One of the most common questions guests ask before their cruise is: “Are soda packages worth it Royal Caribbean?” If you’re someone who loves fizzy drinks, doesn’t want to spend a fortune onboard, or simply enjoys the convenience of unlimited beverages, understanding how Royal Caribbean’s soda package works can help you save money—and enjoy your favorite drinks without stress.
This detailed guide breaks down everything: price, value, where you can use it, how to maximize savings, when it’s worth buying, and when it’s not. By the end, you’ll know exactly whether a soda package fits your cruising style.
The soda package is Royal Caribbean’s most affordable beverage plan, offering unlimited fountain soda and access to refillable Coca-Cola Freestyle machines across the ship. But is it worth the cost? Let’s explore it from every angle so you can make a confident decision.
The soda package gives you unlimited non-alcoholic carbonated drinks for the entire cruise. This includes:
You can get soda at almost any bar or lounge, except those specifically designed for specialty beverages.
These machines offer 100+ flavor combinations, such as:
Cherry Vanilla Coke
Orange Fanta
Sprite Zero Raspberry
Root Beer
Powerade mixes
These machines are extremely popular, especially with families and soda enthusiasts.
Every soda package purchase includes a special Coca-Cola souvenir cup embedded with an RFID chip.This chip activates the Freestyle machines and ensures that only package holders can use them.
This is where many guests get confused. The soda package does not include:
Bottled water
Energy drinks
Sparkling water
Specialty coffees
Smoothies
Milkshakes
Mocktails
Fresh juices
Only soda and carbonated beverages are included.
If you want all non-alcoholic drinks, the Refreshment Package is the next upgrade.
Royal Caribbean makes the soda package easy to use across the entire ship.
These machines are located in:
The Promenade
Windjammer Marketplace
Pool Deck
Sports Deck areas (on some ships)
You can order soda from:
Pool bars
Dining room beverage stations
Casino bars
Theater bars
Pub bars
Solarium bars
In the Main Dining Room, soda costs extra unless you have the package.
Yes! Your package works at:
Perfect Day at CocoCay
Labadee (Royal Caribbean’s Haiti destination)
This is a big advantage because island drink prices can add up fast.
The biggest question remains: Is the soda package worth the price?The answer depends on your drinking habits, cruise length, and personal preferences. Let’s break down the numbers and real-life usage.
Royal Caribbean pricing varies by sailing but generally falls into:
$12–15 per person, per dayPlus 18% gratuity added at checkout.
$3.50–$4.00 per sodaplus gratuity.
If you drink:
3 sodas a day, you break even.
4+ sodas a day, you're saving money.
Families with soda-loving kids almost always find it worth it.
Let’s say your cruise price for the soda package is $13/day.
You drink 5 sodas per day:
5 sodas × $4 = $20 valueSavings = $7 per dayOn a 7-night cruise = $49 saved
If you drink fewer than 3 sodas a day, you may not get full value.
The soda package is usually worth the money if:
If soda is your preferred drink, this is a no-brainer.
Children often consume more soda at pool decks, shows, and dinners.
The flavor variety keeps the drinks exciting.
Running a tab can get expensive—packages help avoid surprises.
Soda pairs naturally with:
Pools
Game shows
Movies under the stars
Evening entertainment
Walk up, tap the cup, and go—no waiting for bar staff.
However, the soda package isn’t ideal for everyone. You might skip it if:
Moderate soda drinkers won’t benefit.
These are not included, and paying separately might be better.
A family of four might spend:4 × $13 × 7 nights = $364
If you already buy these, the soda package becomes unnecessary.
Royal Caribbean serves fountain soda, not cans (except certain venues).
If you do decide the soda package is worth it, here are ways to get the most bang for your buck.
Freestyle machines are busiest:
10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Evenings after dinner
Fill up early or late to avoid lines.
Yes, your soda package gives access to:
Powerade
Vitaminwater Zero
Lemon-lime sports mixes
These options alone often justify the package for fitness enthusiasts.
Most guests forget their souvenir cup in the cabin.Pro tip: Keep it in your beach bag or carry-on—you're more likely to use it often.
Perfect strategy for:
Pool days
Long shows in the theater
Cabin relaxation
The lid and spout can get sticky.A small straw brush helps keep it fresh during the cruise.
To help you decide quickly, here’s a fair comparison.
Perfect for heavy soda drinkers.
Huge advantage at CocoCay where drinks are pricey.
100+ flavors to try.
Kids use it constantly.
No signing receipts or paying repeatedly.
No water, coffees, or juices.
Forget the cup = No Freestyle access.
Fountain soda depends on syrup–water ratios.
Water drinkers won’t benefit.
Can be cheaper if bought pre-cruise.
Royal Caribbean often changes pricing based on demand. You can lower your cost in several ways.
Prices are almost always lower before boarding.
Look out for:
Black Friday
Memorial Day
New Year
July 4th
Season-End Sales
Prices sometimes drop to as low as $8.99/day.
Returning cruisers occasionally get small perks.
That’s typically the highest-priced day.
Below are common doubts cruisers have, answered clearly.
No—it’s optional, not mandatory.
No. Sharing is monitored and may result in package cancellation.
Generally no. It is mainly fountain drinks.
Yes, bartenders fill fountain soda using the cup's validity.
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