royal caribbean cruise drink package sale

Royal Caribbean drink packages: Prices, inclusions and what to know before you buy

Royal Caribbean drink packages allow you to drink what you want and when you want without feeling like you are being nickeled and dimed. Isn't that most cruisers' dream? The all-inclusive, extra-fee beverage plans aren't necessarily for everyone, but they are a nice way to enhance your cruise and take some of the stress out of in-the-moment vacation decisions.

Royal Caribbean ships offer a variety of packages, from a simple Water Package that keeps you and your crew hydrated during your cruise to a comprehensive plan that includes most alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Other than the Water Package, which is priced based on the quantity you order, drink packages on Royal Caribbean are priced per person, per day.

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The most common questions about Royal Caribbean's drink packages revolve around what each package includes, whether they are worth the price, and when is the best time to buy your package. I've tried all of Royal Caribbean's drink packages, but I've also cruised without any package. Here's what you need to know to decide if a beverage plan is right for you.

What's included in Royal Caribbean's drink packages?

Royal Caribbean offers several different drink packages, and the inclusions vary based on your choice. All options include gratuities, and no Royal Caribbean drink package includes room service or minibar drinks. Also, unlimited alcoholic beverage packages may not be available while the ship sails in some locations, so package details may change based on itinerary.

Related: Cruise ship drinks packages: A line-by-line guide

Water Package

Royal Caribbean's Water Packages are available in 12- and 24-packs of one-liter bottles of Evian water. The bottles will be delivered to your cabin on embarkation day.

If you don't want to pay for a Water Package, you can find drinking water at complimentary drink stations in the buffet area and often in other locations on Royal Caribbean ships. You can bring your own reusable bottle and fill it from these stations or straight from the faucet in your cabin. The water throughout the ships is not only drinkable but also better than what's available in many cities. You can also purchase bottles of water a la carte.

So why might you consider a Water Package? If you drink bottled water at home, you may prefer the taste. The package also allows you to have plenty of water on hand in your cabin or to take on excursions.

The downside is that one-liter bottles are not the ideal size for lugging off the ship with you. You must either bring a reusable bottle or purchase single-serving bottles for port days. You can get these at bars or at the gangway as you disembark in each port.

Classic Soda Package

Royal Caribbean's Soda Package is for the serious soda drinker. On select ships, the package comes with a souvenir Coca-Cola cup with a chip on the bottom to allow the holder to use the Freestyle soda dispensing machines throughout the ship. The "magic" cup gets you all the refills you want 24 hours a day, with your pick of sodas with add-in flavorings. (Orange Coke is my fave.) Freestyle machines are available on 18 ships in the fleet.

You can also order a glass of soda at any restaurant or bar on board. Some venues only serve fountain sodas, but others have cans. One big bonus of the package is that sodas on Royal Caribbean's private island destinations ( Perfect Day at Coco Cay and Labadee ) are included in the Soda Package. The only places you can't get a free soda with this package is room service (because room service other than continental breakfast comes with a $7.95 service fee, no matter what you order) or from your cabin's minibar.

Related: 8 best drinks to order with a cruise ship beverage package (and 3 to avoid)

You can bring up to 12 cans of soda (or bottles up to 17 ounces) per person on board with you in your carry-on luggage when you board the ship. So why would you want a Soda Package?

It's a question of convenience. I've been known to take a couple of 16-ounce bottles of soda on board with me, but carrying on much more than that is a big hassle. With a Soda Package, you can easily access your beverage of choice anywhere you are on board — including ordering sodas from roaming bar servers at the pool, in the casino or at events and shows — or on Royal Caribbean's private islands . You don't have to return to your room to grab a soda. It's also great for older kids and teens who might be roaming the ship with friends.

Refreshment Package

This is my favorite Royal Caribbean drink package. It includes still and sparkling water, sodas (with the included Freestyle magic cup), mocktails, premium coffees and teas (but not those from Starbucks stand-alone stores or kiosks) and freshly squeezed juices.

With this package, you can order almost anything non-alcoholic at bars and most restaurants on board. The Refreshment Package does not include shakes at Johnny Rockets, which are only included with the Deluxe Beverage Package.

Even the smoothies and protein shakes at Vitality Café are included in this package, as is the sweet tea at Portside BBQ on Oasis of the Seas. Want a strawberry slushy? Order a virgin strawberry daiquiri. Want hot cocoa? Covered. How about a virgin mudslide? A bartender will happily blend up vanilla ice cream, coffee, hazelnut syrup and chocolate syrup blended into a perfect mocha shake.

As with the Soda Package, you can order your non-alcoholic beverages, from sparkling water to fancy mocktails, from your pool lounger or blackjack table.

Plus, with the Refreshment Package, you've solved the problem of needing water to take off the ship with you for excursions and what to drink while on the private islands. It's all included in this package.

Deluxe Beverage Package

This package takes all that's available in the Refreshment Package (sodas, water, mocktails, premium coffee and tea, fresh-squeezed juice) and adds cocktails, spirits and liquors, as well as beer by the bottle or can and wine by the glass.

There are some limits on brands available with the package, but the list includes imported, domestic and craft beer, an extensive wine list and commonly ordered spirit brands on drinks up to $14. Any bar server can tell you what's available on your cruise.

You also get a hefty 40% discount on bottles of wine up to $100 and a 20% discount on bottles over $100. It's handy for sharing a bottle with your travel partner at dinner.

As with the soda and Refreshment Packages, the Deluxe Beverage Package can be used anywhere onboard (except stand-alone Starbucks locations). Use it in restaurants, bars and at any venue where a bar server is present, as well as at either of Royal Caribbean's private island destinations. The Deluxe Beverage Package also throws in one more bonus — milkshakes at Johnny Rockets.

This package comes with a few caveats. If one person in a stateroom buys this package, everyone of legal drinking age in the stateroom must buy the same package, according to cruise line policy. If someone in your room does not drink alcohol, don't worry. I've encountered many people who have called customer service and downgraded one or more non-drinking adults to a Refreshment Package.

Related: 15 ways that cruising newbies waste money on their first cruise

The package also does not include drinks that come with souvenir glasses. (Don't worry, you can always order the same drink in a regular glass.)

If your vacation plans include alcoholic beverages, buying this package is a nice way to pay your cruise bar tab in advance rather than deal with the shock of a high bill at the end of the cruise.

What do Royal Caribbean drink packages cost?

The cruise line uses dynamic pricing on beverage packages the same way it does on cruise fares. That means you won't know the prices for each package before you book a cruise. Demand, destination and promotions play a big part in the pricing, especially for the Deluxe Beverage Package, causing them to fluctuate slightly.

Here's what you can expect a Royal Caribbean drink package to cost:

• Water Package: 12 bottles for $39; 24 bottles for $69
• Soda Package: $12.99 per person per day
• Refreshment Package: $29 per person per day
• Deluxe Beverage Package: $56 to $105 per person per day (depending on your ship and trip)

The prices listed above do not include an automatic 18% gratuity. You'll want to factor that amount into your travel budget if you decide to purchase a package.

You will notice that the Deluxe Beverage Package price range listed above is a bit wider than what is posted on Royal Caribbean's site. Posted price ranges include the disclaimer that prices on individual sailings may vary. We used a realistic range of prices from Royal Caribbean guests who have booked cruises and paid for drink packages in the past 12 months.

The best time to buy Royal Caribbean drink packages

You can purchase a beverage package as soon as you book your cruise. But should you? A lot depends on how soon your ship will depart. If you're sailing within a few months, go ahead and get any packages you plan to buy — unless Black Friday happens before you sail. Black Friday deals on drink packages are generally the lowest you'll find all year.

The package that varies most in price is the Deluxe Beverage Package. Its price is higher during peak travel times and on cruises with stops at private islands. Buying this package ahead of time is always cheaper than on board.

Royal Caribbean does advertise price drops and deals for pre-cruise purchases. If you're waiting and hoping for a deal, frequent cruisers report that you should look at the actual price per person per day, not at the percentage off or BOGO deals to determine if the package price is where you want it.

Related: How to get free or cheap drinks on a cruise

Is a Royal Caribbean drink package worth it?

Now that you know your choices and why you might want each package, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of whether these packages are worth purchasing for you or not.

The one-liter bottles in the Water Package cost roughly the same as a 12-ounce bottle from a bar. That makes this package a deal, but only if you prefer bottled water over taps or dispensers. It's also convenient to have the water delivered to your cabin, eliminating the need to bring a case of bottles on board or search for a bottle when you want water on the ship.

Soda Package

When ordering an individual soda on the ship, your charge will be what you'd expect to pay at a land-based restaurant, plus an 18% gratuity added automatically. When you ask a bar server for a soda on the ship, you'll be charged just over $4 per soda with the tip, regardless of whether it comes in a can or from a fountain.

As the starting point for the Soda Package is just over $15 per person per day with the gratuity, you'll need to count on drinking a minimum of four sodas a day for it to be a good value.

If you prefer nonalcoholic beverages, you can expect to pay around $7 for mocktails and protein shakes, $5 for lattes at non-Starbucks locations and close to $9 for smoothies. These prices are before the automatic 18% gratuity.

Here's what your daily consumption might look like on the Refreshment Package: You could start with a morning latte ($6 after you add gratuity), grab water for your excursion ($3.84), a soda at lunch ($4), a couple mocktails during the afternoon ($8.25 each), another soda with dinner ($4), and another mocktail for the show or in the casino ($8.25).

That puts you over $40 for the day, making the Refreshment Package a deal at $34 (with tip) per person, per day. Drink much less than that, and this Royal Caribbean drink package won't be worth it. The Refreshment Package price varies only slightly between sailings.

For alcoholic drinks, prices vary a lot based on your order. Beer and hard cider average $7-$9. Wine by the glass is $9-$25. Cocktails are $10-$14, except for the drink of the day, which is $8. These prices do not include the 18% gratuity.

When deciding if Royal Caribbean's Deluxe Beverage Package is worth it, be sure to factor in non-alcoholic drinks you are likely to have, not just those with alcohol. How many premium coffees do you drink each day, including one with your dessert at dinner? How many waters and sodas?

The value of those often adds up to $25 or more per day. That leaves you with somewhere between $30 and $80 per day to spend on alcoholic drinks to break even.

If you're lucky and can purchase your package at the lowest possible price, almost anyone who drinks a combination of non-alcoholic drinks and a couple of cocktails daily would break even. But if your purchase price is somewhere in the middle of the price range (where most people land), you would need to consume a minimum of $55 per day beyond the average non-alcoholic beverages to break even. That equals six beers or four or five glasses of wine or cocktails.

Related: Are cruise line drinks packages worth the price? What to know before you buy

Whichever package you choose, your value may also depend on your itinerary and activities. On a Caribbean cruise that includes a sea day or two and a stop at CocoCay, you'll likely drink more – simply because you're relaxing more than touring, and the hot temperatures will make you thirsty.

But what about a port-intensive cruise in Europe where you are off the ship for long hours and likely to be sampling local beverages? In those cases, the ship's beverage package might not come through for you.

Additional factors

Before you decide if a Royal Caribbean drink package is worth it, there are two more things to consider: Your Crown and Anchor loyalty status and your Casino Royale player status .

If you are a Diamond C&A member, your SeaPass card will be loaded with four free drinks per day. Diamond Plus members get five drinks, and Pinnacle members get six. Those can be water, specialty coffee or tea other than at Starbucks, sodas from bar servers, beer, wine or cocktails up to $14 (except at Bionic Bar).

As for casino perks, if your status is Prime or higher, you can drink free from the casino bar anytime it is open.

Those free perks could make the difference in which package you choose, if any. For example, a Diamond member might use her free drink allotment on cocktails and wine and save money with a Refreshment or Soda Package for her other daily drinks. Or, perhaps, the free drinks are enough that it's cheaper to buy a few nonalcoholic beverages a la carte.

Diamond Plus members also have a discount of 30% on Deluxe Beverage Packages when purchased on board. That's rarely a good deal unless you simply forget to buy in advance, as pre-purchase in the cruise planner or app is almost always at least 30% lower than the onboard price.

Bottom line: Is a drink package on Royal Caribbean right for you?

Now that you have all the facts, there are several ways to look at Royal Caribbean's drink packages to determine if you should get one.

First, consider every kind of drink you will likely pay for on board. Are you happy with beverages that are included in the cruise fare? Those include tap water, drip coffee, tea, milk, lemonade and juice from a dispenser at breakfast. Or will your vacation only be complete with morning lattes, smoothies, fruity drinks by the pool and wine with dinner?

For some people, it's easy. If you're likely to drink four or five cocktails most days, plus specialty coffee, waters for excursions, soda and a glass of wine at dinner, your total, if purchased individually would easily exceed $80 per day. Unless your sailing has a higher-than-average price for the package, go for it.

But if you typically only drink a couple of glasses of wine at dinner, you aren't likely to break even — at least not on the Deluxe Beverage Package. In that case, skip the package that includes alcohol and do the math on the Refreshment Package.

If you drink soda, the difference in price between the Soda Package and the Refreshment Package is $16. Almost any combination of two other drinks — lattes, mocktails, smoothies or bottled water — makes the Refreshment Package a deal for you. If you can live without the extras, stick with the soda-only package.

If none of those looks like a bargain, pay as you go. Some people set a daily drink budget and check themselves (or their kids) against their folio in the Royal Caribbean app or on the interactive television in their stateroom. I've even met people who bring cash along to pay their drink balance daily at guest services to stay on track.

The other side of the equation is to factor the price of the drink package into the total vacation cost to make the cruise more of an all-inclusive vacation experience. Think about it like you would an all-inclusive land-based resort. When you vacation at one of those, you not only wouldn't know the price of the drinks you consume, but you also would not care.

If you're more interested in a stress-free vacation where you don't have to agonize about the cost of every drink you consume than paying the least amount of money possible for your vacation, a Royal Caribbean drink package is totally worth it.

The bottom line is that drink packages on Royal Caribbean expand your choices. You can use packages to make your cruise as all-inclusive as you'd like (and maybe save some money in the process), or you can opt to cruise and drink in pay-as-you-go mode. Either way, you'll find plenty of fun cocktails and mocktails, as well as your favorite wine and beer, to enhance your vacation at sea.

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Home » Cruise » Royal Caribbean » Royal Caribbean Drink Packages Guide (2023)

Royal Caribbean Drink Packages Guide (2023)

Our Guide to Royal Caribbean Drink Packages (2023) includes all the plans, drink prices, and FAQs to help you decide if you should buy one.

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Are you wondering if you should purchase one of the Royal Caribbean Drink Packages? You are not alone. This is a question we get quite often from fellow cruisers.

In fact, over the past several years, we’ve had the chance to test out the Royal Caribbean Drink Packages on many different Royal Caribbean cruise ships . While there are quite a few benefits of buying a beverage package on a cruise, there are also some reasons why cruise ship drink packages can be a waste of money .

Whether or not you should purchase one for your next vacation is an individual decision that depends on several factors. 

For us, the Royal Caribbean Drink Packages have always been a good deal, making our cruise more hassle free and (usually) saving us some money in the process.

