Cruising with Royal Caribbean is one of the most enjoyable vacation experiences you can have at sea. The ships are filled with endless dining options, entertainment venues, pools, and relaxing lounges. One of the most talked-about features on any cruise is the beverage service. For many passengers, enjoying a cocktail by the pool, a glass of wine at dinner, or a cup of coffee in the morning is part of what makes the trip special. Royal Caribbean offers various drink packages designed to make these moments simple and convenient. But how much does the Royal Caribbean drink package cost, and is it worth the price?
Understanding the drink package system is important before purchasing one because costs can vary depending on several factors. This detailed guide explores how Royal Caribbean’s drink packages are structured, what they include, and how much you can expect to pay for each type.
Royal Caribbean’s drink packages are designed to make your onboard experience easier and more enjoyable by allowing you to prepay for your beverages rather than pay for each one individually. Once you have a package, you can order drinks without worrying about the bill at the end of the trip. The cruise line offers several types of drink packages to suit different tastes and budgets, ranging from soft drink plans to premium alcoholic beverage options.
There are three main categories of drink packages available on Royal Caribbean cruises: the Refreshment Package, the Classic Soda Package, and the Deluxe Beverage Package. Each of these is priced differently based on what is included, the length of your cruise, and the ship you are sailing on.
The most basic and affordable option is the Classic Soda Package. This package is designed for guests who enjoy soft drinks but do not plan on consuming specialty coffees, bottled water, or alcoholic beverages. With this plan, you get unlimited fountain soda and refills at any bar, restaurant, or lounge on the ship. You also receive a souvenir cup that can be used with the onboard soda machines.
The price of the Classic Soda Package typically ranges from 12 to 15 dollars per person per day, depending on the cruise length and itinerary. Taxes and gratuities are added at the time of purchase. For a seven-night cruise, the total would usually be between 84 and 105 dollars per person plus gratuities.
This package is ideal for families with children or guests who prefer nonalcoholic drinks but want unlimited access without paying each time. It is also a good choice for those who want the convenience of a prepaid option at a lower price point.
The next level up is the Refreshment Package. This plan is for guests who do not want alcohol but enjoy a wider range of beverages. It includes all the benefits of the Classic Soda Package, plus specialty coffees, teas, bottled water, fresh juices, mocktails, and premium nonalcoholic beverages. Essentially, it covers everything except alcohol.
The cost of the Refreshment Package usually falls between 30 and 40 dollars per person per day. Again, prices vary slightly depending on the cruise ship, destination, and promotional offers. For a seven-night cruise, that would be approximately 210 to 280 dollars per person before gratuities.
This package appeals to many passengers who prefer healthy or nonalcoholic beverages. For example, travelers who drink bottled water throughout the day, enjoy fresh juices in the morning, and like mocktails in the evening will likely find good value in this package. It also suits those who want the freedom to try different drinks without calculating each purchase.
The most comprehensive and popular choice is the Deluxe Beverage Package. This package covers almost every type of drink available on board, including alcoholic beverages. It includes beer, wine by the glass, cocktails, premium spirits, frozen drinks, specialty coffees, fresh juices, soda, bottled water, and nonalcoholic beverages.
With this package, you can order most drinks priced up to a certain limit, which typically covers nearly all beverages on board except for some top-shelf or ultra-premium brands. If a drink exceeds the price limit, you can still purchase it by paying the difference.
The Deluxe Beverage Package usually costs between 65 and 100 dollars per person per day, depending on the sailing and time of year. Royal Caribbean uses dynamic pricing, meaning the cost may fluctuate based on demand and promotions. During sales events, the package price can be significantly lower. On average, guests pay around 75 to 85 dollars per day when discounts are applied.
For a seven-night cruise, the total cost for one person would typically range between 455 and 700 dollars plus gratuities. The gratuity, generally around 18 to 20 percent, is automatically added at the time of purchase.
Although this may seem like a large expense, the Deluxe Beverage Package offers great convenience and potential savings for travelers who plan to enjoy several drinks each day. The more beverages you order, the more value you get from the plan.
The cost of Royal Caribbean drink packages is not fixed. It varies depending on multiple factors, including the specific ship, the sailing region, the duration of the cruise, and current promotions. Understanding how these factors affect the price can help you decide when and how to purchase your package.
Royal Caribbean uses a dynamic pricing model for its beverage packages, meaning prices can change based on demand, season, and booking conditions. For example, drink packages on shorter cruises or popular holiday sailings may cost more than those on longer or off-peak voyages.
