How Much Is Royal Caribbean’s Drink Package? Cost & Tips

Introduction

How much is Royal Caribbean’s drink package is one of the most common questions travelers ask when planning a cruise. With multiple beverage packages, varying daily rates, and shifting promotions, it can feel confusing to know if a drinks package will save you money or be an unnecessary expense. This guide breaks down the main Royal Caribbean drink packages, estimated price ranges, what’s included, tips to save, and real-world examples to help you decide whether to buy before your cruise or pay as you go.

Overview: Royal Caribbean Drink Package Options

Royal Caribbean offers several beverage packages designed for different needs: alcoholic drinks, soda lovers, specialty coffee drinkers, and non-alcoholic options. Understanding the differences—Deluxe Beverage Package, Refreshment Package, Classic Soda Package, and specialty options like the Coffee Package—will help you match the package to your vacation style.

• Deluxe Beverage Package – Broadest coverage, includes cocktails, wine by the glass (up to a price limit), beer, specialty coffees, juices, bottled water, and premium nonalcoholic drinks.
• Refreshment Package – Nonalcoholic premium drinks: fresh-squeezed juices, bottled water, specialty coffees, smoothies, energy drinks, and fountain soda.
• Classic Soda Package – Unlimited fountain sodas and small fountain drinks. Good for families or frequent soda drinkers.
• Coffee and Tea Packages – Unlimited specialty coffee and select teas for those who frequent the specialty coffee shops.

Each package has rules: daily rate per person, service charges or gratuities added at purchase, and age restrictions (alcoholic packages require proof of legal drinking age). Prices change by sailing, ship, and season, so the numbers below are approximations and examples rather than fixed guarantees.

How Much Does Each Package Cost? Estimated Prices and Daily Rates

Exact Royal Caribbean drink package price points fluctuate, but here are typical ranges to help with budgeting. Note that a service charge (gratuity) is normally added to the advertised daily rate when you purchase online or onboard.

• Deluxe Beverage Package: Commonly ranges from approximately $60 to $90+ per person per day before gratuity, depending on promotions and ship. This package covers most alcoholic drinks up to a set dollar limit per drink and many nonalcoholic options.
• Refreshment Package: Often priced around $16 to $25 per person per day before gratuity. This includes specialty nonalcoholic beverages, bottled water, smoothies, and specialty coffees.
• Classic Soda Package: Typically around $8 to $12 per person per day before gratuity. Pricing can be lower for children.
• Coffee Package: Usually in the $8 to $12 per person per day range for unlimited specialty coffees (prices vary by ship coffee brands).

Keep in mind that when you see a “daily rate,” this is the base cost per person per day. Service charges (generally 18% or a fixed daily gratuity) are added at checkout and increase the effective daily cost. Promotions, loyalty benefits, and packages purchased as part of a cruise fare can significantly alter the per-person cost.

What’s Included: Breakdowns and Real Examples

Knowing exactly what’s included prevents surprises. Below are common inclusions and exclusions so you can compare the value versus pay-as-you-go.

Deluxe Beverage Package: Typical inclusions

• Alcoholic cocktails and mixed drinks up to a specified price (e.g., up to $15–$18 per drink).
• Beer and wine by the glass (within price limits).
• Specialty coffees (lattes, cappuccinos) at venues like Coffee & Cones or onboard cafes.
• Bottled water, juices, mocktails, smoothies, and select nonalcoholic bottled drinks.
• Champagne or high-end bottles often excluded unless purchased separately or within a wine package.

Refreshment Package: Typical inclusions

• Fresh-squeezed juices, bottled water, and an expanded list of nonalcoholic beverages.
• Specialty coffees and smoothies.
• Fountain soda where available (depending on ship policy).

Classic Soda and Coffee Packages

• Soda package = unlimited refills at beverage stations and cups for onboard use.
• Coffee package = specialty coffees from onboard specialty coffee shops (may have limits on certain beverages).

Real example: If the Deluxe Beverage Package is $75/day and your group orders a $12 cocktail, a $6 glass of wine, and a $5 specialty coffee daily, you’d quickly exceed the break-even if you consume multiple alcoholic drinks. But if you plan light drinking, a Refreshment or Soda package may be better value.

How to Calculate Break-Even: Is the Package Worth It?

Calculating cost per drink and break-even helps decide whether a beverage package is right for you. Use this simple method:

• Step 1: Add the advertised daily rate plus estimated gratuity to get the true daily cost per person.
• Step 2: Estimate how many drinks you expect per day (alcoholic and nonalcoholic separately).
• Step 3: Compare pay-as-you-go daily spend vs package daily cost.

Example calculation:

• If Deluxe is $80/day and gratuity adds $14 (18%), true cost = $94/day.
• If you expect 2 cocktails ($12 each) + 1 beer ($7) + 1 specialty coffee ($5) daily = $36/day pay-as-you-go.
• Package would only pay off if you average about $94/day in drink purchases, which is higher than casual consumption above.

This demonstrates why drink packages often benefit heavier drinkers or those who order premium cocktails and frequent cafe purchases; families or light drinkers might find pay-as-you-go or a Refreshment/Soda package more economical.

