royal caribbean cruise drink packages prices

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

Royal Caribbean drink packages allow you to drink what you want, 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 offer 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 nonalcoholic 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. I've also cruised without a 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 a few different drink packages, and the inclusions vary based on your choice. All options include gratuities, and no Royal Caribbean drink package covers 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 the itinerary.

Related: Cruise drink packages: A line-by-line guide

Water Package

Royal Caribbean's Water Package is available in 12- and 24-packs of 1-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. 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.

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 1-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 the gangway as you disembark in each port.

Classic Soft Drinks Package

Royal Caribbean's Soft Drinks 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.) Coca-Cola 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. The only time you can't get a free soda with this package is with 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 Classic Soft Drinks 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 Classic Soft Drinks 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 nonalcoholic 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 Cafe and milkshakes at Johnny Rockets 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 into a perfect mocha shake.

As with the Classic Soft Drinks Package, you can order your nonalcoholic 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, and 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 Classic Soft Drinks and Refreshment packages, you can use the Deluxe Beverage Package anywhere on board (except stand-alone Starbucks locations). Use it in restaurants, bars and any other venue where a bar server is present, as well as at either of Royal Caribbean's private island destinations. The Deluxe Beverage Package also includes milkshakes at Johnny Rockets.

This package comes with a few caveats. If one person in a cabin buys this package, everyone of legal drinking age in the cabin 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, but you can 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.

Cafe Select Coffee Card

This option is ideal for cruisers who prefer a little fancier caffeine fix than what a simple cup of coffee provides. This card entitles you to any 15 specialty espresso-based coffees throughout your cruise. (This package excludes beverages from Starbucks stores or cafes.) One shot of espresso equals one card punch. If you order a specialty coffee that includes two shots of espresso, you will pay for that one drink with two punches.

Unlike Royal Caribbean's other drink packages, the Cafe Select Coffee Card is not restricted to one person, and anyone in your cabin can use it.

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
• Classic Soft Drinks 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)
• Cafe Select Coffee Card : $31 per card

The prices listed above do not include an automatic 18% gratuity (which is also applied to the coffee card). 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 purchasing it once you're 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.

The 1-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.

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 Classic Soft Drinks 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), enjoy a soda at lunch ($4), sip a couple of mocktails during the afternoon ($8.25 each), have another soda with dinner ($4) and enjoy another mocktail for the show or in the casino ($8.25).

That puts you at 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 to $9. Wine by the glass is $9 to $25. Cocktails are $10 to $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 nonalcoholic 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 bottles of water 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 nonalcoholic 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 nonalcoholic beverages to break even. That equals six beers, or four or five glasses of wine or cocktails.

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

For fans of specialty coffees, this package could save you money. Based on the price of a single espresso shot latte (about $6 after you add gratuity), you would only get five coffees for roughly the same cost as the coffee card. Since you get 15 single espresso shot beverages with the coffee card, you get more than double the number of coffees for the same price.

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 that case, the ship's beverage package might not come through for you.

Combined packages

If you mainly drink specialty coffees and sodas, one way to save a little money on your beverages is to combine the Cafe Select Coffee Card with the Classic Soda Package.

For example, you would need to purchase the Refreshment Package to get both sodas and premium coffees and teas, which is $29 per person, per day. The cost for the Cafe Select Coffee Card with the Classic Soda Package would run you $12.99 per day, plus a one-time cost of $31 for the card. So, for a five-night cruise, the Refreshment Package would cost you $145 per person; the combined Cafe Select Coffee Card and Classic Soda would cost $95.95 per person. You could spend even less if you're traveling with a partner and want to share one coffee card and each get your own soda package.

Additional factors

Before you decide if a Royal Caribbean drink package is worth it, there are two more things to consider: your Crown & 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 from Starbucks and Desserted), 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.

However, 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 Classic Soft Drinks 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 TV in their cabin. 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 you are in 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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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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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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Royal Caribbean Drink Package Guide: With Calculator

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. We may receive compensation when you purchase via my links at no cost to you. See my disclosure for more information.

Are you planning a cruise vacation but unsure if the Royal Caribbean drink package is worth it?

Royal Caribbean’s beverage packages offer unlimited drinks throughout your cruise at a fixed daily price. The cruise line offers alcoholic and non-alcoholic options.

We’ll take an in-depth look at the drink packages Royal Caribbean offers using our firsthand experience and drink package calculator.

Jump to the drink package calculator.

By the end of this article, you’ll know if the drink package is right for you.

Table of Contents

Royal Caribbean Drink Packages

Royal Caribbean offers three all-inclusive drink packages, a premium coffee package, and a water package. The drink package works anywhere on the cruise ship, including the onboard bars, lounges, and restaurants. You can also use the drink package at Royal Caribbean’s private island CocoCay .

Royal Caribbean’s drink packages include:

Deluxe Beverage Package

• Refreshment Package (No alcohol)

Classic Soda Package

Coffee card.

• Water Package

Royal Caribbean offers a Deluxe Beverage Package as their primary drink package. The Deluxe drink package includes a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, commonly called the “unlimited drinks package.”

The price of the Deluxe Package ranges from $63 to $89 per person daily.

Unlike other cruise lines, the prices for Royal Caribbeans drink packages vary by ship, sail date, and itinerary. You’ll find higher prices during newer vessels and itineraries during the busier times of the year (ex., summer, march break, and Christmas.)

The Deluxe Beverage Package includes nearly every drink onboard. The list consists of

• Cocktails, spirits, and liqueurs
• Wine by the glass
• Beers, including specialty beers
• Non-alcoholic cocktails (mocktails)
• Soda, including fountain soda and Coca-Cola Freestyle options
• Still and sparkling water
• Fresh-squeezed juices
• Premium coffees and teas
• Bottled and sparkling water

You’ll even get a Coca-Cola souvenir cup when you purchase the package.

You can use the drink package at the ship’s bars, restaurants, and lounges. But it doesn’t cover beverages ordered through room service or minibar items.

Additionally, the Deluxe Beverage Package only includes drinks up to $13 per drink before gratuity . If you want to splurge for a more expensive beverage, you’ll need to pay the difference between the cost of the drink and the $13 per glass allowance.

The $13 per drink allotment is a shock for many cruisers. But it covers most of the 16oz beers and cocktails along with a wide selection of wines by the glass.

The drink package also includes most liquor and premium spirits. Higher-end brands such as Grey Goose, Patron, Johnny Walker Black Label, Tito’s Vodka, and Dewar’s 12 scotch are all included.

As a bonus, the Deluxe Beverage Package provides a 40% discount on bottled wines priced up to $100 and a 20% discount on bottles of wine priced above $100 .

Depending on your choice of beverage, you will need to drink between 6 and 10 beverages per day to break even. The exact number depends on your preferences for soft drinks, specialty coffees, and alcoholic beverages.

Refreshment Package

If you want only non-alcoholic drinks or don’t mind paying extra for alcoholic beverages, the Refreshment Package might be for you.

Royal Caribbean’s Refreshment Package offers everything in the Deluxe Beverage Package minus the alcoholic drinks.

