If you’re cruising with Royal Caribbean, you’ve likely heard about their drink packages, and you might be weighing whether they’re worth adding to your booking. The answer? It depends on your sipping style and travel vibe. Royal Caribbean offers unlimited alcohol options, plus soda-only and nonalcoholic bundles, all priced dynamically based on your ship and sailing. Let’s hop into each package, reviewing what’s included, what isn’t and how to get the best value.
FAQs
- What’s included in Royal Caribbean’s drink packages? The Classic Soda Package gives you unlimited fountain sodas and a Coca-Cola souvenir cup. The Refreshment Package adds specialty coffees, juices, mocktails, bottled water and smoothies. The Deluxe Beverage Package includes everything in the Refreshment Package plus alcoholic drinks (cocktails, beer, wine, etc.).
- How much is a Royal Caribbean drink package? Pricing is variable and based on your specific sail date and itinerary. Typically, the Deluxe Beverage Package ranges from $56 to $115 per person, per day.
- Do all adults in my stateroom have to buy the Deluxe Beverage Package? Yes — if one adult in the stateroom opts for the Deluxe Beverage Package, all legal-drinking-age guests in that same stateroom must purchase it too.
- Can I order multiple drinks at once with a beverage package? No — drink packages are strictly for individual use, so you may only receive one drink per guest at a time.
What's Included and What's Not
Before buying a Royal Caribbean drink package, we find it helpful to know what’s already included in your cruise fare.
Here's what beverages are available without a drink package:
- Tap water (drink stations)
- Basic brewed coffee and tea
- Milk, lemonade and iced tea
- Flavored waters (on some ships)
- Fruit juice (typically at breakfast only)
These beverages are available in the Windjammer buffet, Main Dining Room and other select dining venues across the ship. Anything more premium will either cost extra or require a drink package.
What beverages are not included on Royal Caribbean?
You’ll pay when ordering:
- Fountain sodas (e.g., Coke Freestyle machines)
- Bottled still or sparkling water
- Alcoholic drinks (cocktails, beer and wine by the glass)
- Specialty/nonalcoholic cocktails
- Smoothies, energy drinks and mocktails
- Premium specialty coffees and teas (including Starbucks locations)
These beverages are available either à la carte or with the purchase of a drink package upgrade.
Royal Caribbean Drink Package Breakdown
Royal Caribbean offers three main prepaid drink packages.
- Royal Caribbean Classic Soda Package
- Royal Caribbean Refreshment Package
- Royal Caribbean Deluxe Beverage Package
Royal Caribbean Deluxe Beverage Package (Unlimited Alcohol)
The Royal Caribbean Deluxe Beverage Package is best for folks who enjoy cocktails, wine, beer, spirits and nonalcoholic beverages. Pricing is variable depending on your specific sail date and itinerary, but the typical price ranges from $56–$115 per person, per day.
The Royal Caribbean Deluxe Beverage Package includes:
- Cocktails, spirits, beer and wine by the glass (up to $14 per drink before tax and gratuity).
- Fountain sodas and Coca-Cola Freestyle access using a souvenir cup.
- Bottled still and sparkling water, fresh-squeezed juice, mocktails, premium coffees and teas (non-Starbucks venues), smoothies, milkshakes (Johnny Rockets on select ships).
- Additional discounts include 40% off select bottles of wine.
Something to keep in mind — all adults (legal drinking age) in the same stateroom must purchase the Deluxe Beverage Package if one adult does; packages cannot be shared.
Royal Caribbean Refreshment Package (Nonalcoholic)
The Royal Caribbean Refreshment Package is a good choice for non-drinkers, kids, mocktail fans and coffee lovers. The price ranges from $28–$42 per person, per day (pricing varies based on voyage).
The Royal Caribbean Refreshment Package includes:
- Fountain sodas, Coca-Cola Freestyle machines with souvenir cup
- Bottled still and sparkling water and fresh-squeezed juice
- Specialty coffees and teas (excluding Starbucks)
- Mocktails, smoothies, milkshakes and energy drinks
Royal Caribbean Classic Soda Package (Nonalcoholic)
Lastly, the Royal Caribbean Classic Soda Package is great for soda lovers (Mommy Frog needs her Diet Coke!) and those on a tight beverage budget. This package's price range is $13–$18 per person, per day and includes a souvenir cup and unlimited refills.
