Going on a Royal Caribbean cruise is an exciting vacation experience filled with stunning destinations, world-class entertainment, delicious dining, and, of course, refreshing drinks. From tropical cocktails by the pool to premium wines during dinner, beverages are an integral part of the cruise experience. But for many first-time cruisers, understanding how to pay for drinks on a Royal Caribbean cruise can be confusing. This guide is designed to walk you through everything you need to know about paying for drinks onboard, including cashless systems, drink packages, tipping, and budgeting.
Royal Caribbean, like many modern cruise lines, uses a cashless onboard system to make transactions smooth and convenient. This means that you don’t typically carry cash or physical credit cards around the ship to pay for your purchases. Instead, each guest is issued a SeaPass card, which serves as both a room key and a method of payment for onboard purchases, including drinks.
The SeaPass system is connected to your onboard account, which you can link to a credit card or debit card prior to boarding or while on the ship. When you order a drink, simply present your SeaPass card to the bartender or waiter, and the charge will be added to your account. At the end of your cruise, you can settle your account at the guest services desk or have it automatically charged to your linked credit card.
This cashless system offers several advantages. First, it reduces the need to carry cash on the ship, which is safer and more convenient. Second, it streamlines the payment process, making it easy to enjoy your drinks without worrying about splitting bills or keeping track of receipts. Finally, it allows you to monitor your spending throughout your cruise, helping you stick to a budget if necessary.
Most guests link a credit or debit card to their SeaPass account, which allows for seamless payment for drinks. Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover are commonly accepted, and the process is straightforward. Once your card is linked, every drink you order is automatically charged to your account. At the end of the cruise, you can review all your charges on your final bill, making it easy to track your spending.
It’s important to note that while credit and debit cards are convenient, some guests prefer to set a spending limit on their onboard account. This helps prevent accidental overspending, especially when enjoying specialty drinks and cocktails, which can quickly add up. To set a limit, visit the guest services desk or adjust settings in the Royal Caribbean app, if available.
For cruisers who anticipate consuming multiple beverages each day, Royal Caribbean offers a variety of drink packages. These packages are prepaid options that allow guests to enjoy unlimited or set numbers of drinks without worrying about individual charges for each beverage.
The most popular option is the Classic Soda Package, which provides unlimited non-alcoholic beverages such as soft drinks and fountain drinks. This package is ideal for families, children, or those who prefer to stay hydrated without alcohol.
For adult cruisers, the Deluxe Beverage Package is a popular choice. This package covers alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, smoothies, and bottled water. The Deluxe Package usually has a daily rate, making it cost-effective for guests who plan to have multiple drinks each day. Some packages may also include specialty cocktails and premium spirits, depending on the ship and itinerary.
There are also smaller, more targeted packages such as the Refreshment Package, which includes non-alcoholic drinks like juices, specialty coffees, and smoothies, or the Tea and Coffee Package, which is great for guests who want unlimited coffee and tea throughout their cruise. Choosing the right package depends on your preferences, drinking habits, and overall cruise budget.
Buying a drink package before your cruise has several advantages. Firstly, it can save money for guests who enjoy multiple drinks each day. Individual beverages on Royal Caribbean cruises are priced per drink, and these costs can quickly add up, especially for cocktails or specialty drinks. Pre-purchasing a package allows for predictable spending and can sometimes include a discount compared to buying packages onboard.
Secondly, pre-purchasing packages reduces wait times at bars and cafes. Since your package is already linked to your SeaPass, you can order drinks quickly without discussing payment options every time. This convenience enhances your overall cruise experience.
Lastly, pre-purchasing gives you peace of mind. Knowing your drinks are already covered allows you to relax and enjoy your vacation without worrying about exceeding your budget. It also helps plan group or family trips, as each member’s preferences can be accommodated with the appropriate packages.
Even with a cashless system and drink packages, there are a few practical tips to keep in mind when paying for drinks on a Royal Caribbean cruise.
Track Your Spending: Even if you have a drink package, it’s helpful to check your onboard account periodically. This ensures that all charges are correct and helps avoid surprises at the end of the cruise.
Understand Gratuities: Most drink packages include service charges, but if you receive exceptional service, tipping the bartender or server is appreciated. Generally, $1–$2 per drink is a reasonable guideline if tipping is not automatically included in the package.
