises, tea and coffee is available free of charge but only at the buffet area. You can get all kinds of teas and coffees such as cappuccino and espresso for free with a drinks package.
Is champagne included in MSC drinks package? ›Premium Extra Package
Extensive variety of frozen and classic cocktails. Premium brand spirits. Liqueurs and cordials. Entire selection of wines and champagne by the glass.
Is the MSC Fun Pass worth it? ›
The fun Pass will be worth it if you plan on playing several of the Simulator games or bowling. It also will be a good deal for families or groups with multiple people.
Can you bring drinks on MSC Cruises? ›MSC Cruises beverage policy rules and allowance
No beverage or food can be brought unless there is a medical necessity (the baby formula is allowed). Bringing champagne or wine onboard is also not allowed. MSC or its agents have the right to confiscate alcohol that was brought on board by guests.
Alcoholic drinks, including wines, spirits, beer or other liqueurs are available for purchase onboard the Vessel at fixed prices. Passengers are not permitted to bring onboard any such drinks for use during the voyage, whether for consumption in their own cabins or otherwise.
Is the mini bar included on MSC Cruises? ›The mini bar in your cabin will be unlocked and you can help yourself but you will be charged. There is a price list in your cabin. The cabin staff will know exactly what is in there and how many of each. The only things included in YC minibar for free is beer and soft drinks.
How many drinks can you have a day on a cruise? ›While you may drink unlimited non-alcoholic drinks on the CHEERS package, your consumption of alcoholic drinks is capped at 15 per day. For many people, there's no way they'll ever drink 15 drinks in one day. But there's also many people who can drink 15 in one day and still go for more.
Can you share a drink package on a cruise? ›Cruise ship drinks packages cannot be shared. The drinks package must only be used by the person who bought the package and any guests found to be sharing the package may have their package cancelled without any form of a refund.
How much is all you can drink on cruises? ›The beverage package can only be purchased for the entire voyage at a rate of $59.95 USD per person, per day via Carnival's website and $64.95 USD per person, per day if purchased once on board. What is the price for individual drinks on board?
What drinks are free on cruises? ›Complimentary drinks typically include tap water, basic coffee, tea (iced or hot), hot chocolate (from a packet or machine), milk and a selection of juices with meals.
Is MSC a luxury cruise line? ›MSC Cruises has stepped up the luxury quotient with its Yacht Club, a VIP section available across the line's four Seaside-class ships. Another ship-within-a-ship concept, it offers larger suites that come with verandas and round-the-clock butler service.
Does MSC have anytime dining? ›Guests can dine any time they want during opening hours of the main restaurants. MSC Yacht Club offers guests the crème de la crème, with its own dedicated restaurant on each ship.
Can you drink the tap water on a cruise? ›
Cruise ship tap water is safe to drink unless you are told otherwise by the ship's authorities. The water throughout the ship has been treated, filtered and frequently tested to meet the standards of the World Health Organization and the U.S. Public Health Service on ships sailing into and out of U.S. ports of call.
How much is a bottle of water on a cruise ship? ›Bottled water may also be purchased on board by contacting Room Service. Pricing for bottled water is as follows: $4.95 USD (plus an 18% delivery fee) for a 12-pack of bottled water (16.9-ounce bottle/500-ml bottle) $3.95 USD (plus an 18% delivery fee) for 1 large bottled water (50.72-ounce bottle/1.5-liter bottle)
Do you have to pay for water on a cruise? ›3. Alcohol and other beverages. What you'll pay: At meals, water, iced tea, milk, coffee, tea and juices are complimentary, but alcoholic beverages are not included in the cruise fare on most lines.
What happens if you don't tip on a cruise? ›However, most cruise lines are based in the U.S., where the crew members' pay structure is based on tips. If you refuse to tip on principle, you are impacting the salaries of the people who have served you well onboard.
Should you tip extra on a cruise? ›Most cruise lines suggest tipping $10 to $12 per day per passenger (not per couple), regardless of age. For a seven-day cruise, this means each cruiser should budget at least $70 for gratuities, or $140 per cabin for two people.
Is tipping mandatory on MSC Cruises? ›Please let your booking agent know if you would like to add the Service Charge to your cruise price. TIPS: MSC does not recommend tipping individual members of staff.
How much alcohol can you bring back from a cruise? ›U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will allow you to enter the United States with up to five liters of alcohol duty-free as part of your exemption - as long as at least four liters were purchased in the insular possession, and at least one of them is a product of that insular possession.
