Cruises are all-inclusive vacations where food and drinks are part of the package. However, not all drinks are free. You will need to pay extra for alcoholic beverages and carbonated drinks. Rookie cruise passengers are often confused about what drinks are complimentary and which costs extra.
Water
Non-carbonated water is free on cruises. You can get cold or hot water from the buffet drinks dispenser and the main dining room. You can also stop by any bar to ask for a glass of water. Remember that the bottled water in your cabin is usually not free and will cost you around $5.
Coffee
Coffee is free on cruises. The buffet will have decaf and regular coffee all day. Some cruise ships also give out coffee sachets to mix with hot water. The free coffee is hot, but you can easily make iced coffee by adding ice. You can also ask for free coffee in the main dining room. And if you need coffee first thing in the morning, you can order room service and have coffee delivered to your cabin.
Do know that regular coffee is free on cruises, but there will be an extra charge for specialty coffee like Americano, Cappuccino, and other espresso drinks.
Tea
Tea is free on cruises. The buffet always has a variety of tea bags, from Green tea to Chamomile tea. A hot water dispenser is also available at the buffet. You can also ask for tea in the main dining room; the waiter will bring a pot for you to enjoy with your dessert. Tea can also be ordered from room service.
Iced Tea
Most cruise ships will offer iced tea as a free drink. You can get iced tea from the drinks dispenser at the buffet. You can also order it in the main dining room.
Hot Cocoa
Hot cocoa is free on some cruises. Hot cocoa packets are usually only available at the buffet during breakfast hours. You can also order it in the main dining room and from room service.
Orange Juice
Orange juice is another free drink on cruises. It’s usually only available during breakfast in the main dining room and at the buffet drinks dispenser. Do know that the orange juice is not freshly squeezed. Some cruise ships serve freshly squeezed orange juice at an extra cost. Check out 6 Cruise Ship Embarkation Hacks (How to Board the Ship Faster)
Fruit Punch
Some cruise ships have fruit punch as a complimentary beverage. It is usually only available from the buffet drinks dispenser. Check out 11 Anti-Theft Cruise Tips that Every Cruiser Needs to Know
Apple Juice
Apple juice is usually free on some cruises during breakfast. During breakfast, you can typically get apple juice from the buffet or the main dining room and room service. Check out 11 Fun Things to Pack on Your Next Cruise
Pineapple Juice
Pineapple juice is sometimes available for free on cruises. It is usually a free breakfast juice served in the main dining room and at the buffet. On some cruise ships, pineapple juice is available during non-breakfast hours at the buffet. Check out 13 Important Things to Do Before You Go on Your Cruise (free printable checklist)
Cranberry Juice
Cranberry juice is another complimentary breakfast drink. It’s available from the buffet drinks dispenser, the main dining room, and room service. However, it’s typically only served during breakfast and is not an all-day juice. Check out 25 Things People Forget to Pack for a Cruise
Lemonade
Lemonade is another free drink offered by most cruise ships. It is usually a standard beverage offered during non-breakfast hours at the buffet drinks dispenser. You can also order lemonade with your meal in the main dining room. Check out 15 Things I Wished I had Known as a First Time Cruiser