When planning a Royal Caribbean cruise, one of the most common questions that comes up is whether buying a drink package is really worth it. Cruise vacations are all about relaxation, indulgence, and convenience, and part of that experience often involves sipping cocktails by the pool, enjoying fine wine with dinner, or grabbing a morning coffee without worrying about extra charges. However, drink packages are an additional cost that can sometimes seem confusing or expensive. Understanding what these packages offer, how they are priced, and what kind of value they truly deliver can help you decide if they are the right choice for your next voyage.
Royal Caribbean offers several types of beverage packages designed to suit different preferences and budgets. They range from simple soda plans to all inclusive beverage packages that include everything from bottled water to top shelf cocktails. While the idea of unlimited drinks might sound appealing, the real question is whether you will get enough value from it to justify the price. The answer depends on your drinking habits, the type of cruise you are taking, and how much convenience matters to you during your trip.
Buying a drink package can change how you experience your cruise. Instead of thinking about every drink purchase or signing receipts all day, you can simply order whatever you like and enjoy it. This sense of ease is one of the reasons many guests opt for a beverage package. But before deciding, it is important to understand the full picture including the types of packages offered, the pricing structure, and the factors that influence whether it will be worth the investment for you.
Royal Caribbean drink packages are structured to cover different levels of beverages depending on your preferences. The most basic option is the Classic Soda Package, which is ideal for guests who only drink soft drinks. The next level is the Refreshment Package, which adds bottled water, specialty coffees, teas, and nonalcoholic mocktails. The highest level is the Deluxe Beverage Package, which includes virtually every type of drink on board including beer, wine by the glass, cocktails, and all nonalcoholic beverages.
The cost of each package varies depending on the cruise length, the ship, and when you purchase it. Typically, the Classic Soda Package costs around twelve to fifteen dollars per person per day. The Refreshment Package is usually around thirty to forty dollars per day, while the Deluxe Beverage Package can range from sixty five to one hundred dollars per day. Prices are dynamic and can change depending on promotions or how full the ship is.
When you buy a drink package, it covers you for every day of the cruise. You cannot buy it for just a few days or share it with another guest. The package is charged per person per day and is nontransferable. This means that if you buy a seven day cruise with the Deluxe Beverage Package, you pay for seven full days even if you decide not to drink much on one or two days.
However, one of the biggest benefits is convenience. Once you have the package, you never have to worry about budgeting for drinks or signing receipts every time you order. You can grab a cocktail at the pool, a glass of wine at dinner, or a coffee in the morning without thinking about cost. This can make your vacation feel more like an all inclusive resort experience.
In addition to convenience, many passengers find that having a package allows them to try new drinks without hesitation. Since you are not paying per drink, you can sample different cocktails, wines, or coffee styles without worrying about waste or expense. For some, this freedom adds a sense of fun and variety to the trip.
But value is subjective. Whether it is worth it depends on how many drinks you will actually consume and whether that total adds up to more than what you would have spent individually. Understanding your typical habits can help you calculate the value more clearly.
The decision to purchase a Royal Caribbean drink package ultimately depends on your personal drinking habits and how you like to enjoy your vacation. To decide if it is worth it, you need to consider the cost of drinks individually, how much you typically drink in a day, and whether the added convenience is important to you.
On Royal Caribbean ships, drinks are priced individually, and the cost can add up quickly. For example, a beer might cost between seven and nine dollars, a glass of wine about ten to fourteen, and a cocktail around twelve to fifteen. Specialty coffees range from four to six dollars, and bottled water is around three. If you are the type of traveler who enjoys a cocktail before dinner, wine with your meal, and a few drinks by the pool, your daily total could easily exceed the cost of the Deluxe Beverage Package.
For instance, if you typically drink four cocktails a day at around thirteen dollars each, that is already fifty two dollars before gratuities. Add a bottle of water and a coffee, and you might easily reach sixty dollars or more. At that point, the package begins to offer good value. On the other hand, if you only plan to have one or two drinks each day, it may not make financial sense.
One factor to keep in mind is that Royal Caribbean automatically adds a service charge, typically around eighteen to twenty percent, to every drink purchase. When you buy the drink package, gratuities are included in the total, which can make transactions simpler and sometimes save you a little money in the long run.
Another consideration is how many sea days versus port days your cruise has. On sea days, you are likely to spend more time on the ship relaxing, socializing, and enjoying beverages. On port days, you may be off the ship for much of the day exploring or taking excursions, which can reduce how much you use your package. If most of your cruise includes long days on shore, you might not drink enough onboard to justify the cost.
