Embarking on a Royal Caribbean cruise promises an unforgettable escape, and for many, the perfect vacation involves enjoying a refreshing beverage while sailing the high seas. One of the most common questions cruisers have is about the Royal Caribbean Drink Package: what does it cost, what incredible options does it include, and ultimately, is it a worthwhile investment for your next adventure? This comprehensive guide will navigate you through everything you need to know about Royal Caribbean’s beverage packages, helping you make the best decision for your cruise experience.
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Decoding the Royal Caribbean Drink Package: Is It Right For You?
Our recent experience on a Royal Caribbean cruise aboard the Navigator of the Seas initially had us questioning the value of a beverage package. Like many cruisers, we looked at the pre-cruise prices and wondered if we would consume enough alcoholic drinks to justify the cost. However, once we stepped onboard, the reality of individual drink prices quickly became apparent.
While awaiting our stateroom, we indulged in two tropical cocktails – a Goombay Smash and a Painkiller Cocktail – from the lively Lime and Coconut bar on the Lido Deck. The bill for these two drinks, including tax and gratuity, amounted to $33.35. A momentary oversight led to an additional tip, bringing the total to $37.35 for just two beverages. This immediate realization sparked a quick calculation between us: even a few Lido deck refreshments combined with a couple of glasses of wine at dinner could easily approach, or even exceed, the daily cost of a drink package.
The opportunity became even more appealing when we discovered an onboard promotion: a “buy one, get one 50% off” offer for the Deluxe Drinks Package on the first day of our 3-day cruise. This significant discount for two people made the decision much easier. We saw it as a perfect chance to not only enjoy our favorite drinks but also to explore the extensive cocktail menus at the Navigator of the Seas’ unique bars, trying new concoctions without worrying about the individual price tag. It transformed our beverage experience from careful budgeting to delightful experimentation.
Royal Caribbean Drink Package Costs: What to Expect
The pricing of Royal Caribbean’s drink packages is dynamic and can vary significantly based on several factors, including the specific sailing, ship, time of year, and whether you purchase it in advance or onboard. Generally, pre-cruise purchases through the Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner often present the best value, with discounts available for those who book early. Keep an eye out for special promotions like Black Friday sales or Cyber Monday deals, which can offer substantial savings on beverage packages.
While pre-purchasing is often recommended, it’s worth noting that onboard promotions can sometimes appear, as we experienced with the “buy one, get one 50% off” deal. However, these specific offers are not guaranteed on every sailing, making the Cruise Planner the most reliable source for potential savings. Prices are subject to change, but here’s a general overview of typical onboard daily costs:
- Royal Caribbean Deluxe Drink Package Cost: This comprehensive package typically ranges from $63.00 to $89.00 per person, per day. These figures are based on 2021-2022 sailings and serve as an estimate.
- Refreshment Beverage Package Cost: For those preferring non-alcoholic premium options, this package usually costs between $29.00 and $38.00 per person, per day.
- Classic Soda Package Cost: The most basic package, offering unlimited fountain sodas, is generally priced from $12.99 to $15.00 per person, per day.
- Bottled Water Package: This is typically offered based on the number of bottles purchased, rather than a daily rate.
It’s crucial to remember that these package prices are in addition to your standard cruise fare. Factor them into your total vacation budget to avoid surprises.
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What Drinks Are Included in Royal Caribbean Packages? A Detailed Breakdown
Royal Caribbean thoughtfully curates three primary drink packages, each designed to cater to different preferences and needs. Understanding what each package encompasses is key to selecting the perfect one for your cruise vacation.
The Deluxe Beverage Package: Your All-Inclusive Drink Pass
Often referred to as the “unlimited drink package,” the Deluxe Beverage Package is Royal Caribbean’s most comprehensive offering. It provides an extensive array of choices, allowing guests to indulge in nearly any beverage onboard without worrying about individual costs. This package includes an unlimited supply of:
- A diverse selection of cocktails, from classic favorites to exotic new creations.
- Premium spirits and liqueurs, offering a wide range of choices for mixed drinks or on the rocks.
- Various types of beer, including popular domestic and international brands.
- An assortment of bottled still and sparkling water, ensuring you stay hydrated.
- Wine by the glass, with a broad selection to complement your meals or enjoy on its own.
