What do drinks cost on a Star Clippers cruise?
Many luxury cruise lines, like Seabourn and Silversea, include wine and alcohol in the cruise fare. (Of course, their higher fares reflect that.)
On most cruises, however, cruise gratuities, shore excursions and drinks are extra.
If you’re not careful, those extras can add up. And before you know it, your cruise can hurt your wallet a whole lot more than originally budgeted.
Star Clippers offers unique sailing cruises to off-the-beaten-path ports and islands. (Isle des Saintes in the Caribbean, anyone?)
The line operates three ships: the Star Flyer and Star Clipper (which are identical) and the Royal Clipper, which is a real beauty (she won #2 for “Best Small Cruise Ship” in the 2021 USA Today‘s “10 Best” awards).
Their cruise prices are much lower than those of the luxury lines, and alcohol isn’t included in the rates.
If you’re setting sail on a Star Clippers cruise, you naturally want to get an idea of what your pre-dinner cocktails and after-dinner brandy will cost.
Star Clippers drinks package
We’ve cruised with Star Clippers four times now – most recently on the Star Flyer in the Caribbean.
And there is no “drinks package,” per se. You can’t buy a package for one all-inclusive price that includes all your cocktails, soft drinks and wine.
But, no worries. Like the cruise rates, alcohol on Star Clippers is very reasonably priced.
Cost of drinks on Star Clippers
Star Clippers bar menu
The “daily” special cocktail is 5 Euros (about $5.50 USD).
Pina coladas, mojitos and other cocktails ring in at under 6 Euros (about $6.75 USD).
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As for wines, most guests go with the house white or red.
Cost? 3.50 Euros a glass or 16 Euros a bottle (less than $4 USD a glass or about $18 USD a bottle).
Really, there’s not much chance of breaking the liquor bank at these prices!
Water and tea/coffee
If you guzzle a lot of water (very healthy!), have no fear. There’s no need to rack up a huge bill for bottled water.
You can always get filtered water, by the glass, in the restaurant at meal times.
There’s also a self-serve water station in the Tropical Bar.
Tip
Bring your own refillable water bottle on the cruise, so you can refill it whenever you want. It’s “greener” too than buying bottled water.
We took our collapsible water bottles with us. We love them because they’re leak-proof and roll up for packing (making them very compact).
Help yourself to coffee and tea at any time in the piano bar.
Bar bill service charges
A 12.5% service charge is added to your bar bill, which you pay at the end of your cruise.
Bon voyage and enjoy your Star Clippers sailing cruise!
More cruising inspiration!
UnCruise Adventures: This adventurous Costa Rica UnCruise trip immerses you in all of nature’s awe!
Viking Ocean Cruises: What’s an adults-only Caribbean cruise like? See our Viking Sea review.
Windstar Cruises: We love Windstar Cruises ships for affordable small-ship luxury.
Our top travel tips and resources
Hotels: Booking.com is great for scoring a “wow” hotel – or at least a decent one – at lower rates than the hotel’s own website. We especially like Booking’s flexible cancellation policy!
Vacation homes, condos and rentals: We prefer and use Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner).
Flights: To book the cheapest flights, search on Google Flights or Expedia. (Just be aware Expedia tickets may be non-refundable.)
Airport lounge access: We love (and have) Priority Pass for comfy lounge seats, free snacks and drinks, complimentary WiFi and sometimes even showers and spa services!
Tours: For the best local food, walking and other guided tours, plus skip-the-line tickets to attractions, check out Viator (a TripAdvisor company) and GetYourGuide.
Car rental: Renting a car is often one of the best ways to explore off the beaten path. Discover Cars searches car rental companies so you get the best rates.
Travel insurance: SafetyWing is designed for frequent travelers, long-term adventurers and digital nomads. It covers medical expenses, lost checked luggage, trip interruption and more. We also have and recommend Medjet for global air medical transportation.
Travel gear: See our travel shop to find the best luggage, accessories and other travel gear. (We suggest these comfy travel sandals for city walking, the beach and kicking about.)
Need more help planning your trip? Check out our travel tips and resources guide for airline booking tips, ways to save money, how to find great hotels and other crazy useful trip planning info.
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Photo credits: 1, 4, 5, 6 © Janice and George Mucalov, SandInMySuitcase | 3 Star Clippers
About the authors
Luxury travel journalists and SATW, NATJA and TMAC “Best Travel Blog” award winners, Janice and George Mucalov are the publishers of Sand In My Suitcase. Between them, they’ve traveled to all 7 continents. See About.
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