As of December 18, 2024, cruisers can no longer purchase MSC Cruises’ Easy and Easy Plus Beverage Packages.
The discontinued packages include unlimited amounts of various mixed drinks and cocktails, spirits, house wines, beer, soft drinks, bottled water and hot drinks. The company is also making a change to its Premium Extra Package which is now the only alcohol-included beverage package. The package will include top-tier brands, high-end cocktails and all non-alcoholic drinks, as well as a 15-drink-per-day limit on alcoholic beverages–non-alcoholic drinks remain unlimited.
MSC Cruises explained, “As part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all our guests, we have updated our Premium Extra Package to include a maximum of 15 alcoholic beverages per day, per guest. This change is designed to promote responsible enjoyment and enhance the quality of service.”
This 15-drink-per-day limit, which goes into effect on April 1, 2025, brings MSC Cruises in line with other cruise lines including Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line and Princess Cruises. One difference is passengers who reach the 15 alcoholic drink limit will still be permitted to purchase drinks at full price with the counter restarting at 6am each morning.
A MSC spokesperson stated, “Our new beverage packages that come into effect from April 1, 2025 reflect our commitment to maintaining a high-quality and enjoyable experience for everyone. The new packages include 15 alcoholic beverages per day and unlimited non-alcoholic options for our guests.”
Guests staying in the Yacht Club area will continue to receive the Premium Extra Package as part of their all-inclusive experience and will still receive unlimited beverages–alcoholic and non-alcoholic–within the private ship-within-a-ship area. The daily limit will apply to alcoholic drinks purchased outside the Yacht Club.
In addition to the Premium Extra Package, MSC Cruises will offer an Alcohol-Free Package and for those aged 20 and under a Minor Package. The Alcohol-Free Packages includes signature non-alcoholic cocktails and beers, soft drinks, energy drinks, coffee, tea and other hot beverages, and the Minors Package includes non-alcoholic beers and mocktails, fruit juices, soft drinks, bottled water and soft serve ice cream.
Guests who booked the discontinued packages before December 18, 2024 will still receive those perks once onboard.