Royal Caribbean cruises are known for providing guests with a world of luxury, entertainment, and unforgettable dining experiences at sea. Whether you are relaxing by the pool, attending a live show, or enjoying a meal at one of the onboard restaurants, there is always an opportunity to sip on your favorite beverage. For many travelers, one of the most common questions before setting sail is how much a beverage package costs on Royal Caribbean.
Beverage packages are a convenient way to enjoy unlimited drinks during your cruise without worrying about paying for each drink separately. They are designed to make your vacation more seamless by allowing you to enjoy soft drinks, specialty coffees, bottled water, or even cocktails and fine wines, depending on which package you choose.
The price of Royal Caribbean beverage packages varies depending on several factors, including the type of package, the length of the cruise, and the ship you are sailing on. To understand the cost, it helps to explore each package type in detail and learn how Royal Caribbean structures its pricing system.
Royal Caribbean offers a selection of beverage packages to suit different preferences and budgets. Whether you prefer soft drinks or cocktails, there is a package that can fit your needs. Each package provides unlimited access to specific categories of drinks for a daily rate that is charged for every day of your cruise.
The main beverage packages offered are the Classic Soda Package, the Refreshment Package, and the Deluxe Beverage Package. Each option caters to a particular group of travelers, from families with children to adults who enjoy alcoholic beverages.
The Classic Soda Package is the most basic and affordable beverage plan offered by Royal Caribbean. It is ideal for guests who enjoy soft drinks but do not plan to consume specialty coffees or alcoholic beverages.
With this package, you get unlimited fountain soda and refills at any bar, lounge, or restaurant throughout the ship. You also receive a souvenir cup that allows you to use the Coca-Cola Freestyle machines located around the ship. These machines offer a variety of soda flavors and combinations, allowing you to create your own drink mix whenever you like.
The price of the Classic Soda Package generally ranges between 12 and 15 dollars per person per day. The total amount depends on the ship, sailing itinerary, and any promotional offers available before departure. For a seven-night cruise, the cost typically ranges between 84 and 105 dollars per person, plus gratuities.
This package is a great choice for families traveling with children or anyone who prefers soda over other beverages. It provides excellent value for those who consume multiple soft drinks throughout the day, whether by the pool, during meals, or at shows.
The Refreshment Package is a step above the Classic Soda Package. It is designed for guests who prefer a wider variety of beverages but do not wish to include alcohol in their plan.
This package covers everything from the Classic Soda Package, plus additional drinks such as specialty coffees, teas, bottled water, fresh juices, mocktails, and premium nonalcoholic beverages. With this plan, you can order a cappuccino in the morning, enjoy a glass of fresh orange juice at breakfast, have a mocktail by the pool in the afternoon, and sip a flavored sparkling water in the evening.
The cost of the Refreshment Package typically ranges from 30 to 40 dollars per person per day, depending on the sailing and ship. For a seven-night cruise, you can expect to pay between 210 and 280 dollars before gratuities.
This plan is popular with guests who do not drink alcohol but still want an inclusive beverage experience. It is also suitable for those who want easy access to bottled water and premium drinks without worrying about individual costs.
The Deluxe Beverage Package is the most comprehensive and premium beverage plan available on Royal Caribbean. It includes nearly all beverages on board, both alcoholic and nonalcoholic. With this package, you can enjoy cocktails, beer, wine by the glass, spirits, frozen drinks, soda, bottled water, specialty coffee, and fresh juices.
Essentially, it combines the benefits of the other beverage plans while adding unlimited alcoholic beverages up to a specific menu price. Drinks that exceed that price limit can still be purchased by paying the difference.
The cost of the Deluxe Beverage Package usually falls between 65 and 100 dollars per person per day. The variation depends on the ship, the length of the cruise, and ongoing sales or promotions. For instance, shorter cruises or peak-season sailings tend to be priced higher, while longer cruises or off-season voyages may offer discounted rates.
For a seven-night cruise, the total cost per person can range between 455 and 700 dollars, plus gratuities, which are typically around 18 to 20 percent.
Although it might appear expensive at first glance, this package offers tremendous value for travelers who plan to enjoy several alcoholic beverages per day. Since cocktails often cost between 12 and 14 dollars each, a guest who drinks five or more daily will likely save money with the package.
The Deluxe Beverage Package also adds convenience. You can order any drink without thinking about the price, sign receipts, or manage your bar spending. It creates an all-inclusive feel to your cruise experience.
The exact price of Royal Caribbean beverage packages is not fixed. The cruise line uses dynamic pricing, meaning that the cost can fluctuate based on a variety of factors. Understanding what influences pricing can help you choose the best time and way to purchase your package.
Royal Caribbean adjusts its beverage package prices according to factors like demand, sailing season, and length of the cruise. For example, prices may be higher on shorter cruises because the line has fewer days to generate onboard revenue. Similarly, holiday sailings or popular itineraries often have higher beverage package rates than off-peak sailings.
Royal Caribbean also regularly offers discounts on beverage packages through its online Cruise Planner before departure. These discounts can reduce the cost by up to 30 or 40 percent compared to onboard prices. Because of this, it is often more economical to purchase your package before your cruise rather than waiting until you are on the ship.
