Deciding on a Royal Caribbean drink package really comes down to how you like to vacation. Whether you’re someone who needs a premium latte to start the morning, a few poolside cocktails, or just unlimited soda for the kids, these packages help you skip the “bill shock” at the end of the trip. It’s all about that convenience of tapping your wristband and not worrying about the price of every glass. If you plan on having more than a few drinks a day, it usually pays for itself while letting you try new things totally stress-free.
How Much is a Royal Caribbean Drink Package? (2026)
In 2026, Royal Caribbean uses dynamic pricing, meaning the cost of a drink package depends entirely on your specific ship, sail date, and how early you book. The flagship Deluxe Beverage Package (unlimited alcohol and more) typically ranges from $70 to $125 per person, per day, plus an automatic 18% gratuity.
If you don’t need alcohol, the Refreshment Package costs about $29–$40 per day, while the Classic Soda Package averages $13–$16 per day. For the best value, avoid buying onboard; prices are almost always 10%–40% cheaper if you purchase through the “My Royal Cruise” portal at least 90 days before sailing.
What are the Drink Package Prices in 2026?
Royal Caribbean uses variable pricing for its unlimited drink packages, which means the price will depend on which ship you are sailing on and the sail date.
In general, newer ships have higher prices for drink packages. Similarly, cruises over a major holiday and/or during a popular time of year for vacations will see higher prices.
- Deluxe Beverage Package: $55 to $115 per person per day
- Royal Refreshment Package: $40 per person per day
- Soda Package: $15.00 per person per day
- Water Package: 12 bottles for $45
- Coffee card: $31 per card
What is a Drink Package?
In 2026, a Royal Caribbean drink package is an optional, pre-paid add-on that lets you enjoy unlimited beverages without a surprise bill at the end of your cruise. Instead of paying for every soda, coffee, or cocktail individually, you pay a flat daily rate. It works at nearly every bar and restaurant onboard—plus the cruise line’s private islands—making your vacation feel much more all-inclusive.
What is the Deluxe Beverage Package?
The Deluxe Beverage Package is Royal Caribbean’s most comprehensive “unlimited” option. It essentially turns your cruise into an all-inclusive experience by covering nearly every beverage served onboard.
- Cocktails, spirits, liqueurs
- Beer
- Wine (by the glass)
- Mocktails
- Premium coffees & teas
- Fountain sodas / Coca-Cola Freestyle beverages
- Coca-Cola souvenir cup
- Bottled still and sparkling water
- Fresh squeezed juices
Since it includes pretty much every drink, it’s also the most expensive package and is the only one that has a rule that requires if one adult buys the Deluxe Beverage Package, then all the other adults in the same stateroom must purchase it also. This is to prevent sharing the drink package benefits with other guests.
What is the Royal Refreshment Package?
In 2026, the Royal Refreshment Package is the ultimate “everything-but-the-alcohol” option. It’s perfect if you enjoy premium beverages like lattes, fresh juices, and mocktails but don’t want to pay the high price of the alcoholic package.
What’s Included?
- Specialty Caffeine: Unlimited espresso-based coffees (lattes, cappuccinos) and premium teas.
- Mocktails & Frozen Treats: All non-alcoholic “zero-proof” cocktails and frozen drinks.
- Freshly Squeezed Juices: Real orange juice in the mornings and blended juices at the Vitality Cafe.
- Water & Soda: Unlimited bottled still and sparkling water, plus fountain sodas with a souvenir Coca-Cola cup.
- Extras: On many ships, this also covers Johnny Rockets milkshakes and smoothies.
What do Royal Caribbean drink Packages Cost?
The cruise line uses dynamic pricing on beverage packages the same way it does on cruise fares. That means you won’t know the prices for each package before you book a cruise. Demand, destination and promotions play a big part in the pricing, especially for the Deluxe Beverage Package, causing them to fluctuate slightly.
Here’s What You Can Expect a Royal Caribbean Drink Package to Cost:
- Water Package: 12 bottles for $39; 24 bottles for $69
- Classic Soft Drinks Package: $12.99 per person, per day
- Refreshment Package: $29 per person, per day
- Deluxe Beverage Package: $56 to $105 per person, per day (depending on your ship and trip)
- Cafe Select Coffee Card: $31 per card
Is a Royal Caribbean Drink Package Worth It?
In 2026, a Royal Caribbean drink package is generally “worth it” if you plan on having at least five to six cocktails or glasses of wine every single day. With individual drinks now averaging around $14, the costs add up quickly. For many, the true value isn’t just the math—it’s the psychological freedom of trying new drinks without worrying about wasting money if you don’t like them, or the convenience of “tap-and-go” service without signing receipts.
