Most non-alcoholic drinks are included, but alcohol and premium beverages cost extra

Royal Caribbean includes water, coffee, tea, lemonade, and basic soft drinks at no extra charge in your cruise fare. You can order these at any bar, dining room, or poolside venue without paying again. However, alcoholic drinks, specialty coffees, energy drinks, and bottled juices are not included — you pay for each one when you order, either with cash or by charging to your cabin account.

The cost structure depends on how you want to drink during your cruise. You can buy drinks one at a time, purchase a beverage package that covers multiple drinks per day, or bring your own non-alcoholic beverages onboard (within limits). Understanding which option makes sense for your trip requires knowing what's free, what costs per drink, and what a package would actually save you.

Key Takeaways

  • Water, coffee, tea, basic soft drinks, and lemonade are free at all times; you do not need to order a package to access them.
  • Alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees (like lattes), premium juices, and energy drinks are charged individually or covered by a paid beverage package.
  • Royal Caribbean offers several package tiers: Refreshment (non-alcoholic premium drinks), Classic Beverage (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), and Deluxe Beverage (unlimited top-shelf liquor).
  • You can bring your own bottled water and non-alcoholic drinks onboard, but only two bottles per person, and they must be consumed in your cabin or designated areas.
  • Beverage packages are priced per person per day and can be purchased before your cruise or onboard, though pre-purchasing is usually cheaper.

What's Free Without Any Package

Royal Caribbean includes these drinks in your base cruise fare: tap water, bottled water (at meals), coffee, hot tea, iced tea, lemonade, and the soft drinks served in the main dining room at dinner. You can order water or coffee at any time from any bar or beverage station without being charged. This applies to all passengers, regardless of cabin type or cruise length.

The free soft drinks are limited to what the ship stocks in the dining room — typically Coca-Cola products. If you want a soda at the pool bar or a specialty drink, you will be charged. The same applies to juices: fresh-squeezed or premium bottled juices cost extra, but basic lemonade and iced tea are free.

Drinks You Pay For Per Order

If you do not have a beverage package, you pay for each drink individually when you order. Alcoholic drinks typically range from $7 to $15 per drink depending on the type — beer and basic cocktails are cheaper than premium spirits or wine by the glass. Specialty coffees like cappuccinos and lattes cost $5 to $8. Energy drinks, bottled premium juices, and smoothies cost $6 to $10.

Charges go directly to your cabin account, which you settle when you leave the ship. Some passengers find this approach works well if they drink only a few specialty beverages per day, while others find the costs add up quickly over a week-long cruise.

Royal Caribbean's Beverage Packages Explained

Royal Caribbean offers three main beverage packages, each covering a different range of drinks:

Refreshment Package covers non-alcoholic premium drinks: specialty coffees, bottled juices, smoothies, energy drinks, and bottled water. It does not include alcoholic beverages. This package costs roughly $15 to $20 per person per day depending on when you purchase and cruise length.

Classic Beverage Package includes all Refreshment drinks plus beer, wine, and most cocktails. It covers unlimited drinks from the ship's standard bar menu but excludes top-shelf liquors and premium wines. This typically costs $60 to $75 per person per day.

Deluxe Beverage Package adds top-shelf spirits, premium wines, and specialty cocktails to the Classic package. It is the most expensive option, usually $85 to $110 per person per day, and is worth considering only if you drink premium liquor regularly.

Packages are sold per person per day and must be purchased for your entire cruise if you buy them onboard. Pre-purchasing online before your cruise usually costs less than buying onboard. Packages do not include drinks at specialty venues like the coffee shop or some adult-only bars, which may have separate charges.

How to Decide Whether a Package Saves You Money

Calculate your expected daily drink spending to compare against package cost. If you plan to order five cocktails per day at $10 each, that is $50 per day — less than the Classic package. But if you want specialty coffee every morning ($7), a couple of beers ($12), and a cocktail at dinner ($10), you are at $29 per day, and the Classic package at $60+ is not worth it.

For non-drinkers or light drinkers, skip the package entirely. For families with children, the Refreshment package may pay for itself if kids order specialty drinks daily. For couples who enjoy wine and cocktails throughout the day, the Classic or Deluxe package usually saves money over a week-long cruise.

One important note: gratuities (tips) are not included in any beverage package. Royal Caribbean automatically adds gratuity to bar charges, whether you have a package or pay per drink.

What You Can Bring Onboard Yourself

You are allowed to bring your own non-alcoholic beverages onboard, but with strict limits. Each passenger can bring a maximum of two bottles of non-alcoholic drinks, and they must be consumed in your cabin or designated public areas — not at the pool or dining venues. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted; Royal Caribbean will confiscate them at embarkation.

Many passengers bring bottled water to save money, since buying water onboard (outside your package) can cost $3 to $5 per bottle. Bringing your own juice, soda, or sports drinks is also allowed and can reduce your beverage spending if you do not want a full package.

Specialty Venues and Additional Charges

Some bars and restaurants onboard charge separately from your beverage package. The Solarium Bistro, specialty coffee shops, and some adult-only lounges may have their own pricing. Wine tastings, craft cocktail classes, and premium dining experiences typically add $15 to $50 per person and are not covered by any standard package.

Before your cruise, check your onboard account or ask at Guest Services which venues have separate charges. This helps you budget for extras and avoid surprises when your final bill is presented.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I share a beverage package with someone in my cabin?

No. Beverage packages are per-person, and each guest must purchase their own if they want coverage. You cannot buy one package and share drinks with a cabin mate who does not have one.

What happens if I buy a package and do not use all the drinks?

Beverage packages do not roll over or refund unused portions. You pay for the package for each day of your cruise regardless of how many drinks you order. If you realize partway through that you are not using it, you cannot cancel and get a refund.

Are drinks included if I book a suite?

Suite guests receive some complimentary beverages depending on suite category — typically bottled water, coffee, and tea — but the same rules explore as standard cabins. Alcoholic drinks and specialty beverages require either a package or per-drink payment. Some higher-tier suites include a beverage package, so check your booking confirmation.

Can I purchase a beverage package for only part of my cruise?

If you purchase onboard, the package applies to your entire cruise. If you pre-purchase online, you must buy it for the full cruise length. Royal Caribbean does not offer daily or partial-cruise packages.

Do kids' drinks cost extra?

Basic milk, juice, and soft drinks served at meals are included for children. Specialty drinks like bottled juices, smoothies, or energy drinks cost extra unless a beverage package is purchased. Children can be added to any beverage package at the same per-day rate as adults.