Ultimately, you will need to weigh the pros and cons to determine if one of the Royal Caribbean Drink Packages is right for you.

Exclusive Savings: Get Deals on Royal Caribbean Cruises NOW!

GUIDE TO ROYAL CARIBBEAN DRINK PACKAGES!

Ultimate Guide to Royal Caribbean Drink Packages (2023)

Royal caribbean drink package basics.

There are a few basic things you need to know about the Royal Caribbean drink packages before we dive into the details of each option.

• First, each drink package is priced per day, per person and must be purchased for the entire duration of the cruise.
• Additionally, there will be an 18% service charge added to the total price at the time of purchase.
• Beverage packages are non-refundable and non-transferable.
• Beverage packages are available on most 2+ day sailings regardless of itinerary except for 2 or 3-day sailings from Southampton, England.
• The packages cover beverages purchased at onboard restaurants, bars, and lounges.
• Happily, they also work on the cruise line’s two private islands, Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee, Haiti.

What are the free drinks on Royal Caribbean?

Complimentary beverages on Royal Caribbean include select drinks like iced tea, lemonade, filtered water, some juices, hot chocolate, coffee, and tea.

These free drinks are available in the Windjammer buffet and while dining in the main dining rooms.

While these items are complimentary, soda, bottled water, specialty coffee, and alcoholic beverages will cost extra money.

How do you purchase a Royal Caribbean drink package?

You can purchase the Royal Caribbean drink package pre-cruise using the online Cruise Planner. Or, you can purchase once onboard during the first day (or two) of your cruise. However, you will usually save money by purchasing pre-cruise.

You can purchase a drink package up until 72 hours prior to your sail date. You might also be able to score some savings by bundling a drink package with a WiFi package.

Of note, if you purchase a Royal Caribbean drink package and subsequently find a cheaper rate, you can always cancel and re-book prior to your sailing.

Is it mandatory to buy a drink package on Royal Caribbean?

Of course, it is never mandatory to buy a drink package. The Royal Caribbean drink packages are add-ons to your cruise vacation. However, there is no sharing of the package or using your package to order drinks for other cruisers.

So, if one guest in the stateroom wishes to purchase the Royal Caribbean drink package, then all guests of legal drinking age in the stateroom do have to purchase the alcoholic drink package as well.

What are the Royal Caribbean drink packages?

Royal Caribbean offers three drink packages. There is the alcoholic drink package, also known as the Deluxe Beverage Package. There are also two non-alcoholic drink packages, the Royal Refreshment Drink Package and the Classic Soda Package.

For all the coffee lovers, there is also the Café Select coffee card .

How many drinks can you get a day with a Royal Caribbean drink package?

The Royal Caribbean Drink packages are “unlimited” for the duration of the cruise, unlike Carnival Cruise Line which limits guests to 15 drinks.

However, you need to consume responsibly as the company has the right to deny service if you are intoxicated.

Further, you can only order one drink at a time, whether it is alcoholic or non-alcoholic. In addition, you must show your SeaPass card every time you order a beverage. There will be a notation on your SeaPass card indicating that you have purchased the package.

Related Post: Everything Included on Royal Caribbean

How much does a Royal Caribbean drink package cost?

Royal Caribbean drink packages have dynamic pricing. This means that the price will vary based on ship, time of year, and itinerary. Historically, the onboard price of the Deluxe Beverage Package ranges from $63 to $89 a day (plus gratuity).

However, prices seem to have increased recently, with an upcoming cruise quoting a sale price of $83.99 and an onboard price of $105!

Prices for the non-alcoholic drink packages are obviously much cheaper.

• Royal Refreshment Drink Package: $29-38 per person, per day
• Classic Soda Package: $12.99-$15 per person, per day
• Café Select Coffee Card: $31 for 15 drinks

How do you get the best deal on a Royal Caribbean drink package?

Typically, you can purchase a drink package pre-cruise using the online cruise planner for cheaper than onboard prices.

From time to time, Royal Caribbean may run sales on drink packages. So, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on your Cruise Planner and your email for any such promotions. The discount does vary by ship, itinerary, and time of year.

What Do the Royal Caribbean Drink Packages Include?

When it comes to the Royal Caribbean drink packages, cruisers can select from a number of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. Below, we detail what is included in the drink packages on Royal Caribbean.

Royal Caribbean Deluxe Drink Package

Royal Caribbean offers only one alcoholic drink package, known as the Deluxe Drink Package.

So, many cruisers refer to this as the unlimited drink package, as it includes essentially all alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

This plan covers all alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine by the glass, and cocktails up to $14. This allotment covers basically all 16 oz beers and a decent selection of red and white wines at the onboard restaurants and bars.

Further, the package also includes most liquor and premium spirits. Brands such as Grey Goose, Tito’s Vodka, Patron, Johnny Walker Black Label, and Dewar’s 12 scotch are all included, as are Premium and Classic cocktails.

If a drink costs more than the maximum dollar amount, guests will only pay the difference (+18% gratuity on the difference).

While this package does include a lot, some drinks are excluded.

Room service and minibar items are not included. Drinks in souvenir glasses, specialty beers, and super premium category beverages are also excluded. Further, all beverages served inside licensed Starbucks stores are not included.

Royal Caribbean Drink Prices:

• Cocktails around $10-14
• Wine by the glass average price $11
• Beer around $7.50

Of note, the Royal Caribbean drink prices do vary slightly by class of ship. The Quantum Class and Oasis Class ships usually have higher priced drinks; however, most drinks are still included in the beverage package.

This means you will need to consume on average 6-7 of most drinks a day to “break even”. While, beer lovers will have to drink a bit more, around 9-10 drinks a day. Of course, this number of drinks will vary based on the quoted price of the beverage package for your sailing.

You can view our Royal Caribbean bar menus from a recent Wonder of the Seas cruise to determine the pricing of your favorite beverages.

Of course, this does not include any other non-alcoholic beverages that you may get throughout the day that are also part of the package.

The Royal Caribbean Deluxe Drink Package includes fountain soda, Coca-Cola freestyle machines (where available), still and sparkling water, premium coffees and teas, and fresh-squeezed juices as well.

Plus, guests who purchase the Deluxe drink package will receive a 40% discount on bottled wines priced up to $100, and 20% discount on wine prices above $100.

Non-Alcoholic Royal Caribbean Drink Packages

Royal refreshment drink package.

If you want more options than just soda in your Royal Caribbean non-alcoholic drink package, then the Royal Refreshment package might be right for you.

The Royal Refreshment package onboard price is $29-38 per person, per day.

This plan gives cruisers unlimited choices of premium coffees and teas, soda (including the souvenir cup), bottled water (both sparkling and still), freshly squeezed orange juice, and non-alcoholic frozen drinks.

Essentially, you can enjoy almost any non-alcoholic beverage on this package, including Johnny Rockets milkshakes. There are only a few exclusions, such as Starbucks from licensed kiosks. Starbucks brewed coffee from other onboard locations ARE included.

While we often get the alcoholic package, we can see how this package would be a good value for those who do not drink alcohol.

With current onboard pricing, it takes about 6-8 non-alcoholic drinks to hit the “break even” point for the Royal Refreshment drink package.

Classic Soda Package

The Classic Soda Package is a popular drink package choice for families. Current onboard pricing for this package is $12.99-$15 (plus gratuity) per person, per day.

This plan includes unlimited soda from the bars and restaurants onboard the ship and at the private islands. However, it does not include cans of soda or soda ordered through room service.

Further, guests who purchase this package will get a souvenir cup. If you happen to lose this cup, you will be charged $9.95 for a replacement.

Many Royal Caribbean ships have Coke Freestyle machines. These freestyle machines dispense over 100 different soda/flavor combinations. So, you can make your own crazy soda concoctions using your souvenir cup.

Of note, guests who do not purchase a drink package will not be able to use the freestyle machines.

Soda is priced around $3.50, meaning that you will need to drink about 4-5 servings a day to “break even” for this package.

Related Post: Best Cruise Lines for Families

Are Royal Caribbean Drink Packages Worth It?

This brings us back to the original question. Are Royal Caribbean drink packages a good value ?

Ultimately, that is a question that only you can answer based on your own drinking habits.

Essentially, the question should be whether you will consume enough to make the purchase “worth it”. 

Below are the average costs of the different beverages within each category from a recent Royal Caribbean drink menu.

Using this chart, you can do the quick math to see if you would routinely hit the daily “break even” point for the above drink packages based on the current pricing for your particular sailing.

When compared to competitor brands, Royal Caribbean drink packages are averagely priced, with Carnival being cheaper and NCL being more expensive.

However, a Royal Caribbean drink package does offer convenience, as you never have to worry about the bar tab at the end of the cruise!

The recently revamped perk for Crown and Anchor members does make the decision to purchase a drink package a bit more difficult for C&A members who are Diamond status and above.

With these new perks, C&A guests can use their drink vouchers for any drink up to $13, any time of day. This is no longer limited to just Happy Hour. Diamond cruisers receive 4 drink vouchers, Diamond Plus 5 vouchers, and Pinnacle 6 vouchers.

Other considerations include the length of the cruise and how many ports of call are on the itinerary.

For instance, will you be able to sustain the same drinking pattern over the course of a 10-day or 14-day cruise? If your cruise is port intensive, will you be on the ship enough to make good use of your Royal Caribbean drink package?

BOOK NOW: Bonus Perks for Cruising With Royal Caribbean

Our Quick Analysis of the Royal Caribbean Deluxe Beverage Package

If we look at our breakdown from one of our cruises (prior to the drink voucher changes), we tracked all beverages consumed, per day, per drink category, to determine the value of getting the drink package.

Over the week, we consumed a total of 140 drinks (combined) for the two of us.

Sixty-four of those drinks (45%) were non-alcoholic- bottled waters and specialty coffees. Therefore, we averaged about 5.5 alcoholic drinks a day, which really is not hard to do if you have a few poolside drinks, dinner cocktails, and then a couple during the shows or nightly entertainment.

Paying out of pocket for the drinks, the total (with the service charge) would have been $1,211.86.

We purchased the drink package pre-cruise for $48 per person which was advertised as 25% off the onboard price ($792.96). (Of course, the drink package prices do vary. Likewise, the pre-cruise sales and promotions vary as well.)

This meant we saved a total of $418.90 or about 34% by getting the package as opposed to paying a la carte for each drink!

Though, we did purchase a significant amount of bottled water and specialty coffee on the cruise which helped the numbers.

However, the added bonus of the C&A drink vouchers has swung the pendulum for us from always buying a drink package to not purchasing one as of late. Instead, we have opted to purchase a case of water for our room and a Café Select Coffee card.

Even if we purchase an additional alcoholic drink or two each (above our 4 free drinks), we are still saving a considerable amount of money by not purchasing a Royal Caribbean drink package!

Have you purchased one of the Royal Caribbean drink packages on a cruise? Do you think the Deluxe beverage package is a good value? Drop us an anchor below to share your experiences with drink packages on a cruise.

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Great round up! We just did our first cruise (on RCL) but didn’t purchase a drink package as we don’t drink much at all. We did order the odd cocktail or bottle of wine when we felt like it though!

Thanks Bethaney for reading. Glad to hear that your first cruise was on RCL, which ship? Drink packages are not for everyone, but they can be a good cost saving mechanism for those who do like to indulge in more than a few cocktails. Also, many ships offer non-alcoholic packages which include things like soda, water, and premium coffee, which are a good deal for some. Appreciate the comment. Safe Travels.

Hey DB I have read almost all of the questions you have answered in hopes that you would know if you can purchase the plan only on the days you are at sea (fun day at sea, or something like that) or its either all or nothing. I am thinking it would only be beneficial to us on days not ported at our destinations. Thanks 7-11 day cruise……

He did mention that the packages CAN NOT be bought on individual selected days. However if you have 3 sea days at the end of your cruise you can buy it then, with the minimum being three days. It also appears that you can’t buy just three days in the middle of a cruise, that when you buy the package it is for the remainder of the cruise, again with three day minimum.

Thanks for question Chad. William is right, currently, you need to purchase the drink package for the “remaining days of your cruise” with at least three days remaining. So, in your case, you would need to buy the plan for days 7-14 of a two week cruise. Now, could you buy the plan, use it for a few days, and then try to cancel it. Perhaps, but there is no guarantee RCI would let you cancel it. On some ships, RCI is now testing promotions for “single day” drink packages on select sea days. These are test trials, and there is no details about whether this option will be available on all sea days or on what ships and sailings they will try this deal. Appreciate you reading our post!

$55.00 per day and you don’t serve Pinot Grigio????

Great review of the drink packages. Really like the fact that you included actually prices on your sample days. Makes it very clear to everyone.

Thanks Joanne for reading and the comment. Honestly, the prices for drinks change on the ships based on the region of the country. In our recent experience on two Royal Caribbean ships, sailing within two months of each other to the Caribbean, the signature cocktails cost $12 and are included in both the Premium and Ultimate drink packages. Most beers cost around $6.00 and frozen drinks were around $7-8. Of course, this can change as many bar menus now do not quote prices on the ship. Glad you found this information useful. Happy Cruising!

Hey, great review. I am sailing on Anthem of the seas on the 4th of july and have the select package included. However, i have been told that this only includes beers up to $6.25 and therefore blue moon for example is not available through the package. Did you have any experience of this or any other beers that you can remember that were not on offer through the select package? thanks in advance, rhys

How much is rc drink package for 6 nights?

You can also cancel the drink package if you tried it and not worth it for you, or if you do get ill. They will prorate the same way as with days remaining on your package. The day of cancel they will charge you for that day, unless you have not gotten any drinks and ask them to look it up for proof.

Otherwise the drink packages are great.

Thanks Joe for the info. We never had to cancel the package, but it is good to know you can do so and at least get a partial refund. Appreciate the comment and keep on cruising!

We are going on a cruise in May next year, do you think we can get away with one drink pkg between my mom and I? Will they notice if we space it out in between times

If I go on a 7 night cruise and after 3 days decide I don’t want the drink package, can I get a refund for the final 4 days?

Just returned from Majesty, today! Purchased the “Ultimate Drink Package” while onboard. I dont usually do this. But this was a spring break, almost Carnival like, Cruise.What a Bargain. Had a lot of fun. For a 3 night,not very expensive. Comes highly recommended from a “Seasoned” Cruiser!

Thanks for the comment. Glad the drink package worked out for you Tim. We believe it is a great value, especially on short cruises! Appreciate you reading the post and weighing in on this topic. Happy Cruising!

Great write up! Interestingly, I’m seeing different package pricing on my RC cruise, which *DOES* include gratuity. For example, the Premium is $57/day. Screencap of the pricing shown on my 12-night Scandinavia And Russia Cruise: http://i.imgur.com/Qvvfiag.jpg

Thanks Dr. Hook for reading. We just checked our cruise planner for an upcoming August 2015 Caribbean cruise and the price quoted for the Ultimate Package is $64.90, which is the $55 dollars a day, plus 18% service charge, in USD. Same price breakdown for the Premium. Strange that you are getting a different price, is your cruise in 2016? Given the recent increase in drink prices fleet wide, it is only a matter of time until the beverage package prices increase. Appreciate the comment and keep on cruising!