The price you see on the Cruise Planner (the online pre-cruise booking portal) is usually lower than what you would pay if you wait to buy the package onboard. Royal Caribbean frequently offers discounts on the Cruise Planner website before departure, sometimes up to 30 or 40 percent off the onboard rate. Therefore, purchasing the package before you sail is often the most cost-effective approach.
The Deluxe Beverage Package must be purchased for every adult of legal drinking age in the same stateroom if one person chooses it. This policy is in place to prevent sharing. For example, if you are traveling with a partner or friend and you want the Deluxe Beverage Package, the other adult in your cabin will also be required to buy it. However, Royal Caribbean sometimes allows exceptions for medical or religious reasons, where one guest may instead purchase the Refreshment Package.
When you buy a drink package, an automatic gratuity is added to the total cost. This is typically 18 to 20 percent and covers service charges for the bartenders and staff who prepare your drinks during the cruise. After this payment, you will not need to tip per drink unless you choose to do so.
If you order a drink that exceeds the price limit included in your package, you only pay the difference rather than the full price. This allows flexibility without major additional costs.
If you decide not to buy a package before sailing, you can still purchase one onboard. However, the price will usually be higher. Onboard rates are typically 10 to 15 percent more expensive than pre-cruise prices. In addition, promotions are more limited once you are already at sea.
Some guests choose to wait until after the first day of the cruise to buy a package, but this can reduce the value since you pay the same daily rate regardless of when you start. The package is charged for every day of the cruise, so it is most economical to purchase before departure or immediately upon boarding.
The decision to buy a Royal Caribbean drink package depends on your personal drinking habits and preferences. While the packages provide convenience and potential savings, they may not be necessary for everyone. It helps to consider how many beverages you typically consume during a day on vacation and compare that to the package cost.
To determine if the Deluxe Beverage Package is worth it, you can do a simple calculation. If the package costs about 80 dollars per day including gratuities, you would need to drink enough beverages each day to reach that value. On average, a cocktail costs around 13 dollars, a glass of wine about 10 dollars, and a beer around 8 dollars. If you plan to have four or five drinks a day, along with bottled water and specialty coffee, the package can easily pay for itself.
For guests who enjoy multiple alcoholic drinks throughout the day or like trying a variety of cocktails, the Deluxe Beverage Package provides peace of mind and simplicity. You never have to think about individual prices or track your spending.
If you drink very little alcohol or plan to spend most of your time off the ship at ports, you may not get enough value from the package. Since it is charged for every day of the cruise, you will still pay the same total amount even if you drink less on certain days.
In such cases, buying drinks individually can be more economical. You can still order whatever you like but pay only for what you consume. Alternatively, the Refreshment Package might be a better option if you mostly drink nonalcoholic beverages.
One of the biggest advantages of having a drink package is convenience. Many travelers appreciate not having to sign receipts or keep track of expenses throughout their vacation. It can make the trip feel more relaxed and all-inclusive.
Another factor is that Royal Caribbean allows you to bring limited nonalcoholic beverages on board, such as up to 12 cans or bottles of soda per stateroom, but alcohol is generally not allowed. Therefore, if you enjoy a wide variety of drinks, the package ensures you have unlimited access without restrictions.
Buy Before You Sail: Prices are almost always lower when purchased through the Cruise Planner before your departure date.
Watch for Sales: Royal Caribbean frequently runs promotions offering discounts on drink packages. Checking the Cruise Planner regularly can help you catch the best deal.
Compare Cruise Lengths: Longer cruises sometimes have slightly lower per-day prices because of duration discounts.
Avoid Waiting Until Onboard: Buying once you are on the ship means you will likely pay more, and there may be fewer discounts.
Match Package to Your Habits: Choose the plan that fits your actual consumption to avoid overspending.
By planning ahead and purchasing strategically, you can enjoy all the benefits of your drink package while minimizing costs.
The Royal Caribbean drink package system offers flexibility and convenience for all types of travelers. The exact cost depends on the package you choose, the ship, and the sailing date, but typical prices are approximately 12 to 15 dollars per day for the Classic Soda Package, 30 to 40 dollars per day for the Refreshment Package, and 65 to 100 dollars per day for the Deluxe Beverage Package.
The decision to purchase a package should be based on your drinking habits and personal preferences. For many guests, the Deluxe Beverage Package provides great value and eliminates the need to budget for individual drinks. For others, especially light drinkers, buying beverages as needed may be more cost-effective.
Regardless of which package you choose, the key advantage is convenience. You can relax and enjoy your vacation knowing that your beverages are already covered. Whether it is a morning cappuccino, a soda by the pool, or a cocktail at sunset, Royal Caribbean’s drink packages are designed to enhance your cruise experience by offering flexibility, freedom, and simplicity from the moment you step onboard.
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