Does Royal Caribbean International Offer Drink Packages?

When planning a cruise vacation, one of the questions many travelers ask is whether drinks are included in the cruise fare. While meals are generally included in the ticket price, beverages often come with a mix of complimentary options and paid upgrades. To make things easier for guests, Royal Caribbean International offers a range of drink packages designed to bundle beverages at a fixed daily rate.

These packages give guests unlimited access to certain types of drinks, depending on the package selected. From soft drinks to specialty coffees, smoothies, wine, beer, and premium cocktails, Royal Caribbean’s drink packages provide convenience and potential savings for travelers who enjoy sipping throughout their voyage.

In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about Royal Caribbean’s drink packages—including what is offered, what’s included, how much they cost, and whether they are worth buying.

What Complimentary Drinks Are Included Without a Package?

Before looking at paid drink packages, it’s important to understand what beverages are already included in your cruise fare. On every Royal Caribbean ship, the following drinks are available at no extra cost:

• Tap water (filtered and safe for drinking)

• Regular coffee and tea (basic options, not specialty blends)

• Iced tea

• Lemonade

• Milk and chocolate milk

• Hot chocolate (available at some venues)

These drinks are available in the Main Dining Room, Windjammer Marketplace buffet, and other complimentary venues. If you only plan to stick to these options, you may not need a drink package.

Types of Drink Packages on Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean offers several beverage package options to suit different preferences and budgets. Each package is priced per person, per day, and must be purchased for the entire duration of the cruise.

1. Deluxe Beverage Package (Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Drinks)

The Deluxe Beverage Package is the most comprehensive option. It includes:

• Unlimited cocktails, spirits, beer, and wine by the glass

• Non-alcoholic beverages such as soda, bottled water, specialty coffees, and fresh juices

• Premium coffee drinks from onboard cafés

• Fountain sodas with a souvenir Coca-Cola cup

• Mocktails and smoothies

• Still and sparkling water in bottles

Essentially, this package covers nearly every beverage onboard, except for certain super-premium wines, liquor by the bottle, and room service beverages.

2. Refreshment Package (Non-Alcoholic Only)

The Refreshment Package is designed for guests who don’t drink alcohol but still want variety and convenience. It includes:

• Unlimited fountain sodas with a Coca-Cola souvenir cup

• Fresh juices and mocktails

• Specialty coffees and teas

• Bottled still and sparkling water

• Premium non-alcoholic drinks such as smoothies

This package is a great fit for adults, teens, and kids who want more than just the complimentary drinks.

3. Classic Soda Package

The Classic Soda Package is the simplest beverage plan. It includes:

• Unlimited fountain soda refills

• Coca-Cola souvenir cup with RFID chip for self-service soda machines

This option is the most affordable and is especially popular with families and children.

Pricing for Royal Caribbean Drink Packages

The price of drink packages can vary by ship, itinerary, and season. However, as a general guide:

• Deluxe Beverage Package: Around $63–$89 per person, per day

• Refreshment Package: Around $29–$38 per person, per day

• Classic Soda Package: Around $12–$15 per person, per day

Royal Caribbean often runs promotions, and booking drink packages before the cruise through the Cruise Planner portal can save you money.

Rules and Policies for Drink Packages

To ensure fairness and compliance, Royal Caribbean has a few policies regarding drink packages:

1. Per Person Requirement – Each package is sold on a per person, per day basis. Sharing between guests is not allowed.

2. Alcohol Policy – If one adult in a stateroom purchases the Deluxe Beverage Package, all other adults in the same stateroom must also purchase it. This rule prevents drink sharing.

3. Age Restrictions – Guests must be 21 or older to consume alcohol on cruises sailing from North America, and 18 or older for certain international itineraries.

4. Duration – Packages must be purchased for the entire length of the cruise, not just select days.

5. Exclusions – Some beverages are not included, such as liquor by the bottle, souvenir cups, specialty dining wine-pairing menus, and super-premium spirits.

