NEW MSC Drink Packages (2021 onwards)

[phissy]

On 1/18/2022 at 2:53 PM, hamrag said:

Yes, the top package is now Premium Extra limiting you to drinks by the glass with a maximum price of 13.

Premium extra is now $15 max price per drink

[Geeynots]

Hi @Aeroplex, packages are about $860 for the Easy package, which includes only Heineken draft, while Easy plus is almost $1,200, both in Canadian money, for my 17-day cruise. There is a third package that was even more expensive that is just too much money for me. I enjoy beer and would have settled for Heineken, but for two or my favourite craft brands, and some frozen drinks, the extra $17.50 a day is worth it. But if you are a medium to low drinker, I’m not sure a drinks package would pay off for you. It would take more than 5 drinks a day (including port days) to break even, although that does include non-alcoholic drinks and specialty coffees. The packages also include tips, which would normally be added to you bill, apparently. There are some good resources out there to figure out if packages are for you, it’s just been incredibly difficult to find what is actually included in each package. Also MSC makes everyone in the same cabin buy some type of package. I’m travelling alone so that’s not an issue for me. 

Edited October 4, 2022 by Geeynots

[Geeynots]

. 

Edited October 4, 2022 by Geeynots

[Aeroplex]

1 hour ago, Geeynots said:

Hi @Aeroplex, packages are about $860 for the Easy package, which includes only Heineken draft, while Easy plus is almost $1,200, both in Canadian money, for my 17-day cruise. There is a third package that was even more expensive that is just too much money for me. I enjoy beer and would have settled for Heineken, but for two or my favourite craft brands, and some frozen drinks, the extra $17.50 a day is worth it. But if you are a medium to low drinker, I’m not sure a drinks package would pay off for you. It would take more than 5 drinks a day (including port days) to break even, although that does include non-alcoholic drinks and specialty coffees. The packages also include tips, which would normally be added to you bill, apparently. There are some good resources out there to figure out if packages are for you, it’s just been incredibly difficult to find what is actually included in each package. Also MSC makes everyone in the same cabin buy some type of package. I’m travelling alone so that’s not an issue for me. 

Thanks for the detailed explanation. I was just a little bit fascinated about the fact too book easy plus for 2 beer brands. Still 1200 CAD is 900€ which is almost 52€ per day ( are you sure the 1200 CAD is correct?).

 

But in the end it’s your holiday so enjoy and have a lot of drinks haha

 

 

[Geeynots]

I'm afraid it is correct. It's $1,190 CDN actually. But it is a 17-day cruise and does include the 15-18% tip. The two beer brands are a big reason, and there a number of other brands as well, but it would be nice to have the odd frozen drink and higher-end cocktail, which also aren't included in the cheaper package. And I'll be having a couple of cappuccinos a day. It really is a tough call for me, but I think I'd likely average more than the 6 drinks (including coffees and non-alcohol options) to break even, so I'll give it a go. Guess we'll see.

[Aeroplex]

1 hour ago, Geeynots said:

I'm afraid it is correct. It's $1,190 CDN actually. But it is a 17-day cruise and does include the 15-18% tip. The two beer brands are a big reason, and there a number of other brands as well, but it would be nice to have the odd frozen drink and higher-end cocktail, which also aren't included in the cheaper package. And I'll be having a couple of cappuccinos a day. It really is a tough call for me, but I think I'd likely average more than the 6 drinks (including coffees and non-alcohol options) to break even, so I'll give it a go. Guess we'll see.

 

 

 

You can ask your steward to empty the mini bar, if it isn't included. Then you can ask for beer bottles sealed to enjoy it from your mini bar / balcony. Then I would suggest to order bottled water or other sealed beverages for all the excursions.

 

^^ Enjoy

 

 

Edited October 4, 2022 by Aeroplex

[perakcruiser]

12 hours ago, phissy said:

Premium extra is now $15 max price per drink

No, it is €13. Which MSC still exchanges to $15. Certainly this will change very very soon as the € is turning into a zombie currency very fast.

[Aeroplex]

3 minutes ago, perakcruiser said:

No, it is €13. Which MSC still exchanges to $15. Certainly this will change very very soon as the € is turning into a zombie currency very fast.

