Planning a Royal Caribbean cruise means making many exciting decisions, and one of the most frequently asked questions revolves around the drink packages. How much do they cost, what exactly do they cover, and perhaps most importantly, are they a worthwhile investment for your vacation budget? This comprehensive guide will meticulously break down everything you need to know about Royal Caribbean’s various beverage packages, empowering you to make the best choice for an unforgettable cruise experience.
Short on time? Here’s the essential takeaway: Royal Caribbean drink packages offer unparalleled convenience and potential savings for cruisers who plan to enjoy multiple beverages daily, from specialty coffees to cocktails. To determine if a Deluxe, Refreshment, or Soda package is right for you, assess your typical daily consumption and compare it against individual drink prices to align with your cruise budget and desired vacation style.
Decoding Royal Caribbean Drink Packages: An Insider’s Journey
The decision to purchase a Royal Caribbean beverage package is a common dilemma for both first-time cruisers and seasoned travelers alike. My own recent experience on a Navigator of the Seas cruise perfectly illustrates the thought process many go through. Initially, my husband and I were hesitant to buy the package. We’d seen the pre-cruise prices online and, like many, underestimated how quickly the cost of individual drinks could add up once we were actually onboard.
However, this perception quickly shifted upon embarkation. While eagerly waiting for our stateroom to be ready, we decided to begin our vacation with two quintessential tropical cocktails – a Goombay Smash and a Painkiller – from the vibrant Lime and Coconut bar on the Lido Deck. The bill for these two refreshing drinks, including tax and the automatic 18% gratuity, came to a surprising $33.35. In a moment of vacation bliss, I added an additional tip without realizing gratuity was already included, bringing our total for just two drinks to $37.35. This single transaction served as a powerful realization.
My husband and I immediately looked at each other, acknowledging the rapid accumulation of costs. We quickly calculated that even if we enjoyed just a few more Lido deck drinks during the day and a glass or two of wine with dinner, we would very easily reach, if not exceed, the daily cost of a drink package. For our 3-day cruise, this rapid escalation of expenses prompted us to seriously reconsider our initial stance. We performed some quick mental math, estimating the number of cocktails and glasses of wine we would need to consume to make the package a worthwhile purchase.
Fortunately, a timely discovery on embarkation day eased our decision: many onboard bars were advertising a “buy one, get one 50% off” promotion for the Royal Caribbean Drinks Package. This significantly reduced the per-person price, making the investment much more appealing. We decided to embrace it, viewing the package not just as a potential cost-saver, but as an exciting opportunity to explore the ship’s diverse cocktail menus. We wanted to try drinks we had always been curious about but hesitated to purchase individually, unsure if they would suit our taste. With the Navigator of the Seas boasting a plethora of unique bars and innovative cocktail creations, it proved to be the perfect opportunity to embark on a fun, new taste adventure.
Our goal wasn’t to overindulge with unlimited drinks, but rather to enjoy the freedom of ordering what we wanted, when we wanted, without constantly calculating the rising tab. This experience underscores a crucial point: the true value and convenience of a Royal Caribbean drink package often becomes much clearer once you’re fully immersed in the carefree atmosphere of your cruise vacation.
Understanding Royal Caribbean Drink Package Costs
The price of Royal Caribbean’s drink packages is far from fixed and can fluctuate significantly based on several key factors. These include the specific sailing date, the length of your cruise itinerary, the particular ship you’re on, and most importantly, when and where you choose to purchase the package. Savvy cruisers often find the most attractive pricing by planning ahead and purchasing their packages through Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner portal.
In the weeks and months leading up to our cruise, we diligently monitored the Cruise Planner and observed various online discounts for pre-buying the drink package. These included special promotional sales, seasonal offers, and even major holiday deals like Black Friday. Pre-cruise pricing can often be substantially lower than what you’ll encounter once onboard, making early booking a potentially smart financial move.
