10 Genius Ways to Get Cheaper (OR FREE) Drinks on Your Cruise

Want to sip cocktails at sea without draining your wallet? Cruise drinks can be pricey, but there are plenty of tricks to score free or discounted booze.

From loyalty perks to secret happy hours, here’s how to keep your glass full without breaking the bank!

1. Join Loyalty Programs

Frequent cruisers can score big when it comes to free drinks. Many cruise lines reward returning guests with drink perks, especially at higher tiers.

For example, Royal Caribbean’s Diamond and above members enjoy nightly happy hours with complimentary drinks.

In the setting of an elegant dining experience aboard the Carnival Breeze, a guest holds a platinum VIFP (Very Important Fun Person) Club card. The fine dining table in the background, with its gourmet dishes, wine glasses, and warm ambiance, complements the exclusivity suggested by the platinum card.

Carnival’s VIFP Club offers free drinks in the casino for Platinum and Diamond members.

If you cruise regularly, these programs can save you a fortune on beverages!

2. Attend Ship Parties

A guest enjoys a glass of sparkling wine on the helipad of Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas, with the ship's white exterior and open deck providing a bright, sunny backdrop. The casual elegance of the moment is captured with the guest's relaxed attire and cheerful demeanor. — Enjoying a free drink on the Helipad on Oasis of the Seas

Many cruises host special events with complimentary drinks. Formal night receptions, past guest parties, and even sail-away celebrations often include free wine, Champagne, or cocktails.

Disney Cruise Line, for example, offers free drinks at the Captain’s Cocktail Party.

Norwegian’s Latitudes Rewards members also get invited to exclusive parties with complimentary beverages.

Keep an eye on your daily schedule for these boozy bonuses!

3. Form Connections at the Bar

Two bartenders, a man and a woman, joyfully preparing colorful cocktails at a well-stocked bar aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, reflecting a lively and luxurious atmosphere.

Cruise bartenders serve thousands of guests, but if you make a great impression, you might find yourself with an extra drink now and then.

Be friendly, visit the same bartender regularly, and tip well. While there’s no guarantee, good customer relationships can sometimes lead to a free pour or a little extra in your glass. Plus, you’ll get faster service when the bar is busy!

4. Explore Art Auctions

An art auction takes place on a cruise ship, featuring a well-dressed auctioneer presenting a framed piece of artwork displayed on an easel. The audience, seated comfortably, listens attentively as the auctioneer describes the artwork. The room is elegantly decorated with green curtains and soft lighting, creating a refined atmosphere for the event.

Not an art collector? Doesn’t matter! Many cruise lines host onboard art auctions where guests are treated to free bubbly just for attending.

Park West, which operates on many major cruise lines, often provides complimentary sparkling wine to bidders (and even non-bidders). Just don’t get too tipsy and accidentally bid on a pricey painting!

5. Catch Happy Hour Specials

Drinks on a table on a cruise ship — Taking advantage of happy hour.

Many cruise bars offer happy hour deals, though they’re not always widely advertised. Some lines, like Oceania Cruises, have two-for-one drink specials in the evenings. Others, like Holland America, offer discounted drinks during select hours.

Check your daily planner or ask a bartender about any ongoing promotions.

6. Play in the Casino

A woman in an elegant red velvet dress smiles while playing a slot machine, with a man next to her looking on joyfully, in the vibrant and lively ambiance of the Carnival casino, surrounded by colorful gaming machines and soft overhead lighting.

Love a little gambling? Cruise casinos often reward players with free drinks.

On Norwegian Cruise Line, Casinos at Sea members who earn enough points can drink for free while playing.

Carnival’s Players Club also offers complimentary drinks for VIP gamblers.

If you plan to spend some time at the slot machines or tables, this perk can make it worth your while.

7. Use a Travel Agent

A smiling travel agent wearing a light pink blazer holds up two passports with boarding passes while sitting at a desk. Two clients, seen from behind, are seated across from her, suggesting a travel planning session.

Booking with a travel agent can sometimes score you free drinks! Many agents include perks like a complimentary bottle of wine, onboard credit (which you can use for drinks), or even a drink package as part of your cruise deal.

Always ask about available perks when booking your trip.

8. Choose River Cruises

If you love wine and beer, a river cruise might be your best bet. Many river cruise lines, like Viking, include complimentary beer and wine with lunch and dinner.

Plus, river cruises usually allow you to bring local wine onboard, so you can enjoy a glass in your cabin without extra charges.

9. Book a Suite

The Ultimate Family Suite on Wonder of the Seas, showcasing a playful and colorful interior with a large red slide, vibrant furniture, and ocean views. This family-friendly space includes a swing, a floor-to-ceiling window, and creative elements designed for fun and relaxation. — The Ultimate Family Suite on Wonder of the Seas

Upgrading to a suite can come with exclusive drink perks. Some cruise lines offer suite guests access to private lounges with free drinks.

Royal Caribbean’s Concierge Club Lounge, for instance, provides an honor bar where guests can help themselves to complimentary beverages. If you love luxury (and free booze), a suite could be worth the splurge.

10. Bring Your Own

This image features multiple bottles of wine with red caps stored in a reusable bag, possibly in a passenger’s luggage. The setup suggests a traveler bringing wine onboard a cruise, raising potential compliance questions with cruise line beverage policies.

Some cruise lines let you bring alcohol onboard, though policies vary. For example, Disney Cruise Line allows each adult to bring two bottles of wine or a six-pack of beer at embarkation and at each port.

However, most mainstream cruise lines prohibit hard liquor and limit how much wine or Champagne you can carry on.

Always check your cruise line’s alcohol policy before packing your bags to avoid any surprises at security.

The Bottom Line

Scoring free or cheaper drinks on a cruise is easier than you think—you just need to know where to look! Whether you’re taking advantage of loyalty perks, happy hours, or casino comps, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a cocktail without overspending.

Before you set sail, check your cruise line’s policies and perks to maximize your savings. Cheers to smooth sailing and even smoother drinks!

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