Home › Articles › Drink Packages

Royal Caribbean drink package: worth it for UK cruisers?

By Cruise Advisor Editorial Team · Updated 2026-10-19 · 11 min read

Wondering if Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe Beverage Package is worth it from the UK in 2026? Use our UK-focused four-check method, decision tables and money-saving tips to decide between Deluxe, Refreshment, Classic Soft Drinks or paying as you go.

If you’re searching “royal caribbean drink package worth it uk”, you’re likely weighing the Deluxe Beverage Package against simply paying as you go on your 2026 Royal Caribbean cruise from or booked in the UK. The right answer depends on your sailing’s personalised package price (including the 18% package gratuity Royal Caribbean says is added at final checkout on most sailings), what you’ll actually drink, whether everyone of legal drinking age in your stateroom must also buy the Deluxe package, and how much time you’ll spend ashore. This UK-focused guide walks you through a simple, verifiable method—no guesswork, no outdated price promises—so you can decide with confidence before you sail.

How Royal Caribbean’s drink packages work in 2026 (UK lens)

Royal Caribbean sells several beverage packages. For UK planners, the key choices are: the alcoholic Deluxe Beverage Package, the non-alcoholic Refreshment Package, and the Classic Soft Drinks Package. Royal Caribbean’s UK FAQ confirms that packages are personal, cannot be shared, and that only one beverage per guest will be served at a time. For most sailings, an 18% gratuity is added to the beverage package at final checkout—this is not included in the first price you see, so budget for it. Royal Caribbean also says some sailings may not offer packages. Always check your own booking in My Royal Cruise for the current inclusions, price and availability.

Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe Beverage Package page lists cocktails, spirits, liqueurs and beer; wines by the glass; fountain soft drinks; mocktails; premium coffees and teas; bottled still and sparkling water; fresh-squeezed juices; and smoothies and milkshakes where available. Royal Caribbean states a US$14 threshold for any single drink item included, and a 40% discount on bottled wines priced up to US$100 (20% above US$100). These are US-dollar thresholds published by Royal Caribbean; do not convert them into assumed GBP allowances. Menus and thresholds can vary, so verify the current details shown for your sailing.

If you don’t need alcohol, Royal Caribbean sells non-alcoholic packages. From 15 March 2026, Royal Caribbean states the Deluxe and Refreshment packages no longer include a Coca-Cola Freestyle Cup. A guest may buy a Freestyle Cup onboard for US$4.99, valid only for that sailing. The Classic Soft Drinks Package remains the option that comes with a complimentary Freestyle Cup. If you mainly want fizzy drinks from Freestyle machines, that Classic package detail matters; otherwise, factor a one-off cup purchase into your budget if you choose Deluxe or Refreshment. Always check the latest package wording in My Royal Cruise before you purchase.

The four checks every UK cruiser must do before buying

Before you commit, make these four checks based on Royal Caribbean’s UK FAQs and product pages:
1) Price with gratuity: Look at your personalised package price for your sailing in My Royal Cruise, then add the 18% beverage-package gratuity that Royal Caribbean says is added at final checkout on most sailings. That total is your real cost basis.
2) Included drinks you’ll truly use: Tally the categories you’ll actually consume—alcoholic drinks, premium coffees/teas, bottled waters, juices, smoothies/milkshakes where available, mocktails—and ignore items you rarely order.
3) Stateroom rule: Check whether every legal-drinking-age guest in the same stateroom must also purchase the Deluxe package. This can make or break value for couples and groups.
4) Time ashore and venue coverage: Packages are honoured at bars, cafés, lounges, Windjammer, Main Dining Room, specialty restaurants, Johnny Rockets, and private destinations such as Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee during normal business hours. Room service and minibar are not included. Consider port days and excursions when you won’t be using the package.

