Should You Buy a Holland America Line Drink Package? A Comprehensive Guide with Drink Prices & Package Comparisons
Holland America Line's range of drink packages offers something for every cruiser. Whether you're a casual drinker or a wine aficionado, you can find a package that suits your preferences. This guide will explore the details of these packages, their pricing, daily limits, and give insights into the cost-effectiveness of these options. We'll also look at typical drink prices at Holland America's pool and casino bars, and delve into the exclusive Sommelier Suite wine program.
Holland America Line Beverage Packages
Elite Beverage Package: Priced at $59.99 per person, per day, this package includes premium spirits, cocktails, and wines up to $15, along with Dale DeGroff’s Original Cocktails. It has a daily limit of 15 alcoholic drinks and unlimited non-alcoholic beverages.
Signature Beverage Package: For $54.95 per person, per day, this package covers beers, spirits, cocktails, and wines by the glass up to $11, plus all drinks from the Quench package. It has a 15-drink daily limit for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Quench Beverage Package: Available at $17.95 per person, per day, offering Coca-Cola™ products, premium coffee, juices, mocktails, and bottled water, with a 15 non-alcoholic drink daily limit.
Coca-Cola Package: This package, priced at $8 per person, per day, includes unlimited fountain sodas.
The Sommelier Suite: Holland America's Wine Package Program
Click here to see the list of wines available through The Sommelier Suite program.
Click here to see the full Wine List.
For wine lovers, The Sommelier Suite offers discounts on premium bottles of wine not covered under the Elite or Signature packages. The packages allow you to select from three tiers of wines, with discounts of up to 25%. The prices for the packages are:
Cellar No. 1: Choose 4 bottles for $119, 6 bottles for $169, or 8 bottles for $219.
Cellar No. 2: Choose 4 bottles for $149, 6 bottles for $229, or 8 bottles for $289.
Cellar No. 3: Choose 4 bottles for $189, 6 bottles for $269, or 8 bottles for $329.
Standard Bar Menus
Click here to see the Holland America Pool Bar menu.
Click here to see the Holland America Casino Bar menu.
Based on the standard Pool Bar menu and the more extensive Casino Bar menus, the prices for cocktails range between $9.75-$12, beers range between $7-$7.75, most wines range between $9-$14, and special non-alcoholic drinks between $2-$6.
Should You Get a Drinks Package?
Deciding whether to opt for a Holland America Line drinks package involves considering your drinking habits and preferences. If you plan to enjoy multiple beverages per day, a package can offer convenience and potential savings. However, for guests who consume fewer drinks or have specific preferences, paying per drink might be more economical. The key is to assess your anticipated beverage consumption against the costs and benefits of the available packages.
Calculations based on a 7-Day Cruise:
These calculations demonstrate that if you're a frequent drinker, opting for a package can be highly cost-effective. However, if you're someone who drinks less or prefers specific premium wines not covered under the packages, paying for drinks individually or choosing the Sommelier Suite might be more advantageous.
Elite Package:
$59.99 per day x 7 = $419.93 (plus taxes and gratuities)
With 15 alcoholic drinks per day, each drink costs $3.99 within the package ($59.99 / 15 = $3.99)
Non-alcoholic drinks (premium coffees, soda, bottled water) are unlimited
If you were to pay out of pocket, this package would be similar to:
Drinking 6 cocktails per day, priced at $9.75
Drinking 7 beers per day, priced at $7.75
Drinking 5 glasses of wine per day, priced at $11
Signature Package:
$54.95 per day x 7 = $384.65 (plus taxes and gratuities)
With 15 drinks per day (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), each drink costs $3.66 within the package ($54.95 / 15 = $3.66)
If you were to pay out of pocket, this package would be similar to:
Drinking 5 cocktails per day, priced at $9.75
Drinking 7 beers per day, priced at $7.75
Drinking 4 glasses of wine per day, priced at $11
Holland America Line's array of beverage packages offers a delightful way to enjoy your cruise. Whether you're indulging in a premium cocktail under the Elite Beverage Package, savoring a fine wine from The Sommelier Suite, or simply enjoying a refreshing soda, there's a package tailored to every taste and preference. With careful consideration of your drinking habits and preferences, you can select a package that not only enhances your cruise experience but also offers value and convenience. Cheers to a journey filled with memorable toasts and exquisite flavors!