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Royal Caribbean Drinks Package Cost Table 2026

By Cruise Advisor Editorial Team · Updated 2026-09-24 · 12 min read

Couple enjoying drinks on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship deck at sunset, illustrating Royal Caribbean drink package cost 2026

Demystifying the Royal Caribbean drink package cost in 2026 is crucial for budgeting your cruise, and we're here to break down everything you need to know.

Understanding the Royal Caribbean drink package cost 2026 is absolutely essential for budgeting your holiday and ensuring you don't overspend. This comprehensive guide will break down the different packages, their prices as of June 2026, and our view on whether they offer good value for money. Let's dive into making your next Royal Caribbean adventure as enjoyable and cost-effective as possible!

What Are Royal Caribbean Drink Packages: Everything You Need to Know

Royal Caribbean offers a selection of drink packages designed to cater to different preferences and consumption habits, allowing guests to pre-pay for a variety of beverages throughout their cruise. These packages aim to provide convenience and predictability for your holiday spending, eliminating the need to sign for individual drinks. From unlimited soft drinks to a full array of cocktails, beers, and wines, there's usually an option to suit most cruisers. Understanding what each package includes and its associated Royal Caribbean drink package cost 2026 is the first step in deciding if one is right for you. For a broader look at cruise drink packages, you might find our article on Are Cruise Drink Packages Worth It in 2026? helpful.

It truly makes the holiday feel more all-inclusive.

Key Things to Know About Royal Caribbean's Drink Packages

  • Package Tiers: Royal Caribbean typically offers three main tiers: the Deluxe Beverage Package (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), the Refreshment Package (non-alcoholic), and the Classic Soda Package.
  • Unlimited Drinks: All packages offer unlimited drinks within their respective categories, up to a certain price limit per alcoholic drink (usually $13-14 USD, approximately £10-11, as of 2026).
  • All Adults Rule: If one adult in a cabin purchases the Deluxe Beverage Package, all other adults (18+ in UK/Europe, 21+ in North America) in the same cabin must purchase at least the Refreshment Package. This rule is strictly enforced.
  • Pre-Cruise Discounts: Prices are almost always cheaper when purchased through the Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner online before your sailing, often with discounts of 20-40% off onboard prices.
  • Daily Cost: Packages are charged per person, per day, for the entire duration of the cruise, including embarkation and disembarkation days.
  • Gratuities Included: The daily cost of the drink package includes the service charge (gratuities), so you won't pay extra tips on top of your drinks.

Royal Caribbean Drink Package Cost 2026: What to Expect

The Royal Caribbean drink package cost 2026 is not a fixed price; it fluctuates based on several factors, including the specific ship, the itinerary (e.g., Caribbean vs. European sailings), the length of the cruise, and when you purchase it. Generally, longer cruises or sailings during peak seasons might see slightly higher prices. However, the biggest variable is often whether you buy it pre-cruise or onboard. For more general advice on saving money, see our guide on How to Save Money on a Cruise UK.

Remember, these are estimates, and your specific cruise might have different pricing. Always check your personal Cruise Planner for the most accurate and up-to-date costs for your sailing.

Package NameOnboard Price (per day) (estimate)Pre-Cruise Price (per day) (estimate)Key Inclusions
Deluxe Beverage Package£60 - £90 pp£45 - £70 ppAll alcoholic drinks (up to $13-14), specialty coffees/teas, bottled water, fresh juices, sodas, milkshakes
Refreshment Package£25 - £35 pp£20 - £30 ppSpecialty coffees/teas, bottled water, fresh juices, sodas, non-alcoholic cocktails, milkshakes
Classic Soda Package£10 - £15 pp£8 - £12 ppUnlimited fountain sodas with a souvenir cup

As you can see from the table, the pre-cruise savings are significant, often making a difference of £15-£20 per person, per day. Over a 7-night cruise, that's a saving of £105-£140 per person! The 'Deluxe Beverage Package' is by far the most popular and comprehensive, covering almost every drink imaginable. The 'Refreshment Package' is an excellent choice for those who don't drink alcohol but still want to enjoy premium non-alcoholic options, and it's also the mandatory minimum for other adults in a cabin if one person buys the Deluxe package.

Is a Royal Caribbean Drink Package Worth It? Independent Verdict

It really boils down to your drinking habits, your budget, and how much you value convenience. In our view, the peace of mind that comes with not having to worry about the bar tab is often worth the upfront cost, especially on longer sailings. However, it's not always the best choice for everyone.

The convenience of grabbing a hot chocolate after an excursion or a glass of wine with dinner without thinking about the cost was invaluable. Ultimately, it's about finding your break-even point.

