# What is the 3:1:1 rule on Royal Caribbean?

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## Royal Caribbean drink rules, packages, break-even math — and the “secret codes” cruise crews use.

* The **“3-1-1” rule** is the TSA liquids rule for air travel (3.4 oz / 1 quart / 1 bag) — it’s not a Royal Caribbean-specific drinking rule. If you’re flying to your cruise, follow the TSA 3-1-1 liquids rule for carry-ons.
* **Royal Caribbean beverage packages** come in tiers (Deluxe Beverage Package, Refreshment Package, Classic Soda, etc.). Packages include many items but also exclude some drinks (super-premium / above a price threshold, Starbucks, mini-bar, souvenir glassware, certain specialty beers). Check the package terms before you buy.
* **Important rules to know:** an 18% automatic gratuity is typically added to beverage package purchases; all adults in the same stateroom who are of legal drinking age must buy the same alcoholic beverage package (if one adult in the stateroom buys it). These rules materially affect the price and value calculation.
* **Break-even math:** whether a drinks package “pays for itself” depends on the package daily price (plus gratuity) and the average price of the drinks you would buy individually. Typical cocktail prices on Royal Caribbean average roughly **$12–$16** (cocktail ≈ $14 is a useful baseline). Using that baseline you often need **~6–9 cocktails per day** to break even on higher-end packages — fewer for midrange packages and far fewer for soda/refreshment packages. (We’ll show detailed calculations.)
* **“Secret codes”** on cruise ships are real: crew use coded PA announcements (e.g., Code Alpha, Code Oscar, Code Bravo, Code Red) to alert staff discreetly about medical emergencies, man-overboard, fires, norovirus/illness events and other incidents without alarming passengers. Codes and exact language can vary by line.

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## Part 1 — What is the “3-1-1” rule (and does it apply to Royal Caribbean)?

When people ask about “3-1-1” around cruises they’re usually mixing two travel rules:

* **3-1-1** is the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) rule for liquids in carry-on luggage on flights: containers of **3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less**, **all containers fit in 1 quart-sized clear bag**, and **1 bag per passenger**. This matters if you’re flying to the cruise port and want to bring toiletries or travel-size liquids in your carry-on. **It is not a Royal Caribbean alcohol rule.**

* **Royal Caribbean** has its own alcohol/wine-on-embarkation and in-port purchase policies (see next section), but no policy called “3-1-1.” If your question was about bringing liquids onto the ship with you on embarkation day, follow the cruise line’s rules (one sealed 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne per guest of legal drinking age permitted on embarkation day, with corkage rules for public consumption).

**Bottom line:** use TSA 3-1-1 for your airplane carry-on; follow Royal Caribbean’s documented beverage rules for what you can board with and how packages work.

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## Part 2 — Royal Caribbean alcohol & beverage package rules: the essentials (official items and important exceptions)

Royal Caribbean’s official pages and package documentation spell out what is included, what is excluded, and certain mandatory conditions. Here are the rules you must know before you buy or plan:

### 1. Beverage package types (overview)

Royal Caribbean currently markets several beverage package options (names and available options can change over time). The common tiers are:

* **Deluxe Beverage Package** — alcohol + non-alcoholic drinks, beer, cocktails, wine by the glass (with some exclusions), often advertised as “unlimited alcoholic beverages” up to a maximum price per drink (super-premium exceptions apply).
* **Refreshment Package** — non-alcoholic premium beverages: specialty coffees, fresh juices, bottled water, smoothies, mocktails, and some premium non-alcoholic items.
* **Classic Soda Package** — unlimited fountain soda/Freestyle beverages.

*(Exact names, inclusions, and pricing vary by sailing and can change; always read the package details on your cruise planner page.)*

### 2. Exclusions and price caps

* Packages **exclude** certain items (mini-bar items, souvenir glassware, Starbucks® purchases in licensed stores/cafes—often excluded—and “super premium” beverages above a stated price threshold). For example, some package documents indicate **super-premium drinks above a set dollar amount** are excluded from the Deluxe package. Read the PDF terms for precise limits on your sailing.
* **Specialty beers** and some premium wines can be excluded or priced differently on menus.

