Thinking about a Royal Caribbean cruise but feeling overwhelmed by the drink packages? You're not alone. It's one of the most debated topics in online cruise forums, and for good reason. Choosing the right package can be the difference between a carefree vacation and a surprising bill at the end of your trip.
Let's cut through the confusion. This guide will break down exactly what each package offers, help you do the real-world math to see if it's worth it for you, and share some insider tips to get the most value.
What Are the Royal Caribbean Drink Packages?
Royal Caribbean keeps it relatively simple with three main options, each catering to a different type of cruiser. Think of them as Good, Better, and Best.
The Classic Soda Package
This is the most basic package. It's straightforward and perfect for kids, teens, or adults who just want their soda fix. You get unlimited fountain soda refills from any bar, lounge, or Coca-Cola Freestyle machine on the ship. It also includes a souvenir Coca-Cola cup. Simple as that.
The Refreshment Package (The "Non-Alcoholic" Package)
This is a huge step up from the Soda Package and, in my opinion, one of the best deals on board if you don't drink alcohol. It includes everything from the Soda Package, plus a whole lot more. Think premium coffees and teas (like lattes and espressos from Cafe Promenade), freshly squeezed juices, bottled still and sparkling water, and delicious non-alcoholic cocktails, also known as mocktails. If you're someone who loves starting your day with a real latte and enjoying a virgin piña colada by the pool, this package is for you.
The Deluxe Beverage Package (The "Everything" Package)
This is the big one—the all-inclusive key to the kingdom. You get everything included in the other two packages, PLUS virtually all alcoholic beverages. This includes a huge selection of cocktails (like mojitos, martinis, and frozen drinks), spirits, liqueurs, beer, and a wide variety of wines by the glass. If a drink is under the price limit (usually around $14 per drink, which covers almost everything), it's yours.
The Big Question: Is the Deluxe Drink Package Worth It?
This is where you need to be honest with yourself about your vacation style. The value of the Deluxe package comes down to simple math.
The "Break-Even" Math
The price of the Deluxe package fluctuates, but it generally hovers between $70 and $100 per person, per day (plus an 18% gratuity that's added on automatically). Let's do a quick example. If the package price is $85/day, the real cost with gratuity is just over $100 per day.
At an average cost of $14 per cocktail, $8 per beer, and $12 per glass of wine, you need to drink about 6-7 alcoholic beverages per day, every day of your cruise, just to break even.
Don't forget to add in the non-alcoholic drinks! That morning latte ($5), mid-day bottled water ($3), and afternoon soda ($3.50) also count towards the package's value. When you factor those in, the break-even point might drop to around 5-6 alcoholic drinks per day.
Who it's PERFECT for:
* The Poolside Lounger: If your ideal sea day involves relaxing by the pool with a steady flow of frozen cocktails, this package is practically made for you.
* The Social Drinker: You enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail, a few glasses of wine with your meal, and a nightcap in one of the lounges.
* The Beverage Explorer: You love trying new things, from premium coffees to different spirits, without ever worrying about the cost of an individual drink.
Who should SKIP it:
* The Port-Heavy Cruiser: If your itinerary has you off the ship exploring ports most days, you'll have very little time to use the package onboard, making it hard to get your money's worth.
* The Light Drinker: If you only have one or two glasses of wine with dinner, you will save a significant amount of money by simply paying for those drinks individually.
* The Budget-Conscious Traveler: It's a significant upfront cost. If you'd rather spend that money on an excursion or a specialty dining experience, that's a perfectly valid choice.
How to Buy and Use the Drink Package
This is a crucial tip that can save you a lot of money.
The Cruise Planner
The absolute best price is almost always found by pre-purchasing the package on the official Royal Caribbean "Cruise Planner" website after you've booked your cruise. The price onboard the ship is almost always higher. Keep an eye out for sales, especially around holidays like Black Friday, as you can often lock in a great discount. If the price drops after you buy it, you can cancel and repurchase it at the lower price with no penalty.
Onboard the Ship
You can still purchase the package on the first or second day of your cruise at any bar, but expect to pay the full, non-discounted price.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
These are the questions I see pop up all the time.
Do both people in a cabin have to buy the package?
Yes. If one adult in a standard stateroom buys the Deluxe Beverage Package, all other adults in that same room must also purchase it. This rule is in place to prevent sharing. If your cabin mate doesn't drink alcohol for any reason, you can call Royal Caribbean directly, and they will often make an exception by allowing one person to get the Deluxe and the other to get the non-alcoholic Refreshment Package.
Does the package work at CocoCay?
Yes! This is a huge perk. Your drink package works just like it does on the ship at all the bars on Royal Caribbean's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. It does not work at Labadee (their other private destination) or at any other port of call.
Are gratuities included in the package price?
An 18% gratuity is automatically added to the total cost of the package when you purchase it. When you are on the ship and order a drink, the receipt will show a zero balance, and you do not need to add an additional tip unless you feel the service was truly exceptional.
Can you share drinks from the package?
Officially, no. Sharing is strictly against the rules, and if you are caught, you risk having your drink package privileges revoked with no refund.
Conclusion: My Final Recommendation
So, what's the verdict?
For me, the real value of the Deluxe Beverage Package isn't just about the break-even math; it's about the peace of mind. It transforms your cruise into a truly all-inclusive experience. It allows you to try that interesting-looking cocktail or grab a bottled water without ever pulling out your SeaPass card and worrying about the cost.
If you are a light drinker or on a tight budget, the Refreshment Package is a fantastic alternative that still gives you that premium, carefree feeling with specialty coffees and mocktails.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. Analyze your own habits, check the Cruise Planner for sales, and no matter what you choose, have an incredible time on your Royal Caribbean adventure!
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