What Drinks Are Free On Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships

Royal Caribbean Drink packages are a major concern for cruisers due to their high prices. Especially for budget travelers, the thought of purchasing a drink package can be quite overwhelming.

That’s why they often prioritize complimentary drinks on Royal Caribbean. But do you know which drinks are free? If not, don’t worry—I’m here to help.

I’m Zoe, and I’ve been cruising since my childhood. On my last Royal Caribbean cruise in 2023 on the Wonder of the Seas, I tried out a bunch of free drinks on the ship and wanted to share it with you, too.

On Royal Caribbean, complimentary drinks include tap water, coffee, lemonade, flavored Water, chocolate milk, tea, hot chocolate, and fruit juice.

Got the answer? But wait, in this article, I’ve covered the ways to enjoy premium beverages at no extra cost, along with some other important insights.

So, let’s jump into it.

List Of Complimentary Drinks On Royal Caribbean

Here’s the list of free drinks on Royal Caribbean. I’ve also discussed the details of each drink and shared important facts, such as the quality and availability of each. So, if you just want the list of drinks, overlook the details.

Stick to this list, save your bucks, and invest in other cruise activities to make unforgettable memories. All these drinks are included in your cruise fare.

1- Tap Water

Tap water is the most easily accessible and widely available no-cost drink on the ship.

Regarding accessibility, you can request a jug of iced Water in any restaurant or a glass at any bar. Along with these, I’ve also observed dispensers set up at many points, and these are self-service. I experienced the one in the Windjammer buffet.

Although tap water quality is generally high, it undergoes through filtration, so don’t feel any hesitation about it being tap water.

You can also enjoy the tap water in your stateroom. Although I didn’t find it very cold, it was okay because I don’t like Water. However, you can ask your stateroom attendant for ice if you love cold Water.

And if you’re thinking of filling your water bottle from the dispenser, don’t do this. Royal Caribbean advises against filling it directly from dispensers as it’s not sanitary. Instead, use a clean glass from there and fill it up.

2- Flavored Water

The cruise line also offers a variety of flavored Water, and the best part is that you will not have to pay a single dime for this drink.

In terms of accessibility, you can get it in the Windjammer buffet. There are always two flavors to pick from.

Its taste is like fruit punch, and it’s a perfect alternative to tap Water if that doesn’t align with your preferences.

3- Lemonade

Lemonade is a highly demanded drink on cruise vacations, and guess what? Royal Caribbean always does extra for its guests and makes this drink free.

You can access the free lemonade from the same dispenser that offers tap water.

The free lemonade from the dispenser has a slightly hazy look, with a touch of pulp and just the right amount of sweetness.

However, if you prefer carbonated lemonades like Sprite or Minute Maid, you must purchase them onboard.

4- Coffee

In the complimentary drinks list of Royal Caribbean, Coffee is undoubtedly the most demanded.

You must feel so happy after seeing this name on the list if you’re a die-hard fan of coffee like me.

You can avail yourself of brewed coffee on the ship at no cost.

In terms of accessibility, it’s available in many ship areas, including the main dining room, Windjammer Buffet, Cafe Promenade, Latte-tunes, and the Park Cafe.

What’s most amazing here is you can also get it through room service.

But one thing to note is that Royal Caribbean’s free brewed coffee may not match the quality of your home or local cafe. However, it’s not so bad; it’s just fine.

I suggest you purchase high-quality coffee, like Cappuccino or Espresso, through specialty restaurants or cafes like Starbucks.

But if the budget is your concern, brewed will work fine.

5- Tea

Most cruise guests want to stay hydrated during their vacations; believe me, tea is the best way.

It’s a good source of hydration and contributes to meeting daily fluid intake needs.

Royal Caribbean offers various tea options free of cost. These include Earl Grey, English Breakfast tea, black tea, green tea, orange tea, peppermint tea, chamomile tea, and other herbal teas.

You can find these selections in Royal Caribbean’s main dining rooms and Windjammer buffet. You can also enjoy unsweetened iced tea for free in the main dining room and buffet.

Pro Tip: If you prefer sweet tea, one tip is to add a little lemonade.

6- Hot Chocolate

Hot chocolate is also included in the list of free-of-charge beverages on Royal Caribbean.

You’ll find packets of hot chocolate mix in the Windjammer buffet. Look for them near the drink stations’ tea bags, sweeteners, and stir sticks.

