# How much is a beverage package on Royal Caribbean?
A beverage package on Royal Caribbean varies by type and duration; ng online or call at 1-866-291-7625 customer service check updated pricing.
One of the most exciting parts of going on a Royal Caribbean cruise is enjoying food, drinks, entertainment, and relaxation without the stress of everyday expenses. While meals are already included in the base cruise fare, drinks are a different matter. Beverages such as cocktails, soda, specialty coffees, bottled water, and even fresh juices can add up quickly when purchased individually. To make things simpler, Royal Caribbean offers beverage packages.
These packages give passengers the convenience of paying a fixed daily rate for unlimited access to a range of drinks instead of being billed every time they order. But how much does a beverage package on Royal Caribbean actually cost, and is it worth the price?
This guide will break down the different types of packages, the costs associated with each, factors that affect pricing, value comparisons, and practical tips for getting the most out of your package.
## What Is a Beverage Package
A beverage package is a prepaid plan that allows you to enjoy unlimited drinks onboard without having to worry about the cost of each individual order. Instead of signing a receipt every time you grab a cocktail by the pool or a soda in the dining room, the package covers it all.
The key advantage is not just cost savings but also peace of mind. Many passengers enjoy being able to order drinks freely without constantly thinking about the price.
## Types of Royal Caribbean Beverage Packages
Royal Caribbean offers three main beverage package options. Each is designed for a different type of traveler and comes at its own price point.
### 1. Deluxe Beverage Package
* This is the most comprehensive package.
* Includes cocktails, beer, wine by the glass, spirits, soda, bottled water, specialty coffee, and juices.
* Covers drinks up to a certain price per glass, usually around the mid premium level.
* Often chosen by adults who want the freedom to try everything from poolside cocktails to fine wines at dinner.
### 2. Refreshment Package
* Focused on non alcoholic beverages.
* Includes soda, bottled water, specialty coffees, teas, mocktails, and fresh squeezed juices.
* Perfect for adults who do not drink alcohol or for teens who want more than just soda.
### 3. Classic Soda Package
* The simplest and most affordable option.
* Provides unlimited fountain sodas from bars, restaurants, and self serve Freestyle Coca Cola machines.
* Designed for kids, teens, or adults who just love soda.
## How Much Do These Packages Cost
Unlike other onboard services with fixed prices, beverage package costs on Royal Caribbean vary depending on several factors. The cruise line uses dynamic pricing, which means costs may change depending on the ship, itinerary, and season.
### Average Daily Price Ranges
* **Deluxe Beverage Package**: Usually between 65 to 95 USD per person per day. On some sailings, promotions can bring this price lower if purchased in advance.
* **Refreshment Package**: Typically between 29 to 38 USD per person per day.
* **Classic Soda Package**: Usually between 12 to 15 USD per person per day.
These amounts are charged per day of the cruise, and every adult in the same stateroom may be required to purchase the same alcoholic package if one person does.
## Why Pricing Varies
Several factors affect the cost of beverage packages
1. **Itinerary**: Cruises sailing in regions where alcohol is generally more expensive, such as Europe, often have higher package costs.
2. **Ship**: Newer and larger ships with more bar venues may charge higher rates.
3. **Season**: High demand seasons like summer and holidays may have higher package prices.
4. **Promotions**: Royal Caribbean frequently runs sales for pre cruise purchases. Booking before boarding almost always saves money.
5. **Length of Cruise**: Longer itineraries may slightly lower the daily rate.
## Cost Example on a 7 Night Cruise
To understand the real cost, let us look at a sample calculation for a 7 night sailing
* **Deluxe Beverage Package** at 80 USD per day: 560 USD total per person.
* **Refreshment Package** at 32 USD per day: 224 USD total per person.
* **Classic Soda Package** at 13 USD per day: 91 USD total per person.
Multiply by two if both adults in a stateroom purchase the Deluxe Beverage Package, since it is required for all adults sharing a room.
## What Drinks Cost Without a Package
To evaluate whether a beverage package is worth the price, it helps to know average drink costs onboard.
* Cocktails: 12 to 15 USD
* Glass of wine: 10 to 14 USD
* Beer: 7 to 9 USD
* Specialty coffee: 4 to 6 USD
* Soda: 3 to 4 USD
* Bottled water: 3 to 5 USD
* Fresh squeezed juice: 5 to 7 USD
If you plan to drink multiple cocktails, wine, beer, or specialty coffees daily, the package may save you money compared to paying as you go.