### 3. Gratuities / automatic service charges

* Royal Caribbean typically **automatically adds an 18% gratuity** to the pre-cruise or onboard purchase of a beverage package (unless local rules prohibit it). This gratuity affects the total cost you pay and therefore changes break-even math.

### 4. Same-stateroom requirement (alcoholic packages)

* **Important:** Royal Caribbean requires **all guests of legal drinking age in the same stateroom** to buy the **same alcoholic beverage package** if one adult in the stateroom chooses to purchase it (this is industry standard across many mainstream cruise lines). That rule can double (or triple) the package cost for couples/families, so it’s a big factor in the economics.

### 5. Bringing your own alcohol / corkage fee

* **Embarkation day:** guests may bring **one (1) sealed 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne per guest of legal drinking age** onto the ship at embarkation (carry-on only). Other containers like boxed wine are typically prohibited. (
* **Corkage fee:** if you consume your own bottle in a public venue (restaurant, lounge), there is generally a **corkage fee (~$15 per bottle)**. Bottles purchased onboard or in port may be stored and returned to you at the end of the cruise.

### 6. Age limits and regional variations

* Minimum drinking ages depend on itinerary departure region (e.g., often 21 on North American sailings but 18 in other regions); check your sailing’s rules.

### 7. Purchase & cancellation policy

* Packages usually can be bought **pre-cruise** via the cruise planner (often with a window to cancel or change), or purchased onboard. The PDF terms note **no cancellation after 48 hours from purchase** in many cases — confirm on your booking.

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## Part 3 — Is there a limit on Royal Caribbean drink package usage (pouring, ordering, sharing)?

Short answer: **Yes and no** — packages grant you “unlimited” access to included menu items, but there are practical and policy limits.

### Limits to understand

1. **No sharing:** beverage packages are sold **per person** and **cannot be shared**. Crew will refuse to serve a drink to someone who does not have a package if another passenger tries to share. This is strictly enforced and is one reason lines require all adults in a stateroom to buy the same alcoholic package.

2. **Responsible service enforcement:** bartenders and staff will refuse service to intoxicated guests or guests in situations violating alcohol policy. Packages do not give licence to over-consume.

3. **Menu price cap / exclusions:** some very expensive “super-premium” beverages are outside the package — see the package terms — and may be charged extra.

4. **Starbucks & licensed venues:** package rules often exclude items sold in licensed Starbucks stores onboard, meaning your usual Starbucks purchase may not be covered.

5. **Mini-bar & souvenirs:** minibar items, souvenir glassware and similar purchases usually are excluded from the beverage package.

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## Part 4 — How much does a package cost? (typical price ranges in 2024–2025)

Package pricing fluctuates by ship, itinerary and date; here are representative ranges gathered from booking tools and cruise industry sources (ranges are examples — always check your cruise planner for exact prices):

* **Deluxe Beverage Package (alcoholic)** — often **$55 to $115+ per person per day**, depending on promotions, ship and sailing; some articles show higher ranges on newer ships or premium sailings.
* **Refreshment Package (non-alcoholic premium)** — typically around **$29–$40 per person per day**.
* **Classic Soda Package** — commonly **$12.99–$15 per person per day**.

**Note:** official Royal Caribbean product pages emphasize checking your particular sailing for the exact daily cost; prices change.

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## Part 5 — How many drinks per day do you need to break even? (the math, step-by-step)

To decide if a drink package is worth it, use a simple formula:

> **Break-even drinks per day** = **(Package daily price + daily gratuity)** ÷ **Average price per drink you would buy**

**Key variables:**

* **Package daily price** = the published per-person daily package price.
* **Daily gratuity** = package price × automatic gratuity percentage (commonly 18%) ÷ number of cruise days — in practice the gratuity is usually added to the package purchase upfront, but we include it per day to reflect true cost.
* **Average price per drink** = the menu price of the average drink you typically order (cocktail, glass of wine, beer or specialty coffee). Choose the real average from bars you expect to use.

We’ll run **example calculations** using realistic middle values and show several scenarios.