However, it’s a waste of money if you have a port-heavy itinerary where you’re off the ship most of the day, or if you are a Diamond-tier loyalty member who already receives free daily drink vouchers. Also, keep in mind that Royal Caribbean typically requires every adult in the cabin to buy the package if one person does, so if your cabin mate doesn’t drink much, you’ll likely lose money overall. For the best deal, always book through the online portal at least 90 days out, as 2026 prices are significantly higher if you wait to buy them on the ship.
What the Best Time to Buy Royal Caribbean Drink Packages?
In 2026, the best strategy is to buy as early as possible, then keep checking for sales. Royal Caribbean uses dynamic pricing, so the cost can jump at any time. If you see the price drop later—especially during major sales like Black Friday or Cyber Monday—you can simply cancel your original order and re-purchase it at the lower rate to lock in the savings.
Water Package
The 1-liter bottles in the Water Package cost roughly the same as a 12-ounce bottle from a bar. That makes this package a deal, but only if you prefer bottled water over taps or dispensers. It’s also convenient to have the water delivered to your cabin, eliminating the need to bring a case of bottles on board or search for a bottle when you want water on the ship.
Classic Soft Drinks Package
When ordering an individual soda on the ship, your charge will be what you’d expect to pay at a land-based restaurant, plus an 18% gratuity added automatically. When you ask a bar server for a soda on the ship, you’ll be charged just over $4 per soda with the tip, regardless of whether it comes in a can or from a fountain.
As the starting point for the Classic Soft Drinks Package is just over $15 per person, per day with the gratuity, you’ll need to count on drinking a minimum of four sodas a day for it to be a good value.
What is a Deluxe Beverage Package?
In 2026, the Deluxe Beverage Package is Royal Caribbean’s ultimate “all-inclusive” drink option. It covers nearly everything you can sip onboard—from top-shelf cocktails and beers to specialty coffees, fresh-squeezed juices, and bottled water.
- Unlimited Everything: It includes all spirits, wine by the glass (up to $14), and even non-alcoholic perks like smoothies and milkshakes at Johnny Rockets.
- Island Life: You can use your package at Royal Caribbean’s private destinations, like Perfect Day at CocoCay.
- The “Roommate Rule”: If you’re 21+ and your cabin mate buys it, you usually have to buy it too.
- Wine Perks: You get a 40% discount on bottles of wine under $100 if you want something special for dinner.
Is a Drink Package on Royal Caribbean Right For You?
In 2026, deciding if a Royal Caribbean drink package is right for you comes down to a simple daily math test: will you consistently drink more than five or six cocktails every single day of your cruise? If you love starting with a mimosa, sipping poolside margaritas, and having wine with dinner, the package offers great peace of mind and predictable costs. However, it can be a total waste of money if your 2026 itinerary is “port-heavy,” leaving you off the ship during peak drinking hours. Also, keep in mind that Royal Caribbean typically requires both adults in a cabin to buy the package, so if your partner doesn’t drink, you’ll likely lose money overall.
Conclusion
Choosing a Royal Caribbean drink package in 2026 really boils down to how much you value simplicity over counting every penny. With dynamic pricing making costs unpredictable, the real win is the freedom to order whatever you want—from a morning latte to a late-night cocktail—without that annoying mental math. It’s definitely an investment, so booking early online is non-negotiable if you want to avoid the steep pier-side markup. Ultimately, if you’re looking for that seamless, all-inclusive feel where you can just relax and enjoy the ship, the package is a total game-changer for your vacation.
FAQ
Q.1 Is It Worth Getting a Drinks Package on Royal Caribbean?
Ans: The Royal Caribbean Deluxe Beverage Package is generally worth it if you consume 5–6+ alcoholic drinks daily, costing roughly $60–$115+$ 60 – $ 115 plus $60–$115+ per day (plus 18% gratuity).
Q.2 Is the Royal Caribbean Drink Package Really Unlimited?
Ans: Yes, Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe Beverage Package is generally considered unlimited with no daily cap on the number of drinks. It includes a wide variety of cocktails, wines, beers, and non-alcoholic drinks, typically allowing you to order as many as you like throughout the day.
Q.3 Can I Bring My Own Alcohol on Royal Caribbean?
Ans: Yes, you can bring limited alcohol on Royal Caribbean, specifically on embarkation day. Each cabin may bring up to two (2) 750-ml bottles of wine or champagne.
Q.4 How Many Drinks to Make a Cheers Package Worth It?
Ans: This is not true; 15 is the maximum number of alcoholic drinks you are allowed per day.
Also Read: Does Royal Caribbean Offer Senior Discounts?