## Is the Deluxe Beverage Package Worth the Price
The Deluxe Beverage Package provides the most value if you enjoy alcoholic drinks along with water, soda, and specialty coffee. To break even at an average price of 80 USD per day, a guest would need to consume
* 5 cocktails at around 15 USD each, or
* A combination of 2 cocktails, 2 glasses of wine, 1 coffee, 1 soda, and bottled water, or
* Any mix that adds up to around 80 USD worth of drinks daily.
For many guests who enjoy having a cocktail by the pool, wine with dinner, and coffee in the morning, this is achievable.
## Value of the Refreshment Package
At around 32 USD per day, the Refreshment Package can be worth it for those who drink a lot of non alcoholic beverages. For example
* 2 specialty coffees at 5 USD each
* 2 bottled waters at 4 USD each
* 1 juice at 6 USD
* 1 soda at 4 USD
This already totals 28 USD. If you add another soda or coffee, the package is worth it. Teens and adults who do not drink alcohol but want premium beverages find this package useful.
## Value of the Classic Soda Package
At around 13 USD per day, this package pays off if you drink at least 4 sodas per day. It is also convenient because of unlimited refills at bars and self serve machines. For kids and soda lovers, it is usually a good deal.
## Tips for Saving Money on Packages
1. **Buy Before the Cruise**: Pre purchasing online through the cruise planner often gives discounts compared to onboard prices.
2. **Watch for Sales**: Royal Caribbean frequently runs promotions, sometimes offering up to 30 percent off.
3. **Evaluate Your Habits**: Be realistic about how much you will drink. If you only want one cocktail and one soda a day, paying individually may be cheaper.
4. **Consider Port Days**: On days when you are off the ship, you may drink less, making the package less valuable.
5. **Bring Allowable Items**: Royal Caribbean permits each guest to bring two bottles of wine onboard at embarkation, which can reduce costs if you only want wine at dinner.
## Things to Keep in Mind
* Packages must be purchased for the entire duration of the cruise, not just selected days.
* Sharing a package is not allowed. Each package is for one person only.
* Gratuities are included in the daily price, so you do not need to add extra tips for each drink.
* Alcoholic beverages are only available to guests of legal drinking age, which is usually 21 for cruises departing the United States and 18 for international sailings.
## Pros and Cons of Beverage Packages
### Pros
* Convenience with no surprise bar bills
* Encourages trying new drinks without worrying about cost
* Can provide good value for regular drinkers
* Includes gratuities in the price
### Cons
* Expensive if you are a light drinker
* Requires purchase for the entire cruise
* Both adults in the same cabin may be required to purchase, which can double costs
* Less useful on port heavy itineraries where you spend much of the day off the ship
## Practical Scenarios
### Scenario 1: The Social Cruiser
Maria enjoys a mimosa at breakfast, a soda with lunch, two cocktails by the pool, wine at dinner, and coffee in the evening. Her total would be around 85 USD daily if purchased individually. The Deluxe Beverage Package saves her money.
### Scenario 2: The Casual Drinker
David has one glass of wine at dinner and one soda during the day. His total is about 17 USD daily. For him, buying drinks individually is cheaper.
### Scenario 3: The Non Alcoholic Guest
Sophia drinks bottled water, coffee, and soda throughout the day. Her total reaches about 30 USD. The Refreshment Package makes sense for her.
## Final Thoughts
The cost of a beverage package on Royal Caribbean varies but generally falls into these ranges
* Deluxe Beverage Package: 65 to 95 USD per person per day
* Refreshment Package: 29 to 38 USD per person per day
* Classic Soda Package: 12 to 15 USD per person per day
Whether a package is worth it depends on your personal drinking habits. Guests who enjoy multiple alcoholic drinks plus coffee and soda will find the Deluxe package a good investment. Non drinkers who still want premium options can benefit from the Refreshment package, while soda lovers will find value in the Classic Soda package.
Ultimately, the package offers more than just drinks. It gives peace of mind, convenience, and the freedom to order what you want without worrying about the bill. By carefully evaluating your habits and watching for pre cruise discounts, you can make the best decision and maximize your Royal Caribbean cruise experience.