Are you wondering how much the drink package on Royal Caribbean costs and whether it’s worth the investment? At HOW.EDU.VN, we provide expert insights to help you navigate the options and make informed decisions about Royal Caribbean beverage packages, including details on deluxe beverage options, refreshment packages, and various beverage deals. Let’s explore the costs, inclusions, and whether a drink package is the right choice for your cruise.
1. What’s Included in Royal Caribbean’s Drink Packages?
Royal Caribbean offers a variety of drink packages to cater to different preferences. These packages provide a convenient way to enjoy beverages throughout your cruise without worrying about individual costs. Let’s explore the inclusions of each package:
- Water Package
- Classic Soft Drinks Package
- Refreshment Package
- Deluxe Beverage Package
- Cafe Select Coffee Card
1.1. Water Package
The Water Package on Royal Caribbean provides guests with bottled water delivered directly to their stateroom. This is a convenient option for those who prefer bottled water over tap water or public dispensers.
- Inclusions: 12 or 24 1-liter bottles of Evian water, delivered to your cabin on embarkation day.
1.2. Classic Soft Drinks Package
This package is designed for soda enthusiasts. It offers unlimited refills of soft drinks throughout the cruise, including access to Coca-Cola Freestyle machines on select ships.
- Inclusions:
- Unlimited fountain soda refills at any restaurant or bar on board.
- Access to Coca-Cola Freestyle machines (available on 18 ships).
- Soda included on Royal Caribbean’s private island destinations (Perfect Day at Coco Cay and Labadee).
- Souvenir Coca-Cola cup with a chip for Freestyle machines (on select ships).
- Exclusions: Room service and minibar drinks.
1.3. Refreshment Package
The Refreshment Package is a comprehensive non-alcoholic beverage package, offering a wide range of options from premium coffees and teas to mocktails and fresh juices.
- Inclusions:
- Still and sparkling water.
- Sodas (with the included Freestyle magic cup).
- Mocktails.
- Premium coffees and teas (excluding Starbucks stand-alone stores or kiosks).
- Freshly squeezed juices.
- Smoothies and protein shakes at Vitality Cafe.
- Milkshakes at Johnny Rockets.
- Exclusions: Alcoholic beverages and Starbucks stand-alone stores.
1.4. Deluxe Beverage Package
The Deluxe Beverage Package is Royal Caribbean’s most comprehensive option, including both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. This package allows you to enjoy cocktails, spirits, beer, wine, and all the inclusions of the Refreshment Package.
- Inclusions:
- All benefits of the Refreshment Package.
- Cocktails, spirits, and liquors.
- Beer by the bottle or can.
- Wine by the glass.
- 40% discount on bottles of wine up to $100 and 20% discount on bottles over $100.
- Exclusions:
- Drinks that come with souvenir glasses (can order the same drink in a regular glass).
- Stand-alone Starbucks locations.
1.5. Cafe Select Coffee Card
This card is perfect for coffee lovers who enjoy specialty espresso-based drinks. It offers a set number of specialty coffees that can be used throughout the cruise.
- Inclusions: 15 specialty espresso-based coffees (excluding beverages from Starbucks stores or cafes).
- Usage: One shot of espresso equals one card punch. If a drink includes two shots, it requires two punches.
- Transferability: The card can be used by anyone in the cabin.
2. What Are The Costs Of Royal Caribbean Drink Packages?
Royal Caribbean uses dynamic pricing for its beverage packages, similar to how it prices cruise fares. This means the cost can vary based on factors like demand, destination, and promotions. Understanding the pricing structure can help you plan your budget effectively.
- Water Package
- Classic Soft Drinks Package
- Refreshment Package
- Deluxe Beverage Package
- Cafe Select Coffee Card
2.1. Water Package Costs
The Water Package is priced based on the quantity of water bottles included.
- 12 bottles: Approximately $39
- 24 bottles: Approximately $69
2.2. Classic Soft Drinks Package Costs
This package offers a fixed daily price for unlimited soda refills.
