Are you dreaming of a cruise vacation where you can indulge in your favorite drinks without worrying about the cost? Royal Caribbean’s drink packages offer a convenient solution, allowing you to enjoy unlimited beverages throughout your cruise. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the different drink packages offered by Royal Caribbean, their inclusions, pricing, and whether they are worth it for your vacation.
An Overview of the Royal Caribbean Drink Packages
On a Royal Caribbean cruise, you have the option of purchasing a beverage package that suits your preferences and vacation style. From water and soda to specialty cocktails and beer, there’s a beverage package for everyone. However, understanding which package is the most suitable for you can be a bit tricky, given the variety of choices.
One of the key highlights of Royal Caribbean drink packages is that there is no limit on the number of drinks you can order per day.
What’s Included in Royal Caribbean Drink Packages?
Royal Caribbean offers several drink packages, each with its own set of inclusions. It’s important to familiarize yourself with what each package offers to make an informed decision.
Water Package
If you prefer bottled water, Royal Caribbean’s Water Package is an excellent option. Available in 12- or 24-packs of one-liter Evian water bottles, this package ensures that you stay hydrated throughout your cruise. The water bottles will be delivered to your cabin on embarkation day, providing convenience and ease.
While tap water and other non-bottled water options are available for free on the ship, the Water Package is ideal for those who prefer the taste of bottled water or want to have an ample supply of water in their cabin or for excursions.
Classic Soda Package
For the soda lovers, Royal Caribbean’s Classic Soda Package is a must-have. This package includes unlimited fountain sodas and comes with a souvenir Coca-Cola cup that has a chip on the bottom. This chip allows you to use the Freestyle soda dispensing machines found throughout the ship, providing you with a wide variety of soda options and flavors.
You can also order a glass of soda at any restaurant or bar on board. It’s worth noting that certain venues may only serve fountain sodas, while others offer canned options. Additionally, the Classic Soda Package includes sodas on Royal Caribbean’s private island destinations, such as Perfect Day at Coco Cay and Labadee.
Refreshment Package
If you’re looking for a broader range of non-alcoholic beverages, the Refreshment Package is the way to go. This package includes still and sparkling water, fountain sodas, mocktails, premium coffees and teas (excluding Starbucks standalone stores or kiosks), and freshly squeezed juices.
With the Refreshment Package, you can order almost any non-alcoholic beverage at bars and most restaurants on board. It even covers smoothies and protein shakes at Vitality Café and sweet tea at Portside BBQ on Oasis of the Seas.
Deluxe Beverage Package
For the ultimate drink experience, Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe Beverage Package offers a comprehensive selection of beverages. In addition to the inclusions from the Refreshment Package, this package includes cocktails, spirits, liquors, beer by the bottle or can, and wine by the glass.
The Deluxe Beverage Package covers a wide range of brands, including imported, domestic, and craft beers, an extensive wine list, and commonly ordered spirit brands. It also offers a 40% discount on bottles of wine up to $100 and a 20% discount on bottles over $100, making it ideal for sharing a bottle with your travel partner at dinner.
How Much Do Royal Caribbean Drink Packages Cost?
The pricing for Royal Caribbean drink packages varies based on the package and cruise itinerary. The cruise line uses dynamic pricing, similar to cruise fares, meaning that the prices fluctuate based on demand, destination, and promotions.
Here is a general overview of the pricing for Royal Caribbean drink packages:
- Water Package: 12 bottles for $39; 24 bottles for $69.
- Soda Package: $12.99 per person per day.
- Refreshment Package: $29 per person per day.
- Deluxe Beverage Package: $56 to $105 per person per day, depending on the ship and trip.
It’s important to note that the prices listed above do not include an automatic 18% gratuity. You should factor in this additional cost when considering purchasing a drink package.
The Deluxe Beverage Package price range listed above is a bit wider than what is posted on Royal Caribbean’s site. Prices on individual sailings may vary, but we used a realistic range of prices reported by Royal Caribbean guests who have booked cruises and purchased drink packages in the past 12 months.
When Should You Buy a Royal Caribbean Drink Package?
You can purchase a Royal Caribbean drink package as soon as you book your cruise. However, the timing of your purchase depends on various factors.
If your cruise is within a few months and there are no upcoming promotions, it’s generally a good idea to go ahead and purchase any drink packages you plan to buy. However, if your sailing falls around Black Friday, it might be worth waiting for the deals on drink packages, as they are often the lowest you’ll find all year.
The Deluxe Beverage Package tends to have higher prices during peak travel times and on cruises with stops at private islands. Buying this package ahead of time is usually cheaper than purchasing it on board.
Royal Caribbean does occasionally advertise price drops and deals for pre-cruise purchases. If you’re hoping to snag a deal, it’s recommended to consider the actual price per person per day rather than focusing solely on the percentage off or buy-one-get-one offers.