Most amazingly, you can order hot chocolate or hot cocoa in the dining rooms, at Cafe Promenade, and through room service for free.

During my cruise vacation, hot chocolate was a great companion for cozy evenings, providing warmth after a day of exploring.

And if you want something more delicious, try the Starbucks Hot Chocolate, but you have to pay for it.

However, the free hot chocolate will work fine if you are on a budget or not a big fan.

7- Milk

Royal Caribbean does provide milk for those who like to add it to their coffee or cereal. 

The Windjammer buffet has a few options, including Semi-skimmed and skimmed milk.

But if you prefer almond or soya milk, you can ask for it.

If your cruise departs from Southampton, UK (Usually Anthem of the Seas), you’ll find a small kettle full of small milk pots in your room.

What I like the most is that you can also get dairy-free milk for your morning cuppa. To feed your baby or toddler, you can call room service, and they will bring some whole milk to you.

All these milk options are free of cost.

8- Chocolate Milk

If you don’t like plain milk, chocolate milk is the best free alternative Royal Caribbean offers.

You’ll often see single-serve cartons of chocolate milk in the Windjammer buffet. And if you don’t see any, feel free to ask the staff, and they will bring one out for you.

You can also enjoy the chocolate milk opportunity in the main dining room and through room service at no additional cost.

9- Fruit Juice

Last but not least, Royal Caribbean does offer a variety of fruit juices free of charge.

You can get these juices in the main dining room and the buffet.

The flavors include apple juice, orange juice, and one or two other types, such as grapefruit or tropical breakfast juice.

What Drinks Cost Extra On Royal Caribbean

If you’re not on a budget and the free drinks on Royal Caribbean don’t align with your preferences, don’t worry.

Royal Caribbean also offers a variety of beverages for an additional cost during the cruise, as these drinks are not included in a cruise fare.

I’ve listed those beverages below:

For purchasing these premium drinks, you’ll have two options. 

You can purchase the drink individually or purchase a beverage package that will give you either a set of allotments of beverages or unlimited access onboard to them.

Best Ways To Get Premium Beverages For Free

During my cruise, many fellow passengers were seeking ways to obtain premium beverages for free, and they succeeded as well.

I’ve also listed the following ideas that my fellow cruisers use to get premium drinks for free:

1- Art Auctions

Art Auctions are a great place to get premium drinks for free. 

On Royal Caribbean, Art auctions offer complimentary Champagne to sweeten the deal.

I feel like it’s probably not real Champagne, but it tastes good, and it’s free.

But I recommend you be careful not to drink too much and end up bidding on some art you don’t want.

After having the Champagne, the art pieces look even more appealing, so stay sharp.

2- Welcome Back Parties

The Crown & Anchor Society offers some pretty good perks if you’re a frequent Royal Caribbean cruiser.

One of the perks includes the Welcome Back Party for Gold members and above.

I hit Platinum in 2023 and was treated to complimentary wine and cocktails at the welcome party.

Indeed, it’s a great way to avail a little bonus for your loyalty.

I was also invited to the Top Tier Event, where I enjoyed free drinks and met other regular Royal Caribbean cruisers.

3- Concierge Club & Suite Guests

The Suite guests, either Junior or Grand, with a Diamond, Diamond Plus, or Pinnacle status in the Crown & Anchor Society, will have access to one of the exclusive lounges onboard.

This includes the Concierge Lounge, Diamond Lounge, or Suite Lounge.

Between 5 pm and 8 pm, these VIP spots serve complimentary alcoholic drinks during happy hours. It’s like a private club at sea where you can unwind with a free tipple or two.

So, if you’re a Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor society member, you’ll benefit from enjoying complimentary drinks.

Is It Allowed To Bring Own Drinks On Royal Caribbean?

While Royal Caribbean does offer drinks onboard, if you’re on a tight budget, you are welcome to bring the allowed beverages onboard.

On embarkation day, guests of drinking age are allowed to bring one sealed 750 ml bottle of wine or Champagne. 

Boxed wine and other containers are prohibited.

Moreover, you can bring non-alcoholic beverages as carry-on items on boarding day. But remember, these beverages may not exceed 12 standard (17 oz) cans, bottles, or cartons per stateroom.

Is There Any Complimentary Drinks for Crown and Anchor Society Members?