- Fresh-squeezed juices, perfect for a healthy start or a refreshing mixer.
- All non-alcoholic beverages, including fountain sodas, premium coffees, and teas.
- A complimentary Coca-Cola souvenir cup, essential for use with Freestyle machines.
Crucially, the Deluxe Package covers any single beverage item priced up to $12. Furthermore, it offers a generous 40% discount on bottled wines priced up to $100, and a 20% discount on bottles exceeding $100, making it an excellent option for wine enthusiasts. This package is ideal for guests who anticipate enjoying a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks throughout their cruise and prefer the convenience of a prepaid, all-inclusive experience.
The Refreshment Package: Premium Non-Alcoholic Indulgence
It’s important to highlight upfront that the Refreshment Package specifically excludes all alcoholic beverages. This package is tailor-made for guests who prefer to abstain from alcohol but still desire a wide selection of premium non-alcoholic options beyond the basic complimentary offerings. The Refreshment Package includes:
- Gourmet coffees and specialty teas, perfect for any time of day.
- An unlimited supply of bottled still and sparkling water.
- Freshly squeezed orange juice, for a refreshing boost.
- A variety of non-alcoholic cocktails (mocktails), allowing you to enjoy flavorful drinks without the alcohol.
- All fountain sodas and access to Coca-Cola Freestyle beverages.
- A Coca-Cola souvenir cup, enabling use of the Freestyle machines.
This package offers excellent value for those who enjoy specialty coffees, mocktails, and bottled water regularly, ensuring they have a diverse range of choices throughout their cruise.
The Classic Soda Package: Unlimited Fizz and Fun
The Classic Soda Package is the most straightforward of the three, designed for soda lovers. It includes unlimited fountain soda refills at any venue onboard, full access to Coca-Cola Freestyle beverages, and comes with a Coca-Cola souvenir cup. This cup is specifically required to operate the interactive Coca-Cola Freestyle machines, which offer over 100 different drink combinations. This package is a fantastic choice for guests who primarily consume soft drinks and want the freedom to enjoy them throughout their voyage.
Purchasing Your Royal Caribbean Drink Package: Onboard vs. Pre-Cruise
Royal Caribbean offers flexibility in purchasing drink packages, allowing guests to buy them both before their cruise through the Cruise Planner and once onboard the ship. Generally, pre-purchasing is recommended as it often comes with discounted rates compared to onboard pricing and allows you to budget your vacation expenses in advance. Your pre-purchased package becomes active the moment you step onboard on embarkation day.
If you decide to purchase onboard, you can do so any day until there are fewer than four days remaining on your cruise. Packages are available at various bars and guest services desks. Keep in mind that when purchasing onboard, the price will be prorated based on the date of purchase, but you must still buy it for the remainder of your cruise duration.
An important policy to be aware of is that any guests wishing to purchase an alcoholic beverage package, such as the Deluxe Beverage Package, must do so for all guests of legal drinking age (21+ in North America, 18+ in many other regions) residing in the same stateroom. This policy helps prevent drink sharing, ensuring fair usage of the package benefits. However, there are exceptions for certain circumstances, such as pregnancy, medical conditions, or religious reasons. If an exception applies, you should contact Royal Caribbean prior to your cruise to understand the necessary documentation or process.
All other beverage packages, like the Refreshment and Classic Soda packages, can be purchased individually by guests. Regardless of the package type, all packages are for single guest use and are strictly non-transferable and non-sharable.
Does the Royal Caribbean Drink Package Include CocoCay and Labadee?
Yes, absolutely! One of the fantastic perks of purchasing a Royal Caribbean beverage package, whether onboard or through the Cruise Planner, is that its benefits extend to Royal Caribbean’s private destinations: Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas, and Labadee, Haiti. This means you can enjoy your included drinks on these stunning islands just as you would on the ship.
At Perfect Day at CocoCay, your package is active across the entire island, including popular spots like Oasis Lagoon, Thrill Waterpark, Chill Island, and even the upscale Coco Beach Club. You can sip on a refreshing cocktail by the pool, grab a cold beer on the beach, or enjoy a specialty coffee without worrying about additional costs. Beyond the package, CocoCay also offers complimentary coffee service in the mornings and fruit-infused water in the afternoons, adding to the perfect island day experience.
