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Royal Caribbean Drink Cost 2026 — Everything You Need to Know

By Cruise Advisor Editorial Team · Updated 2026-07-14 · 12 min read

Demystify Royal Caribbean drink costs in 2026 with our comprehensive guide, covering individual prices, package options, and whether they offer good value for your next cruise.

Planning a Royal Caribbean cruise for 2026? Specifically, what is the Royal Caribbean drink cost 2026? It's a crucial part of budgeting for your holiday, and getting it wrong can lead to unexpected expenses. This comprehensive guide will break down individual drink prices, explore the various drink packages, and help you decide if a package is truly worth it for your next Royal Caribbean adventure.

Understanding Royal Caribbean's Drink Offerings in 2026

Royal Caribbean offers a vast array of beverages onboard, catering to every taste and preference. From refreshing soft drinks and specialty coffees to fine wines and elaborate cocktails, you'll find almost anything you desire. However, the key to managing your budget is understanding which drinks are complimentary, which are individually priced, and which are covered by their various drink packages. This knowledge is essential before you even step foot on the ship, as prices can vary slightly by ship and itinerary.

The options have certainly expanded since then, but the core principle remains: plan ahead. Knowing the typical Royal Caribbean drink cost in 2026 will empower you to make informed decisions and avoid sticker shock when your onboard account arrives.

Complimentary Drinks on Royal Caribbean

• Tap Water: Available freely at all bars, restaurants, and water stations. Perfectly safe to drink.
• Regular Coffee & Hot Tea: Found in the Windjammer buffet, Main Dining Room, and Café Promenade. Standard drip coffee and a selection of tea bags.
• Iced Tea: Usually available in the Windjammer buffet.
• Milk: Offered at breakfast in the buffet and Main Dining Room.
• Basic Juices: Orange, apple, and cranberry juice are typically available at breakfast in the buffet and Main Dining Room. These are often from concentrate, not fresh-squeezed.
• Lemonade/Fruit Punch: Sometimes available from dispensers in the Windjammer or on deck during meal times.

Individual Royal Caribbean Drink Prices 2026

For those who prefer to pay as they go, it's crucial to understand the individual drink prices. These prices are generally consistent across the fleet, though there can be minor variations. All prices listed below are approximate as of June 2026 and include the 20% gratuity that is automatically added to all drink purchases (Royal Caribbean, checked 1 Nov 2026).

It adds up remarkably fast!

Alcoholic Drink Costs (Approximate, including 20% gratuity)

• Beer (Domestic/Imported): Roughly £6 - £8.50 (e.g., Budweiser, Heineken, Stella Artois)
• Wine by the Glass (House/Premium): Approximately £8 - £14 (e.g., Merlot, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio)
• Standard Cocktails: Typically £12 - £15 (e.g., Margarita, Mojito, Piña Colada)
• Premium/Specialty Cocktails: Expect around £15 - £16 (e.g., frozen drinks, signature cocktails)
• Spirits (Standard): In the region of £9 - £12 (e.g., Vodka, Gin, Rum, Whiskey shots)
• Spirits (Premium): An estimated £12 - £20+ (e.g., top-shelf brands, aged whiskies)
• Liqueurs/After-Dinner Drinks: Generally £10 - £15

Non-Alcoholic Drink Costs (Approximate, including 20% gratuity)

• Soft Drinks (Canned/Fountain): Normally £3.50 - £4.50 (e.g., Coke, Sprite, Fanta)
• Bottled Water (Still/Sparkling): Somewhere around £3.50 - £5
• Fresh Juices: About £5 - £6
• Specialty Coffees: Roughly £4 - £6 (e.g., Latte, Cappuccino, Espresso, Frappuccino)
• Energy Drinks: Approximately £6 - £7 (e.g., Red Bull)

Royal Caribbean Drink Packages 2026: Options & Pricing

Royal Caribbean offers several drink packages designed to help cruisers budget and enjoy their beverages without worrying about individual costs. These packages are often the subject of much debate, and rightly so, as they represent a significant upfront investment. Understanding what each package includes and its typical cost in 2026 is the first step in deciding if one is right for you. For a deeper dive, check out our Royal Caribbean Drink Package Complete Guide 2026.

Deluxe Beverage Package (DBP)

This is Royal Caribbean's most comprehensive package, often referred to as the 'Ultimate' or 'Alcoholic' package. It includes virtually all drinks up to a certain price point (usually £12-£14 per drink), covering most cocktails, spirits, liqueurs, beer, wine by the glass, bottled water, sparkling water, fresh juices, premium coffees and teas, and soft drinks from the Coca-Cola Freestyle machines. Gratuities are included in the package price.