😓 € ... oh no

[Geeynots]

10 minutes ago, Aeroplex said:

 

 

 

You can ask your steward to empty the mini bar, if it isn't included. Then you can ask for beer bottles sealed to enjoy it from your mini bar / balcony. Then I would suggest to order bottled water or other sealed beverages for all the excursions.

 

^^ Enjoy

 

 

I knew about emptying the minibar but hadn't thought about getting an unopened bottle. That's a great tip, thank you.

[Aeroplex]

27 minutes ago, Geeynots said:

I knew about emptying the minibar but hadn't thought about getting an unopened bottle. That's a great tip, thank you.

 

If you say you want to enjoy the bottle in the cabin/balcony ^^, it will be given to you sealed. It should also be possible to take beer off-board.

Edited October 4, 2022 by Aeroplex

[phissy]

8 hours ago, Geeynots said:

Hi @Aeroplex, packages are about $860 for the Easy package, which includes only Heineken draft.

There are some good resources out there to figure out if packages are for you, it’s just been incredibly difficult to find what is actually included in each package.  

There is a PDF online with current packages and inclusions.

Winter 2021 - Onwards Drink Package Comparison		The Bahamas  & Caribbean Cruises		Europe, Emirates,  Southern Caribbean & World Cruise
Drink Package:	Easy Select drinks	Easy Plus  (Included in All-In offer) All drinks up to $9	Premium Extra All drinks  up to $15	Easy Select drinks	Easy Plus (Included in All-In offer) All drinks up to €8	Premium Extra All drinks  up to €13
BEER BRANDS
Affligem Blond					⚫	⚫
Amstel Light					⚫	⚫
Angry Orchard Apple Cider		⚫	⚫
Beck's		⚫	⚫		⚫	⚫
Blue Moon		⚫	⚫
Bud Light		⚫	⚫
Budweiser		⚫	⚫		⚫	⚫
Coors Light		⚫	⚫
Corona / Corona Light		⚫	⚫
Desperados					⚫	⚫
Dos Equis		⚫	⚫		⚫	⚫
Draft Beer	⚫	⚫	⚫	⚫	⚫	⚫
Franziskaner					⚫	⚫
Guinness		⚫	⚫		⚫	⚫
Heineken		⚫	⚫		⚫	⚫
Heineken 0.0 Alcohol-free	⚫	⚫	⚫	⚫	⚫	⚫
Michelob Ultra		⚫	⚫
Miller Lite (bottle)	⚫	⚫	⚫
Nastro Azzuro		⚫	⚫		⚫	⚫
Newcastle Brown Ale		⚫	⚫		⚫	⚫
Paulaner					⚫	⚫
Pilsner Urquell		⚫	⚫
Red Stripe		⚫	⚫
Samuel Adams		⚫	⚫
San Miguel					⚫	⚫
Sol					⚫	⚫
Stella Artois		⚫	⚫		⚫	⚫
Strongbow Apple Cider					⚫	⚫
Yuengling Lager		⚫	⚫
WHISKEY BRANDS
Ballantine's Finest					⚫	⚫
Bell's					⚫	⚫
Bushmills						⚫
Canadian Club		⚫	⚫		⚫	⚫
Chivas Regal 12Y			⚫			⚫
Crown Royal		⚫	⚫		⚫	⚫
Dewar's					⚫	⚫
Dewar's Special Reserve 12Y			⚫
Dewar's White Label		⚫	⚫
Elijah Craig		⚫	⚫
Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey		⚫	⚫
Gentleman Jack			⚫
Glenlivet Master Distiller's Reserve			⚫			⚫
J&B					⚫	⚫
Jack Daniel's Old N° 7			⚫			⚫
Jameson Irish		⚫	⚫		⚫	⚫
Jim Beam White Label		⚫	⚫		⚫	⚫
Johnnie Walker Black 12Y			⚫			⚫
Johnnie Walker Red		⚫	⚫		⚫	⚫
Maker's Mark			⚫			⚫
Mitcher's Rye			⚫
Nikka Days						⚫
Seagram's 7		⚫	⚫
Whiskey (well)	⚫	⚫	⚫	⚫	⚫	⚫
Woodford Reserve			⚫			⚫
VODKA BRANDS
Absolut		⚫	⚫		⚫	⚫
Absolut Elix			⚫			⚫
Belvedere			⚫			⚫
Chopin			⚫			⚫
Finlandia		⚫	⚫
Grey Goose			⚫			⚫
Houpert & Frère			⚫
Ketel One		⚫	⚫
Moskowskaya					⚫	⚫
Ocean (organic vodka)			⚫
Smirnoff		⚫	⚫		⚫	⚫
Stolichnaya		⚫	⚫		⚫	⚫
Tito's		⚫	⚫		⚫	⚫
Ultimat			⚫