When a Royal Caribbean Drink Package Is Worth It

  1. You enjoy 4-6+ alcoholic drinks per day: If you typically consume 4-6 beers, wines, or cocktails (each costing £8-£12) daily, plus a few sodas or specialty coffees (£3-£5 each), you'll likely break even or save money with the Deluxe Beverage Package. This is especially true if you buy it pre-cruise at a discounted rate.
  2. You love specialty coffees and bottled water: Even if you're not a heavy drinker, the Refreshment Package or even the Deluxe Package can be worth it if you frequently enjoy lattes, cappuccinos, fresh-squeezed juices, and prefer bottled water over tap water. These items add up quickly when purchased individually.
  3. You want a truly 'all-inclusive' feel: For many, the main appeal is the freedom to order what they want, when they want, without constantly checking prices or signing receipts. This can significantly enhance the relaxed holiday vibe.
  4. You're on a longer cruise (7+ nights): The longer the cruise, the more opportunities you have to get value from the package. The daily cost might seem high, but over a week or more, the convenience and cumulative savings can become more apparent.
  5. You plan to visit specialty restaurants: Many specialty restaurants on Royal Caribbean ships have excellent wine lists and craft cocktails. With a drink package, you can enjoy these without additional charges (up to the per-drink limit), enhancing your dining experience.
  6. You're celebrating a special occasion: For honeymoons, anniversaries, or big birthdays, the drink package can be a wonderful way to treat yourselves and make the occasion feel extra special without worrying about the final bill.

When a Royal Caribbean Drink Package Is NOT Worth It

  1. You only drink occasionally: If you only have one or two alcoholic drinks a day, or primarily stick to water and basic juices, paying for a full package will likely cost you more than buying drinks à la carte.
  2. You have many port days: On cruises with numerous port calls, you'll spend less time on the ship and therefore have fewer opportunities to utilise the package. Drinks ashore are usually not included.
  3. 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 this is sufficient for your alcoholic needs, a package might be unnecessary.
  4. You're travelling with children: The 'all adults in cabin' rule can make packages prohibitively expensive for families where only one adult drinks alcohol. The other adult would still need to purchase at least the Refreshment Package.
  5. You're on a very short cruise (3-4 nights): While still possible to get value, it often requires more concentrated drinking to break even on shorter sailings, which might not be everyone's idea of a relaxing holiday.

How to Get the Best Deal on Your Royal Caribbean Drink Package

Securing the best price for your Royal Caribbean drink package requires a bit of strategy and patience. The key is to be proactive and informed about Royal Caribbean's pricing patterns. This can make a huge difference to your overall Royal Caribbean drink package cost 2026.

  1. Purchase Pre-Cruise: This is the golden rule. Always buy your drink package through the Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner online before your sailing. Onboard prices are consistently an estimated 20-40% higher, and you'll miss out on significant savings.
  2. Monitor Sales: Royal Caribbean frequently runs sales on their drink packages, often tied to holiday weekends (e.g., Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Bank Holiday sales). These sales can offer the deepest discounts. Don't buy the first price you see.
  3. Book Early, Rebook Later: Purchase your package as soon as you see a price you're comfortable with. If the price drops later, you can cancel your existing purchase in the Cruise Planner and rebook at the lower rate. This is a common and perfectly legitimate strategy.
  4. Look for Bundles: Sometimes, Royal Caribbean or your travel agent might offer cruise fares that include a drink package, or a 'Drinks & Wi-Fi' bundle. Compare these bundled prices against booking the cruise and package separately, as they can sometimes offer better value.
  5. Consider the Refreshment Package for Non-Drinkers: If you're subject to the 'all adults in cabin' rule and one person doesn't drink alcohol, opt for the Refreshment Package for them instead of the Deluxe. It's a much more cost-effective way to comply with the rule.
  6. Check for Onboard Credits (OBC): If you have any onboard credit from booking promotions or a travel agent, you can use it towards the purchase of a drink package once onboard. However, remember that onboard prices are higher, so it's usually better to use OBC for other expenses if you've already pre-purchased your package.
  7. Travel Agent Perks: A good travel agent might have access to exclusive promotions or be able to offer additional onboard credit that can help offset the cost of a drink package. It’s always worth checking with them.

Royal Caribbean Drink Package vs. Other Cruise Lines: A Comparison

While Royal Caribbean offers excellent drink packages, it's always good to see how they stack up against other popular cruise lines, especially if you're still deciding which line to sail with. Each cruise line has its own policies, pricing structures, and inclusions, which can significantly impact the overall value. This comparison will help you gauge the Royal Caribbean drink package cost 2026 within the broader cruise market.

