Ultimate Guide To Royal Caribbean Drink Packages: Best Beverage Packages

Cruising without drinks is like watching a movie without popcorn; it’s totally incomplete. So that’s why Drink Packages are the utmost consideration for cruisers.

But wait; choosing a drink package requires a lot of consideration because if you end up with the wrong one that doesn’t meet your preferences, it’s a bit of a buzzkill.

But don’t worry, my fellow cruisers. I’ve got your back. I’m Zoe, and cruising since my childhood. From years of observation, I’ll help you choose a package that suits your needs.

So stay with me in this article to learn everything regarding each drink package and decide which one caters to your taste.

So let’s get started.

What’s Included In Drink Packages On Royal Caribbean?

Royal Caribbean offers three Beverage packages to elevate your cruise experience.

These are:

I’ve discussed each package in detail, so it will better help you know which one you should buy.

1- Deluxe Beverage Package

Addons/Cost	DELUXE BEVERAGE PACKAGE
Cost	$56 to $105 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	✔️

The Deluxe Beverage Package is the top-tier drink package, including everything from the Refreshment Package and adding cocktails, spirits, liquors, beer, and wine by the glass.

With this package, you can get different drinks, like domestic, imported, and craft beer. Also, there’s a range of wines and popular spirit brands for drinks up to $14.

What I like the most is the discount on wine bottles. You can enjoy a 40% discount on bottles up to $100 and a 20% discount on bottles of wine over $100. That’s amazing and makes it easy for you to share a bottle during dinner.

Now, let’s talk about its usability. You can use the Deluxe Beverage Package in restaurants, bars, and at any venue with a bar server, as well as at Royal Caribbean’s private island destinations.

One crucial thing to note is that if one person in a stateroom buys this package, every one of the people of legal drinking age in the stateroom must buy the same package.

However, if any member is not of legal drinking age or doesn’t love alcohol, he/she can easily downgrade to a refreshment package.

The Legal drinking age On Royal Caribbean ships Is 21 years.

2- Classic Soda Package

Addons/Cost	SODA PACKAGE
Cost	$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	✖️

The Classic Soda Package is for real soda lovers. So, if you love enjoying the sea breeze with your favorite soda, this package is for you.

With this package, you have two options for getting sodas. One is the Freestyle soda machine, and the second is ordering soda at bars or restaurants.

However, the Freestyle machine is available only on these ships:

You get a special Coca-Cola cup with a chip below to use the soda machine. And amazingly, you’ll get unlimited refills 24/7. So don’t think twice before refilling. It’s free, soda lovers.

Also, there is a variety of soda flavors to choose from in the machine. So, enjoy what you like.

Besides the soda machine, you can order a glass of soda at any bar or restaurant on board. However, remember that each bar and restaurant’s soda flavors might vary. 

Some places offer fountain sodas, while others offer cans.

But what I like most about this package is that you can enjoy the soda on Royal Caribbean’s Private island destinations (Perfect Day at Coco Cay and Labadee).

Additionally, you can bring your soda on Caribbean Cruise. Royal Caribbean allows you to bring 12 cans of soda (or bottles up to 17 ounces) per person on board. Make sure you bring them in your carry-on luggage. So, if you’re on a tight budget and want to avoid a drink package, that’s the best option.

3- Refreshment Package

Addons/Cost	ROYAL REFRESHMENT PACKAGE
Cost	$38 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	✔️

That’s the hottest drink package on Royal Caribbean, perfect for meeting the needs of kids or non-alcoholic individuals. Honestly, it’s my favorite too.

This package includes still and sparkling water, sodas (a special Coca-Cola cup for refills), mocktails, premium coffees, and teas.

In simpler terms, this package is essentially the same as the Deluxe Beverage Package but without the alcohol. It also doesn’t cover the shakes at Johnny Rockets, which are only included with the Deluxe Beverage Package.

With the Refreshment Package, you can enjoy more than just sodas. It covers smoothies, protein shakes at Vitality Café, and even sweet tea at Portside BBQ on Oasis of the Seas.

