Planning a Royal Caribbean cruise? One of the biggest questions on everyone’s mind is, how much do drinks cost on Royal Caribbean cruises? Imagine relaxing by the pool, cocktail in hand, without a surprise bill at the end of your voyage. This guide will break down the average cost of drinks, explore the various drink packages available, and offer tips to save money while enjoying your cruise. You’ll learn how to budget effectively and make informed choices about beverages onboard, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable vacation.
Average Drink Prices on Royal Caribbean
Understanding the average cost of drinks is crucial for budgeting your Royal Caribbean cruise. By knowing the general prices of different beverages, you can better estimate your onboard spending and decide whether a drink package is right for you. This section details the typical costs of various drinks so you can plan accordingly.
Alcoholic Beverages
Alcoholic drinks on Royal Caribbean vary in price depending on the type of beverage. Cocktails typically range from $13 to $15, while beers cost between $7 and $9. A glass of wine is usually priced between $10 and $14, depending on the selection. Keep in mind that these prices do not include gratuity, which is automatically added to your bill.
- Cocktails: Expect to pay around $13-$15 for mixed drinks.
- Beers: Beers generally cost between $7-$9.
- Wine: A glass of wine typically costs $10-$14.
Cocktails are a popular choice, and the price reflects the ingredients and preparation involved. Drinks like margaritas, mojitos, and daiquiris fall into this price range.
The price of beer depends on whether you choose a domestic or imported brand. Imported beers tend to be slightly more expensive.
The price of wine depends on the quality and type of wine. Premium wines will generally be at the higher end of this price range.
Non-Alcoholic Beverages
For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, Royal Caribbean offers a variety of choices. Soda typically costs around $3-$4 per can or glass, while bottled water is priced at $3-$5. Specialty coffees, such as lattes and cappuccinos, usually range from $4 to $6. Fresh juices and smoothies can cost between $5 and $8.
- Soda: Expect to pay around $3-$4 per soda.
- Bottled Water: Bottled water generally costs $3-$5.
- Specialty Coffees: Lattes and cappuccinos usually range from $4-$6.
Sodas are readily available throughout the ship, but the costs can add up quickly if you’re buying them individually. A soda package might be worthwhile if you consume a lot of soda.
Staying hydrated is important, but buying individual bottles of water can be expensive. Consider bringing your own refillable water bottle and utilizing water stations on board.
Specialty coffees are a great way to start your day or enjoy an afternoon pick-me-up. Many cafes onboard offer a variety of coffee drinks.
Royal Caribbean Drink Packages Explained
Royal Caribbean offers various drink packages that can help you save money if you plan to consume a lot of beverages. These packages come at a fixed daily price and allow you to enjoy a wide range of drinks without worrying about individual costs. Understanding these packages is essential for making an informed decision.
Deluxe Beverage Package
The Deluxe Beverage Package is the most comprehensive option, including virtually all drinks on board. This package typically costs around $85-$100 per day, per person, plus gratuity. With this package, you can enjoy unlimited cocktails, beers, wines, specialty coffees, sodas, juices, and bottled water. It’s an excellent choice for those who want to indulge in a wide variety of beverages without keeping track of individual costs.
- Inclusions: Unlimited cocktails, beers, wines, specialty coffees, sodas, juices, and bottled water.
- Cost: Around $85-$100 per day, per person, plus gratuity.
- Ideal For: Those who want unlimited drink options and don’t want to worry about individual costs.
The Deluxe Beverage Package offers the most variety, allowing you to enjoy almost any drink on board without additional charges. This can be especially appealing if you enjoy alcoholic beverages and specialty coffees.
While the upfront cost is higher, the Deluxe Beverage Package can save you money if you plan to consume several drinks each day. It’s important to calculate your average consumption to determine if this package is worth the investment.
If you’re the type of person who enjoys having a cocktail by the pool, a glass of wine with dinner, and a specialty coffee in the morning, this package is likely a good fit for you.
