Dreaming of sipping cocktails by the pool without racking up a massive bar tab? You’re not the only one—and luckily, there are totally legit ways to get free drinks on your cruise without buying a pricey drink package or breaking any rules.
Whether you’re cruising for the first time or you’ve been at sea a dozen times, these simple tips can help you drink for free, stress-free.
I’ll only be covering cruise-approved, above-board methods here—no sneaky stuff, no smuggling. From loyalty rewards and special celebrations to events where bubbly flows freely, these smart strategies are easy to use and surprisingly effective.
1. Drink for Free with Cruise Loyalty Perks
If you’re hoping to sip without spending, loyalty perks are one of the easiest ways to get free drinks. Cruise lines love to reward their repeat guests with nightly cocktail hours, drink vouchers, and even in-room mini-bars—if you know where to look.
Royal Caribbean’s Diamond members get 4–5 free drinks a day, while Celebrity’s Elite members enjoy a daily complimentary cocktail hour. On Princess Cruises, Elite Captain’s Circle guests receive a free mini-bar setup delivered to their cabin for private toasts.
To make the most of these perks, always keep an eye on your ship’s daily schedule. Often, they’re tucked into the day’s activities with free drinks handed out more casually. And if you’re joining a new cruise line, you might even be able to fast-track your loyalty perks with a status match.
2. Book a Suite That Comes with Free Drinks
Booking a suite can come with some seriously tempting drink perks if you pick the right cruise line. Royal Caribbean’s Sky Class and Star Class suites offer free evening drinks in the Suite Lounge, while Celebrity Cruises’ The Retreat guests enjoy premium beverage packages included with their stay.
Oceania and Regent Seven Seas suites include full in-room bars, stocked and ready to go. On Princess Cruises, Reserve Collection Mini-Suite guests get a complimentary bottle of wine, while Full Suite guests enjoy a complete mini-bar setup.
Of course, suites do cost more, but when you factor in the savings from free drinks — and the extra space, priority boarding, and exclusive access perks — it can be well worth it if you were already planning to splurge a little.
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3. Sip Champagne at Art Auctions
One of the easiest—and most enjoyable—ways to snag a free drink at sea is by stopping by a Park West Gallery art auction. These events are held on most major lines and usually feature complimentary champagne or sparkling wine.
Your best bet is to catch an early auction or one of the “Preview” events, where servers often make the rounds with full glasses before bidding even begins. And don’t worry—you don’t have to buy anything. You can simply show up, browse the art, sip your drink, and enjoy the experience.
That said, there are a few things to keep in mind. Make sure to dress nicely for these semi-formal auctions—you’ll blend in better and might get better service. And, if you’re curious about when the next event with drinks is happening, just ask the art gallery staff—they’ll usually be happy to tell you.
One downside is that these events usually happen just a couple of times on a 7-night cruise, and since they’re run by Park West (not directly by the cruise line), they aren’t guaranteed on every sailing. Still, if the timing lines up, it’s a fun, low-pressure way to enjoy some free champagne.
4. Attend Captain’s Welcome Parties and Special Events
If you’re looking to kick off your cruise with a free drink, don’t miss the Captain’s Welcome Party or similar events. Royal Caribbean hosts a Welcome Aboard Reception with complimentary sparkling wine, while Princess Cruises holds a Champagne Welcome Reception with a classic waterfall pour.
Some ships, like Norwegian Prima, hold Officer Meet and Greets where free drinks flow while you chat with the crew. It’s a relaxed, friendly event—and a fun way to grab a drink while getting a behind-the-scenes look at ship life.
Always check your daily schedule carefully, though—these gatherings are usually tucked into a one-hour window. Arrive early if you can, because once the crowds roll in, trays of drinks can run out fast.
5. Celebrating Something? Cruise Lines Might Surprise You
When booking your cruise, you might be asked if you’re celebrating something—and if you are, make sure to mark it. Some cruise lines will occasionally surprise guests with a free bottle of wine, a drink voucher, or even a special cake.
