Before you click “Book now” for a Royal Caribbean drink package, it’s essential to understand what it truly means to have unlimited drinks at a fixed price. With the convenience of carefree sipping, many cruisers find the notion appealing.
While the price of a drink package can influence its overall value, the peace of mind it offers in avoiding hefty bar tabs is a significant draw. Approximately 50% of passengers opt for a drink package, and whether or not it’s worthwhile hinges on individual drinking habits and ship activities. After exploring this offer on multiple occasions, it’s clear that there are distinct pros and cons to assess.
This guide outlines everything you need to consider and pose the right questions before committing to unlimited drinks.
Drink Packages at a Glance
Get a quick overview of what’s included in Royal Caribbean’s drink packages with this straightforward comparison.
| Deluxe Beverage Package | Royal Refreshment Package | Soda Package | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $56 to $115 per person per day | $32 to $42 per person per day | $9.99 to $18.00 per person per day |
| Accepted at every restaurant & bar | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Cocktails, spirits, liqueurs | ✔️ | ✖️ | ✖️ |
| Beer | ✔️ | ✖️ | ✖️ |
| Wine (by the glass) | ✔️ | ✖️ | ✖️ |
| Mocktails | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✖️ |
| Non-alcoholic beers & wine | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✖️ |
| Premium coffees & teas | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✖️ |
| Fountain sodas | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Coca-Cola souvenir cup / Coca-Cola Freestyle beverages included | ✔️ (Through March 15, 2026, $4.99 after that) | ✔️ (Through March 15, 2026, $4.99 after that) | ✔️ |
| Bottled still and sparkling water | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✖️ |
| Fresh squeezed juices | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✖️ |
What Royal Caribbean Drink Packages Include
Royal Caribbean presents several drink packages for guests, each designed to provide unlimited servings of specific beverages included in the package.
It is important to note that none of these packages include items from the mini bar, Evian water, bottled juice, specialty beers listed on bar menus, or drinks classified as super premium.
Classic Soda Package
The Classic Soda Package, often referred to as “the soda card,” provides unlimited fountain soda and is a favorite among families with children.
Each guest purchasing this package will receive:
- Fountain soda and refills at any venue
- Coca-Cola Freestyle beverages
- Coca-Cola souvenir cup
Refreshment Package
This package encompasses all non-alcoholic beverages and is well-suited for adults, older children, and anyone who enjoys juices, coffee, and tea.
Each guest who purchases this package will enjoy:
- Premium coffees and teas
- Bottled still and sparkling water
- Fresh-squeezed orange juice
- Mocktails
- Fountain sodas / Coca-Cola Freestyle beverages (available until March 15, 2026, $4.99 thereafter)
- Coca-Cola souvenir cup
- Non-alcoholic spirits, wines, and beers (available only for guests of legal drinking age)
The Refreshment Package typically costs around $29.00 each night, excluding gratuities.
Deluxe Beverage Package
Royal Caribbean offers one unlimited alcohol package, the Deluxe Beverage Package, which allows guests to indulge in a wide array of beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.
This package offers comprehensive access to cocktails, spirits, and premium teas, among others.
Included with the purchase of this package are:
- Cocktails, spirits, liqueurs
- Beer
- Wine (by the glass)
- Mocktails
- Premium coffees and teas
- Fountain sodas / Coca-Cola Freestyle beverages (available until March 15, 2026, $4.99 thereafter)
- Coca-Cola souvenir cup
- Bottled still and sparkling water
- Fresh-squeezed juices
- 40% discount on wines under $100; 20% on wines above that threshold.
The Deluxe Beverage Package includes drinks with a maximum value of $14. Any drinks above this price or served in souvenir cups/glasses or fresh fruit are not included, although some costs may be subsidized.
Additionally, all Royal Caribbean passengers aged 21 and older (18 years in Australia and the UK) must purchase the Deluxe Beverage Package if at least one other person in their cabin opts for it, with no exceptions, including medical ones.
Café Select Card
If your focus is on lattes or other coffee creations, the Royal Caribbean Café Select Coffee Card might be the solution.
This card differs from other drink packages as it offers a limited number of drinks; you receive a physical card that gets punched after each use. Each card permits 15 punches.
You may use your coffee card at various Royal Caribbean coffee locations, including Cafe Promenade and Cafe Latte-tudes, but it is not valid at freestanding Starbucks kiosks. Sharing the benefits of the coffee card with another guest is allowed.
Water Package
Royal Caribbean’s Water Package consists of a choice between 12 or 24 packs of one-liter water bottles, delivered directly to your cabin upon embarkation.
This offering ensures that those who prefer bottled spring water have a convenient option while cruising. It also allows you to take water on excursions.
Drinking water remains readily accessible across all bars, restaurants, and lounges, and is filtered to a higher standard than most public tap water.
How Much Does a Drink Package Cost?
Royal Caribbean employs dynamic pricing for its drink packages, meaning that prices may vary based on the ship, itinerary, or travel dates.
- Deluxe Beverage Package: $55 to $120 per person per day
- Royal Refreshment Package: $38 per person per day
- Classic Soft Drinks Package: $12.99 per person per day
- Water Package: 12 bottles for $39; 24 bottles for $69
- Coffee Card: $31 per card
All drink packages include gratuities, meaning there are no additional tips or costs tied to package purchases, although a “service charge” reflecting the automatic 18% gratuity will appear.
Read more: How much does a drink package cost?
