Royal Caribbean Drink Package Pricing for 2026: What to Expect

If you’re planning a cruise with Royal Caribbean, navigating their drink packages is essential for maximizing your experience. Understanding the options available will help you select the best one for your needs, ensuring you can enjoy your favorite beverages without the worry of unexpected bar bills.

Royal Caribbean offers three distinct drink packages, with pricing that varies based on your cruise date and ship. As demand for unlimited drinks continues to rise, prices have been increasing each year. With many passengers eager to relax onboard, these packages appeal to those looking to enjoy drinks without managing costs. It’s crucial to know what each package includes to avoid overspending.

How much are Royal Caribbean drink packages?

Royal Caribbean employs variable pricing for its unlimited drink packages, meaning costs fluctuate based on your sailing’s specifics, including the ship and date.

Generally, newer ships have higher drink package prices. Similarly, cruises during major holidays or peak vacation periods command elevated prices.

For 2025, here’s a general overview of expected drink package costs:

Deluxe Beverage Package: $55 to $120 per person per day
Royal Refreshment Package: $40 per person per day
Soda Package: $9.99 to $18 per person per day
Water Package: 12 bottles for $45
Coffee card: $31 per card

Please note that a mandatory 18% gratuity is added to the cost of any drink package, referred to as a service fee at the point of purchase. This fee covers all drinks ordered from crew members.

The Deluxe Beverage Package exhibits the widest range of potential prices, reflecting its growing popularity. The cruise line adjusts pricing based on demand across various cruises.

What is a drink package?

Royal Caribbean offers two main types of drink packages: unlimited packages and those with prepaid limited amounts.

The unlimited drink packages are particularly favored as they provide a flat rate for unlimited beverages throughout your cruise. However, note that these benefits apply solely to the purchaser and are non-transferable.

The three available unlimited drink packages are:

Deluxe Beverage Package

The Deluxe Beverage Package encompasses both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks for the entirety of your cruise.

Included in this package are:

✅ Cocktails, spirits, liqueurs
✅ Beer
✅ Wine (by the glass)
✅ Mocktails
✅ Premium coffees & teas
✅ Fountain sodas
✅ Coca-Cola souvenir cup / Coca-Cola Freestyle beverages (Post-March 15, 2026, $4.99 after that)
✅ Bottled still and sparkling water
✅ Fresh-squeezed juices

Exclusions from the Deluxe Beverage Package include top-shelf liquors, wine by the bottle, and Starbucks drinks from kiosks.

This package is the priciest option and requires that if one adult in a stateroom purchases it, all other adults in the same stateroom must do the same, preventing benefits from being shared.

Royal Refreshment Package

If you prefer unlimited non-alcoholic beverages, the Royal Refreshment Package may suit you.

It offers everything included in the Deluxe Beverage Package, minus the alcoholic options.

✅ Mocktails
✅ Premium coffees & teas
✅ Fountain sodas
✅ Coca-Cola souvenir cup / Coca-Cola Freestyle beverages (Post-March 15, 2026, $4.99 after that)
✅ Bottled still and sparkling water
✅ Fresh-squeezed juices
❌ Cocktails, spirits, liqueurs
❌ Beer
❌ Wine (by the glass)

This package is especially popular with teenagers and light drinkers.

Soda Package

For those who enjoy soft drinks, an unlimited Soda Package is available.

This package includes soft drinks available from any bar, restaurant, or lounge, along with access to the Coca-Cola Freestyle machines on applicable ships.

✅ Fountain sodas / Coca-Cola Freestyle beverages
✅ Coca-Cola souvenir cup
❌ Cocktails, spirits, liqueurs
❌ Beer
❌ Wine (by the glass)
❌ Mocktails
❌ Premium coffees & teas
❌ Bottled still and sparkling water
❌ Fresh-squeezed juices

It’s worth noting that the soda package does not include bottled water.

Bottled Water Package

While this package is not unlimited, it allows you to purchase 12 bottles of Evian water for delivery to your stateroom.

This option is convenient for those who prefer bottled water, providing a cost-effective way to have ample water available throughout your cruise. It can also be shared among guests.

Coffee Punch Card

Coffee enthusiasts can opt for a coffee punch card. This card entitles you to a fixed number of premium coffee-based drinks at various Royal Caribbean coffee outlets.

While it can be used at locations such as Cafe Promenade or Cafe @ Two70, it is not valid at freestanding Starbucks kiosks. Similar to the bottled water package, the punch card benefits can be shared.

