2025 Royal Caribbean Drink Package Guide
Planning a Royal Caribbean cruise in 2025? One of the big decisions to make is whether to purchase a drink package or not. With prices rising, it's important to figure out if a drink package fits your cruise vacation vacation style and budget. Below, we break down everything you need to know about Royal Caribbean drink packages—from the different types available to tips for getting the best deal.
Types of Royal Caribbean Drink Packages
Royal Caribbean offers several drink package options tailored to different preferences. Here's a closer look at what's available:
Option #1: Refreshment Package
The Refreshment Package is perfect for those who don't drink alcohol or are cruising with kids, who can also purchase the refreshment package. Here's what's included:
Unlimited non-alcoholic drinks like sodas, premium coffees, teas, bottled water, juices, and mocktails.
Access to Coca-Cola Freestyle machines (if available) using a souvenir cup that's included with the package.
Smoothies and other non-alcoholic specialty drinks.
Royal Caribbean’s Refreshment package pricing on a recent cruise in the Royal Caribbean App
Pricing starts at $40 per guest per night (plus 18% gratuity). However, buying the package before your cruise usually saves money. Discounts of 20%-50% off are common, especially during Black Friday sales.
Option #2: Classic Soft Drinks Package (Soda Card)
If sodas are your go-to, this is the most affordable option. It provides access to:
Unlimited fountain soda.
Coca-Cola Freestyle machines (with a souvenir cup to use).
The full price is $16 per person per day (plus 18% gratuity), but pre-cruise deals often drop prices. On my future cruise, it’s priced at $10.99 per day.
Option #3: Deluxe Beverage Package
This is the main drink package and a favorite for those who want to relax with cocktails, beer, wine, and more. Benefits include:
Unlimited alcoholic beverages up to $14 each (pre-gratuity), including cocktails, spirits, beer, and wine.
Non-alcoholic drinks like premium coffees, sodas, and juices.
40% off wine bottles under $100
20% off wine bottles over $100
A souvenir cup for use with Coca-Cola Freestyle machines.
Prices range from $55 to $115 per day (plus 18% gratuity). For example, on my upcoming cruise, my price was a discounted $87.99 per day, which is a 20% discount off the regular price. Keep in mind, that all adults in the same cabin must purchase the package unless you request an exemption due to medical or similar reasons.
Option #4: Café Select Card
Coffee and specialty tea lovers, this one's for you. The Café Select Card gives you 15 specialty coffee and tea beverages.
It's valid only at Café Promenade and Café Latitudes (not freestanding Starbucks locations).
The price is $31 per card, plus 18% gratuity, making it about $2.43 per coffee, which is more than 50% off standard pricing!
The card is shareable among multiple people, which is nice and flexible!
Option #5: Bottled Water Packages
You can also pre-order bottled water to be delivered to your cabin. Options include:
12 bottles of Evian for $45 (my price was $35.99 for 12 or 24 bottles).
Recently, some cruises started offering San Pellegrino packages too, starting at $22 for 8 bottles of sparkling water.
Are Drink Packages Worth It?
Whether to purchase a drink package depends largely on your drinking habits and vacation plans. Here are a few considerations:
Do the math. For example, alcoholic drinks average $14 each (plus gratuities). At that price, if the drink package costs you $87.99 daily and you drink at least six premium beverages, you'll likely break even. That doesn't include extra drinks that are included as well, like bottled water or specialty coffees.
Vacation drinks are plentiful. People often drink more on vacation than at home, so keep that in mind when estimating your needs.
Itinerary matters. Port-intensive trips might not call for a drink package since you'll spend more time off the ship. However, if you're visiting Royal Caribbean's private destinations, like CocoCay or Labadee, the package works ashore too, making it more valuable.
Ultimately, the drink package offers a "buy it and forget it" option. If you prefer to avoid surprise charges at the end of your cruise, it can be a solid choice.
Tips to Save on Drink Packages
Saving money on Royal Caribbean drink packages is easier if you plan ahead. Follow these tips:
Pre-book online or through the app. Drink packages are almost always cheaper when purchased before your cruise.
Watch for sales. Discounts are common, especially during Black Friday or other promotions.
Track prices in Facebook groups. Join your cruise's group (or follow our page!), as fellow cruisers often share info on discounts and current pricing.
Price adjustment flexibility. If you book a package and the price drops later, you can cancel and re-book at the lower price without penalty.
Free Drink Options on Royal Caribbean Cruises
Even if you skip the drink package, there are several free drink options available to all guests:
Non-alcoholic: Tap water, select fruit juices, basic teas, and coffee available around the ship.
Alcoholic: Diamond members and above receive daily free drink credits—four drinks per day for Diamonds, five drinks per day for Diamond Plus, and six drinks per day for Pinnacle members.
These benefits extend to minors traveling with you if you connect their account to yours online, providing non-alcoholic drink credits. Private lounges for suite guests also offer complimentary drinks in the evenings, so your cabin in Sky or Star Class may already include free drinks during certain hours. Star Class also includes the Deluxe Beverage Package already!
Additionally, free drinks are often served during events like art auctions, jewelry showcases, and loyalty recognition events on longer sailings.
Conclusion
Figuring out if a Royal Caribbean drink package is worth it boils down to one question: how much will you drink? Some cruisers put value on simplicity and love the "all-inclusive" feel, while others prefer to save by sticking with individual purchases and taking advantage of free drinks.
If you decide to go for the package, remember to book early and watch for sales to lock in the best price. Each cruise is different, so weigh your options carefully and make the choice that suits your needs.
Have you purchased a Royal Caribbean drink package before? Share your experience in the comments—we'd love to hear your tips! Enjoy your cruise and cheers to smooth sailing!
