Holland America drink packages explained 2023, with prices!

Holland America Drink Packages

Holland America’s drink packages offer some of the best values across all cruise lines when it comes to beverage packages! With 2 alcoholic and 2 non-alcoholic options to choose from, these packages can not only save you A LOT of money in the long run, but also provide a level of convenience that is invaluable on a cruise vacation.  Whether you’re looking for unlimited soda and juice, premium wines and cocktails, or a combination of both, Holland America drink packages have something for everyone (at a relatively reasonable price).

This is our guide to the Holland America Line beverage packages!

Changes to the beverage packages for Holland America Line (2023)

Recently, HAL has made some positive changes to their beverage packages, most notably that when ordering a drink that is more expensive than the maximum amount allowed by the package, you only PAY THE DIFFERENCE.  In the past, if you ordered a cocktail that was more expensive than your package allowed, you’d have to pay the full amount.  Not anymore!

holland america drink packages with prices

Holland America drink package prices

Drink packages range from $54.95 – $59.99 per day and the non-alcoholic packages are $8 – $17.95 per day PLUS 18% GRATUITY / SERVICE CHARGE

HAL Drink PackagePackage Price
Elite Beverage Package59.99/day
Signature Beverage Package$54.95/day
Soda Package$8.00/day
Quench Non-Alcoholic Drink Package$17.95/day

Holland America drink packages compared

There are currently 2 zero alcohol beverage packages and 2 alcoholic drink package options with Holland America Line.

Signature Beverage Package (aka Classic)

The Signature Package price is $54.95 per day per person + 18% Service Charge / Gratuity

The Signature Package is the most basic drink package, but it’s pretty extensive and more generous than many other cruise lines! This package allows any drink including cocktails, wines by the glass, specialty drinks, and classic cocktails such as Martinis, up to $11 to be ordered.

What we love about the Signature package is the fact it includes bottled (or canned) water, juices, and specialty coffee. This level of inclusion at a basic drink package level is not common. Additionally, if you order a drink over the $11 limit with the Signature Beverage Package, you’re only charged the difference + an 18% service charge OF THE DIFFERENCE, not on the entire drink.  This is new for Holland America, as the policy used to be that you’d have to pay for the entire drink + gratuity if it exceeded the beverage package limit. 

Something to be aware of is this package only allows a limit of 15 drinks per day regardless of what they are. In reality, we found it difficult to reach 15 drinks in a day even though we had coffee in the morning, and soda in the afternoon, and didn’t hold back on drinks in the evening. If you think you will drink more than 15 drinks in a day, take a look at the Elite package.

Here’s what’s included in the Signature Beverage Package on Holland America

Everything included in the Alcohol-Free (Quench) package is also included in the signature beverage package.

BEER & CIDER

Amstel Light
Coors Light
Corona
Corona Premier
Dos Equis Lager
Guinness Irish Stout
Heineken
Heineken 0.0
Heineken Light
Hoegaarden
Lagunitas IPA
Lagunitas Lil’ Sumpin’ Ale
Michelob Ultra
Miller Lite
Molson Canadian
New Castle Brown Ale
Samuel Adams Boston Lager
Rekorderlig Pear
Rekorderlig Strawberry Lime
Strongbow
Truly Wild Berry

WINE & PORT

Arboleda, Carménère
Beringer, White Zinfandel
CSM Mimi, Chardonnay
CSM, Riesling
Clos du Bois, Chardonnay
Columbia Crest Estate, Merlot
Crios, Malbec
Danzante, Pinot Grigio
Domaine Chandon, Brut
Domaine Houchart, Rosé
Dows LBV, Port
Errazuriz Estate, Cab. Sauvignon
Frescobaldi, Chianti Castiglioni
Frescobaldi, Sangiovese
La Marca, Prosecco
Laurenz, Grüner Veltliner
Le Grand Courtage, Brut Rosé
McPherson, Shiraz
Nobilo, Sauvignon Blanc
Pian di Remole, Bianco
Robert Mondavi PS, Pinot Noir
Sandeman Ruby, Port
Sextant, Zinfandel
Simi, Sauvignon Blanc
Smith Woodhouse Reserve, Port
Spellbound, Cab. Sauvignon
Sterling, Merlot
Warre’s Otima, Port
Warre’s Warrior, Port
Zonin, Moscato