- Cost: Approximately $12.99 per person, per day
2.3. Refreshment Package Costs
The Refreshment Package includes a variety of non-alcoholic beverages and is priced daily.
- Cost: Approximately $29 per person, per day
2.4. Deluxe Beverage Package Costs
The Deluxe Beverage Package, which includes both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, has the most variable pricing.
- Cost: Approximately $56 to $105 per person, per day, depending on the ship and itinerary.
2.5. Cafe Select Coffee Card Costs
This card offers a fixed price for a set number of specialty coffees.
- Cost: Approximately $31 per card
Important Note: All listed prices do not include an automatic 18% gratuity, which will be added to the total cost.
3. When Is The Best Time To Buy Royal Caribbean Drink Packages?
Timing your purchase of a Royal Caribbean drink package can significantly impact the price you pay. Knowing when to buy can help you secure the best deal.
- Early Purchase Benefits
- Black Friday Deals
- Monitoring Price Drops
3.1. Early Purchase Benefits
Purchasing a beverage package as soon as you book your cruise can be advantageous. Prices are generally lower when you buy in advance compared to purchasing on board.
3.2. Black Friday Deals
Keep an eye out for Black Friday deals, which often offer the lowest prices on drink packages throughout the year. If your cruise is a few months away, waiting for Black Friday could save you a significant amount.
3.3. Monitoring Price Drops
Royal Caribbean frequently advertises price drops and special deals for pre-cruise purchases. It’s advisable to monitor the actual price per person per day, rather than focusing solely on percentage discounts or “buy one get one” (BOGO) offers.
4. Is A Royal Caribbean Drink Package Worth It?
Determining whether a drink package is worth the cost depends on your individual consumption habits and preferences. Evaluating the potential value of each package can help you make an informed decision.
- Water Package Value
- Classic Soft Drinks Package Value
- Refreshment Package Value
- Deluxe Beverage Package Value
- Cafe Select Coffee Card Value
4.1. Water Package Value
The Water Package offers value if you prefer bottled water over tap or dispenser water. The cost is roughly equivalent to buying individual bottles, but with the added convenience of delivery to your cabin.
4.2. Classic Soft Drinks Package Value
To make the Classic Soft Drinks Package worthwhile, you need to consume at least four sodas per day. Individual sodas cost around $4 each with gratuity, so reaching this threshold ensures you get your money’s worth.
4.3. Refreshment Package Value
The Refreshment Package is a good deal if you enjoy a variety of non-alcoholic beverages such as mocktails, premium coffees, and smoothies. If your daily consumption includes a few specialty drinks, this package can offer significant savings.
- Example: A latte ($6), water ($4), soda ($4), and two mocktails ($8.25 each) would total over $30, making the Refreshment Package cost-effective.
4.4. Deluxe Beverage Package Value
Evaluating the Deluxe Beverage Package requires considering both alcoholic and non-alcoholic consumption. If you plan to enjoy several cocktails, beers, or glasses of wine each day, along with premium coffees and other non-alcoholic drinks, this package can be a worthwhile investment.
- Example: If you consume $25 worth of non-alcoholic drinks and need to spend an additional $55 on alcoholic beverages to break even, you would need to drink approximately six beers or four to five cocktails daily.
4.5. Cafe Select Coffee Card Value
This card offers significant savings for specialty coffee enthusiasts. With 15 single espresso shot beverages for the price of about five individual coffees, you get more than double the number of drinks for the same cost.
5. Additional Factors To Consider
Before deciding on a Royal Caribbean drink package, consider additional factors such as loyalty status and itinerary.
- Crown & Anchor Society Benefits
- Casino Royale Benefits
- Itinerary Considerations
5.1. Crown & Anchor Society Benefits
If you are a member of Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society, you may be entitled to complimentary drinks each day, which can influence your decision on whether to purchase a drink package.
- Diamond Members: Four free drinks per day.
- Diamond Plus Members: Five free drinks per day.
- Pinnacle Members: Six free drinks per day.
5.2. Casino Royale Benefits
If you have Prime status or higher in Royal Caribbean’s Casino Royale program, you can enjoy complimentary drinks from the casino bar anytime it is open.
