Royal Caribbean is one of the most loved cruise lines in the world, known for its massive ships, incredible onboard experiences, and wide range of dining and drink options. Among the most common questions travelers ask is: Are Starbucks drinks included in beverage packages Royal Caribbean? If you're a coffee lover or a Starbucks loyalist, this question becomes even more important—especially if you’re considering purchasing a drink package.
This detailed, easy-to-read guide will give you the full picture of how Starbucks works onboard, whether packages cover it, what alternatives you have, how to save money, and tips every cruiser should know.
Royal Caribbean operates two types of drink venues serving coffee:
Some of the newer and larger ships have a full Starbucks storefront, just like on land. These locations offer a wide menu including:
Frappuccinos
Espresso-based drinks
Refreshers
Teas
Seasonal favorites
Bottled beverages
Starbucks pastries
These Starbucks-branded venues run separately from Royal Caribbean, even though they’re on board. That means they follow Starbucks pricing, procedures, and point-of-sale systems.
Ships without a dedicated Starbucks café instead offer Starbucks-branded beverages at Royal Caribbean’s own coffee venue, like Café Promenade or Park Café. These locations use Starbucks beans, but they are not official Starbucks stores.
This difference is extremely important when determining what beverage packages include.
No. Starbucks drinks are NOT included in any Royal Caribbean beverage package—neither the Deluxe Beverage Package, nor the Refreshment Package, nor the Café Select Package.
However…There are exceptions and loopholes you can take advantage of—more on that below.
Royal Caribbean’s agreement with Starbucks keeps Starbucks operations separate. The Starbucks store onboard runs like a franchised outlet. You must pay for all drinks individually using:
Cashless SeaPass card
Starbucks gift card (only on some ships)
Starbucks app (not always supported)
Because the store is a third-party operation, Royal Caribbean cannot include it in its beverage packages.
Here is the important distinction:
☕ NOT included in any package.💵 Must be purchased separately.
☕ They serve “Starbucks brewed coffee,” but because these venues are Royal Caribbean-run:✔ Included in the Deluxe Beverage Package✔ Included in the Refreshment Package✔ Included in the Café Select Package✔ Included in some loyalty perks (Diamond vouchers)
These locations typically offer:
Americano
Espresso
Cappuccino
Latte
Macchiato
Mocha
Iced versions
Basic pastries
But NOT the full Starbucks specialty creations like Frappuccinos or Refreshers.
If you're hoping to satisfy your caffeine needs with a package, the Deluxe Beverage Package gives you plenty:
Lattes
Americanos
Cappuccinos
Espresso shots
Iced lattes
Macchiatos
Cocktails
Beer
Wine
Liquor up to the package price limit
Bottled water
Soda
Fresh juice (at breakfast venues)
Mocktails
If you don’t drink alcohol, this package covers:
Available at Royal Caribbean venues only.
Includes fresh squeezed juice in the dining room.
The Café Select Card gives a number of punches for premium coffees. These ARE:
✔ Valid at Royal Caribbean coffee bars✖ NOT valid at Starbucks stores
You can’t purchase Starbucks onboard using drink packages, but you can buy:
Starbucks gift cards
Starbucks rewards (sometimes apply, depending on the ship)
This helps if you want to control your budget.
Some ships occasionally offer:
Happy hour discounts
Combos like “coffee + pastry”
Early morning specials
These vary by ship and sailing.
If you're a Royal Caribbean Crown & Anchor member:
Diamond and above receive daily drink vouchersThese vouchers can be used at Royal Caribbean-run bars offering Starbucks-style coffee, but NOT at standalone Starbucks.
Because your drink package covers specialty coffees here, you can save a lot.
Almost every ship’s coffee bar can create:
Iced lattes
Mochas
Caramel lattes
Hazelnut lattes
You won’t notice much difference unless you're picky about Starbucks-specific recipes.
While Royal Caribbean offers one of the best drink programs at sea, a few items aren’t covered anywhere:
These are never part of a package because they must be ordered from a Starbucks store.
Same rule—they are exclusive to Starbucks.
Bottled Frappuccino or cold brew sold in the shop is NEVER included.
Pumpkin Spice Latte? Not included.Peppermint Mocha? Also not included.
You’ll always pay out of pocket at Starbucks.
This is a question many travelers wonder about. The reasons include:
Starbucks operates separately, so Royal Caribbean cannot discount or package their products.
Starbucks uses their own pricing structure.Royal Caribbean uses a different one.
Starbucks brings its own:
Equipment
Training
Ingredients
Licensing
These differences prevent cross-brand pricing.
Some travelers consider buying a drink package only for coffee access. Let’s break down if it makes sense.
❌ The drink package will NOT help you.You’ll still pay full Starbucks price.
✔ The Refreshment Package is worth it.✔ The Deluxe Package is even better if you also drink alcohol.
Without a package, each cappuccino can cost $4–$6.On a 7-night cruise, that adds up quickly.
Most cruisers find it excellent.Many say: “It tastes like Starbucks anyway.”
No. Some ships have full Starbucks stores, others have Starbucks-branded coffee, and some have neither.
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Many ships do not sync with the Starbucks app.
Accepted on some ships with full stores. Not accepted at Royal Caribbean-run bars.
Only at a dedicated Starbucks store, and even then, it depends on the ship’s system.
Regular drip coffee is free.Specialty coffees cost extra unless you have a package.
Recent Guide
Your ultimate guide to cruise adventures. Discover amazing destinations, find the perfect cruise, and create unforgettable memories on the high seas.
Quick Links
Cruise Types
© 2025 Cruisefinderpro.com. All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service