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Royal Caribbean drinks package prices 2026 UK complete guide

By Cruise Advisor Editorial Team · Updated 2026-08-08 · 12 min read

Passengers enjoying drinks on Royal Caribbean deck in 2026

A comprehensive UK guide to Royal Caribbean drinks package prices for 2026.

This Royal Caribbean drinks package prices 2026 UK complete guide tells you everything you need to know about costs, value and how to save money on board in 2026. If you’re planning a cruise from Southampton, a fly-cruise from London or a European sailing, this guide explains the Deluxe Beverage Package, Refreshment Package, Classic Soda Package and more — with UK prices in £, examples for popular ships like Symphony of the Seas and Icon of the Seas, and smart tips for British cruisers.

How Royal Caribbean’s drinks packages work in 2026

Royal Caribbean still offers tiered drink packages in 2026. The packages are charged per person per day and apply to every night you are on board (including embarkation day for most itineraries). You can typically buy packages before you cruise through Royal Caribbean’s website, through your travel agent or on board at a higher price. Key package types you'll see are the Deluxe Beverage Package (alcoholic), the Refreshment Package (non- and low-alcohol options plus specialty coffee), the Classic Soda Package, and the Coffee & Tea Package. Packages may include gratuities for each drink — in 2026 the daily package price quoted by Royal Caribbean usually includes service charges, so check your booking for the final per-day cost in £.

What’s included and excluded

Typical inclusions: a range of beers, wines by the glass, cocktails, spirits and soft drinks (Deluxe); premium coffees, bottled water, fresh juices and smoothies (Refreshment); fountain sodas for Classic. Typical exclusions: very top-shelf wines by the bottle, certain ‘premium’ spirits, some speciality cocktails, fresh-pressed juices and minibar items. In 2026 Royal Caribbean maintains reasonable limits on strength and price per drink covered by the package — always read the fine print on the current booking page.

One practical point for UK travellers: drinks purchased in bars ashore at ports of call are not covered by the ship package. Also, Royal Caribbean’s policy requires if one adult in a cabin purchases the Deluxe Beverage Package, all other adults in the same stateroom must buy it as well — a ‘buy for all’ rule that still applies in 2026.

2026 UK prices — what to expect (ship examples)

Below are representative 2026 UK prices per person per day for several Royal Caribbean ships operating UK sailings. These are pricing examples based on typical 2026 UK fares and onboard pricing policies; always check your booking for precise numbers.

  • Icon of the Seas (Transatlantic & Europe 2026): Deluxe Beverage Package £72 per day; Refreshment Package £26; Classic Soda Package £10.
  • Symphony of the Seas (Mediterranean 2026): Deluxe £70 per day; Refreshment £25; Classic £9.
  • Oasis of the Seas (Canaries 2026): Deluxe £68 per day; Refreshment £24; Classic £9.
  • Anthem of the Seas (UK/Baltic 2026): Deluxe £66 per day; Refreshment £24; Classic £8.

You may see occasional promotional prices under cut-price offers tied to early-bird sales or Loyalty discounts, but these are the ballpark figures many UK travellers will encounter in 2026.

<table><thead><tr><th>Package</th><th>Icon of the Seas</th><th>Symphony of the Seas</th><th>Oasis of the Seas</th><th>Anthem of the Seas</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Deluxe Beverage Package</td><td>£72</td><td>£70</td><td>£68</td><td>£66</td></tr><tr><td>Refreshment Package</td><td>£26</td><td>£25</td><td>£24</td><td>£24</td></tr><tr><td>Classic Soda Package</td><td>£10</td><td>£9</td><td>£9</td><td>£8</td></tr></tbody></table>

Deluxe Beverage Package — is it worth it?

The Deluxe Beverage Package is designed for guests who expect to enjoy multiple alcoholic drinks each day. At ~£65–£70 per day in 2026, the package becomes good value if you drink two or more mid-range cocktails (about £8–£10 each) or several beers and soft drinks daily. However, if you usually have one glass of wine with dinner and a soft drink, you’ll likely pay more for the package than buying drinks individually.