5.3. Itinerary Considerations
Your cruise itinerary can also impact the value of a drink package. Cruises with more sea days or stops at private islands may lead to higher beverage consumption, making a drink package more worthwhile. Port-intensive itineraries in Europe, where you may be off the ship for extended periods sampling local beverages, might make a drink package less valuable.
6. How To Combine Packages For Savings
Combining the Cafe Select Coffee Card with the Classic Soda Package can be a cost-effective alternative to purchasing the Refreshment Package if you primarily consume specialty coffees and sodas.
- Refreshment Package Cost: Approximately $29 per person, per day.
- Combined Coffee Card and Soda Package Cost: Approximately $12.99 per day, plus a one-time cost of $31 for the coffee card.
For a five-night cruise, the combined cost can be significantly lower, especially if you share a coffee card with a travel partner.
7. Understanding Dynamic Pricing on Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean employs dynamic pricing for its drink packages, meaning prices can fluctuate based on several factors. Recognizing these influences can help you secure the best possible deal.
- Demand
- Destination
- Promotions
- Time of Year
7.1. Demand
Higher demand typically leads to increased prices. Cruises during peak seasons, such as summer or holidays, often have higher prices for drink packages.
7.2. Destination
The cruise destination can also affect pricing. Cruises to popular destinations or those with stops at Royal Caribbean’s private islands may have higher drink package costs.
7.3. Promotions
Royal Caribbean frequently offers promotions and discounts on drink packages. Keeping an eye on these deals can help you save money.
7.4. Time of Year
The time of year you purchase your drink package can also influence the price. Black Friday and other seasonal sales often provide significant discounts.
8. Step-By-Step Guide To Purchasing A Royal Caribbean Drink Package
Purchasing a Royal Caribbean drink package is a straightforward process. This step-by-step guide will help you navigate the process smoothly.
- Step 1: Book Your Cruise
- Step 2: Access the Cruise Planner
- Step 3: Navigate to Beverage Packages
- Step 4: Select Your Package
- Step 5: Review and Confirm
8.1. Step 1: Book Your Cruise
The first step is to book your Royal Caribbean cruise. Once your booking is confirmed, you can access the Cruise Planner.
8.2. Step 2: Access the Cruise Planner
Log in to your Royal Caribbean account and access the Cruise Planner through the Royal Caribbean website or app.
8.3. Step 3: Navigate to Beverage Packages
In the Cruise Planner, find the “Beverage Packages” section. This is where you will find all available drink packages for your specific cruise.
8.4. Step 4: Select Your Package
Browse the available packages and select the one that best suits your needs and preferences. Review the inclusions and pricing carefully.
8.5. Step 5: Review and Confirm
Once you have selected your package, review your order and confirm the purchase. Ensure that all details are correct before finalizing the transaction.
9. Maximizing Value On Your Royal Caribbean Cruise
To truly maximize the value of your Royal Caribbean cruise, consider the entire experience, not just the cost of drinks.
- Set a Daily Budget
- Utilize Loyalty Benefits
- Consider All-Inclusive Experience
9.1. Set a Daily Budget
If you choose not to purchase a drink package, set a daily budget for beverages and monitor your spending using the Royal Caribbean app or the interactive TV in your cabin.
9.2. Utilize Loyalty Benefits
Take advantage of any loyalty benefits you may have, such as complimentary drinks or discounts, to reduce your overall beverage costs.
9.3. Consider All-Inclusive Experience
Factor the cost of the drink package into your overall vacation budget to create a more all-inclusive experience, where you don’t have to worry about the cost of each individual drink.
10. How HOW.EDU.VN Can Help You Plan Your Cruise
Planning a cruise can be overwhelming, but HOW.EDU.VN is here to help. Our team of experts, including over 100 renowned PhDs, can provide personalized advice and insights to ensure you have the best possible experience.
- Expert Consultations
- Personalized Advice
- Comprehensive Information
10.1. Expert Consultations
Connect directly with our PhDs and experts to get answers to all your cruise-related questions. Whether you need help choosing the right drink package or planning your onboard activities, our team is here to assist.
