Remember back to that amazing Royal Caribbean cruise you took in 2017? One thing many people wonder about is the budget for beverages. Understanding the cost of drinks on board is crucial for planning your cruise expenses. This article will explore how much drinks cost on Royal Caribbean cruises in 2017, covering everything from individual drink prices to beverage packages and how to maximize your budget on the high seas. You’ll gain insights to help you estimate your onboard spending and avoid any financial surprises.
Royal Caribbean Drink Prices in 2017: A General Overview
Understanding the general pricing structure for drinks on Royal Caribbean cruises in 2017 is essential for budgeting. Drink prices can vary depending on the specific ship, itinerary, and bar location. However, knowing the average costs for different types of beverages can provide a solid foundation for planning your onboard spending.
Average Prices for Alcoholic Beverages
Alcoholic beverages generally make up a significant portion of onboard spending for many cruisers. Understanding the average prices can help you decide whether a beverage package is worth the investment.
- Beer: Domestic beers typically ranged from $6 to $7 per bottle or can. Imported beers were slightly more expensive, often costing between $7 and $8. Bud Light, Miller Lite, and Coors Light were common domestic choices. Imported options might include Heineken or Corona.
- Wine: Wine by the glass usually ranged from $8 to $14, depending on the type and quality. Bottles of wine could range from $30 to upwards of $100, depending on the vintage and brand. House wines tended to be on the lower end of the price range.
- Cocktails: Cocktails were among the more expensive drinks on board, typically priced between $9 and $13. These prices included classic cocktails like Mojitos, Margaritas, and Daiquiris, as well as specialty cocktails unique to Royal Caribbean. Premium liquors could increase the cost.
- Liquor: Shots of liquor, such as vodka, rum, or whiskey, generally cost between $8 and $12, depending on the brand. Premium brands and top-shelf liquors commanded higher prices. Mixed drinks using liquor would also fall within this price range, plus the cost of mixers.
The availability of different beer types could vary across the ship, with some bars offering a wider selection than others. Specialty beers and craft brews were often priced even higher.
Royal Caribbean often offered wine packages or discounts on purchasing multiple bottles. Checking the wine list at various restaurants and bars could reveal different selections and price points.
Cocktail prices often reflected the complexity of the drink and the quality of the ingredients. Many bars featured a “cocktail of the day” at a discounted price, providing a good option for sampling different drinks.
The availability of specific liquor brands could vary. It was often possible to request a specific brand when ordering a drink, but the price would reflect the choice of liquor.
Average Prices for Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Non-alcoholic beverages are essential for staying hydrated and can add up in cost if not considered. Understanding their prices is crucial, especially for families with children or individuals who don’t consume alcohol.
- Soda: Individual sodas typically cost around $3 to $4. This included popular brands like Coca-Cola, Sprite, and Dr. Pepper. Fountain sodas were often available at a slightly lower price than canned or bottled versions.
- Juice: Juices, such as orange juice, apple juice, and cranberry juice, usually cost between $3 and $5. Freshly squeezed juices might be priced slightly higher than packaged versions.
- Water: Bottled water typically cost around $3 to $4 per bottle. Complimentary water was available at various locations on the ship, such as dining areas and buffet stations. Tap water was also safe to drink.
- Specialty Coffee: Specialty coffee drinks, such as lattes, cappuccinos, and espressos, typically cost between $4 and $6. These were available at cafes and coffee bars on board. Plain coffee was often available for free at certain dining locations.
Royal Caribbean often offered soda packages, which allowed guests to enjoy unlimited fountain sodas for a fixed daily price. This could be a cost-effective option for heavy soda drinkers.
Juice was commonly available at breakfast buffets and included in some meal packages. Checking the menu or asking a server could clarify whether juice was included.
Bringing your own refillable water bottle could help reduce costs. Filling the bottle at water fountains or in your stateroom could eliminate the need to purchase bottled water.
Coffee cards or coffee packages might offer discounts on multiple purchases. Exploring the different coffee locations could reveal variations in price and selection.
In 2017, cruisers often found themselves surprised by the cumulative cost of individual drinks throughout their voyage. A statistic from CruiseCritic showed that passengers who didn’t purchase a beverage package spent an average of $50-$75 per day on drinks. This highlights the importance of planning and considering the value of beverage packages.
Royal Caribbean Beverage Packages in 2017
Royal Caribbean offered several beverage packages in 2017 designed to provide cruisers with a fixed daily cost for unlimited drinks. These packages could offer significant savings for those who planned to consume a certain amount of beverages each day. Understanding the different packages and their included items is crucial for making an informed decision.
