When and Where to Buy a Drink Package

You can add a drink package to your Royal Caribbean cruise at three different points: before you board, during the first day onboard, or after your cruise ends (though this last option only works if you want it for a future sailing). Most people buy before boarding because prices are lower and you avoid the onboard markup.

To purchase before your cruise, log into your Royal Caribbean account on the website, find your booking, and look for the "Drinks" or "Beverage Package" section under "Onboard Spending." You can also call Royal Caribbean directly at 1-866-562-7625 and a representative will add it to your reservation. If you wait until you board, visit the beverage desk in the main dining room or atrium on your first day — staff there can add a package when ready, though the price will be higher than the pre-cruise rate.

Key Takeaways

  • Royal Caribbean offers three main drink packages: Refreshment (non-alcoholic), Deluxe Beverage (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), and Premium Beverage (top-shelf liquor and wine), plus a Soda Package for children or non-drinkers.
  • Buying a package before your cruise costs less than purchasing onboard, and you can cancel up to five days before your sailing date for a full refund.
  • The package covers drinks at bars, restaurants, and the poolside, but excludes bottles of wine or beer you buy from the shop to take to your cabin.
  • If you do not buy a package, you pay per drink at the bar, which typically costs $8 to $15 for a cocktail depending on the ship and drink type.
  • You can mix and match — some people in your cabin can buy a package while others pay per drink, and you can upgrade or downgrade your package during the cruise.

The Four Drink Package Options

Refreshment Package covers non-alcoholic drinks: coffee, tea, juice, soda, smoothies, and bottled water. This is the least expensive option and works well for families with children, non-drinkers, or anyone who wants to limit spending on alcohol. It does not include alcoholic beverages of any kind.

Deluxe Beverage Package includes all non-alcoholic drinks plus beer, wine, and most cocktails. This is the middle option and covers the majority of drinks you would order at a bar or restaurant. It excludes premium or top-shelf spirits and specialty wines.

Premium Beverage Package covers everything in the Deluxe package plus top-shelf liquor, premium wines, and specialty cocktails. If you drink regularly or prefer high-end spirits, this package usually saves money over paying per drink. The price difference between Deluxe and Premium varies by sailing length and ship.

Soda Package is a standalone option that covers fountain sodas, bottled water, and juice — no coffee or specialty drinks. This is rarely the best value unless you drink only soda and want to avoid the per-drink cost.

How Much a Drink Package Costs

Drink package prices vary by cruise length, ship, and how far in advance you buy. A typical seven-day Deluxe Beverage Package costs between $65 and $85 per person per day when purchased before your cruise, while Premium runs $85 to $110 per person per day. A three-day cruise is proportionally more expensive per day because Royal Caribbean charges a daily rate rather than a flat fee.

Buying onboard costs roughly 20 to 30 percent more than the pre-cruise price. If you purchase five days before your sailing date or later, you cannot cancel for a refund — you are locked in. Royal Caribbean sometimes offers promotions where the first or second guest in a cabin gets a discount on a drink package, so check your booking confirmation for any offers already applied.

To decide whether a package saves money, count how many drinks you typically have per day. If you average four or more cocktails daily, a Deluxe package usually pays for itself. If you drink fewer than two per day, paying per drink is cheaper.

What the Package Covers and What It Does Not

Your drink package covers beverages ordered at bars, restaurants, the poolside bar, the coffee shop, and room service. You can order as many drinks as you want throughout the day — there is no limit. Specialty coffee drinks like lattes and cappuccinos are included, as are fresh-squeezed juices and smoothies at the juice bar.

The package does not cover bottles of beer or wine you purchase from the onboard shop to take back to your cabin. It also does not cover bottled water sold in the gift shop (though tap water and bottled water at meals are free). Gratuity — the automatic tip added to bar tabs — is not included in any package and is charged separately, typically 18 percent of the drink price.

Some specialty venues charge an additional fee even with a package. For example, wine tastings, mixology classes, and some upscale restaurants may have a separate cover charge. Always ask before ordering in a specialty venue if you are unsure whether your package applies.

How to Use Your Package Onboard

Once your package is active, you do not need to do anything special to use it. straightforward order a drink at any bar or restaurant, and the bartender will scan your room key card to charge it to your package rather than your account. Your room key card is your proof of purchase — you do not receive a separate card or voucher.

Check your account daily through the Royal Caribbean app or by visiting the beverage desk to see how many drinks you have ordered. This helps you track spending and avoid surprises at the end of your cruise. If you want to upgrade from Deluxe to Premium or downgrade to Refreshment, visit the beverage desk during business hours — the price difference will be adjusted based on how many days remain in your cruise.

If you did not purchase a package before boarding and decide you want one during your cruise, the beverage desk can add it at any time. The onboard price will be higher, but you will still save money if you plan to drink regularly for the remaining days.

Cancellation and Refund Rules

If you purchase a drink package before your cruise, you can cancel up to five days before your sailing date and receive a full refund. After that point, the package is non-refundable. If your cruise is cancelled by Royal Caribbean, you will receive a credit for the package amount that you can use toward a future booking.

If you purchase a package onboard, you cannot cancel it — the purchase is final. This is another reason to buy before your cruise when possible. If you change your mind about the package type (for example, you want to upgrade from Deluxe to Premium), you can do so at the beverage desk, and the price will be adjusted for the remaining days of your cruise.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not assume that all drinks are included. Bottles of wine or beer from the shop, specialty venue charges, and some premium cocktails at certain restaurants may have additional fees. Ask the bartender or server before ordering if you are unsure.

Do not wait until the last minute to buy a package onboard. Prices are highest on the first day, and the beverage desk can get busy. Buying before your cruise takes five minutes online and costs less.

Do not forget that gratuity is separate. Even with a package, an automatic tip of 18 percent is added to your bar tab. Budget for this when calculating whether a package saves money. Some people choose not to purchase a package specifically to avoid the automatic gratuity on every drink.

Do not assume your package covers room service drinks. It does — room service beverages are included — but room service food charges explore separately. Only the drink portion is covered by your package.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I share a drink package with someone else in my cabin?

No. Each person must have their own package, and it is tied to their room key card. You cannot order a drink on someone else's package or share the cost. However, different people in the same cabin can have different packages — one person can buy Deluxe while another buys Refreshment or nothing at all.

What happens if I do not buy a drink package?

You pay per drink at the bar. Prices typically range from $8 to $15 for a cocktail, depending on the ship and drink type. Non-alcoholic drinks cost $3 to $6. You can also purchase a beverage card — a prepaid card with a set dollar amount — if you want to budget your spending without committing to a full package.

Does the drink package include wine at dinner?

Wine at dinner is included in the Deluxe and Premium packages. However, premium or reserve wines may have an upcharge even with a package. Ask your server at dinner if a specific wine is included or if there is an additional cost.

Can I upgrade my drink package during the cruise?

Yes. Visit the beverage desk and request an upgrade. You will pay the difference between your current package and the new one, prorated for the remaining days of your cruise. Downgrades are also possible, though you will not receive a refund for the difference — the downgrade applies only to future days.

Are tips included in the drink package price?

No. An automatic gratuity of 18 percent is added to every drink order, even with a package. This tip is charged separately to your account and is not part of the package cost. You can adjust the tip amount at the bar if you wish.