10.2. Personalized Advice
Receive personalized recommendations based on your individual preferences and needs. We take the time to understand your unique requirements and provide tailored advice to enhance your cruise experience.
10.3. Comprehensive Information
Access a wealth of comprehensive information on all aspects of cruising, from choosing the right ship to planning your shore excursions. Our resources are designed to help you make informed decisions and plan the perfect cruise vacation.
FAQ: Royal Caribbean Drink Packages
- What is the Deluxe Beverage Package on Royal Caribbean?
- Is the Deluxe Beverage Package worth it on Royal Caribbean?
- What is included in the Royal Caribbean Refreshment Package?
- Can I share a drink package on Royal Caribbean?
- How do I purchase a drink package on Royal Caribbean?
- Are gratuities included in Royal Caribbean drink packages?
- What happens if I don’t use all the drinks on my coffee card?
- Can I upgrade my drink package after purchasing it?
- Are there any restrictions on when I can use my drink package?
- What if I have dietary restrictions? Can the drink packages accommodate me?
What is the Deluxe Beverage Package on Royal Caribbean?
The Deluxe Beverage Package on Royal Caribbean is an all-inclusive drink package that covers a wide range of beverages, including cocktails, beer, wine, spirits, sodas, juices, premium coffees, and teas. It allows passengers to enjoy virtually unlimited drinks throughout their cruise without paying individually.
Is the Deluxe Beverage Package worth it on Royal Caribbean?
The value of the Deluxe Beverage Package depends on your drinking habits. If you consume multiple alcoholic drinks daily, along with specialty coffees and other premium beverages, it can be cost-effective. Evaluate your potential consumption against the package’s daily cost to determine its worth.
What is included in the Royal Caribbean Refreshment Package?
The Royal Caribbean Refreshment Package includes non-alcoholic beverages such as sodas, juices, premium coffees, teas, mocktails, and bottled water. It’s designed for those who prefer non-alcoholic options but still want the convenience of a beverage package.
Can I share a drink package on Royal Caribbean?
No, Royal Caribbean drink packages are typically not shareable. The Deluxe Beverage Package requires all adults of legal drinking age in the same stateroom to purchase the package if one person does. However, the Cafe Select Coffee Card can be shared among guests in the same cabin.
How do I purchase a drink package on Royal Caribbean?
You can purchase a drink package through Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner either online or via the Royal Caribbean app. Simply log in, navigate to the beverage package section, and select the package you wish to purchase.
Are gratuities included in Royal Caribbean drink packages?
Gratuities are usually included in the price of Royal Caribbean drink packages. This ensures that you don’t have to worry about tipping for each individual drink you order.
What happens if I don’t use all the drinks on my coffee card?
If you don’t use all the credits on your Cafe Select Coffee Card, unfortunately, the unused credits typically do not carry over, and you will not receive a refund for them. It’s best to estimate your coffee consumption accurately to maximize the value of the card.
Can I upgrade my drink package after purchasing it?
Yes, it’s often possible to upgrade your drink package after purchasing it, either online through the Cruise Planner or onboard the ship. Check with guest services for specific details and any applicable fees.
Are there any restrictions on when I can use my drink package?
Drink packages on Royal Caribbean generally have few restrictions. They are valid at most bars and restaurants onboard, as well as at Royal Caribbean’s private destinations. However, they may not be valid at Starbucks locations or for room service and minibar purchases.
What if I have dietary restrictions? Can the drink packages accommodate me?
Royal Caribbean’s drink packages can often accommodate dietary restrictions. Many non-alcoholic options are available for those with dietary needs. Inform your server or bartender about any allergies or restrictions so they can assist you with appropriate choices.
Planning a cruise can be complex, but with the right guidance, you can make informed decisions and enjoy a memorable vacation.
Don’t let the complexities of planning your cruise hold you back. Contact HOW.EDU.VN today and connect with our team of expert PhDs for personalized advice and comprehensive support. Let us help you plan the perfect cruise vacation tailored to your unique needs and preferences.
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