Tips to Save Money: When to Buy, When to Skip

Here are practical tips to reduce beverage costs and make the most of onboard drink options:

• Compare your drinking habits: Use the break-even method above. Track how many drinks you’d realistically have each day.
• Buy before sailing carefully: Pre-cruise promos sometimes lower the package price, but only buy early if you’re confident about consumption patterns. Royal Caribbean often runs promotions closer to sailing too.
• Share the cost: On some sailings, packages must be purchased for every adult in the same stateroom—factor that rule into your decision.
• Look for bundled promotions: Occasionally packages are bundled with Wi-Fi or specialty dining credits, which can increase value.
• Stick to included items: Some premium cocktails or bottles may exceed the per-drink limit and incur an extra charge—ask before ordering.
• Kids and soda: Children benefit most from the Classic Soda Package or by purchasing a kids’ package during promotions.

Rules, Limits, and Fine Print You Need to Know

Packages come with rules that affect value and usage. Knowing these avoids unexpected charges and ensures compliance:

• Per-person requirement: Most alcoholic packages must be purchased for all adults in the same stateroom. Solo travelers or couples traveling with non-drinkers should check specific ship policies.
• Gratuity/service charge: Added to the package price—typically an 18% service charge at checkout. This raises the effective daily rate.
• Sharing is not allowed: Drinks included in a package cannot be shared with non-package holders.
• Drink price limit: Deluxe packages often have a per-drink cap (e.g., $15). Drinks above that price require an upcharge.
• Refill and order limits: Some venues limit the number of drinks per transaction or require guests to be present to order—and staff will refuse service to intoxicated guests.
• Age limits: Proof of the legal drinking age is required to purchase and consume alcoholic packages.

Buying Before Sailing vs Onboard: Pros and Cons

Deciding whether to buy your Royal Caribbean drink package before boarding or wait until onboard depends on promotions, certainty, and convenience.

Buy before sailing

• Pros: Access to early booking discounts or promotional bundles, convenience—no need to handle onboard billing for drinks.
• Cons: Less flexibility if your plans change, might miss last-minute onboard promotions, and a prepaid commitment if someone in your stateroom decides not to take it.

Buy onboard

• Pros: Try drinks first to gauge consumption, optional purchase if you decide you’ll drink more while at sea, potential last-minute deals at the bars or guest services.
• Cons: Packages onboard may be pricier than pre-cruise promos and require arranging purchase while on vacation.

Tip: If you’re part of Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society (loyalty program), watch for member-only offers that can make buying before sailing more attractive.

Practical Onboard Tips: Using Your Beverage Package

• Carry your SeaPass card: Packages are linked to your SeaPass account—present it when ordering.
• Ask about limits: If you order multiple drinks at once (e.g., two cocktails and a coffee), be prepared—some venues enforce per-transaction rules.
• Watch the per-drink cap: If a cocktail exceeds the package’s allowed price, you’ll pay the difference plus gratuity.
• Specialty venues: Specialty restaurants and certain bars may have different rules—confirm whether included items apply before ordering.
• Keep receipts and check your final bill: Ensure gratuities and purchases match expectations, especially if family members have different package statuses.

Common Questions Answered: FAQ

1. Can I share a Royal Caribbean drink package with someone in another cabin?

No. Beverage packages are per person and cannot be shared. Most alcoholic packages must be purchased for all adults in the same stateroom; sharing across cabins is not permitted.

2. Are gratuities included in the package price?

Gratuities are usually added as a separate service charge at the time of purchase. Expect an additional percentage (commonly around 18%) which increases the effective daily rate per person.

3. What is the age limit for buying an alcoholic drink package?

The legal drinking age varies by port and ship policy, but you must be of legal drinking age for your sailing itinerary to purchase an alcoholic beverage package. Royal Caribbean requires proof of age when purchasing or consuming alcohol.

4. Can I buy the package for only part of my cruise?

Yes, you can typically purchase a drinks package for select days or the full cruise. If you plan to be onshore for many days or skip drinks, buying for only the sea days may save money. Check policies for minimum purchase durations before booking.

5. Does the package include room service and specialty dining?

Many common beverages included in packages apply to room service and certain specialty dining options, but some specialty beverages or bottled wines may not be included. Always ask staff if a drink is covered before ordering to avoid unexpected charges.

Conclusion

So, how much is Royal Caribbean’s drink package? The short answer: it varies. Deluxe Beverage Packages commonly fall between roughly $60 and $90+ per person per day before gratuity, Refreshment Packages are often around $16–$25/day, and Classic Soda or Coffee Packages tend to be under $15/day. The right choice depends on your daily consumption, whether you prefer alcoholic or nonalcoholic drinks, and whether you want the convenience of prepaid drinks. Use the break-even method, consider loyalty promotions and stateroom rules, and choose the package that best matches your vacation style. With planning and the tips above, you can avoid surprises and enjoy drinks that suit both your taste and your budget.

Final Tips

• Estimate daily consumption and compare to package cost with gratuity included.
• Check Royal Caribbean’s site for current beverage package price updates and promotions and read the fine print on per-drink caps and sharing rules.
• Ask at guest services if you’re unsure—staff can explain how a package applies to your specific sailing and dining choices.

Enjoy your cruise, drink responsibly, and plan ahead so your beverage choices enhance your vacation rather than complicate it.