GIN

Bombay Original
Bombay Sapphire
Hendrick’s
New Amsterdam
Nolet’s Silver
Tanqueray 10
Tanqueray
RUM
Appleton Signature
Bacardi Superior
Captain Morgan
Goslings
Malibu
Mount Gay
Myer’s
Pyrat


SCOTCH

Johnnie Walker Black Label
Johnnie Walker Red Label
Aberfeldy 12yr.
Ballantine’s
Chivas Regal
Cutty Sark
Dewar’s 12yr.
Dewar’s White Label
Glen Deveron
Glenmorangie
J&B
Laphroaig 10yr.
TEQUILA
1800 Reposado
Cabo Wabo Blanco
Cazadores Reposado
Herradura Reposado
Jose Cuervo Gold
Jose Cuervo Silver
Patrón Silver

VODKA

Absolut
Belvedere
Finlandia
Grey Goose
Ketel One
New Amsterdam
Skyy
Smirnoff
Stolichnaya
Tito’s

WHISKEY

Buffalo Trace
Bulleit
Canadian Club
Crown Royal
Jack Daniels
Jameson
Jim Beam
Jim Beam Red Stag
Knob Creek
Knob Creek Rye
Maker’s Mark
Seagram’s 7
Seagram’s VO
Wild Turkey
Woodford Reserve


CLASSIC COCKTAILS

Americano
Aperol Spritz
Bloody Mary
Caipirinha
Cape Cod
Champagne Cocktail
Chi Chi
Collins
Daiquiri
Gimlet
Grasshopper
Greyhound
Harvey Wallbanger
Hot Toddy
Kir Royal
Long Island Iced Tea
Mai Tai
Manhattan
Margarita
Martini –House
Mint Julep
Mojito
Negroni
Old Fashioned
Paloma
Pisco Sour
Planter’s Punch
Rum Punch
Salty Dog
Sazerac
Sidecar
Singapore Sling
Vieux Carré
Weng Weng
Whiskey Sour
White Russian

DALE DEGROFF
COCKTAILS

Another Shade of Greyhound
Bee’s Knees
Blue Florida
Blue Ice
Brilliante
Brooklyn
Classic Negroni
Cosmopolitan
Fashionista
Flor De Jerez
Gallery Gimlet
Hemingway Daiquiri
Miami Beach Spritz
Patrona Poloma
Penicillin
Perfect Manhattan
Pusser’s Painkiller
Red Stag Derby
Rotterdam Martinez
Strange Brew
Trader Vic’s Mai Tai
Tuscan Lemon Drop
Whiskey Smash
Yuzu Margarita

Elite Beverage Package

The Elite Package price is $59.99 per person per day + 18% Service Charge / Gratuity

The Elite Package is the top-tier drink package offered by Holland America. This cruise drink package has a price limit of $15 per drink and includes everything that the Quench package and Signature Package include. While the higher price threshold per drink is $15, that’s not the real value. The Elite package removes the limit of 15 drinks per day, but only for non-alcoholic drinks. Effectively, this keeps your non-alcoholic drinks from counting towards your alcoholic drink allowance. Elite packages still have a daily limit only applied to alcohol (15).

Quench Non-Alcoholic Drink Package

The Quench drinks price is $17.95 per person per day + 18% Service Charge / Gratuity

The Quench Package is basically HAL’s non-alcoholic package for minors and non-drinking adults. This package includes soft drinks, mocktails, bottled water, and fresh juices. The package also includes specialty coffee-based drinks as well as espresso. It’s important to know that there is a daily drink limit of 15 beverages included in the Quench package, but still, a great value if you’re a coffee, tea, bottled water, or soda drinker.  If you go over 15, you’ll pay the full price per drink for the rest of the day.

What does the Quench Beverage Package Include?

The “Quench Package” is one of the better deals at sea considering it includes everything except alcohol. So for people who really enjoy coffee, smoothies and bottled water, this is a great value at only $17.95/day.

