This is one of the most common questions among first-time cruisers and even repeat travelers. Cruises are marketed as all-inclusive experiences, but in reality, many items like alcoholic drinks, specialty coffees, and sodas are not included in the base price. To address this, Royal Caribbean offers a variety of drink packages that promise convenience, flexibility, and cost savings. But the real question remains—do they actually deliver on this promise, or do they end up being more of a hassle than a benefit? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Royal Caribbean drink packages, from types, costs, and benefits to practical tips on maximizing value.
Royal Caribbean offers several drink packages designed to cater to different preferences and budgets. These packages range from non-alcoholic options for kids and soda lovers to full adult beverage plans covering cocktails, wines, and specialty drinks.
The most common packages include:
Deluxe Beverage Package – This package covers most alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including cocktails, spirits, wines by the glass, premium coffee, smoothies, bottled water, and sodas. It's ideal for frequent drinkers who enjoy a variety of beverages throughout the day.
Refreshment Package – Designed for non-alcoholic drinkers or those who primarily want soda, specialty coffees, bottled water, and fresh juices. It’s a great option for families or travelers who don’t drink alcohol but want to indulge in other beverages without paying per item.
Classic Soda Package – Focused solely on soda lovers, this package provides unlimited fountain drinks at any bar or dining location on the ship. It’s ideal for kids or adults who just want soft drinks.
Coffee & Tea Package – Covers specialty coffees, teas, and other hot beverages from onboard cafes. For coffee enthusiasts who can’t go without their daily caffeine fix, this package can be a convenient choice.
The cost of Royal Caribbean drink packages depends on the type, length of the cruise, and the passenger’s age. As of 2025, prices can vary but here is a general breakdown:
Deluxe Beverage Package: Approximately $89–$119 per adult per day.
Refreshment Package: Approximately $29–$39 per adult per day.
Classic Soda Package: Approximately $15–$20 per day.
Coffee & Tea Package: Around $8–$10 per day.
It’s important to note that gratuity charges are automatically added to these packages, which usually add 18% to the total cost. This can significantly affect the total price, so it’s crucial to factor it into your budget.
Convenience – One of the biggest advantages of a drink package is the convenience. You can enjoy drinks without constantly reaching for your wallet or worrying about how much each item costs. This is particularly helpful for families or groups who want a hassle-free vacation.
Cost Predictability – Drink packages can help manage your budget. Knowing you’ve prepaid for beverages eliminates the worry of surprise expenses at the end of your cruise. For regular drinkers, this can prevent spending hundreds of dollars more than anticipated.
Variety – Packages like the Deluxe Beverage Package offer access to a wide range of drinks, including cocktails, wines, specialty coffees, and non-alcoholic beverages. This allows passengers to try new drinks without worrying about the price.
Easy Sharing with Adults – While you cannot share drinks across passengers, having a package allows each adult in your cabin to indulge freely. This can simplify group planning and avoid arguments over who pays for what.
Special Occasions – Celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, or other events onboard is easier with a drink package. You can toast multiple times a day without worrying about the cumulative cost.
High Upfront Cost – Drink packages are a significant upfront investment, and if you don’t drink much, you may not get your money’s worth. For light drinkers or occasional soda consumers, paying daily fees may not be economical.
Package Restrictions – Each package has limitations. For example, the Deluxe Beverage Package doesn’t cover bottles of wine to take home, and sharing drinks between passengers is not allowed. Certain premium items may also be excluded.
Potential Overconsumption – Some travelers might feel pressured to “get their money’s worth,” leading to overconsumption of alcohol or sugary drinks. This can impact your health and overall cruise experience.
Not Always Cost-Effective for Short Cruises – On cruises under five days, the cost of the package may outweigh the savings you would get from buying individual drinks, especially if you’re only consuming a few drinks per day.
Automatic Gratuity – While convenient, the automatic gratuity adds a significant cost. Some passengers may feel they are paying more than necessary, especially if they don’t frequently use the package.
