Many cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean and Carnival, do not typically include soda in their packages. This means that guests are faced with the option of investing in an expensive drink package or buying soft drinks individually during their voyage. However, both cruise lines offer soda-specific packages that allow travelers to enjoy limitless fountain soda at a reasonable price.
While both soda packages appear similar at first glance, they have distinct features worth examining. Whether you’re looking to quench your thirst or simply want to avoid the alcohol scene, understanding these options can enhance your cruise experience.
Soda package Royal Caribbean price: How does it compare to Carnival?
To begin, it’s essential to know how each cruise line structures its soda package pricing.
The Carnival soda package is offered at a fixed price of $11.99 per adult and $6.95 per child per day. This means that for a seven-night cruise, you could pay between $58 and $100 for the Bottomless Bubbles soda package, including the required 20% service charge.
Recently, I purchased the soda package for $79.80 on a seven-night cruise aboard Carnival’s Mardi Gras, averaging about $11.40 per day. However, this price increased shortly afterward due to Carnival’s recent adjustments to package prices and nightly gratuity rates.
In contrast, Royal Caribbean employs dynamic pricing for its soda package. The cost varies depending on factors like the specific ship, itinerary, and length of the cruise.
Typically, you can expect to spend between $9.99 and $18.00 per person per day, plus gratuity, for the Royal Caribbean soda package. For instance, I priced the Classic Soda Package for an upcoming three-day cruise on Utopia of the Seas, which is currently $10.99 per person per day. After including the 18% gratuity, the total comes to just under $13 per day, amounting to about $38.88 for the entire voyage.
Read more: Royal Caribbean soda package review: What you get and if it’s worth it
Royal Caribbean soda package vs. Carnival soda package: What’s included?
Both Royal Caribbean and Carnival offer Coca-Cola® products on their ships, including popular choices like Coke, Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Seagram’s, and Mr. Pibb.
One advantage of Royal Caribbean is that many of their ships are equipped with Coca-Cola Freestyle® machines, enhancing the soda experience. The Classic Soda Package includes a Freestyle® cup for each guest, giving you access to over 100 drink combinations, from classic sodas to unique flavor variations and no-sugar options.
Read more: What you need to know about the Royal Caribbean soda cup
The Freestyle® machines can be found in bustling areas like the Royal Promenade, Windjammer Marketplace, and teen clubs. However, some ships, such as the Brilliance of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas, and others, do not feature these machines.
Conversely, Carnival’s Bottomless Bubbles package is more straightforward. Guests typically order drinks at the bar, with a selection that includes the essential Coca-Cola® drinks. The Lido Marketplace buffet also features self-service drink stations, allowing guests to easily grab drinks using their Sail & Sign card, which I found convenient despite having fewer flavor options than the Freestyle® machines.
It’s noteworthy that guests without a soda package on Carnival can still use the fountain soda machines by paying by the ounce. In contrast, Royal Caribbean requires a drink package to access the Freestyle® machines, and additional costs may apply for other beverage packages.
While both packages offer unlimited soft drinks for the duration of the cruise, other beverages like bottled water, mocktails, energy drinks, and specialty coffees incur extra charges. Carnival’s package does include select juices by the glass, while Royal Caribbean’s Classic Soda Package permits usage at their private destinations like Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee, Haiti. Be mindful that Carnival may also impose taxes on soda ordered in port.
Can you share a drink package on a cruise?
According to both Carnival’s and Royal Caribbean’s policies, drink packages are non-transferable and cannot be shared among guests. Each package is linked to a specific Sail & Sign or SeaPass account, intended solely for individual use.
“Non-transferable and may not be shared. Guests or family members who would like to enjoy soft drinks through this program must purchase their own sticker,” states Carnival’s website. Similarly, Royal Caribbean’s website confirms that “All packages are for single guest use and cannot be shared by multiple people.”
Be cautious; if caught sharing beverages with someone who lacks a drink package, your package may be canceled without a refund, possibly incurring charges for previously ordered drinks.
How to add a drink package to your cruise
Purchasing a soda package before your cruise is a simple process. Log into your cruise line’s online planning portal, either Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner or Carnival’s Cruise Manager, and navigate to the drink package section.
If sailing with Royal Caribbean, consider pre-purchasing your drink package, as they often provide discounts. Carnival’s soda package rates remain the same, regardless of when you buy it, be it three months in advance or on embarkation day.
Additionally, Royal Caribbean requires drink package reservations to be made at least two days prior to embarkation, while Carnival allows online pre-purchases until 11:59 p.m. the night before your cruise.
Is a cruise soda package worth it?
Soda packages may not appeal to everyone. Personally, I have found great value in using a soda package on both Royal Caribbean and Carnival cruises.
While it may not significantly change the cruising experience, it greatly assists in avoiding the allure of alcoholic beverages. For soft drink enthusiasts, the ability to order drinks freely without worrying about the final bill is a significant advantage.
That said, both lines offer alternative beverage packages that include mocktails, specialty coffees, non-alcoholic beers, and sodas for one price, making them more inclusive. If your preferences lean more towards tap water, iced tea, or occasional sodas, the package might not justify the cost. Ultimately, the right cruise drink package is tailored to your unique drinking habits while on vacation.
Key Takeaways
- Soda packages on Royal Caribbean and Carnival allow for unlimited fountain drinks during cruises.
- Carnival offers a fixed price, while Royal Caribbean uses dynamic pricing based on cruise details.
- Both packages exclude bottled water and alcoholic beverages, with Carnival’s package including select juices.
- Sharing drink packages is strictly prohibited on both cruise lines.
- Pre-purchasing options vary between the two lines with different cut-off times for reservations.
FAQ
What sodas are included in the packages?
Both packages primarily feature Coca-Cola® products, including variations of Coke, Diet Coke, Fanta, and Sprite.
Can I purchase a drink package on embarkation day?
Yes, you can purchase a drink package on embarkation day, especially with Carnival, which does not change its pricing based on when you buy it.
Are taxes included in the soda package price?
Generally, taxes are not included in the package price on Carnival, and additional charges may apply when ordering drinks in port.
Is there a limit on how many drinks I can order?
While there is no explicit limit, the drink package is intended for personal use, and excessive sharing can lead to penalties.
