Royal Caribbean cruises are not all-inclusive — your fare covers the ship, meals in main dining rooms, and basic entertainment, but drinks, specialty dining, excursions, and most onboard activities cost extra
When you book a Royal Caribbean cruise, the price you see includes your cabin, access to the ship, three main dining room meals per day, most live entertainment, and basic fitness facilities. What it does not include are alcoholic drinks, specialty restaurants, shore excursions, spa services, photos, gratuities, and most activities that require advance booking or special equipment. Understanding this split between what's covered and what costs more helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises at the end of your voyage.
Royal Caribbean does offer an all-inclusive beverage package and an all-inclusive dining package that you can add to your base fare, but these are optional purchases, not automatic. The ship itself operates on a pay-as-you-go model for most extras, though some activities like trivia contests and fitness classes are free.
Key Takeaways
- Your cruise fare includes your cabin, main dining room meals, basic entertainment, and access to most ship facilities, but not drinks or specialty restaurants.
- Alcoholic beverages, specialty dining venues, and most onboard activities that require advance booking or equipment are charged separately to your account.
- Royal Caribbean offers optional beverage and dining packages you can purchase before or during your cruise to cover those extras.
- Shore excursions, spa treatments, photos, and gratuities are not included and must be paid for separately.
- Your onboard account is charged automatically for extras, and you settle the bill at the end of your cruise or before disembarkation.
What Your Cruise Fare Actually Covers
Your base Royal Caribbean fare pays for your cabin (inside, oceanview, balcony, or suite depending on what you booked), unlimited access to the ship's public areas, and three meals per day in the main dining room. You also get access to the buffet, the casual poolside dining venues, and the basic coffee bar. Entertainment is included: Broadway-style shows, comedy acts, live music, deck parties, and trivia contests all cost nothing extra.
Fitness classes, the gym, and most pools are free. Kids' clubs and teen programs are included if you have children. You can attend lectures, dance lessons, and most onboard activities without paying more. The library, casino (though gambling itself costs money), and most lounges are open to all passengers at no extra charge.
Drinks and Beverages That Cost Extra
Alcoholic drinks — beer, wine, spirits, and cocktails — are not included in your fare. A single drink at a bar typically costs $8 to $15 depending on what you order. Specialty coffee drinks (lattes, cappuccinos, cold brew) from the specialty coffee bar cost $5 to $8 per drink. Bottled water, energy drinks, and premium juices are charged separately, though tap water and basic coffee are free.
Royal Caribbean's Deluxe Beverage Package covers most alcoholic drinks, specialty coffees, bottled water, and premium juices for a flat daily rate. The cost varies by cruise length and when you purchase it, but buying it before your cruise is usually cheaper than buying drinks onboard. A Classic Beverage Package covers beer, wine, and basic spirits but not premium liquor. If you drink regularly, the package often saves money; if you drink rarely, paying per drink is cheaper.
Specialty Dining Restaurants and Extra Charges
The main dining room is included, but Royal Caribbean ships have specialty restaurants — steakhouses, Italian venues, Asian fusion, and tasting menus — that charge a per-person fee, usually $15 to $40 per meal depending on the restaurant and ship. These are not required; you can eat in the main dining room every night for free. But if you want a fancier dinner or a specific cuisine, you pay extra.
Royal Caribbean also offers an all-inclusive dining package that covers most specialty restaurants for a flat fee added to your cruise price. Like the beverage package, this is optional and costs more upfront but can save money if you plan to eat in specialty venues multiple times.
Activities, Excursions, and Services You Pay For
Most onboard activities are free, but some require payment: escape rooms, wine tastings, cooking classes, and fitness seminars taught by specialty instructors are charged separately. Prices range from $15 to $100 depending on the activity. Photos taken by the ship's photographers are not included; you can purchase digital copies or prints.
Shore excursions — guided tours, water sports, and activities at ports of call — are booked and paid for separately through Royal Caribbean or independent operators. Spa services (massages, facials, body treatments) are charged to your account. Babysitting, laundry service, and cabin upgrades requested during your cruise are also extra. Gratuities (tips for housekeeping, dining staff, and other crew) are not included in your fare and are typically added automatically to your account at a standard rate per day, though you can adjust this amount.
How Onboard Charges Work and When You Pay
Every purchase you make onboard — drinks, specialty dining, activities, photos, spa services — is charged to your cabin account using your room key card. You do not pay cash for individual items. At the end of your cruise, Royal Caribbean charges your credit card or payment method on file for the total balance. You can review your account online during the cruise and adjust gratuities or dispute charges before you disembark.
Some passengers choose to prepay for beverages and dining packages before boarding to lock in pricing and avoid surprises. Others prefer to pay as they go. Both approaches are available; the choice depends on your spending habits and how much certainty you want before the cruise begins.
Comparing Royal Caribbean to True All-Inclusive Cruises
Some cruise lines and resorts market themselves as "all-inclusive," meaning drinks, meals, excursions, and entertainment are all covered in one price. Royal Caribbean is not structured this way. However, by purchasing the beverage package, dining package, and booking excursions in advance, you can create an all-inclusive experience for yourself — you just pay for it separately rather than in one bundled price.
The advantage of Royal Caribbean's model is flexibility: you only pay for what you use. The disadvantage is that budgeting requires more planning, and the final bill can be higher than expected if you are not careful. Reading your onboard account daily and understanding what is and is not included before you board helps avoid sticker shock.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to buy the beverage package?
No. The beverage package is optional. You can buy drinks individually at the bar, or you can purchase the package before boarding or during your cruise. If you drink little or no alcohol, paying per drink is usually cheaper than buying the package.
Are kids' meals and activities included?
Yes. Kids' meals in the main dining room and buffet are included, as are kids' clubs and most youth activities. Specialty dining for children, babysitting, and some premium activities may cost extra, but basic meals and supervised programs are covered in your cruise fare.
What happens if I go over my budget onboard?
Your charges accumulate on your cabin account throughout the cruise. You can review the balance anytime using your room key card at a terminal or through the Royal Caribbean app. You can adjust gratuities or dispute charges before disembarkation. Your final bill is charged to your payment method on file when you leave the ship.
Can I bring my own drinks onboard?
Royal Caribbean allows you to bring a limited amount of non-alcoholic beverages in your cabin, but outside alcohol is not permitted. Alcohol brought onboard will be confiscated. This policy is enforced at embarkation.
Are shore excursions cheaper if I book them through Royal Caribbean or independently?
Prices are often similar, but independent operators at ports sometimes offer lower rates. Booking through Royal Caribbean guarantees the excursion will wait for you if your ship is delayed, and the company handles logistics. Independent bookings offer more flexibility but carry more risk if something goes wrong.