• Typical Onboard Price: £55 - £80 per person, per day (as of June 2026).
• Pre-Cruise Price (Cruise Planner): Often discounted to £45 - £65 per person, per day.
• Includes: Most alcoholic beverages (cocktails, spirits, beer, wine by the glass up to price limit), bottled water, sparkling water, fresh juices, premium coffees/teas, sodas, and Coca-Cola Freestyle drinks.
• Excludes: Drinks over the price limit (you pay the difference), mini-bar items, room service drinks, and souvenir glassware.

Refreshment Package

The Refreshment Package is an excellent option for those who don't drink alcohol but still want to enjoy a wide variety of non-alcoholic beverages. It's also the package that all other adults in a cabin must purchase if one adult opts for the Deluxe Beverage Package (in most cases).

• Typical Onboard Price: £25 - £35 per person, per day (as of June 2026).
• Pre-Cruise Price (Cruise Planner): Often discounted to £20 - £30 per person, per day.
• Includes: Bottled water, sparkling water, fresh juices, premium coffees/teas, non-alcoholic cocktails, and soft drinks from the Coca-Cola Freestyle machines.
• Excludes: Alcoholic beverages, mini-bar items, room service drinks.

Classic Soda Package

This is the most basic non-alcoholic package, perfect for soda lovers. It includes a souvenir Coca-Cola cup that allows for unlimited refills at any Coca-Cola Freestyle machine or bar on the ship.

• Typical Onboard Price: £10 - £15 per person, per day (as of June 2026).
• Pre-Cruise Price (Cruise Planner): Often discounted to £8 - £12 per person, per day.
• Includes: Unlimited soft drinks from Coca-Cola Freestyle machines and bars, plus a souvenir cup.
• Excludes: Bottled water, juices, specialty coffees, alcoholic beverages.

Is a Royal Caribbean Drink Package Worth It in 2026? Independent Verdict

It depends on your drinking habits, the length of your cruise, and how much you value convenience and upfront budgeting.

When a Royal Caribbean Drink Package IS Worth It

1. You enjoy 5+ alcoholic drinks per day: If your daily consumption includes 2-3 beers/wines and 2-3 cocktails, plus bottled water, specialty coffees, and sodas, you'll likely hit the break-even point for the Deluxe Beverage Package.
2. You value convenience and budgeting: Having a package means you never have to worry about the cost of each drink. You can order freely and enjoy your holiday without a looming onboard bill. This peace of mind is invaluable for many.
3. You love specialty coffees and bottled water: These items, often overlooked, can add up quickly. If you have 2-3 lattes a day and several bottles of water, the Refreshment Package or Deluxe Package becomes more appealing.
4. You are on a longer cruise (7+ nights): The longer the cruise, the more opportunities you have to maximise the package value. The daily cost feels less impactful over a longer period.
5. You find a significant pre-cruise discount: If you can snag the Deluxe Beverage Package for £50-£55 per day, the break-even point drops considerably, making it a much easier decision.

When a Royal Caribbean Drink Package Is NOT Worth It

1. You drink sparingly: If you only have 1-2 alcoholic drinks per day, or primarily stick to complimentary beverages, paying per drink will be far more economical.
2. You are on a short cruise (3-4 nights): It can be harder to get full value from a package on shorter sailings, especially if you spend a lot of time off the ship in port.
3. You spend most of your time ashore: If your itinerary is port-intensive and you plan to drink primarily in port, you won't be onboard enough to justify the daily cost of the package.
4. You are travelling with children who don't need a package: Remember the 'all adults in cabin' rule for the Deluxe Package. If you're forced to buy a Refreshment Package for a non-drinking adult, it might skew the value for the whole cabin.
5. You prefer to bring your own wine: Royal Caribbean allows guests to bring two bottles of wine or champagne (750ml each) per stateroom on embarkation day. If you plan to enjoy these with dinner, it reduces your need for a package.

How to Get the Best Deal on Royal Caribbean Drinks in 2026

Even if you decide a drink package isn't for you, or if you want to maximise your package value, there are several strategies to save money on drinks.

