When planning a Royal Caribbean cruise, one of the most common questions travelers ask is: “How much does the drink package cost?” With so many dining and beverage options on board, the drink package has become a popular add-on for guests who want convenience, variety, and potential savings.

Royal Caribbean offers multiple drink package options, each catering to different needs—from coffee lovers to cocktail enthusiasts. Prices vary depending on the type of package, sailing length, and destination. Understanding the costs and benefits will help you decide whether purchasing a drink package makes sense for your travel style.

This detailed guide explains Royal Caribbean drink package pricing, what’s included, how it compares to buying drinks individually, and insider tips to help you save money.

1. What Is the Royal Caribbean Drink Package?

A drink package is a prepaid plan that allows guests to enjoy unlimited or specific categories of beverages during their cruise. Instead of paying separately for each soda, coffee, beer, or cocktail, you pay one daily fee.

The key benefits include:

• Unlimited access to covered beverages.

• Predictable budgeting with no surprise bills.

• Convenience of not carrying cash or worrying about charges.

2. Types of Royal Caribbean Drink Packages

Royal Caribbean offers several drink packages to suit different preferences.

a) Deluxe Beverage Package (Alcoholic + Non-Alcoholic)

• Covers cocktails, spirits, beer, wine by the glass, sodas, specialty coffees, and bottled water.

• Includes premium brands.

• Works at bars, lounges, restaurants, and even private destinations like CocoCay and Labadee.

b) Refreshment Package (Non-Alcoholic)

• Includes specialty coffees, bottled water, sodas, fresh juices, and mocktails.

• Ideal for travelers who don’t drink alcohol but still want premium beverages.

c) Classic Soda Package

• Unlimited fountain sodas and refills.

• Guests receive a souvenir Coca-Cola cup.

3. How Much Does the Drink Package Cost?

Drink package prices vary by ship, itinerary, and season. Royal Caribbean often uses dynamic pricing, meaning rates fluctuate depending on demand.

a) Deluxe Beverage Package

• Typically ranges between 65 to 90 USD per person, per day.

• Prices often drop during promotions to 50–70 USD daily.

• Average cost for a 7-night cruise: 455–630 USD per person.

b) Refreshment Package

• Usually 29 to 38 USD per person, per day.

• Average for a 7-night cruise: 203–266 USD per person.

c) Classic Soda Package

• Priced around 13 to 15 USD per person, per day.

• Average for a 7-night cruise: 91–105 USD per person.

4. Additional Pricing Details

• Gratuities – Royal Caribbean automatically adds an 18–20% service charge to package prices.

• Children’s pricing – Soda packages are often purchased for kids instead of alcohol-inclusive packages.

• Pre-cruise vs. onboard purchase – Pre-booking through the Cruise Planner website almost always guarantees lower prices.

5. What’s Included in the Packages?

Deluxe Beverage Package

• Unlimited cocktails, spirits, beer, and wine by the glass up to a certain price limit.

• Soda, bottled water, juices, milkshakes, energy drinks.

• Specialty coffees and teas from cafés.

• Discounts on bottles of wine.

Refreshment Package

• Fresh juices, premium coffees, sodas, bottled water, mocktails, milkshakes, smoothies.

Soda Package

• Unlimited fountain soda.

• Coca-Cola Freestyle machines onboard with 100+ flavors.

6. What’s Not Included?

• Drinks above the maximum price limit (though you can pay the difference).

• Bottled wine or spirits purchased in shops.

• Souvenir cups or drinkware.

• Mini-bar drinks in cabins.

7. Comparing Drink Package Costs vs. Buying Individually

To decide whether the package is worth it, compare the cost of individual drinks:

• Beer: 7–8 USD

• Cocktails: 12–14 USD

• Glass of wine: 10–15 USD

• Specialty coffee: 4–6 USD

• Bottled water: 3–4 USD

• Soda: 3 USD

If you plan to have:

• 5–6 alcoholic drinks daily → The Deluxe Beverage Package pays off.

• 3–4 non-alcoholic drinks daily → The Refreshment Package is worth it.

• Multiple sodas a day → The Soda Package saves money compared to paying per glass.