Cruise duration directly affects the total cost of your beverage package. Since packages are charged per person per day, a longer cruise naturally increases the total price. However, the per-day rate sometimes drops slightly on longer sailings. For instance, a seven-night cruise might have a lower daily rate than a three-night cruise, even though the total cost is higher.
Different ships and itineraries can have slight price variations. Some ships that sail in regions with higher taxes or import costs may have slightly higher beverage package prices. For example, Caribbean and Alaska sailings may differ in pricing compared to Mediterranean itineraries.
Additionally, newer ships with more premium bars or exclusive lounges sometimes offer higher-end pricing due to the variety and quality of beverages available.
Royal Caribbean frequently runs promotional sales on its Cruise Planner website. These sales can happen months before the sailing and usually offer the best opportunity to lock in a discounted price. Savvy travelers often check the Cruise Planner regularly and purchase during one of these sales to get the best deal.
Prices are also subject to change at any time, so if you notice a promotion that reduces the cost significantly, it is wise to buy early. Royal Caribbean allows guests to cancel and repurchase the package later if a better sale appears, giving flexibility to secure the lowest rate.
Every beverage package purchase includes an automatic gratuity charge, generally around 18 to 20 percent. This amount is added to the package price and covers the service provided by bartenders and servers during the cruise. Once the gratuity is paid, there is no need to tip per drink, although additional tips are optional if you choose.
If you wait until boarding the ship to buy a beverage package, the price will usually be higher. Onboard rates often exceed pre-cruise prices by 10 to 15 percent. In addition, promotions are less common once the cruise begins. For this reason, most experienced cruisers recommend purchasing the package in advance.
The value of a Royal Caribbean beverage package depends on your drinking habits and personal preferences. To decide whether a package makes sense, it helps to compare the daily cost to what you might otherwise spend buying drinks individually.
On average, drinks purchased individually on Royal Caribbean ships cost approximately:
Beer: 7 to 9 dollars per bottle
Wine by the glass: 10 to 14 dollars
Cocktails: 12 to 14 dollars
Premium cocktails: up to 15 or more
Bottled water: around 3 dollars
Specialty coffee: 4 to 6 dollars
Soda: 3 to 4 dollars
Using these averages, if you plan to drink four cocktails and two other beverages per day, your total would be around 65 to 75 dollars per day. That means the Deluxe Beverage Package could easily pay for itself if you consume a moderate number of drinks daily.
The Deluxe Beverage Package is worth considering if:
You plan to drink at least five or six alcoholic beverages daily.
You like having premium coffees, bottled water, and other nonalcoholic beverages in addition to alcohol.
You want the convenience of ordering drinks without thinking about prices.
You enjoy trying new cocktails or sampling different wines.
If you only plan to drink one or two alcoholic beverages each day, or if you spend many hours off the ship during excursions, the package may not offer good value. In that case, buying drinks individually might be more cost-effective.
For nonalcoholic drinkers, the Refreshment Package often provides the best balance between price and variety. You can still enjoy a wide selection of drinks throughout the day without paying for alcohol you will not consume.
It is important to note that Royal Caribbean requires all adults of legal drinking age in the same stateroom to purchase the Deluxe Beverage Package if one person chooses it. This policy prevents sharing and ensures fairness. However, in certain cases, exceptions can be made if one person does not drink alcohol for medical or religious reasons. That individual can sometimes purchase the Refreshment Package instead.
Buy Before You CruiseThe lowest prices are almost always found through the Cruise Planner before you set sail.
Watch for SalesRoyal Caribbean holds frequent online sales events. Checking regularly can help you catch a better deal.
Compare Daily Drinking HabitsCalculate how many drinks you normally consume and compare the total cost to the daily package rate.
Consider Your ItineraryIf your cruise includes long port days where you will spend much time on land, you might drink less onboard. Adjust your decision accordingly.
Use Cruise Planner AlertsSome travelers monitor prices and rebook when discounts appear. Royal Caribbean allows cancellation and repurchase of beverage packages up to 48 hours before sailing.
Stay HydratedEven if you have the Deluxe Beverage Package, mix alcoholic drinks with water or soft drinks throughout the day to stay refreshed and healthy.
The cost of a beverage package on Royal Caribbean depends on the type you choose and when you buy it. On average, the Classic Soda Package ranges from 12 to 15 dollars per day, the Refreshment Package from 30 to 40 dollars per day, and the Deluxe Beverage Package from 65 to 100 dollars per day. Prices may vary slightly based on the ship, itinerary, and time of booking, and gratuities are always added to the total cost.
While beverage packages can appear expensive initially, many passengers find them worthwhile for the convenience, variety, and sense of all-inclusiveness they provide. With a package, you can enjoy your drinks freely without tracking your spending or worrying about the final bill.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference. If you like having multiple beverages each day, enjoy the freedom to try different drinks, or simply want a hassle-free experience, a Royal Caribbean beverage package is a valuable addition to your cruise. For light drinkers, individual purchases or nonalcoholic packages may be more practical.
No matter which option you choose, the beverage package system enhances your cruise experience by giving you control, comfort, and unlimited enjoyment. From morning coffees to evening cocktails, Royal Caribbean’s drink offerings ensure every moment of your voyage is filled with relaxation and satisfaction.
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