Royal Caribbean Classic Soda Package includes:
- Unlimited fountain soda via Coca-Cola Freestyle machines
- Souvenir cup provided
- Does not include bottled water or specialty beverages
Is a Royal Caribbean Drink Package Worth It?
Trying to decide if a Royal Caribbean drink package is worth it? The easiest way is to estimate how many drinks you’ll actually have each day and compare that number to the daily price of each package. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you figure out where you’ll get the best value.
Based on average drink prices of $11–$14 each (including gratuity), here’s about how many drinks you’d need per day to break even:
Deluxe Beverage Package (includes alcohol): You’d need around 5–7 drinks per day — this can include cocktails, wine, beer, premium coffees, bottled water and mocktails.
Refreshment Package (nonalcoholic): You’d need around 4–5 drinks per day, such as specialty coffees, juices, smoothies, bottled water or mocktails.
Classic Soda Package: You’d need around 3–4 sodas per day to make it worth it.
If you usually start your day with a specialty coffee, enjoy a mocktail or soda at lunch and have a few alcoholic drinks throughout the day, the Royal Caribbean Deluxe Beverage Package can save you money and add convenience. But if you’re more of a casual sipper — say, just a soda with lunch and a glass of wine at dinner, you may be better off skipping the package and paying as you go, or choosing the Refreshment Package instead. It really comes down to your cruise style and how much you plan to indulge.
How to Save on a Royal Caribbean Drink Package
Whether you decide to leap for a Royal Caribbean drink package or not, here are a few more ways to save on drinks.
Book in Advance
One of the easiest ways to save on your drink package is to purchase it ahead of time. Pre-cruise discounts are often less expensive than the standard onboard pricing.
Bring Your Own Wine
Royal Caribbean allows each guest of legal drinking age to bring one 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne aboard during embarkation. The bottles must be packed in your carry-on luggage and cannot be checked. These personal bottles can be enjoyed in your stateroom without any additional charges. If you choose to bring your wine to dinner or a public venue, a corkage fee of $15 per bottle will apply.
Drink of the Day or Happy Hour Deals
Royal Caribbean usually offers a daily Drink of the Day, typically priced around $8–$12, which is lower than the regular cocktail price. These featured drinks are listed in the Royal Caribbean app or posted at bars around the ship.
Some sailings may also include hoppy hour promotions at select bars, offering certain drinks at reduced prices for a limited time each afternoon. While not guaranteed, these specials can offer great value for guests who don’t have a Royal Caribbean drink package but want to enjoy a cocktail or two without breaking the bank.
Loyalty Perks (Crown & Anchor Society)
If you’re a Diamond-level member or above in Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society, you’ll receive daily complimentary drink vouchers, 4 for Diamond, 5 for Diamond Plus and 6 for Pinnacle Club members. These vouchers are good for any beverage up to $14 in value (before tax and gratuity) and reset each day (pricing subject to change).
The vouchers can be used at most onboard bars, lounges and dining venues, and even at Royal's private islands, Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee. Vouchers can be redeemed for alcoholic drinks, mocktails, sodas, juices and specialty coffees, but they are not valid at Starbucks, the Bionic Bar or Desserted Milkshake Bar. For frequent cruisers, these daily drinks are a major value add, often offsetting the need to purchase a full drink package.
Private Islands & Use Onboard
Both Refreshment and Deluxe Beverage packages are valid in Royal Caribbean’s private destinations, including Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee. That means you can enjoy beachside mocktails or frozen margaritas without paying extra.
Final Thoughts
Royal Caribbean offers flexible drink package options depending on your cruise style. The Royal Caribbean Deluxe Beverage Package offers the widest selection and can save money if you’re a frequent drinker. For non-drinkers who plan on enjoying specialty mocktails, the Refreshment Package is a solid pick. And for soda lovers, the Royal Caribbean Classic Soda Package covers basic needs. Don't froget to book early, watch for pre-cruise sales and do a little math homework to crunch the numbers — choosing wisely can save you hundreds on your bar tab.
And that's a wrap on the Royal Caribbean drink package! Still have questions? Drop them in the comments below. Cheers!
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Hoppy planning!