The refreshment package provides the following:

• Soda, including fountain soda and Coca-Cola Freestyle machines

The onboard package prices for the Refreshment Package range between $29 to $38 per person per day.

The Refreshment Drink Package allows you to enjoy nearly every non-alcoholic beverage for up to $13 per drink. The package has a few exclusions, including Starbucks, room service, and mini bar purchases.

This package provides great value because you only need to drink six to eight beverages per day to break even on your purchase.

As you might have guessed, Royal Caribbean’s Classic Soda package offers unlimited soda during your cruise.

However, drinks such as bottled water, juices, premium coffees, and alcoholic beverages aren’t included in the drink plan.

The onboard pricing for the Classic Soda Package is $12 to $15 per person per day.

It’s important to remember that the Classic Soda Package doesn’t include cans of soda or drinks ordered through room service or minibar items.

With the package, you’ll also receive a complimentary Coca-Cola souvenir cup. You can use the cup with the onboard Coke Freestyle machines that dispense over 100 flavor combinations.

So, feel free to mix it up and create your crazy soda concoctions.

With soda prices around $3.25, you only need to purchase 4-5 drinks daily to break even.

Royal Caribbean’s Coffee Card is a must for coffee lovers. The Coffee Card lets you redeem up to 15 specialty coffees throughout your cruise.

We rarely purchase the “all-inclusive” drink packages, but the Coffee Package is an exception. Marcello and I are big coffee drinkers, and the onboard cappuccinos and lattes are exceptional.

We always use up our 15 drinks by the end of a seven-night cruise. And unlike other packages on the list, you don’t need to purchase them for everyone in the cabin .

Because the Coffee Card uses a punch card system, it’s the only drink package you can share with family and friends.

The card costs around $31 to $40 , and you only need to enjoy eight to ten premium coffees to break even on your purchase . The card can be used for espresso, cappuccino, lattes, and more.

It’s important to note that regular brew coffee is complimentary on the ship. So if you’re not into specialty coffee, you can enjoy drip coffee for free.

Before purchasing the card, there are a few things to consider:

• You can’t use the Cafe Select Coffee Card at Starbucks Cafes
• Both the Deluxe Beverage Package and the Refreshment Package include specialty coffee. So, if you plan on enjoying specialty coffee, you only need to purchase one beverage package, not both.

Royal Caribbean Water Package

The tap water on Royal Caribbean cruise ships is always free and perfectly safe. But if you prefer bottled water, you might want to purchase Royal Caribbean’s water package.

The Water Package allows you to order 6, 12, or 24 packs of water.

This package is excellent for long days in port to bring the water with you off the boat. It’s always important to stay hydrated while exploring the ports of call. And if you didn’t pack a reusable water bottle, the Water Package is a great option.

What Isn’t Included With a Beverage Plan?

Royal Caribbeans drink packages have different features, inclusions, and exclusions. The specifics of the drink package should be checked before purchasing, as they can change at any time.

Generally, each of the beverage packages offered by Royal Caribbean excludes the following:

• Drinks from Starbucks cafes
• Room service beverages
• Minibar items
• Beverages more than $13 per glass
• Duty-free shop bottles of liquor
• Drinks in souvenir glasses
• Specialty beers

Royal Caribbean Drink Prices

When deciding whether the drink package is worth it, you’ll need to do some math to determine if you’d save money purchasing the package or buying individual drinks.

Royal Caribbean’s drink prices are higher relative to other mainstream cruise lines.

Here are the average prices for drinks on a Royal Caribbean cruise :

* Please note these are average prices. Actual prices may vary.

Is a Royal Caribbean Drink Package Worth It?

Deciding if the Royal Caribbean drink package is worth it for you ultimately depends on your preferences and drinking habits. If you’ll spend more money purchasing individual drinks than the package costs, the drink package is worth it.

For most people, the drink package is not worth it. That’s because the drink package cost is more than most people would spend if they purchased the drinks individually.

Before purchasing a drink package from Royal Caribbean, we suggest doing the math to ensure you’re not wasting money.

Consider how many drinks you’ll consume daily using the prices above. Once you add up the prices, you’ll know if the drink package will save you money or cost you more than purchasing individual drinks.

Be sure to consider that you might spend some days in port. You won’t be able to use the drink package when you’re on land.

During port days, you must pay for any drinks you purchase on land. And because you’re not on the ship, you won’t consume as many beverages using your plan, which may make the drink package a not-so-ideal choice.

The packages also have a fine print that states, “ Any guest wishing to purchase an alcoholic beverage package must do so for all guests of legal drinking age in the same stateroom. “

When calculating the package cost, make sure you factor in the drinking habits of everyone sharing your cabin.

We’ve compiled an entire article to help you determine if buying a drink package is right for you .

How to Get a Discount on the Drink Package

Getting a discount on your Royal Caribbean drink package can be a great way to save money on your cruise vacation. Follow these tips, and you’ll be sipping on your favorite beverages without breaking the bank.

Book in advance: One of the easiest ways to snag a deal is by purchasing your drink package before your cruise. Royal Caribbean often offers discounts on its drink packages when pre-purchased via the Cruise Planner site. The same discount may vary, but it’s common to see a 20% discount off the daily rate.

You can also take advantage of price protection by purchasing the drink package in advance. If the price of the drink package drops, you can cancel the drink plan and buy it at a lower price.

When you purchase the beverage package in advance and take advantage of price protection, you’ll always pay the lowest price and get the best deal on the drink plan.

Take advantage of your Crown and Anchor Society membership: If you’re a Crown and Anchor Society member, you may be eligible for an onboard discount on your drink package. Discounts typically range from 20% off for Diamond members, 30% off for Diamond Plus members, and 40% off for Pinnacle members.

Stay alert for promotions: Royal Caribbean occasionally holds special sales on drink packages. To maximize your chances of spotting a deal, subscribe to their email newsletter and follow their social media accounts. This way, you’ll be notified when a promotion becomes available.

Talk to your travel agent: Travel agents often receive deals and promotions unavailable to the public. When planning your cruise, it’s a good idea to ask your travel agent if they know of any special discounts on Royal Caribbean’s drink packages.

Can I Find Free Drinks Onboard?

As a Royal Caribbean guest, you might wonder if there are any opportunities to enjoy free drinks during your cruise. While the cruise line does not typically offer its drink packages for free, there are some situations where you can enjoy complimentary beverages.

You’re in luck if you are a Diamond, Diamond Plus, or Pinnacle member of Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Anchor Society ! These Crown & Anchor level members receive free drink vouchers during the cruise, which can be redeemed for beverages at the ship’s bars and lounges.

You’ll receive a complimentary Deluxe Beverage Package when you book a Star Class suite on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis or Quantum Class ships . With this package, you’ll be able to enjoy unlimited drinks throughout your cruise for a fixed daily price without any additional cost.

There are several other opportunities to find free drinks on Royal Caribbean .