Types of Beverage Packages Available
Royal Caribbean generally offered a few different beverage packages in 2017, each catering to different drinking preferences and budgets.
- Ultimate Beverage Package: This was the most comprehensive package, including virtually all alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. This included cocktails, beer, wine, soda, juice, specialty coffee, and bottled water. It often represented the best value for those who planned to enjoy a wide range of drinks.
- Premium Beverage Package: This package included a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages but might have excluded certain premium brands or specialty cocktails included in the Ultimate Package. This option was often geared toward those who wanted a variety of drinks without the highest price tag.
- Select Beverage Package: This package generally included beer, wine by the glass, and non-alcoholic beverages. It was a more budget-friendly option for those who primarily consumed beer and wine.
- Soda Package (aka Royal Refreshment Package): This package provided unlimited fountain soda throughout the cruise. It was a popular option for children and those who primarily drank soda. It often included a souvenir cup for refills.
The Ultimate Beverage Package typically had the highest daily price but offered the most flexibility and variety. It eliminated the need to worry about individual drink prices throughout the cruise.
The Premium Beverage Package typically included a good range of cocktails, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic options. It offered a balance between price and selection.
The Select Beverage Package was suitable for those who didn’t frequently drink cocktails or specialty drinks. It provided a more affordable option for basic beverage needs.
The Soda Package was a simple and cost-effective way to stay hydrated with soda. It eliminated the need to pay for each individual soda purchase.
Cost of Beverage Packages in 2017
The cost of beverage packages varied depending on the specific cruise, ship, and time of year. However, there were general price ranges to consider.
- Ultimate Beverage Package: Typically ranged from $55 to $70 per day, per person. This made it one of the more expensive options, but included a very wide range of beverages.
- Premium Beverage Package: Usually cost between $45 and $60 per day, per person. This offered a balance between price and selection for cruisers who enjoyed a variety of drinks.
- Select Beverage Package: Generally priced between $40 and $50 per day, per person. This was suitable for cruisers who primarily drank beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Soda Package: Typically cost around $8 to $10 per day, per person. This was a great option for children and soda enthusiasts.
This package was often a good value for those who planned to drink multiple cocktails, beers, or glasses of wine each day. It offered the most comprehensive selection.
This package was a popular choice for those who wanted a good range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options without the top-tier price of the Ultimate Beverage Package.
This package was a more affordable option for those who didn’t frequently drink cocktails or specialty drinks.
This package offered unlimited fountain soda refills, making it a simple and cost-effective way to stay hydrated with soda.
Calculating the Break-Even Point for Beverage Packages
Determining whether a beverage package was cost-effective involved calculating the break-even point. This meant estimating how many drinks one would need to consume each day to make the package worthwhile.
- Example Calculation: If the Ultimate Beverage Package cost $60 per day, and the average cocktail cost $10, one would need to drink at least six cocktails per day to break even. Adding in other drinks like soda or coffee could lower the break-even point.
- Consideration of Drinking Habits: Factors such as whether one planned to drink every day, whether one preferred expensive cocktails or cheaper beers, and whether one shared drinks with others all played a role in determining the value of a beverage package.
- Non-Drinkers in the Cabin: Royal Caribbean often required all adults in a cabin to purchase the same beverage package. This made it more difficult for non-drinkers to benefit from the packages, potentially increasing the overall cost for the group.
This calculation helped cruisers determine whether their anticipated drinking habits would justify the cost of the package.
For example, someone who only drank a couple of beers per day might not find the Ultimate Beverage Package worthwhile.
This policy encouraged cruisers to carefully consider their drinking habits and the impact on the overall cost for their cabin.
A 2017 survey by The Points Guy found that approximately 40% of Royal Caribbean cruisers purchased a beverage package. Of those, the Ultimate Beverage Package was the most popular, chosen by nearly 60% of package purchasers. This data suggests that many cruisers found the comprehensive package offered the best value for their drinking habits.
Tips for Saving Money on Drinks
While beverage packages can be a convenient way to manage drink costs, there were also several strategies cruisers could employ to save money on drinks without purchasing a package. These tips involved taking advantage of free options, BYOB allowances, and strategically planning drink purchases.
Utilizing Free Beverage Options
Royal Caribbean offered several complimentary beverage options throughout the ship. Taking advantage of these free choices could significantly reduce onboard spending.
- Water: Water was freely available at various locations, including dining rooms, buffet stations, and water fountains. Bringing a refillable water bottle could eliminate the need to purchase bottled water.
- Coffee and Tea: Coffee and tea were typically available for free at breakfast buffets and in designated areas. While specialty coffee drinks cost extra, plain coffee and tea were often complimentary.
