Royal Caribbean Drink Package Calculator (2025)

Whether you’re sipping a piña colada or enjoying a glass of wine, drinks are a big part of the Royal Caribbean cruise experience. That’s where a drink package comes in, offering nearly unlimited access to cocktails, wine, beer, soda, specialty coffees, and more for a flat daily rate during your cruise.

But is a Royal Caribbean drink package really worth the price?

In this guide, we’ll break down the pros, cons, types of Royal Caribbean drink packages, and share insider tips to help you decide if one is right for you.

First, use our Royal Caribbean Drink Package Calculator to see how much you’d need to drink per day to break even!

What is a Royal Caribbean drink package?

A Royal Caribbean drink package is a prepaid beverage plan that lets you enjoy a wide range of drinks throughout your cruise without paying for each one individually. Royal Caribbean offers several beverage package options, including:

• Deluxe Package (Around $80 per person, per day): Includes cocktails, spirits, liqueurs, beer, wine by the glass, non-alcoholic drinks, premium coffee and tea (excluding Starbucks), still and sparkling water, fresh-squeezed juices, and fountain soda (Coca-Cola souvenir cup included). Any single beverage item with a value up to $15 is included in this package.
• Refreshment Package (Around $40 per person, per day): Non-alcoholic option with non-alcoholic cocktails, premium coffee and tea (excluding Starbucks), still and sparkling water, fresh-squeezed orange juice, and fountain soda (Coca-Cola souvenir cup included).
• Classic Soda Package (Around $16 per person, per day): Unlimited fountain soda and refills at any venue, plus a souvenir Coca-Cola cup.

Packages can be purchased in advance or onboard, but prices vary by sailing and can fluctuate with promotions.

It’s recommended to purchase a drink package before your cruise departure. Buying one beforehand is always cheaper than onboard the cruise ship, where prices are guaranteed to be higher.

Pros of buying a Royal Caribbean drink package

1. Convenience

No need to carry your wallet or sign receipts! Just tap your SeaPass card or WOW Band and enjoy. You can enjoy drinks all day throughout your cruise, making it feel like a more all-inclusive experience.

2. Cost savings (if you drink often)

If you typically drink 5+ alcoholic beverages a day, the Deluxe Beverage Package, which often ranges from $65–$100/day (plus 18% gratuity), could save you money. A glass of wine or cocktail on Royal Caribbean often costs around $8–$16.

3. Try new things

Royal Caribbean bars are known for creative cocktails, and a Royal Caribbean drink package gives you the freedom to experiment without hesitation. If you don’t like one of the drinks, you won’t feel obligated to finish it.

4. Peace of mind

Everything is prepaid, so you won’t be surprised by a huge bar tab at the end of your cruise.

Cons of buying a Royal Caribbean drink package

1. Upfront cost

The Deluxe Package for a 7-night cruise can add $500–$700+ per person. If you’re not drinking regularly, that’s a big expense.

2. Daily drink minimum

To break even, many guests need to consume 5–7 drinks daily. This includes alcohol, coffee, soda, and bottled water, but it’s still a lot for lighter drinkers.

3. Restrictions

Drinks are capped at $15 per glass. If you order a premium wine or cocktail above that, you’ll pay the difference.

Additionally, drinks from Starbucks kiosks are not included (though Café Promenade and other onboard venues do serve specialty coffee that is included).

4. Sharing is not allowed

Royal Caribbean strictly prohibits sharing drink packages. If one adult in a stateroom buys the Deluxe Beverage Package, all adults (21+) in the cabin must also purchase it, unless medically exempt.

Tips for deciding if a drink package is worth it

1. Estimate your consumption: Be honest about how much you typically drink. Tally up how many drinks you realistically consume per day (or use our cruise drink package calculator!). Include your morning latte, poolside cocktails, dinner wine, and bottled water.
2. Check the itinerary: Port-heavy cruises leave you with less time onboard, meaning fewer opportunities to drink. Does your cruise have lots of sea days? If so, you might be drinking more.
3. Factor in promotions: Royal Caribbean frequently discounts drink packages if purchased before your cruise via the Cruise Planner. Check back often because prices can change.
4. Know the rules: Premium wine by the bottle, minibar drinks, room service beverages, and Starbucks (from dedicated kiosks) are not covered.
5. Do the math: Don’t forget to include the 18% service charge in your calculations.

Alternatives to buying a drink package

Not sold on a drink package? Here are some alternatives you can try:

• Drink of the day specials: Royal Caribbean offers a daily featured cocktail at a discounted price of $11.
• Bring your own: Royal allows one bottle of wine or champagne (standard 750ml) per adult to be brought onboard on embarkation day (must be hand-carried or in your carry-on).
• Buy à la carte: If you’re a light drinker, you may spend less by just paying per drink.
• Crown and Anchor loyalty program: Each day, Diamond members get four complimentary drinks, Diamond Plus members get five, and Pinnacle members get six.

Royal Caribbean drink package: Final thoughts

Royal Caribbean’s drink packages can be a great value, but only if they match your habits.

For social drinkers or those who love coffee, soda, and bottled water throughout the day, they offer convenience, peace of mind, and potential savings. For others, especially on port-intensive cruises or those traveling with non-drinkers, they may not be worth the expense.

Our best advice? Know your habits, do the math, and don’t let FOMO push you into a pricey drink package you won’t fully enjoy.