Cruise LineMain Drink PackageTypical Price (per day, 2026)Key DifferencesVerdict
Royal CaribbeanDeluxe Beverage Package£45 - £70 (pre-cruise)Includes specialty coffees, bottled water, fresh juices. All adults in cabin rule.Excellent variety, good value if bought on sale.
Carnival Cruise LineCHEERS! Package£45 - £60 (pre-cruise)Limited to 15 alcoholic drinks per 24 hours. Includes sodas, some non-alcoholic options. All adults in cabin rule.Good for beer/cocktail drinkers, but daily limit can be restrictive.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)Premium Plus Beverage Package£80 - £110 (often included with Free at Sea)Very comprehensive, includes premium drinks, bottled water, specialty coffees. Often part of 'Free at Sea' promotion.Best value if received as a 'Free at Sea' perk, otherwise expensive.
Celebrity CruisesPremium Drink Package£60 - £85 (often included with 'All Included' fare)Similar inclusions to Royal Caribbean, often bundled with Wi-Fi and gratuities.Strong offering, especially when part of 'All Included' fare.
MSC CruisesEasy Package / Easy Plus Package£30 - £60 (pre-cruise)Multiple tiers, Easy is basic (limited selection), Easy Plus is better. Price point limits on drinks.More budget-friendly options, but can be restrictive on choices.
P&O CruisesUltimate Drinks Package£40 - £55 (pre-cruise)Includes most drinks up to £6.95. All adults in cabin rule. No specialty coffees.Good value for UK cruisers, but less premium than US lines.

As you can see, Royal Caribbean's Deluxe Beverage Package is competitively priced, especially when purchased during a sale. NCL's offering can seem more expensive upfront, but it's often included as a 'Free at Sea' perk, which makes it incredibly good value. Celebrity Cruises also has a strong offering, often bundling drinks with other amenities. Ultimately, the 'best' package depends on your priorities and whether you can take advantage of promotional offers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Royal Caribbean Drink Packages

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

As of June 2026, the Deluxe Beverage Package typically ranges from £60 to £90 per person, per day, when purchased onboard. However, prices can fluctuate significantly based on the sailing, ship, and time of booking. The Refreshment Package usually costs between £25-£35 per day, and the Soda Package is around £10-£15 per day. Booking pre-cruise often offers substantial discounts, sometimes up to 30-40% off the onboard price.

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

No, Royal Caribbean's policy strictly prohibits sharing drink packages. If one adult in a cabin purchases a Deluxe Beverage Package, all other adults (aged 21+ in North America, 18+ in the UK/Europe) in the same cabin must also purchase a drink package, or at least a Refreshment Package. This rule is enforced to prevent guests from sharing drinks, and violations can lead to the package being revoked without a refund.

Is it cheaper to buy the drink package before or during the cruise in 2026?

It is almost always cheaper to purchase your Royal Caribbean drink package pre-cruise through the Cruise Planner. Royal Caribbean frequently offers pre-cruise discounts of around 20-40% off the onboard price. For example, a package that might cost about £85 per day onboard could be available for roughly £55-£65 per day online.

What drinks are included in the Royal Caribbean Deluxe Beverage Package?

The Deluxe Beverage Package is Royal Caribbean's most comprehensive offering. It includes virtually all alcoholic beverages (cocktails, spirits, wine by the glass, beer) up to a certain price point (usually around $13-14 USD, which is about £10-11), as well as all non-alcoholic options like premium coffees, teas, bottled water, fresh juices, and fountain sodas. It also includes drinks from the Bionic Bar and milkshakes from Johnny Rockets. This package truly covers almost everything you could wish to drink.

What is the 'all adults in cabin' rule for Royal Caribbean drink packages?

This rule, often a point of contention for cruisers, states that if one adult (aged 21+ in North America, 18+ in UK/Europe) in a stateroom purchases the Deluxe Beverage Package, all other adults in that same stateroom must also purchase either the Deluxe Beverage Package or the Refreshment Package. This is designed to prevent sharing. However, there are sometimes exceptions for medical reasons, which require contacting Royal Caribbean directly with appropriate documentation.

Can I get a Royal Caribbean drink package for free or as part of a promotion in 2026?

While not 'free' in the traditional sense, Royal Caribbean occasionally offers promotions where drink packages are included as part of a bundled fare, particularly for suite guests or during specific sales events. Sometimes, travel agents might have access to exclusive deals that include a drink package. It's always worth checking with a good travel agent or monitoring the Cruise Planner sales.

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