### Typical menu price assumptions (baseline)

* **Average cocktail** ≈ **$14**. (site surveys put cocktails around $12–$16 depending on ship; $14 is a good midline.)
* **Average beer** ≈ **$8–$10**.
* **Glass of wine** ≈ **$9–$16** (wider range; many wines by the glass sit in the $9–$14 band).

### Scenario A — Deluxe Beverage Package: **$90 per day** example

* Package price per day = $90
* Gratuity (18%) on $90 = $16.20 → total per day = $106.20
* If average cocktail = $14 → break-even drinks/day = $106.20 ÷ $14 ≈ **7.6 drinks per day**
* If you drink mostly **beer** at $9 avg → break-even = $106.20 ÷ $9 ≈ **11.8 beers/day**

**Interpretation:** at $90/day (plus gratuity) you’d need **≈7–8 cocktails/day** to break even — a heavy drinking level for most cruisers.

### Scenario B — Deluxe Package at **$60 per day**

* Package price per day = $60
* Gratuity 18% = $10.80 → total = $70.80
* With $14 cocktail average → break-even ≈ $70.80 ÷ $14 ≈ **5.1 cocktails/day**
* With $9 beer avg → break-even ≈ **7.9 beers/day**

**Interpretation:** at ~$60/day you need **~5 cocktails/day** — still a lot, but more reachable on a heavy drinking cruise with many sea days.

### Scenario C — Refreshment Package **$35 per day** (non-alcoholic)

* Price = $35/day; gratuity 18% = $6.30 → total = $41.30/day
* If your non-alcoholic purchases are specialty coffee ($4) + fresh juices/more expensive beverages average = let's use $5 per item → break-even ≈ $41.30 ÷ $5 ≈ **8.3 premium drinks/day**
* For families who would buy multiple soft drinks/juices daily, a Refreshment package can be worthwhile, but not for casual single beverage consumers.

### Scenario D — Classic Soda package **$13/day**

* Price ≈ $13; gratuity 18% ≈ $2.34 → total ≈ $15.34/day
* If a soda purchase onboard is $3.50 — break-even ≈ $15.34 ÷ $3.50 ≈ **4.4 sodas/day** — doable for families or kids who consume several sodas per day.

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## Part 6 — Real examples & calculators (useful online tools)

Several cruise blogs and tools offer calculators that let you input package price, gratuity and average drink price and compute break-even drinks (handy). Community calculators show many guests need **5–7 drinks per day** to break even on mid-to-high packages; the number rises with higher package prices and when gratuity is added. Use a calculator to run your exact sailing numbers before you buy.

**Tip:** run the calculation with **conservative drink prices** (assume $12–$15 per cocktail) and include the 18% gratuity — that gives a realistic threshold.

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## Part 7 — Is the drink package “worth it”? (factors besides math)

Price is only part of the story. Consider these **non-mathematical factors**:

### 1. Convenience and budgeting

If you want to pre-budget and have “one price” for drinks, packages offer peace of mind and simplify accounting.

### 2. Drinking style and variety

If you drink specialty cocktails frequently, the convenience is valuable. If you’re a light drinker (1–2 drinks/day), a package rarely pays off.

### 3. Sea days vs port days

Sea days have no port bars to explore — you may drink more on board. Port days might reduce onboard drink consumption. Calculate for the actual number of **onboard** days.

### 4. Group dynamics & the same-stateroom rule

If you’re traveling with a non-drinker (partner, friend), the same-stateroom requirement can **double your cost** (two packages vs one). This rule often makes packages unattractive for mixed-habits cabins.

### 5. Promotions & loyalty discounts

Look for promotional pre-cruise pricing (buy early for discounts), or loyalty/ Crown & Anchor benefits that occasionally reduce package cost.

### 6. Alternative approaches

* **Pay-as-you-go**: good if you drink modestly.
* **Onboard “bar tabs” or specialty wine packages**: sometimes cheaper for groups that prefer wine or specialty items.
* **Buy wine in port** (if allowed) and enjoy in cabin (but check corkage rules/ storage).