1. List your realistic daily drinks by type: alcoholic, premium coffees/teas, bottled water, soft drinks, juices, mocktails.
2. Multiply by the current à-la-carte prices on your sailing (check the app or onboard menus once available). Avoid using old blog numbers.
3. Add potential bottled-wine savings under Deluxe: 40% off up to US$100 bottles; 20% above US$100, if you would actually order them.
4. Sum for an average sea day and a typical port day; weight by your itinerary’s mix.
5. Compare that realistic total with your personalised package cost including the 18% package gratuity (most sailings).
6. Apply the stateroom rule: if others of legal drinking age in your cabin must also buy Deluxe, include their likely consumption or accept that the combined cost rises.
7. Re-run for the Refreshment and Classic Soft Drinks packages if alcohol isn’t essential to your plans.
8. Use our planning tool guidance in the Cruise Drink Package Calculator Guide for a structured worksheet and tips.

Traveller type	Likely best option	Why (verify with your sailing’s price)
Sea-day fans who enjoy multiple alcoholic drinks plus coffees/waters	Deluxe Beverage Package	High mix of covered items across long onboard days can outpace à-la-carte spend when priced with 18% gratuity (most sailings)
Light drinkers who want premium coffees, waters, juices, mocktails	Refreshment Package or pay as you go	Non-alcoholic focus; compare realistic daily spend to the personalised package price
Fizzy-drink loyalists who love Coca-Cola Freestyle	Classic Soft Drinks Package	Includes complimentary Freestyle Cup (from 15 Mar 2026, Deluxe/Refreshment do not)
Port-intensive itineraries with long shore days	Pay as you go or Refreshment	Less time onboard to use an alcoholic package; check private-destination coverage hours
Couples where only one drinks alcohol	Case-by-case	Check the stateroom rule for Deluxe; combined cost may outweigh savings if both must buy
Bottled-wine enthusiasts dining onboard	Deluxe Beverage Package	Potential 40%/20% bottle discounts if you’d actually purchase qualifying bottles

Counting drinks realistically: sea days vs port days

Most overestimates happen on port-intensive trips. On sea days, it’s easy to use a package across breakfast coffees, poolside drinks, pre-dinner aperitifs and wine with dinner. On port days, time ashore and excursion schedules cut into usage, and room service/minibar items aren’t included. For UK itineraries sailing from Southampton, consider embarkation timing as well—your first-day usage window may be shorter than a full day depending on boarding time. Build your average with a weighted mix of sea and port days rather than assuming every day is a sea day.

Royal Caribbean’s UK beverage FAQ says packages are honoured at bars, cafés, lounges, Windjammer Café, Main Dining Room, specialty restaurants, Johnny Rockets and private destinations such as Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee during normal business hours. Room service and the minibar are not included. That means late-night cravings via room service, or stocking your stateroom fridge, won’t count toward package value; plan to order at covered venues instead. Verify operational hours and venue lists in the app for your specific ship and sailing.

UK departures, Southampton context, and paying in £

Royal Caribbean sails from Southampton, a convenient gateway for many UK travellers. You’ll plan and budget in pounds when booking from the UK, but beverage package thresholds are shown by Royal Caribbean in US dollars where applicable, and onboard menus can vary by ship and itinerary. Treat every calculation as sailing-specific and confirm your personalised package price and terms inside My Royal Cruise.

Royal Caribbean’s product FAQs state that onboard all-inclusive packages can be bought up until the last four days of the trip, must be bought for the cruise duration, and are prorated based on the purchase date. Separately, Royal Caribbean’s cancellation page says you can purchase packages online via My Royal Cruise up to 72 hours before departure, and orders cancelled through My Royal Cruise up to two days before sailing are 100% refundable. Always read the exact wording shown at checkout for your booking, as terms may vary by sailing and promotion.

