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How many drinks can you get a day with a Holland America Line cruise drink package?

  • Michael Rodriguez
  • 6 min read

Daily Drink Limits on Holland America Line Packages

Holland America Line offers several drink package options, each designed for travelers with different beverage preferences. One of the most common questions guests ask is how many drinks they can enjoy each day with these packages. The cruise line sets daily limits to maintain consistency across its fleet and ensure fairness for all passengers. The number of drinks you can receive depends on the package type, the price cap per drink, and the rules attached to each tier. By reviewing these details, travelers can make the most of their beverage benefits while sailing.

The cruise line’s policies aim to give guests freedom to enjoy beverages without constantly thinking about cost. Still, each package carries a structured limit to promote responsible consumption. These daily caps apply to alcoholic beverages, while non-alcoholic drinks typically have fewer restrictions. Knowing the limits helps travelers decide whether a package fits their daily habits and overall cruise expectations.

How Many Drinks Are Allowed Each Day?

Holland America Line sets a 15-alcoholic-drink limit per person, per day for its alcoholic beverage packages. This cap applies to both the Signature and Elite Beverage Packages. Guests cannot exceed the limit, even if they are willing to pay an additional fee afterward. The rule ensures safe consumption and aligns with standard cruise-industry guidelines.

How the Daily Drink Count Works

Every time you order an alcoholic beverage included in your package, it counts as one drink toward the 15-drink maximum. The system automatically tracks usage, and staff can see your remaining count for the day.

Drink Tracking Through the Cruise Card

Your stateroom key card (or wearable if available) records each beverage ordered. When you reach the daily cap, further alcoholic drink requests are politely declined for the remainder of the day.

Reset Time for Daily Limits

The daily drink limit resets at midnight. Guests can start fresh the next day with a full allowance.

Uniform Limits Across Ships

Regardless of which vessel you sail on, the 15-drink rule remains identical. Holland America keeps the policy consistent to ensure a smooth experience for all travelers.

Why There Is a Daily Limit

Many cruise lines establish daily caps to promote accountability and prevent excessive drinking. Holland America’s limit allows guests to enjoy beverages freely without compromising onboard safety.

Safety and Passenger Well-Being

Cruise ships maintain a strong focus on guest comfort and wellness. Limits help strike a balance between enjoyment and responsible activity.

Balanced Consumption Across the Voyage

With a drink cap in place, guests pace themselves more effectively, helping maintain comfort throughout their journey.

Crew Support and Service Efficiency

The limit also assists crew members in delivering high-quality service by simplifying drink-tracking procedures.

What Counts Toward Your Daily Allowance?

Only alcoholic beverages included in your chosen package count toward the daily limit. Non-alcoholic drinks, such as sodas and specialty coffees, do not contribute to the 15-drink total unless the guest has ordered a beverage containing alcohol.

Drinks Included in the Daily Count

Most alcoholic beverages served within your package’s price cap count as one drink. This includes cocktails, beers, wines, and spirits that meet the cost threshold.

Cocktails and Mixed Drinks

All cocktails—whether classic or creative—count toward the allowance. This includes frozen drinks, shaken beverages, and fruity combinations from the onboard bars.

Wines by the Glass

Wine selections available by the glass are included as long as they fall within the package’s price cap. Premium wines may require an upgrade or an added fee.

Beers

Most beers, both bottled and on tap, fall within the package rules and count toward your total.

What Does Not Count Toward the Limit

Several beverage types fall outside the 15-drink count, giving guests more flexibility.

Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Soft drinks, mocktails, bottled water, and espresso beverages do not count toward your total. You can enjoy them without limit based on your package.

Specialty Coffees

Espresso drinks such as lattes, cappuccinos, and mochas are included in some packages without affecting the alcoholic drink limit.

Milkshakes, Smoothies, and Teas

These beverages also remain outside the alcoholic drink total.