Vodka (well)	⚫	⚫	⚫	⚫	⚫	⚫
RUM BRANDS
Appleton Estate		⚫	⚫
Bacardi 8Y			⚫			⚫
Bacardi Black		⚫	⚫		⚫	⚫
Bacardi Flavored					⚫	⚫
Bacardi Oakheart		⚫	⚫
Bacardi Superior White		⚫	⚫		⚫	⚫
Brugal Anejo		⚫	⚫
Captain Morgan		⚫	⚫
Captain Morgan Spiced					⚫	⚫
Gosling's Black Seal		⚫	⚫
Havana Club 3Y					⚫	⚫
Havana Club 7Y						⚫
Malibu Coconut		⚫	⚫
Myer's Original		⚫	⚫		⚫	⚫
Pirat XO Reserve			⚫
Rum (well)	⚫	⚫	⚫	⚫	⚫	⚫
Santa Teresa 1796			⚫			⚫
Zacapa 23Y			⚫			⚫
GIN
Aviation			⚫			⚫
Beefeater		⚫	⚫		⚫	⚫
Bombay Saphire		⚫	⚫		⚫	⚫
Bulldog						⚫
Gin (well)	⚫	⚫	⚫	⚫	⚫	⚫
Gordon's Dry		⚫	⚫		⚫	⚫
Gordon's Premium Pink					⚫	⚫
Hendrick's			⚫			⚫
Plymouth			⚫
Tanqueray N° Ten			⚫			⚫
The Botanist			⚫
TEQUILA
1800 Reposado		⚫	⚫
Cazadores Reposado			⚫
Cuervo Gold		⚫	⚫
Cuervo Silver		⚫	⚫
Don Julio Reposado			⚫
Don Julio Silver						⚫
Herradura Reposado						⚫
Jose Cuervo Gold					⚫	⚫
Jose Cuervo Silver					⚫	⚫
Patrón Añejo			⚫
Patrón Silver			⚫			⚫
Tequila (well)	⚫	⚫	⚫	⚫	⚫	⚫
BRANDY, COGNAC & ARMAGNAC / GRAPPA
Aalborg Akvavit					⚫	⚫
Armagnac Janneau XO			⚫			⚫
Brandy (well)	⚫	⚫	⚫	⚫	⚫	⚫
Cardinal Mendoza		⚫	⚫		⚫	⚫
Grappa Montanaro White					⚫	⚫
Grappa Montanaro Aged					⚫	⚫
Hennessy VS			⚫			⚫
Kirschwasser					⚫	⚫
Martell VS					⚫	⚫
Martell VSOP			⚫			⚫
Metaxa					⚫	⚫
Piore Williams					⚫	⚫
Rémy Martin VSOP			⚫			⚫
Vecchia Romagna Etichetta Nera		⚫	⚫		⚫	⚫
LIQUORS & BITTERS
Amaretto Disaronno		⚫	⚫		⚫	⚫
Amaro Averna					⚫	⚫
Amaro Ramazzotti
Amato Montenegro		⚫	⚫		⚫	⚫
Aperol		⚫	⚫		⚫	⚫
Baileys Irish Cream		⚫	⚫		⚫	⚫
Bitter Campari		⚫	⚫		⚫	⚫
Cointreau		⚫	⚫		⚫	⚫
Drambuie		⚫	⚫		⚫	⚫
Fernet Branca		⚫	⚫		⚫	⚫
Godiva Chocolate		⚫	⚫
Grand Marnier		⚫	⚫		⚫	⚫
Jägermeister		⚫	⚫		⚫	⚫
Kahlúa		⚫	⚫		⚫	⚫
Limoncello		⚫	⚫		⚫	⚫
Malibu					⚫	⚫
Patron XO Cafe		⚫	⚫		⚫	⚫
Porto Sandeman Ruby		⚫	⚫		⚫	⚫
Ricard		⚫	⚫		⚫	⚫
Ruaviejo Licor de Hierbas					⚫	⚫
Sambuca		⚫	⚫		⚫	⚫
Sherry Harvey’s Bristol Cream					⚫	⚫
Southern Comfort		⚫	⚫
Vecchio Amaro del Capo					⚫	⚫
Vermouth Martini (white & red)		⚫	⚫		⚫	⚫
APERTIFS
Campari Soda					⚫	⚫
Crodino					⚫	⚫
Ouzo					⚫	⚫
Pastis 51					⚫	⚫
Raki					⚫	⚫
Ramazzotti Aperitivo Rosato					⚫	⚫
Sanbitter					⚫	⚫
COCKTAILS
Alcohol-Free Cocktails	⚫	⚫	⚫	⚫	⚫	⚫
Classic Cocktails	⚫	⚫	⚫	⚫	⚫	⚫
Contemporary Classics		⚫	⚫		⚫	⚫
Featured Cocktails						⚫
Fresh Fruit Cocktails		⚫	⚫		⚫	⚫
Frozen Drinks		⚫	⚫
Mixed Drinks with Well Spirits	⚫	⚫		⚫	⚫	⚫
Premium Cocktails & Mixed Drinks			⚫			⚫
Protein Shakes		⚫	⚫		⚫	⚫
Signature Cocktails						⚫
Spritz Cocktails					⚫	⚫
Tropical Treasures			⚫			⚫
CHAMPAGNE & WINES
House-Brand Wines	⚫	⚫	⚫	⚫	⚫	⚫
Wine by the glass up to $9		⚫
Wine by the glass up to $15			⚫
Wine by the glass up to €8					⚫
Wine by the glass up to €10						⚫
SOFT DRINKS & OTHER
Bottled Mineral Water	⚫	⚫	⚫	⚫	⚫	⚫
Energy Drinks		⚫	⚫		⚫	⚫
Fountain Soda / Soda by the glass	⚫	⚫	⚫	⚫	⚫	⚫
Fresh Orange Juice		⚫	⚫		⚫	⚫
Fruit Juices by the glass	⚫	⚫	⚫	⚫	⚫	⚫
Iced Tea (cans)		⚫	⚫		⚫	⚫
Soda (cans)		⚫	⚫		⚫	⚫
PREMIUM COFFEES
Caffè Latte	⚫	⚫	⚫	⚫	⚫	⚫
Cappuccino	⚫	⚫	⚫	⚫	⚫	⚫
Espresso	⚫	⚫	⚫	⚫	⚫	⚫
Hot Chocolate	⚫	⚫	⚫	⚫	⚫	⚫
Hot Tea	⚫	⚫	⚫	⚫	⚫	⚫
Specialty Coffees		⚫	⚫		⚫	⚫
Spirit Coffees		⚫	⚫		⚫	⚫