Keep an eye out for the following:

• Star-class suite guests receive a complimentary Deluxe Beverage Package.
• Diamond, Diamond Plus, or Pinnacle members of Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Anchor Society receive free drink vouchers nightly.
• An art auction , where they serve complimentary Champagne.
• Attend a liquor tasting at the duty-free shop.
• On Royal Caribbean’s first formal night , you can attend the Captain’s Toast and receive a complimentary glass of Champagne.
• Platinum and higher Crown & Anchor Society Members get free drinks during Happy Hour between 5 pm and 8:30 pm .
• Guests booked in a Grand Suite or higher can enjoy complimentary evening drinks in the Concierge Lounge.
• A buy one get one free drink voucher might be pre-loaded onto your Seapass card.

Do Crown & Anchor Members Get Free Drinks?

Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society offers passengers points for each night they spend on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship.

Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle members receive complimentary drinks every evening between 5 pm and 8 pm at the Exclusive Nightly Diamond Event. Passengers who attend the event can receive three free drinks from a list that includes beers, wines, spirits, and sodas.

To reach Diamond Status, you will need to accumulate 80 points.

Royal Caribbean cruise ships also host a Welcome Back Party with free Champagne for Platinum and higher members (30 points or more).

Can Just One Person Buy the Package?

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

The cruise line’s rule is likely to prevent people from sharing the drink package with family and friends. The rule makes it more costly to purchase the drink package, especially if not everyone uses it to the fullest.

What if one person doesn’t drink or doesn’t drink enough to make the drink package worthwhile?

In most cases, you must choose between buying a drink package for everyone or forgoing the purchase.

You could always call the cruise line if you don’t want to buy two drink packages or if there is a circumstance where one person can’t drink, such as a pregnancy or addiction.

If you have a strong reason why one guest won’t be using the package, such as a health condition, addiction, or pregnancy, there is a chance Royal Caribbean will be lenient if you contact them before purchasing.

Several passengers have told us that when they called and explained that the second passenger doesn’t drink alcohol, they were offered the Refreshment Package instead of the Deluxe Drinks Package for the second passenger. You’ll still need to purchase two drink packages, but it is a cheaper option.

It might not get you off the hook, but it can help you save money.

Finally, Royal Caribbean does not require purchasing any drink packages for children under 18. So if you buy a drink package, you don’t need one for your kids.

Royal Caribbean Drink Package Calculator

Enter the quantity of drinks you expect to consume to help you decide if the drink package is right for you.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can you share a drink package.

You are NOT allowed to share the Royal Caribbean drink package. Passengers caught using their drink package to purchase beverages on behalf of other passengers risk having their drink package canceled without a refund.

Do I Need to Buy the Drink Package for Children?

Royal Caribbean does not require guests under the legal drinking age to buy any drink package. So, you can buy the drink package for adults without the requirement to purchase any package for your children.

Should You Cheat the Royal Caribbean Drink Package?

If you’re caught sharing the Royal Caribbean drink package by giving drinks to other passengers, you risk having your whole package canceled without a refund. Don’t try and cheat the Royal Caribbean beverage package. It’s not worth the risk!

Are Royal Caribbean Drink Packages Really Unlimited?

There is no hard limit to the number of drinks you can purchase on Royal Caribbean. The unlimited drink package really is unlimited. However, if you appear too intoxicated, the staff won’t serve you more drinks.

How Many Drinks Can I Order at Once?

You can only order one drink at a time with your Royal Caribbean drink package. After you finish your drink, you can always go back for more.

Are Gratuities Included in the Package Prices?

When you purchase any of the Royal Caribbean Drink Packages, an 18% gratuity is added at checkout. You are always welcome to add extra gratuities on the ship to recognize the outstanding service of the crew, but there is no requirement as it’s included with your purchase.

Does the Drink Package Work at CocoCay?

Royal Caribbean’s CocoCay private island is one of the most popular destinations for the cruise line.

One of the many great perks is that you can use the drink package on the island. You can use the drink package at CocoCay just as you would on the cruise ship.

This perk really helps you get your money’s worth, as you won’t be able to use your drink package at most ports. The package also works at Labadee, Haiti, another private Royal Caribbean port.

Can I Buy the Beverage Package for Individual Days?

You cannot buy the Royal Caribbean beverage package for individual days. You can only purchase the drink package for the duration of your cruise.

So, if you want to purchase the drink package on a 7-day cruise, you will have to buy the package for all seven days.

How Can I Save Money on my Royal Caribbean Drink Plan?

The best way to save money on your Royal Caribbean drink package is to buy it well before your sailing date. After you book your cruise, you can log into your Royal Caribbean account to purchase the beverage package of your choice.

From your account page, Cruise Planner, you can check the current price of the beverage package. If the price drops below your purchase price, you can cancel and re-buy it at the lower price. Or call Royal Caribbean and ask for them to honor the lower price.

Do Royal Caribbean Ships Offer Drinking Straws?

In 2019, Royal Caribbean began an initiative to cut down on single-use plastics on its cruise ships. The bars and restaurants will provide paper straws. However, they do not hold up well.

I would definitely recommend bringing a  collapsible metal straw (Amazon) that easily clips to your bag or belt.

What is the Drinking Age on a Royal Caribbean Cruise?

For cruises that depart in North America, the minimum drinking age is 21. For all other cruises, the drinking age is 18. If you celebrate a birthday on a Royal Caribbean cruise and turn the drinking age, you can ask Guest Services to modify your record so that you can drink on your birthday.

There’s no better way to celebrate a birthday milestone than at sea!

Marcello De Lio

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Great information, thank you. Are the prices here in US dollars? Thank you.

The prices are in US dollars, but they may vary by ship and itinerary.

Thanks for building this great content without questions is very informative

I’m glad I could help!

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Royal Caribbean Drinks Prices, Beverage Menus, Alcohol Policy

Royal Caribbean alcohol prices - learn immediately how much are drinks on Royal Caribbean International. See the list of free drinks, and the RCCL's bringing alcohol policy. Alcohol prices on Royal Caribbean ships are Bar drink menu prices (regularly updated).

This survey provides information on RCI's shipboard pricing for BEERS , COCKTAILS , SCOTCH-WHISKIES , COGNACS , BOURBONS , VODKAS , GINS , LIQUEURS , TEQUILAS , WINES (exemplary, see more at RCI wine list ), COFFEES , NON-ALCOHOLIC beverages . The next link provides extensive information on alcoholic beverages from Royal Caribbean's cruise ship pub menus .

Note: RCI drink prices are not inclusive of the 15% gratuity charge. Our latest update added here the new Royal Caribbean drink packages (their cost, and what is included) - listed at page bottom. For more info, you can also check RCI's menus (food and bar menus).

Royal Caribbean alcohol policy

According to the Royal Caribbean rules on drinking, the drinking age minimum for alcoholic beverages is 21 years of age on all cruises departing from North America. At the RCI's discretion, the drinking age limit can be lowered to 18 on cruises departing from ports in South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand) where the legal drinking age is 18. As on other cruise lines, RCI reserves the right to revoke/restrict the drinking privileges of any passenger (regardless of age). Also, RCI retains the right to raise the minimum drinking age (for alcohol consumption) on any cruise when local laws require such modification.

In June 2018, RCI ship bars started to serve cocktails with optional plastic straws (not by default) - a new policy aiming to reduce sea pollution. "Why no straws?" signs at onboard bars fleetwide now indicate that drink orders will not automatically receive a straw, but only upon request. Since 2022, all straws are recyclable.