It is also important to remember that Royal Caribbean requires every adult in a stateroom to purchase the Deluxe Beverage Package if one person buys it. This rule prevents sharing and ensures fairness. However, exceptions can sometimes be made if one person does not drink alcohol for medical or religious reasons. In that case, that guest might be allowed to purchase the nonalcoholic Refreshment Package instead.
Beyond pure financial value, many guests buy the drink package for the convenience it provides. With the package, there is no need to carry cash or a card everywhere or worry about how much you are spending. You can simply enjoy yourself without doing mental math. This sense of freedom can make your cruise more relaxing, especially for those who do not want to deal with budgeting or tracking expenses.
The drink package can also make socializing easier. If you are traveling with a group, having the package allows everyone to order drinks freely without worrying about splitting bills. It can make dinners and gatherings more enjoyable since everyone feels included in the experience.
On the other hand, some travelers prefer the flexibility of paying as they go. If you only have a drink occasionally or plan to spend much of your time in port, you might save money by skipping the package. Buying individual drinks can also make you more mindful of your consumption, which some guests prefer.
The timing of your purchase also matters. Royal Caribbean often offers pre cruise sales through its online Cruise Planner, where beverage packages are discounted by twenty to forty percent. Buying before you sail usually provides the best price. Once onboard, prices are typically higher, so booking in advance is the smarter choice if you are considering the package.
Another benefit is that you can cancel or rebook your package through the Cruise Planner if a better sale appears before your trip. This flexibility allows you to lock in the lowest rate without risk. Checking periodically for sales is a good way to ensure you get the best value possible.
When evaluating whether the drink package is worth it, consider how it fits your vacation style. If you like the idea of all inclusive convenience and plan to enjoy multiple beverages each day, the package can be an excellent investment. If you drink lightly or prefer to have more control over your spending, it may not be necessary.
For nonalcoholic drinkers, the Refreshment Package is often the best value. It includes specialty coffees, bottled water, fresh juices, and mocktails, all of which can add up quickly if purchased separately. Even without alcohol, this package can provide a stress free and enjoyable experience for those who like variety in their beverages.
Families with children also find value in the soda package, especially if kids drink multiple sodas each day. Instead of paying per drink, they can refill their souvenir cup at Coca Cola Freestyle machines around the ship. The savings and convenience add up quickly for families on longer cruises.
At its core, the decision is not only about cost but also about comfort and experience. Having a drink package gives your cruise a more all inclusive feel, allowing you to focus on enjoying every moment instead of thinking about the bill. For many travelers, that peace of mind alone makes it worth the price.
However, others enjoy the satisfaction of knowing they only pay for what they use. If you are someone who drinks sparingly, prefers bottled water most of the day, or plans to spend much of your cruise exploring ports, you may find that paying per drink keeps your costs lower.
When comparing the packages, it helps to do a simple calculation. Multiply the number of drinks you expect to have per day by the average price of each beverage, then compare it to the daily rate of the package. If your estimated total is close to or exceeds the package cost, it likely makes sense to buy it. If your total is much lower, you can skip it with confidence.
It is also worth noting that Royal Caribbean occasionally offers complimentary beverage packages as part of special promotions when booking certain cruises. While this is not common, it can add significant value if you find such an offer. For most guests, though, purchasing the package through the Cruise Planner before the trip remains the best option for savings.
Determining whether a Royal Caribbean drink package is worth buying depends on your habits, budget, and personal preferences. For guests who enjoy several drinks a day, appreciate the convenience of not worrying about prices, and like the all inclusive feeling, the package can provide excellent value. It eliminates the hassle of signing for every drink, makes budgeting easier, and adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the vacation.
For those who drink lightly, spend most of their time off the ship, or simply prefer to pay per drink, it may not make sense financially. Buying beverages individually gives you more flexibility and ensures you are only paying for what you consume.
Ultimately, the value of a drink package is not just about money but about the experience it provides. It can transform your cruise from a pay as you go trip into a fully relaxed, all inclusive experience. The freedom to order anything you want without hesitation or calculation enhances the sense of indulgence that makes cruising special.
For many travelers, that sense of luxury and freedom is worth every dollar. For others, a more mindful approach to spending suits their style better. Either way, Royal Caribbean’s beverage options ensure that you can tailor your cruise exactly to your liking, whether you choose the package or not.
The key is to be honest about your habits and priorities. If you love trying new cocktails, enjoy coffee and water throughout the day, and want to make the most of every onboard experience, the drink package will likely enhance your cruise. If you prefer moderation and flexibility, paying per drink may be the smarter choice.
In the end, there is no right or wrong answer. What matters is choosing the option that allows you to relax and enjoy your time at sea to the fullest. Whether you are sipping a tropical cocktail on the deck or enjoying a quiet coffee in the morning sun, your Royal Caribbean cruise will deliver the unforgettable experience you deserve.
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