 

 

 

 

[Geeynots]

Thanks for this @phissy, I actually stumbled across that a few hours ago. It doesn't list the beer I was interested in, but I called MSC this morning to be sure about Covid testing and she also confirmed the brands I was curious about are included in the Easy Plus. Unfortunately Johnny Black has been dropped from the middle package. Thanks again for the info.

Edited October 4, 2022 by Geeynots

[Aeroplex]

22 hours ago, Geeynots said:

Thanks for this @phissy, I actually stumbled across that a few hours ago. It doesn't list the beer I was interested in, but I called MSC this morning to be sure about Covid testing and she also confirmed the brands I was curious about are included in the Easy Plus. Unfortunately Johnny Black has been dropped from the middle package. Thanks again for the info.

Usually here in Germany, there is the Cruise + All Inclusive offer, where EASY package costs exactly 20€ per day.

For a 17 night cruise it would be at 340€ for Easy and the Plus Upgrade 17 * 12,5 = 215€ = 555€ for everything. So 32,5€ per night for Easy Plus and not 52€ which is a huge markup. 

 

So for me 860€ on the US or Canadian market is clearly a little bit overpriced. 

I mean you even book it in advance and not on the cruiseship.

 

For example 7 night cruise, price difference of Special and Special All in are 140€ per person^^

 

Edited October 5, 2022 by Aeroplex

[Acrobatu2]

What?!?  no frozen drinks for Mediterranean cruises? I hope is a mistake, my favorite cocktail is the frozen Toblerone

[Geeynots]

8 hours ago, Acrobatu2 said:

What?!?  no frozen drinks for Mediterranean cruises? I hope is a mistake, my favorite cocktail is the frozen Toblerone

I've never had it but is sure sounds good! And for my cruise, the frozen cocktails are not included in the cheapest package. 