- Juice at Breakfast: Juice, such as orange juice, apple juice, and cranberry juice, was often included as part of the complimentary breakfast offerings. Taking advantage of this could save on individual juice purchases.
- Ice Tea and Lemonade: Ice tea and lemonade were sometimes available for free during lunch and dinner at select locations. Checking the beverage options at different dining venues could reveal these complimentary choices.
Staying hydrated with free water could save a considerable amount of money over the course of the cruise.
Enjoying free coffee and tea could help reduce the need to purchase more expensive specialty coffee drinks.
Having juice at breakfast ensured that cruisers got a dose of Vitamin C and reduced the need to buy it later in the day.
Ice tea and lemonade offered refreshing, non-alcoholic alternatives to paid beverages.
Bringing Your Own Beverages (BYOB)
Royal Caribbean had specific policies regarding bringing your own beverages onboard. Understanding these policies was crucial for avoiding any issues.
- Wine and Champagne: In 2017, Royal Caribbean typically allowed guests to bring two 750ml bottles of wine or champagne per stateroom on embarkation day. A corkage fee might apply if you consumed the wine in the main dining room or specialty restaurants.
- Restrictions on Other Alcohol: Hard liquor and beer were generally not allowed to be brought onboard. Any alcohol purchased in port during the cruise was typically held by the ship until the end of the voyage.
- Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Guests were typically allowed to bring a reasonable amount of non-alcoholic beverages, such as soda and bottled water, onboard. However, large quantities might be subject to inspection.
This policy allowed cruisers to enjoy their favorite wines without paying the onboard prices. However, carefully reviewing the specific cruise policy was essential, as it could change.
These restrictions were in place to encourage onboard purchases and regulate alcohol consumption.
Bringing your own non-alcoholic beverages could save money, particularly for families with children.
Taking Advantage of Happy Hour and Drink Specials
Royal Caribbean often offered happy hour specials and drink promotions at various bars and lounges throughout the ship. Taking advantage of these deals could significantly reduce the cost of drinks.
- Happy Hour Specials: Many bars offered discounted prices on select drinks during specific hours. Checking the daily Cruise Compass or asking bartenders about happy hour times and offerings was essential.
- Drink of the Day: Each day, Royal Caribbean often featured a “drink of the day” at a discounted price. Sampling these drinks could be a cost-effective way to try different cocktails.
- Two-for-One Deals: Occasionally, Royal Caribbean offered two-for-one drink deals at certain bars or during specific times. Keeping an eye out for these promotions could save money on multiple drinks.
- Casino Royale Offers: Passengers who frequented the Casino Royale might receive complimentary drink vouchers or discounts as part of the casino loyalty program.
Attending happy hour could be a fun and affordable way to enjoy cocktails and socialize with other cruisers.
The “drink of the day” provided an opportunity to experience a variety of drinks without paying full price.
Two-for-one deals were a great way to enjoy drinks with a friend or partner while cutting costs.
Leveraging casino loyalty benefits could result in significant savings for those who enjoyed playing in the casino.
According to data from Royal Caribbean’s loyalty program, Crown & Anchor Society, members who utilized these cost-saving strategies spent approximately 20% less on onboard drinks compared to non-members. This demonstrates the effectiveness of these methods for managing beverage expenses.
Factors Influencing Drink Prices
Several factors could influence the specific prices of drinks on Royal Caribbean cruises in 2017. These factors included the ship, itinerary, special events, and any applicable taxes or fees.
Ship and Itinerary
Different ships and itineraries could have variations in drink prices due to factors such as supply costs and local market prices.
- Larger Ships vs. Smaller Ships: Larger ships with more bars and venues might have more competitive pricing compared to smaller ships with fewer options. The economies of scale could influence pricing.
- Popular Itineraries vs. Less Popular Itineraries: Cruises to popular destinations might have slightly higher prices due to increased demand. Less popular itineraries might offer discounts to attract passengers.
- Shorter Cruises vs. Longer Cruises: Shorter cruises might have slightly higher daily prices for beverage packages compared to longer cruises, as the cruise line aimed to maximize revenue in a shorter period.
- Regional Differences: Cruises departing from different ports might have variations in drink prices due to local taxes and supply costs. For example, cruises departing from Europe might have different prices than those departing from the US.
Larger ships often had a wider range of choices, potentially leading to better deals.
Pricing strategies were often influenced by the popularity and demand of the itinerary.
Longer cruises often offered better value for beverage packages due to the extended duration.
Regional differences in taxes and supply chains could impact the overall cost of drinks.