Our cruise is June of this year (2015). Perhaps there is some cruise-specific component to the pricing.

My wife and I will be on our first cruise, a 5 night at the Independence of the Seas and I have some questions, I like to drink beer and wine I can easily drink up to 6 to 7 beers/wine per day I’m not so keen on spirits and my wife doesn’t drink to much maybe 2 or 3 mixed drinks, wine or beer, so Can I buy a “select” or “premium” package just for me and buy single drinks for her? Beer and wine included in these packages are available on all restaurants and bars or do I need to buy in certain areas of the ship regardless the packages? thank you so much.

Hi Cesar, Thanks for reaching out. Yes, you can buy a package for just yourself. RCI changed this a few years ago as they used to require both adults in a cabin have the same package. So, you can purchase the Select plan, and no plan for your wife. The package works in any venue, so you can get beer and wine at the restaurants and bars that are part of that package. In the Select package, the wines are very limited, so the options might differ in the different venues, but if you are not too picky on the brand of wine, you should be all set. Let us know if you have any other questions. Happy Cruising!

Hi Rhys, thanks for reading. We did not get the Select package, but I am pretty sure it includes all beers that are 16oz or less. On our sailing on Quantum of the Seas, there were a few craft beers/specialty beers that came in larger sizes that were not covered even on the Premium and Ultimate Packages. Blue Moon is a pretty common beer, and the Select Package does cover wines up to $8.00, so I think you should be good. Just check to make sure when you are onboard before purchasing the package. Appreciate the comment. When do you set sail on Anthem?

when we booked there was a deal that meant we got the select package free of charge. Think my partner is going to upgrade to premium because she does not drink beer or wine ha! We sail on the 4th of July of this year. This will be my 4th cruise but first time with a drinks package. Thanks for your quick response 🙂

Sounds like you got a great deal! Upgrading for the difference seems like a perfect option for your travel partner. Have a great cruise!

Thanks so much this has been very helpful. I am cruising in August 2015 and i was debating on weather to get a package or not and this has helped me. I am going to go for it and try to keep track of all my beverages to see if i saved or not. Thanks again!

Thanks for the piece. My family and I are taking our first cruise (Alaska) in July. I noticed you included bottled water & coffee. Is there no other water available on board? And are coffee and juice not included with breakfast? Thanks.

Hi Ed Q. So sorry for the delay. Just seeing your comment now. Tap water is available on board, as is drip coffee, or what European’s refer to as “American Coffee”. If you want bottled water, or espresso coffee drinks (lattes, mochas, etc) those are not included in the cruise fare, but are part of the upgraded drink packages. At breakfast, they do offer some juices, and throughout the day unsweetened ice tea and lemonade are complimentary. For the remainder of the day other juices and sodas are additional charges. Hope this gets to you in time!

Can you order wine during dinner with the package or does it need to be brought in with you? I could easily see myself drinking 2 glasses of wine at dinner, a drink before dinner, a drink before the show and one at the show if I had the package. Wondering if this would be worth it for me. Especially since i could get coffee and OJ in the morning. I would love to see current bar menus from the Oasis!

Hi Iboyer, Thanks for the question. Yes, with the drink packages you can order wine at dinner. The drinks packages can be used anywhere on the ship. Just keep in mind that wine options are different at every venue. If you do the classic, at dinner you will be very limited to what types of wine you can get. Even with the Ultimate, which covers up to $12 a drink, the varietals and brands available will vary in each venue, and may even change night to night in the main dining room. We used our drink packages multiple times at dinner to get cocktails and wine and never had an issues. Have a great cruise!

PLenny of time. This is tremendously helpful. Thanks so much

Err, plenty that is. My fault for replying on my phone

Anytime. Thanks for stopping by and reading the post. Have a great cruise. Let us know how you make out with your drinks onboard!

Are you sure you can get this package on a three night cruise? I’m going on Enchantment for three nights in October. On the RC website, it says this package is available for cruises four nights or longer.

Hi SteveC, sorry for the delay. Yes, you can get a drink package on a 3 night Enchantment of the Seas cruise. We literally just went on that same cruise this past March and both got the package. We do a comparison of our experiences on that cruise and a longer cruise to show how these packages compare on short vs long cruises ( https://eatsleepcruise.com/2015/04/compare-cruise-drink-packages-short-vs-long-cruisesn-drink-packages-on-long-vs-short-cruises/ ). There were actually a lot of people getting the drink package on Enchantment and the bars were always pretty busy. Have a great cruise!

Great review on the drink packages. Just booked a cruise on Anthem of the seas. On Celebrity I could bring a case of water on. Can I do the same for Royal Caribbean?

Thanks Cindy for reading and the question. Many individuals do bring a case of water onboard- some cruisers just put a luggage tag on the case of water and check it, or place it in a duffel bag. Honestly, we have not done this personally, but know many people who have been able to bring bottled water with no problems. According to RCI’s policy, they can inspect containers to ensure you are not trying to smuggle alcohol onboard. So, you should be fine with the water. We will be sailing on Anthem of the Seas in April 2016, when do you depart?

We are sailing June 16, 2016. I will be anxious to see how you make out. So far I have not been able to sign up for any dining or entertainment.

We sailed last year on Explorer and are going again in December on Freedom. Last year my husband and I both took a 6 pack of water and my suitcase showed up fine at my door. However, my husband got called to the naughty room and told him that water wasn’t allowed. So we don’t know what to do this year…

Thanks Tiffany for the comment. It does seem like the policies are enforced unevenly, especially if one of you brought water on and the other one was “tagged”. It seems the new “official” policy on RCI is that “Guests are not allowed to bring beer, hard liquor, fortified wines or non-alcoholic beverages onboard for consumption or any other use on boarding day or while in port. Alcoholic beverages seized on boarding day will not be returned”. Cases of water have always been a wild card, that is another reason we purchase a drink package that includes water. Have a great cruise on Freedom, it is a great ship!

Thank you for your reply!! Your break down is very helpful!!

I just finished purchasing the Ultimate for a 4 night out of Tampa March 2016, this is our 4th cruise and I can tell you sitting around the pool can be costly if you need to pay per drink, so now we get the package and have less to worry about. I love the breakdown which you have provided above however on another site it stated that no coffee products from Starbucks were includes in any of the packages. I like an good iced coffee in the morning versus something hot and while it isn’t a big issue I would like clarification. Thanks and Happy Sailing. Citrus County Jeep Life sailing March 31st Tampa.

Thanks Michael for the comment. I am glad you found the post useful. You are correct, the coffee at Starbucks is not included; however, Starbucks is only found on a few ships (I believe just the Oasis class). On Quantum there was a cafe that served Starbucks brand coffee, and on Enchantment the coffee shop there also brewed Starbucks. Neither ship had an “official” Starbucks, so the lattes and premium coffees on both of those ships were included. Hope this helps.

Hello! I am planning on going on a 4 night cruise in March. When purchasing a drink package do they charge you for the 4 days that you’re on the ship? Or do they charge you for the 5th day when you reach port at 7am? Thank you!

Hi Ameila. Thanks for reading. Great question. The drink package is paid per night, so no the fifth day is not “included” and you are not charged for that day. However, we have found that you can still get bottled water and specialty coffees (depending on the package you buy) the morning of disembarkation and we have never been charged. So, you may be able to squeeze a few more drinks out of the package that day. We have never tried to get alcoholic beverages, as we do get right off the ship, so not sure if those would be included on that final morning. Have a great cruise.

Just four days.

Thanks Steve for the concise answer.

Thanks for all the great info on the drink packages! I read that they do not allow you to buy two drinks at a time. How stringent are they with this rule? Meaning there’s no way to have a bottle of water with your alcoholic drink as your poolside? Also is there some kind of time limit on the card, for example could you grab a water in one location on the ship and then grab a beer at another a couple minutes later? We’re sailing on Freedom of the Seas in February and I’m still weighing the pros and cons of these packages. Although this blog has been a big help.

My experience is that the bartenders are not too concerned with bottled water – some of them don’t even swipe your card. I did not try ordering a drink + water at the same time; what I usually did was walk by one bar, get a water, then go to the next for a drink-drink. To your next question, I was able to do the same routine for alcoholic drinks as well. No bartender ever said anything about my last drink being only X minutes ago – I doubt they are looking too closely at that. Certainly a timestamped audit trail does exist, but I’d guess the cruise line only pulls that out if they suspect egregious abuse of the drink plan.

Does anyone know if Crown Royal Regal Apple is served onboard RCCL’s Enchantment of the Seas?

Hi Gloria. Thanks for reading and the question! My suggestion would be to contact Royal Caribbean and see if they can get your request to the Food and Beverage manager on Enchantment of the Seas. Normally, on a longer sailing you could speak to the manager on day 1, and they would try and accommodate your request at the next port of call. Given that Enchantment does short sailings, you probably would need to put the request in before the sailing. Please let us know how you make out. We sailed on the ship earlier this year and had a blast! Enjoy your cruise.

Thanks for putting all this together. It makes figuring it out much easier. When we cruised last February, they ran a special the day we boarded of buy one package, get the second half price. This made it even easier to decide! The only problem is that they would not refund the difference to people who prepurchased their packages. I have three cruises coming up in the next year and I will not be purchasing anything ahead of time in case they do this again. Just an FYI.

Hi Lisa. Thanks for reading! Appreciate the information about the deal you got. Sounds like a great money saving offer and I hope one cruise they run that promotion when we are onboard! We do always purchase the drink package onboard, so we agree with your recommendation. Where are you going on your upcoming cruises?

I have a question about the drink packages. My boyfriend and I are mostly beer and wine drinkers. I see that if we get the select package it does include beer and wine which is awesome. However I am seeing that the beer and wine is limited. My boyfriend really enjoys craft beers. Are the beers that are offered on this plan primly domestic (coors, bud light, miller, etc) or can you find some quality beers on this list. As far as the wine, is it cheaper wine? My other question is I see that I am allowed to bring 2 bottles of wine with me on board. Is there a way to chill it? Will they store it for me, and can I bring it to dinner? I wanted to bring a couple of bottles of champagne with me to enjoy, preferably at dinner. I don’t to pack them if there is no way to chill it.

Hi Jes. Thanks for reading and the great questions. The Select Package includes beers up to $6 and wines up to $8. For beers, this will include basically all the beers onboard, except for some high end specialty beers or larger sized beers (e.g., Fosters large cans). From our experience, most ships have a limited number of craft beers, and the selection changes throughout the cruise. Getting either the Premium or Ultimate plan really wouldn’t affect your options for beer, so your boyfriend should be fine with the Select. The wines on the other hand are very limited at the $8 range on the select. It is basically house wine, and the brands and varietal vary greatly. If you are a wine connoisseur, you would probably be better off with a Premium package. What time of room do you have? Most rooms have a small refrigerator where you can store the champagne. You can also ask your stateroom attendant for ice to keep the bottles cold. If you bring the bottles to dinner, and do not finish them, then your waiter might store them for you. They do store unused bottles you purchase from the bar, but I am not 100% sure if they will store the remaining champagne from a bottle you bring onboard. Let me know if you have any other questions. Happy cruising!

Thank you so much for your response! It was very helpful! With what you said, does that mean that it acceptable for me to bring my own wine to dinner? Thank you so much!

You are welcome Jes. Short answer is yes, you can bring your wine. Most likely they will store it for you as well if you do not finish it during the meal. Thanks again.

On a recent Greek isle cruise, they offered a 30% discount on drink packages on embarkment day. It was set out outside the windjammer. I was told they didn’t sell enough packages , so were trying to get more sold. Our cruise this January 2016, I have told the kids to wait until we are on board to see if there are any deals like this, as you are able to purchase a prorated package anytime three days prior to sailing.

Thanks William for the feedback and for reading the post. We have heard that occasionally, drink packages do get discounted, so we also always wait to purchase until we are on-board. One thing to be careful about is buying the package in certain ports, as you maybe charged sales tax in some home-port cities. It has not happened to us, but we heard others have been charged local sales tax when buying the package, or even buying a drink. Happy cruising!

$55 per day for the ultimate drink package….. So why is it $65 per day for RC cruises leaving from Australia?

Hi Judith, Thanks for reading and the comment. Just recently RCI increased the price of the drink package. We are in the process of updating the article to reflect the new pricing. Also, keep in mind the prices here are in USD, so depending where in the world you are sailing, the amounts may vary due to currency conversions. Appreciate the question. Happy sailing!

Thanks for the reply, I am sailing on the Legend of the Seas on a South Pacific cruise and all the prices quoted for this cruise are in US dollars, so even before the price rise there still seemed to be quite a discrepancy in the price of drink packages. I will be interested though to see the new price list.

Hi, I too have asked the same question, I wrote to Royal Caribbean, but am yet to get a reply. The 2016 rate is $US49 for Premier, and $59 for the ultimate. Based on XE (yes well aware it fluctuates daily – I actually keep a close eye on it) that amounts to $AU65.88 for Premier and $AUD79 for Ultimate. According to RC Australian site, it is $74 for Premium and $87 for Ultimate. So, if we pre-purchase, we will pay for 2 packages almost $200 more than US or UK passengers!!!! So, there is absolutely NO incentive to pre-purchase, correct?

Does anyone have experience with sharing a drink with someone else? I know it’s not “allowed” but I will only have 1 drink/day (I’m breast feeding) while my husband will have the ultimate package. Should we just buy my drink? Or can he get me one fairly easily? Thanks!

Hi Morgan. Thanks for reading and the question. It really depends where you have the drink. If you both order a drink at dinner, then you will be charged by the bar service for your drink. If you are at the pool deck, and your husband gets a drink at one bar, then goes to another bar to get you a drink, he will not be charged. Same holds true if you go from one bar to another on the Promenade. While we don’t recommend doing this on a regular basis, I know from personal experience that this is possible. Hope this helps. Have a great cruise.

Hi we are going on VOTS on Jan 22 2016 and was wondering is filtered water free on board and can you refill your own water bottles?

Hi Gabriella, Thanks for reading and I appreciate the comment. Not sure what you mean by filtered water. At the bars, restaurants, and on the pool decks ice water is available as part of the cruise fare. You are not allowed to refill your water bottles directly. You must use a cup provided by RCI, fill it with water, and then use the cup to refill your water bottle. This is for sanitation reasons. We have done this before and it is easy to do. Let us know if you have any other questions. Have a great cruise this week!

does anyone know with the ultimate package on the anthem of the seas if the bionic bar is covered? Or Michaels Pub? Just making sure the ultimate includes everywhere. Also we are will be sailing for xmas and new years with kids. Do they do anything special for the holidays?

Hi Joe. Great questions. We sailed on Quantum of the Seas and know that the drinks at Bionic Bar are covered. Also, most drinks at Michael’s Genuine Pub are covered-there are a few extra large size beers on the menu that are not included in the package, and there are a few wines that are not covered. Neither are the whiskey flights. We have a review of that venue, complete with menus ( https://eatsleepcruise.com/2015/02/quantum-seas-michaels-genuine-pub-review/ ) from this time last year. Around the holidays, the ship is decorated and there are some special activities geared toward the holidays. All of the main shows stay the same. On the actual holidays, there are usually specialty menus on the ships featuring holiday favorites. We would love to hear about your experiences on the ship as we have never sailed around Christmas time. Hope this helps. Appreciate you reading the post.

