How to Get Free Alcohol on a Cruise

A cruise vacation is a great value for many budget-conscious travelers, particularly when meals, snacks, activities, transportation, accommodations, and more are included in the cruise price. Once passengers board their ship, however, they can be unpleasantly surprised about what is not included and how much those extras can cost, quickly sinking their vacation budget.

Alcoholic beverages are one of the most expensive extras on a cruise. A simple soft drink or domestic beer may cost $3 or higher, and specialty mixed drinks and exotic cocktails can range from $4 to $10 or more. For a romantic evening, couples can expect to spend between $20 and $50 or more on a single bottle of wine or champagne. When these costs are tallied up, passengers who want to relax with a morning mimosa, enjoy a margarita on the lido deck at lunch, a glass of wine with dinner, and a late night martini may find themselves spending $100 or more for alcohol during even a short cruise. Savvy cruisers, however, know that there are plenty of ways to enjoy free alcohol on most cruise ships.

1. Liquor Tasting

Most cruise ships have a liquor store on board where passengers can purchase flavored vodkas, exotic rums, and their favorite premium brands of hard liquor at duty free prices. To draw more business to these stores, ships often host free liquor tasting events for guests to sample different beverages, including both popular brands and exotic brews. While each sample is just a small sip, passengers can stay to taste as many different bottles as they would like, and the crew members pouring the mini shots are happy to refill each small cup many times. This is also a great opportunity to buy alcohol at deep discounts, giving passengers tasty souvenirs to take home.

2. Officer Receptions

On most vessels, a cocktail reception is held as an opportunity for passengers to meet the ship's captain and other officers, most frequently during the ship's formal night. Free drinks are usually offered during these parties, including glasses of champagne and a small selection of cocktails such as rum and coke, whiskey sours, and margaritas. Guests without a taste for alcoholic beverages can also find free soft drinks such as soda and juice at these parties. Hors d'oeuvres such as pate, caviar, and fruit are frequently served as well.

3. Contests

Many cruise ships offer themed games, such as dating games, Jeopardy-style tournaments, or talent contests as fun diversions on board. Prizes for these contests often include free bottles of champagne or wine, and passengers who find themselves in the spotlight may find themselves with free drinks to toast their victory. It should be noted, however, that alcoholic prizes are only offered for adult games, not basic trivia contests, Sudoku challenges, or other family-oriented activities.

4. Guest Receptions

Special parties for groups of guests frequently feature complimentary drinks. Past guest receptions, newlywed dances, and special group parties could all offer free champagne or cocktails, and many of these events will also offer bottles of wine or champagne as door prizes for lucky attendees.

5. Art Auctions

Art auctions are common on larger cruise ships, and while not all passengers may be interested in finding a new painting for their foyer or a print for their den, the free champagne that is frequently given away during the auction or event preview can make learning about art a fascinating diversion during a cruise. Passengers who do take advantage of the art auction to enjoy a complimentary drink are under no obligation to purchase artwork.

6. Shore Excursions

Many cruise travelers enjoy cruises not for what they can do on board, but for the opportunities they have to try different activities in ports of call. While passengers do need to pay for their shore tours, there are a number of different tours that not only offer fun activities but also include free beverages. Interested guests need to read the excursion descriptions carefully to determine what types of free drinks are included, and the offerings can vary widely. Party boat tours may have a free open bar, while winery and distillery tours may feature samplings of local vintages. Tours that include lunch or dinner may also include free soft drinks, local specialty drinks, or a limited selection of free cocktails.

7. Guest Feedback

Savvy cruise passengers know that one of the best ways to get free drinks on a cruise is to be a valued prior guest. After a cruise, write a detailed letter to the cruise line's customer service department discussing the good and bad points of your experience, offering constructive suggestions for future cruises as well as deserved praise for the good time you've just had. While it is not a guarantee, guests who write these letters may be surprised with an invitation to select free gifts for their next cruise, which can include a bottle of wine or champagne, free drink coupons, and other options.

8. Bon Voyage Gifts

Passengers who can't find any other way to get free drinks on a cruise can ask friends and family members to pay for them by requesting bon voyage gifts through the cruise line. This is a particularly good option for couples on a honeymoon or anniversary cruise, or for any special occasion. Non-passengers can buy celebratory bottles of wine or champagne to be delivered to a specific cabin, or they can buy drink credits to use at any of the bars on board.

9. Wedding Packages

Couples who plan to be married on a cruise may be able to get free drinks as part of their wedding package. If they will be having a reception on the ship, a limited bar or wine and champagne for toasting is often included in the package price, and since they need to purchase the package anyway, this amounts to free drinks to toast their new union. Similar packages, including the drinks, are usually available for vow renewals, honeymoons, and romantic getaways, and many times they come with souvenir flutes to serve as a special reminder of a very memorable voyage.

10. Luxury Cruise Lines

The easiest way to get free drinks on a cruise and not worry about what specific drinks are included or when free drinks may be available is to choose an all inclusive cruise line. Lines such as Costa Cruises, Seabourn Cruises, and Crystal Cruises include the cost of most alcoholic beverages in their fares, so passengers not only get a luxurious vacation, but they can enjoy unlimited alcoholic beverages as well without being concerned about a mounting tab.

From free samples to contest prizes to all inclusive packages, there are many ways to enjoy free alcohol on a cruise, and savvy passengers can easily toast their seagoing getaway without worrying about drowning in expensive bar bills. Cheers!