If you’re planning to go on a cruise, you’ve probably looked into the drink and dining options.
So you’re probably wondering; are Royal Caribbean drink packages worth it?
The answer really depends on a number of factors.
For instance: how much you drink, what you like to drink, and whether you see yourself indulging in more than a few drinks a day for the entirety of the cruise.
Royal Caribbean offers different drink packages that cover alcohol, soda, coffee, and bottled water.
Some people love the convenience of paying a one-time fee for bottomless drinks.
Other passengers feel the price is too high for what you’re getting.
So before you decide, here’s a look at the costs, inclusions, and limitations of Royal Caribbean’s drink packages.
What Are the Royal Caribbean Drink Packages?
Royal Caribbean offers three main drink packages:
- Deluxe Beverage Package. Covers alcohol, soda, juice, coffee, and bottled water.
- Refreshment Package. Includes all non-alcoholic drinks like soda, coffee, and juice.
- Classic Soda Package. Provides unlimited soda with a refillable cup.
Each package has different prices, benefits, and limitations.
We’ll get into these more later on.
How Much Do Royal Caribbean Drink Packages Cost?
Drink package prices change based on the ship, itinerary, and promotions.
Here’s a rough estimate of how much each one costs.
- Deluxe Beverage Package.$70–$105 per person, per day.
- Refreshment Package.$20–$29 per person, per day.
- Classic Soda Package.Around $12.99 per person, per day.
An 18% gratuity is added when you buy the package.
Prices go up if you wait until you’re onboard, so buying the package early is best if you want to save.
So for the price you pay, are Royal Caribbean drink packages worth it?
Let’s look at the inclusions of each package in detail.
What’s Included in the Deluxe Beverage Package?
The Deluxe Beverage Packageincludes:
- Cocktails, beer, and wine (up to $14 per glass).
- Premium coffee, tea, and fresh juices.
- Bottled still and sparkling water.
- Soda and Coca-Cola Freestyle drinks.
- Milkshakes at Johnny Rockets.
- 40% off bottles of wine under $100 (20% off bottles over $100).
If you like a variety of drinks, this package can be a good deal.
What’s Included in the Refreshment Package?
The Refreshment Packageincludes:
- Bottled still and sparkling water.
- Premium coffee and tea — except Starbucks beverages.
- Fresh-squeezed juices available at various venues
- Access to unlimited fountain soda (and refills) at any venue.
- Use of Coca-Cola Freestyle machine, which has a wide range of flavors.
- Souvenir Coca-Cola cup for unlimited refills.
- Mocktails and other non-alcoholic cocktails at bars and restaurants.
- Milkshakes at Johnny Rockets (not available at all locations)
What’s Included in the Classic Soda Package?
The Classic Soda Packageincludes:
- Unlimited refills of fountain sodas at any venue onboard
- Use of Coca-Cola Freestyle machine, which has a wide range of flavors.
- Souvenir Coca-Cola cup for unlimited refills.
Pros of Buying a Drink Package
- Easy and Convenient
You won’t have to worry about paying for each drink or keeping track of your spending.
- Potential Savings
If you drink 4–5 alcoholic drinks per day, the package may save you money.
Beer costs around $8 per glass, while cocktails and wine are $12–$14 each.
- All-Inclusive Feel
Some people enjoy ordering drinks without thinking about the price.
It makes the cruise feel like an all-inclusive resort.
- Includes More Than Alcohol
You also get bottled water, soda, coffee, and juice, which adds value.
Cons of Buying a Drink Package
- High Price
Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe Beverage Packagecan reach over $100 per day, making it one of the most expensive cruise add-ons.
- Everyone in the Cabin Must Buy It
If one adult in a cabin buys the Deluxe Beverage Package, all adults must purchase it.
This rule prevents sharing but makes it costly for couples with different drinking habits.
- You Might Not Drink Enough
If you don’t drink 4–5 alcoholic drinks daily, you may not get your money’s worth if you’re buying the Deluxe Beverage Package.
In this case, the Refreshment or Classic Soda package might be better – and cheaper – options for you.
Bear in mind that Royal Caribbean already offers free drinks like iced tea, lemonade, and water.
So if you’re not fond of sweet or specialty drinks, you might not need a drinks package at all!
- No Refunds After Boarding
If you change your mind about buying a drinks package, you can cancel your purchase before your cruise and get a full refund.
But once onboard, you won’t get a refund even if you cancel your order.
Is the Refreshment Package a Better Option?
As mentioned earlier, the Refreshment Package is a cheaper alternative to the Deluxe Beverage Package.
It covers fresh fruit juices, smoothes, milkshakes at Johnny Rockets, and non-alcoholic cocktails.
If you’re a light drinker or a non-drinker, this package is definitely the better option for you.
What About the Classic Soda Package?
The Classic Soda Packageincludes unlimited soda and a Coca-Cola souvenir cup.
It’s the best option for soda drinkers, definitely.
However, it doesn’t include bottled water, coffee, juices, or smoothies.
So if you want more drink variety, this package might feel too restrictive.
Who Should Get a Royal Caribbean Drink Package?
A drink package might be worth it if:
- You drink several alcoholic beverages daily.
- You like specialty coffee, fresh juice, and bottled water.
- You want an all-inclusive experience.
- You plan to stay onboard rather than drink at port bars.
Who Should Skip a Drink Package?
Are Royal Caribbean drink packages worth it?
If the following are true about you, then they may not be.
- You drink fewer than 3–4 drinks per day.
- You’re fine with free drinks like water and iced tea.
- You spend most of your time off the ship.
- You don’t want to commit to a daily cost.
How to Get the Best Price on a Drink Package
If you’re still pushing through with a drink package, here are some ways to maximize the value.
1. Buy Before Your Cruise
Drink packages are cheaper when bought online before the cruise.
2. Look for Sales
Royal Caribbean offers discounts of 10–30% on drink packages.
Black Friday and holiday promotions often have the best deals.
3. Check Prices After Booking
If the price drops, you can cancel and repurchase at the lower rate.
You’ll get a full refund as long as you cancel before the cruise, so you won’t lose any money this way.
4. Use Onboard Credit
If you have onboard credit, you can use it to buy a drink package.
Can You Share a Royal Caribbean Drink Package?
No, you cannot.
Royal Caribbean does not allow sharing drink packages.
If you try to share and are caught, your package may be canceled.
Do Drink Packages Work at Private Islands?
Yes, the Royal Caribbean drink packages are still valid on private islands.
Specifically, Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee.
If you purchased the Deluxe Beverage Package, you can order cocktails, sodas, select specialty drinks, and bottled water at private island bars.
Can You Buy a Drink Package for One Day?
No, you cannot.
Royal Caribbean’s drink packages are meant to last the entirety of the cruise.
So you can’t buy it for just one or two days for the sake of trying it.
Ready to Book Your Best Cruise — With Drinks?
So, are Royal Caribbean drink packages worth it?
It truly depends on your drinking habits and budget.
If you drink several alcoholic or premium non-alcoholic drinks daily, the package can offer convenience and savings.
If you drink less or prefer free drinks, paying per drink might be better.
Booking early and looking for sales can help you get the best deal.
So why not give us a call?
At RSC Vacations, we help you plan the best Royal Caribbean cruise for you.
We can offer access to exclusive cruise deals — including discounts on drink packages — if they’re available.
Plus, we’ll handle all the details of your trip.
All you need to do is focus on enjoying your ocean adventure.
Contact RSC Vacations today!