Understanding Royal Caribbean Drink Packages: Your Guide to Hydration (and Fun!) at Sea
Planning a Royal Caribbean cruise is exciting, and one of the first things many cruisers wonder about is how to handle their beverage consumption. Royal Caribbean offers a variety of drink packages, and the question on everyone's mind is often, "How much is the average drink package on Royal Caribbean?" The short answer is that it varies, but we're here to break down the details so you can make an informed decision.
Let's dive into what goes into the pricing and what you can expect to pay for these popular amenities.
The Two Main Drink Packages and Their Prices
Royal Caribbean primarily offers two main drink packages that cover alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. These are:
- The Deluxe Beverage Package: This is the most comprehensive package.
- The Refreshment Package: This package is for non-alcoholic options.
Deluxe Beverage Package Pricing
The Deluxe Beverage Package is where most of the discussion around "average cost" usually revolves. This package includes:
- A wide selection of spirits, liqueurs, and cocktails
- Beer and wine by the glass
- Specialty coffees and teas
- Sodas and mocktails
- Bottled water and juices
The price for the Deluxe Beverage Package is not fixed. It fluctuates based on several factors:
- The specific cruise: Longer itineraries, more popular destinations, and ships with newer amenities often command higher prices.
- The ship: Some ships might have slightly different pricing structures.
- Time of booking: Prices can vary depending on when you purchase the package – before your cruise online, onboard, or during special promotions.
However, to give you a general idea of the average cost, you can expect the Deluxe Beverage Package to range from approximately $60 to $85 per person, per day. This is a broad range, and it's crucial to check the exact pricing for your specific sailing on the Royal Caribbean website or through your travel agent.
Tip: Royal Caribbean often offers discounts on drink packages when purchased online before your cruise. These pre-cruise sales can sometimes save you 10-20% or more off the onboard price.
Refreshment Package Pricing
For those who don't plan on drinking alcohol but still want to enjoy a variety of beverages, the Refreshment Package is a great option. This package typically includes:
- Sodas (Coca-Cola products)
- Mocktails
- Specialty coffees and teas
- Bottled water
- Premium juices
The price for the Refreshment Package is significantly lower than the Deluxe Beverage Package. Generally, you can expect it to be in the range of $25 to $35 per person, per day. Again, this price can fluctuate based on the cruise and booking time.
Other Beverage Packages and Options
While the Deluxe and Refreshment Packages are the most common, Royal Caribbean may occasionally offer other variations or promotions. For instance, there might be a Water Package specifically for bottled water, or sometimes they offer a wine-focused package. Always check the "Onboard Extras" or "Beverages" section of the Royal Caribbean website for the most up-to-date offerings for your specific sailing.
How to Determine if a Drink Package is Worth It
The big question for many is whether the cost of a drink package is truly justified. Here's a simple way to figure it out:
- Estimate your daily consumption: Think about how many alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, sodas, or bottled waters you realistically see yourself consuming each day.
- Check individual prices: On the Royal Caribbean website (or by looking at menus from past cruises), get an idea of the à la carte prices for the drinks you'd typically order.
- Do the math: Multiply the number of drinks you expect to have by their individual prices. Compare this total to the cost of the drink package for the duration of your cruise.
For the Deluxe Beverage Package: If you typically enjoy 4-5 cocktails or a combination of cocktails, wines, beers, and specialty coffees daily, the Deluxe package can often be a good value, especially when purchased at a discounted pre-cruise rate. If you only plan on having one or two alcoholic drinks per day, it might be more economical to pay as you go.
For the Refreshment Package: This package is often a good deal if you're a big soda drinker, enjoy specialty coffees in the morning and afternoon, and plan to stay hydrated with bottled water throughout the day. If you primarily stick to tap water and a coffee or two from the buffet, it might not be worth it.
Important Considerations
- One Package per Person: When one person on a booking purchases a drink package (like the Deluxe Beverage Package), it's often required for all adults in the stateroom to purchase the same package. This is to prevent sharing.
- Gratuity: The price of the drink packages usually includes an 18% gratuity. However, some guests choose to leave an additional tip for bartenders.
- Coverage: Be aware of what is and isn't included. For example, the Deluxe Beverage Package typically has a $13 per drink limit for wines and spirits, meaning if you order a top-shelf liquor or a premium glass of wine above that price, you'll pay the difference.
In summary, while the average drink package on Royal Caribbean for the Deluxe Beverage Package hovers around $60-$85 per day, and the Refreshment Package around $25-$35 per day, these are just estimates. Always verify the exact pricing for your specific cruise. By doing a little research and honest self-assessment of your drinking habits, you can ensure you get the best value and enjoy your beverages to the fullest on your next Royal Caribbean adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I know if the drink package is worth it for me?
To determine if a drink package is worth it, estimate your daily consumption of alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, sodas, and bottled water. Compare the total cost of these individual drinks to the price of the package for your cruise duration. If your estimated daily spend is close to or exceeds the package price, it's likely a good deal.
Why does the price of drink packages change?
The price of Royal Caribbean's drink packages fluctuates due to several factors. These include the specific cruise itinerary (length and destination), the ship itself, and the timing of your purchase. Royal Caribbean often offers discounts for purchasing packages in advance online, and prices can increase closer to the sailing date.
Can I share my drink package with someone else in my cabin?
No, drink packages are non-transferable and are intended for the individual purchasing the package. Royal Caribbean's policy often requires all adults in the same stateroom to purchase the same type of beverage package if one person opts for it, to prevent sharing.
What happens if I order a drink that costs more than the limit on the Deluxe Beverage Package?
The Deluxe Beverage Package has a per-drink limit, typically around $13 for spirits and wines by the glass. If you choose a beverage that exceeds this limit, you will only pay the difference between the drink's cost and the $13 allowance.