COFFEE

Americano
Cappuccino
Espresso
Latte
Explorations Café Specials

MOCKTAILS

Cool as a Cucumber
Daiquiri
Virgin Mary
Frozen Peach Margarita
Ginger Mango Splash
Grapefruit Not-A-Cosmo
Iced Sunshine Lemonade
Melon Mint Nojito
Non-Alcoholic Bloody Caesar
Orange Pineapple Spritzer
Pina Not-A-Colada
Roy Rogers
Shirley Temple
Sugar-Free Berry Lime Fizz

SMOOTHIES & JUICE

Banana Smoothie
Banana Strawberry
Cranberry Juice
Grapefruit Juice
Martinelli’s Sparkling Cider
Orange Juice
Orange Smoothie
Piña Colada Smoothie
Pineapple Berry
Pineapple Juice
Pineapple Passion
Pineapple Smoothie
Strawberry Smoothie

WATER & SODA

Bitter Lemon
Coca Cola Soft Drinks
Mineral Water-330ml
Red Bull Energy Drink
Red Bull Sugarfree
Canned Water-1202

Soda (Coke) Package

The unlimited soft drinks price is $8 per person per day + 18% Service Charge / Gratuity

If Unlimited Soda is your thing, then this package makes sense. For $8 per person per day, the Holland America Soda Package or “Coca-Cola” package allows for bottomless and unlimited fountain soda drinks. This is a great value for soda drinkers considering sodas are $2.75 each onboard. 

Holland America drink packages explained 2023, with prices! 1

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The Have it All Promotion includes a beverage package (NEW!)

But wait! There’s more! 🙂

Recently Holland America introduced the “HAVE IT ALL” package or HIA. This is by far the most valuable nearly all-inclusive package at sea. For an average of $50 per day, you receive wifi and specialty dining but most importantly it includes the Signature drink package! So you’re getting a lot of extras for less money.  More on the Have it All Package.

How much are drinks on Holland America cruises?

Most cans of soda are $2.75, beer is $7.75 and there are plenty of wine options for under $13. Most classic cocktails are $11 or less and very few are more than $15

Do the Holland America drink packages include gratuity?

Every drink you order will have a gratuity line item (18%), but the amount is included in your drink price if you’re using a package. For example, an $11 Martini would have an 18% gratuity in addition to the drink price if you purchase it separately, but that 18% is included in the cost of the drink when using your package. 

Drink Package Prices Have Additional Gratuity Added

When seeing the advertised price of a drink package on Holland America, it does NOT include an addition 18% added to the package price.

Frequently Asked Questions about the HAL Drink Packages

The Signature Beverage Package includes a wide range of premium cocktails, beers, wines, and non-alcoholic beverages from all bars and restaurants on board. The Elite Beverage package features an expanded selection of premium spirits, champagne, and wine, including rare vintages. Guests who prefer wine can choose the Cellar Master Package, which includes premium wine tastings, pairing dinners, and a special selection of wines chosen by the onboard cellar master.

The Coca-Cola Package includes unlimited soft beverages, while the Quench Beverage Package features unlimited non-alcoholic beverages, including juices and specialty coffees. Each package is priced per person, per day, and includes a service charge. All packages exclude minibars, room service, and drinks offered on Holland America’s private island. Overall, Holland America’s drink packages provide guests with a convenient and affordable way to enjoy their favorite beverages throughout their voyage. 

Starting in 2023, Holland America you to upgrade your drink for the price difference plus the 18% gratuity on the difference in price. For example, if you have the Signature Drink package for drinks up to $11 and you order a $12 glass of wine, you will only be charged $1.18 including the gratuity.

Drink packages don’t include the minibar

Unfortunately not. The fine print is as follows: Drink Packages do not include minibar purchases, Honor Bar, Chocolate Seduction, In-room dining, drinks purchased on Half Moon Cay, and any self-service beer. 

Yes, all adults are required to have the same beverage package and the same level

Yes! This is a real treat of having the Elite, Signature, or Quench package. They include bottled water!

As with most cruise lines, essential drinks are included like tap water, tea, and coffee in the buffet as well as some juices (from the machines). 

Are Holland America Drink Packages Worth It?

We can say, without a doubt, YES! Even though some packages have a daily limit, it’s very generous, and we had a hard time reaching 15 drinks. I know some people will undoubtedly get there when trying to break even… but for all practical purposes, the packages are definitely worth it, especially with the new policy where Holland America allows you to just pay the difference in more expensive drinks!

Holland America Drink Calculator

Let’s find out if the drink packages are right for you. Use the below beverage calculator and see if buying a drinks package makes sense on your vacation!

