Oceania Cruise Line is known for its elegant ships, curated itineraries, and elevated onboard experiences. Among the many services guests often ask about, the details of Oceania’s drink packages generate a lot of curiosity—especially the question of how many drinks passengers can enjoy per day. While Oceania does not cap the number of beverages guests may consume under its drink packages, there are practical guidelines, service norms, and package variations that shape the daily experience. Understanding these rules helps travelers choose the right beverage plan and avoid unexpected limitations during their voyage.
Oceania offers a refined range of beverage programs that match its luxury environment. The most popular include the House Select package and the Prestige Select package. Both unlock unlimited beverages, yet they differ in timing, inclusions, and value. To get clarity, it’s important to break down how Oceania structures its beverage policy, how “unlimited” works onboard, and what travelers can truly expect in real-world use.
Oceania’s beverage packages are designed as unlimited, meaning the cruise line does not impose a specific numerical cap on how many drinks a guest may order in a single day. Whether enjoying wine with lunch, cocktails by the pool, or an evening after-dinner digestif, passengers can continuously order throughout the service hours of their selected package.
Even though the packages do not have preset drink quotas, responsible alcohol service standards still guide bartenders and servers. If a guest appears visibly intoxicated, staff may slow or restrict further service for safety reasons. This is a general maritime rule rather than a unique Oceania policy. For the typical traveler, this rarely affects their experience, but it’s important to note that “unlimited” still operates within responsible service boundaries.
The type of package a guest purchases can influence how often they order beverages throughout the day. The House Select plan focuses on mealtime drinks, whereas the Prestige Select plan covers beverages across the entire ship and throughout the full day. Both are unlimited, but the flexibility varies based on hours and menu access.
This package includes unlimited wine and beer served with lunch and dinner. It is the ideal option for travelers who primarily want drinks with meals. Because it is time-specific, it naturally limits how many drinks a guest is likely to consume—though again, no hard limit is stated. Guests often enjoy a few glasses with lunch and more with dinner, depending on their personal preference.
The Prestige Select option provides unlimited premium spirits, cocktails, wine, beer, and more—available any time during operational bar hours. For guests who enjoy poolside drinks, afternoon cocktails, pre-dinner aperitifs, and late-night beverages, this is the most flexible choice. Since it spans the entire day, passengers may consume significantly more drinks compared to the mealtime-only package if they wish to do so.
Oceania does not keep a tally of how many drinks a guest orders. Instead, servers simply check your stateroom card to confirm you purchased the beverage package. Each drink is recorded as part of the package at a price of $0.00.
Just like most cruise lines, Oceania typically operates under a “one drink per order” practice. This prevents sharing drinks among multiple guests who do not have a package. It ensures smooth service without violating policy.
Depending on the package, guests can order:
Beer
Wine (by the glass)
House and select premium spirits
Classic and premium cocktails
Non-alcoholic alternatives like soft drinks, mocktails, and specialty juices (as applicable)
Most moderate drinkers report enjoying between 4 to 8 alcoholic beverages per day using the Prestige Select plan. With House Select, this number often ranges between 2 to 5, since it is tied to meal times.
Some passengers take full advantage of unlimited access, ordering 10 to 15 drinks per day—especially on sea days when they stay on the ship.
Those who only want the occasional beverage may consume 1 to 3 drinks per day, making the package less cost-effective unless purchased as part of a promotion.
Longer voyages often lead to more relaxed, steady drinking patterns rather than high daily totals.
Passengers tend to drink more on sea days, when they spend the entire day onboard.
Meal schedules naturally shape drinking volume under the House Select package.
Some guests prefer an early morning mimosa or bloody mary, others enjoy sunset cocktails, while some only indulge during dinner.
The more drinks a guest consumes, the greater the savings. The Prestige Select package becomes cost-effective for travelers who expect to enjoy multiple beverages throughout the day.
With no need to sign receipts for each drink beyond presenting your card, the experience feels effortless and indulgent.
Guests can explore wines, spirits, and cocktails they may not typically try at home, increasing the experiential value.
Take advantage of the variety, but pace yourself throughout the day to fully enjoy the experience without discomfort.
Oceania bartenders often craft unique cocktails and offer rotating wine selections. This adds uniqueness to the package.
Staying hydrated helps balance alcohol consumption and keeps you energized during your vacation.
If you have specialty dining reservations, pairing your meals with appropriate wines enhances the culinary experience.
If you only want one or two glasses of wine each evening, buying drinks individually might be more economical.
Travelers who spend most of their day off the ship often find they don’t use the unlimited drinks enough to justify the cost.
Some promotional packages include the House Select plan, making upgrades an optional choice.
This is a straightforward option if your consumption is low or occasional.
Oceania allows guests to bring limited bottles of wine on embarkation day without a corkage fee. This can be ideal for those who prefer specific wines.
Guests who don’t drink alcohol can opt for specialty coffee or non-alcoholic plans instead.
Oceania Cruise Line offers an upscale yet approachable beverage experience, and its drink packages align with this philosophy. Guests are not limited by a daily cap; instead, the packages operate on an unlimited basis, governed by responsible service and package type. Whether enjoying wine during a leisurely lunch or sipping cocktails under the sun, passengers can make the most of their drink package throughout the day.
The key is choosing the package that aligns with personal drinking habits. Those who enjoy beverages throughout the day will find the Prestige Select plan exceptionally worthwhile, while meal-time drinkers may prefer House Select. Regardless of the option chosen, Oceania ensures a smooth and enjoyable beverage experience with plenty of flexibility, comfort, and culinary pairing possibilities.
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