Is Royal Caribbean®’s Deluxe Beverage Package Worth It?
By Karie Young, Travel & Cruise ConsultantJune 2026 · 7 min read
Quick takeaways
- Every guest 21 and over in a stateroom must buy the package. Guests under 21 don’t have to buy one.
- With drinks at about $7.50 to $14 USD each plus an 18% gratuity, the package pays off if you enjoy several drinks a day.
- Your package works on Perfect Day CocoCay® and Labadee® too.
- Watch your Cruise Planner for sales, and if the price drops after you buy, cancel and rebook at the lower price.
Every time we sail with Royal Caribbean®, hubby and I purchase the Deluxe Beverage Package — but is it worth it for every cruiser? This is a much debated question! While the drink package is something that is of benefit for my husband and I, it might not be the best choice for you. I’m here to break it all down and give you some insight, so you can decide for yourself what the best choice is.
A few important things to know first
- Sharing of the drink package is not allowed. When one guest wants to buy the drink package, both guests must buy the drink package.
- Everyone in the cabin aged 21 and over is required to buy the package. Guests under 21 aren’t required to buy one, but they can choose the non-alcoholic Refreshment Package.
- On sailings departing out of Europe & Australia the drinking age is 18+.
For us, it’s absolutely worth it because we love trying fun, fancy, and new drinks we’d probably never order at home. And the best part? If I don’t like something, I can simply leave it and order something else at no extra cost!
Unlike some cruise lines, Royal Caribbean® currently does not have a daily drink limit on its Deluxe Beverage Package.
What’s included?
The Deluxe Beverage Package includes:
- Discounts on bottles of wine: 40% off bottles under $100 or 20% off bottles over $100
- Cocktails
- Spirits and liqueurs
- Beer
- Wine by the glass
- Unlimited soda
- Fresh-squeezed juices
- Premium coffees and teas
- Bottled still and sparkling water
- Mocktails
- Milkshakes at Johnny Rockets locations on participating ships
Drink prices add up quickly
Individual drink prices typically range from about $7.50–$14.00 USD each, plus an automatic 18% gratuity/service charge is added to each drink.
If you enjoy multiple drinks throughout the day — coffees in the morning, bottled water, cocktails by the pool, wine at dinner, and evening drinks at the shows — the package can easily pay for itself.
Your package works on Royal Caribbean®’s private islands
If your sailing visits Perfect Day CocoCay® or Labadee®, your Deluxe Beverage Package works on the island too! Use your SeaPass card to enjoy your included beverages ashore, making your beach day even more relaxing and convenient.
Just keep in mind there may be an additional charge if you order drinks served in a souvenir cup.
If you decide not to buy the Deluxe Beverage Package
There are a couple of other beverage packages to choose from.
- The Refreshment Package, which includes everything from the Deluxe Beverage Package minus the alcohol
- The Classic Soda Package, which includes a reusable souvenir cup to use at the freestyle soda machines
Unlike the Deluxe Beverage Package, the Refreshment Package and Classic Soda Package can be bought by just one guest in the stateroom. Everyone else can pay as they go.
Royal Caribbean® has a Drink of the Day special with a discounted price. Or in the casino, you can find happy hour from 4–6pm with a $6.00 USD house margarita. Some bars have a buy-one-get-one draft beer special at certain times. The specials vary by ship.
Can’t drink alcohol? Ask about an exception
If someone in your stateroom can’t drink alcohol because of a disability, a medical condition or pregnancy, Royal Caribbean® may grant an exception so the rest of the cabin can still buy the Deluxe Beverage Package. You submit a Beverage Package Accommodation Request, and it takes about 10 business days to review. Each request is decided case by case. If it’s approved, that guest buys a non-alcoholic package instead.
Advisor tipAsk us to help with the request well before you sail. Not every request is approved, so it’s best to know before you plan your onboard budget.
Quick math: will it pay off for you?
Take the daily package price for your sailing and divide it by about $14 USD, roughly the cost of a typical cocktail plus the 18% gratuity. The answer is about how many drinks a day you’d need to break even. Remember to count specialty coffees, bottled water and mocktails too, since those are all included.
Who benefits most?
The Deluxe Beverage Package is usually worth it for cruisers who:
- Enjoy alcoholic beverages daily
- Drink specialty coffees, soda, bottled water, or mocktails
- Like trying a variety of drinks
- Spend lots of time onboard enjoying bars and lounges
The package may not be worth it if…
- You only have 1–3 alcoholic drinks per day
- You spend most days in port
- You don’t drink soda, specialty coffee, or bottled water
- You prefer to stick to basic beverages included with your cruise fare
Watch for Cruise Planner sales
The price of the Deluxe Beverage Package varies by ship and sail date. One of the best tips I give my clients is to watch for sales in your cruise planner.
You can often score deals like:
- Buy One, Get One 50% Off the Second Guest
- 30–40% Off per person promotions
Prices and promotions can change daily, so it’s worth checking your cruise planner often after booking.
Keep in mind that an automatic 18% gratuity/service charge is added to the package price at checkout.
You can purchase the Deluxe Beverage Package through your Royal Caribbean® Cruise Planner, or the Royal Caribbean® App, up to 3 days before your sail date.
Insider tipIf you buy the package and the price drops, simply cancel and re-book it at the lower price!
The bottom line
At the end of the day, it really comes down to your vacation style. For us, the convenience, variety, and freedom to enjoy whatever we want without worrying about the final bill make it one of our favourite cruise splurges!
Planning a Royal Caribbean® cruise? Get in touch with one of our travel consultants to start planning, and we’ll help you decide which beverage package fits your vacation style.
FAQs
Can I share the Royal Caribbean® drink package?
No. If one guest in the stateroom buys the Deluxe Beverage Package, every guest aged 21 and over must buy it too. The non-alcoholic Refreshment Package and Classic Soda Package can be bought by just one guest.
Is there a daily drink limit on Royal Caribbean®’s Deluxe Beverage Package?
Royal Caribbean® currently does not have a daily drink limit on its Deluxe Beverage Package.
Does the drink package work at Perfect Day CocoCay®?
Yes. Your package works at Perfect Day CocoCay® and Labadee®. Just use your SeaPass card. Drinks served in a souvenir cup may cost extra.
When can I buy the Deluxe Beverage Package?
You can buy it in your Royal Caribbean® Cruise Planner or the Royal Caribbean® app up to 3 days before your sail date. An automatic 18% gratuity is added at checkout.
How much do drinks cost on Royal Caribbean® without a package?
Individual drinks typically cost about $7.50 to $14 USD each, plus an automatic 18% gratuity.
Do all guests have to buy the Refreshment Package?
No. Only alcoholic packages like the Deluxe Beverage Package must be bought by every guest 21 and over in the stateroom. The Refreshment Package and Classic Soda Package can be bought by individual guests.
What if someone in my cabin can’t drink alcohol?
Royal Caribbean® may grant an exception for a disability, medical condition or pregnancy. Submit a Beverage Package Accommodation Request about 10 business days ahead. If it’s approved, that guest buys a non-alcoholic package instead.