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## Part 8 — Practical tips: buying, cancelling, using and abusing (don’t)

### Buying & cancelling

* **Buy early** via the cruise planner if you want pre-cruise pricing; read the cancellation window (many packages are non-refundable within 48 hours of purchase).

### Using a package properly

* Present your **SeaPass / Sail & Sign card** (or app) when ordering — the server will verify package eligibility.
* Tip: choose drinks under the package max price to avoid surprise extra charges for “super-premium” drinks.

### Don’ts

* Don’t try to share drinks — staff will refuse.
* Don’t expect package to cover everything (Starbucks etc.).
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## Part 9 — Special cases and frequently asked questions about packages

### Q: Can one person buy a package and share with someone else who doesn’t buy it?

A: **No.** Packages are per person and non-shareable; the crew enforces this.

### Q: Are drinks on private island or port included?

A: Packages typically apply to ship bars and sometimes on-island venues run by the cruise line (check specifics). Drinks purchased in port at local bars are not part of the ship’s package unless the cruise line explicitly includes its own port outlets. Always check the package T&Cs.

### Q: Are alcoholic packages available to all ages?

A: No — alcoholic package allowed only to guests of **legal drinking age** for your sailing location (often 21 in North American departures; 18 elsewhere).

### Q: Does the package include bottled wine or bottles of alcohol?

A: Usually **no** — bottles and souvenir glassware are excluded. The package frequently covers wine **by the glass**, not bottles.

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## Part 10 — The “secret codes” cruise crews use (what they mean and why they exist)

Cruise ships use **codes** — short phrases or codewords — over the public address and internal radio systems so staff can communicate incidents without causing passenger panic. These codes vary by line and are meant to protect passenger safety while limiting alarm. Here are commonly reported ones (meanings can vary by company and are sometimes kept intentionally vague):

### Common codes and typical meanings

* **Code Alpha** — often used for medical emergencies (ranging from minor to severe). Hearing this may indicate a medical team is responding.
* **Code Oscar** — frequently used to indicate **man overboard** or a person overboard event. Historically such announcements are made discreetly and require immediate crew response.
* **Code Bravo** — often indicates **fire** on board. Staff follow emergency fire procedures.
* **Code Red** — sometimes used to denote a norovirus or contagious sickness outbreak or other high-level medical/health sanitation response. Rapid sanitation and containment measures follow.
*
* **Code Delta** — may signal flooding or major damage to the ship’s hull or compartments.

### Why use codes?

* Keep passengers calm — a PA page that said “man overboard” could cause panic. Codes let staff coordinate discreetly.

### Important note

* **Codes vary** by cruise line and are not universal. If you hear a code, follow crew instructions and don’t speculate; the crew will advise passengers if necessary. Recent social media posts and news pieces confirm crew members and influencers have discussed codes publicly, but exact usage and wording differ.

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## Part 11 — Strategy guide: choose the right approach for you

Here’s a step-by-step decision path to decide whether to buy a package:

1. **Calculate** your likely drink consumption per day (realistically) and the types of drinks (cocktails vs beer vs coffee).
2. **Run the math** with the package price and 18% gratuity. Use package price + gratuity ÷ expected average drink price = required drinks/day.
3. **Check same-stateroom rule** — if you’re traveling with non-drinking adult(s), factor the doubled/tripled cost.
4. **Consider sea days** — if most days are sea days you’ll likely drink more onboard (increasing package value).
5. **Look for promotions** — early booking often lowers price. Use official cruise planner and loyalty promos to reduce daily cost.
6. **Decide**: buy pre-cruise (budget certainty) or decide to pay-as-you-go onboard

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## Sample calculations (two full worked examples)

### Example 1 — Couple on a 7-night Caribbean cruise

* Couple: one drinks moderately (3 drinks/day), other doesn’t drink.
* Deluxe package pre-cruise price: $75/day each (hypothetical). Gratuity 18% = $13.50/day. Total per person/day = $88.50. Couple cost per day for alcoholic package if both buy it (required) = $177/day. Over 7 nights = $1,239.
* If the active drinker would otherwise buy 3 cocktails/day at $14 → $42/day, plus other incidentals say $5 ≈ $47/day × 7 = $329.
* **Conclusion:** forced same-stateroom purchase makes package financially nonsensical here; pay-as-you-go is strongly better.