It’s also smart to mention it to your stateroom attendant or dining staff, who can sometimes arrange extra touches. And if you’re dining at a specialty restaurant, casually mentioning the celebration can boost your chances of getting a free drink or treat.
6. Pop into Luxury Boutiques (and Score a Glass of Champagne)
If you’re strolling past the luxury boutiques onboard, it’s worth slowing down—brands like Breitling, BVLGARI, and Cartier often host “trunk shows” or “exclusive showcases” that quietly offer free champagne to browsing guests.
These events are usually disguised under names like “Special Showcase” or “Private Collection Viewing,” so you’ll need to read between the lines. Even if you’re not buying, polite browsing often earns you a glass.
Just keep in mind these events aren’t usually listed in the daily schedule and may only pop up occasionally, but they’re absolutely worth keeping an eye out for.
7. Roll the Dice, Sip for Free
If you’re planning to spend time in the casino anyway, you might be able to drink for free while you’re at it. Some cruise lines, like Carnival, Norwegian, and Celebrity, offer free drinks to casino players after hitting certain thresholds.
Carnival’s Players Club hands out “Drinks on Us” cards once you earn enough points, while Celebrity often gives casino guests free drinks during play without needing to spend a ton. On Norwegian, Casinos at Sea loyalty members can earn free drink privileges fairly quickly.
Keep in mind that this only really pays off if you’re a frequent gambler; otherwise, you’ll likely spend more chasing perks than just buying the drinks yourself.
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8. Play a Game, Win a Drink
If you’re the competitive type, some cruise activities may offer a chance to snag a free drink. Games like poolside quizzes, bean bag tosses, or karaoke contests occasionally reward winners with drink vouchers or tokens.
These events are usually light-hearted, low-effort, and open to everyone—no need to be a trivia genius to join in. Carnival, Norwegian, and Royal Caribbean are especially known for offering small prizes during fun competitions.
Princess Cruises is even known to give winners of the quirky trivia show Yes or No a complimentary bottle of champagne aboard the Sun Princess. Just keep in mind: prizes vary, and free drinks aren’t guaranteed. It all depends on the event, the cruise line, and a bit of luck.
9. Join a Cruise Critic ‘Meet & Mingle’
Many cruisers don’t realize that some lines host official Cruise Critic Meet & Mingle events—and these gatherings can offer more than just friendly conversation.
For example, on sailings of seven nights or longer, cruise lines like Celebrity Cruises will provide reserved lounge space and serve soft drinks or light refreshments, as long as at least 25 people register in advance.
These events are arranged in collaboration with Cruise Critic and are a relaxed way to meet fellow passengers you’ve chatted with online before the trip. While you shouldn’t count on unlimited booze, there’s definitely a chance to grab a free drink or snack while making new friends.
Meet & Mingle events are often announced via email and listed in the cruise schedule once confirmed. You’ll need to join the Cruise Critic Roll Call for your sailing to be included, and space can be limited.
Bonus: How to Get Discounted Drinks (When Free Isn’t an Option)
If scoring free drinks isn’t working out, there are still easy ways to save money on what you sip. Many cruise lines offer happy hour deals, drink of the day specials, or pre-purchase packages that can bring serious savings.
Booking a drink package before you board (versus waiting until you’re on the ship) usually comes at a lower rate. Some lines, like MSC and Costa, also offer tiered packages that let you pay only for what you’ll realistically use.
Also keep an eye out for punch cards, wine tastings, or buy-one-get-one (BOGO) deals at specific venues. Some bars and lounges, especially by the pool, run quiet promotions in the late afternoon or right before the dinner rush—just ask your bartender if there’s anything on special.
In addition, if you’re cruising with a group or celebrating something, consider splitting a bottle or a wine package. It’s often much cheaper per glass and can make those toasts feel a little more celebratory without breaking the budget.
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