It’s advisable to purchase your drink package as early as possible and monitor for price drops. The price of drink packages can fluctuate multiple times before your cruise, often during promotional events with discounts of up to 40% off the onboard price.
Typically, discounts are available every few weeks, though the overall cost may not reflect these changes.
Is Royal Caribbean’s Drink Package Really Unlimited?
Once purchased, drinks can be ordered just like they would be normally; the difference is that you aren’t charged for each item. You can indulge in as many beverages as you want throughout your cruise.
The drink package is added to your account, visible through a sticker on your SeaPass card, although bartenders will check your status by swiping the card. Even if your card hasn’t been issued yet, the purchased package information remains accessible in the system.
This convenience allows passengers to enjoy drinks without concerns about signing bills or gratuities.
What Is Not Included in the Royal Caribbean Drink Package?
While most beverages are covered by the package, some items remain excluded:
- High-shelf liquors exceeding $14 per drink
- Any drink from room service
- Mini bar items
- Liquor tasting events or classes
- Souvenir cups
- Drinks served in fruit
All other beverages should be included for your cruise duration.
Is It Worth Getting a Drink Package on a Royal Caribbean Cruise?
Royal Caribbean includes several complimentary drinks with your cruise fare, while others are available at an extra cost. Opting for a drink package allows for a predictable, flat fee in exchange for unlimited drinks, eliminating potential surprise bills and gratuities.
Ultimately, whether you need a drink package depends on your drinking habits. To make it a cost-effective choice, plan on consuming several drinks each day; otherwise, paying as you go could be more economical.
Many cruisers report that on longer trips (seven nights or longer), maintaining the necessary drinking pace for value can be challenging. Keep in mind, drink packages can still be purchased after your cruise begins if you find yourself enjoying more drinks than expected. Royal Caribbean allows package purchases provided there are at least four days remaining in the cruise.
The crucial aspect is to assess how you typically enjoy drinks while cruising compared to at home. In the end, you may find that overpaying either for the package or for individual drinks results in a memorable vacation experience regardless.
Drink Package Restrictions
While there are no limits on the overall number of drinks you can consume within a day or throughout your cruise, you may only order one drink at a time with a single drink package.
If multiple guests are ordering drinks on their packages, the bartender will need to take each guest’s SeaPass card to process the orders.
Be mindful of certain rules regarding drink packages that could affect your experience.
Royal Caribbean Drinks Package Value, Pros & Cons
Having utilized Royal Caribbean’s drink packages extensively, we’ve also opted to pay out of pocket for drinks on numerous occasions. The packages have their enthusiastic supporters and detractors alike, with our stance often falling somewhere in between. Let’s explore the benefits and drawbacks.
Savings:
The potential for cost savings exists with a drink package compared to buying drinks individually, but this real benefit applies to those who enjoy a significant number of daily beverages to justify the package cost. Regular drinkers may appreciate the savings, as cocktail prices typically hover around $10-14 each, making bar tabs accumulate quickly. For guests diligently moderating their consumption, it may be less economical to rely on a package.
Amount of Drinks:
Some cruisers report experiencing “drink fatigue,” obliging themselves to order more than they would otherwise, simply because the package encourages consuming extra drinks. Shorter cruises often see an uptick in this phenomenon, as the party atmosphere can lead to higher consumption. Consider what your plans entail: lounging by the pool or engaging in other activities where drinking may not be an option.
Convenience:
Many consider the convenience of the Royal Caribbean drink packages to be a prime advantage. Without worrying about drink costs, it adds a level of simplicity to vacationing. This ease permits guests to explore new drinks without the fear of financial commitment.
Budgeting:
Advocates of the drink package emphasize how it helps maintain a budget and provides predictability in vacation spending, akin to a cell phone plan. While there are advantages to pre-purchasing to avoid overwhelming bills, the reality is that one still needs to drink sufficiently to justify the investment overall.
Sticker Shock:
Even those unconcerned about budgets often experience sticker shock with drink prices while cruising. Whether you justify the cost or not, a drink package alleviates concerns about spending more than expected on special drinks, particularly given daily discounts like the “drink of the day.”
Itinerary:
The cruise itinerary plays a role in whether a drink package is a prudent investment. While the packages apply in Royal Caribbean’s private areas (e.g., Labadee and Perfect Day at CocoCay), they aren’t valid in other ports, potentially limiting their value during port-heavy itineraries.
Key Takeaways
- Consider how your drinking habits match your cruise plans when evaluating drink packages.
- Dynamic pricing means that package costs fluctuate based on various factors, including timing.
- Packages do not include certain beverages and services, so be aware of the exclusions.
- There are mixed opinions on the value of drink packages, often revolving around personal consumption levels.
- Purchasing a drink package can simplify budgeting but requires frequent usage to be cost-effective.
- Packages can be acquired after your cruise starts if you find yourself drinking more.
FAQ
What drinks are excluded from the Royal Caribbean drink package?
High-shelf liquors exceeding $14, beverages from room service, mini bar items, and specialty tasting classes are not included.
Can I share my drink package benefits with someone else?
No, drink packages are personal and not shareable. However, coffee card benefits can be shared between guests.
Are gratuities included with the drink package?
Yes, all drink packages include gratuities in their final price, providing a hassle-free experience without extra tipping.
Can I buy a drink package after my cruise starts?
Yes, you can purchase a drink package anytime during your cruise, provided there are at least four days remaining on your trip.
What is the best time to purchase a drink package?
It’s advisable to buy your drink package early and monitor for price drops, as discounts can occur leading up to the cruise.