Refreshment Package
The Refreshment Package focuses on non-alcoholic beverages and is a more affordable option. It typically costs around $29-$38 per day, per person, plus gratuity. This package includes unlimited sodas, juices, specialty coffees, bottled water, and mocktails. It’s a great choice for those who don’t drink alcohol but still want to enjoy a variety of beverages throughout their cruise.
- Inclusions: Unlimited sodas, juices, specialty coffees, bottled water, and mocktails.
- Cost: Around $29-$38 per day, per person, plus gratuity.
- Ideal For: Non-alcohol drinkers or those traveling with children.
The Refreshment Package provides a wide range of non-alcoholic options, ensuring you stay hydrated and refreshed throughout your cruise. It’s a good choice for families with children or adults who prefer not to drink alcohol.
The Refreshment Package is significantly cheaper than the Deluxe Beverage Package, making it a more budget-friendly option for those who primarily consume non-alcoholic drinks.
If you primarily drink soda, juice, and specialty coffees, this package offers excellent value. It’s also a great option for families traveling with children, as it allows them to enjoy unlimited beverages without worrying about individual costs.
Soda Package
The Soda Package is the most basic option, offering unlimited fountain sodas throughout the cruise. This package typically costs around $12.99 per day, per person, plus gratuity. It’s a simple and cost-effective way to enjoy unlimited sodas without paying for each one individually. It includes a souvenir cup that you can refill at any of the soda fountains onboard.
- Inclusions: Unlimited fountain sodas and a souvenir cup.
- Cost: Around $12.99 per day, per person, plus gratuity.
- Ideal For: Soda lovers who want a cost-effective way to enjoy their favorite beverages.
The Soda Package provides unlimited access to fountain sodas, making it a convenient and cost-effective option for soda lovers. The souvenir cup is a nice bonus and a great way to remember your cruise.
The Soda Package is the cheapest drink package option, making it a budget-friendly choice for those who primarily drink soda. It’s important to consider how many sodas you typically consume each day to determine if this package is worthwhile.
If you typically drink several sodas each day, the Soda Package can save you money compared to buying individual sodas. It’s also a convenient option, as you can easily refill your souvenir cup at any of the soda fountains on board.
Factors Affecting Drink Prices
Several factors can influence the price of drinks on Royal Caribbean cruises. Understanding these factors can help you anticipate price fluctuations and make informed purchasing decisions. This section outlines the key elements that affect drink costs on board.
Cruise Length and Itinerary
The length and itinerary of your cruise can impact drink prices. Longer cruises may offer slightly lower daily package rates, as the cruise line aims to incentivize longer stays. Cruises to more exotic or remote destinations might have slightly higher prices due to increased transportation costs. For example, a 7-day Caribbean cruise might have different prices than a 14-day Alaskan cruise.
- Longer Cruises: May offer lower daily package rates.
- Remote Destinations: Might have slightly higher prices due to transportation costs.
Cruise lines often provide discounts for longer cruises to encourage guests to stay on board for an extended period. This can result in lower daily rates for drink packages, making them more attractive.
Cruises to remote destinations, such as Alaska or the Galapagos Islands, often have higher prices for goods and services, including drinks. This is due to the increased costs associated with transporting supplies to these locations.
Time of Year and Special Events
Drink prices can fluctuate based on the time of year and any special events taking place on board. During peak season, such as summer and holidays, prices may be higher due to increased demand. Special events, such as themed parties or concerts, might also feature premium drinks at higher prices. Be aware of these factors when planning your budget.
- Peak Season: Prices may be higher due to increased demand.
- Special Events: Premium drinks might be featured at higher prices.
During peak season, such as summer and holidays, cruise lines often increase prices to capitalize on higher demand. This can affect the cost of drinks, both individually and as part of a package.
Special events, such as themed parties or concerts, might feature premium drinks or cocktails at higher prices. These drinks are often marketed as limited-time offerings and can be more expensive than standard beverages.