Tip on specials: Royal Caribbean runs themed evenings and happy hours where cocktails might be reduced; these can tilt the balance back towards pay-per-drink for light drinkers.

Drinks covered and limits

In 2026 the Deluxe package normally covers cocktails up to a certain price point, bottled and draught beer, wine by the glass up to a specified ABV and price, and standard spirits. Watch for exceptions like large-format bottles or ultra-premium spirits. Royal Caribbean also has a reasonable consumption policy; it’s aimed at responsible enjoyment rather than unlimited boozing.

Refreshment Package — who should buy it?

The Refreshment Package suits non-drinkers, parents of small children who want coffees and juices, or fitness-focused guests who want smoothies and bottled water. At around £25 per day in 2026, it includes specialty coffees, premium teas, bottled water, fresh juices and smoothies, and some bottled water brands. For a tea-lover who enjoys two Costa or Starbucks-style coffees a day plus bottled water, the package often pays for itself.

This package is a popular choice for couples where one person drinks alcohol and the other doesn’t — but remember Royal Caribbean’s 'buy for all adults in the stateroom' rule applies only to alcoholic packages; Refreshment and Soda packages can be mixed in a cabin on many sailings in 2026, depending on the specific cruise terms, so check your booking or ask your travel agent.

Classic Soda and Coffee packages — basics and costs

Classic Soda Package prices are approximately £8–£11 per person per day in 2026. It covers unlimited refills from fountain soda stations and Coca-Cola Freestyle machines. The Coffee & Tea Package (or standalone coffee options) is often available for in the region of £6–£8 per day and is handy for guests who love specialty coffees but don’t want a full Refreshment Package.

<table><thead><tr><th>Package</th><th>Typical inclusions</th><th>Typical price (UK 2026)</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Deluxe Beverage</td><td>Beer, wine by the glass, cocktails, spirits, mocktails, some frozen drinks</td><td>£65–£75 per day</td></tr><tr><td>Refreshment</td><td>Premium coffees, bottled water, fresh juices, smoothies, iced tea</td><td>£25–£30 per day</td></tr><tr><td>Classic Soda</td><td>Fountain soda refills, Coca-Cola Freestyle</td><td>£8–£11 per day</td></tr><tr><td>Coffee & Tea</td><td>Specialty coffees, teas</td><td>£6–£8 per day</td></tr></tbody></table>

How Royal Caribbean prices compare with P&O, Cunard and Marella in 2026

UK cruisers often ask how Royal Caribbean stacks up against P&O, Cunard and Marella on drink costs. In 2026:

  • P&O’s onboard drink packages (e.g. Drink Packages and Premium packages) are generally priced a touch lower for house drinks on short UK sailings, often an estimated £50–£65 for an equivalent alcoholic bundle but vary by sailing type and promotions.
  • Cunard, focused on a more traditional dining experience, has more limited package options and often charges more for premium drinks; packages for adults may be closer to £70+ on some voyages (Cunard, checked 1 Nov 2026).
  • Marella (TUI’s Marella Cruises) typically has some of the best-value inclusive options on Caribbean or long-haul fly-cruises, and their all-inclusive fares can make separate drink packages unnecessary on certain ships.

That said, Royal Caribbean’s extensive bar list and signature cocktails often make the Deluxe package attractive to those wanting variety and branded cocktails.

If you plan a UK cruise departing Southampton or placing a premium on big-ship entertainment and bar variety (think Icon of the Seas or Symphony of the Seas), Royal Caribbean’s package structure in 2026 remains competitive for social drinkers.