How to get a cheap drink package on Royal Caribbean

There are several ways to save on drink packages before your cruise with Royal Caribbean.

Typically, the cruise line offers pre-cruise discounts for drink packages. Purchasing your package prior to boarding is often more economical than buying it onboard.

You can find discounts on the Cruise Planner section of Royal Caribbean’s website or via their app.

Prices can fluctuate frequently. Thus, purchasing your drink package early and rebooking if prices drop can help you secure a better deal. Waiting to buy based on potential price reductions may backfire as prices can also increase.

The Deluxe Beverage Package often experiences the most pricing changes, while the Royal Refreshment Package may occasionally see discounts.

Typically, discounts on the Soda Package or limited quantity packages are rare, though they may occur from time to time.

Monitoring the Cruise Planner frequently can help you identify better deals.

It’s key to remember that pricing varies for different individuals, as the dynamic nature of pricing and the absence of a price matching policy means comparing costs won’t yield meaningful insights.

Members of Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Anchor Society at the Diamond tier or above can receive onboard discounts for drink package purchases, but these discounts are not available online.

Typically, online discounts are comparable or better than those you’d receive by waiting to use them onboard, so it’s advisable to act promptly.

How do you buy a Royal Caribbean drink package?

You can purchase a drink package online, onboard, or by phone. Regardless of the method, the full amount will be charged at the point of purchase.

Buying your drink package online before your cruise is often the most straightforward option.

Visit the Cruise Planner website to make your purchase, or utilize the Royal Caribbean app, though many find the Cruise Planner site more effective for tracking price fluctuations.

If preferred, you can call Royal Caribbean at 1-800-398-9819 to order through a representative.

Alternatively, you can buy a drink package onboard at any bar or restaurant, where promotional tables are often set up on embarkation day.

Is a Royal Caribbean drink package worth it?

While drink packages can be quite expensive, they offer significant savings for those who plan to consume a considerable amount. The convenience of avoiding a substantial bar bill can be appealing for many passengers.

Most passengers assess whether they’ll consume enough drinks daily to justify the package’s cost compared to purchasing drinks individually.

The bottled water and coffee card packages present the clearest value assessments. Since unused bottled water can be taken home, there’s minimal risk involved. Additionally, Royal Caribbean provides complimentary water, coffee, and tea for guests who may not need the package.

The Refreshment Package can be worthwhile if you plan to enjoy a sufficient variety of beverages daily. The costs of lattes, bottled water, mocktails, and sodas can quickly accumulate, making the unlimited package advantageous.

For alcohol, significant consumption makes the Deluxe Beverage Package a prudent choice. If you find yourself drinking 6-8 cocktails or 9-11 beers daily, the package becomes increasingly justifiable.

Many travelers tend to drink more on vacation, and if your daily order includes coffee, cocktails, and wines across meals, you’ll likely break even on the package price.

In general, a drink package is a worthwhile investment if you anticipate enjoying a fair amount of drinks during your cruise and appreciate the convenience of prepayment.

Furthermore, purchasing a drink package in advance allows you to budget outside of onboard expenses, which can be beneficial for managing overall cruise costs.

If you don’t expect to indulge heavily in drinks, consider skipping the drink package and saving your funds for other experiences. Basic drinks will still be accessible without significantly impacting your budget.

Key Takeaways

Royal Caribbean’s drink packages vary in price based on ship and sail date.
The Deluxe Beverage Package is the most expansive, including a wide range of beverages.
Purchasing packages early often leads to cost savings.
Packages typically require the purchaser to be the sole adult in their stateroom.
Always check the Cruise Planner for potential discounts or offers.
Evaluate your drinking habits to determine the value of a package.
Consider specialty packages if you have specific beverage preferences.

FAQ

What types of drinks does the Deluxe Beverage Package include?

The Deluxe Beverage Package covers a variety of drinks including cocktails, beer, wine by the glass, mocktails, premium coffees, and soft drinks.

Can I share my drink package with others?

No, drink packages are non-transferable and benefits are strictly for the individual purchaser.

How can I get a discount on my drink package?

Discounts are often available for purchasing drink packages ahead of your sailing through the Cruise Planner or app, with prices frequently fluctuating.

What if I don’t finish my bottled water?

Any unused bottled water from the bottled water package can be taken home after the cruise, ensuring minimal waste.

Is the coffee punch card shareable?

Yes, the coffee punch card benefits can be shared with others, much like the bottled water package.