However, as our experience showed, onboard promotions are also a possibility. The “buy one, get one 50% off” offer we found on the first day of our 3-day cruise was a delightful surprise, significantly reducing the overall cost for two people. It’s crucial to understand that such onboard deals are not guaranteed for every sailing and can vary widely. Therefore, while it’s worth checking for any special offers immediately upon boarding, relying solely on them might mean missing out on better pre-cruise rates. Always compare current pricing both online before your cruise and during the initial hours onboard.
Typical Onboard Pricing Ranges (Per Person, Per Day):
- Royal Caribbean Deluxe Beverage Package (Alcoholic & Non-Alcoholic): This comprehensive package typically ranges from $63.00 to $89.00 per person, per day. Actual costs can vary based on the specific ship, itinerary, and current demand. This price includes the automatic 18% gratuity.
- Refreshment Package (Non-Alcoholic Only): Generally priced between $29.00 and $38.00 per person, per day. This package is an excellent choice for those who do not consume alcohol but still desire premium non-alcoholic options, including specialty coffees, bottled water, and fresh juices.
- Classic Soda Package (Unlimited Fountain Soda): Usually costs between $12.99 and $15.00 per person, per day. This package includes unlimited fountain sodas and access to Coca-Cola Freestyle machines, often bundled with a souvenir Coca-Cola cup.
- Bottled Water Package: The price for bottled water packages depends on the specific quantity of bottles you wish to purchase. These are generally bought for convenience, ensuring you have water readily available in your stateroom without needing to visit a bar or fountain.
It’s vital to remember that all listed prices are in addition to your basic cruise fare. Furthermore, an 18% gratuity is automatically applied to the cost of any beverage package at the time of purchase. This gratuity covers the service charges for all your included drinks throughout your entire cruise, simplifying your onboard experience.
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What Drinks Are Included in Royal Caribbean’s Drink Packages?
Royal Caribbean thoughtfully offers a tiered system of three primary drink packages, each meticulously designed to cater to diverse preferences and hydration needs, ensuring every guest finds an option that suits their style.
1. The Deluxe Beverage Package (The Ultimate Unlimited Option)
Often hailed as the “unlimited drink package,” the Deluxe Package is Royal Caribbean’s most comprehensive offering. It’s designed to enhance your cruise experience significantly by allowing you to indulge in a vast array of beverages without the constant worry of individual costs. This premium package includes unlimited access to:
- Cocktails, Spirits, & Liqueurs: Enjoy virtually any mixed drink, shot, or liqueur, with most single beverage items covered up to a value of $12. This expansive selection typically includes most standard and premium brands available across the ship’s bars and lounges.
- Beer: A wide and varied selection of domestic and imported beers.
- Wine by the Glass: A diverse choice of red, white, and rosé wines served by the glass.
- Bottled Still and Sparkling Water: Perfect for maintaining hydration throughout your vacation, whether by the pool or in your stateroom.
- Fresh-Squeezed Juices: Refreshing and healthy options for any time of day.
- Non-Alcoholic Cocktails (Mocktails): Creative and flavorful virgin drinks, perfect for all ages.
- Premium Coffees and Teas: Indulge in espresso-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos, alongside a selection of specialty teas from venues such as Café Promenade.
- Fountain Sodas & Coca-Cola Freestyle Beverages: Enjoy access to a wide variety of soda flavors and the customizable options of Freestyle machines.
- Coca-Cola Souvenir Cup: A reusable cup that is essential for operating the Coca-Cola Freestyle machines.
Beyond the unlimited drink selection, the Deluxe Package also offers a valuable bonus: a 40% discount on bottled wines priced up to $100, and a 20% discount on bottled wines priced above $100. This is a considerable perk for those who prefer to share a full bottle of wine at dinner or enjoy a particular vintage.