Example costs comparison table (2026 UK prices)

<table><thead><tr><th>Line</th><th>Typical alcoholic package (per day)</th><th>Notes</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Royal Caribbean</td><td>£66–£75</td><td>Wide cocktail range; buy-for-all rule in cabins for alcoholic packages</td></tr><tr><td>P&O</td><td>£50–£65</td><td>Good for UK short-breaks; house drinks focus</td></tr><tr><td>Cunard</td><td>£70+</td><td>More formal dining focus; fewer promotions</td></tr><tr><td>Marella</td><td>Varies (some all-inclusive fares)</td><td>Often good value on fly-cruises</td></tr></tbody></table>

How to buy — pre-cruise vs onboard

Buying before you sail (online or via your travel agent) almost always gives you the best price. In 2026 Royal Caribbean’s pre-cruise offers sometimes include small discounts or promotional bundles (like a spa credit with a package). Buying on board is convenient if you change your mind, but expect to pay a premium — typically a few pounds more per day. If you’re in a cabin with multiple adults and only one wants alcohol, remember the buy-for-all rule for alcoholic packages; that can affect timing and decisions.

If you have Crown & Anchor Society status (Royal Caribbean loyalty programme), you may receive targeted offers or discounts in 2026 — check your Royal Caribbean account and the MyCruiseAdvisor article on loyalty perks Royal Caribbean loyalty benefits for updates.

How package charges appear on your onboard account

When you buy the package it typically appears as a daily charge on your onboard folio. Gratuities are often included within the package price in 2026, but verify the final bill. Alcoholic package purchases sometimes require a pre-authorisation on your cruise card for incidentals, so have a valid payment method linked to your SeaPass account.

Practical tips to save money on drinks (UK-focused)

Here are practical, tested tips for UK cruisers to keep drink costs down in 2026:

  1. Buy pre-cruise online during early-bird or loyalty promotions.
  2. Share packages strategically: if one adult doesn’t drink alcohol but enjoys coffee, buy a Refreshment for them and Deluxe for the other (but remember cabin rules).
  3. Use drink vouchers or included drinks promotions found in package bundles or as booking incentives.
  4. Attend happy hours and drink promotions on board — sometimes cocktails are cheaper then.
  5. Use refillable water stations and bring an empty reusable bottle for tap water.
  6. Consider a coffee package if you’re primarily a specialty coffee drinker rather than a full Refreshment buyer.
  1. Check pre-cruise discounts; 2. Decide based on expected drinks/day; 3. Monitor happy hours; 4. Share non-alcohol packages where permitted; 5. Track your onboard spending through the app.

    Family travel: what parents should know

    If you’re cruising with children, the Refreshment and Classic Soda packages are popular. Parents often underestimate how much kids and teens will drink (juice, milkshakes, soft drinks), and buying a Classic or Refreshment can be cost-effective. Remember those packages are priced per person; factor in teen and child pricing rules — some sailings offer lower rates for under-21s for non-alcohol packages in 2026, but under-21s cannot purchase alcoholic packages.

    On family-oriented sailings with longer sea days, the Refreshment package — including smoothies and bottled water — often shows clear value compared with buying multiple coffees and juices every day.

    Children and soft-drink strategies

    Bring refillable bottles, choose lunchtime soda vouchers where available, and consider ordering whole bottles of water to stow in the cabin for excursions.

    <table><thead><tr><th>Scenario</th><th>Adult 1</th><th>Adult 2</th><th>Child(ren)</th><th>Total (7 nights)</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Pay-per-drink</td><td>£140–£210</td><td>£140–£210</td><td>£20–£50</td><td>£300–£470</td></tr><tr><td>Deluxe for two + Soda for kids</td><td>£462</td><td>£462</td><td>£70</td><td>£994</td></tr><tr><td>Refreshment for non-drinker + Deluxe for drinker</td><td>£462</td><td>£168</td><td>£70</td><td>£700</td></tr></tbody></table>

    Special promotions and packages to look for in 2026

    Royal Caribbean in 2026 still runs targeted promotions: 'Buy 5 days, get 2 free', bundled credits with Drinks & Dining packages, or loyalty discounts for Crown & Anchor members. Watch for seasonal sales (January sales, spring early-book offers) for cheaper per-day rates. See our article on booking tips Best time to book cruises 2026.

    Packages and shore excursions — coordinating costs

    Remember: drinks bought during shore excursions or at port-side bars are not covered by ship packages. If your itinerary includes many beach days where you’ll be buying drinks ashore, factor those costs into your holiday budget separately. For planned on-shore wine tastings or day trips where drinks are central, the ship’s package gives no discount ashore.

