One of the really tough decisions you will have to make in planning your cruise on Royal Caribbean relates to the drink package. These can be a real make-or-break proposition when it comes to your cruise experience and make drinking and enjoying a wide range of beverages less stressful about expenses, so here is a comprehensive guide to all packages Royal Caribbean offers in 2024, including their pricing and all you need to know about what’s included and how to get the most out of your drink package purchase.
Overview of Royal Caribbean Drink Packages
Royal Caribbean offers a variety of drink packages for all tastes and budgets. Each drink package is structured to supply guests with the convenience and savings they may require during their cruise while providing them with drinks throughout their journey. Being aware of these packages will prove useful to an individual making an informed decision that will fit their style of vacation.
Types of Drink Packages
1. Deluxe Beverage Package
Price: Starting from $56 and goes to $115 per person per day, excluding gratuity.
Complimentary Drinks
All alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are served throughout the day such as cocktails, spirits, beer, wine by glass, mocktails, premium coffees, teas, and fountain sodas. The bottles of wines valued at $100 or below are available at a 40% discount and those over $100 at a 20% discount
2. Royal Refreshment Package
- Price: around $29 to $38 per person, per day.
- Included: Non-carbonated beverages, such as sodas, mocktails, premium coffees, teas, freshly squeezed juices, and still and bottled sparkling water.
3. Classic Soft Drinks Package
- Price: About $12.99 per person, per day.
- Included: Fountain sodas and Coca-Cola Freestyle beverages at no extra charge.
4. Water Package
- Price: 12 bottles for $39 or 24 bottles for $69.
- Includes: Bottled water delivered to your stateroom.
5. Café Select Coffee Card
- Price: $31 for 15 specialty coffees.
- Includes: Access to several different varieties of espresso-based drinks during your cruise
Breaking Down The Price
These packages vary in price according to dynamic pricing, which means that they are priced differently according to a host of factors including ship type, itinerary, and time of year. The cost, for example, of the Deluxe Beverage Package varies dramatically according to demand and availability. Prices over time have ranged from $63 to $98 per day but have been on the rise.
Single Drink Prices
For you to further decide if a drink package is worthwhile, consider the prices for individual drinks onboard:
- Bottled Water (500 ml) at $3.50
- Soda at $3.50
- Energy Drinks at $4.00
- Specialty Coffees at $4.50
- Other Non-Alcoholic Drinks at $7.00
- Beers at $7.49
- Wine (by glass) at $11.00
- Mixed Drinks at $11.00
- Specialty Cocktails at $14.00
Is a Drink Package Worth It?
Only then can you know if the drink package will make sense to you? Start by reviewing your drinking habits when you cruise:
1. Count up how many drinks you want to have per day.
2. Compare that with the price of the drink package.
3. Example: You would like to have three cocktails that run $14 each, two beers at $7 apiece, and a few specialty coffees at $4 per serving. The total would be $64
In this case, you’d save some money if you booked the Deluxe Beverage Package which costs around $79 (tipping included).
Tips to Buy a Drink Package
1. Book Early: The prices tend to be higher as your sailing date approaches. When you find a good deal pre-cruise, you’ll normally want to grab it when you can.
2. Read the Cancellation Policy: We can cancel and rebook a drink package if there’s a better price elsewhere.
3. Consider Your Cabin: If a passenger in your cabin spends over $1,430 for the Deluxe Beverage Package, everyone over 21 in your cabin must also buy it; otherwise they can upgrade to a non-alcoholic package.
4. Monitor sales: Royal Caribbean frequently sells drink packages at discount prices before sailing: sometimes 50% off.
Inclusions and Exclusions
All drink packages include some inclusions that guests should be aware of:
- Drinks up to $14 are covered by the Deluxe Beverage Package; all of those above that cost will incur additional charges
- Some specialty drinks, such as those in souvenirs or unique presentations, may not be included.
Free Beverages Provided Onboard
Complimentary drinks onboard include: water, unsweetened tea, unsweetened lemonade, flavored waters, orange juice with breakfast, coffee, and a choice of teas
Pros And Cons
Most cruisers comment that purchasing a drink package makes the entire experience less worrisome because, at least, they now at least do not have to worry about the expense of beverages. And it’s only when passengers do not have drink packages and do not have to worry about racking up charges that they truly relax while on their vacation.
Pros
- Unlimited drinks could be quickly consumed at ease.
- One does not have to roam with money or cards for drinks.
- Expensive drinks can be enjoyed that would otherwise be too pricey.
Cons
- The basic cover price of cruises might scare some travelers.
- You will lose money in case you do not consume much and spend much on every drink daily.
Availability of Beverages on Board
There are various bars and lounges in Royal Caribbean’s ships where you can enjoy your favorite beverages:
1. Poolside Bars
- Perfect for refreshing cocktails while soaking up the sun.
- Signature frozen drinks are popular guest choices.
2. Sports Bars
- Enjoy beers and cocktails while watching live sporting events on large screens.
- It’s a great place to network with fellow cruisers.
3. Lounge Bars
- Elegant settings to enjoy sophisticated cocktails or fine wines.
- Frequently provide live evening music or entertainment.
4. Specialty Coffeehouse
- This kind of coffee shop is perfect for coffee connoisseurs who want specialty drinks to be available at any time.
- Often, you will also find pastries and lighter fare.
5. Wine Cellar
- Sample wines from all over the globe by servers eager to recommend the best bottle from these wine cellars.
- Wonderful destination to unwind after activities at the end of the day.
Seasonal Special Offers and Discounts
Royal Caribbean regularly has specials that can significantly reduce the amount of drink packages paid for:
1. Discount for Advance Cruise Bookings
Guest, who book the cruise a long time in advance, mostly get promotional prices of drink packages when they are done with their online check-in.
2. Last-minute bookings.
Sometimes, when it gets closer to sailing dates and ships are not nearly full, last-minute deals may be offered.
3. Offers on Board
You may be able to get special deals in certain bars or lounges onboard your cruise; watch for these special deals
Conclusion
Choosing the drink package on your Royal Caribbean cruise will make all the difference while you enjoy your cruise experience and avoid overblown costs. Knowing what options 2024 gives, prices, and inclusions, will make you decide according to your preferences and drinking habits.
Whether you splurge on the deluxe beverage package, which offers everything from beer to wine or settle for some of the less expensive options, including the Refreshment or Classic Soda Packages, there’s certainly something for everyone aboard Royal Caribbean’s fleet. With a little planning and consideration of your consumption habits, you can make sure your cruise isn’t just fun and every penny worth but also financially sensible when it comes to beverages.
And after all, whether splashing by the pool with a cocktail or enjoying your evening glass of wine as the sun sets over the deck, having the right beverage plan will help to make many memories for you to treasure on your time at sea! Enjoy every sip!
Frequently Asked Questions
Royal Caribbean drink packages vary in price according to type and sailing date. For 2024, the Deluxe Beverage Package ranges between $56 to $115 per person, per day. The Royal Refreshment Package is $29-$38, and the Classic Soft Drinks Package costs around $12.99 to $15 per person, per day 14.
The “loophole” that people like to tout about Royal Caribbean’s drink packages is that if one adult in a cabin purchases the Deluxe Beverage Package, everyone else in that cabin has to purchase one as well. But if you have nondrinking adults in your cabin, they can take the lower-tier package or none at all-meaning you can save money 12.
Royal Caribbean’s drink packages are described as “unlimited.” Of course, there are some caveats. For instance, drinks served in souvenir cups or those over $14 must be paid for on top of that. And responsible drinking is encouraged 124.