Similarly, your beverage package is valid at all bars and lounges in Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s private destination in Haiti. This seamless extension of your package ensures a consistent, hassle-free drinking experience, whether you’re exploring the ship or relaxing on a pristine private beach.
Where Does the Drink Package Work on the Ship?
Once you’ve secured your Royal Caribbean beverage package, you’ll find it incredibly convenient to use across most areas of the ship. Your package is honored at nearly all bars and lounges, including specialty bars, the Windjammer Café, the Main Dining Room, and other dining venues during their normal business hours. The ease of ordering is one of the main appeals; simply present your SeaPass card (your cruise card), which will have a small sticker indicating your package type, or the staff can identify it when they scan your card. This system allows for quick and effortless service.
However, there are a few important exclusions to note: the beverage packages typically do not cover items from room service or selections from your stateroom’s minibar. These items are usually charged separately. Additionally, while the package covers a vast array of drinks, guests must be of legal drinking age (21 in most regions for alcoholic beverages) to order alcoholic drinks.
Royal Caribbean Ships Featuring the Coke Freestyle Machine
The Coca-Cola® Freestyle machines are a popular feature onboard many Royal Caribbean ships, offering guests an astounding variety of over 100 different soda and flavor combinations. These interactive dispensers require a special Coca-Cola souvenir cup, which is included with both the Deluxe Beverage Package and the Classic Soda Package. It’s a fun way to customize your drink and try new flavors every day. You can find these innovative machines on a wide range of Royal Caribbean vessels, including:
- Adventure of the Seas
- Allure of the Seas
- Anthem of the Seas
- Enchantment of the Seas
- Explorer of the Seas
- Freedom of the Seas
- Grandeur of the Seas
- Harmony of the Seas
- Independence of the Seas
- Jewel of the Seas
- Mariner of the Seas
- Navigator of the Seas
- Oasis of the Seas
- Quantum of the Seas
- Ovation of the Seas
- Rhapsody of the Seas
- Symphony of the Seas
Complimentary Drinks on Your Royal Caribbean Cruise
Even if you choose not to purchase a drink package, Royal Caribbean provides a selection of complimentary beverages available to all guests throughout their cruise. Knowing these options can help you decide if a package is truly necessary or if you can comfortably manage with the free choices. Included in your standard cruise fare are:
- Tap water, readily available at all dining venues and water stations.
- Milk, typically offered at breakfast and often available throughout the day.
- Regular and decaffeinated coffee, served at various dining locations.
- A variety of teas, including hot tea and iced tea.
- Refreshing lemonade.
- Flavored waters, often found at the Windjammer Café.
- Juices (not fresh-squeezed), primarily available at breakfast.
- Hot chocolate, typically available via instant packets at beverage stations.
These complimentary options ensure that you always have something to drink, providing a baseline for your hydration needs and casual enjoyment.
Important Additional Details to Know About Royal Caribbean Drink Packages
Here are a few more critical points to consider when evaluating Royal Caribbean’s drink packages:
- No Daily Limit for Deluxe Package: There is no official daily limit on the number of alcoholic drinks you can order with the Deluxe Beverage Package. However, bartenders reserve the right to refuse service to guests who appear overly intoxicated, prioritizing safety and responsible consumption.
- Short Cruise Purchase Window: For shorter cruises (2 or 3 nights), beverage packages must typically be purchased on the very first day of the sailing.
- Starbucks Exemption: While the Deluxe Package includes premium coffees, it generally does not cover purchases at Starbucks branded locations on ships that have them. These typically operate as separate entities.
- Minibar Exclusion: As mentioned, none of the alcoholic drink packages include items from your stateroom’s minibar.
- Gratuity Included: An 18% gratuity is automatically added to the cost of all beverage packages at the time of purchase. This covers the service provided by the hardworking staff. You are, of course, welcome to offer additional tips if you wish to recognize exceptional service.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Royal Caribbean Drink Package
Deciding whether a Royal Caribbean drink package is a good value for your cruise involves a bit of personal reflection and planning. Here are the key factors to weigh:
- Cruise Itinerary: Consider how much time you’ll actually spend onboard versus in port. If your cruise is “port-intensive” with many shore excursions, you might not be on the ship long enough each day to consume enough drinks to make the package worthwhile. Conversely, cruises with more sea days offer ample opportunity to enjoy the package benefits.