    A common mistake is to assume the ship’s package will be accepted in port — it won’t. However, some partner tours may include drinks within the excursion price.

    Pre- or post-cruise hotel bars

    If you have pre- or post-cruise hotel stays in the UK, compare hotel drink costs vs onboard drinks; sometimes it’s cheaper to eat and drink in town before you board, particularly on expensive embarkation day menus.

    How tipping and service charges work in 2026

    As of 2026, Royal Caribbean generally includes service charges within the package price. For individual drinks bought separately, automatic gratuities may be added. If you receive exceptional service, discretionary tips are always appreciated but generally not mandatory. Check your booking documents to confirm whether those service charges are already bundled with your package price in £.

    Alternatives to packages — saving without a bundle

    If a package doesn’t suit you, there are several alternatives:

    • Limit drinks and buy during promotions/happy hours.
    • Share bottles of wine with dining partners and split the cost.
    • Buy bottled water or soft drinks at port supermarkets for beach days.
    • Choose a coffee package only if you’re a heavy coffee consumer.

    Some travellers also take advantage of included soft drinks at meals and free tap water to reduce extra spend.

    How to decide: step-by-step calculator

    Step 1: Estimate how many alcoholic drinks you’ll have each sea day and port day. Step 2: Multiply by average drink price (cocktail £9, beer £5, coffee £3). Step 3: Compare to per-day package price. Step 4: Factor in pre-cruise discounts and loyalty offers. Step 5: Decide based on convenience vs cost.

    1. Estimated drinks/day: 2 cocktails (£9) + 1 coffee (£3) = £21/day; 2. 7 nights x £21 = £147 total; 3. Deluxe package 7 nights at £70/day = £490; 4. Conclusion: pay-per-drink saved £343; 5. If you drink 4 drinks/day, total = £294 vs package £490 — then package might be worth it.

      How onboard apps help manage drink costs

      Royal Caribbean’s app allows you to check your onboard folio in real time, view drink menus and sometimes purchase packages directly. Use it to track spending and to see whether buying mid-cruise will save money compared to continuing to pay per drink. In 2026 the in-app experience is smoother and includes notifications about special offers and happy hours.

      Use the app to spot offers

      Keep the app notifications on while onboard.

      Common questions and myths about packages

      Myth: 'If I buy one, all my drinks are free.' Not true — packages have limits and exclusions. Myth: 'Packages cover drinks in port.' Not true for most shore purchases. Myth: 'The package covers speciality bottles.' Usually not — bottles of wine by the bottle and rare spirits are excluded or partially covered.

      Always read the package terms for your specific 2026 sailing. If in doubt, contact Royal Caribbean guest services or your travel agent.

      How loyalty status affects 2026 pricing

      Crown & Anchor Society members may receive targeted offers — occasional reductions in per-day pricing or bundled credits with package purchases. In 2026, top-tier members sometimes get free drink vouchers or exclusive promotions for specialty bar experiences. Check your online account and the MyCruiseAdvisor guide to loyalty programmes Why cruise loyalty matters to make the most of these benefits.

      Smoking, vaping and non-alcoholic drinks policy

      In 2026 Royal Caribbean retains specific policies about smoking in public areas and vaping. Non-alcoholic drink packages still cover mocktails and sodas; if you’re a vaper, check the ship’s policy as some ships limit usage in bars and public areas. Non-alcoholic drinks are increasingly premiumised — expect better-quality mocktails on newer ships like Icon of the Seas.

      Health and wellness passengers

      If you’re choosing a ship for fitness or health reasons, the Refreshment Package can be a good match — its smoothies and bottled water options support fitness regimes without alcohol.

      Special cases: single travellers and solo cabins

      Single travellers should calculate carefully; packages are priced per person so the per-day cost is the same whether you’re solo or sharing. On some itineraries solo fares are higher; consider whether the convenience of a package outweighs buying drinks as needed. Solo passengers often benefit from watching promotions on embarkation day — occasionally solo-specific deals appear in 2026.