This blog post has been so helpful! My boyfriend and I are going on the Harmony of the Seas next week out of Barcelona and it is his first cruise, my second (but it has been 10 years since my last). We were unsure if he should get the Ultimate Package since he likes iced coffee a lot and of course several alcoholic drinks at night. Oh and he drinks water like a fish. I have been searching all over for pricing of individual drinks and info on if the Bionic bar is included. So glad I stumbled across this post! It is hard to really compare pricing if you can’t find drink pricing! Thanks so much for clarifying all of this!

Hi Krystle, thanks for the kind words and comment. We are glad you found the post helpful. We are interested to see how the prices compare as when you are sailing in Europe, everything will be in Euros, not USD. The packages have gone up slightly since this post, but so too have drink prices, so we think the math should compare. We sail on Harmony of the Seas in January and we plan on doing an entire post about the package after that sailing. Please do report back about your experiences on the ship. Happy sailing.

Hi, if you go on the smaller boats what soda’s are available? I am told they do not have the 100 different flavors on the smaller boats. I try to stay away from the regular drinks so will I only have one choice for diet sodas?

Hi Carolyn, you are correct not all of the Royal Caribbean ships have the freestyle machines. What ship will you be sailing on? If the ship does not have a freestyle machine, then you have the typical coke, diet coke, sprite, ginger ale, etc. I believe that is all. Here is a list of the ships that have freestyle machines as of the Fall 2015. Allure of the Seas Anthem of the Seas Enchantment of the Seas Explorer of the Seas Freedom of the Seas Grandeur of the Seas Jewel of the Seas Majesty of the Seas Oasis of the Seas Quantum of the Seas Let us know if you have any other questions. Happy sailing! Appreciate the comment.

Hi, we are on Anthem of the Seas on 21st January. I am thinking of the Royal Replenish Drink Package. One question: is the bottled water unlimited in this package? Thanks in advance and keep on cruising.

Hi Florian, Thanks for reading. Great question. Yes, the bottled water is unlimited in this package. Our mother recently used the package on Adventure of the Seas and enjoyed unlimited bottles of water, along with the other included drinks. There were never any issues using the plan. Have a great cruise.

We are sailing on the majesty of the seas in June. I was wondering if we can use our on board credit to purchase the drink package once we board the ship?

Hi Shana, Great question. The short answer is yes, you can use your onboard credit (OBC). Essentially, your onboard credit applies to all purchase made onboard. You can not specify what you want to use the OBC towards, it just comes off your bill. Have a great cruise. We have yet to sail on Majesty, so we would love to hear your take of the ship. Happy Cruising.

One question though if the schedule is Day1- disembark 2-sea3-port4-sea 5-back home super early, how many days of the package would you technically be paying for, mainly concerned if I’m paying for that 7am home day as I’m new to this drink package set-up

Hi Brit, Great question. Sounds like you are doing a 4 night cruise. If that is the case, you would only have to pay for four days. In our experience, the morning of disembarkation (which you label Day 5) our drink packages have covered specialty coffees. So, even though you don’t pay for that 5th day, the drink package still work. However, we have not tested this out with alcoholic beverages, so not sure if it applies or not. What ship are you sailing on with RCI?

We’re looking at Brilliance of the Seas, thinking about doing the second from the top drink package but I’m not sure if we’ll drink enough to justify the splurge

Hi Brittany, Thanks for reading. It is a tough call. For the most part, you have to average about 6-7 alcoholic drinks a day to break even. Then, any bottled water, soda, or additional alcoholic drinks you consume within the plan are the “extra value”. On sea days, it is probably much easier to hit these numbers than days in port. That said, we routinely drank 8-10 waters a day (and I a few sodas) so we ended up saving. How many port days do you have on the Brilliance?

Hey guys. Just got off the phone with a rep from Royal Caribbean who was most helpful explaining the drink package. Here it is. The Gratuities are NOT included in the package. You WILL PAY an 18% gratuity on EACH DRINK YOU ORDER. Not the price of the package.

So if you order the ultimate package for $59/day. You do not pay 18% on the $59/day price. You pay it on EACH DRINK. These are the facts.

If the 18% gratuity is not included, then that’s a brand new policy. I just got off Freedom of the Seas on February 21st, having had the $59 package. All my drink receipts had “18% gratuity included” written clearly on the receipt. Although there is a space to tip an amount of your choosing on top of that 18%. Furthermore the only charges to my Seapass account as far as tips went were those $1-$3 additional tips that I left throughout the week.

Thanks Chris for the update. We are sailing next month on Anthem of the Seas and will see what the pricing is like for the beverage packages. In the meantime, we are going to contact the Crown and Anchor Society to see if the service charge policies have changed. Appreciate the comment and info.

Thanks Kdizzydaze for reading and the comment. We have checked numerous upcoming bookings we have for RCI and all of them include the 18% service charge if you go to purchase the drink package as they have for previous sailings. We are going to contact Royal Caribbean for clarification to see if this a new policy.We will be sailing on Anthem of the Seas next month and see if this new pricing structure is in effect as we plan on purchasing at least one drink package. We will report back and update this post. Thanks.

Great to have all of this input. We have never thought to get the drink packages before due to more city/island visits than sea days. However, at the end of April we are going on our first transatlantic cruise that will have 8 sea days, then a couple of more in between the places we visit. My questions are 1) after 8 days, would it be OK to stop the package and get a refund for the difference in days and 2) we do enjoy a couple of cocktails prior to dinner, wine with dinner and perhaps an after dinner drink. We also may have a drink during the day and at a show. Would you think for this particular cruise, the Premium package would be worth it for both of us? 3) They are offering a 20% discount off each package but it was still higher than what was advertised. I am thinking the service fee is added to it when in the final cart because my calculations certainly were not the same as theirs. We are 15 days, so I know to multiply by 15! 4) I get the impression that you think it is a better idea to book it onboard. I just am concerned that it will be difficult to get it on our account on time to take advantage of our first drink! Or maybe it is still going to count for the full day… thanks for future replies!!!!!

To comment on (2), if you are going to log 6 drinks/day then you should break even or better over that 8-day span – especially if you have 20% off. But depending on your constitution, it can be difficult to maintain that level of drinking day after day. And taking into account all the food that is available, sometimes your body just says, “Okay, I’ve had enough calories.”

My experiences have been that one needs to accomplish dedicated, sustained drinking in order for the package to make sense from a financial standpoint. But from a psychological standpoint, the package is nice because you aren’t making value decisions on a drink-by-brink basis (e.g., Is this $12 cocktail worth it vs a $6 beer). And it’s always nice to be able to grab an overpriced bottled water without a care.

Thanks Dr. Hook for your always thoughtful comments. We agree, there are both financially and psychological benefits to using the drink package. We showcased our experiences on vacation. It is not always about trying to get your moneys worth. There is also the nice feeling of knowing how much things costs and not having to worry about the bar tab. Now, RCI is doing some specials where the prepaid package is 20% off for some sailings. This might make it an even better deal for those who are heavy drinkers. Appreciate the additional thoughts. Happy sailing.

We’re cruising on the Harmony in June with kids–one who will be 4. How stickler are they if both adults have drink packages and we order her a juice or bottle of water, too? I’m not planning on getting her a drink package at this age…also, if there is a Starbucks on board, will there be OTHER shops that we can get our espresso-based drinks (that are included in the packages)? Thanks!

Hi HC, thanks for reading. With the package you are allowed one drink per card, per transaction. Doesn’t matter what that drink is as the computer only allows the staff to input one drink at a time for someone on the drink package. You are not allowed to buy someone else a drink. So, say you go to the bar to get two drinks for the adults, and two bottles of water for the kids. You have two cards in your hand for the adults that have the drink package. Your alcoholic drinks will be covered, but they will charge you for the the two bottles of water. But, if you go to the bar and get one adult drink and one water, you are fine. If you then give the water to your kids, odds are they won’t say anything. Are you sailing on Allure or Oasis? Those are the only two ships with official Starbucks onboard. On those ships, the drink package is not accepted at Starbucks. However, the Cafe Promenade does make lattes and specialty coffees that are accepted with the Ultimate Drink Package. Some ships, like Anthem of the Seas, have cafes that brew Starbucks coffee. At those shops, the drink package does work. Let us know if you have any other questions. When do you set sail?

Hi DB, Have you found anything definitive on the issue of the service charge either being included in the package price, or added to each “free” beverage ordered? It seems like RCCL can’t give the same answer twice, and the information on their site is contradictory as well. Thanks.

Hi Eric, Thanks for the question. The gratuity is included when you buy the package. We just got back from a 5 night Anthem Cruise and bought the package pre-cruise. We were never charged a service charge once onboard. All receipts came up zero. They will not double charge you. You pay the service charge based on the total cost of the beverage package you purchase, not per drink. Sorry for the delay getting back to you, I hope this helps. Happy sailing.

I’m booked for a 3 day on the Enchantment next Jan. The website offers the drink packages and says they are 20% off. It states the Premium for 46 and the Ultimate for 48. I have tried to calculate from the regular prices and these numbers seem off. The 46 for Premium– includes the 18% gratuity? The 48 for Ultimate seems less then it maybe should be. What’s up?

we are sailing on the adventure of the seas on Nov 14, i purchased the premium drink package while it was on sale for 44.00 plus 18% gratuity for a total of 51.92 per day and right after i purchased it they changed it to included coffees and stuff making it essentially the ultimate drink package, theres no way to go wrong with this package!

Hi Tricia, we agree, nothing wrong with that at all. Taking advantage of the 20% discount and then getting the upgrade is an added bonus. Thanks for sharing your good fortune with us. We do recommend getting the package early, especially when it is on sale. Have a great time on Adventure. We sailed on her last year and had a blast. Let us know how your cruise turns out when you are back next month. Happy sailing.

This is a great article. I really love the way all the drinks for a day layout ow much one would actually spend. So many people when determining the value of the package focus solely on the alcoholic drinks. Just bottled water alone can add up to $10 per day.

Hi Brian, thanks for the comment. Glad you found the breakdown useful. You are correct, the benefits of the beverage packages can go well beyond just the alcoholic drinks. When is your next cruise?

Jan 29 on the Allure OTS. I had booked the drink package on special 25% off, but I just re-booked t because they are offering the drink package and Voom for only $5 per day extra.

We will be cruising on Allure this summer. Is there a place to get mochas and lattes with the drink package? I heard Starbucks does not accept the drink package on the Oasis class ships so I’m trying to figure out if the drink package is worth it for an espresso junkie. I’m not sure if they have other coffee shops on Allure.

HI April, great question. Yes, the Deluxe Beverage Package works at Cafe Promenade. You can get lattes, mochas, cappuccinos, and other espresso-based drinks there and they are covered in the package. It is found on the Promenade on Deck 5. Happy Cruising.

I am so excited about our upcoming cruise … our first ever!! Just reviewed the beverage package and I will be signing up for the full alcoholic beverage package. My wife does not drink any alcoholic beverages but will probably purchase the basic beverage package. Your policy states everyone sharing a suite has to purchase the beverage package. Can your policy accommodate our circumstances?

Hi John, Thanks for reading and the question. You will need to contact Royal Caribbean. The current policy is that both individuals in the room have to purchase the same beverage package. So, if you purchase the Deluxe Package, your wife needs to do the same. There are some exceptions, but these usually require a medical note from a doctor. Let us know if you have any other questions. Happy Cruising.

Hi. I hate to beat a dead horse but…I plan to buy the refreshment package for my two children but not buy any drink package for myself. Will they allow that or do we all three have to have a package? Also, the kids love to drink virgin pina coladas. Would those be included in the refreshment package?

Did Royal Carribean give you any perks being a blogger?

we are cruising the Enchantment in Jun. we purchased the deluxe drink package. question: with this package can I order memosa’s for breakfast and would my drink package include the gratuities?

Hi, We are sailing on RC Harmony in Oct and have purchased the deluxe drink package. I have been told it DOES include gratuities (18%) because we booked online ahead of time. I called twice to double check and was told this both times. Can anyone clarify? Thanks

Hi, I will be on this cruise in the month of Sep. Do you have any Bottle packages on the cruise? can i purchase any bottles for consumption during my stay? Please let me know..

Stay on top of the specials before your cruise. We bought at the 30% off and then got an offer for buy one get one for 50% off. You can cancel and buy at that price and it saved us $50 on the total package.

Can you take drinks out of the bar you order them from? For instance, could I get a drink at the Lime and Coconut and then drink it as I walk back to my stateroom?

Do they carry any gluten-free beer?

how do you order a drink that comes under a drink package? (anything besides water, tea and lemonade). On Holland America, any drink order had to be placed through a “steward” in any restaurant, not the waiter. Stewards were scarce, and the whole experience was very frustrating. Even getting a glass of sparkling water was a cumbersome process. Not only were we challenged to get beverage access, we could in no way come near getting value for the package. For this reason, i do not recommend an HA cruise. On a Royal Caribbean ship can i order a beverage anywhere without difficulty? i have not sailed with RC before, and having easy access to the beverages i want makes a difference. thanks!

What about a shorter cruise? 3 nights would you purchase the deluxe drink package? I’m schedule for a cruise June 2022.

Hi DB, enjoy your blog and YT videos. Always helpful. Question regarding RC drink packages: If I purchase the Deluxe Drink Package and my husband, who only drinks occasionally or at dinner, purchases the Refreshment Package, can I purchase a bottle of wine at dinner using my plan’s 40% discount and share that with him? Or only in our cabin? I phoned RC and their representative was unclear/unsure of whether or not this would be a ship by ship decision to allow sharing of a bottle of wine that was purchased with the Deluxe package – In my view, I’m paying for the drinks package and paying again for the bottle of wine, so it seems it would be reasonable to share this with my husband at dinner. Thoughts or comments from other cruises who have opted for these disparate plans?

This was great info! One questions – if you purchase the alcoholic beverage package – is that included when you order drinks via room service to a balcony stateroom – or is that a separate charge?

We went on Oddesy for a 6 day cruise, and on the second day we wnt and got the deluxe package, we where two people and got charged 2 times 525 dollar. The poster said 50% off on the second package so we went to guest service to complian. They said that the amount was right. I drink beer and missus drink strawberry daquiry, it varied from 17.4 to 24.4 depending on what bar and what time of day we purchused it so that meant that we had to drink atleast 9 drinks each to break even. And with two days ashore we had no chance of drinking that much. Luckily they let us cancel it. And we bought drinks evry time we wanted one and the bill ended up with 400 dollar for the both of us. So for us the package would not have been beneficial at all

Hello, went on Independence of the Seas in February. Favorite drink was Strawberry Blonde. I know the main ingredients and have tried to replicate it. It’s their on twist apparently on it. If anyone can snag a detailed recipe, I would appreciate it! If you’re cruising soon, have it on the rocks or frozen by the pool. Yum!