To celebrate the company's 50th anniversary, in 2019 RCI installed fleetwide Coca-Cola Freestyle machines (1 per ship) that serve a selection of sodas including RCI's brand "Royal Berry Blast" (Sprite, Sprite Zero).

Bringing alcohol on RCI ships

The RCI policy rules for bringing alcohol on voyages state:

• bringing liquor/beer on Royal Caribbean on embarkation is strictly forbidden - not allowed. Ship security may inspect your luggage and liquid containers (soda and water bottles, mouthwash, etc). If found, the booze will be confiscated, stored and returned at the end of the voyage. Passengers under 21 wouldn't be getting any of their smuggled alcohol back. If a passenger violates the Royal Caribbean alcohol policy, the line's Guest Conduct Policy may be enforced, which also includes forcible disembarkation or not allowing boarding - at your own expense. The list of possible violations, besides any attempts to conceal alcohol at security/luggage checkpoints, also includes over-alcohol-consuming behavior, providing alcohol to minors (21- yo), demonstration of irresponsible behavior on board.
• bringing wine on Royal Caribbean (on embarkation day only). You are allowed to bring max 2 wine/Champagne bottles per cabin (bottle size 750ml or smaller). Remember - bottles must retain the original seal of the manufacturer and not to look tampered with.
• buying alcohol on Royal Caribbean. If you purchase alcohol in port or in the duty-free shop on board, they will hold it until the end (the last day) of the cruise.

Note: All passengers must comply with TSA (Transportation Security Administration) guidelines for liquids' transportation.

NEW "bring your own wine onboard" policy (cruise ship corkage fee)

By the RCI's new wine policy, If you want to drink your own wine and champagne (brought on board the ship) in public spaces (bars and restaurants), a USD 15 corkage fee per bottle will be applied to your bill.

• If a passenger received a bottle of wine/champagne purchased from Gift and Gear selection, a corkage fee will not be applied when that wine/champagne is consumed in public areas.
• Cruise passengers are allowed to bring personal wine/champagne on the ship on embarkation day only. The quantity is limited to two bottles per stateroom (2x 750 ml). These (2 per cabin) bottles can be consumed in the stateroom with no corkage fee applied.
• However, RCI's wine corkage fee rule is rarely enforced/ infrequently charged.
• Note: This policy was officially removed in 2014 Fall (back then, corkage fee was USD 25 per bottle), but reappeared in early June 2017. Unlike the old (pre-2014) onboard wine policy, currently, RCI doesn't apply corkage fees to wine/champagne purchased on the ship.

NEW non-alcoholic beverage policy

Since September 2018, RCI's updated beverage policy allows passengers to bring their own non-alcoholic drinks on the ship.

Non-alcoholic beverages must be in carry-on or hand luggage (not in checked bags). The new policy allows bringing only small quantities and only on embarkation day (at homeports). The max allowed amount is 12x (twelve) 17oz cans/bottles per cabin. Also permitted by the new policy are specialized beverages (distilled water and milk).

Which drinks are free on Royal Caribbean?

(free drinks by the RCI's loyalty program "Crown and Anchor")

Diamond+ members (passengers with 25+ RCI cruises) and guests booked in a Grand Suite or higher category have access to a nightly self-service free bar. This deal is on all RCI ships of the following classes - Radiance, Voyager, Freedom, Oasis and the new Quantum-class ships.

On RCI ships of the Freedom, Oasis, and Quantum-class, Diamond members (with 10-24 RCI cruises) have exclusive access to the Diamond Lounge, where beer, wine (red/white/Champagne), mixed drinks and soda are for free.

Free alcohol and drinks are also available at the onboard art auctions and past-guest gatherings.

How much are drinks on Royal Caribbean?

Note: The next link provides extensive information on alcoholic beverages from RCI's cruise ship pub menus .

Note (limited offerings): Periodically, RCI feature beers unique to itinerary or of special interest. Ask your server for what's currently available on your sailing. The RCI's beer menus in onboard pubs, like "Hoof and Claw", and "Wig and Gavel", have the most expanded beer lists, offering 16- or 20oz specialty beers, such as Murphy's Irish Stout, Newcastle Brown Ale, Boddingtons.

In 2022, the price of domestic beers is US$7.50, for import beers - $8.

In 2021, RCI added 6 new island-themed cocktails ($13) to the fleetwide beverage menu - Papa Jac (Puerto Rico), Rum Punch (Barbados), Planter's Punch (Jamaica), The Painkiller (BVI), Goombay Smash (Bahamas), Dark 'n Stormy (Bermuda).

Note: In the following table all listed drinks (by RCI's cocktail drink menus) are with prices per glass. 18% gratuity is added to the beverage's cost automatically.

Note: Since 2021, most cocktails are priced at $13/fleetwide.

RCI's cruise cabin Mini-Bar drinks prices

• Mini bar items are charged to the SeaPass card of the 1st person registered in the cabin.
• Since 2017, except ordering from the "Continental Breakfast" menu, room-service is at a fee (USD 7,95 per order) - reed more at Cruise Mapper's room service menu article.

Royal Caribbean alcohol prices

Note: All listed below prices are per glass.

SCOTCH and WHISKIES

Note: Wines priced by the glass (examples) - see more at Royal Caribbean wine list (prices by the glass and bottle).

Note: Since 2021, most wines by the glass are priced between $10-14.

COFFEE drinks prices

RCI offers on its largest (Oasis-class) ships Starbucks coffee beverages.

On RCI ships without dedicated Starbucks kiosks (all excepting the Oasis-class), the line's unlimited drink packages "Royal Replenish" and "Ultimate" (all-inclusive) can be used for paying Starbucks beverages. Those ships serve Starbucks coffee beverages at the "Cafe Promenade" lounge bar (former Latte-tudes).

• Quantum-class ships serve Starbucks coffee drinks at the "La Patisserie" bar.
• Starbucks gift cards and the app can also be used for payment.
• Starbucks coffee cards are available for purchase on select ships, and for use at "Starbucks at Sea" locations only (see above). The Starbucks coffee card includes 15 Starbucks beverages for USD 30 per card. Its value is for the current cruise only. The card is shareable.

NON-ALCOHOLIC drinks prices

New royal caribbean beverage packages.

The following RCI drink package prices are available on itineraries in the Caribbean, Alaska and North America only (15% tips are additional).

Package prices on itineraries in Europe, Asia, Australia New Zealand, and South America vary (15% gratuities are included).

Drink package policy

RCI cruise ship passengers should know about the line's drink package policy the following:

• Royal Caribbean drink packages are not shareable or transferable.
• When ordering a beverage package on the ship, guests must present their SeaPass card when showing the package sticker to waiters.
• Packages do not include in-room drink purchases, or mini-bar drinks, including bottled water, canned soft drinks, bottled juices, beers.

RCI drink packages - prices and inclusions

IMPORTANT: Prices shown below are per person, per day. These package deals are available on RCI cruises with duration 3 nights or longer.