Beverage Package Types and Their Drink Rules

Holland America Line offers several beverage options, each with its own pricing, inclusions, and suitability for different traveler profiles. The daily drink limit for alcoholic drinks remains the same across these packages, but features differ significantly.

Signature Beverage Package

The Signature Package includes a wide variety of drinks up to a certain price per glass. It is the most commonly purchased alcoholic package among Holland America guests.

Daily Drink Rules for the Signature Package

Guests may enjoy up to 15 alcoholic drinks per day, alongside unlimited non-alcoholic beverages.

Price Cap Per Drink

The Signature Package includes beverages priced up to a specific dollar amount, making it ideal for guests who enjoy mid-range cocktails or wine.

Most Popular Choices

This package typically covers house wines, beers, standard cocktails, and specialty coffees.

Who Benefits Most

Guests who enjoy a balanced mix of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks often find this package fitting for their needs.

Elite Beverage Package

The Elite Package offers an expanded beverage list, including higher-priced cocktails, top-shelf spirits, and elevated wine selections.

Daily Drink Rules for the Elite Package

The Elite Package also allows up to 15 alcoholic drinks per day, matching the Signature Package’s limit.

Higher Drink Price Limit

The Elite Package raises the per-drink cost limit, giving guests access to premium spirits and wines.

Premium Cocktail Access

Craft cocktails, specialty creations, and superior liquor selections fall within this upgraded tier.

Why Some Travelers Prefer Elite

Guests who appreciate refined beverages or want more room for premium requests typically find value in the Elite Package.

Non-Alcoholic Beverage Packages

For guests who avoid alcohol or prefer simple hydration and specialty drinks, non-alcoholic plans provide unlimited access to select beverages.

Drink Rules for Non-Alcoholic Packages

These packages do not have a daily drink limit, since they exclude alcoholic beverages entirely.

Included Drinks
  • Espresso beverages

  • Fresh juices

  • Soda

  • Hot tea

  • Bottled water (depending on package type)

Ideal Guest Profiles

Families, teens, and adults who enjoy frequent non-alcoholic beverages benefit significantly.

No Alcohol Means No Daily Cap

Guests may sip freely throughout the day without tracking totals.

Water Packages

Holland America also sells bottled water packages for guests who want convenient hydration for excursions.

Daily Drink Rules for Water Packages

There is no daily limit because the package is sold by the case rather than by daily consumption.

Onboard Uses

Bottled water is helpful for fitness activities, port days, and stateroom comfort.

Cost-Effective Hydration

For travelers who drink water mainly, this option offers exceptional value.

Tips to Maximize Your Holland America Drink Package

Travelers often want to get the most value possible from their beverage package. With thoughtful planning and awareness of daily habits, guests can enjoy a rewarding experience throughout their cruise.

Pace Your Drinks Throughout the Day

With a 15-drink limit, pacing ensures you enjoy beverages comfortably without rushing.

Spreading Consumption During Meals

Many guests enjoy pairing appropriate beverages with breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Morning Coffee or Juice

Start the day with specialty coffees or fresh juices included in your package.

Afternoon Sips

Enjoy chilled beverages by the pool or during entertainment events.

Evening Cocktails

Nighttime shows and lounges often inspire evening drink choices.

Use Non-Alcoholic Drinks Strategically

Since non-alcoholic beverages do not count toward the limit, mixing them into your routine gives you more freedom.

Hydration Benefits

Alternate alcoholic drinks with water or soda to maintain comfort.

Specialty Coffee Breaks

Use coffee breaks to rest between alcoholic beverages.

Smoothies or Fresh Juices

Perfect for hot days or post-excursion refreshment.

Know the Best Places to Use Your Package

Different venues offer unique drink options worth exploring.

Poolside Bars

Guests frequently enjoy frozen cocktails and refreshing beverages outdoors.

Lounges With Signature Cocktails

Certain lounges feature crafted drinks that elevate the experience.

Restaurants and Dining Rooms

Meal pairings enhance the value of your drink package.

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