2. The Refreshment Package (Non-Alcoholic Premium Choices)
It is crucial to note that the Refreshment Package **does not include alcoholic beverages**. This package is perfectly tailored for guests who choose to abstain from alcohol but still desire a broad selection of premium non-alcoholic options beyond the basic complimentary offerings. It thoughtfully includes:
- Premium Coffees and Teas: From rich lattes to an array of specialty herbal teas.
- Bottled Still and Sparkling Water: Convenient and refreshing hydration options.
- Fresh-Squeezed Orange Juice: A delightful and healthy way to start your day.
- Non-Alcoholic Cocktails (Mocktails): A fun and sophisticated way to enjoy a fancy drink without the alcohol.
- Fountain Sodas / Coca-Cola Freestyle Beverages: Access to a vast array of soda choices and the interactive Freestyle machines.
- Coca-Cola Souvenir Cup: An essential item for utilizing the Coca-Cola Freestyle machines effectively.
3. The Classic Soda Package (Unlimited Fountain Sodas)
As the most basic of the tiered packages, the Classic Soda Package is ideal for soda enthusiasts and those who want consistent access to their favorite carbonated beverages. It provides unlimited fountain soda and refills in virtually any venue across the ship. Key inclusions are:
- Unlimited Fountain Soda: Enjoy classic Coca-Cola products on demand.
- Coca-Cola Freestyle Beverages: Access to hundreds of customizable flavor combinations at all Freestyle machines onboard.
- Coca-Cola Souvenir Cup: This specialized cup is required for activating and using the Coca-Cola Freestyle machines.
Purchasing Your Royal Caribbean Drink Package: Pre-Cruise vs. Onboard
Royal Caribbean provides guests with flexibility in how and when they can purchase their desired drink package, though each method comes with its own set of rules and considerations. Understanding these options is key to securing the best deal and maximizing your onboard experience.
Pre-Cruise Purchase via Cruise Planner
For most cruisers, the most recommended and often advantageous method for purchasing a drink package is through the Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner website well in advance of your sailing date. Here’s why this approach is highly favored:
- Significant Discounts: Royal Caribbean frequently offers substantial discounts for packages purchased prior to embarkation, especially during major sales events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, seasonal promotions, or even as part of booking incentives. These pre-cruise rates are typically more competitive than onboard pricing.
- Enhanced Budgeting: Paying for your drink package upfront allows you to distribute your vacation expenses more effectively. You’ll know your beverage costs are covered before you even step on the ship, leading to a more worry-free vacation budget.
- Immediate Activation: If you pre-purchase a drink package, it will be automatically activated and ready for use the very moment you board your Royal Caribbean cruise ship. This means you can start enjoying your favorite beverages without any delays or additional paperwork.
Onboard Purchase Options
While pre-purchasing is often recommended, you can also acquire beverage packages once you are onboard your Royal Caribbean vessel. Packages are usually available for purchase at any bar or at designated sales desks on embarkation day and through the initial days of the cruise. However, there are specific limitations:
- Limited Purchase Window: Onboard purchases are generally only available until there are fewer than four full days remaining on the cruise. For shorter itineraries (e.g., 2- or 3-night cruises), you typically must make your purchase on the very first day.
- Full Duration Requirement: All beverage packages, regardless of whether they are purchased pre-cruise or onboard, must be bought for the entire duration of your cruise. If you decide to buy a package on the second day of a 7-day sailing, you will be charged a prorated price for the remaining 6 days, not just for the days you specifically wish to use it.
- Pricing Variability: While occasional onboard promotions (like the “buy one, get one 50% off” we experienced) do occur, onboard pricing is often higher than the best pre-cruise rates. It’s always a good strategy to compare before you sail.