In September 2015 RCI presented the company's new self-serve beer program on Freedom of the Seas . Holders of the RCI Ultimate, Premium and Select drink packages can already serve themselves Stella Artois beer. Ship's self-serve machines are located around the pool deck and in Windjammer buffet. All package-holders can make their purchases via a card that is swiped at the machines. The machines have built-in time limits to ensure no continuous pouring.

For beers different than Stella Artois or outside Windjammer Buffet and pool deck, package-holders have to see a bartender.

At the end of 2015, RCI started testing one-day beverage packages and a 10-drink punch card onboard its cruise ships. RCI vessels have been given the option to test various beverage package offerings. The decision of which program to feature, if any, is made by the ship. For example, a one-day beverage package on Enchantment of the Seas was offered for USD 65 per person and included unlimited cocktails, select glasses of wine, beer, as well as bottled water, specialty coffees, and juices. These offerings are tests and might/might not be rolled out in the near future.

"Sip Tour Brunch" combines a Chef-led Galley tour (ship's kitchen) with unlimited champagne. The 2,5-hours, adults-only activity also includes a Main Dining Room brunch with unlimited sparkling wine. Closed-toe shoes are required.

Bottled alcohol packages

In addition to the unlimited alcohol packages, RCI offers 2 packages available for in-cabin consumption. They can be purchased at the onboard Royal Gifts shop and each combines Coca-Cola products with a bottle of liquor.

• "Bacardi Gold plus Coca-Cola" package costs USD 40 and includes one bottle of Bacardi Gold (Puerto Rico manufactured rum, 375 ml) combined with four Coca-Cola cans.
• "Bombay Sapphire plus Tonic" package costs USD 43 and includes one bottle of Bombay Sapphire (Laverstoke Mill, Hampshire UK manufactured gin, 375 ml) combined with four Tonic water cans.
• The list of RCI ships currently selling these new bottled alcohol packages includes Explorer, Legend, Mariner, Ovation, Quantum, Radiance, Splendour, Vision and Voyager.

Next, are listed CruiseMapper's Royal Caribbean drinks related articles - your RCI "Booze Cruise" options reviewed. At some of the links, you can also compare the "booze cruise" options of RCI's major rival - Carnival Cruise Lines .

• Royal Caribbean food and bar menus
• Royal Caribbean all-you-can-drink package (about the "Classic" and "Premium" booze package inclusions), which you can compare with the Carnival Cheers all-you-can-drink package by CCL's new alcohol inclusive package program.
• Royal Caribbean wine prices (by the glass/bottle)
• Carnival drinks prices
• Carnival wine prices
• Carnival Fun Shop liquor prices
• Carnival Cruise Line's alcohol policy and beverage policy
• Carnival Drink Recipes

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Royal Caribbean offers a wide range of drinks on its cruises, but not all are included in the fare. To help you plan your budget, here are the updated drink prices for Royal Caribbean in 2024.

Royal Caribbean Drink Prices, Key Takeaways:

• Royal Caribbean offers a variety of complimentary beverages, including iced water, iced tea, lemonade, and flavored waters.
• Specialty coffees and premium non-alcoholic beverages will incur an additional charge.
• Soda on Royal Caribbean costs $3.50 per can, while bottled water is priced at $3.25.
• Bottled beers range from $7.00 to $8.00 per serving, and wine prices vary greatly.
• Cocktails and mixed drinks are priced between $10 and $14 per serving.
• Royal Caribbean drink packages have dynamic pricing, with options for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
• The value of a drink package depends on individual drinking habits and preferences.

Knowing the prices of drinks and the available drink packages can help you budget for your Royal Caribbean cruise and make the most of your onboard experience.

What Drinks are Included in a Royal Caribbean Cruise?

When you embark on a Royal Caribbean cruise, you’ll have access to a variety of complimentary beverages. These include iced water, iced tea, lemonade, and flavored waters at the buffet and main dining room . So, whether you’re looking to quench your thirst or have a refreshing drink with your meals, these options are included in your fare. Additionally, breakfast juices, coffee, and tea are also part of the complimentary beverage offerings .

It’s important to note that while many non-alcoholic beverages are included, there may be additional charges for specialty coffees and other premium non-alcoholic drinks. So, if you’re a fan of specialty coffee or have a hankering for a more indulgent non-alcoholic beverage, it’s good to be aware that these will come at an extra cost .

Overall, Royal Caribbean provides a generous selection of complimentary beverages to keep you hydrated and satisfied throughout your cruise. Whether you’re sipping on a glass of lemonade by the pool or enjoying a cup of coffee with breakfast, these offerings are sure to enhance your onboard experience.

What Non-Alcoholic Drinks Cost Money on Royal Caribbean?

If you’re planning a cruise with Royal Caribbean and wondering about the prices of non-alcoholic drinks, I’ve got you covered. Here’s a breakdown of the costs you can expect for soda, specialty coffee, bottled water, and energy drinks on Royal Caribbean ships.

Soda Prices

On Royal Caribbean, a can of soda will cost you $3.50. Whether you prefer classic cola or a refreshing lemon-lime soda, be prepared to spend this amount for each can you order. It’s worth noting that if you purchase a soda package, you can enjoy unlimited soda throughout your cruise at a better value than buying individual cans.

Specialty Coffee Prices

If you’re a coffee lover, you’ll find a variety of specialty coffee options on Royal Caribbean ships. The prices for specialty coffees range from $4.00 to $5.00 per serving. So whether you’re craving a classic cappuccino to start your day or a decadent mocha as an afternoon pick-me-up, you’ll need to budget accordingly for these premium coffee experiences.

Bottled Water and Energy Drinks

If you prefer bottled water over tap water or want an energy boost from drinks like Red Bull or Powerade, you’ll need to pay for them on Royal Caribbean. Bottled water can be purchased for $3.25 per bottle, while energy drinks range from $4.00 to $4.50. These prices will help you plan and budget for your preferred non-alcoholic beverages during your cruise .

Now that you know the prices of non-alcoholic drinks on Royal Caribbean, you can plan and budget accordingly for your cruise . Whether you choose to indulge in a specialty coffee or prefer to stick with complimentary options, there’s no shortage of refreshing beverages to enjoy onboard. Just keep in mind that prices are subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to check with the cruise line for the most up-to-date information. Cheers to a fantastic cruise experience !

How Much is Beer on Royal Caribbean?

If you’re a beer lover, you may be wondering about the prices of beer on Royal Caribbean cruises. Well, I’ve got the information you need! On the ships of Royal Caribbean, you can enjoy a variety of bottled beers at reasonable prices. Whether you prefer domestic or international brands, there’s something for everyone.

As you can see, the average price for a bottle of beer on Royal Caribbean is around $7.49 to $7.99. This allows you to enjoy your favorite brew while taking in the beautiful views and exciting activities onboard .

Whether you’re lounging by the pool, dining at one of the specialty restaurants , or catching a show at the theater, having a cold beer in hand can enhance your cruise experience. So, sit back, relax, and indulge in a refreshing beer on your Royal Caribbean vacation!

How Much Does Wine Cost on Royal Caribbean Ships?