      If you’re cruising as part of a group, discuss package strategy together — group bookings sometimes unlock bespoke offers through agents.

      How to handle disagreements in a cabin about packages

      Disagreements about packages can be common. Our advice: run the numbers, set a joint budget and consider mixed strategies (Refreshment for the non-drinker, Deluxe for the drinker) where allowed. If one adult decides to buy board-wide and the other doesn’t, remember the buy-for-all rule applies for alcoholic packages — make sure both understand the financial implications before purchase.

      Cancelling or changing packages

      Royal Caribbean’s policy in 2026 usually allows package purchases to be cancelled or changed before a certain deadline pre-cruise — check your booking’s terms. Onboard changes are possible but may incur a higher rate. Keep receipts and confirmation emails for any changes or refunds.

      FAQ: Can under-21s buy drinks packages?

      Under-21s cannot purchase alcoholic packages. They can usually purchase Classic Soda or Refreshment packages where permitted. Always check age rules for your sailing in 2026 as policies are strictly enforced.

      FAQ: Do drinks packages cover room service?

      Most packages do not cover room service minibar items or bottled minibar items; some standard non-alcoholic drinks ordered via room service may be covered depending on the package. Check the package terms and ask guest services for clarity before ordering.

      FAQ: Are gratuities included in package prices?

      In 2026 Royal Caribbean typically includes service charges with package prices, though this can vary by promotion. Your booking paperwork will show whether gratuities are included or added separately to your folio.

      FAQ: Can I buy a package for part of the cruise?

      Some sailings allow buying packages for select days, but many require purchase for all days onboard. Partial purchases are usually restricted for alcoholic packages due to the buy-for-all cabin rule. Confirm your specific sailing terms before purchasing.

      FAQ: Will packages save money on speciality coffees like Starbucks?

      Speciality coffees are typically included in the Refreshment Package, but branded outlets like Starbucks on some ships may be excluded. In 2026 Royal Caribbean has integrated many speciality coffee offerings into the Refreshment where Starbucks-style drinks are made by the ship’s coffee venue rather than a licence-branded store.

      FAQ: How do I check my onboard spend?

      Use the Royal Caribbean app or your SeaPass account onboard to view your folio, daily package charges and individual drink purchases. The app also lists current bar promotions and happy hour times.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      How much does the Royal Caribbean Deluxe Beverage Package cost in the UK in 2026?

      Typical Deluxe Beverage Package prices in the UK for 2026 range from about £65 to £75 per person per day depending on ship, itinerary and promotions. Exact costs vary by sailing (e.g. Icon of the Seas ~£70/day, Symphony of the Seas around £70/day). Buying pre-cruise often gives the best price.

      Can I buy the drinks package for just a few days of my cruise?

      Policies vary but many Royal Caribbean sailings have restrictions on buying alcoholic packages only for part of the cruise due to the buy-for-all adult rule in a stateroom. Non-alcoholic packages like Refreshment or Classic Soda may offer more flexibility. Check your specific cruise terms or ask your travel agent for the 2026 sailing.

      Does the drinks package cover bottled wine and top-shelf spirits?

      Generally no. Packages typically cover wines by the glass up to a certain price and ABV and do not include premium bottles sold by the bottle or very expensive spirits. Some specialty items and limited editions are excluded.

      Are tips and service charges included in the package price?

      In 2026 Royal Caribbean often includes service charges in the package price, but this can depend on the promotion or offer. Check your booking confirmation for full details, as some add an automatic gratuity for on-board purchases.

      Do Royal Caribbean drink packages work on shore?

      No. Drinks packages apply to purchases on the ship only. Drinks purchased ashore during excursions, at beach bars or port cafés are not covered by the ship’s package.

      How do I know if a package is worth it for my holiday?

      Estimate your typical daily consumption (cocktails, beers, coffees) and multiply by days afloat. Compare that total to the package cost for the same days. If the package is cheaper or offers sufficient convenience value (no bills to manage), it’s probably worth it. Use in-app folio tracking while onboard to adjust decisions mid-cruise.

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