Key Rules for Alcoholic Drink Packages (Deluxe Beverage Package)
A critical policy to be aware of, especially when considering the Deluxe Beverage Package, is Royal Caribbean’s “all adults in the stateroom” rule. If one guest of legal drinking age (which is 21+ in North America and typically 18+ in most other regions for alcohol consumption) in a stateroom purchases the Deluxe Beverage Package, all other guests of legal drinking age in the *same stateroom* are also required to purchase it. This policy is strictly enforced to prevent drink sharing, which is explicitly prohibited.
There are rare exceptions to this rule for specific circumstances, such as pregnancy, certain medical conditions that preclude alcohol consumption, or documented alcohol addiction. If you believe you qualify for an exception, it is absolutely essential to contact Royal Caribbean customer service well in advance of your cruise. They will advise you on the necessary documentation and the approval process. Generally, you cannot simply opt out onboard.
It’s important to note that this “all adults” rule does not apply to non-alcoholic packages (the Refreshment Package and the Classic Soda Package); these can be purchased by individual guests without requiring others in the same stateroom to do so. However, all packages are for single guest use and cannot be shared.
Where Does the Royal Caribbean Drink Package Work?
The beauty of Royal Caribbean’s drink packages lies in their widespread acceptance across the cruise experience, ensuring you can enjoy your favorite beverages conveniently wherever your journey takes you.
Onboard the Ship
Your beverage package is honored at virtually all bars, lounges, and dining venues across any Royal Caribbean ship. This expansive coverage includes, but is not limited to:
- Specialty Bars and Lounges: Such as the high-tech Bionic Bar, the classic Schooner Bar, vibrant Boleros, the elegant R Bar, and numerous other themed venues where unique cocktails and fine spirits are served.
- Casual Dining Venues: Including the bustling Windjammer Marketplace, the cozy Café Promenade, Sorrento’s Pizza, and the Main Dining Room during their normal operating hours.
- Poolside Bars: Perfect for enjoying refreshing drinks while lounging by the pool or soaking up the sun on deck.
To use your package, simply present your SeaPass card (which will feature a small, distinctive sticker indicating your purchased package) to the bartender or server. They will then scan your card, confirm your package, and you will receive your drink without any further transaction or signature required, making the process seamless and truly unlimited.
Private Destinations: CocoCay & Labadee
One of the most appealing benefits of Royal Caribbean’s drink packages is their validity at the cruise line’s exclusive private destinations. This ensures your enjoyment extends beyond the ship’s decks:
- Perfect Day at CocoCay: Absolutely! Any beverage package purchased onboard or through the Cruise Planner will be fully active and honored across the entire island, including at the popular Coco Beach Club. This means you can sip on unlimited drinks while experiencing thrilling waterslides, relaxing on pristine beaches, or unwinding in exclusive zones.
- Labadee, Haiti: Similarly, your drink package is also valid at Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s stunning private resort destination in Haiti, allowing you to enjoy your included beverages while exploring the vibrant culture and beautiful surroundings.
This seamless integration ensures your “perfect day” at these destinations is truly perfect, eliminating any worries about accumulating additional drink costs.
What’s Not Included? Key Exclusions to Note
While Royal Caribbean’s drink packages are extensive, there are a few important exceptions where they do not apply:
- Room Service: Beverages ordered via room service are generally not covered by any of the drink packages and will incur separate charges.
- Mini-Bar Items: Any drinks stocked in your stateroom’s mini-bar are also excluded from the packages and will be charged to your onboard account if consumed.
- Starbucks Standalone Venues: While premium coffees and teas are included at many cafes on the ship (e.g., Café Promenade), dedicated Starbucks kiosks or branded cafes often operate as separate entities. Their specific offerings are typically not part of the standard drink packages and require separate payment.