Dimension	Deluxe Beverage Package	Refreshment Package	Classic Soft Drinks	Pay as you go
Alcoholic drinks	Included within Royal Caribbean’s stated thresholds; check your sailing	Not included	Not included	Buy individually
Non-alcoholic items	Soft drinks, premium coffees/teas, waters, juices, mocktails; smoothies/milkshakes where available	Non-alcoholic selection (see your sailing for specifics)	Fountain soft drinks	Buy individually
Coca-Cola Freestyle Cup (from 15 Mar 2026)	Not included; may buy onboard for US$4.99	Not included; may buy onboard for US$4.99	Included	N/A
Package gratuity	Royal Caribbean states 18% added at checkout on most sailings	Royal Caribbean states 18% added at checkout on most sailings	Royal Caribbean states 18% added at checkout on most sailings	Per-drink service charge as applicable
Stateroom rule	Check policy: may require all legal-drinking-age guests in same stateroom to purchase	Check your sailing	Check your sailing	N/A
Room service/minibar	Not included	Not included	Not included	Charged normally

Light drinkers: why paying as you go can win

If you enjoy the occasional glass of wine or a couple of beers, you may not reach the value of the Deluxe package once you factor in the 18% package gratuity (most sailings) and time ashore. Paying as you go keeps you flexible: order what you want, when you want, without prepaying for items you might not use on port days. If you like premium coffees or bottled water, compare the Refreshment package against your realistic daily habits rather than assuming the bundle is cheaper.

Itinerary matters: sea-day-heavy vs port-intensive

On a sea-day-heavy transatlantic or Canary Islands cruise, you’ll likely have more hours to use a package than on a port-intensive Mediterranean week. Packages are honoured on private destinations such as Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee during normal business hours, but excursion timing, venue location and crowd patterns still affect how many drinks you’ll actually order. Build your calculation around your itinerary map, not a generic daily average.

• Ignoring the 18% package gratuity added at checkout on most sailings: Include it before deciding.
• Assuming every adult in a cabin can choose independently: Check the Deluxe stateroom rule on your booking.
• Overestimating port-day usage: Weight your average down for long shore days.
• Counting room service and minibar: They’re excluded.
• Confusing daily service charges with package gratuity: Read our guide to how cruise gratuities work and where they differ.
• Relying on old prices from forums: Use your sailing’s My Royal Cruise price and onboard menus.

Bottled wine discounts with Deluxe: when they help

Royal Caribbean says the Deluxe package includes a 40% discount on bottled wines priced up to US$100 and 20% on bottles above US$100. If you plan to share a bottle at dinner most nights, those savings can be meaningful. But only count them if you would genuinely buy bottles at those price levels when paying à la carte. Check your ship’s wine list and confirm whether the bottles you prefer are eligible under the stated thresholds.

The US$14 per-drink threshold explained (don’t convert)

Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe page states that drinks up to US$14 are included. This is a threshold stated in US dollars by the cruise line and is not a signal to convert into pounds or assume every bar menu is identical. Treat it as a guideline to understand coverage, and check your ship’s menus and the current terms in My Royal Cruise for your exact sailing.

Coca‑Cola Freestyle Cup change from 15 March 2026

From 15 March 2026, Royal Caribbean says the Deluxe and Refreshment packages no longer include a Coca‑Cola Freestyle Cup. If you want the Freestyle machines, you can buy a cup onboard for US$4.99, valid only for your voyage. The Classic Soft Drinks Package remains the option with a complimentary Freestyle Cup. If you mainly drink fountain sodas, that Classic inclusion may make it better value than Deluxe or Refreshment for your needs.

Royal Caribbean states packages are honoured at bars, cafés, lounges, Windjammer Café, Main Dining Room, specialty restaurants, Johnny Rockets and private destinations such as Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee during normal business hours. Because coverage is tied to open venues, your ability to use a package naturally dips when venues are closed, you’re in transit to or from excursions, or you favour room service. Plan your day around covered venues if you’re aiming to maximise value.