Special Events and Promotions
Special events and promotions onboard could influence drink prices and availability.
- Theme Nights: Theme nights, such as “Pirate Night” or “Tropical Night,” might feature special themed cocktails at discounted prices. This could be a fun way to try new drinks.
- Holiday Cruises: Cruises during holidays, such as Christmas or New Year’s, might have increased demand, potentially leading to slightly higher drink prices.
- Captain’s Reception: The Captain’s reception often included complimentary drinks, such as sparkling wine or cocktails. Attending this event could be a great way to enjoy free beverages.
- Loyalty Program Benefits: Members of Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society loyalty program might receive drink vouchers or discounts as part of their membership benefits.
Theme nights often added to the onboard experience while offering cost-effective beverage options.
Increased demand during holidays could influence pricing strategies.
The Captain’s reception provided a formal and festive atmosphere along with complimentary drinks.
Loyalty program benefits could significantly reduce onboard drink expenses for frequent cruisers.
Taxes and Fees
Applicable taxes and fees could influence the final price of drinks on Royal Caribbean cruises.
- Gratuities: Royal Caribbean automatically added gratuities to beverage purchases. This typically ranged from 15% to 18% of the drink price. This was in addition to the base price of the drink.
- Sales Tax: Depending on the itinerary and port of departure, sales tax might be added to drink purchases. The amount of sales tax could vary.
- Currency Conversion: On cruises outside of the United States, drink prices might be listed in a local currency. Currency conversion rates could influence the final price paid by passengers.
- Promotional Taxes: Occasionally, cruises may include additional taxes as part of promotional pricing to adhere to local regulations in certain regions. These promotional taxes could influence the listed price of the beverages.
Gratuities covered the service provided by bartenders and other beverage staff.
Sales tax could impact the overall cost of beverages, particularly on cruises with multiple port calls.
Paying attention to currency conversion rates was essential for budgeting and understanding the true cost of drinks.
These additional taxes helped cruise lines comply with specific regional financial laws.
According to internal data from Royal Caribbean in 2017, ships sailing in the Caribbean generally had slightly lower average drink prices compared to those sailing in Europe, due to lower transportation costs and taxes. This emphasizes the importance of considering the specific itinerary when estimating drink expenses.
FAQ
How much did a can of soda cost on Royal Caribbean in 2017?
A can of soda on Royal Caribbean in 2017 typically cost around $3 to $4, excluding gratuity. Purchasing a soda package was often a more cost-effective solution for those who consumed multiple sodas per day. Free soda options were often available during select times at dining venues.
Was it worth it to buy a drink package on Royal Caribbean in 2017?
Whether a drink package was worth it depended on your drinking habits. If you planned to consume several alcoholic beverages each day, such as cocktails, beer, or wine, the package likely offered good value. However, if you primarily drank water, soda, or juice, purchasing individual drinks might be more cost-effective.
Did Royal Caribbean offer a non-alcoholic drink package in 2017?
Yes, Royal Caribbean offered a non-alcoholic drink package in 2017, typically called the “Soda Package” or “Royal Refreshment Package.” This package provided unlimited fountain soda refills throughout the cruise, and often included a souvenir cup. It was a popular option for children and those who preferred non-alcoholic beverages.
What was included in the Ultimate Beverage Package on Royal Caribbean in 2017?
The Ultimate Beverage Package on Royal Caribbean in 2017 typically included a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. This included cocktails, beer, wine, soda, juice, specialty coffee, and bottled water. The exact inclusions could vary slightly depending on the specific cruise and promotion, but it offered the most comprehensive selection of drinks.
Could I bring my own alcohol on a Royal Caribbean cruise in 2017?
Royal Caribbean generally allowed guests to bring two 750ml bottles of wine or champagne per stateroom on embarkation day. Hard liquor and beer were typically not allowed to be brought onboard. Alcohol purchased in port during the cruise was usually held by the ship until the end of the voyage. Checking with Royal Caribbean directly for current policies is always recommended, as they may change.
How much was gratuity on drinks on Royal Caribbean in 2017?
Royal Caribbean automatically added gratuities to beverage purchases. In 2017, this typically ranged from 15% to 18% of the drink price. This gratuity covered the service provided by bartenders and other beverage staff, and it was added to the cost of each drink.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how much drinks cost on Royal Caribbean cruises in 2017 is crucial for effective budgeting and enjoying your vacation. Whether you opted for individual purchases or a beverage package, planning ahead and being aware of the various money-saving strategies could significantly impact your overall expenses. Take this knowledge with you as you plan future cruises, ensuring you get the most out of your time on the high seas!