Royal Caribbean Ships Featuring Coca-Cola Freestyle Machines
For ardent soda enthusiasts, the Coca-Cola Freestyle machine is a revolutionary addition, offering an astounding array of flavor combinations and customizable drink options. To fully utilize these interactive machines, you’ll need a special Coca-Cola souvenir cup, which is conveniently included with both the Deluxe Beverage Package and the Classic Soda Package. This reusable cup activates the Freestyle machines, allowing you to mix and match your perfect soda concoction. Here’s an up-to-date list of Royal Caribbean ships currently equipped with Coca-Cola Freestyle machines:
- 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
This extensive list confirms that on the vast majority of Royal Caribbean cruises, you’ll have access to the fun, variety, and endless possibilities of Freestyle beverages, adding a significant layer of value and enjoyment to your soda or deluxe package.
Complimentary Drinks Included with a Royal Caribbean Cruise
Even if you ultimately decide against purchasing a dedicated drink package, Royal Caribbean ensures that all guests have access to a selection of complimentary beverages throughout their cruise. Understanding what’s free can be incredibly helpful in budgeting and determining if a package is truly necessary for your specific travel style:
- Tap Water: Available everywhere, perfectly safe, filtered, and potable for drinking.
- Basic Coffee: Standard regular and decaffeinated coffee are typically available at the Windjammer Marketplace, Main Dining Room, and Café Promenade.
- Hot Tea: A basic selection of black, green, and herbal hot teas.
- Milk: Available during breakfast service and often throughout the day at various dining venues.
- Iced Tea: Unsweetened iced tea is a staple offering in the buffet (Windjammer) and Main Dining Room.
- Lemonade: Often available in large pitchers at the Windjammer and occasionally at other casual venues.
- Flavored Waters: Simple fruit-infused water can sometimes be found, particularly in wellness-focused areas like the Solarium or near fitness facilities.
- Juices: Available during breakfast service (these are typically from concentrate, not fresh-squeezed, with fresh-squeezed options usually part of a package).
- Hot Chocolate: Typically offered via instant packets at coffee and tea stations.
These complimentary options ensure you’ll never go thirsty onboard. However, they do not include specialty coffees (like lattes or cappuccinos), fresh juices outside of breakfast, bottled water, or any alcoholic beverages, which is where the value of a package often becomes apparent for some cruisers.
Is a Royal Caribbean Drink Package Worth It? Key Considerations for Cruisers
The pivotal question of whether a Royal Caribbean drink package is a worthwhile investment ultimately hinges on your individual drinking habits, your cruise itinerary, and your overall vacation budget. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, so it’s essential to consider these critical factors before making your decision.
Your Personal Consumption Habits
This is arguably the most significant factor. To “break even” on the Deluxe Beverage Package, which typically costs around $70-90 per person per day (including gratuity), you would generally need to consume approximately 6-8 alcoholic beverages priced at $12-$15 each, or a balanced combination of alcoholic and premium non-alcoholic drinks. Let’s consider a hypothetical daily consumption scenario:
- Morning: One specialty coffee (e.g., a latte at $5) and a fresh-squeezed juice ($5).
- Lunch: A glass of wine or a beer ($12-$14) and a bottled water ($4).
- Afternoon: A refreshing cocktail by the pool ($14).
- Evening (Pre-Dinner): Two cocktails at a bar before dinner ($28).
- Dinner: Two glasses of wine with your meal ($24).
- Late Night: One more cocktail or beer to round off the evening ($14).
This hypothetical scenario totals roughly $91 for a single day, vividly illustrating how quickly the package can pay for itself if you enjoy a variety of beverages throughout the day. Conversely, if you typically limit yourself to one or two alcoholic drinks daily, or primarily stick to the complimentary water, tea, and coffee, purchasing a package might not offer significant monetary savings.
Itinerary and Time Onboard
Your cruise itinerary plays a crucial role in the value proposition of a drink package. If your cruise is “port-intensive,” meaning you’ll spend most of your days off the ship exploring various destinations, you’ll naturally have fewer hours onboard to utilize the package. This can potentially diminish its value. On the other hand, an itinerary heavy with sea days, or one that includes stops at Royal Caribbean’s private islands like CocoCay or Labadee (where the package is fully valid), offers ample opportunities to maximize its benefits.