1. Pre-Purchase Drink Packages: As mentioned, buying your package through the Cruise Planner before you sail almost always yields a better price than purchasing onboard. Keep an eye out for sales!
2. Bring Your Own Wine: Royal Caribbean allows guests (21+ in North America, 18+ in Europe/Australia) to bring two 750ml bottles of wine or champagne per stateroom on embarkation day. A corkage fee of about £15 per bottle is charged if consumed in the main dining room or speciality restaurants, but it's free if enjoyed in your cabin.
3. Utilise Complimentary Drinks: Don't forget the free water, coffee, tea, and basic juices. These can form the base of your hydration and save you from buying bottled water or specialty coffees unnecessarily.
4. Happy Hour Deals: Some bars on Royal Caribbean ships offer happy hour specials, typically 2-for-1 drinks or discounted prices. Keep an eye on your Cruise Compass for daily listings.
5. Casino Royale Offers: If you're a frequent gambler, you might receive complimentary drinks in the Casino Royale. This is usually for active players, but it's a nice perk if you're already there.
6. Crown & Anchor Society Benefits: Royal Caribbean's loyalty programme, Crown & Anchor Society, offers various benefits depending on your tier. Higher tiers (Diamond and above) receive daily complimentary drinks vouchers, typically 4-5 per day, which can significantly reduce your drink spend.
7. Speciality Dining Perks: Some speciality dining packages or promotions might include a glass of wine or a cocktail. Always check the details of your booking.
8. Consider a Water Bottle: Invest in a good reusable water bottle. You can fill it with complimentary water or iced tea, saving you from buying expensive bottled water throughout your cruise.

Royal Caribbean Drink Cost 2026 vs. Other Cruise Lines

It's helpful to put Royal Caribbean's drink costs into perspective by comparing them to other popular cruise lines. While exact prices vary, this table provides a general overview of how Royal Caribbean stacks up against competitors in 2026. Keep in mind that inclusions and policies can differ significantly.

As you can see from the table, Royal Caribbean's drink package pricing is competitive, especially when you factor in the pre-cruise discounts. Lines like NCL and Celebrity often bundle their drink packages into their 'free at sea' or 'always included' promotions, which can make them seem cheaper upfront, but the base cruise fare might be higher. In our view, Royal Caribbean offers a great balance of choice and value, particularly if you're diligent about buying your packages during a sale.

Frequently Asked Questions About Royal Caribbean Drink Costs 2026

What is the average daily cost of a Royal Caribbean drink package in 2026?

As of June 2026, Royal Caribbean's Deluxe Beverage Package (alcohol and non-alcoholic) typically ranges from £55 to £80 per person, per day, when purchased onboard. However, pre-purchasing through the Cruise Planner often offers significant discounts, sometimes bringing the price down to around £45-£65 per day. The Refreshment Package (non-alcoholic only) is usually between £25-£35 per day, and the Classic Soda Package about £10-£15 per day.

How much does a single alcoholic drink cost on Royal Caribbean in 2026?

Individual alcoholic drinks on Royal Caribbean in 2026 can add up quickly. A standard beer typically costs £6-£8, a glass of wine £8-£14, and cocktails range from £12-£16. Premium spirits or speciality cocktails can be even higher. This is why many cruisers, especially those who enjoy 4-5 alcoholic drinks a day, find the Deluxe Beverage Package to be a cost-effective option.

Is it cheaper to buy a drink package or pay per drink on Royal Caribbean in 2026?

Whether a drink package is cheaper depends entirely on your consumption habits. Generally, if you plan to have 5-6 alcoholic drinks (e.g., 2 coffees, 2 sodas, 2 beers, 2 cocktails, 2 waters) per day, the Deluxe Beverage Package will likely save you money. For those who drink less, or only enjoy a couple of drinks with dinner, paying per drink is usually more economical.

Can I share a Royal Caribbean drink package with someone else in 2026?

No, Royal Caribbean's policy in 2026 explicitly states that drink packages cannot be shared. If one adult in a cabin purchases the Deluxe Beverage Package, all other adults (aged 21+ in North America, 18+ in Europe/Australia) in the same cabin are typically required to purchase at least the Refreshment Package. This policy is strictly enforced to prevent sharing and ensure fair usage.

What drinks are included in Royal Caribbean's Deluxe Beverage Package in 2026?

The Deluxe Beverage Package in 2026 includes virtually all drinks up to a certain price point (usually £12-£14 per drink). This covers most cocktails, spirits, liqueurs, beer, wine by the glass, bottled water, sparkling water, fresh juices, premium coffees and teas, and soft drinks from the Coca-Cola Freestyle machines. It's a very comprehensive package, offering a wide array of choices throughout your cruise.

Are there any free drinks on Royal Caribbean without a package in 2026?

Yes, even without a drink package, Royal Caribbean offers several complimentary beverages. These include tap water, regular coffee, tea, iced tea, milk, and some juices (orange, apple, cranberry) available at the buffet and main dining rooms. For anything beyond these basics, such as speciality coffees, sodas, or alcoholic drinks, you would either need to purchase them individually or have a drink package.

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