MSC Cruises has reduced onboard package prices for US sailings, with drink packages dropping from $70 to $55.25 per person per day. WiFi packages also received discounts during the promotional period. The sale is available through the following Tuesday.
📰 Reported — from industry news sources
Photo: MSC Cruises
MSC Cruises Cuts Drink Package Prices by 21% for Summer Sailings
MSC Cruises has slashed onboard drink package prices for US sailings through the end of next week, cutting the daily rate by roughly a fifth. If you're flexible on timing and haven't locked in your next cruise yet, this is worth a hard look.
1. The actual math: $70 down to $55.25 per day
MSC reduced its Premium Extra drink package from the standard pre-cruise rate of around $70 per person per day to $55.25. That's a real 21% discount, not the inflated kind cruise lines like to advertise. Keep in mind this price already includes MSC's mandatory 18% service charge (bar surcharge runs 15% separately). The promotion covers US sailings and is valid through the following Tuesday—so if you're booking right now for a Memorial Day or early summer departure, this window is live.
Photo: MSC Cruises
2. This is MSC's only alcoholic drink package for North America
Don't get confused by older articles mentioning "Easy" or "Easy Plus." MSC killed those packages for North American sailings (Caribbean, Alaska, Canada/New England) in December 2024. The Premium Extra is your only choice if you want cocktails and beer covered. It caps drinks at $16 per serving, allows 15 drinks per day, and includes unlimited sodas, water, and specialty coffee. Light drinkers who grab two beers and a coffee daily might not break even. Heavy hitters hitting seven or eight drinks will save real money.
3. WiFi also discounted, but the baseline price is still weak
Along with the drink deal, MSC knocked prices on WiFi packages. Typical daily WiFi on MSC runs $15–$25 depending on the ship and route. The discount isn't earth-shattering here—MSC's hybrid VSAT and SES O3b connectivity is less consistent than Starlink-equipped lines like Royal Caribbean and Celebrity anyway. If you absolutely need reliable video calls or streaming, budget for the premium tier or find a line with better backbone infrastructure.
4. Do the break-even math before you buy
Premium Extra at $55.25/day (sale price) breaks even around five cocktails per day at typical bar prices ($11–$16 each). Add one specialty coffee ($6) and you're nearly there. But if you're nursing two drinks daily and hitting the buffet coffee station, you're better off paying as you go. Three nights at $55.25 = $165.75 before gratuities. Ten individual cocktails over three days = roughly $120–$160 with gratuity. The package wins if you drink—it loses if you don't.
5. The sale is short and limited to specific sailings
This isn't a blanket price drop. It's a short-term promo tied to US sailings departing during the promotional window. Caribbean, Alaska, and Canada/New England itineraries are eligible. You can't lock this in more than 72 hours before your sail date, so you either book now or it's gone. Check your specific sailing in the Cruise Planner to confirm the rate—MSC's pricing is dynamic and varies by ship and departure date.
Photo: MSC Cruises
6. Compare this to Royal Caribbean and Celebrity before you decide
Royal Caribbean's Classic package caps drinks at $12 and costs roughly $70/day standard (with 20% gratuity added at checkout). Celebrity Classic is $12 per drink with 20% gratuity. MSC's $16 cap and lower per-day rate looks competitive if you actually drink premium cocktails. But if you're a beer-and-soda person, you might find better value elsewhere or skip the package entirely.
When should you book this deal?
This sale expires next Tuesday and applies only to select US sailings departing during the promotional window. Lock it in now through your Cruise Planner if your travel dates align. Once onboard, you can't go back and claim the promotional rate. If you're on the fence about whether a drink package makes sense for your cruise style, use this 21% discount as a wake-up call to do the math—it might tip the balance in favor of buying.
What does this mean for existing bookings?
If you already booked and purchased the Premium Extra at full price, MSC's onboard desk may adjust you down if you ask immediately upon embarkation, but don't assume it. Promotional pricing rarely applies retroactively. Your best move is to contact Guest Services before you sail and ask if the sale rate can be applied—the worst they'll say is no, and savings of $15/day across a week-long cruise add up fast.
Traveler Tip:
I always tell people to skip drink packages on short cruises unless you're a heavy drinker. A three-night cruise at $55.25/day costs $165 before gratuities—that's $195 all in. If you're having four drinks total, you've paid $49 per drink. But on a seven-night cruise at the same daily rate, you're spreading that cost over more days, and the economics flip. Longer sailings with sea days are when packages pay off.
Sources:
📊 Have a cruise booked that might be affected by news like this? CruiseMutiny can run a full all-in cost breakdown for your specific sailing — and flag any disruptions tied to your dates or ship.
Last updated: May 19, 2026. This is a developing story — check back for updates.