# How to Pay for Drinks on a Royal Caribbean Cruise?

Wondering how to pay for drinks on a Royal Caribbean cruise? Call **844-807-7245** for details on SeaPass charges, drink prices, and beverage package options. Many travelers are curious about how onboard purchases work and whether drink packages are the best way to manage costs.

### Understanding How Payments Work Onboard

Royal Caribbean cruises are cashless environments. Instead of pulling out cash or a credit card every time you want a drink, everything is linked to your **SeaPass card**. This card acts as your onboard identification, stateroom key, and payment method.

Whenever you order a cocktail, soda, bottled water, or specialty coffee, you’ll present your SeaPass card. The system charges the drink to your onboard account, which you can settle at the end of the cruise using a credit card, debit card, or cash.

### Paying Per Drink

If you don’t purchase a beverage package, you’ll simply pay per drink. Here’s what you can expect for typical prices onboard:

* **Cocktails:** \$12–\$14 each
* **Beer:** \$7–\$9 each
* **Wine by the Glass:** \$10–\$14 each
* **Specialty Coffee:** \$4–\$6 each
* **Bottled Water:** \$3 each
* **Soda:** \$3.50 each

An **automatic gratuity (18–20%)** is added to every beverage purchase, so keep that in mind when budgeting.

### Using Beverage Packages

For those who don’t want to worry about individual charges, Royal Caribbean offers several beverage packages:

1. **Deluxe Beverage Package**

* Includes unlimited cocktails, beer, wine by the glass, soda, bottled water, specialty coffee, and more.
* Cost: Around \$56–\$105 per person, per day (plus gratuity).

2. **Refreshment Package**

* Non-alcoholic option covering soda, bottled water, juices, mocktails, specialty coffee, and teas.
* Cost: \$29–\$38 per person, per day (plus gratuity).

3. **Classic Soda Package**

* Unlimited fountain sodas and Coca-Cola Freestyle machine access.
* Cost: \$12.99–\$15 per person, per day (plus gratuity).

With a package, all you need to do is present your SeaPass card when ordering. Your drink will be included, with no per-drink charge applied.

### Which Option Is Better—Paying Per Drink or Buying a Package?

The answer depends on your habits:

* **Paying Per Drink is Better If:**

* You only plan to enjoy 1–2 drinks per day.
* Your itinerary is port-heavy and you’ll be off the ship often.
* You don’t drink alcohol and only occasionally want soda or coffee.

* **A Beverage Package is Better If:**

* You typically drink 5–6 or more beverages a day (alcoholic or non-alcoholic).
* You want the convenience of knowing your drinks are prepaid.
* You want unlimited bottled water, soda, or specialty coffee.
* You plan to enjoy drinks at Royal Caribbean’s private destinations like Perfect Day at CocoCay.

### How to Purchase Drinks or Packages

You have multiple options to pay for drinks on a Royal Caribbean cruise:

1. **Before Your Cruise**

* Use the **Cruise Planner portal** to pre-purchase drink packages.
* This is usually the cheapest time, since discounts of up to 30% are often available.

2. **During Your Cruise**

* Use your SeaPass card to pay for drinks individually.
* Purchase a beverage package onboard at any bar or guest services desk (though prices may be higher).

3. **Final Settlement**

* All drink charges are posted to your onboard account.
* At the end of the cruise, your balance will be settled automatically with the credit or debit card you placed on file. If you prefer, you can settle in cash before disembarkation.

### Tips for Managing Drink Costs

1. **Buy Packages Early:** Check your Cruise Planner regularly for sales.
2. **Bring Wine Onboard:** Royal Caribbean allows each adult to bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne at embarkation (consumption rules apply).
3. **Hydrate with Free Options:** Complimentary drinks like tap water, iced tea, lemonade, and basic coffee are available in dining areas.
4. **Check Loyalty Benefits:** Crown & Anchor Society members may receive free drink vouchers, depending on their tier.
5. **Track Spending:** Use the Royal Caribbean app to view your account balance daily and avoid surprises.

### A Realistic Example

Let’s say you’re on a 7-night Caribbean cruise. Without a package, you order each day:

* 2 cocktails (\$24)
* 1 glass of wine with dinner (\$12)
* 2 bottles of water (\$6)
* 1 specialty coffee in the morning (\$5)

That totals **\$47/day** before gratuity, or about \$55/day after gratuity. Over 7 days, you’d spend about \$385.

If you purchased the Deluxe Beverage Package at \$75/day plus gratuity, your total for the week would be around \$620. In this case, paying per drink would be cheaper unless you typically consume more drinks each day.

### Final Thoughts

So, how do you pay for drinks on a Royal Caribbean cruise? It all comes down to your preference. You can either pay per drink using your SeaPass card, or purchase a beverage package to cover unlimited options. For light drinkers, paying as you go makes sense, while frequent drinkers often find excellent value in a package.

To get the latest pricing, promotions, and personalized recommendations, call **844-807-7245** today. A Royal Caribbean specialist can help you choose the right option, save money, and make your cruise even more enjoyable.