Introduction
Planning a cruise often means imagining sun, shore excursions, and a refreshing drink in hand. If you’re budgeting for your trip, knowing the price of drinks on Royal Caribbean cruises matters more than you might think. From the onboard cocktail menu to soda prices and whether a drink package is worth it, costs can vary. This guide breaks down alcohol prices, beverage package choices, gratuity and onboard charges, plus practical tips for saving so you won’t be surprised by your bar tab.
How Royal Caribbean Prices Drinks: The Basics
Royal Caribbean uses an a la carte model for most beverages, meaning you can order individual items from the bar and pay per drink. The shipboard Royal Caribbean drink menu lists cocktails, wine by the glass, bottled beer, spirits, and non-alcoholic drinks.
Key points:
- Cocktails and bartenders’ specials are typically the most expensive single items.
- Beer and house wine are often the most budget-friendly adult options.
- Soda prices and specialty coffees are usually priced separately from alcohol and may be cheaper per serving.
- Taxes and service charges can add to your final bar tab; see the section on gratuity and onboard charges for details.
Understanding these basics helps you compare a per-drink budget to a drink package or beverage package and pick what fits your travel style.
A La Carte Prices: What to Expect for Cocktails, Beer, and Wine
Below are typical price ranges you’re likely to see on a Royal Caribbean ship. Prices vary by ship, itinerary, and port of embarkation, but these ranges will give you a solid baseline.
- Cocktails: $10 to $16 each for classic cocktails on the standard cocktail menu. Premium or signature cocktails can run $12 to $18.
- Frozen cocktails: $11 to $15 depending on size and ingredients.
- Beer: Domestic beers often cost $6 to $8. Imported or craft beers can be $7 to $10.
- Wine by the glass: $8 to $14 for house wines, with premium wines from $15 upward.
- Bottle service: Bottles of wine or Champagne typically start around $40 and can quickly climb based on label and vintage.
Example: Ordering two cocktails and a draft beer at a pool bar could cost between $26 and $40 before gratuity. If you enjoy multiple drinks per day, these a la carte costs add up quickly, which is why many travelers compare them to a beverage package.
Beverage Packages: Types, Typical Costs, and Value
Royal Caribbean offers drink packages—sometimes called a drink package or beverage package—that cover a set list of drinks for a fixed daily price. Packages change over time, but typical types include:
- Classic Soda Package: Unlimited fountain soda and some specialty non-alcoholic drinks. This is great if you plan to drink many sodas or fountain drinks during the cruise.
- Refreshment Package: Includes premium coffees, bottled water, juices, and select non-alcoholic beverages.
- Deluxe Beverage Package: Covers most cocktails, beer, wine by the glass up to a certain price point, and non-alcoholic drinks. This is the most popular choice for casual drinkers.
- Top-Shelf/Add-ons: Some ships allow upgrades to include premium spirits or higher-priced wines.
Typical pricing (ballpark):
- Classic Soda Package: $5 to $9 per person per day.
- Refreshment Package: $15 to $18 per person per day.
- Deluxe Beverage Package: $60 to $90 per person per day, depending on promotions and ship size.
To evaluate value, do the math: if an average cocktail costs $12 and you plan to have five drinks per day, a deluxe beverage package at $70/day may pay off. But if you only drink one or two drinks, paying a la carte will usually be cheaper.
Non-Alcoholic Drinks, Soda Prices, and Specialty Coffee
Not everyone wants alcohol, and Royal Caribbean’s menus reflect that. Expect clear pricing for non-alcoholic options so you can decide between per-item purchases and a package.
- Soda prices: If you don’t buy a soda package, individual fountain or canned sodas often cost $2.50 to $4 each.
- Specialty coffee: Espresso drinks, lattes, and cappuccinos from specialty cafés typically cost $4 to $6.
- Juices and bottled water: Fresh juices and bottled water are usually priced per item unless included in a refreshment or deluxe package.
- Mocktails and non-alcoholic cocktails may be priced similarly to cocktails if ordered from bar menus, though some are included in premium beverage packages that cover non-alcoholic drinks.
If you travel with kids or prefer caffeine, check the Royal Caribbean drink menu before sailing and consider a soda or refreshment package for convenience and potential savings.