Select your package, add the drinks you would have, and see if it breaks even!

  1. Choose your package. The daily charge will appear in the daily charge space, but you can change that if you are getting a discount.
  2. Select your length of cruise. You’ll notice how the cost increases according to the cruise length. If you’ve selected the Free at Sea promotion, you’ll find only the gratuities are included in the calculator. 
  3. Choose the number of drinks you consume, or expect to consume each day. We’ve put the average drink price in the cost fields, but you can modify those if you like more expensive drinks (it’s worth looking at the drink menus)
  4. The calculator will do the math and tell you if it is worth purchasing a package (or upgrading) based on your consumption! 
Pick a package
Package Daily Charge

Signature Package includes:

  • Select, premium cocktails & spirits up to $11 USD 
  • A variety of beer and wine by the glass up to $11 USD
  • 20% off all bottles of champagne and wine
  • Unlimited soft drinks and juices
  • Premium coffee drinks
  • There is a limit of 15 beverages per day (alcoholic and non-alcoholic combined)

Elite Package includes:

  • Many top-shelf cocktails & spirits
  • All beer and most champagne and wine by the glass
  • Unlimited soft drinks and juices
  • Unlimited still & sparkling bottled water
  • All Premium coffee & specialty drinks
  • There is a limit of 15 alcoholic beverages per day and no limit to non-alcoholic beverages

Quench Package includes:

  • Sodas
  • Premium coffee drinks
  • Juices
  • Mocktails
  • There is a limit of 15 beverages per day
Length of Cruise (Days)
-Days
Use the slider to choose your length of cruise (in days) from 3 day to 15 days.
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Package Total Cost (per person)
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Package Cost for Your Trip
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Package Gratuities
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Estimate Your Daily Consumption:

Each field contains the average price found on most Holland America ships. Remember any drink not within the price of your package, you’ll only pay the price difference plus the service charge per drink! If you tend to drink nicer wines or cocktails, you can adjust the average price of each beverage in the corresponding boxes. This helps give you a more accurate idea of your possible spending.

Each field contains the average price found on most Holland America ships. For the Elite beverage package, most drinks are included. If you tend to drink nicer wines or cocktails, this is your best option!

Beers / Day
Avg Beer Cost
Wine / Day
Avg Wine Cost (Glass)
Cocktails / Day
Avg Spirits Cost
Specialty Drinks / Day
Avg Specialty Cocktail Cost
Bottled Water /Day
Avg Water Cost
Specialty Coffee / Day
Avg Coffee Cost
Sodas / Day
Avg Soda Cost
A’la Carte Total
$
0.00
The cost you’d pay PER DAY when purchasing these drinks individually (incl. gratuity)

You haven’t broken even on the Signature Package yet!

Holland America drink packages explained 2023, with prices! 2

You BROKE EVEN on the Signature Package!

break even on the drink package
Enjoy Your Cruise!

You haven’t broken even on the Quench Package yet!

Holland America drink packages explained 2023, with prices! 3

You BROKE EVEN on the Quench Package!

break even on the drink package
Enjoy Your Cruise!

You haven’t broken even on the Upgrade Package yet!

didn't break even on the drink package

You BROKE EVEN on the UPGRADE Package!

Holland America drink packages explained 2023, with prices! 4
Enjoy Your Cruise!

You haven’t broken even on the Elite Package yet!

didn't break even on the drink package

You BROKE EVEN on the Elite Package!

Holland America drink packages explained 2023, with prices! 4
Enjoy Your Cruise!
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19 Comments

  1. Cruise sept 24
    Looking at the Have it all as includes wifi…With 2 of us in the cabin you only need one wifi per cabin? But we both have to buy same package. Can one buy have it all and one buy the quencher?( and pay cash for the odd drink)

    1. Hi Jenny – The Have it All is applied to everyone in the same cabin, I do not think it is possible to have just one person in the cabin with the package. When we booked, it was a “fare type” meaning, that everyone in the cabin was on the same fare which was the Have it All fare. I hope this helps!

  2. I purchased two quench drink packages and two internet packages for an upcoming cruise. Since buying these Holland American now offers a have it all package that will offer more for a better price. Can I cancel the previously purchased packages and buy the have it all package? If so, how do I accomplish it? I do not see any instructions for such a situation.