8. Sample Cost Calculation for a 7-Night Cruise

Let’s break it down:

Without Drink Package

• 3 cocktails/day × 12 USD = 252 USD

• 2 glasses wine/day × 11 USD = 154 USD

• 2 specialty coffees/day × 5 USD = 70 USD

• 2 sodas/day × 3 USD = 42 USD

• Total for 7 nights = 518 USD

With Deluxe Beverage Package

• Average 65 USD/day × 7 nights = 455 USD

• Savings = 63 USD plus more flexibility

9. Promotions and Discounts

Royal Caribbean often runs sales on drink packages. Common offers include:

• 20–40% discounts for pre-booking online.

• Bundle deals with dining packages.

• Flash sales during holiday periods.

10. Rules and Restrictions

• All guests in the same stateroom aged 21+ (18+ in some regions) must purchase the Deluxe Beverage Package if one guest does.

• Packages are non-transferable and valid only for the original guest.

• Sharing drinks is not permitted.

• Packages cannot be used for room service beverages.

11. Drink Package Use on Private Islands

One great perk is that packages extend to Royal Caribbean’s private destinations:

• Perfect Day at CocoCay – Use packages at bars, restaurants, and Coco Beach Club.

• Labadee, Haiti – All-inclusive access to island bars.

12. Alternatives to Buying a Drink Package

If you’re unsure whether to purchase a package, here are alternatives:

• Buy drinks individually – Best for light drinkers.

• Bring allowed wine – Guests may bring two bottles of wine per stateroom.

• Loyalty perks – Crown & Anchor members receive free drink coupons.

• Drink specials – Happy hour and daily promotions.

13. Is the Drink Package Worth It?

The value depends on your habits:

• Worth it if you enjoy multiple cocktails, want specialty drinks, and prefer convenience.

• Not worth it if you rarely drink alcohol or plan to spend a lot of time off the ship.

14. Tips to Get the Best Value

1. Pre-book early to lock in discounts.

2. Watch for sales—you can cancel and rebook at lower prices.

3. Do the math based on your drinking habits.

4. Consider itinerary—short cruises may make packages more worthwhile.

5. Stay hydrated—water is included and unlimited.

15. Myths About Drink Packages

• Myth 1: All drinks are unlimited, no restrictions.Reality: Premium limits apply, and certain items are excluded.

• Myth 2: You can share with friends.Reality: Sharing is prohibited and can result in cancellation.

• Myth 3: Packages are always cheaper.Reality: Light drinkers may spend less buying individually.

16. Traveler Experiences

Many guests who buy the Deluxe Beverage Package highlight the peace of mind it brings—no calculating drink bills, no surprise charges. Others who don’t drink heavily find that paying individually suits them better.

17. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do drink packages include gratuities?

Yes, gratuities are included in the price.

Q: Can I buy the package for part of the cruise?

No, it must be purchased for the entire duration.

Q: Do kids need a package?

No, but parents often buy soda packages for children.

Q: Can I cancel a package?

Yes, if canceled before sailing, you’ll receive a refund.

18. How to Purchase a Drink Package

• Pre-cruise online via the Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner.

• Onboard at bars or kiosks (usually at higher prices).

19. Future Trends in Drink Packages

Royal Caribbean may expand beverage selections with healthier options, craft cocktails, and eco-friendly packaging, reflecting changing passenger demands.

20. Conclusion

The cost of Royal Caribbean drink packages ranges from around 13 USD to 90 USD per day, depending on the package type. For frequent drinkers and those who enjoy cocktails, wine, or specialty coffees, the Deluxe Beverage Package offers the best value. For guests who prefer non-alcoholic beverages, the Refreshment Package provides a wide variety of drinks at a moderate price. The Soda Package is ideal for casual cruisers or families with kids.

Ultimately, whether the package is worth it depends on your personal consumption habits. By calculating your expected daily beverage spend and comparing it to package costs, you can make an informed decision. Pre-booking and watching for promotions can also ensure you get the best deal.

With this knowledge, you’ll be able to enjoy your Royal Caribbean vacation with the perfect balance of value, convenience, and refreshment.