Royal Caribbean Drink Packages: Cost, Benefits, and Tips

By iCruise Editorial Staff, Avid Cruisers   |  January 10, 2025      ( Comments)

Investing in a cruise drink package is one of the key decisions you'll face while planning your Royal Caribbean trip. This comprehensive guide will walk you through Royal Caribbean drink packages, including their costs, benefits, and insider tips, so you can sip and savor every moment of your vacation without any stress.

Overview of Royal Caribbean Drink Packages

There are three ways to upgrade your cruise vacation with a Royal Caribbean Drink Package. Enjoy unlimited fountain soda by purchasing a Classic Soda Package. Add mocktails, premium coffees and teas, and fresh-squeezed juices with a Refreshment Package. Or choose a Deluxe Beverage Package if you want to go all out with unlimited alcoholic beverages. Here’s what you need to know:

Classic Soda Package

• What’s Included: Unlimited soda served in a souvenir cup with free refills at any Coca-Cola Freestyle machine onboard. The machines offer a wide variety of flavors, making it a hit for kids and soda enthusiasts alike.
• Best for: Families and soda lovers who prefer to stick with soft drinks during their trip.
• Cost: Approximately $12.99 to $15 per person daily, making it the most affordable option.

Refreshment Package

• What’s Included: Non-alcoholic beverages such as specialty coffees, teas, fresh juices, bottled water, and soda. For non-drinkers, this package ensures you’ll still have access to premium beverages without paying for alcohol you won’t consume.
• Best for: Non-drinkers or those who prefer premium non-alcoholic options. Families with teens may also find this package ideal.
• Cost: Around $29 to $39 per person daily. Pre-purchasing online can lead to significant savings.

Deluxe Beverage Package

• What’s Included: Unlimited alcoholic beverages, including cocktails, wine, beer, and premium spirits, as well as non-alcoholic options like specialty coffee, fresh juices, bottled water, and soda. Guests can enjoy high-end options such as espresso-based coffees or signature cocktails made by the onboard mixologists.
• Best for: Guests who enjoy a mix of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and want to indulge freely during their cruise. This package is ideal for those planning to spend more time onboard, enjoying the bars and lounges.
• Cost: Typically ranges from $63 to $89 per person daily, depending on the sailing and promotions. Booking early often secures a lower price.

Costs and How to Save on Royal Caribbean Drink Packages

Understanding the costs is crucial to determining whether a Royal Caribbean drink package is worth it. Here’s a breakdown of typical pricing and tips to save:

• Advance Purchase Discounts: Buying your drink package before your cruise often saves you up to 30% compared to onboard prices. Monitor Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner for deals.
• Promotions: Watch for promotions during Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or seasonal sales. These can make higher-end packages much more affordable.
• Onboard Credit: If you’ve earned onboard credit, use it to offset the cost of a drink package. This is an excellent way to stretch your vacation budget.
• Sharing Restrictions: Keep in mind that sharing drink packages is prohibited. If one adult in a stateroom purchases the Deluxe Beverage Package, all other adults in the room must also buy it. This policy affects your cost planning.

Is a Royal Caribbean Drink Package Right for You?

Here are some scenarios to help you decide:

It’s Worth it if:

• You plan to enjoy multiple cocktails, premium coffees, or fresh juices daily.
• You're going on longer vacation with many sea days, allowing you more time to enjoy onboard amenities.
• You value convenience and don’t want to worry about your bar tab at the end of your cruise.

It’s Not Worth it if:

• You’re a light drinker or prefer bringing your own permitted beverages onboard, such as two bottles of wine per stateroom.
• Your itinerary includes many port days where you’ll spend little time onboard, reducing your opportunity to take advantage of cruise drink packages.
• You’re traveling on a budget and prefer to pay per drink for occasional indulgences.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Drink Package

• Timing: To maximize value, start using your package as soon as you board. Many guests head straight to the bars or lounges for a celebratory drink.
• Premium Options: Explore premium drink options available at specialty restaurants and bars, such as wine pairings with gourmet meals.
• Gratuities Included: Gratuities are built into the drink package cost, so you don’t need to tip separately for each drink.
• Avoid Sharing: Sharing drink packages is against Royal Caribbean’s policy and could result in the cancellation of the package without a refund.
• Special Events: Take advantage of your package during events like pool parties or themed evenings, where specialty cocktails are often a highlight.

Frequently Asked Questions About Royal Caribbean Drink Packages

• Q: Can I bring my own drinks onboard? A: Yes, you can bring up to two 750ml bottles of wine per stateroom and non-alcoholic beverages like water and soda, subject to restrictions.
• Q: Can I buy a drink package for just one day? A: Drink packages must be purchased for the entire cruise duration and cannot be split across select days.
• Q: How many drinks can I order per day? A: There’s no daily limit, but you can only order one drink at a time. This ensures fair use for all guests.
• Q: Are there discounts available? A: Yes, Royal Caribbean often offers discounts on drink packages when purchased pre-cruise through their website or during promotional sales.
• Q: What happens if I don’t buy a drink package? A: You can still purchase drinks individually onboard. Prices vary, with cocktails typically ranging from $10 to $14 each.

Choosing the Right Drink Package for Your Royal Caribbean Cruise

Choosing the perfect drink package is crucial to upgrade your cruise vacation. Whether you’re a cocktail enthusiast, a coffee connoisseur, or a soda lover, there’s a package tailored to your preferences. If you enjoy indulging in expertly crafted cocktails, look for a package that offers a wide selection of mixed drinks and premium spirits. For those who appreciate the rich flavors of coffee, consider a package that provides specialty coffee and gourmet brews throughout the day. And if you prefer the refreshing taste of soda, many packages include endless soft drink options as well.

Depending on your drinking habits, the length of your trip, and taking advantage of pre-cruise discounts, you can make the most informed decision for your vacation.

Ready to plan your Royal Caribbean vacation with the perfect drink package? Explore the advanced cruise search to find your next adventure and start sipping in style!