The “All Adults in Stateroom” Rule for Deluxe Packages
As previously emphasized, a critical rule for the Deluxe Beverage Package is that if one adult of legal drinking age in a stateroom purchases it, all other adults of legal drinking age within that same stateroom are also required to do so. This policy is strictly enforced to prevent drink sharing and can significantly increase the total cost for couples or groups traveling together. Always factor this into your overall budgeting. Remember, exceptions to this rule are rare and require prior approval from Royal Caribbean with supporting documentation.
Gratuity Included & Responsible Drinking Policy
A convenient 18% gratuity is automatically added to the total cost of the drink package at the time of purchase. This covers the service charge for all your included beverages throughout the cruise. While you are certainly not obligated to provide additional tips, you are welcome to do so if you receive exceptional service from the bar staff. It’s also important to remember that while there isn’t a strict “daily limit” on drinks with the Deluxe Package, Royal Caribbean staff are trained to serve alcohol responsibly. Bartenders absolutely reserve the right to refuse service to any guest who shows signs of intoxication, prioritizing the safety and well-being of everyone onboard.
The Value of Convenience and Peace of Mind
Beyond potential monetary savings, for many cruisers, the biggest advantage of a drink package is the sheer convenience and peace of mind it offers. You eliminate the need to constantly worry about individual drink prices, sign a receipt after every order, or face a surprisingly large bill at the end of your cruise. This freedom allows for a more carefree and truly enjoyable vacation experience, where you can spontaneously try new drinks or indulge in your favorites without any financial hesitation.
Bringing Your Own Drinks Onboard Royal Caribbean Ships
Royal Caribbean does permit guests to bring a limited amount of certain beverages onboard on embarkation day, which can be a strategic way to either save money or enjoy specific personal preferences during your cruise:
- Wine and Champagne: Each stateroom is allowed to bring up to two 750 ml bottles of wine or champagne. It is required that at least one guest in the stateroom be of legal drinking age. If you choose to enjoy these bottles in any of the ship’s dining rooms or bars, a corkage fee will be applied.
- Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Guests may bring a limited quantity of non-alcoholic beverages as carry-on items on boarding day. These items must not exceed 12 standard-sized (17 oz. or 500 ml) cans, bottles, or cartons per stateroom.
- Special Circumstances: Milk and distilled water, when brought onboard for infant formula, medical purposes, or specific dietary uses, are permitted in reasonable quantities beyond the standard non-alcoholic beverage limits.
Any alcohol bottles purchased onboard the ship, acquired in a port-of-call, or brought onboard in excess of the two permitted bottles on embarkation day will be safely collected and stored by the ship’s crew. These items will then be returned to you on the last day of your cruise, typically the night before disembarkation, allowing you to enjoy them once you’ve returned home. It’s always advisable to check the official Royal Caribbean website for the most current rules and regulations regarding bringing beverages onboard, as policies can occasionally change: RoyalCaribbean.com.
Final Thoughts: Maximize Your Royal Caribbean Cruise Enjoyment
In conclusion, the decision to purchase a Royal Caribbean drink package is a highly personal one, with no definitive “right” or “wrong” answer. The true value and benefit of a package can vary significantly from one cruiser to another, depending on individual preferences, consumption habits, and the specifics of their cruise itinerary. By thoroughly understanding the different package options, their associated costs, what is explicitly included and excluded, and the crucial rules surrounding their purchase and usage, you are well-equipped to make an informed decision that perfectly aligns with your desired vacation experience and budget.
Whether you ultimately opt for the all-encompassing Deluxe Beverage Package, choose the refreshing non-alcoholic options, or prefer to pay-as-you-go for your drinks, a little planning ahead will ensure your Royal Caribbean cruise is filled with delightful sips, wonderful moments, and unforgettable memories. Here’s to a fantastic voyage!
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