Before you begin your cruise on Royal Caribbean what drinks are free is a good thing to know beforehand.
Especially if you have a strict budget and/or are not planning to buy one of their drinks packages.
Here’s the good news: Royal Caribbean offers a pretty solid list of drinks in your base cruise fare.
These are available in many places across the ship and won’t cost you anything extra.
Let’s walk through all your beverage options and where to find them.
Tap Water: Always Available, Always Free
Tap water is filtered and safe to drink on all Royal Caribbean cruises.
You’ll find it at drink stations, in the Main Dining Room, and at buffet areas like Windjammer Café.
You can even ask for it at bars or cafés, and they’ll gladly give you a glass.
Tip: Bring a reusable water bottle and fill it at the self-serve stations throughout the day.
Flavored Waters: A Tasty Twist
Flavored water is another free drink that’s easy to find.
At Windjammer Caféand sometimes at Sorrento’s orCafé Promenade, you can get tropical-infused water in flavors like strawberry-kiwi or mango.
These drinks are great if you want something refreshing but sugar-free.
You can drink them with your meals or grab a cup between activities.
Lemonade: A Cruise Favorite
When on Royal Caribbean what drinks are free?
Add lemonade to the list.
Lemonade is one of the most popular free drinks on board their cruise ships.
You’ll see it in buffet areas during lunch and dinner.
The flavor is slightly pulpy, a little tart, and usually chilled just right.
Just note that you won’t find lemonade during breakfast, so grab it later in the day when you want something other than water.
Iced Tea: Simple and Reliable
Royal Caribbean serves unsweetened iced tea, and it’s included in your fare.
It’s available most of the day at Windjammer Café and theMain Dining Room.
If you like sweet tea, you can mix it yourself by adding lemonade.
That mix – half tea, half lemonade – is a cruise guest favorite called an “Arnold Palmer.”
Hot Coffee and Tea: Served All Day
Whether you need a wake-up cup in the morning or something warm after dinner, basic coffee and tea are free.
You can get regular or decaf brewed coffee, plus a small selection of tea bags—usually including chamomile, Earl Grey, and green tea.
These are available at Windjammer, Café Promenade, andSorrento’s Pizza.
Note: Specialty coffees like lattes and cappuccinos do cost extra.
Milk: Not Just for Breakfast
Royal Caribbean offers milk options at breakfast, but you can also ask for it any time of day.
You’ll usually find whole milk, skim milk, and sometimes soy or almond milk for those with dietary needs.
Milk is often available at the buffet or from your dining room server.
So if you’re wondering, on Royal Caribbean what drinks are free?, remember to include milk in the tally.
Hot Chocolate: A Cozy Option
If you love the soothing, reliable warmth of hot chocolate, you’re in luck.
Instant hot cocoa packets are available at Windjammer Caféor can be ordered via room service.
It’s perfect for a chilly night at sea or a quiet afternoon on deck.
Just ask, and a staff member will point you to it.
Free Juices at Breakfast
Royal Caribbean offers a few juice options during breakfast only.
You’ll find orange juice and apple juice served at Windjammer Caféand the Main Dining Room.
These are usually concentrate or boxed versions – not fresh-squeezed – but they still hit the spot in the morning.
After breakfast hours, juices are no longer included unless you’ve purchased a drink package.
Where to Find Free Drinks
Now that you know on Royal Caribbean what drinks are free, let’s talk about where you can find them.
Windjammer Café
This buffet is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night snacks.
It has the widest selection of free drinks in one place.
There are self-serve stations for water, tea, lemonade, flavored water, and juice in the morning.
Main Dining Room
Whether you’re eating breakfast, lunch, or dinner here, you can always request free drinks.
The staff will bring water, milk, coffee, or tea to your table.
Juice is served during breakfast, and iced tea or lemonade is often available later in the day.
Café Promenade
This café is great for a quick snack or a simple drink.
You can grab free brewed coffee, hot tea, or water here.
Just remember that specialty drinks like espresso, iced coffee, or cappuccinos cost extra!
Look for signs that say “Starbucks Proudly Served.”
This means the drink isn’t included.
Sorrento’s Pizza
Need a late-night slice?
Sorrento’s is open late and offers a few basic drinks too.
You can get free coffee, hot tea, and water to go with your pizza.
Soft drinks or alcoholic beverages require payment.
What Free Drinks Are on Royal Caribbean’s Private Island?
If your cruise visitsPerfect Day at CocoCay, the free drink policy continues on the island.
You can find ice water and flavored water at drink stations scattered around the beach.
It’s a good idea to bring your water bottle to stay hydrated under the sun.
Alcoholic drinks and sodas are available, too.
But they’re not free unless you have a drink package.
What Drinks Are Not Free?
When cruising on Royal Caribbean what drinks are free — and what cost extra?
To avoid surprises, here’s a list of drinks that aren’t covered by your fare:
- Fountain soda and canned soda
- Bottled water
- Fresh-squeezed juices
Starbucks and specialty coffee drinks - Smoothies and milkshakes
- Energy drinks
- Beer, wine, and cocktails
If you plan to drink any of these often, a beverage package might be worth looking into.
Can You Bring Drinks Onboard?
Yes, you can.
Each guest is allowed to bring:
- Up to 12 non-alcoholic drinks (cans or bottles, under 17 oz. each)
- One 750ml bottle of wine or champagne per adult
These rules are helpful if you prefer specific sodas or juices, or if you want to enjoy your favorite wine in your cabin.
Just pack them in your carry-on bag when you board.
Tips for Getting the Most From Free Drinks
Here are a few practical ways to enjoy your free drinks from Royal Caribbean:
- Mix lemonade and iced tea for a DIY Arnold Palmer.
- Bring a reusable tumbler or insulated cupto keep drinks cold.
- Ask staff politely if flavored water or juice is available even if you don’t see it.
- Store milk or juice in your cabin fridgefor later (especially useful for families).
- Check your daily Cruise Compassnewsletter for any drink-related specials or events.
Let RSC Vacations Help You Cruise Smarter
Before you cruise on Royal Caribbean what drinks are free is good info to keep in mind.
Especially if you don’t want to end up paying extra for something you just wanted to try.
So why not give us a call?
At RSC Vacations, we don’t just book your cruise; we help you plan smarter.
Understanding what’s free (and what isn’t) on your trip helps you avoid stress and save money.
We’ll guide you through everything, from drink packages to dining options and ship layouts.
We specialize in cruise planning for families, couples, and groups, and we make sure every detail is handled.
Reach out to RSC Vacations today, and let’s build your perfect cruise — right down to what’s in your cup!