Royal Caribbean Drink Packages Explained

If you’re weighing whether the Royal Caribbean drink package is worth it, you’re definitely not alone. This is one of the most common cruise planning questions I get from clients. The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all, but understanding the real tradeoffs can help you avoid overpaying or missing out on convenience.

Some travelers absolutely save money and love the simplicity of having everything prepaid. Others end up spending more than they would have by paying per drink. The difference usually comes down to your daily habits, itinerary, and how you like to vacation. If you’re also comparing cruise lines or want to see how Royal Caribbean stacks up against other options, you might find my Disney Cruise vs Royal Caribbean comparison helpful as well.

I’ve helped hundreds of clients think through this exact decision. Let’s walk through what really matters before you click “add to cart” in your Cruise Planner.

This decision isn’t just about alcohol. The Deluxe Beverage Package also includes specialty coffee, fresh juices, bottled water, and mocktails. For some travelers, those extras are what tip the scale.

Another important consideration: Royal Caribbean pricing is dynamic. The cost of the Royal Caribbean drink package can vary by sailing, demand, and promotional discounts. Waiting too long can result in paying more—embarkation day is typically the highest price.

And then there’s your itinerary. Sea days versus port days change the equation quickly. A Caribbean cruise with three sea days feels very different from a Europe cruise where you’re off the ship most of the daytime hours. If you’re planning a port-intensive itinerary, you may want to compare the value of the package even more closely.

How Much Is the Royal Caribbean Drink Package?

The cost varies by ship and sailing, but there’s a general range I give clients when we’re planning. It’s important to factor in both the base price and the automatic gratuity, as well as any sales you might catch in the Cruise Planner.

Average Daily Price Range

The Deluxe Beverage Package typically ranges between about $60 to $90 per person, per day before gratuities. Sales inside the Cruise Planner often reduce that number. Exact pricing depends on your specific sailing and promotion window.

The Refreshment Package (non‑alcoholic drinks like specialty coffee, bottled water, and mocktails) is usually significantly less, and the Soda Package is the most budget-friendly option.

How Pre‑Cruise Discounts Work

Royal Caribbean runs frequent Cruise Planner sales. You might see 20–35% off promotions, BOGO‑style offers, or limited-time discounts. They change often, so it pays to check back regularly.

This is one of those details that sounds small until you’re actually there. Buying in advance almost always costs less than purchasing on embarkation day.

How Gratuities Are Calculated

An 18% gratuity is automatically added to the beverage package price at checkout. So if you see a $70 per day package, your actual daily cost will be higher once gratuities are added.

That included gratuity covers bartenders and staff. You can still tip extra, but you’re not required to.

When you’re deciding, it helps to know exactly what’s included in each package and where the fine print can trip people up. Let’s look at the main options and what you actually get with each.

What Drink Packages Are Available on Royal Caribbean?

Royal Caribbean offers three main drink packages, plus bottled water add-ons. Each is designed for a different type of traveler, so it’s worth matching your habits to the right fit.

Deluxe Beverage Package

This is the full alcohol package. It includes cocktails, beer, wine by the glass, spirits, specialty coffee, fresh juices, mocktails, fountain soda, and bottled water—up to a set per-drink price limit. If you’re someone who enjoys frozen drinks by the pool and wine at dinner every night, this is the package you’re comparing against.

Refreshment Package

This is the non-alcoholic middle ground. It includes specialty coffee, bottled water, mocktails, fresh juice, and soda. I often recommend this for teens, young adults, and adults who don’t drink alcohol but still want the convenience of premium non-alcoholic options.

Soda Package

This includes fountain soda and a souvenir cup for freestyle machines where available. It’s simple and works well if you truly only want soda.

Water Packages and Add‑Ons

You can also pre-purchase bottled water packages delivered to your stateroom. For light drinkers who mostly want hydration and maybe the occasional cocktail, this can be a more economical approach.

Choosing the right package really comes down to your daily routine and what you’ll actually use. Many travelers overestimate how much they’ll drink, especially on port-heavy itineraries.