When it comes to enjoying a glass of wine on a Royal Caribbean cruise, you have a range of options to choose from that cater to different tastes and budgets. The wine prices on Royal Caribbean ships vary depending on the label, brand, and vintage. Let’s explore the wine list with prices to help you plan your onboard experience.

Wine by the Glass

If you prefer to savor a single glass of wine, Royal Caribbean offers a variety of options. The prices for a glass of wine range from $8 for a glass of Beringer White Zinfandel to $24 for a glass of Moet & Chandon champagne. Most glasses of wine fall around the $11 mark, giving you the opportunity to indulge in your favorite varietals without breaking the bank.

Wine by the Bottle

For those who enjoy sharing a bottle of wine with friends or family , Royal Caribbean offers an extensive selection that caters to different preferences. The prices for bottles of wine range from $40 to $231, depending on the label and vintage. Whether you’re a fan of bold reds, crisp whites, or sparkling wines, you’re sure to find a bottle that suits your taste.

With such a wide range of wine options available, you can enhance your dining experiences and celebrate special moments during your Royal Caribbean cruise. Cheers to discovering new flavors and creating lasting memories onboard!

What Are the Costs of Cocktails and Mixed Drinks on Royal Caribbean?

When it comes to enjoying a refreshing cocktail or mixed drink on a Royal Caribbean cruise, you’ll find a variety of options to suit your tastes. From classic favorites to signature creations, the drink menu offers something for everyone. But what are the costs of these libations? Let’s take a closer look at the prices of cocktails and mixed drinks on Royal Caribbean.

Signature Cocktails:

One of the highlights of the Royal Caribbean drink menu is the selection of signature cocktails. These handcrafted creations are designed to tantalize your taste buds and quench your thirst. The Lime and Coconut cocktail, a tropical blend of rum, coconut cream, and lime, is a popular choice among cruisers. Priced at $14 per serving, it’s a refreshing sip of paradise. Other signature drinks, such as the Goombay Smash and the Coco Loco, can be enjoyed for the same price.

Classic Cocktails:

If you prefer the timeless elegance of classic cocktails, Royal Caribbean has you covered. Indulge in a martini, old-fashioned, or mojito for $11 each. These well-crafted libations are made with premium spirits and expertly mixed to perfection. Whether you’re relaxing by the pool or enjoying an evening in the ship’s lounge, a classic cocktail is always a sophisticated choice.

Specialty Cocktails:

In addition to the signature and classic options, Royal Caribbean offers a range of specialty cocktails that cater to specific tastes. Whether you’re a fan of fruity concoctions or prefer something with a bold kick, there’s a specialty cocktail for you. Prices for these unique libations range from $11 to $14. From the refreshing Bahama Mama to the tangy Mango Tango, there’s a flavor to suit every palate.

With the prices of cocktails and mixed drinks on Royal Caribbean, you can plan your onboard adventures accordingly. Whether you’re looking to indulge in a signature creation, savor a classic cocktail, or try a specialty concoction, there’s a drink to suit every taste and budget.

What Are the Prices of Royal Caribbean Drink Packages?

When planning your Royal Caribbean cruise, it’s important to consider the prices of the drink packages available. These packages can provide excellent value for those who plan on enjoying a variety of beverages throughout their trip. Below, you’ll find the current pricing for Royal Caribbean drink packages in 2023:

The Deluxe Beverage Package, which includes a wide selection of alcoholic beverages, ranges in price from $63 to $98 per day. This package is perfect for those who enjoy cocktails, wines, and other alcoholic beverages throughout their cruise. The Royal Refreshment Drink Package, priced between $29 and $38 per day, provides unlimited access to non-alcoholic beverages, such as specialty coffees, bottled water, and soft drinks.

If you prefer to stick to soda, the Classic Soda Package is available for $12.99 per day. This package allows you to enjoy unlimited fountain sodas during your cruise. Whether you’re a soda lover or someone who enjoys a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, there is a package to suit your needs and budget.

It’s important to note that these prices are subject to change and may vary depending on the length of your cruise and the specific ship you choose. Additionally, Royal Caribbean occasionally offers promotions or discounts on drink packages, so it’s worth checking for any deals before making your purchase. By choosing the right drink package, you can enjoy a worry-free and cost-effective onboard experience with Royal Caribbean.

Is a Royal Caribbean Drink Package Worth It?

When planning a Royal Caribbean cruise, one important consideration is whether or not to purchase a drink package. As an avid cruiser and a lover of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, I’ve often pondered this question myself. To help you make an informed decision, let’s explore the value of a Royal Caribbean drink package and whether it’s worth the investment.

Firstly, it’s essential to assess your drinking habits and preferences. If you enjoy indulging in a variety of cocktails, beers, wines, and non-alcoholic beverages throughout your cruise, a drink package can offer significant savings. Paying individually for each drink can quickly add up, whereas a drink package provides a fixed cost for unlimited options.

Additionally, a drink package allows you to try new and exciting beverages without worrying about the price. It enhances your onboard experience, allowing you to savor your favorite drinks and discover new favorites without hesitation. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, enjoying a show, or dining at one of the many specialty restaurants , a drink package ensures that you can enjoy your favorite libations anytime, anywhere.

However, it’s crucial to evaluate your individual needs and calculate the costs. Consider the duration of your cruise, the number of sea days versus port days, and the overall value you anticipate getting from the package. If you’re not a frequent drinker or prefer to have only a few beverages during your trip, it might be more cost-effective to pay for drinks individually.

In conclusion, a Royal Caribbean drink package can be worth it if you enjoy a wide variety of beverages and want the convenience of unlimited drinks throughout your cruise. It ensures hassle-free enjoyment and can provide significant savings compared to paying for each drink separately. Nevertheless, it’s important to assess your drinking habits and do the math to determine if a drink package aligns with your budget and preferences. Cheers to finding the perfect option for your Royal Caribbean adventure!

The Best Time to Buy Royal Caribbean Drink Packages

If you’re considering purchasing a drink package for your Royal Caribbean cruise, timing can make a big difference in terms of cost savings. To help you get the best deal , here are some insights on the best time to buy your drink package.

Black Friday Deals and Promotions

Black Friday is known for offering great discounts on a wide range of products and services, and Royal Caribbean is no exception. Keep an eye out for special Black Friday deals on drink packages, as this is often the best time to snag a discounted price . Take advantage of these limited-time offers to save on your onboard beverages.

In addition to Black Friday, Royal Caribbean occasionally offers promotions and price drops throughout the year. Stay updated on their website or sign up for their newsletter to be notified of any deals or discounts that may become available before your cruise.

Purchase Early

Another tip for getting the best price on a Royal Caribbean drink package is to purchase it as soon as you book your cruise. By doing this, you can secure the lowest price available at that time. Prices for drink packages may increase as your sail date approaches, so it’s best to lock in the lowest price early on.

By being strategic and taking advantage of promotions and early booking, you can maximize your savings and enjoy a worry-free experience onboard your Royal Caribbean cruise.

Final Thoughts

For those looking for convenience and savings, the drink packages offered by Royal Caribbean can be a worthwhile investment. By estimating your beverage consumption and comparing it to the cost of a package, you can determine if it’s the right choice for you. Keep an eye out for promotions and discounts to snag the best deal.