Are Royal Caribbean Drink Packages Worth It?
Whether a Royal Caribbean drink package is worth it or not significantly depends on your drinking habits. It’s worth considering the following points:
- If you enjoy drinking without worrying about the cost, a beverage package might be a good choice.
- If you come across a discount on a beverage package, it might be a good idea to grab it.
- If the beverage package seems expensive, consider your drinking habits. You would need to consume quite a few drinks daily to make the pricier packages ($80+/day) worth it.
Water Package
The Water Package is a good deal if you prefer the taste of bottled water or want a convenient supply of water in your cabin or for excursions. However, if you’re comfortable with tap water or can easily refill a reusable bottle at the ship’s drink stations, you may not find the Water Package necessary.
Classic Soda Package
The Classic Soda Package is a great option for soda enthusiasts who enjoy having unlimited access to their favorite beverages. If you typically drink four or more sodas a day, this package can be a good value. However, if you only have an occasional soda or prefer other non-alcoholic beverages, the Refreshment Package might be a better choice.
Refreshment Package
The Refreshment Package offers a wide variety of non-alcoholic beverages, making it a popular choice among many cruisers. If you enjoy mocktails, premium coffees and teas, and want to have access to water for excursions, this package can provide excellent value. However, if you primarily drink tap water, coffee, or tea, you may not need the Refreshment Package.
Deluxe Beverage Package
The Deluxe Beverage Package is the most comprehensive option, covering both non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages. It’s a great choice for those who want to indulge in cocktails, spirits, beer, and wine throughout their cruise. To determine if this package is worth it, consider your daily consumption of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. If you’re likely to spend a significant amount on beverages, the Deluxe Beverage Package can offer excellent value. However, if you only drink a few glasses of wine or indulge in an occasional cocktail, it may not be cost-effective.
It’s also essential to consider your itinerary and activities. If you’re cruising in a destination with opportunities for sampling local beverages or planning to spend a significant amount of time off the ship, the drink packages may not provide as much value.
Can You Cheat the Royal Caribbean Drink Package?
While it may seem tempting to bring your own drinks aboard to save on costs, doing so could lead to penalties and potentially ruin your vacation. If you are caught trying to cheat the drink package, you could face cancellation of your drink package, denial of boarding, and fines.
Tips to Get the Best Value Out of a Royal Caribbean Drink Package
While you cannot cheat the system, there are legitimate ways to get the most out of your drink packages.
Pack a Bottle of Wine
Royal Caribbean allows you to bring a bottle of wine on the ship. While you have to pay a $15 corkage fee if you want to drink it in public spaces, there is no charge if you drink the wine in your room.
Order Top-Shelf Liquor
If you purchase the deluxe drink package, consider ordering top-shelf liquor to get your money’s worth.
Sneak Your Own Alcohol
Although not recommended due to the potential penalties, some passengers try to sneak their own alcohol onto the cruise to save money.
FAQs
Do Both People Have to Buy a Drink Package on Royal Caribbean?
Yes, if one person in a cabin purchases a deluxe drink package, everyone in the cabin who is of drinking age will also be charged for one.
Can Two People Share a Drink Package on Royal Caribbean?
Sharing a drink package with another guest is not allowed on Royal Caribbean.
Is it Cheaper to Buy a Drinks Package Before the Cruise?
Yes, purchasing a drinks package before the cruise is usually cheaper. If the price decreases before your trip, you can cancel your current package and repurchase it at the lower price.
Additional Factors to Consider
Your Crown and Anchor loyalty status and Casino Royale player status can also influence your decision. Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle members receive a certain number of complimentary drinks per day, which may impact your need for a drink package. Additionally, Prime and higher status Casino Royale players can enjoy complimentary drinks from the casino bar.
Before making a final decision, it’s important to evaluate your overall vacation budget and preferences. While the convenience and all-inclusive nature of drink packages can be enticing, some travelers prefer to pay as they go or set a daily drink budget. Ultimately, the choice depends on your individual preferences, drinking habits, and budgetary considerations.
Conclusion
Royal Caribbean’s drink packages offer a convenient way to enjoy unlimited beverages during your cruise. Whether you prefer bottled water, sodas, a wide range of non-alcoholic beverages, or want to indulge in cocktails and alcoholic drinks, there is a package to suit your needs.
When considering a drink package, it’s crucial to evaluate the inclusions, pricing, and whether it aligns with your drinking preferences and budget. Each package has its own value proposition, and what works for one traveler may not work for another.
By understanding the inclusions, pricing, and factors to consider, you can make an informed decision and enhance your cruise experience with the perfect drink package. Cheers to a fantastic vacation with Royal Caribbean!
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