Now, here comes my favorite part. Craving a strawberry slushy? Order a virgin strawberry daiquiri. Likewise, you can also order hot cocoa and a mocha shake with vanilla ice cream, coffee, hazelnut syrup, and chocolate syrup.

4- Water Bottle Package

Please purchase the water package if you don’t want to bring your water bottles on the cruise.

In this package, you get 12- and 24-packs of one-liter bottles of Evian water. The bottles will be delivered to your cabin on embarkation day.

However, if you’re on a tight budget, no worries. There are complimentary drink stations where you can get filtered tap water. These are present in the buffet area and often in other locations on the ships. So you can go with these the filtered tap water instead of bottled water to quench your thirst.

You can also refill your water bottle at these stations. Just make sure not to do it directly, as it’s not sanitary. Use a clean glass from there for refilling.

When compared to Norwegian Cruise Line drink packages, Royal Caribbean offers fewer options, as NCL provides 5 drink packages.

Is A Royal Caribbean Beverage Package Worth It?

Royal Caribbean’s beverage package is worth it if you’re a die-hard fan of drinks and don’t want to miss them on your cruise vacations.

However, avoiding the package can be an ideal option if you want drinks occasionally or just to taste sweet in your mouth.

So always consider your drinking habits to determine if a drink package will suit you.

But overall, these packages offer convenience and help manage your onboard expenses, providing a fixed cost for unlimited drinks. While, in terms of price, it’s slightly more expensive than Carnival’s Drink Packages.

In my opinion, these are worth the price for drink lovers.

Is There Any Limit In Drink Packages?

Royal Caribbean’s Beverage Packages have no limit, and guests can enjoy unlimited drinks as much as they want. But it’s important to note that only one drink at a time will be served with a drink package.

For example, if you want to relish a beer but crave something else simultaneously, you need to order each separately.

For group ordering, you can use the SeaPass cards of members to place a group order (only if all members have a drink package). You only have to provide proof that each person has the drink package, and they will verify by counting the number of drinks to match the number of group members.

Important Rules For Drink Packages:

Royal Caribbean imposes strict rules on the drink packages, especially the Deluxe Beverage Package, which includes alcoholic drinks.

No doubt you get unlimited drinks in the package, but you’ll have to wait 5 minutes between drinks. That rule rarely matters because bartenders are busy.

However, the Cruise Line wants to be polite with bartenders while drinking, and they will cut you off on violation. Their policies mentioned that the violation case will be handled in two ways.

First, if you seem drunk, a bartender may help by offering a bottle of water, coffee, or soda to slow you down. If you accept and take a break, you can order another drink after you’ve regained your self-control.

Conversely, if you show aggression or rudeness to the bartender, security will get involved on the spot. That could ruin your day by sending you to your room for a night or into a ship’s jail if you put up a fight (and perhaps being kicked off the ship in the next port).

Can I Share My Drink Package With Family?

Let me be clear: Royal Caribbean strictly forbids sharing the drink package with anyone else.

It means you can’t share a drink from your package with someone who doesn’t have a package.

Royal Caribbean warns guests that their package benefits will be revoked without a refund in case of violation.

So, stay sharp, my fellow cruisers, and don’t apply the “Sharing is Caring” rule here.

The package is intended for only the guest who buys it. You can pay for it individually alongside your drink package transaction if you want to treat someone.

But don’t be foolish by sharing drinks from your package; otherwise, you’ll also forfeit your package.

Can I Use My Drink Package At All Bars And Restaurants On The Cruise Ship?

You can use the Beverage packages at Royal Caribbean’s bars or lounges, cafés, Windjammer Cafe, Main Dining Room, and specialty restaurants.

Additionally, you can enjoy drinks at private destinations during normal business hours. These include relishing milkshakes at Johnny Rockets (Guests with Deluxe Package only) and Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee.

Pro Tip: Don’t rely on using the Beverage package at the Mini Bar and Starbucks, as these are not included.

So, in short, the drink package works in all the bars and restaurants, including specialty ones. But the only exception here is ordering through room service, the mini bar, and Starbucks.

Can I Upgrade My Drink Package Once On Board The Cruise?

Yes, you can easily upgrade/downgrade your drink pack once on board the Royal Caribbean ship.