Item	Your estimate	How to verify
Personalised package price (Deluxe)	£	See My Royal Cruise
Add 18% beverage-package gratuity (most sailings)	£	Shown at final checkout
Avg. sea day spend if paying à la carte	£	Use app/menus onboard
Avg. port day spend if paying à la carte	£	Use app/menus onboard
Weight by itinerary (e.g., 4 sea / 3 port)	£	Use your itinerary
Bottled wine savings (if applicable)	£	40%/20% per Royal Caribbean thresholds
Stateroom rule impact (others must buy?)	£ total for cabin	Check booking policy wording
Compare total package cost vs pay-as-you-go	Decision	Choose: Deluxe / Refreshment / Classic / À la carte

Our editorial verdict for UK travellers in 2026

• If your sailing’s personalised Deluxe price plus the 18% package gratuity (most sailings) is clearly lower than what you’d spend on alcoholic drinks plus premium coffees/waters on your weighted sea/port average, Deluxe is worth it.
• If alcohol isn’t central to your plans, or you’ll spend long hours ashore, the Refreshment or Classic Soft Drinks packages—or paying as you go—often deliver better value.
• If the stateroom rule requires all legal-drinking-age guests to purchase Deluxe, treat the decision as a household cost. If one person won’t use it, that can erase savings for both.

For package definitions and broader planning, see our parent hub: Royal Caribbean Drink Package Complete Guide 2026: Is It Worth It?. For current, sailing-specific price checks, use our UK guide: [Royal Caribbean Drinks Package Prices 2026: Complete Guide]. If you’re a first-timer, put this in the wider context of shipboard life with What to Expect on Your First Royal Caribbean Cruise. And if you’re eyeing a headline ship, see UK planning context in Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas Review (UK)—just remember not to generalise facilities to every ship.

When to lock it in (and when to wait)

If your maths clearly favours Deluxe even after the 18% package gratuity (most sailings), consider buying when you see a price you’re happy with and note the cancellation window shown in My Royal Cruise. If you’re on the fence, it can be sensible to wait and re-check prices periodically—just ensure you understand the purchase deadlines and onboard availability statements in Royal Caribbean’s FAQs.

Beverage package gratuity (Royal Caribbean states 18% is added at checkout on most sailings) is separate from any daily service charges applied to your cruise. When budgeting, keep them distinct. For a fuller look at how gratuities work on cruises from the UK, read our explainer: Cruise Gratuities UK: How Much to Pay?.

Example scenarios to test your thinking (no prices needed)

• Couple on a Southampton round-trip with five sea days: If both enjoy cocktails, wines by the glass, premium coffees and bottled water every day, Deluxe can add up—provided both would use it and the stateroom rule doesn’t force a mismatch.
• Friends on a port-heavy Mediterranean week: If most days are long ashore, a non-alcoholic option or paying à la carte may keep costs down.
• Family with soda-loving teens and one adult who drinks rarely: Classic Soft Drinks for the soda fans could be better; the adult might pay as you go rather than commit to Deluxe.

New to Royal Caribbean? Get the bigger picture first

If it’s your first time, understanding daily rhythms helps your package decision. Our overview, [What to Expect on Your First Royal Caribbean Cruise], sets the scene—meal times, entertainment, and where drinks fit into the day. Then return to this guide to finalise the maths.

This page is the UK decision helper. For full package definitions and general tips, start at our hub: [Royal Caribbean Drink Package Complete Guide 2026: Is It Worth It?]. For personalised price checks and how to find your sailing’s current rate, see [Royal Caribbean Drinks Package Prices 2026: Complete Guide]. If you’re choosing between alcoholic and non-alcoholic, read [Royal Caribbean Deluxe vs Refreshment Drink Package (2026)].

