How Much Is the Drink Package on Royal Caribbean?

Usually, drink packages cost between $9.99 and $125 per person per day in Royal Caribbean. However, it totally depends on the package, sailing, and the price that is advertised excludes the 18% gratuity. This can be a significant increase in your whole vacation budget. Choosing the wrong package can make you pay for drinks you rarely order, while skipping the one that could make daily purchases unexpectedly expensive. Prices can vary by ship, travel date, booking time, and cabin-mate requirements, making a simple comparison difficult. So, in this guide, we will explore what each package includes, how individual drink prices compare, when packages offer value, and how to choose confidently. 

Royal Caribbean Drink Packages: The Three Tiers Explained  

Three types of all-inclusive drink packages from Royal Caribbean can be distinguished. It is crucial to know the distinctions between them and not just evaluate them in terms of cost only.

Each of the package prices quoted above does not include the gratuity as the company always adds a gratuity charge at 18 percent to the daily rate for all packages. Regardless of whether you opt to pay for the package before the cruise journey or while aboard, the gratuity will apply, hence it's important to factor it into your cost calculations in advance.

The basic beverages such as tea, coffee, and water are included in the cruise fare whether you decide to buy any of the packages or not. These packages cater for all other types of beverages that may not be included in the basic drinks offered free during the cruise journey.

In addition to the three major packages, Royal Caribbean also offers bottled water package for people wishing to purchase additional bottles of water and not a full beverage package. The prices for this type of package vary according to the number of bottles purchased, where the cost for 12 is $26.99 or 24 for $44.99.

Royal Caribbean Drink Prices: What You Pay Without a Package

Choosing to bypass the package altogether is going to involve paying per individual drinks, and you will realize that the cost is high. This is why it is important to be aware of the basic prices so as to understand how expensive the package itself is.

• Beers go for between $7.49 and $8.25 per drink depending on whether it is imported or local.
• Wines per glass start from $8 to $22, while a bottle starts at $40 to $230 depending on the type.
• Cocktails are between $11 and $14 per drink with signature cocktails costing $14 each.
• Individual spirits also go for between $9.99 and $13.99.

Since the Deluxe Beverage Package includes any drink valued at $14 or less, most cocktails and drinks fit into this category of inclusion. However, when ordering a drink more expensive than $14, even though you have the Deluxe Beverage Package, the overage charge will apply.

Why Package Pricing Varies by Ship and Sailing

The company does not have a standard rate, and this explains why the rate of the Deluxe package varies from $55 to $125 a day. The company has adopted dynamic pricing, based on several variables.

A few trends are quite consistent across collected price data:

1. Newer, flagship ships tend to be more expensive: Ships such as Utopia, Wonder, and Liberty of the Seas have been historically charging for the deluxe package a rate that was close to $96 a day – considerably above the fleet median.
2. Older ships charge less: For instance, Rhapsody of the Seas charges less for the Deluxe package at around $70 a day.
3. Dates when you travel impact the price: Holiday periods drive demand, and, hence, prices get higher just like in case with airfares.
4. Booking period impacts the price too: The earlier you book the ticket (with the help of Cruise Planner), the lower the price will be compared to booking the same package once onboard.

Given this variability, it is important to check the price directly according to your specific ship and sailing date.

The Cabin-Mate Rule Everyone Forgets

One factor that surprises many travelers while booking their Royal Caribbean cruise vacation is something they should be aware of prior to believing that only one person per cabin has to get the package. The fact is that when a single adult passenger over the age of 21 buys the Deluxe Beverage Package, all other adults in that very cabin will have to buy this package as well.

The reason why it is necessary is to avoid one drink package being used by the entire cabin. However, there is a procedure for getting an exception if a traveler cannot use any drinks due to health problems. It must be obtained at least 10 days before the departure date of your cruise, and each request will be reviewed personally by Royal Caribbean.

In case you get the approval, you'll be able to buy a more affordable Refreshment Package instead of purchasing the Deluxe Beverage Package.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Booking: When to Buy Your Drink Package

When it comes to prices, timing is an important element that could influence them and which travelers actually have some control over. Booking in advance using the Cruise Planner portal and doing it about 90 days in advance usually helps get better prices.

Here are some tips on how to book:

• Do it earlier than just before boarding: Onboard prices are always higher, by 10%-40% depending on the cruise line.
• Look for special offers related to your specific sailing date: Sometimes Royal Caribbean offers discounts for certain sailing or ships via Cruise Planner portal.
• Consider how much you drink and compare it with package price: The package would pay off if you consume about half of the beverages included in the package.
• Keep track of Freestyle/Souvenir Cup prices: Starting from March 2026, there is no automatic inclusion of the Coca-Cola Freestyle machine and Souvenir cup into the Refreshment and Deluxe Packages anymore – they have a separate $5 fee.

Is the Deluxe Package Worth It? Break-Even Math 

The question of whether the Deluxe Beverage Package will be cost-effective is purely one of mathematics, and the answer depends greatly upon what ship you sail and your drinking habits.

If your vacation rhythm entails a morning coffee, a few drinks at the pool, some wine with dinner, and a nightcap, then chances are you'll hit that break-even point all by yourself. For light drinkers and for people who just have one or two drinks per day, it makes more sense to pay individually.

The convenience factor is something that should also be taken into account. Not having to keep track of the running total of your bar bill and not worrying about any unexpected charges in the last bill is a part of the convenience of a package deal for those who fall at the breakeven point or very near it.

Final Words

Now you have understood that the Royal Caribbean drink package totally varies on its types, sailing date, ship, and daily drinking habits. But you can compare the individual drink costs with the package sum, which can help you avoid paying for the other benefits that you might not use. Always remember to include the gratuity, cabin-mate requirements, and extra cup charges before deciding. Check your cruise planner early, look for the available offers, and choose the package that suits your budget and beverage preferences before the sailing.