    1. Hi Nancy – you can cancel the package you’ve purchased. Adding the Have it All was not a problem after booking – but both have ti be done on the phone with Holland America unfortunately.

  3. Purchased the 2024 HA Have it All package but can’t figure out if smoothies are included. Please advise and thanks!

    1. Nancy – Everything that is in the “Quench” package is also included in the Have it All Package including these smoothies: Banana Smoothie
      Banana Strawberry
      Cranberry Juice
      Grapefruit Juice
      Martinelli’s Sparkling Cider
      Orange Juice
      Orange Smoothie
      Piña Colada Smoothie
      Pineapple Berry
      Pineapple Juice
      Pineapple Passion
      Pineapple Smoothie
      Strawberry Smoothie

  4. Hi,
    One correction to the article above: if you order a drink more expensive than the threshold, HAL will charge the extra, plus 18% gratuity on the total.
    e.g. you buy a $16 drink, they charge you $16 + 18%, and deduct the base $11

    1. Hi Bert – Thanks for this comment. I was sure when I was on the Rotterdam a few weeks ago that when I bought something that was, for example, $12 that my ticket was for $1.18 (the $1 overage + 18% on that $1)

      I’ll make sure your comment is posted, in case I’m wrong and I’ll correct after I go back and look at my receipts.

      Thanks!

  5. Hi Phil
    We are cruising with HAL for the first time in March 2024.
    We have the Have it all package with signature drinks included.
    Do you know if it is possible to upgrade to elite package within the have it all deal?
    Thanks
    Jill

    1. Hi Jill, good question! So I was told repeatedly that the upgrade was possible once on the ship. I saved all HAL Correspondence stating as such. However, on the first day when I tried to upgrade to the elite package, the staff all looked at me like I was a little crazy. No one could figure it out so it escalated to the food and beverage manager who confirmed that it’s NOT possible to upgrade on the ship. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to do it but that there was no facility to enable such an upgrade in their systems. It was a bit of a bummer, but in the end, I just bought what I wanted along the way and after doing the math, I think we actually saved money by NOT upgrading. Almost every drink was covered within a dollar or two where we just paid the difference. In the end it worked out ok. Just know that it’s not possible to do the upgrade in case someone has told you it is. Here’s more on the Have it All package

      1. Thanks for this Phil. I contacted our TA and he said it would be possible on board to upgrade or I could do it online within 3 months of sailing…….
        I will check 3 months before.
        I think he was just fobbing me off.
        I will send him the info you have given me.
        Thanks again
        Jill

        1. Sure thing! Keep in mind when the TA says you can upgrade, it’s probably because you USUALLY can. So if you’ve purchased the Signature package and want to upgrade to the Elite, that’s never a problem… it’s just the fact they bundle these things and they didn’t have a way to upgrade from the bundle.
          Enjoy your cruise!

      2. I’ve been told by different HAL associates that you can pay for an upgrade once onboard. However they could not give me the upgrade dollar amount. The Elite package is better for my husband and I he drinks an endless amount of water. While he drinks just as much. I would not water the water to go against his 15 drinks per day. Same for me I like fancy coffee and fresh juice. I just don’t want that to interfere with my 15 drinks.

        1. Tanitta – You share the same concern I had, which was drinking soda, coffee, water, etc would “dip” into my other adult beverage limit. So in the Have it All included beverage package, it is in fact the 15 drinks of any variety per day. Just like you, I wanted to upgrade and I spoke extensively with customer service and even had a screen shot of a chat I had stating I could upgrade after I boarded. But unfortunately, I was unable to. It escalated all the way to the Food & Beverage manager that basically would have done the upgrade if possible, but there was no way to process an upgrade from the Have it All included beverage package. So as recently as a month ago, it was NOT possible to upgrade on the ship. I haven’t yet spoken to anyone that has been able to upgrade, so if anyone has, I’d love to hear about it!
          -Phil

  6. Are you able to use your beverage package for a bottle of wine with dinner or do you have to wait for a waiter to fill your glass?
    regards

    Paul

    1. Hi Paul – The package includes wines by the glass not a bottle. However, I never had a problem getting a refill quickly! There are discounts on bottles of wine, but didn’t fine the value in that. I hope this helps! Enjoy your cruise!