- Daily Drink Consumption: Estimate your typical daily beverage intake. For the Deluxe Package, calculate how many cocktails, beers, wines, specialty coffees, or bottled waters you would need to consume to break even with the daily package price. A good rule of thumb for the Deluxe package is often 5-7 alcoholic drinks per day, plus a few non-alcoholic ones.
- All Adults in Stateroom Rule: Remember the strict policy for the Deluxe Beverage Package: all guests of legal drinking age (21+ in the US, 18+ elsewhere) in the same stateroom must purchase the package. This is a crucial point for couples or groups sharing a cabin. Exceptions for medical reasons, pregnancy, or religious beliefs require advance communication with Royal Caribbean and potentially documentation.
- Responsible Consumption: While the Deluxe Package offers unlimited drinks, Royal Caribbean staff are trained to monitor consumption. Bartenders will absolutely “cut off” guests who show signs of intoxication, prioritizing the safety and enjoyment of all passengers. This is a responsible policy to ensure a pleasant environment for everyone.
- Convenience vs. Cost Tracking: A package offers immense convenience – no need to sign slips or worry about individual drink costs. For some, this peace of mind significantly enhances the vacation experience. For others, meticulously tracking expenses and only paying for what they consume is preferable.
- Drink Sharing Policy: Royal Caribbean strictly prohibits the sharing of drink packages. Each package is assigned to an individual and is non-transferable. Violations of this policy can lead to the package being revoked without refund.
Can You Bring Drinks Onboard Royal Caribbean?
Royal Caribbean does allow guests to bring a limited amount of beverages onboard, with specific rules to ensure a smooth and safe embarkation process for everyone.
- Wine and Champagne: Each stateroom may bring up to two 750 ml bottles of wine or champagne on boarding day, provided at least one guest is of legal drinking age. If you choose to enjoy your personal wine or champagne in a ship dining room or bar venue, a corkage fee will be applied.
- Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Guests are permitted to bring non-alcoholic beverages as carry-on items on boarding day. These non-alcoholic items must not exceed 12 standard (17 oz.) cans, bottles, or cartons per stateroom. This can be a great way to bring your favorite sodas, sparkling water, or juices if you haven’t purchased a drink package.
- Special Circumstances: Milk and distilled water brought onboard for infant, medical, or dietary use are always permitted and are exempt from the 12-item limit.
- Purchased Alcohol Storage: If you purchase alcohol bottles onboard the ship, at a port-of-call, or attempt to bring more than the permitted two bottles of wine/champagne on boarding day, these items will be safely stored by the ship’s crew. They will be returned to you on the last day of your cruise, allowing you to enjoy them once you’ve disembarked and are back home.
For the most up-to-date and complete information on Royal Caribbean’s beverage policies, it’s always best to consult their official website: RoyalCaribbean.com
Is a Royal Caribbean Drink Package Worth It? The Final Verdict
Ultimately, the decision to purchase a Royal Caribbean drink package hinges on your personal preferences, consumption habits, and cruise style. For many, the convenience and all-inclusive feel of a prepaid package significantly enhance the vacation experience, allowing for worry-free indulgence and the freedom to explore new tastes. If you enjoy a variety of alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, bottled water, and sodas throughout your day, and especially if your cruise has several sea days, a Deluxe Beverage Package can offer excellent value. The Refreshment Package is a superb choice for non-drinkers who still desire premium non-alcoholic options, while the Soda Package is perfect for those who only want unlimited soft drinks.
However, if your itinerary is packed with port calls, you’re a light drinker, or you prefer to pay for individual drinks as you go, sticking to the complimentary options or buying drinks à la carte might be more economical. Always do your personal math based on your estimated consumption and compare it to the package price, taking into account any pre-cruise discounts. By carefully considering these factors, you can confidently determine if a Royal Caribbean drink package will elevate your cruise adventure to its full potential.
Additional Royal Caribbean Cruise Resources
Enhance your Royal Caribbean cruise planning with these helpful articles:
- Navigator of the Seas Extended Balcony Stateroom Tour
- Understanding the Carnival Cheers Package
- Essential Mexico Cruise Packing List
- Caribbean Cruise Packing List: What to Bring
- What Happens if You Get Sick on a Cruise Ship?
Explore all of our comprehensive cruise travel articles for more tips and insights.
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