[Acrobatu2]

16 hours ago, Geeynots said:

I've never had it but is sure sounds good! And for my cruise, the frozen cocktails are not included in the cheapest package. 

Unfortunately, it seems that the frozen drinks are not available altogether for Mediterranean cruises , despite having the easy plus packages, or even for the premier package.

 

[Geeynots]

Hmmmm, MSC lists it on their menus, but they could be for any cruise. They are listed on the drinks package, though. It just wasn't included in the cheapest Easy package.

Edited October 7, 2022 by Geeynots

[HipHipOnAShip]

On 10/4/2022 at 9:16 AM, Aeroplex said:

 

If you say you want to enjoy the bottle in the cabin/balcony ^^, it will be given to you sealed. It should also be possible to take beer off-board.

Please note that if you are found taking beer off-board  you may be denied the use of the package you paid for for the balance of the cruise...( as it is not intended for such use.)  (On ship consumption).  Also, the bartenders are technically supposed to open the can/bottle at the bar to prevent such occurrences.  

[Wor1dTrave11er]

13 hours ago, Acrobatu2 said:

Unfortunately, it seems that the frozen drinks are not available altogether for Mediterranean cruises , despite having the easy plus packages, or even for the premier package.

 

Just got off Grandiosa and frozen drinks were included in the Easy Plus, at least the BBC, Miami Vice etc., up to 9 euro.

[Acrobatu2]

10 hours ago, Wor1dTrave11er said:

Just got off Grandiosa and frozen drinks were included in the Easy Plus, at least the BBC, Miami Vice etc., up to 9 euro.

Thank you, it's a great news.

[drsel]

On 10/7/2022 at 7:35 PM, Wor1dTrave11er said:

Just got off Grandiosa and frozen drinks were included in the Easy Plus, at least the BBC, Miami Vice etc., up to 9 euro.

Just got off Seaview and Grandiosa in the Mediterranean and all frozen drinks are included in the Easy Plus package (all frozen cocktails are €8, not 9).

The best Frozen cocktails were BBC and Rock Lobster.

 

You can also request the bartender to reduce the amount of juice and increase the amount of alcohol in the Frozen cocktail (no charge). If required, you can even have it without ice.

 

The most popular drinks ordered were beer in the morning and Tequila sunrise, BBC, Ultimate Pina Coladaa & Classic margarita at night.

 

The premium cocktails €9--13 are not included in the Easy Plus package.

Edited November 12, 2022 by drsel

[Geeynots]

2 hours ago, drsel said:

Just got off Seaview and Grandiosa in the Mediterranean and all frozen drinks are included in the Easy Plus package (all frozen cocktails are €8, not 9).

The best Frozen cocktails were BBC and Rock Lobster.

 

You can also request the bartender to reduce the amount of juice and increase the amount of alcohol in the Frozen cocktail (no charge). If required, you can even have it without ice.

 

The most popular drinks ordered were beer in the morning and Tequila sunrise, BBC, Ultimate Pina Coladaa & Classic margarita at night.

 

The premium cocktails €9--13 are not included in the Easy Plus package.

Thanks so much for that. I’ll be sure to try those drinks. We’re many beer excluded from the plus package? Seems like a number may be. 

[drsel]

9 minutes ago, Geeynots said:

Thanks so much for that. I’ll be sure to try those drinks. We’re many beer excluded from the plus package? Seems like a number may be. 

We had bottled Heineken, Budweiser and Desperados (beer with a dash of tequila).

But post 236 has all the details.

 

The bottled beer is better than the draft beer.

Surprisingly most people did not realize this and were happy to accept draft beer in a glass

Edited November 12, 2022 by drsel

[drsel]

Of the six spritz available in Easy Plus, the best is Hugo spritz, but ask the bartender to put less elderflower syrup and more sparkling water (and/or alcohol)

[drsel]

Of the Frozen cocktails, first try ultimate pina colada and then BBC, (which is a better version of ultimate pina colada)

You should also try Rock Lobster and the combination of pina colada and strawberry daiquiri.

But I didn't like the Frozen cocktail with mango rum

Edited November 12, 2022 by drsel