Mind the Daily Limits: Some drink packages have daily limits. For example, the Deluxe Beverage Package may allow a maximum number of drinks per day. Keep track of this so you don’t inadvertently exceed the allowance.
Check for Promotions: Occasionally, Royal Caribbean offers promotions such as discounted drink packages for early booking or free upgrades to higher-tier packages. These promotions can maximize your value and help you budget more effectively.
Understand Specialty Drink Pricing: Drinks such as rare wines, premium liquors, or specialty cocktails may not always be included in standard packages. Check the package details to ensure you know what is covered to avoid unexpected charges.
If you prefer not to purchase a package, paying per drink is still simple thanks to the SeaPass system. Each time you order, the charge is added to your onboard account. Many guests opt for this method if they only plan to have a few drinks during the cruise or if they prefer to sample specialty cocktails without committing to a package.
Cash is rarely needed onboard, but it is accepted in limited circumstances, such as tipping porters or making purchases in certain shops during port stops. However, most cruise-goers find that a linked SeaPass account and drink packages provide all the convenience they need.
On Royal Caribbean cruises, splitting a drink or bill between friends or family is also possible but requires some coordination. If multiple people share an onboard account or have linked SeaPass cards, charges can be applied accordingly. Otherwise, the easiest approach is for one person to pay and settle accounts afterward, either via cash settlement or reimbursing each other through digital payment methods.
Royal Caribbean also offers apps and onboard digital tools to track your spending. These apps allow you to view your account in real-time, see what drinks you have ordered, and even purchase packages directly from your phone. Using digital tools adds convenience and helps ensure there are no surprises at the end of your trip.
Planning your drink budget before embarking on your Royal Caribbean cruise can significantly enhance your experience. Start by estimating the number of drinks you expect per day and their average cost. Compare this with the daily rate of a drink package to determine if a package makes sense financially.
For example, a cocktail or premium drink onboard may cost between $8–$15 per drink. If you anticipate having 3–4 drinks per day, the total can easily exceed $30–$50 daily, making a Deluxe Beverage Package a smart investment. Conversely, if you only drink occasionally or prefer soft drinks, individual payments or a soda package might be sufficient.
While alcoholic beverages are restricted to adults over 21, children and teenagers can still enjoy non-alcoholic drinks through packages or individual purchases. Soda packages, refreshment packages, and specialty juice or smoothie options are perfect for younger guests. Paying for drinks for children follows the same SeaPass system and allows parents to monitor spending while ensuring kids stay hydrated and happy.
Tips for drink service are generally included in Royal Caribbean drink packages. However, if you receive outstanding service, leaving an additional tip is customary. Gratuities are often automatically added to your onboard account at a standard rate of around 18–20% for alcoholic beverages, though this can vary depending on the ship and itinerary.
For guests paying per drink, bartenders appreciate tipping $1–$2 per drink, especially for cocktails or specialty beverages. While tipping is optional, it is a standard practice and shows appreciation for attentive service.
When your Royal Caribbean cruise comes to an end, settling your onboard account is straightforward. If you linked a credit or debit card, your final bill is automatically charged. You will receive a detailed invoice outlining every drink, purchase, and gratuity applied. Reviewing this invoice is important to ensure accuracy and resolve any discrepancies.
If you prefer to pay with cash or a different card, the guest services desk can facilitate this. The SeaPass card ensures that all charges are consolidated, making checkout simple and stress-free.
Conclusion
Paying for drinks on a Royal Caribbean cruise is convenient and flexible thanks to the SeaPass system, credit card integration, and various drink packages. Whether you opt for individual payments, prepaid packages, or a combination of both, understanding your options ensures a smooth experience and helps manage your budget.
For those who enjoy multiple beverages daily, drink packages offer excellent value and convenience. For occasional drinkers, paying per drink provides freedom without extra cost. Monitoring your account, understanding tipping practices, and taking advantage of digital tools enhance the overall experience, making it easy to focus on relaxation, entertainment, and exploration.
By planning ahead, choosing the right package, and understanding how payments and tips work, you can fully enjoy the beverages on your Royal Caribbean cruise without worry. From refreshing poolside cocktails to elegant wines during dinner, your drink experience will be seamless, allowing you to create memorable moments throughout your cruise vacation.
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