Thank you for your informative post. Unfortunately the deluxe drink package would be a wast because we don’t drink beer, wine or alcoholic beverages. However, I might consider the refreshment package. I have a few questions regarding the drinks. How much does squeezed out cost and is it only served at breakfast? Do they have a supply of sugar free drinks, I.e., sugar free Shirley temple or Roy Rogers? Are only the non alcohol frozen drinks included? Since I don’t drink alcohol, the only frozen drink I know is strawberry daiquiri and the greenish drink that looks like the strawberry one. I also had one with cream de mint with another ingredient…is that a nonalcoholic drink? Also what are specialty coffees? Are these the iced coffee or flavored coffee? As you might guess, I don’t drink regular coffee or regular tea except for iced tea with lots of lemons. Too bad they don’t have diet Dr. Pepper. Hopefully, they’ll have Coke Zero. Looks like I’ll be hard pressed to make a drink package with it because my son can only drink nonalcoholic drinks due to his meds.

Our cruise has back to back days where we will be off ship at the beginning. The second half of the cruise has 2 sea days and a visit to perfect day. Can we purchase a drink package during the cruise when we get to the second half?

How do you utilize the drink package at the buffet? Is there a drink bar or will a server come to the table to take drink orders?

Does the drink package start the minute you get on the ship?

Yes although recently they don’t put the soda cup in your room anymore. You have to go to the promenade deck to get it.

Hi, When you buy a drink package, do they give you a wristband or is it linked to your sea pass? Thanks for the great info and advice!

DB & The Princess

Welcome Aboard! We are Don and Heidi, the husband and wife travel team behind EatSleepCruise.com. We took our first cruise vacation together 13 years ago and have been hooked ever since. Follow along as we share our travel tips, cruise reviews, information on ports of call, and the latest cruise news to help you plan the ultimate cruise vacation. Are you ready to embark on your journey to “sea the world, one port at a time”?

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Royal Caribbean Drink Package: Your Comprehensive Guide

The Royal Caribbean drink package is a tempting offer for anyone booking a cruise, but whether or not it’s worth it is a very individualistic question.

It all really comes down to how much you plan on drinking and the average cost of drinks onboard compared to the package.

To help you clearly understand the contents and value of the drink package (and determine if it’s suitable for you), we’ve created this detailed guide.

Table of Contents

Understanding The Royal Caribbean Drink Package

Beverages aren’t included in your Royal Caribbean Cruise fare , but there’s an opportunity to upgrade your cruise experience with a beverage package.

These packages are designed to allow you to enjoy an unlimited amount of drinks for a fixed daily price, ensuring you can have the drinks you desire without worrying about your budget.

The three packages are:

Classic Soda Package

• Refreshment Package (Does NOT Include Alcohol)

Deluxe Beverage Package

The Classic Soda Package provides unlimited fountain soda and Coca-Cola® Freestyle beverages, perfect for quenching your thirst throughout the cruise.

If you’d like a broader selection of non-alcoholic beverages, the Refreshment Package adds mocktails, premium coffees and teas, and fresh-squeezed juices to the mix.

For those who want to indulge in a wide array of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, the Deluxe Beverage Package is the way to go.

This comprehensive plan covers most beverages on the ship, from cocktail classics to fine wine, allowing you to savor your favorites without stress.

You can even experience the Bionic Bar on certain ships , where robotic bartenders expertly craft your cocktails!

To make the most of your Royal Caribbean drink package, consider buying it before your cruise begins, as the prices are usually lower than onboard purchases.

Royal Caribbean Drink Package Prices

The Classic Soda package costs $13 – $15 per day and includes the following:

• Barry’s root beer and creme soda (and diet versions)
• Coca-Cola (including diet, zero, caffeine-free, and different flavors like strawberry, cherry and lime)
• Dasani-flavored or sparkling waters
• Fanta, Sprite and Dr Pepper (and zero versions)
• Minute Maid orange and lemonade (and light versions)
• Powerade (and zero version), Vitamin water and Hi C
• Seagrams ginger ale (and diet version)

The Classic Soda Package provides you with a reusable souvenir cup, which you can refill at various self-service stations throughout the ship.

If you opt for the Deluxe Beverage Package or the Refreshment Package, you’ll also receive this special cup, granting you all the perks of the Classic Soda Package.

Refreshment Package (Non-Alcoholic Drinks)

The Refreshment package costs $29 – $28 per day and includes the following:

• Bottled water
• Freshly-squeezed juices
• Non-alcoholic cocktails (mocktails)
• Premium teas and coffees
• Sodas and soft drinks

The Deluxe beverage package costs $49 – $89 per day and includes the following:

• Cocktails and mocktails
• Spirits and liquors
• Wine by the glass

Are Royal Caribbean Drink Packages Per Person Or Per Room?

Royal Caribbean structures its drink packages based on individual guests, meaning they’re not designed for sharing among several people. Should an adult in a stateroom opt for a drink package, it’s mandatory for all other adults in the same cabin to also acquire it.

While most beverage packages cater to individual guests, every package remains strictly for the personal use of the purchaser and isn’t transferable among multiple guests.

Does A Royal Caribbean Drink Package Include Gratuity?

When you purchase a Royal Caribbean drink package, gratuities are already incorporated. An 18% gratuity is applied during the online checkout process, ensuring all your beverage-related gratuities on board are pre-covered.

As a result, when you order a drink on the ship, there’s no obligation to provide an additional tip. That said, if you experience exceptional service, there’s always the option to bestow extra gratuities onboard.

In the itemized breakdown of your drink package order, this gratuity appears labeled as a “service fee.” To illustrate, if the package is priced at $70 daily, the total charge, inclusive of gratuity, amounts to $82.60.

Notably, for those interested in alcoholic beverages, the Deluxe Beverage Package is available, typically ranging from $63 to $102 per person each day.

What Are The Costs Of Cocktails And Mixed Drinks On Royal Caribbean?

Cocktails and mixed drinks aboard the Royal Caribbean are priced between $11 and $14. While most drinks fall within this range, super premium brands may command a higher price. The typical cost for a cocktail, including signature drinks like the Pineapple Guava Sangria and the Passion Spritz, stands at $14.

Below is a breakdown of other drink prices available on Royal Caribbean:

• Beer : Priced at $8.25.
• Glass of Wine : Ranges between $9 to $16, depending on the selection.
• Spirit and Mixer : Costs between $9 to $11.
• Soda : Available for $3.50.
• Coffee : Priced at $4.
• Bottle of Water : Costs $3.

For a comprehensive overview, here’s a tabulated summary of drink prices:

Cost Comparison: Package vs. Individual Purchases

Determining whether the beverage package is the right choice is different for every passenger.

The Deluxe Beverage Package ranges in price from $49 to $89 per person daily. This package includes an unlimited amount of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, making it the most comprehensive option.

To decide if this package is a good fit for you, think about how many drinks you plan to consume each day. Remember, the more drinks you have, the more value you can get out of the package.

Let’s take a closer look at individual drink prices on board:

• Cocktails : $8 to $15
• Beer : $7 to $9
• Wine (per glass) : $9 to $20
• Soft drinks : $3
• Bottled water : $3

Now, let’s imagine you plan to drink four cocktails, three beers, and two glasses of wine over the course of a day. Without the package, your cost for these drinks would be roughly:

• 4 x $12 (Average cocktail price) = $48
• 3 x $7 (Average beer price) = $21
• 2 x $15 (Average wine price) = $30

In this scenario, your total daily drinks cost would be about $99. Given that the Deluxe Beverage Package costs between $63 and $89, it’s clear that you would save money by purchasing the package.

However, if you know that you’ll be consuming fewer beverages or sticking mostly to non-alcoholic drinks, the package might not be the best choice for you.

Also, if you have a lot of port days, you may not be onboard enough to take advantage of the drink package.

Take a look at your cruise schedule and think about how many drinks you think you’ll have on the days you will be onboard.

If you have a lot of port days that you won’t be able to take advantage of the drink package, it may be worth purchasing the drink individually as you go.

What Non-Alcoholic Drinks Cost Money On Royal Caribbean?

While Royal Caribbean provides a selection of complimentary non-alcoholic beverages, including drip coffee, milk, lemonade, iced tea, and breakfast juices, there are several drinks for which guests will incur an additional charge.

Drinks that come with an extra cost include sodas, fresh-squeezed juices, bottled waters, and specialty coffees.

When To Buy The Drink Package?

Purchasing the Royal Caribbean beverage package is most cost-effective when done in advance through the Cruise Planner, which allows for acquisition up to 72 hours before the cruise departure.

Onboard prices tend to be higher; even with promotional offers like “Buy One Get One Free,” you’ll often end up paying more.

For those on short 2 or 3-night cruises, note that the package must be bought on the first day. Also, remember that the price can change, so if you see a good rate, it’s best to lock it in.

If the price later drops on the Cruise Planner, you can cancel and repurchase at the reduced rate. Avoid purchasing the drink package on the same day you book your cruise; it’s typically not the best deal.

How Often Do Royal Caribbean Beverage Packages Go On Sale?

Royal Caribbean drink packages do frequently find their way into promotional sales, typically appearing in the Cruise Planner approximately every few weeks. The discounts promoted during these sales can range anywhere between 10% to 30%.

For those eyeing an annual deal, it’s worth noting that Black Friday typically features a significant sale on these packages. In terms of the weekly cycle, Wednesdays are the days when sales are most likely to be launched.

However, a key observation to be aware of is the fluctuation in prices even within the designated sale periods. This means that the price of the drink packages can vary daily.

An important piece of advice for potential buyers: exercise caution when considering the advertised percentage discounts. The reason being, these percentage discounts can be misleading.

Since the base price of the packages tends to oscillate in a manner that’s hard to predict, a higher percentage discount does not necessarily guarantee a greater monetary saving.

Focus on the final price rather than the discount percentage to ensure the best value for your money.

How To Purchase The Drink Package

You have the option of purchasing a drink package up to 72 hours before your cruise sets sail. To do so, simply visit the Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner website. The online platform will provide you with all the necessary information and options related to the various drink packages available.

Another option is to purchase your drink package on the first day of your cruise. Once you’re onboard the ship, you can ask any of the friendly bartenders or bar staff for more information on the available drink packages.

You will also see tables onboard during your first day promoting the packages. You can stop by any of them and add the drink package of your choice.

However, even though you can purchase the drink package onboard, it’s always more cost-effective to do so before boarding.

FAQs About Royal Caribbeans Drink Package

Does royal caribbean drink package work on cococay.

Absolutely! If you’ve bought a beverage package onboard or through Cruise Planner, it’s valid on Cococay. Additionally, the island boasts five free dining spots for guests to enjoy.

Cococay, also known as Perfect Day at CocoCay, is Royal Caribbean’s private island destination in the Bahamas. It is an extension of the cruise ship, and the beverage package works the same as onboard.

Does Royal Caribbean Drink Package Have A Limit?

There is no limit to the amount of drinks you can order.

Royal Caribbean’s drink package offers guests flexibility without a cap on the number of drinks they can enjoy daily or during the entire cruise.

Some guidelines include ordering just one drink at a time, though options like doubles or mixed drinks are typically available. While there’s a suggested five-minute wait between drink orders, it’s seldom enforced.

On the first day, each guest of legal drinking age is permitted to bring aboard one sealed 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne.

Though Royal Caribbean isn’t an all-inclusive cruise, guests have the choice to buy drinks individually or opt for a drink package, which provides unlimited beverages for a set daily price.

Remember, if multiple guests are using a drink package, the staff might request each individual’s SeaPass card when ordering.

Can You Cancel the Royal Caribbean Drink Package?

You can secure a beverage package either through Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner up to 72 hours prior to your sailing date or directly onboard on your cruise’s first day. Onboard, you can inquire at any bar or look for dedicated promotional tables regarding these packages.

Once you’ve made your purchase, a sticker will be added to your SeaPass® card for identification purposes. Ensure you have your SeaPass card accessible, as bar staff will request it for verification before serving you.

For any pre-cruise planning questions, you can reach out to Royal Caribbean at 1-800-398-9819.

Cancellations :

• Purchases made through the Cruise Planner can be canceled and fully refunded if done so at least 2 days prior to your sailing date.
• Should you cancel onboard, any partial use of the package will be billed at its full price. While onboard cancellations result in credits to the guest’s onboard account, it’s worth noting that the refunds are issued as onboard credits and not returned to the original payment method.
• Any item bought via Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner is eligible for a complete refund up to two days before the cruise starts. If you decide to cancel, the amount is refunded to the original payment method within 3-4 business days. This flexibility lets you book at current prices and still have the option to cancel without any penalties.

For onboard cancellations, remember that refunds are given as onboard credit, not to your credit card.

Can Only A Single Individual Purchase The Drinks Package?

Royal Caribbean requires that if one adult in a stateroom purchases a beverage package, all adults in the same stateroom must purchase the same package.

This means if one person opts for the Deluxe Beverage Package that includes alcohol, the other adult in the same room must also purchase it.

This policy is in place likely to prevent package sharing between guests in the same room, for instance, one person obtaining drinks on behalf of another.

However, there are notable exceptions to this rule. If one of the guests has a medical condition, is pregnant, is dealing with alcohol addiction, or has religious reasons preventing them from consuming alcohol, they may be allowed to choose a different package, such as the Refreshment Package.

Packages are intended for individual use and sharing among multiple people is not permitted. If you find yourself in a situation where only one guest wants or is able to consume alcohol, it’s advisable to contact Royal Caribbean directly.

They might be more flexible with their policy, especially if there’s a valid reason like health concerns or pregnancy. Always remember to consider this policy when budgeting for your cruise.

Is It Mandatory To Purchase A Beverage Package For Children?

On Royal Caribbean, guests below the legal drinking age are not obligated to purchase any beverage package.

This means adults can opt for alcohol or soft drink packages without a concurrent need to purchase one for their children .

Is There A Wine Package On Royal Caribbean Cruises?

Royal Caribbean has discontinued its wine package. While in the past they provided options such as five bottles for $165, seven for $220, and ten for $300, these packages are no longer available.

Currently, guests can buy wines by the bottle. If you possess the Deluxe Beverage Package, a 40% discount is applied to bottled wines costing up to $100. For wines exceeding this price, a 20% discount is offered.

Can You Buy The Drinks Package Onboard?

Yes, you have the option to purchase a Royal Caribbean beverage package onboard during the first day of your cruise or in advance through Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner.

However, securing it in advance is typically more cost-effective.

Related: How To Cheat Royal Caribbean Drink Package

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Worth It? Complete Guide to Royal Caribbean’s Drink Package

Royal Caribbean drink packages definitely have their fans. But are they worth it? And what should you know before you buy?

If you’re about to set sail, you likely have pictured yourself on the ship — hanging out poolside, drink in hand, soaking up the sun.

Or maybe you’re thinking about dinner in the dining room, eating a fabulous meal while enjoying a tasty glass of wine. Or you could be thinking about playing the slot machines in the ship’s casino while enjoying a cocktail.

Are you starting to see a theme? Drinking on a cruise — alcoholic or otherwise — is a favorite pastime. Bars are everywhere. It’s common to have a dozen or more across a modern cruise ship.