Determining whether a drink package is worth buying depends on your individual habits, preferences, and cruise plans. Here’s a step-by-step method to help you decide:
Estimate Your Daily Drink Consumption – Calculate the number of drinks you typically consume per day and their approximate cost. For example, a cocktail or premium coffee might cost $10–$12 onboard. If you plan to have 4–5 drinks daily, the package may pay for itself.
Consider the Length of Your Cruise – Longer cruises increase the potential value of a drink package. On a 7-night cruise, even moderate drinkers can save significantly compared to purchasing drinks individually.
Account for Gratuities – Always factor in the 18% automatic gratuity when calculating total costs. This can raise the daily price considerably, and failing to account for it may lead to overestimating savings.
Check Package Limitations – Review what’s included in the package carefully. If it excludes drinks you enjoy, you might not get the full benefit.
Factor in Your Travel Companions – If you’re traveling with kids or non-drinkers, packages like the Refreshment or Soda Package might make more sense than the full Deluxe Package.
Special Considerations for Alcohol Lovers – If you enjoy cocktails, wine, or premium drinks frequently, the Deluxe Beverage Package often provides excellent value.
Start Using It Early – Activate your drink package as soon as possible to get maximum value. On the first day, enjoy a welcome cocktail, coffee, or soda at your convenience.
Try Specialty Drinks – The Deluxe Beverage Package allows you to sample specialty cocktails, premium beers, and wines. Trying these can increase the perceived value of the package.
Monitor Your Consumption – Keep track of the number of drinks you consume daily to ensure you’re getting a reasonable return on your investment.
Plan Around Meals – Take advantage of the drink package during meals at specialty restaurants, where beverages are often more expensive than at the buffet or main dining room.
Consider Off-Peak Times – Enjoying drinks during non-peak hours, like early mornings for coffee or late afternoons for cocktails by the pool, can make your experience more relaxed and enjoyable.
Combine with Shore Excursions – Some travelers use their drink package on board to save money for alcoholic beverages during shore excursions. This balance allows you to enjoy both on-board and off-board experiences without overspending.
Not everyone benefits from a drink package, and there are alternatives that may save money:
A La Carte Purchase – Buying drinks individually is ideal for light drinkers. This allows you to enjoy beverages occasionally without committing to a package.
Bring Your Own Bottled Water – While Royal Caribbean charges for bottled water, you can bring your own or refill at water stations, reducing the need for a beverage package.
Happy Hours and Specials – Some ships offer discounted drinks during happy hours, which can provide savings without paying for the full package.
Sharing Options – Families and couples sometimes rotate who buys drinks individually, which can be cheaper than purchasing multiple packages.
Based on feedback from frequent cruisers, the value of a drink package is highly situational. Heavy drinkers often report saving hundreds of dollars with the Deluxe Beverage Package, while light drinkers rarely find the package worthwhile. Many travelers enjoy the convenience factor, even if the monetary savings are marginal. For families, the Soda or Refreshment Packages are frequently highlighted as providing excellent value, keeping kids happy without creating financial surprises.
So, is it worth buying a drink package on Royal Caribbean? The answer is: it depends. For frequent drinkers, cocktail enthusiasts, or those who want hassle-free access to beverages, the Deluxe Beverage Package can be a smart investment. For families or non-alcoholic travelers, the Refreshment or Soda Packages may provide value and convenience.
Ultimately, the key is to evaluate your consumption habits, the cruise length, package costs, and the convenience factor. By carefully analyzing these elements, you can make an informed decision that enhances your cruise experience without overspending.
In conclusion, Royal Caribbean drink packages offer convenience, variety, and potential savings, but they are not one-size-fits-all. Careful planning and honest assessment of your habits are essential. If used wisely, these packages can transform your cruise experience into a stress-free, indulgent vacation, allowing you to focus on relaxation, fun, and adventure rather than calculating individual drink costs.
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