Cruising with Royal Caribbean is an experience filled with exciting destinations, thrilling activities, and, for many, indulging in a variety of beverages. The question that often arises is: How Much Is The Beverage Package On Royal Caribbean, and is it worth the investment? Let’s dive into a comprehensive look at the Deluxe Beverage Package and explore whether it’s the right choice for your cruise.
Understanding the Royal Caribbean Drink Package
The Deluxe Beverage Package is a popular option for Royal Caribbean cruisers looking to enjoy unlimited drinks throughout their voyage. This package covers a wide range of beverages, from cocktails and beer to premium coffees and bottled water. The cost of the package can vary, typically ranging from $70 to $85 per day when purchased in advance through the Cruise Planner. However, keep an eye out for sales, as prices can sometimes drop even lower!
For a fixed daily price, you can enjoy your favorite drinks not only onboard but also at Royal Caribbean’s private destinations like Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee. If you plan on enjoying several drinks each day, a beverage package can be a cost-effective option, especially considering that individual cocktails often cost around $14.
Keep in mind that an automatic 18% gratuity is added to each drink, bringing the cost of a single cocktail to approximately $16.50. Also, if multiple guests aged 21 or older are staying in the same stateroom, each guest is required to purchase their own package to prevent sharing.
Real-World Example: A 7-Night Cruise Experience
To give you a clearer picture, let’s consider a personal experience on a Symphony of the Seas cruise. The Deluxe Beverage Package was purchased about 2.5 weeks before the 7-night sailing for $600. This equates to $72.99 per day, plus the 18% gratuity. It’s important to note that this was for a solo traveler. If there were two adults in the stateroom, the total cost would have doubled.
Beverage package prices are subject to change, so it’s wise to purchase when you find a price you’re comfortable with. If the price decreases after your purchase, you can usually cancel and repurchase the package at the lower rate. You may also find opportunities to bundle a beverage package with Wi-Fi for added savings.
What’s Included in the Deluxe Beverage Package?
The Deluxe Beverage Package offers an extensive selection of beverages. You can indulge in everything from fruity cocktails and craft beers to wine, premium coffees, sodas, smoothies, bottled water, sports drinks, milkshakes, and fresh-squeezed juices. The package even includes top-shelf liquors like Grey Goose, Captain Morgan, and Patron.
Starting the day with a cold brew coffee from Cafe Promenade is a popular perk. While complimentary coffee is available, the premium options at Cafe Promenade, such as flavored lattes, cappuccinos, and espresso shots, offer a significant upgrade.
Even though Cafe Promenade now serves Starbucks coffee, the menu is not a full Starbucks menu. Therefore, you can’t use the package for specialty drinks or refreshers.
The package excludes full bottles of wine and drinks served in souvenir cups. However, you can purchase bottles of wine at a discount, with 40% off bottles under $100 and 20% off bottles above $100.
Is the Beverage Package Worth It?
To determine if the beverage package is worth it, consider your drinking habits. On a recent cruise, an effort was made to try a variety of drinks and see if the package paid for itself.
To break even, consuming at least five cocktails per day was the goal. With several days in port, it wasn’t certain that this would be achievable. However, by the end of the week, a total of 36 cocktails were consumed, not including premium coffees, Powerade, and bottled water! Since drinking habits at home are minimal, vacation is seen as a time to splurge!
There was a conscious effort to explore different bars and try new drinks, enhancing the overall cruise experience.
Trying new drinks without the pressure of additional costs is a definite advantage. With the package, ordering something you don’t like isn’t a concern. You can simply try something else without feeling like you’re wasting money. Without a package, sticking to tried-and-true favorites is the norm.
Having the freedom to indulge in a drink whenever you want is one of the biggest perks of the drink package. It transforms cruising into a more all-inclusive experience. While there’s nothing wrong with sticking to complimentary drinks and paying for a few alcoholic beverages, the package offers the choice to get whatever you want, whenever you want it.
Balancing Indulgence and Exploration
There were times when drinks were ordered just because the package was available, not necessarily out of genuine desire. It’s easy to get carried away when you have unlimited access to beverages.
Maximizing Your Drink Package
To make the most of your drink package, consider these strategies:
- Explore Different Venues: Royal Caribbean ships offer a variety of bars and lounges, each with its own unique atmosphere and drink menu.
- Try New Drinks: Take advantage of the opportunity to sample cocktails and beverages you wouldn’t normally try.
- Stay Hydrated: Don’t forget to stay hydrated by alternating alcoholic drinks with water, soda, or sports drinks.
- Pace Yourself: While it’s tempting to indulge, pacing yourself will help you avoid feeling unwell and ensure you enjoy your entire cruise.
Alternatives to the Deluxe Beverage Package
If the Deluxe Beverage Package doesn’t seem like the right fit, consider these alternatives:
- The Refreshment Package: This package includes non-alcoholic beverages like soda, juice, premium coffee, and bottled water.
- Pay as You Go: Purchase drinks individually as you desire.
- Bring Your Own: Royal Caribbean allows guests to bring a limited amount of non-alcoholic beverages onboard.
- Loyalty Benefits: Depending on your Crown & Anchor Society status, you may receive complimentary drinks or discounts.
Making the Right Choice
Deciding whether or not to purchase a Royal Caribbean drink package depends on your personal preferences and habits. Consider how much you typically drink on vacation, the types of beverages you enjoy, and your budget. The Deluxe Beverage Package can offer significant value for those who plan to indulge in multiple drinks each day, while others may find that paying as you go is a more cost-effective option.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the decision of how much is the beverage package on Royal Caribbean worth is a personal one. Weigh the costs against your drinking habits and preferences to determine if it’s the right investment for your cruise. Whether you choose to purchase a package or pay as you go, the most important thing is to enjoy your time on board and create lasting memories.
Consider whether the money could be better spent on shore excursions or a better stateroom. Or, do you value the convenience and all-inclusive feel of a package?
Everyone’s preferences are different. Some may always want a drink package, even during port-intensive cruises. Others may never get one, either because of loyalty status or because of personal drinking habits.