Gratuity, Service Charges, and Other Onboard Fees
The sticker price on the menu is not always the final number. When tallying the price of drinks on Royal Caribbean cruises, account for these additional charges:
- Automatic gratuity: Royal Caribbean adds a service charge to drink purchases. This typically ranges from 18% to 20% and is added per drink or per package.
- Taxes and port charges: Some itineraries add local taxes which can increase the final cost slightly.
- Room charge convenience: If you want drinks charged to your stateroom account, there may be no extra fee, but the automatic gratuity still applies.
Example calculation: A $12 cocktail with a 20% gratuity becomes $14.40. If you buy several drinks, that percentage compounds. For packages, an automatic gratuity per person per day is often added to the package price, so confirm the total before purchasing.
Tips for Saving Money on Drinks
Travelers who plan ahead save the most. Here are practical and simple tips for saving on Royal Caribbean sailings:
- Compare your consumption: Estimate how many drinks you typically drink per day. If you drink three to four alcoholic beverages daily, a deluxe beverage package might save money.
- Watch for promotions: Royal Caribbean often runs promotions where beverage packages are discounted if purchased before sailing or during an onboard sale.
- Share bottle purchases: Buying a bottle of wine to share can be cheaper than multiple glasses, though corkage policies vary.
- Use free drink offers: Some loyalty tiers and promotions include complimentary drinks or discounts at bars and specialty venues.
- Enjoy happy hour: Look for happy hour specials at pool bars and lounges; these can reduce standard bar prices on selected items.
- Bring a refillable water bottle: While not for alcohol, having water handy reduces purchases of bottled water.
- Avoid premium menu items: Specialty cocktails, craft beers, and premium spirits are pricier. Sticking to classics and house options trims costs.
Remember: an open bar approach (unlimited drinks via a package) makes sense only if you’ll actually consume the number of drinks required to break even after gratuity and service fees.
Examples and Scenario Comparisons
Here are a few realistic scenarios to illustrate when you should buy a beverage package versus paying per drink.
- Light drinker: 1 drink per day (beer or soda). A la carte is cheaper — estimated daily spend $6 to $8. No package recommended.
- Moderate drinker: 2 to 3 drinks per day, a mix of cocktails and wine. A deluxe package may be break-even if drinks are mid-priced and you use non-alcoholic perks too.
- Frequent social drinker: 4+ drinks per day, incl. specialty coffees and cocktails. A package often saves money and simplifies budgeting.
Example math: Deluxe package at $75/day plus 18% gratuity ≈ $88.50 per day. If average cocktail is $12, you’d need roughly 7 to 8 paid drinks a day to break even — factor in coffee and sodas. Adjust depending on how many drinks you truly consume.
FAQ
Q1: How much does a cocktail cost on Royal Caribbean?
A1: A typical cocktail costs between $10 and $16, with premium or signature cocktails costing more. Local pricing may vary by ship and itinerary.
Q2: Is it cheaper to buy a beverage package ahead of time?
A2: Often yes — when purchased before sailing or during early booking promotions, packages can be cheaper than buying the same package onboard. Check the booking portal for pre-cruise deals.
Q3: Are non-alcoholic drinks included in beverage packages?
A3: Some packages like the Refreshment or Deluxe include non-alcoholic drinks, specialty coffees, and bottled water. Soda-only packages cover fountain beverages.
Q4: Do I have to pay gratuity on drink packages?
A4: Yes. Most beverage packages include an automatic gratuity (service charge) added per person per day. This increases the overall package cost.
Q5: Can I share a beverage package with someone else?
A5: No. Beverage packages are sold per person. Sharing (one person using another’s package) is against the policy and can result in charges if detected.
Conclusion
Knowing the price of drinks on Royal Caribbean cruises helps you plan a realistic vacation budget and avoid surprises. Compare a la carte prices, check current beverage package deals, and account for gratuity and onboard charges. Whether you prefer an occasional cocktail from the cocktail menu, care about soda prices for the family, or are considering an all-inclusive beverage plan, this guide gives the essentials to make an informed decision. With a little planning and awareness of bar prices, happy hour times, and tips for saving, you can enjoy every sail with confidence and no hidden fees.