So, whether you’re sipping a complimentary iced tea or indulging in a signature cocktail, Royal Caribbean ensures that you won’t go thirsty. Cheers to a refreshing and enjoyable cruise experience with a wealth of beverage options to enhance your journey.

Plan Your Trip?

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Royal Caribbean Drink Prices FAQs

Complimentary beverages on Royal Caribbean include iced water, iced tea, lemonade, flavored waters, breakfast juices, coffee, and tea.

Specialty coffees and premium non-alcoholic beverages like soda, juice from a bar, and bottled water incur additional charges.

Bottled beers on Royal Caribbean ships range from $7.00 to $8.00 per serving, with domestic and international options available.

Wine prices on Royal Caribbean vary, starting from $8 for a glass of Beringer White Zinfandel to $24 for a glass of Moet & Chandon champagne. Bottles of wine range from $40 to $231.

Cocktails and mixed drinks on Royal Caribbean ships are priced between $10 and $14 per serving, with specialty cocktails and new libations ranging from $11 to $14.

Royal Caribbean drink packages  have dynamic pricing. The Deluxe Beverage Package ranges from $63 to $98 per day, non-alcoholic packages range from $29 to $38 per day, and the Classic Soda Package is priced at $12.99 per day.

The value of a drink package depends on your drinking habits and preferences. For those who consume a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, a drink package can offer cost savings. However, it’s important to calculate the costs and consider your individual needs before purchasing a package.

When Is the Best Time to Buy Royal Caribbean Drink Packages?

It is best to purchase a drink package when you book your cruise to secure the lowest price. Black Friday deals often offer the best discounts on drink packages. Royal Caribbean occasionally offers promotions and price drops, so it’s worth watching for any deals before your cruise.

Royal Caribbean offers various beverage options, from complimentary drinks to premium cocktails. Knowing the prices of drinks and the available drink packages can help you budget for your Royal Caribbean cruise and make the most of your onboard experience.

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

I f you're going to spend $60 to $140 per day for a cruise ship drink package , you will want to make sure you're getting the best value. Order the right drinks and you can definitely get your money's worth. Choose the wrong drinks, and you'll end up spending more money than necessary.

The most cost-effective option is to get a cruise line drink package free as a booking perk . If you can't do that, focus on these eight best drinks to order with a beverage package to get the most out of your alcohol budget. I'll also clue you into three drink types that will work against your plan to make that package worth the money.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Expensive cocktails

If you prepay a flat price for alcohol, you can order pricey specialty cocktails without worrying about paying $15 to $20 a pop. Hands down, the best drink you can order from a value standpoint is the most expensive cocktail that falls within your plan's limit.

For example, Carnival Cruise Line includes beverages that cost $20 or less in its Cheers Beverage Program. The limit is $15 with Norwegian Cruise Line 's Unlimited Open Bar Beverage Package and $14 with Royal Caribbean 's Deluxe Beverage Package. Prioritize drinks that cost close to the limit. If you go over, most onboard bars will charge the difference, so you might want to try that expensive cocktail for just a few bucks.

Name-brand liquor

Order a gin and tonic, and the bartender is likely to pour you the cheapest house brand of gin he's got on hand. Get the most from your beverage package by asking for your tonic with Tanqueray or Bombay Sapphire.

The same rule of thumb applies to any liquor. Ask for your booze by name to get the nicer, more expensive drink and the best value from your beverage package. Just make sure the brand you're requesting is included in your package — otherwise you'll be charged extra. (Note that if your cruise line offers multiple tiers of drink packages, the top-shelf liquors might only be included in the priciest option.)

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

Weirdest drink on the menu

I like to try new drinks, but at $10 to $15 a cocktail, it can be an expensive experiment. With a drink package, however, experimentation is a risk-free proposition — especially on lines that have no limit on the number of alcoholic drinks you can purchase in a 24-hour period.

Try that fruit-infused vodka, the crazy-colored shot or the spiked cappuccino. There's no extra cost if you don't like it, and you only have to wait a few minutes before you can order a replacement.

The drink doesn't have to be eye-raising to be experimental. Use your beverage package to sample new wines by the glass or a cocktail you've never tried. You might discover your new favorite drink.

Related: The very best cruise ship bars at sea

Specialty coffee

Cruisers have trouble leaving their Starbucks addiction behind them and flock to the extra-charge coffee cafes onboard. With a beverage package, you can indulge your caffeine addiction with the good stuff at no extra charge.

Make your morning latte a vacation habit, or grab a chai tea on a rainy sea day or an iced coffee on a hot one. Nonalcoholic drinks do not count toward any drink limits, so the more you sip, the more value you get from your drink package.

Bottled water

Many cruisers don't like the taste of the ship's tap water. If you fall into that category, bottled water is another great beverage package buy, even if it's not the most earth-friendly option.

Grab a sealed bottle from the poolside bar to bring back to your deck chair so you can stay hydrated while you sunbathe. Collect bottles from the onboard bars to stash in your cabin so you can drink them after a shipboard pub crawl or throw them in your day pack when you head off the ship.

Prefer sparkling water with dinner? You can order it with no second thoughts when you have a beverage package.

Related: How to avoid getting sick on a cruise

Embarkation day drinks

Do you feel a little awkward making a beeline for the bar as soon as you step inside a cruise ship on embarkation day? You definitely should not feel this way if you've purchased a beverage package. The packages are priced by the length of your cruise, and embarkation day counts.

Grab a celebratory bubbly to mark the start of your cruise. Start your vacation with a glass of wine to unwind. It's five o'clock somewhere, and skipping out on embarkation day drinks means you're paying for a full day of beverage service you are not using. You might as well change that up and get more bang for your buck.

Related: 27 cruise ship embarkation day do's and don'ts

Frozen drinks on private islands

Like I said earlier, cruise lines price their beverage packages by the day, and you can't prorate the pricing to skip port days when you're hardly on the ship. Most of us can't party all night after touring in the sun all day, which makes it hard to break even on the package cost on port days.

The bars on certain cruise line private islands — Royal Caribbean's Perfect Day at CocoCay , Norwegian's Great Stirrup Cay and MSC Cruises' Ocean Cay — let you use your drink package ashore. (Half Moon Cay and Harvest Caye do not.) That pina colada set against a palm tree backdrop will jazz up your social media feed and is a great choice for making your beverage package worthwhile.

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

Other nonalcoholic beverages

Some lines, such as Carnival and Princess Cruises , limit passengers to 15 alcoholic drinks per day, which can make it harder to break even on the package costs. Make the plan cost-effective (and drink responsibly) by interspersing your bar drinks with nonalcoholic options, such as soda, energy drinks, freshly squeezed juices and other bottled beverages like Gatorade or Honest Tea.

Even better, if you can purchase resealable or unopened bottles or cans, you can save them to take off the ship in port. That strategy will help you get full value from your drink package on days you're mainly off the ship.

3 drinks to avoid

You don't really need to avoid any drinks when you have a beverage package, but some choices aren't as useful as others for making the package cost-effective. If you can, go easy on the following drinks — or reconsider whether that beverage package is the right choice for you in the first place.