Of course, those drinks can add up quickly. For instance, a beer on a Royal Caribbean ship runs about $8, plus gratuity. A cocktail is usually $14 . Have a few of those each day and you can easily be hit with an eye-raising bill for hundreds of dollars at the end of your cruise.

That’s where drink packages can help. The concept on the surface is simple. Pay one set daily rate and you can drink pretty much whatever you want on the cruise ship. However, the fine print and rules surrounding the packages can get confusing.

Below, we explain everything you need to about Royal Caribbean’s drink packages, including the most important question: Are they worth the money?

What Drink Packages Does Royal Caribbean Offer?

Thirsty? On a cruise ship we all are, and Royal Caribbean has a drink package to help.

There are three packages currently offered, but only one alcoholic drink package. While we explain all three packages here, we’ll focus mainly on the alcoholic package in this article.

Deluxe Beverage Package: Royal Caribbean’s main drink package is the Deluxe Beverage Package. Pretty much if it’s on the ship and can be drunk in a glass, then it’s included in the package. This includes cocktails, beers, wine, coffees, teas, juices, bottled water, and sodas.

Now, the package doesn’t include room service or mini-bar items. One other quirk is that drinks above $14 per glass (before gratuity) aren’t included. Thankfully, the vast majority of drinks you find on the ship are at or below this limit, so it’s not really an issue.

Refreshment Package: If you want beverages but aren’t interested in alcohol, then the Refreshment Package may be for you. This package offers everything in the Deluxe Beverage Package, except for the alcoholic drinks. So you can get your waters, soda, juices, coffees and teas, and even mocktails. As a result, the package is much less than the Deluxe Beverage Package.

Classic Soda Package: The least expensive package that’s offered from the cruise line is the Classic Soda Package. As you might guess, it gets you unlimited soda during your cruise. Things like bottled water, juices, and alcoholic drinks aren’t included. Royal Caribbean serves Coca-Cola products on board its ships .

How Much Does Royal Caribbean’s Drink Package Cost?

We mentioned earlier that while drink packages are simple to understand, the fine print behind them can get confusing. Case in point is the price of the drink packages. Instead of just having one set price, each drink package offers different prices, depending on your ship and the trip.

Note that Royal Caribbean doesn’t even post price ranges  for the packages anymore. Instead, you have to wait until you book your cruise to see what the drink package price will be for your specific cruise.

Here are the recent prices we saw from a Royal Caribbean, but keep in mind they are subject to change:

• Deluxe Beverage Package: $94 per person, per day, plus 18% gratuity ($74.99 plus gratuity if booked ahead of time)
• Refreshment Package: $34 per person, per day, plus 18% gratuity ($28 plus gratuity if booked ahead of time)
• Classic Soda Package: $13.50 per person, per day, plus 18% gratuity ($9 plus gratuity if booked ahead of time)

These figures should give you a ballpark. After you book, you can login to your account on RoyalCaribbean.com to book activities and packages for your cruise. There you can find the cost of the drink package for your particular cruise, as well as any discounts for booking the package early, like what we saw:

What’s Not Included in the Drink Package?

Obviously each package has different features and what’s included. For the wide view, the Deluxe Beverage Package focuses on alcoholic beverages, providing nearly all drinks except for a few cases. The Refreshment Package offers the same drinks as the alcohol package, but without the beer, wine, and liquor. Meanwhile, the Classic Soda Package only includes soda.

As for exclusions, the following are the special exceptions that aren’t included in the alcoholic drink package. (This also means they aren’t included in other packages as well.):

• Drinks from Starbucks stores on ship
• Room service beverages
• Mini-bar items
• Specialty beers
• Beverages more than $14 per glass
• Duty-free shop bottles of liquor

How Do I Buy the Drink Package?

Royal Caribbean makes it easy to buy the drink packages. You can purchase it one of three ways:

• Call the cruise line and have it added to your trip before you sail
• Manage your account online and buy the package before you board
• Wait until you board and visit one of the tables signing up passengers for packages on the first day of the cruise or visit a bar.

We suggest buying online ahead of time as there are often discounts for doing so . As well, you can start using the package immediately when you get on the ship.

If you wait until you board, you’ll see tables setup around the ship offering the package. You can also head to a bar and they will direct you on how to purchase the package.

What If I Order a Drink Over $14?

The bad news is that Royal Caribbean limits the beverage package to those drinks with a menu price (before gratuity) of $14 or less. So what if you order a more expensive drink?

If you have the drink package, you’ll get $14 off the price. For example, a $17 drink will see a $3 charge to your onboard account if you have the beverage package. 

What About Gratuity on Drink Packages?

If you were to order a drink from the bar without the drink package, you’d get a receipt for the drink and see an additional 18% gratuity tacked on. So a $14 cocktail actually costs you $16.52. This gratuity is automatic and can’t be avoided.

It’s similar with the Royal Caribbean beverage package. In addition to the daily fee that’s charged, there is an 18% gratuity that’s also charged. So if your drink package is $74.99 per day, you’ll actually be charged $88.49. A drink package costing $90 would total $106.20 per day.

Note that gratuity is charged on all the packages, even if you are getting one without alcoholic drinks included.

The good news is that when you buy a drink from the bar, you don’t have to worry about the gratuity being tacked on again. With the 18% charge on the drink package, it’s already included when you order from the bar.

Note that there will be a line on your drink receipt for additional gratuity if you are feeling generous, but it’s not required.

Can I Get the Drink Package for Cheaper?

Often you can get deals on the packages. The key is to book them online, ahead of your cruise. We’ve seen heavy discounts, such as buy one, get the second drink package 50% off. The deal isn’t always this big, but it’s usually a considerable savings.

If you know that you’re going to buy the package, we suggest buying online ahead of time for a discount.

There may be discounts when buying on board as well, but it’s nice to be able to do the math behind the cost at home. Otherwise you have to figure it out on the ship since Royal Caribbean’s prices and discounts can vary.

How Much Are Drinks Without the Package?

If you’re weighing whether or not to get the Royal Caribbean drink package, then knowing the menu price for beverages is helpful. While prices will vary based on what you want to drink, here are some general prices to expect:

• Beers: $7.50-$8.00
• Cocktails: $14.00
• Wines (by the glass): $8.00-$14.00
• Zero-Proof Cocktails: $7.00
• Soda/Juices: $3.50

All drinks will also have an additional 18% gratuity added in.

Do All Adults Have to Buy the Drink Package If One Does?

So what if one person traveling wants the drink package but the other doesn’t?

Royal Caribbean requires all adults in a stateroom to purchase the Deluxe Beverage Package (which includes alcoholic drinks) if one person does.

This rule is likely in place to prevent sharing between people staying in a room. For instance, a husband might get the drink package and provide his wife with “free” drinks during the cruise.

But it does bring up a good question for many people. What if one person doesn’t drink, or doesn’t drink much? In most cases, you’ll still need to buy two alcohol packages (assuming two adults in a room) if one person buys it. You’ll want to factor this into your budget.

In our opinion it’s still worth a call to the cruise line if you really don’t want two packages or have a circumstance where one person can’t drink. There is a chance they can be lenient on the policy, especially if there is a strong reason why one person doesn’t want the package, such as a wife that’s pregnant, or someone who isn’t allowed alcohol due to health issues.

What’s the Minimum Age to Buy the Package?

If you want to drink — or buy the drink package — on Royal Caribbean, then the ability to buy depends on your age.

If the ship is leaving North America of the United Arab Emirates, then the minimum age is 21, even if in international waters. If the ship departs South America, Europe, Asia, Australia or New Zealand, then the minimum age to purchase is 18 years old.

Can I Buy the Royal Caribbean Drink Package for Individual Days?

No. Part of the rules of the drink packages is that you must purchase them for the entire trip. So if you are sailing on a 7-day cruise, then the package is sold only on the basis of seven days.

Keep this in mind when you’re deciding if it’s worth it for you to buy. If there are days that you’re in port or simply days where you don’t feel like having drinks, then you are still charged for the drink package.

Can I Share Drinks?

No. One of the big rules of the drink package is that you aren’t allowed to share your drinks with someone else. We’re not saying you can’t give someone a sip, but it’s against the rules to order a drink and then pass it off to someone else.

How will the cruise line know?

To be honest, it’s tough to enforce unless you are glaringly obvious. Even so, you’re most likely to share with someone that’s in your cabin. In that case, they will have already bought the drink package as Royal Caribbean requires all adults in the cabin to buy the package if one person does.

How Many Drinks Can I Buy With the Package?

While some cruise lines put a limit on the number of drinks you can get with the package ( Carnival has an alcoholic beverage limit of 15 per day ), Royal Caribbean has no such limit at this time. Have a screwdriver with breakfast, enjoy drinks by the pool, and have a margarita as a nightcap. It’s all included.

One thing to note is that if you are obviously intoxicated, don’t be surprised if you are cut-off. Cruise lines are in the business of making sure everyone has a good time, but they reserve the right not to serve if the circumstances warrant it.

How Many Drinks Can I Order at Once?

Royal Caribbean only lets you order one drink at a time with your drink package. Even though you can get your fill of drinks, you can’t order multiples at once. According to the company’s website, additional drinks will be charged at the full menu price.

In reality, we have heard of some bartenders being more relaxed. For example, one person heading up to get two drinks — one for them and the other for the other person in the cabin that also has the drink package. Most of the time, however, it is one drink per person. (But it doesn’t hurt to ask.)

Does the Drink Package Work on CocoCay and Labadee?

Royal Caribbean’s CocoCay has been a huge hit since the cruise line revamped the island. One of the great perks is that the drink package, which normally only works on the ship, also works on the island . You can use it there just as you would on board.

This perk really helps you get your money’s worth as in most ports you can’t use the drink package on land. The package also works on Labadee, another Royal Caribbean port.

It will not work in traditional ports of call.

Is Royal Caribbean’s Drink Package Worth It?

Before you ever buy an alcoholic drink package — from Royal Caribbean or any cruise line — we always suggest that you run the numbers behind buying. Truth is, for some people the packages are well worth it. For others, they end up paying way more than they would if they just bought individual drinks.

We’ve put together a Drink Package Calculator here than can help you do the math and see if the package is a smart buy for you. Simply enter the number and type of beverages you think you’ll drink each day, and you can compare that amount to the cost of the drink package offered on your cruise.

When you do run the numbers, we suggest you factor in a couple of things to see if the package is worth it.

First, you need to think about how you will drink while on vacation . For some people, they have no problem drinking every day of a vacation. Others may have a couple of nights where they let loose, but enjoy having breaks in between. With the drink packages, you’re paying for the package every day of the cruise — even when in port or on days where you don’t get drinks at all.

For people who plan to spend a lot of time in port (off the ship) or simply don’t drink every day, it can be difficult to get the value from the package. But if you’re someone who likes to have drinks each night, then you’ll often find it can work in your favor. This seems to be the case on shorter cruises where it’s easier to keep the party going versus week-long trips.

Second, remember the rule that all adults have to purchase the drink package if one adult in the cabin does so . If your traveling partner doesn’t drink that much, then you’re essentially paying for two drink packages for only one person. In this case, it’s going to be hard to get your money’s worth out of the package.

Finally, factor in any discounts . Royal Caribbean makes it a little difficult to plan as drink package prices can vary widely depending on your specific cruise. As well, discounts also vary. A popular offer is buy one, get a second package 50% off.

So instead of working from one price to figure out if you’ll drink enough to make the package worth it, you have to see the cost of the drink package for your specific cruise, plus any discounts you may get.

Bottom line: Drink packages can be completely worth it for some passengers. For others, they aren’t such a great deal. That said, be sure to do the math ( check out our Drink Package Calculator here ) and make the right choice.

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I am looking for information on refreshment package.does it include smoothies or was that recently removed from the package

Is the drink package available to use as soon as you board? I am in tx

Can you take water on board?

Yes! Royal allows you to bring on a small quantity of non-alcoholic drinks.

What is considered a “small quantity” and what is allowed?

Also, in trying to decide whether the deluxe package is for you one must also look at specialty coffees, bottled waters, soda. All of those items should be in your calculator because they all add up..The deluxe package is just not alcohol, it’s all drinks on board period. Or you could have a calculator that list all types of beverages and then when the total comes up you can tell which package is for you.. That’s what my husband & I do for our cruises.

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Royal Caribbean Cruise Deals Guide

When it comes to planning the ultimate getaway, there are so many reasons why cruise vacations rank among the most popular travel options. First of all, they’re completely stress-free. On a cruise vacation, all the planning is taken care of by the cruise line — from the destinations you sail to and the shore excursions available at each port, to a full range of entertainment and activities happening onboard every day. If you’re not a planner, or if the only things you’re looking to focus on during your getaway is savoring great food, relaxing, and soaking up the sights, cruise vacations are the way to go. A cruise vacation is also a great option if you’re traveling with the whole family, especially when you opt for a Royal Caribbean cruise. All of the ships in this cruise line’s fleet offer family-friendly experiences for guests of all ages. Even little ones will find plenty of ways to play with spaces and activities designed for tots to tweens. One of the top reasons savvy travelers love cruising, though, is because of the incredible value it offers. With Royal Caribbean, your cruise fare includes access to most of the ship’s attractions, select dining venues and all of the entertainment onboard. If you want to make your experience even more all-inclusive, you can opt for beverage and specialty dining packages that cover drinks and dinner at some of the most exclusive restaurants in the fleet. On top of all that, the cruise line presents frequent limited-time offers and seasonal sales, making it easy to score big savings when booking your vacation.

I’m ready to start planning my cruise — how can I score the best deals?

Whether you’re looking to book a short getaway or a longer adventure to far-flung destinations, Royal Caribbean makes it easy to save big on everything from your cruise fare to special experiences onboard and onshore. The first step to making sure you get the best deals is to join the cruise line’s email list. Once you’ve signed up, you’ll receive regular updates on all the latest offers, like deals by destination , kids sail free promotions and flash sales. The savings don’t end when you book your cruise, though. Once you’ve made a reservation, you’ll also receive notifications about special offers for onboard experiences — like discounts on beverage and specialty dining packages, shore excursions, spa services, and more via My Royal Cruise .

Does it pay to plan ahead, or should I wait until the last minute?  

It’s an age-old question — does the early bird really get the worm, or are there perks to taking a “wait-and-see” approach? If you’re booking a cruise vacation, you’ll find there are benefits to both strategies. Planning ahead is a great way to score big savings , as Royal Caribbean often runs early saver deals to guests booking well in advance. It’s also pretty safe to assume prices usually go up as availability goes down the closer you get to your sail date, so booking ahead is a surefire way to lock in a great rate. That said, booking a cruise at the last minute can also yield some unexpected savings — but only if the itinerary you’re interested in hasn’t sold out yet.