What should I bring on a MSC cruise? ›...
Must-Have No.
- An open mind. ...
- A bathing suit. ...
- Copy of your travel documents. ...
- Memory cards and batteries. ...
- Bring workout clothes. ...
- Comfy shoes for shore excursions. ...
- Your favorite & most essential toiletries. ...
- Wrinkle-release or wrinkle-free clothing.
In the interest of health and safety, beverages and food (including partially eaten or home cooked items) may not be brought on board either. Exception: dry, packaged and commercially produced foods. Cruises will be forced to deny access to any guests not complying with these mandated regulations.
Is the MSC Fun Pass worth it? ›The fun Pass will be worth it if you plan on playing several of the Simulator games or bowling. It also will be a good deal for families or groups with multiple people.
Does MSC drinks package include mini bar? ›
Each cabin on MSC Cruises ships has a refrigerated minibar that is refilled daily. Drinks from the minibar are not included in the standard drink package are may be included in some upgrade drinks packages or in Yacht Club Suites.
How much does MSC charge for gratuities? ›Gratuities (called Hotel Service Charge on MSC) vary by destination and cruise type. Cruises in North America - the Caribbean, the United States, and Canada are $14 per night for guests 12 and over. For kids 2 and up it is $6.25, and there is no charge for kids under 2.
Can you bring drinks on MSC Cruises? ›MSC Cruises beverage policy rules and allowance
No beverage or food can be brought unless there is a medical necessity (the baby formula is allowed). Bringing champagne or wine onboard is also not allowed. MSC or its agents have the right to confiscate alcohol that was brought on board by guests.
Currency. For cruises in the Caribbean, South America and South Africa, as well as on MSC Grand Voyages going to Europe and to Australia, the onboard currency is the U.S. dollar. On cruises in other parts of the world, the onboard currency is the euro.
Is MSC cheaper than Royal Caribbean? ›Price Comparison – Royal Caribbean vs MSC
Both prices are based on two sharing and these prices included gratuities. It's very rare to find a Royal Caribbean cruise cheaper than a MSC cruise but in this case, it was.
Are there additional costs for the performances? It is free for guests to attend the performances held on board MSC cruise ships.
Is the mini bar free on MSC? ›MSC Yacht Club guests enjoy the equivalent of the Premium Extra drinks package which can be used in all bars and restaurants throughout the ship. Yacht Club guests also enjoy a free minibar.
Can I bring bottled water on MSC cruise? ›MSC Cruises do not allow guests to bring any soft drinks or water onto their cruise ships. If you need to bring water for medical reasons, you should let MSC Cruises know before you cruise as they may require you to fill in a form.
Does MSC premium extra include mini bar? ›Does anyone know if the mini bar is included in the premium extra package? No unless your in Yc. The mini bar in your cabin will be unlocked and you can help yourself but you will be charged. There is a price list in your cabin.
What happens if you don't tip on a cruise? ›However, most cruise lines are based in the U.S., where the crew members' pay structure is based on tips. If you refuse to tip on principle, you are impacting the salaries of the people who have served you well onboard.
Should you tip extra on a cruise? ›
Most cruise lines suggest tipping $10 to $12 per day per passenger (not per couple), regardless of age. For a seven-day cruise, this means each cruiser should budget at least $70 for gratuities, or $140 per cabin for two people.
Is tipping mandatory on MSC Cruises? ›Please let your booking agent know if you would like to add the Service Charge to your cruise price. TIPS: MSC does not recommend tipping individual members of staff.
Can you wear jeans to dinner on a cruise? ›On formal nights, proper attire includes tuxedos, suits or slacks (jackets required) for men and evening gowns, cocktail dresses or dressy pantsuits for women. Jeans are welcome in all dining venues during the day, but they're not appropriate in any public venues for dinner or cocktail hour.
What drinks are free on cruises? ›Complimentary drinks typically include tap water, basic coffee, tea (iced or hot), hot chocolate (from a packet or machine), milk and a selection of juices with meals.
How much alcohol can you bring on MSC cruise? ›Alcohol. 13.1 Alcoholic drinks, including wines, spirits, beer or other liqueurs are available for purchase onboard the Vessel at fixed prices. Passengers are not permitted to bring onboard any such drinks for use during the voyage, whether for consumption in their own cabins or otherwise.