According to the Cruise Line’s policy, they typically refund the original cost of your already purchased package as Onboard Credit (OBC) and then charge you at the current rate for the new package you want.

In a few rare cases, you might only be charged the difference between what you initially paid for the previous and the current cost of the new package you want to upgrade.

However, I highly suggest checking with guest services or seeking help from onboard staff for specific details and policies during your cruise.

What Is The Best Time To Buy Drink Package?

You may purchase a beverage package up to 72 hours before you sail online at Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner. Also, you may purchase it onboard on the first day of your cruise.

But if your cruise is coming up soon, I would suggest going ahead and buying your favorite drink package unless Black Friday happens before you sail.

Black Friday deals on drink packages are the lowest you’ll find all year. 

You can also look for special discounts up to 72 hours before you set sail. Before your departure date, check if any discounted plans are available. And surely, you’ll end up with a good deal.

What Is The Cancellation Policy For Royal Caribbean Drink Packages?

Regarding drink package cancellation, Royal Caribbean allows a change of mind. Guests can cancel their drink package up to two days before the cruise, excluding the actual sailing day.

For example, if your cruise leaves on a Friday, you have until Wednesday to adjust your plans. Easy peasy!

Packages canceled through Cruise Planner up to 2 days before the sail date are 100% refundable. And if you change your mind once onboard, refunds will be credited to the guest’s account.

Can I Use My Drink Package On Royal Caribbean’s Private Island?

You can use your Beverage Package on Royal Caribbean’s private islands, such as Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee.

The packages purchased onboard or through Cruise Planner will be active at these islands and honored anywhere.

I enjoyed drinks like Tito’s Vodka, pineapple juice, and guava syrup at CocoCay in the Bahamas.

These drinks will be honored during normal business hours at various locations on these private islands.

How can I track my usage and remaining drinks on my Royal Caribbean package?

How Can I Track My Usage And Remaining Drinks On My Royal Caribbean Package?

As mentioned, the Royal Caribbean Drink Packages offer unlimited drinks, so don’t worry about the remaining drinks.

But if you want to track your usage to better choose the best drink package for your next cruise, you can follow these ways:

What Non-alcoholic Options Are Included In The Drink Packages?

Royal Caribbean does offer non-alcoholic beverages for kids and other non-drinkers.

In fact, there are specific drink packages that only contain non-alcoholic drinks, including tea, coffee, and other refreshment beverages.

Does Royal Caribbean Offer Any Themed Or Seasonal Drink Packages?

No, Royal Caribbean doesn’t offer any themed or seasoned drink packages. 

There are only three Drink packages: Soda, Refreshment, and Deluxe Beverage. These three packages cover all the drinks and are enough to cater to guests of all tastes.

Zoe’s Expert Tips On Royal Caribbean Drink Packages

There’s a big perk for Crown and Anchor Society members regarding complimentary drinks.

These guests can enjoy premium drinks at no cost in various lounges like 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.

1- Diamond Members: Diamond guests can avail of four free alcoholic drinks or non-alcoholic drinks every day. It requires 80 cruise points.

2- Diamond Plus Members: Diamond Plus Members will get five drinks daily at no cost. It requires 175 cruise points.

3- Pinnacle Members: These guests can enjoy six free drinks daily, a fantastic bonus. It requires 700 cruise points.

Each night on a cruise gives you one point, and for suite guests, either Junior or Grand, you get 2 points per night.

Can I Use My Drink Package During Excursions Or Onshore Activities?

No. While the drink packages work on Royal Caribbean’s private islands of Labadee and Perfect Day at CocoCay, they don’t work when you’re in other ports of call.

The more ports of call you visit, the less time you have onboard to take advantage of the drink packages.

So make sure you’re managing your time properly. Take full advantage of the drink package while making the most of your cruise.

FAQs

Final Words

I’m sure this article has provided you with all the information you need about Royal Caribbean Drink packages.

Hopefully, you can now choose the right companion for your cruise evening or night party.

And if you’re on a budget, I suggest you stick with the complimentary drinks offered by the Cruise Line.

Have a safe and delightful cruise vacation with Royal Caribbean’s drink package.