If you can be flexible when it comes to your travel dates, you’ll have your pick of unbeatable savings. Popular vacation dates — like the holidays , spring break , summer vacation and week long cruises — sometimes see the highest prices (though you might get lucky with a seasonal sale). If you have the flexibility to travel during the shoulder season or off season, you’ll likely enjoy big savings on popular stateroom categories , like Balconies and even Suites. The deals don’t only apply to your cruise fare, though. Once you’ve booked your vacation, you could easily unlock discounts and specials on add-ons, including beverage and dining packages , Voom® high speed internet, shore excursions, and amazing experiences not included in your cruise fare — like a day of pampering at Vitality SM Spa, a behind-the-scenes tour of the ship’s galley followed by brunch, VIP seating at shows, and much more.

How can I maximize the value of my cruise vacation?

There are plenty of ways to get more bang for your buck when you sail on a Royal Caribbean cruise. Every ship in the fleet offers a range of delicious complimentary dining options , but you can dig into even more crave-worthy flavor by purchasing a Specialty Dining Package for less ahead of your cruise. Add a Specialty Beverage Package — which includes unlimited alcoholic beverages, soda, and more — and your experience is as close to all-inclusive as it gets. And with so many complimentary shows and attractions onboard, you can easily fill every sea day without spending a single dollar extra.

Royal Caribbean also offers deals based on departure ports  and destinations, so if you’re a flexible traveler looking for great savings, you can plan your next vacation around which itineraries are on sale. Just check your email or visit RoyalCaribbean.com/cruise-deals to stay up to date on promotions, sales and special offers. You can even browse sailings and deals by homeport, destination and season, so you can rest assured you’re getting the best possible deal no matter when or where in the world you choose to set sai.

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Home » Our Guide to Royal Caribbean Beverage Packages

Our Guide to Royal Caribbean Beverage Packages

Last updated on February 9th, 2024 at 05:53 pm

If you’re planning a cruise with Royal Caribbean , one decision you should make before departure is whether or not to purchase one of the Royal Caribbean beverage packages. Cruises might wonder if drink packages are a good idea , and the information in this article will help you to decide for yourself.

Royal Caribbean offers a variety of beverage packages to choose from, each with its own set of included drinks and perks. In this post, we’ll go over the different options and help you decide which one is right for you.

All of Royal Caribbean’s beverage packages include unlimited sodas, teas, and coffees, as well as a 15% discount on bottled water, energy drinks, and specialty cocktails.

In addition, all packages include a discount on wine bottles and tastings at the Vintages wine bar.

Be sure to check ahead of sailing with Royal Caribbean, as they will sometimes offer special “sale” pricing for purchasing your beverage packages before sailing.

Table of Contents

The Fine Print In Beverage Packages

There are a couple of stipulations for RC’s beverage packages that you will find in most all other cruise lines, too.

You must be 21 years of age or older to purchase a beverage package that includes alcohol.

Beverage packages of any type are not transferable and cannot be shared. Guests of legal drinking age in the same stateroom are required to purchase the same alcoholic beverage package and there is little wiggle room with this stipulation.

Gratuity and taxes may be extra, and packages do not include room service, mini bar items or souvenir glassware.

The SeaPass that you receive when you board Royal Caribbean will have a sticker or a printed verification of the package that you purchased, so keep this pass handy.

Coca-Cola Freestyle Machines Are Lots of Fun!

Royal Caribbean serves Coke products onboard, and in a fun way. You will find Coca-Cola Freestyle machines on its ships, but in order to you them, you have to have a drink package.

Upon boarding, you’ll get a special souvenir cup that “unlocks” the machine when you go to use it. These stand-alone drink dispensers will mix almost any Coca-Cola drink for you.

There are over 100 different soda/flavor combinations that you can mix. You can get a Diet Coke with lemon, or have your Sprite mixed with cherry or even grape Fanta.

Remember that any prices listed in this post are current as of this writing, January 2023. The cost will also vary by ship and sailing. 

Now, let’s take a look at the different package options:

Deluxe Beverage Package

This package includes everything in the Classic Soda Package, plus a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

RCL states that you must be 21 years of age or older to purchase this beverage package. The selection includes cocktails, spirits, beers, and wines by the glass, as well as smoothies, frozen drinks, and premium coffees.

There is no daily limit for drinks with the Deluxe Beverage Package, however, you are able to order just one drink at a time. Ordering multiples, even if they are non-alcoholic, is not permitted.

This beverage package includes several popular liquor like Grey Goose, Tito’s Vodka, Patron, Johnny Walker Black Label and Dewar’s 12 Scotch.

You will also receive a 40% discount on bottled wines priced up to $100 and 20% discount on wine prices above $100.

The Deluxe Beverage Package gives you beverages with a value of up to $13 for select ships and sail dates. Deluxe Beverage Packages are $109 per person per day. When you add the 18% gratuity, you are at $128.62 per day.

There are some items that are not included in the Deluxe Beverage Package. The exceptions are:

• Drinks from Starbucks stores on ship
• Room service beverages
• Mini-bar items
• Specialty beers
• Beverages more than $13 per glass
• Duty-free shop bottles of liquor

Refreshment Package

This package option includes unlimited sodas, teas, and coffees, as well as a 15% discount on bottled water, energy drinks, and specialty non-alcoholic cocktails.

This includes the Coca-Cola Freestyle machines. The Refreshment Package also includes still and sparkling water and fresh-squeezed juices.

This package is $39 a person per day with an 18% gratuity, making it $46.02.

Classic Soda Package

This package gives you fountain soda and refills at any venue. You will also get a Coca-Cola souvenir cup and you can use it at the Coca-Cola Freestyle machine.

It also includes a discount on wine bottles and tastings at the Vintages wine bar. The Classic Soda package is $15 per day per person with a 18% gratuity, making it $17.70.

How To buy A Beverage Package On Royal Caribbean

If you have decided to purchase a package, there are three ways to do so.

• Call the cruise line and have it added to your trip before you sail
• Go to the Royal Caribbean website and access your online account to buy the package before you board.
• Wait until you board and visit one of the tables that sign passengers up for packages.

While you can purchase a package once you arrive on board,  you’ll pay full price, but they are available to purchase throughout the sailing with at least 4 days remaining (which means you can’t just splurge on the last day).

You can purchase a beverage package up to 72 hours before you sail. If you change your mind, you can cancel your order through Cruise Planne r up to 2 days before you sail to get a 100% refund.

Check online, or with RC before your cruise, as RC will sometimes offer a discount on packages purchased before boarding.

Should You Purchase A Drink Package On Royal Caribbean?

So, which package, if any, is right for you? It really depends on your drinking habits and preferences.

If you’re a light drinker or just want unlimited sodas and coffees, the Classic Soda Package may be sufficient. If you prefer a wider selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, the Deluxe Beverage Package may be a better fit.

Try to consider the amount that you will drink (day after day) while on the cruise. It’s calculated that in order to “break even” you would need to drink approximately 15 drinks a day.

It sounds like a lot, but if you consider fresh juices, espresso-based coffees, etc. that you might drink for breakfast, in addition to other sodas or cocktails throughout the day, you can see how 15 is doable.

If you are on a cruise that has several ports and you plan on a few excursions, that might not make as much sense to purchase a package if you have a lot of time off the ship. Shorter cruises might be a better option when considering a beverage package.

Ultimately, the decision to purchase a beverage package with Royal Caribbean is up to you. Consider your drinking habits, the cost of the package, and the length of your cruise to determine which option is the best fit for you.

Can I bring additional bottles of wine on board?

Yes, passengers are allowed to bring two additional 750ml bottles of wine or champagne per stateroom. To learn more about beverages that you can bring onboard, read this!

Is my beverage package able to be used at the Starbucks onboard?

Unfortunately, no. Starbucks coffee is not included.

Can I use my beverage package at Coco Beach Club at Coco Cay ?

Yes, beverage packages purchased on board can be used throughout Coco Cay.

Check out this helpful beverage package video from Royal Caribbean Blog:

This page contains affiliate links for which we may receive financial compensation when a purchase has been made through one of our affiliate partners.

Joy is the Co-Founder & Content Manager/Expert for CruisePortAdvisor.com and one of the founders of the site. She loves to travel, sing & bake.

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Is it cheaper to buy a drinks package on board? Here's what cruise passengers should know.

A latte in the morning here, a piña colada by the pool there. On a cruise, ordering drinks can rack up a steep bill before you know it.

Though beverages like water, regular coffee, iced tea and lemonade are generally included in cruise fares, others cost extra. That’s where drink packages come in handy.

The optional add-ons broaden the range of beverages you can order without worrying about incurring charges each time. But they aren’t always worth it, and it can be cheaper to quench your thirst a la carte.

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“What I tell clients is: Do the math on it,” said Rusty Pickett, a travel adviser and owner of Shellback Cruises.

What do cruise drink packages include?

“Each cruise line has a different package system,” Pickett said. The packages typically range from more limited soda or coffee packages to those that cover a wide range of alcohol and other drinks.

Carnival offers a Bottomless Bubbles package that includes sodas and juice. The line’s Cheers! package includes those, plus spirits, beer and wine by the glass priced at $20 or less, specialty coffee and more (guests can order only one drink at a time and are limited to 15 alcoholic drinks in 24 hours). Carnival also offers wine-specific packages. 

Be sure to read the fine print, too, because there are often restrictions. On Royal Caribbean International ships, for example, beverage packages exclude drinks served in licensed Starbucks stores.

How much do cruise drink packages cost?

Beverage packages are typically priced per person, per day and sold for the duration of a cruise. Starting prices vary but can range from $10 to $15 for soda and specialty coffee packages to upward of $100 for those that include alcohol. Pickett also noted that a number of lines have raised drink package prices in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The aforementioned Cheers!, Carnival's most comprehensive package, starts at $59.95 per person, per day, while the Bottomless Bubbles package starts at $6.95 for kids and $9.50 for adults. During a recent cruise on the line’s newest ship, Jubilee , cocktails at new venues Dr.Inks, Ph.D., and The Golden Mermaid were priced at $14 a la carte, plus an 18% gratuity charge. Beverage packages generally include gratuities, Pickett said.

The most I racked up in a single day on Jubilee – for two lattes at the ship's JavaBlue Cafe and Marina Bar; two bottles of water in my stateroom; and one cocktail at the Marina Bar that night (plus additional gratuities I added) – was $34.86.

“When (clients) want to talk it through, it's usually about how much you drink per day,” said Valerie Dorsey, a franchise owner and travel adviser at Cruise Planners. “And if you're only going to have one or two drinks, even at $15 a drink, it's still cheaper than buying a $100-a-day package.”

Mainstream cruise lines may offer lower prices if guests purchase a package advance, according to Dorsey (luxury lines tend to include more in their fares, including drinks). Operators may also bundle them as part of other offers.

Even if not for cost savings, Pickett and Dorsey both said some travelers are drawn to drink packages for the convenience. “They're willing to pay money for not being nickeled-and-dimed when they go up to the bar,” Pickett said.

Does everyone in the cabin need to get the drink package?

Often, all guests of legal drinking age in the same stateroom are required to purchase a drink package if any guest in the cabin buys one, including the Cheers! package and Royal Caribbean's Deluxe Beverage Package .

Can I buy a drink package midcruise?

Even if you don't buy a drink package beforehand, you're not out of luck. Passengers may be able to buy them after they board, depending on when they make the purchase.

Royal Caribbean, for instance, sells drink packages on the first or second day of cruises four nights or longer; for sailings three nights or less, they're sold only on the first day. Celebrity Cruises (also part of Royal Caribbean Group), meanwhile, sells them up until three days before the end of a cruise.

Prices would be prorated on a per-day basis.

Can I bring my own drinks on a cruise?

Yes, depending on what it is. Beer and hard liquor are not allowed , but guests can bring wine or champagne to enjoy during their sailing – though Dorsey warned they will probably have to pay a corkage fee if they want to drink them outside their cabin.

For example, Princess Cruises charges $20 “should guests wish to consume their wine or champagne in the ship’s public areas,” according to its passage contract.

Guests may also be able to bring non-alcoholic drinks like bottled water, sodas and milk, but policies vary by line.

Dorsey also noted that if guests don’t mind going without espresso-based drinks or cocktails, they can opt not to buy a drink package at all. “I say to clients, ‘You don't have to put up extra money on a cruise if you don't want to.’ ”

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Is it cheaper to buy a drinks package on board? Here's what cruise passengers should know.

Best Time to Buy Royal Caribbean Drinks Package (Sales and Discounts 2024)

Going on a Royal Caribbean cruise is an amazing experience, but it can also be expensive. 

One of the ways to save money is by purchasing the drinks package at the right time.

When it comes to buying the Royal Caribbean drinks package, it’s no surprise its quite common for people to be looking for a discount or to buy when in a sale, and doing so can save you quite a lot of money, especially as its a per guest per day expense!

It’s no wonder some people look for ways to cheat the Royal Caribbean drinks package to try and save on the expense.

We have also separately covered whether you can share the Royal Caribbean drinks package .

When is the Best Time to Buy the Royal Caribbean Drinks Package?

If you’re planning to purchase a Royal Caribbean drinks package, the ideal time would be now, as the prices can increase unexpectedly and may not reduce later.   

Buying online pre-cruise will always be cheaper than buying once onboard your ship.

However, if you purchase the package and the price drops in a sale, you can easily cancel your order through the Cruise Planner and purchase it again at a lower rate.

You can do this again if you later see an even cheaper deal.

Personally, I’d recommend buying when you book your cruise and periodically checking for cheaper deals. At least this way, you don’t risk forgetting about it until you board.

It’s worth bearing in mind when deciding whether you need a drinks package or not that there are number of free drinks included in your Royal Caribbean cruise booking.  

How Much is Royal Caribbean Drinks Package?

The price of the Royal Caribbean drinks package can vary based on the ship, itinerary, and the type of package you choose.

There is no set price for the drinks package. 

You can choose from a variety of packages such as the

• Deluxe Beverage Package
• Refreshment Package (Non-alcoholic only)
• Soda Package

The Deluxe Beverage Package includes alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, while the Refreshment Package includes non-alcoholic beverages. 

The Soda Package includes only sodas .

The drinks package can range from $13 to $89 per day, depending on your chosen package. 

An example below shows the deluxe at $98 onboard price, or $72.99 promotional sale price.

When Does Royal Caribbean Have Sales on Drink Packages?

Royal Caribbean has sales on drink packages throughout the year. The sales can be seasonal, such as during the summer or holidays, or at random. The best way to track the sales is to check in the cruise planner every few weeks.

The prices can change often so it is important to check the prices regularly if you want to increase your chances of getting the lowest price possible.

For a good deal expect to get 20-40% off, but anything you see thats cheaper than the current price you have paid, take it, and you can always cancel and rebuy at cheaper price when you see it.

Checking Royal Caribbean Drink Package Promotion s

Not all discounts are as good as they initially seem.

Royal Caribbean runs various sales and promotions on drink packages, but it can be tricky to determine whether the discount being offered is actually a good deal. 

Keep track of the base price of the drink package you’re interested in. Royal Caribbean discounts its drink packages based on an unknown onboard price, so it can be difficult to determine the actual value of the discount being offered. 

By keeping track of the base price, you can better evaluate whether a particular sale or promotion is saving you money and how much.

Focus on the total price of the drink package when added to your cart and not the % discounts which can be misleading if the base price has increase.