Sources and verification (read before you buy)

Always use Royal Caribbean’s official UK pages and your My Royal Cruise checkout for final decisions:
- Royal Caribbean UK beverage package FAQ: policies, venue coverage, gratuity on most sailings, sharing rules, availability notes, and purchase timing.
- Deluxe Beverage Package page: included categories, US$14 per-drink threshold, and bottled-wine discounts.
- Beverage Package Products page: package line-up and Freestyle Cup change from 15 March 2026; water package option.
- Beverage Package cancellation policy: purchase windows online and cancellation terms.
- Southampton departures: UK gateway context only.

Editorial context: Industry coverage (e.g., Cruise Critic) reiterates that value varies by traveller, ship and itinerary—but always defer to Royal Caribbean’s current official terms for your sailing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Deluxe Beverage Package include every drink onboard?

No. Royal Caribbean states a coverage threshold for single drink items (US$14 on the Deluxe page) and specific inclusions by category. Menus and availability can vary by ship and sailing. Always check your current sailing’s terms in My Royal Cruise and onboard menus.

Is an 18% gratuity already included in the package price I see online?

Royal Caribbean’s UK FAQ says that for most sailings, an 18% beverage-package gratuity is added at final checkout and is not included in the initial cost you see. Use the checkout total for your calculation.

If I buy Deluxe, must everyone in my cabin buy it too?

Royal Caribbean’s UK FAQ indicates a stateroom rule around the Deluxe Beverage Package. Policies can vary, so read the specific wording in your booking. Treat this as a potential household-level cost rather than an individual-only choice.

Are packages honoured on private destinations like CocoCay or Labadee?

Royal Caribbean says packages are honoured at private destinations such as Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee during normal business hours. Confirm hours and venue availability for your itinerary.

Do beverage packages cover room service or the minibar?

No. Royal Caribbean’s UK FAQ states room service and the minibar are not included. Order at covered venues—bars, cafés, lounges, Windjammer, Main Dining Room, specialty restaurants, and Johnny Rockets—to use a package.

What changed with the Coca‑Cola Freestyle Cup in 2026?

From 15 March 2026, Royal Caribbean says Deluxe and Refreshment packages no longer include a Freestyle Cup. You can buy a cup onboard for US$4.99, valid for your sailing. The Classic Soft Drinks Package still includes a complimentary Freestyle Cup.

Can I buy a beverage package after boarding?

Royal Caribbean’s UK product FAQ says onboard all-inclusive packages can be bought up until the last four days of the trip, must be bought for the cruise duration and are prorated from purchase date. Availability can vary by sailing—check onboard and in My Royal Cruise.

What’s the cancellation policy if I change my mind before sailing?

Royal Caribbean’s cancellation page says you can purchase packages online via My Royal Cruise up to 72 hours before departure, and orders cancelled through My Royal Cruise up to two days before sailing are 100% refundable. Verify the exact wording at checkout for your booking.

How do I decide between Deluxe and the Refreshment Package?

List how many alcoholic drinks you genuinely expect to order. If alcohol isn’t central, compare your non-alcoholic daily spend (coffees, waters, mocktails, juices) with the Refreshment price. For a detailed comparison, see Royal Caribbean Deluxe vs Refreshment Drink Package (2026).

Where can I see current prices for my UK sailing?

There’s no universal GBP price. Royal Caribbean personalises package pricing by ship, date and promotion. Check My Royal Cruise for your sailing, and use our UK guide to price checking here: Royal Caribbean Drinks Package Prices 2026: Complete Guide.

Related articles

• Royal Caribbean Drink Package Complete Guide 2026: Is It Worth It?
• Cruise Drink Package Calculator: Is It Worth It in 2026?
• What To Expect On First Royal Caribbean Cruise: Real Advice
• Royal Caribbean drinks package prices 2026 UK complete guide
• Royal Caribbean Deluxe vs Refreshment Drink Package 2026
• Cruise Gratuities UK: How Much to Pay in 2026 (Guide)
• Royal Caribbean Icon of the Seas Review (UK, 2026)