Drink prices on Royal Caribbean ships vary by type and location

Royal Caribbean charges for most drinks onboard, though the price depends on what you order and where you order it. Soft drinks, coffee, and water are included with your cruise fare. Alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, and premium juices cost extra and are charged to your onboard account. The ship's main dining room and buffet serve included beverages at no additional charge, but bars, poolside venues, and specialty coffee shops operate on a pay-per-drink basis.

You have two main ways to pay for drinks: buy them individually as you go, or purchase a beverage package before or during your cruise. Individual drinks range from about $6 to $15 depending on what you order, while packages bundle multiple drinks at a discounted rate. Understanding both options helps you decide which approach fits your vacation style and budget.

Key Takeaways

  • Water, coffee, and soft drinks in the main dining room are included; alcoholic drinks and specialty beverages cost $6 to $15 each when purchased individually.
  • Royal Caribbean offers beverage packages that cover a set number of drinks per day, usually costing $15 to $20 per person per day depending on the package tier.
  • Drinks ordered at bars, pool decks, and specialty coffee shops are charged to your onboard account and billed at the end of your cruise.
  • Gratuity (tip) is automatically added to all drink purchases, typically 18 percent, though you can adjust it at the guest services desk.
  • Bringing your own alcohol onboard is prohibited, and Royal Caribbean confiscates bottles at embarkation.

Individual drink prices at different venues

When you order drinks without a package, prices vary by location and type. A standard beer or mixed drink at a bar typically costs $7 to $9. Wine by the glass runs $8 to $12 depending on the selection. Specialty cocktails and frozen drinks cost $10 to $15. Soft drinks and bottled water purchased outside the dining room are $3 to $4 per item.

Specialty coffee shops onboard charge separately from regular bars. A cappuccino or latte costs around $6 to $7, while a regular coffee is about $4. These charges appear on your account when ready. Juice bars and smoothie stands typically charge $8 to $12 per drink. If you order multiple drinks over a week-long cruise without a package, costs add up quickly—a couple ordering two drinks per day could spend $200 to $300 by the end of the trip.

Beverage packages and what they cover

Royal Caribbean offers several beverage package tiers. The Refreshment Package covers non-alcoholic drinks and costs roughly $15 to $17 per person per day when purchased in advance. It includes soft drinks, coffee, tea, juice, and bottled water at bars and specialty shops. The Deluxe Beverage Package adds alcoholic drinks and costs around $18 to $22 per person per day. It covers beer, wine, spirits, and cocktails up to a certain price point, though premium wines and top-shelf liquor may carry an upcharge.

Packages are priced per person per day and must cover your entire cruise length. A family of four on a seven-day cruise with the Deluxe package would pay roughly $500 to $600 total. You can purchase packages when you book your cruise, during the final payment period, or onboard during the first day. Prices are lower when bought in advance. If you purchase onboard, the cost is higher but you can still decide after seeing what the ship offers.

How gratuity works with drink charges

Every drink purchase—whether individual or part of a package—includes an automatic gratuity added to your bill. The standard gratuity is 18 percent of the drink price. This means a $10 cocktail becomes $11.80 on your account. The gratuity goes to the bartenders and servers who prepare and deliver your drinks.

You can adjust the gratuity amount at the guest services desk if you believe it was calculated incorrectly or if you want to modify it. Most guests leave the automatic amount as is. If you purchase a beverage package, the gratuity is typically included in the package price rather than added separately, though this varies by package type—check your booking confirmation to confirm.

Included beverages you do not pay extra for

Several categories of drinks come with your cruise fare at no additional charge. Tap water, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are free everywhere onboard. Soft drinks served in the main dining room during meals are included. Lemonade and iced tea at the buffet are complimentary. Milk is free for children. These included options are available throughout the day in dining venues, though specialty versions (like premium coffee drinks) cost extra.

The key distinction is location and type. A regular cup of coffee from the buffet is free; a specialty latte from the coffee shop costs $6 to $7. A soft drink at dinner is included; the same soft drink from a poolside bar costs $3 to $4. Planning to use included beverages when possible reduces your overall drink spending, especially on longer cruises.

What happens if you bring alcohol onboard

Royal Caribbean prohibits passengers from bringing their own alcohol onboard. Security staff inspect luggage at embarkation and confiscate any bottles of beer, wine, or spirits they find. This policy applies to all passengers regardless of age. The confiscated alcohol is not returned, and no refund is issued. The only exception is wine or champagne purchased at the ship's wine shop during the cruise, which you can bring to your cabin.

Some passengers attempt to hide alcohol in other containers, but this violates the cruise contract and can result in being denied boarding or removed from the ship. The policy exists partly for safety and partly because Royal Caribbean generates significant revenue from onboard beverage sales. If budget is a concern, purchasing a beverage package before your cruise is the most cost-effective way to drink throughout your trip.

Comparing package costs to individual purchases

Whether a beverage package saves you money depends on your drinking habits. If you order two or more drinks per day, a package usually costs less than paying individually. A Deluxe package at $20 per person per day covers roughly three standard drinks at bar prices. If you drink fewer than two drinks daily, individual purchases may be cheaper. If you drink four or more drinks daily, a package is almost certainly the better deal.

Consider your group's habits before deciding. A couple who each have one drink at dinner and one cocktail by the pool would spend about $56 per day individually ($7 + $7 + $7 + $7 plus gratuity), compared to roughly $40 per day with a Deluxe package. Over seven days, the package saves about $112. However, if you prefer water and coffee most days, skipping the package and buying drinks as you go keeps costs lower.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my own drinks in my suitcase?

No. Royal Caribbean confiscates all outside alcohol at embarkation. Water bottles and soft drinks are technically allowed, but most passengers find it easier to purchase drinks onboard or use the included beverages. The only alcohol permitted in your cabin is wine or champagne bought from the ship's wine shop during the cruise.

Do kids' drinks cost extra?

Milk and soft drinks served in the dining room are free for children. Specialty drinks ordered at bars or coffee shops cost the same as adult drinks. If you purchase a beverage package, it typically covers children's drinks as well, though confirm this when you book.

What if I do not finish my beverage package drinks?

Unused drinks do not roll over to future cruises or convert to a refund. Beverage packages are per-cruise only. You lose any unused portion when your cruise ends. This is another reason to estimate your drinking habits carefully before purchasing.

Are there any free drink promotions during the cruise?

Royal Caribbean occasionally offers complimentary drinks during specific events or as part of onboard promotions, though these are not may provide. Check the daily program delivered to your cabin for any drink specials or happy hour events. Some venues offer discounted drinks during certain hours, but these still cost less than regular prices, not free.

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

No. Beverage packages are non-transferable and tied to the individual passenger. Each person in your cabin must purchase their own package if they want coverage. You cannot buy one package and share drinks among multiple people.