Some of the best times to check for better than average discounts include:

Good times to check discounts are 

• Black Friday Week
• Cyber Monday

Does Royal Caribbean Have a Black Friday Drinks Package Sale?

Royal Caribbean has a Black Friday drinks package sale. The sale usually runs during the week of Black Friday, and it is a good time to check for discounts.

Prices can vary through the Black Friday sales week so might be worth checking more than once.

How to Get a Discount on Royal Caribbean Drink Package?

Royal Caribbean offers a variety of drink packages that guests can purchase for their cruise.

 By pre-purchasing these packages via the Cruise Planner site before the cruise begins, guests can take advantage of discounts on the regular prices.

Sale Discounts Available Before the Cruise

The exact discount for a drink package varies, but you should expect to get at least 20% discount off the daily rate. 

However, discounts can sometimes be even more lucrative. 

No matter what discount you see online, it will be cheaper if you buy it before your cruise compared to waiting to book it onboard. The daily price for a drink package can also vary from ship to ship and sailing to sailing.

Purchase Deadline

Guests can purchase a drink package up until 48 hours before their sailing. 

Don’t wait to book your drink package in the hope of getting a lower price later. Waiting until closer to the sail date is a mistake because the price could go up, resulting in paying more than the original online listed price.

Best Discount on Royal Caribbean Drink Package

The deluxe beverage package typically costs between $65 – $90 per person, per day, with a per-day cost of below $65 being a great deal.

If you can get a lower price than $65 or the equivalent in your local currency, you can be sure you have a very good deal . It’s rare for prices to go below this but they have been reported to be offered at $49.

The Royal Refreshment package will cost between $29 to $39 per person per day, however we have seen deals as low as $19.99 to $22.99 range.

while the soda package should range between $13 to $15 per person, per day. 

Guests should keep checking back for price drops.

Crown and Anchor Discounts Available Onboard

Buying a drink package onboard for a cheaper price is only an option if guests are higher up in Royal Caribbean’s customer loyalty program. 

Royal Caribbean includes drink package discounts onboard the ship to its Crown and Anchor Society members.

Past discounts have been:

• Diamond 20%
• Diamond Plus 30%
• Pinnacle level 40%

However, guests cannot combine their Crown and Anchor discount with the online price, and must choose between one or the other. 

If guests are not a Diamond or above member in Crown and Anchor Society, there are no discounts available for drink packages.

Is There a Miltary Discount on Drinks Package?

While Royal Caribbean does offer discounts to active serving personnel in the Active personnel c in the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard, Reserves or Canadian National Defense, they do not offer a discount on the drinks package.

Although you could look it as the discount on the cruise could cover the drink package costs.

Canceling Royal Caribbean Drinks Package

One of the significant advantages of purchasing the Royal Caribbean drinks package in advance is that if there’s a lower price available later, you can easily cancel and rebook it without any cancellation penalties. 

Cruise Planner purchases are fully refundable, which means you can book the drinks package now and secure the price, but if there’s a lower price available later, you can cancel it and rebook online.

By canceling and rebooking the drinks package, you can take advantage of any price drops and save money on your overall vacation cost.

This feature also helps protect you if the price of the drinks package goes up after you have purchased it.

Are There Royal Caribbean Drinks Package Coupons?

Even though you may see such offered on sites for example, 25 to 40% off coupon codes or promo codes, when you click them you’ll see “no coupon required” and they are just advertising the drinks package deal open to all RCL customers.

Just simply login to your Cruise Planner and check the discounts available to you yourself.

Worst Time to Buy Royal Caribbean Drinks Package

So you definitely make a saving on the onboard drinks package prices I just want to highlight 

the worst time to buy is when you have boarded the ship.

Purchasing onboard the ship will always result in a higher price, even if there are some great sounding BOGOF onboard, they will also be a higher total than you’d pay online in advance.

While you can buy your drinks package when you book your cruise, you can be sure there will be cheaper prices offered at later dates. 

Some people don’t book straight away and instead wait a few days and start with a discount price, and then hope to get even cheaper when other sales discounts are offered.

Advantages of Buying Drinks Package Online Pre-Cruise

Pre-purchasing the Royal Caribbean drinks package online vai your Cruise Planner before your cruise offers a range of benefits that make it an attractive option for many travelers. By buying in advance, you’ll be able to take advantage of the pre-cruise discount, which can alone result in significant cost savings.

One of the other most significant advantages of pre-purchasing your drinks package is the ability to manage your budget more effectively.

Instead of facing a large drinks bill at the end of your cruise, you can start paying off parts of your cruise bill months in advance.  

Without a large drinks bill at the end of your trip, it will make it easier to budget and plan for other vacation expenses.

Additionally, pre-purchasing drinks package also eliminates the need to wait in long lines to purchase items on the first day of your cruise. 

This means that you can spend more time enjoying your vacation and less time standing in lines.

Use Onboard Credit

Another advantage of pre-purchasing your drinks package is that it allows you to use any onboard credit towards these purchases. 

If you have received any onboard credit as part of your booking, you can apply this credit to your pre-cruise purchases, further reducing the cost of your drinks package.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you buy drinks package onboard royal caribbean.

You can buy a Royal Caribbean drinks package onboard, however for the vast majorit of people it will be cheaper to buy online beforehand, even if you don’t buy in a sale.

The exception is those on th ehigher levels of Crown and Anchor loyalty program.

Is It Cheaper To Buy A Drinks Package On Board Royal Caribbean?

Its cheaper to buy a Royal Caribbean drinks package online at any price than to buy onboard. Even after purchasing, if you later see a cheaper online deal you can cancel and rebuy at the cheaper rate.  

If you are a Diamond to Platnium level Crown and Anchor member you may be able to get cheaper onboard.

The best time to buy the Royal Caribbean drinks package is before you embark and you can be sure of getting a lower price than if you were to buy onboard.

It’s up to you how often you quickly want to check and take advantage of cheaper sale discounts when you see them in the Cruise Planner App.

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• Royal Caribbean International

How often do the drink packages go on sale?

By landsear , August 13, 2018 in Royal Caribbean International

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Nobody has that level of inside knowledge. You just have to keep checking your cruise planner.

Retired LEO

Just keep checking your cruise planner. Prices change constantly. If your comfortable with the price buy it. If the price goes lower you can always cancel and repurchase at the lower price.

I know! :) I guess I was more or less looking for 'all of the time' or 'never.'

Yep, gotcha. All the time. Sales come and go.

Just to give a sense, there have been 4 sales I made note of in the lead-up to our cruise on Navigator this month: January, Memorial Day, July 4th, the current "back to school" sale. My sister said that the soda package wasn't discounted during any of those, but the Deluxe and Refreshment packages were.

Thanks. What is the actual sale on the packages right now? I don't have access to the cruise planner at the moment.

Up to 30% off. It will depend on your ship and sail date as what they are offering.

This is different for every ship and every sailing. You'll have to wait until you can get into your Cruise Planner. Or, if you have access to your Roll Call, ask there. :)

taglovestocruise

Today in our cruise planner for Symphony the UBP is $42.00 + 18% grat. That is as low as I have ever seen it.

The lowest I have yet to see in my Harmony of the Seas is $45 +

We had an offer for the second UBP for 50% off on our ( day Jewel cruise in January and earlier we had a 30% off offer. We've been booked about 60 days.

I seem to get the email every week...

Carolina Girl 99

I'm sailing on Oasis in less than 2 weeks. I booked in April and have seen it on sale an average of 2x per month, with a sale usually starting on Friday and lasting until midnight EST on Sunday

The sales have reliably been one weekend on, one weekend off for the past several months. Lately they have been extending them beyond the typical Friday-Monday so they last until mid-week.

AnotherHand

I'm currently seeing buy one at $47 get 2nd at 50% off. However, when I put 2 in the cart, no discount shows....

Honestly, I'm not that big of the drinker though know that I'll enjoy an umbrella drink or two (pina coladas, frozen margaritas, etc.). Is it an option get to the Refreshments package; use it order a virgin drink; and then purchase a shot of rum or tequila?

Ourusualbeach

I'm currently seeing buy one at $47 get 2nd at 50% off. However, when I put 2 in the cart, no discount shows....   Honestly, I'm not that big of the drinker though know that I'll enjoy an umbrella drink or two (pina coladas, frozen margaritas, etc.). Is it an option get to the Refreshments package; use it order a virgin drink; and then purchase a shot of rum or tequila?

Yes you can purchase a shot on the side with the purchase of a virgin drink.

The shot will run around $9.

The $47 IS the BOGO price.

The advertised price of $47 that you see is the averaged result of buying 2 packages at the on-board price where the first is full price and the second is half-off. Even though they love to promote it like a "Buy 1 get 50% off the 2nd" they always show the resulting per-person price.

cruisingnay

That is currently the price on our Allure sailing on October 28th as well. I originally purchased on the last sale at $45 pp and I canceled and repurchased at $42 pp before gratuity. This is the lowest I've seen it and I've been watching consistently.

Ours has been constantly for the past three months for our cruise October 4 on the Anthem. Nothing before that I think it is based on the cruise and how many people are getting it. It is individual to your cruise in your cruise planner Is what it appears to me to be the case.

My sailing is showing the refreshment package at $26 which includes the 20% discount. Did they raise prices since I cruised in 2016 bc I could have sworn that's what we paid in 2016.

vacationlover_mn

So far, I’ve had good luck with getting a good drink sale price on Black Friday/cyber Monday. What I did for my next cruise in feb was book right away- it was $50 pp. then, on the latest sale saw it go down to $49 pp and rebooked. I’ll check again during Black Friday/cyber Monday, to see if it goes down again :)

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Enjoy 75% off your second guest’s cruise fare. Plus, additional guests in your stateroom sail free on select sailings.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Drink Packages FAQs
• FAQs Overview

What is the Celebrity Cruises Drink Package?

The Celebrity Cruises Drink Package gets you the best value on your favorite drinks. Pay just one price to enjoy a wide variety of beverage choices such as premium coffees, bottled water, wines-by-the-glass, beers, or your favorite cocktails. Your package can be used in the Main Restaurant, specialty restaurants, casual dining restaurants, and all bars and lounges.  Room service and minibar are not included. All Drink Packages are for single-guest use and cannot be shared by multiple people.

You can visit our Drink Package section or if you are booked, visit the Cruise Planner for more information and to pre-purchase. 

How do I purchase a Celebrity Cruises Drink Package?

You may purchase a Drink Package up to 72 hours before you sail, online at Celebrity Cruises Cruise Planner. Or you may purchase the Drink Package onboard, on the first day of your cruise. Ask at any bar for more information.

What Drink Packages are available on Celebrity Cruises?

Celebrity Cruises has a variety of Drink Packages available.

• Classic Drink Package 
• Premium Drink Package 
• Zero Proof Drink Package (Premium Non-Alcoholic Drink Package)

What is the Classic Drink Package?

The Classic Drink Package includes an incredible array of beers, spirits, cocktails, liqueurs, frozen drinks, and wines by the glass for up to $10 per serving. This package also included a 15% discount on all wines by the bottle.

What happens if I have the Classic Drink Package and the beverage I would like is more than $10?

If a guest orders a drink that exceeds the $10 maximum value, they will be charged for the difference. 

For example: If a guest orders a $12 cocktail, a $2.00 + 20% gratuity charge will appear on their SeaPass account.

What is the Premium Drink Package?

The Premium Drink Package includes all Classic Drink Package items, PLUS: Specialty coffees & teas, craft & artisan beers, spirits, cocktails, frozen drinks, Coca-Cola products, premium bottled water, and wines by the glass up to $17 per serving. Also, take a 20% discount off all bottles of wine!

What happens if I have the Premium Drink Package and the beverage I would like is more than $17?

If a guest orders a drink that exceeds the $17 maximum value, they will be charged for the difference. 

For example: If a guest orders a $19 cocktail, a $2.00 + 20% gratuity charge will appear on their SeaPass account.

What is the Zero Proof Package (previously the Premium Non-Alcoholic Package)?

Refresh with premium bottled water from Evian, Perrier, San Pellegrino, & Panna, Specialty Coffees & Organic Teas, Red Bull Energy Drink, Frozen Smoothies, Zero Proof Cocktails, Coca-Cola selections, offerings from Vitamin Water, and Bottled Iced Teas. 

Can I order multiple drinks at a time with the Celebrity Cruises Drink Package?

No, you can only order one drink at a time with each Drink Package. All packages are for single-guest use and cannot be shared by multiple people.

Are gratuities included in the Celebrity Cruises Drink Package cost?

No, a 20% gratuity will be added to all drink page prices at checkout. Package prices may reflect an additional tax for certain ports or itineraries.

How do I cancel my Celebrity Cruises Drink Package?

Orders can be canceled through Cruise Planner up to 2 days before the sail date and are 100% refundable. Once onboard, refunds will be credited to the guest's account. Any partially consumed portion of the package will be charged at full price.

How am I identified as having purchased a Drink Package?

Simply present your SeaPass® Card to the bar staff when ordering your beverage.

Are Drink Packages available on all sailings?

Drink Packages are available on most 2+ day sailings except for 2- or 3-day sailings from Southampton, England.

How much do drinks cost?

Prices for drinks onboard vary depending on what you order. Please note that prices are subject to change and can vary by ship and sail date.

Does everyone in one stateroom need to buy a drink package?

The Drink Package Policy requires all guests wishing to purchase a Drink Package to do so for ALL guests of legal drinking age in the same stateroom. This policy applies to packages purchased pre-cruise or onboard.

My travel partner is pregnant/recovering alcoholic/medical issue that does not allow them to drink, do I have to purchase for them?

Our policy requires that any guest wishing to purchase the Drink Package must do so for all other guests of legal drinking age in the same stateroom. However, we will make an exception for the following:

Exceptions: 

• Children 12 years old and under : will NOT be required to purchase a Zero drink package.
• 13 -17 years old (Europe, Asia, Australia)
• 13 - 20 years old (USA)
• Pregnant guests – A Zero Proof drink package will be added .
• Recovering alcoholic or medical issue that does not allow guests to consume alcohol. – A Zero Proof drink package will be added .

Is there a daily limit for drinks with any of the Celebrity Cruises Drink Packages?

No, there is no daily limit for drinks with Celebrity Cruises Drink Packages.

How many drinks can I order at a time with a Drink Package?

Guests may only order one drink at a time. Additional drinks ordered will be charged at current bar prices.

Can I use my Drink Packages when I get on board my cruise?

Yes, Drink Packages are active the moment you step on board.

Are Drink Packages available fleetwide?

No, Drink Packages are not available on cruises in the Galapagos.

Can I use my Drink Package at Labadee or CocoCay?

Yes, Drink Packages purchased onboard or on Cruise Planner will be active at Labadee or CocoCay.

Does everyone in the stateroom need to purchase the same drink package, including upgrades? 

The Drink Package Policy requires all guests to purchase the same Drink Package for ALL guests of legal drinking age in the same stateroom (ex. if one guest chooses to upgrade to the Premium Drink Package, ALL guests of legal drinking age in the stateroom must upgrade) This policy applies to packages purchased pre-cruise and onboard.    

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