What Royal Caribbean drink packages cost
Royal Caribbean offers three main drink packages, and the price depends on which one you choose and how long your cruise lasts. The Beverage Package (their standard option) costs roughly $15 to $18 per person per day on shorter cruises and $13 to $16 per person per day on longer ones—the per-day rate drops as your cruise gets longer. The Deluxe Beverage Package runs about $25 to $30 per person per day, and the Premium Beverage Package costs $35 to $45 per person per day. These are pre-cruise prices; if you buy onboard, expect to pay 15 to 20 percent more.
Prices shift based on the ship, the sailing date, and how far in advance you book. A seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruise in January will cost less per day than a seven-day sailing in July on the same ship. Royal Caribbean also runs promotions—sometimes offering a free or discounted package for the second guest in a cabin, or bundling packages with other onboard purchases. Check your specific sailing on the Royal Caribbean website to see the exact price for your dates and ship.
Key Takeaways
- The standard Beverage Package ranges from $13 to $18 per person per day depending on cruise length and season, with longer cruises costing less per day.
- Deluxe and Premium packages cost $25 to $30 and $35 to $45 per day respectively and include premium spirits, wine, and specialty coffees that the standard package does not.
- Buying a package before your cruise is cheaper than purchasing drinks individually onboard or buying the package at the bar.
- Royal Caribbean frequently offers promotions such as discounts for second passengers or bundled deals, so check your sailing dates for current offers.
- Gratuity (tip) is not included in any package price and is added separately to your onboard account.
What each drink package includes
The Beverage Package covers most bar drinks: beer, wine by the glass, cocktails made with standard spirits, soft drinks, coffee, tea, and juice. It does not include premium wines, top-shelf liquor, specialty coffee drinks (like lattes), bottled water, or drinks from the specialty coffee bar. If you order a bottle of wine to share at dinner, that is not covered either.
The Deluxe Beverage Package adds premium spirits, premium wines by the glass, and specialty coffee drinks. You still cannot order a full bottle of wine, and some ultra-premium brands remain excluded. The Premium Beverage Package includes everything in Deluxe plus bottled water, energy drinks, and access to the specialty coffee bar without limits. It also covers drinks at the specialty restaurants if you dine there during your cruise.
None of the packages cover drinks at the casino, mini-bar items in your cabin, or beverages ordered through room service. Gratuity is never included and is calculated as a percentage of what you would have paid without the package—so the cruise line adds a service charge to your account whether you buy drinks or not.
When to buy a package before your cruise
Buying a drink package before you sail is almost always cheaper than waiting to buy it onboard. The onboard price is typically 15 to 20 percent higher than the pre-cruise price. If you are unsure whether you will drink enough to make the package worthwhile, you can still buy it at the bar on your first day—you will just pay more.
Royal Caribbean sometimes offers limited-time promotions where the second person in your cabin gets a free or heavily discounted package. These deals appear on your account page when you log in to manage your reservation. If you see a promotion, it usually expires within a few weeks, so book it then rather than waiting.
If you are traveling with children or non-drinkers, you do not have to buy a package for everyone. Only purchase one for people who will actually use it. Soft drinks and juice are included in all packages, so children can order those without a package, though you will pay per drink.
How much you actually spend with and without a package
Whether a package saves you money depends on how many drinks you order per day. A single beer or cocktail at the bar typically costs $8 to $12. A glass of wine runs $10 to $16. A specialty coffee drink is $6 to $8. If you order three to four drinks per day, the standard Beverage Package usually pays for itself. If you order one or two drinks per day, you might spend less paying as you go.
Keep in mind that the package price is per person per day, and you are charged for every day of your cruise—even sea days when you might drink less. Some people find that they drink more on vacation than they expected, which can make the package a good value. Others stick to one or two drinks and regret buying it. Think honestly about your habits before you book.
If you buy a package and decide partway through your cruise that you do not want it, Royal Caribbean does not offer refunds. You can cancel before you sail and get a full refund, but once onboard, the charge stays on your account.
Alternatives to drink packages
You do not have to buy a package at all. You can order drinks individually and pay per drink, which works well if you drink fewer than three per day or prefer to control your spending. Soft drinks, coffee, tea, and juice are free at the buffet and main dining room, so you can save money by getting those there instead of at the bar.
Some cruisers bring their own alcohol onboard. Royal Caribbean allows you to bring one bottle of wine or champagne per person in your cabin on embarkation day only. Beer and spirits are not permitted. If you want to drink wine in your cabin or at dinner, this can be a cost-effective option, though you cannot bring it to the bars or pool deck.
Another option is the Soda Package, which covers soft drinks, coffee, tea, and juice for the duration of your cruise. This costs less than a full beverage package and works well if you do not drink alcohol but want unlimited sodas and specialty coffees without paying per item.
How to buy a drink package for your cruise
Log into your Royal Caribbean account and go to "Manage My Booking." Select your reservation and look for the "Beverage Package" option under add-ons. You will see the available packages and the price for your specific sailing. Select the package you want, choose how many people in your cabin will have it, and complete the purchase. Your credit card will be charged when ready.
If you do not have an online account yet, create one using your booking reference number and last name. Once you are logged in, the process takes about five minutes. You can also call Royal Caribbean's reservations line to purchase a package over the phone, though you may wait longer than booking online.
If you miss the pre-cruise window or want to wait and decide onboard, you can purchase a package at the bar on your first day or visit the beverage desk. The onboard price will be higher, and availability may be limited on very busy sailing dates, so booking ahead is safer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a drink package for just part of my cruise?
No. Royal Caribbean sells drink packages by the full cruise only. You cannot buy a package for three days and pay as you go for the remaining four days. You either have the package for the entire sailing or you do not.
Do I have to buy the same package for everyone in my cabin?
No. You can buy the standard Beverage Package for one person, the Deluxe for another, and no package for a third. Each person's package is independent. This is useful if one person in your group drinks more than the others.
What happens if I buy a package and do not use it?
Royal Caribbean does not offer refunds once you have sailed. If you cancel your package before your cruise departs, you get a full refund. After you board, the charge is final. This is why it is worth thinking carefully about whether you will actually use it before you book.
Are there any free drinks on a Royal Caribbean cruise?
Yes. Water, coffee, tea, juice, and soft drinks are free at the buffet, main dining room, and poolside beverage stations. Alcoholic drinks and specialty coffee drinks (like lattes) are never free unless you have a package that covers them.
Do I tip differently if I have a drink package?
Gratuity is calculated based on what you would have paid without the package, not on what you actually spent. So the cruise line adds a service charge to your account regardless. The amount is the same whether you buy a package or pay per drink.