### Example 2 — Solo traveler on a 5-night cruise

* Drinks a lot: 6 cocktails/day. Deluxe price pre-cruise = $70/day + 18% = $82.60/day. Break-even cocktails/day = $82.60 ÷ $14 ≈ **5.9** cocktails/day.
* **Conclusion:** If you truly drink 6 cocktails/day on average, a package may be worth it.

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## Part 13 — Final tips, etiquette and common mistakes to avoid

* **Always check package T&Cs** for your specific sailing (inclusions, exclusions, cancellation window).
* **Don’t forget gratuity** — calculate with the 18% service charge included.
* **Don’t let a promo pressure you** — if you don’t naturally drink enough, don’t buy the package just because it seems like a deal.
* **Be mindful of policies** about bringing one 750 ml sealed wine bottle on embarkation day, storage of bottles bought in port, and corkage fees. If you plan to bring wine, know the corkage rules.
* **Remember non-monetary value** — packages can reduce friction (no tabs, easy orders) and may feel like “freedom” for some cruisers. Balance emotion against math.
* **Respect staff and rules** — package abuse (sharing, over-consumption) will get you carded off the package or removed.

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## Part 14 — Quick checklist before you decide

* [ ] Check the **exact** package prices on your cruise planner.
* [ ] Add the **18% gratuity** and compute the **per-day** total.
* [ ] Estimate your **average drink price** and daily consumption.
* [ ] Compute **break-even drinks/day**. Use an online calculator if you like.
* [ ] Check **same-stateroom rule** and decide if all adults will buy the package.
* [ ] Confirm **inclusions/exclusions** (Starbucks, mini-bar, bottled wine, specialty beers).

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## Frequently asked questions

**Q: Can I share my drink package?**
A: No — packages are per person and non-shareable.

**Q: Is the package refundable?**
A: Policies vary; many purchases have a limited cancellation window (e.g., no cancellation after 48 hours from purchase) — check your booking.

**Q: Does the package include bottled water?**
A: Some non-alcoholic packages include bottled water; check the Refreshment Package terms.

**Q: What happens if I get too drunk?**
A: Crew may refuse service or remove privileges; responsible service policies apply.

**Q: Do packages apply to drink orders on private islands?**
A: It depends on whether the cruise line runs the venue; usually, ship-run island outlets may accept packages but independent port bars do not. Check specifics.

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## Closing / final recommendation

A drink package on Royal Caribbean can be an excellent value for **heavy drinkers** (especially solo travelers or groups who all want the same package) or for those who prize convenience and budget certainty. However, the combination of **per-person pricing, the same-stateroom rule, exclusions, and the automatic 18% gratuity** means packages are often **not** cost-effective for moderate or light drinkers, or for couples where only one drinks regularly.

Before you buy:

1. **Run the numbers** including gratuity.
2. **Think about behavior** (sea days vs port days).
3. **Check the small print** on exclusions and the same-stateroom rule.

And if you hear an announcement that sounds like a “secret code” aboard ship — don’t panic. Crew use coded language to respond professionally behind the scenes; follow instructions if asked and let the staff do their job.

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## Sources & further reading (key references)

* Royal Caribbean — Beverage packages information and FAQ. ([Royal Caribbean][2])
* Royal Caribbean Deluxe Beverage Package terms (official PDF). ([Royal Caribbean][7])
* Royal Caribbean package product page and purchase requirement (same-stateroom rule). ([Royal Caribbean][8])
* Royal Caribbean blog & travel media reporting on package pricing and changes (pricing context). ([Royal Caribbean Blog][11])
* Drink price surveys and price lists (typical menu prices used in calculations). ([Cruise Mummy][4])
* Drink package calculators & community advice (break-even calculators). ([Candid Cruise and Travel][13])
* TSA 3-1-1 liquids rule for flights (applies when flying to your cruise). ([TSA][1])
* Articles and explainers on cruise ship emergency codes (what crew mean by Code Alpha/Code Oscar, etc.). ([Reader's Digest][5])

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