What’s Included (and Not Included) in Each Package

This is where travelers sometimes misunderstand the fine print. Not every drink or location is covered, and there are a few details that can surprise you if you’re not prepared.

Alcohol Inclusions and Drink Price Caps: The Deluxe package covers drinks up to a certain price per drink (usually around $13–$14, but this can vary). If you order something that exceeds that limit, you pay the difference. For most standard cocktails, beer, and wines by the glass, you’re covered. Ultra‑premium pours may go above the cap.

Specialty Coffee and Bottled Water: Starbucks onboard is typically not included. However, specialty coffees from ship cafés are included with Deluxe or Refreshment packages. Bottled water is included in those higher tiers, which many guests take advantage of for port days or excursions.

Mini Bar and Room Service Exclusions: Mini bar items and most room service beverages are not included in the drink package. This surprises people more often than it should. Plan to purchase those separately if that matters to you.

Always check your Cruise Planner for the most up-to-date list of inclusions and exclusions, as offerings can change by ship and sailing.

Royal Caribbean Drink Package Rules You Need to Know

Policies can change, but there are a few consistent rules that influence this decision. These are the ones that most often affect my clients’ choices:

Everyone in the Cabin Policy: If one adult purchases the Deluxe Beverage Package, every adult in the same stateroom is usually required to purchase it as well. This is often the deciding factor for couples where one person drinks significantly more than the other. Royal Caribbean sometimes makes exceptions for medical or religious reasons, but you’ll need to call and request an exemption.

One Drink at a Time Rule: You can only order one beverage at a time per person. No sharing packages between guests.

Private Island Usage: The Deluxe Beverage Package works on Perfect Day at CocoCay, which adds real value on Bahamas and Caribbean itineraries that stop there. If your cruise includes a stop at CocoCay, this can make the package more appealing.

Understanding these rules up front can help you avoid surprises and make a decision that fits your travel style.

Break Even Calculator: How Many Drinks Per Day Make It Worth It?

This is what most guests really want to know. The break-even point is different for everyone, but a little math can help you decide if the package fits your habits—or if you’re better off paying as you go.

If cocktails run roughly $13–$15 each and your package costs around $75 per day including gratuities, you typically break even around five to six alcoholic drinks per day. If you add in two specialty coffees and bottled water, that break‑even number can drop slightly. For some, the convenience alone is worth it, but for others, it’s easy to overestimate how much you’ll actually drink, especially on port days.

Port days can really change the math. If you plan long excursions in port, you may only order a drink or two that day, which reduces your average noticeably. On sea days, however, it’s very easy to reach the break‑even mark without trying too hard. Specialty coffee in the morning, fresh juice at breakfast, mocktail mid‑afternoon, wine with dinner, cocktail at the show—the value builds quietly across the day. This math works beautifully for some travelers, but not everyone.

Should You Buy the Drink Package Before or After You Board?

I always recommend monitoring pricing inside the Cruise Planner before your sailing. Royal Caribbean’s pricing can fluctuate, and sales come and go. Buying during a sale is almost always the best move, but keep checking even after you purchase.

If the price drops later, you can cancel and repurchase at the lower rate before sailing. Policies can change, so always confirm details, but repricing is commonly allowed pre-cruise. Once onboard, pricing is typically higher and rarely discounted. If you’re on the fence, it’s better to lock in a sale price and adjust later if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Royal Caribbean Drink Package

Final Advisor Advice: What I Tell Clients Before They Purchase

If you love cocktails, specialty coffee, and bottled water throughout the day, the Royal Caribbean drink package often makes cruising feel simpler and more enjoyable. The convenience of not having to think about every drink order can be a real perk for some travelers.

If you’re more of a casual or social drinker, especially on port‑intensive sailings, paying per drink may save you money and give you the same enjoyment without pressure. Many travelers find they drink less than they expect, especially when busy exploring ports.

This decision is rarely about “right” or “wrong.” It’s about how you like to vacation, your itinerary, and what will actually make your trip feel easier. If you’re still unsure, I’m always happy to help you compare options and talk through what’s best for your travel style.