As I already mentioned, the Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Society members would get premium drinks for free.

If you’re a loyal cruiser and don’t know what perks (drinks) you are getting free, read the below-mentioned perks for each level.

1- Drinks For Diamond Members

As a Diamond member, you’re eligible to avail four free alcoholic drinks or non-alcoholic drinks every day.

There are various options, from non-alcoholic beverages like soft drinks and fruit juices to alcoholic drinks.

You can avail of these from the Windjammer Buffet and specialty coffees. Redeem these drinks free at any bar on the cruise ship.

The process is simple. Remember to use the vouchers loaded daily to your SeaPass account when placing your orders. It’s like a mini “happy hour” throughout your cruise.

To reach the Diamond Level of a loyalty program, you must have 80 cruise points with Royal Caribbean. Each night on a cruise gives you one point, and for suite guests, you get 2 points per night.

2- Number of Free Drinks for Diamond Plus Members

Diamond Plus Members will get five drinks per day at no cost. But it requires 175 cruise points.

So, you are covered whether you’re in the mood for a classic soda package drink by the pool or a premium coffee after a long day of excursions.

3- Number Of Free Drinks For Pinnacle Members

Reaching the Pinnacle stage requires a lifetime dedication to cruising, as it demands 700 cruise points.

I understand the requirements are high, but the perks you receive are equally impressive.

At the Pinnacle stage, you enjoy six free drinks daily, a fantastic bonus.

So, encourage your kids to reach the Pinnacle status as you might be “over the hill” for this. Just kidding!

Are Drinks Free While Playing At The Casino?

Drinks are not free in the casino on Royal Caribbean ships unless you reach a certain level of the Casino Royale customer loyalty program.

 If you are in the Prime, Signature, and Masters levels of Casino Royale, then you can enjoy complimentary drinks.

But remember, they only serve you during operating hours. So, manage the time for the casino to enjoy complimentary drinks.

Is Soda Free On Royal Caribbean Cruises?

No, the fountain soda and other soft drinks are not free. You must buy them individually or get them as a part of your drink package.

Their prices can vary based on where you purchase them and if you have a drink package.

If you love bubbly beverages, I recommend you purchase the classic soda package. It offers unlimited sodas for a set daily price.

Currently (2-14-2024), the Classic Soda Package costs $12.99 per daily guest (excluding gratuity).

Once you purchase this package, you will get a soda package icon on your SeaPass Card.

What Drinks Do You Get If You Are Staying In A Suite?

The Suite guests are lucky enough to get complimentary drinks on Royal Caribbean.

Unfortunately, Junior Suites guests won’t get any free drinks. The perk is only for Grand Suites and above.

The Grand Suites and above guests will have access to free drinks in the Suite Lounge during their operating hours.

On Quantum, Oasis, and Quantum Class ships, complimentary beers and wine are in the Suite Lounge from 11 am to 11 pm. And most amazingly, during their happy hour in the evening, a variety of alcohol becomes available.

Meanwhile, the other ship class has free drinks at their happy hour around 4-8 pm daily. 

Note: You can only enjoy the free drinks in the Suite Lounge.

Royal Caribbean Drink Package

	DELUXE BEVERAGE PACKAGE	ROYAL REFRESHMENT PACKAGE	SODA PACKAGE
Cost	$56 to $105 per person per day	$38 per person per day	$12.99 per person per day
Accepted at every restaurant & bar	✔️	✔️	✔️
Cocktails, spirits, liqueurs	✔️	✖️	✖️
Beer	✔️	✖️	✖️
Wine (by the glass)	✔️	✖️	✖️
Mocktails	✔️	✔️	✖️
Premium coffees & teas	✔️	✔️	✖️
Fountain sodas / Coca-Cola Freestyle beverages	✔️	✔️	✔️
Coca-Cola souvenir cup included	✔️	✔️	✔️
Bottled still and sparkling water	✔️	✔️	✖️
Fresh squeezed juices	✔️	✔️	✖️

FAQs

Final Words

Royal Caribbean drink packages are undoubtedly expensive like Carnival and NCL drinks packages. but worth the price. Just keep an eye on the cruise drink package of your favorite drinks.

If you want to purchase a drink package, I suggest you check with the cruise line before going on board. It will save you some bucks.

But if you’re on a tight budget, staying on complimentary drinks is a great option.

Enjoy the free cruise drinks on your next cruise.