Benefits of Buying a Drink Package

Purchasing a drink package can make cruising more enjoyable by offering convenience and value. Here are some of the key benefits:

1. Convenience

With a package, you don’t need to worry about signing checks or keeping track of charges every time you order a drink. Everything is prepaid.

2. Variety

Drink packages allow you to try new cocktails, wines, and beverages without worrying about individual costs.

3. Potential Savings

Depending on how much you drink, a package may save you money. For example, if cocktails are priced around $12–$15 each, just four drinks a day could justify the cost of the Deluxe Beverage Package.

4. Family-Friendly Options

Non-alcoholic packages are perfect for kids and teens, offering unlimited sodas, smoothies, and juices.

5. Enhanced Experience

Beverage packages encourage guests to explore different venues onboard, from poolside bars to specialty coffee shops.

Downsides of Drink Packages

While drink packages are convenient, they may not be the right fit for everyone. Consider these drawbacks:

• High Upfront Cost – Paying for the package adds a significant amount to your cruise fare.

• Not Always Cost-Effective – If you don’t drink enough each day, the package may not be worth it.

• Same Package for All Adults – If you’re traveling with someone who doesn’t drink much, they’ll still be required to buy the same package if one person gets it.

• Exclusions – Specialty dining beverages and premium liquors may not be covered.

How to Decide If a Drink Package Is Worth It

The value of a drink package depends on your drinking habits and preferences. Here are some questions to ask yourself:

• Do you typically drink multiple alcoholic beverages daily?

• Do you enjoy specialty coffees, smoothies, and bottled water?

• Would you like the convenience of not tracking your bar bill?

• Are you traveling with kids who love soda and juices?

If the answer to these is yes, a drink package may save you money and enhance your cruise. However, if you only plan to drink occasionally or stick to complimentary options, you may be better off paying à la carte.

Tips for Saving on Drink Packages

1. Buy Before Sailing – Prices are often discounted on Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner site before embarkation.

2. Look for Promotions – Royal Caribbean frequently offers “Buy One, Get One 50% Off” deals for drink packages.

3. Consider Sharing a Cabin – If you’re traveling with someone who drinks at a similar pace, both of you can maximize the package.

4. Use Loyalty Perks – Members of the Crown & Anchor Society may receive free drinks or discounts that reduce the need for a package.

5. Evaluate Port Days – If your cruise has many port days where you’ll be off the ship, you may not need a package since drinks ashore aren’t covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Royal Caribbean include drinks in the cruise fare?Yes, but only basic drinks like water, coffee, tea, lemonade, milk, and iced tea. Other beverages require purchase.

2. Can I bring my own drinks onboard?Royal Caribbean allows each guest to bring up to two bottles of wine (750 ml each) per stateroom. Beer, liquor, and soda are not permitted.

3. Are drink packages worth it?They can be, especially if you drink several beverages daily. For light drinkers, paying per drink may be more cost-effective.

4. Can kids get drink packages?Yes, children and teens can purchase the Refreshment or Soda Package, but not the Deluxe Beverage Package.

5. Do drink packages work at private destinations like Perfect Day at CocoCay?Yes, beverage packages are valid at Royal Caribbean’s private islands.

Conclusion

So, does Royal Caribbean International offer drink packages? Absolutely. The cruise line offers three main packages—Deluxe Beverage Package, Refreshment Package, and Classic Soda Package—giving travelers flexibility based on their preferences. These packages add convenience, variety, and potential savings, making them a popular choice among cruisers.

Whether a drink package is worth it depends on your personal habits, budget, and itinerary. For guests who enjoy multiple cocktails, specialty coffees, and bottled water daily, the Deluxe Beverage Package can provide excellent value. For non-drinkers, the Refreshment or Soda Package offers affordable alternatives.

Royal Caribbean ensures that every traveler has options to enjoy their favorite drinks while cruising, whether they prefer unlimited sodas by the pool or fine wines at dinner. With thoughtful planning, you can choose the package that best suits your needs and enhance your onboard experience.