Holland America Drink Packages: Prices and Break-Even

Where these numbers come from

Holland America sells three beverage packages, priced per guest per day. Elite covers drinks up to $16 each, Signature covers drinks up to $12 each, and Quench covers non-alcoholic drinks only. The prices above are the pre-cruise prices the line lists. Buying on board may cost more, so buy before sailing when you are sure you want one.

Two rules shape the decision. First, every adult of legal drinking age in a stateroom must buy the same package. Second, both alcohol packages stop at 15 alcoholic drinks per day. A drink above the price cap is not covered, and you pay the difference or choose another drink. Packages are non-transferable and non-refundable.

The line's FAQ states the 20% service charge is part of the package price, so there is no per-drink tip to add. The package page also says a 20% charge is applied, so confirm the final total at checkout. Menu prices are not published on the pages checked, which is why the break-even below uses your own numbers.

Here is the math. Signature costs $55.95 per day. If your average drink is $12 on the menu including the 20% service charge, you need $55.95 / $12 = 4.66, so 5 drinks a day. At $9 each you need 6.2, so 7 drinks. Over seven nights for two adults, Signature is 2 x 7 x $55.95 = $783.30, and Elite is 2 x 7 x $60.95 = $853.30. The drink package calculator accepts your real menu prices.

Elite costs $5 more per person per day than Signature. It pays only if you regularly order drinks between $12 and $16, such as premium spirits. A single $14 cocktail is not covered by Signature, so ordering two per day over a 7-night trip adds roughly 7 x 2 x $14 = $196 in out-of-pocket cost for one guest. In that case Elite would cost about $35 more and save you the overage.

Skip the alcohol packages if you drink two or three times a day. Quench at $17.95 works for heavy coffee and soda users, and a pay-as-you-go tab is cheaper for light drinkers. Read the gratuity page for how the 20% works on purchases, and the line overview for fares. For an all-in comparison, try the cruise vs all-inclusive calculator.

Sources

• Holland America beverage package options FAQ
• Holland America beverage package gratuity FAQ
• Holland America know before you go

Figures checked on September 30, 2026.

This page is general information, not legal, insurance or travel-agent advice. Fees, rules and limits change, so confirm the figures with the official sources listed above before you book or travel.