Beer is usually the cheapest alcoholic drink on board, and it can be filling. If you only drink beer, you might find it more difficult to reach the break-even point for your drink package. (Others will have no trouble downing eight or more beers a day.) Whether you crave craft brews or stick to Bud Light, ask if your cruise line has a cheaper beer-and-wine-only package (such as Windstar Cruises ' Topmast Discoveries Beer & Wine Package) that might make more sense for you.

Well drinks

If your drinks are already paid for, you have no incentive to order cheap well drinks when you can get name-brand liquor for the same price. If you don't specify which vodka or rum you want, the bartender will give you the most basic option. Call out your booze by name, and if you're not sure, ask the bartender which bottles are included in your package. This tip is especially true if you've paid extra for the priciest, most inclusive drink package your cruise line offers.

Bottles of wine

It's true that you will get a 20% to 40% discount on bottles of wine with most cruise line drink packages. But you're still paying extra for alcohol when you have already paid for wine by the glass, beer and cocktails. Filling up on extra-fee wine might prevent you from ordering as many additional drinks as you normally would, keeping you from breaking even on your package price. Stick to wine by the glass, and you can get all your vino without plunking down more cash.

Sure, you can't get all the same vintages by the glass as you can order by the bottle, and you might want a nice wine to celebrate a special occasion. If you intend to order several bottles of wine during your cruise, you might be better off with a wine-only package instead of a broader alcoholic beverage package.

Bottom line

Most people who purchase a cruise drink package will order a variety of alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages each day. However, if you're set on getting the most value from your package purchase, you'll want to be smart about which drinks you order. If you're not at least breaking even with your wine, beer, soda, coffee and cocktail orders, you might want to rethink whether you've chosen the right beverage package for your drinking style.

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Travel agent reveals amount of alcohol you need to drink to make cruise drinks package worth it

There's a very specific point where you start having 'free drinks', so to speak.

Tom Earnshaw

A travel agent who specialises in cruise ship holidays has revealed all when it comes to drink packages and if they're really worth it.

Those heading on a cruise ship can make the experience truly immersive and all-inclusive by upgrading to premium drinks packages .

The prices can differ significantly depending on who you're sailing with and what you're booking. P&O Cruises will cost you between £44.95 and £54.95 per day for its alcohol packages. In comparison, Royal Caribbean's booze option is around $89 (£71) a day.

Then there's the alcohol-free packages, which for P&O are £24.95 a day or up to $38 (£30) a day with the likes of Royal Caribbean.

Sure, it's not for everyone and they add to a cruising experience that certainly isn't cheap . One former cruise-worker-come-traveller even explains why she would never pay for one again .

But they are chosen by so many travellers year in, year out, that some people might feel peer pressured into it from the off.

Well, listen to the experts is our advice. And over on TikTok , one travel agent has revealed all when it comes to making that big decision.

Elisa, who runs The Paradise Travel Group , has posted a handy explainer to all her viewers that's been viewed thousands of times already.

"As a travel agent that specialises in cruises the number one question I get is 'should I purchase the drinks package?'" Elisa says .

"Let's talk about it. On average, the drink package typically pays off once you've had about six or seven drinks per day on your cruise. That's typically the point in which you're going to break even with your drink package.

"Now any drink above and beyond that is what you're benefiting from when you're purchasing the drink package. You're almost getting them for free.

"If you're the type of person that knows they're going to drink probably less than six to seven drinks per day, then that's the point in which you really want to ask yourself if the drink package is worth it for you.

"Because nine times out of ten, at that point it is just going to be less expensive to go a la carte for all your drinks. The one exception I say to this is if you are looking to go in to your cruise with an all inclusive mindset, you don't want to have to think about the drink prices, you don't want to have to worry, you want to know that it is prepaid and you can get whatever you want.

"In that case yes it's probably worth it to just splurge and get the drink package."

Elisa also shares a handy hack when it comes to getting the best price for your package, with the cost of them fluctuating significantly prior to sailing as cruise lines put on sales.

Well, you can take advantage of this. Elisa says: "The cruise lines totally vary but something I tell my clients is, especially on Royal Caribbean, those drink package prices are going to fluctuate a lot from the time you book your cruise up until the day of your cruise.

"It's always cheaper to purchase the drink package before your cruise but the day on which you purchase it might be a bit more expensive than two weeks later when they throw in a great sale.

"A lot of people don't know that these cruise add ons are refundable. So if you purchase the drink package and then three weeks go by... you find the drink package has dropped in price you can cancel your drink package and rebook it for the new lower rate. You can do this up until the week before the cruise."

There's so much more than alcohol too.

With Carnival cruises for example you get speciality coffees, energy drinks, bottled water, teas, and carbonated drinks.

"For Royal Caribbean you're getting all of that plus Johnny Rockets [milkshakes] which is a great perk," Elisa says.

"And for Celebrity Cruise Lines Premium drink package you're getting specialty coffees, teas, bottled water, mocktails."

So before booking, it's worth thinking how much you're actually going to drink and weighing up the costs.

Please drink responsibly. If you want to discuss any issues relating to alcohol in confidence, contact Drinkline on 0300 123 1110, 9am–8pm weekdays and 11am–4pm weekends for advice and support .

Topics:  Cruise Ship , Hacks , Holiday , Money , Travel , US News , World News , Alcohol , Food And Drink

Tom joined LADbible in 2024, specialising in SEO and trending content. He moved to the company from Reach plc where he enjoyed spells as a content editor and senior reporter for one of the country's most-read local news brands, LancsLive. When he's not in work, Tom spends his adult life as a suffering Manchester United supporter after a childhood filled with trebles and Premier League titles. You can't have it all forever, I suppose.

@ TREarnshaw

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The Best Cruise Restaurants Onboard Mariner Of The Seas

Where to find the best cruise food on this top-rated voyager class cruise ship..

By Amanda Mesa | Published on May 10, 2024

As a former food critic, dining plays a big role in every aspect of my life — especially when it comes to vacations. My family teases me about the fact that when it comes to planning cruise getaways, the ship’s food scene impacts my decision-making as much as onboard attractions or the ports of call on the itinerary. For many years, I’ve counted Mariner of the Seas among my favorite cruise ships.

For starters, it’s a smaller ship and therefore offers the more intimate atmosphere that I prefer over larger cruise ships. But above all, the food scene onboard this Voyager Class stunner is unparalleled. It’s home to some of my favorite cruise restaurants, including Royal Caribbean classics like Izumi and Chef’s Table. It also boasts one of my all-time favorite cruise restaurants, Playmakers SM  Bar & Arcade. 

That’s in addition to casual, complimentary cruise dining at Windjammer, Dog House and Café Promenade, as well as elevated, multi-course dinners at the main dining room. Without a doubt, I’ve enjoyed some of the best cruise food ever when sailing on Mariner of the Seas. Here’s a cheat sheet to the top dining options that await onboard.

1. Chops Grille℠

2. Izumi Hibachi & Sushi

3. Jamie’s Italian By Jamie Oliver

4. Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade

5. Chef’s Table

6. Café Promenade

7. Dog House

8. Windjammer

9. Main Dining Room

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