Ship and Destination
The specific ship you’re on and the destination you’re visiting can also affect drink prices. Newer or larger ships may have more premium bars and lounges, offering a wider selection of higher-priced drinks. Additionally, the destination can influence prices due to local taxes and regulations. For instance, some ports may have higher alcohol taxes, which can be reflected in the onboard drink prices.
- Newer Ships: May have more premium bars and lounges with higher prices.
- Destination Taxes: Local taxes and regulations can influence prices.
Newer and larger ships often feature more upscale bars and lounges that offer a wider selection of premium drinks. These drinks are typically more expensive than those available at standard bars on older ships.
The destination you’re visiting can also affect drink prices due to local taxes and regulations. Some ports may have higher alcohol taxes, which can be reflected in the onboard drink prices.
Tips for Saving Money on Drinks
While enjoying drinks on a Royal Caribbean cruise can be a significant part of the experience, it’s possible to save money without sacrificing your enjoyment. By employing a few strategies and being mindful of your spending, you can keep your beverage costs under control. This section provides practical tips for saving money on drinks during your cruise.
Consider Your Drinking Habits
The most important step in saving money on drinks is to honestly assess your drinking habits. Consider how many alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages you typically consume each day. If you only have a couple of drinks, buying individual drinks might be more cost-effective than purchasing a drink package. However, if you plan to enjoy several drinks throughout the day, a drink package could save you money.
- Track Your Consumption: Monitor how many drinks you typically have each day.
- Compare Package Costs: Calculate the cost of individual drinks versus a package.
Before your cruise, track your average daily drink consumption to get a clear picture of your habits. This will help you determine whether a drink package is a good investment or if buying individual drinks is more economical.
Compare the total cost of buying individual drinks over the course of your cruise to the price of a drink package. This will help you determine which option is more cost-effective based on your drinking habits.
Take Advantage of Happy Hour and Specials
Royal Caribbean often offers happy hour specials and other promotions on drinks. Keep an eye out for these deals, which can significantly reduce the cost of your beverages. Many bars will offer discounted drinks during specific hours or on certain days. Check the daily cruise planner for information on these specials.
- Check the Cruise Planner: Look for daily drink specials.
- Visit Bars During Happy Hour: Take advantage of discounted drinks.
The daily cruise planner will often list any drink specials or happy hour promotions available on board. Be sure to check it each day to take advantage of these deals.
Many bars on Royal Caribbean ships offer happy hour specials, during which drinks are available at discounted prices. Take advantage of these deals to save money on your favorite beverages.
Bring Your Own Beverages (Limited)
Royal Caribbean allows you to bring a limited amount of your own beverages on board. Each stateroom is typically allowed to bring two 750ml bottles of wine or champagne, as well as a limited amount of non-alcoholic beverages like soda or water. Taking advantage of this policy can help reduce your onboard drink costs.
- Wine and Champagne: Allowed in limited quantities per stateroom.
- Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Allowed in limited quantities per stateroom.
Royal Caribbean typically allows each stateroom to bring two 750ml bottles of wine or champagne. This can be a great way to save money on alcoholic beverages, especially if you enjoy wine with dinner.
Royal Caribbean also allows you to bring a limited amount of non-alcoholic beverages, such as soda or water. This can help you stay hydrated and reduce the need to purchase these items on board.
Debunking Common Myths About Cruise Drink Costs
There are several misconceptions about the cost of drinks on Royal Caribbean cruises. Addressing these myths can help you make informed decisions and avoid unexpected expenses. This section debunks some common myths about drink costs on board.
Myth: Drink Packages are Always the Best Value
While drink packages can be a great value for some, they are not always the best option for everyone. If you only consume a few drinks per day, buying individual drinks might be more cost-effective. It’s important to consider your drinking habits and compare the total cost of individual drinks versus a package before making a decision.
A 2022 study by Cruise Critic found that approximately 40% of cruisers who purchased a drink package did not consume enough drinks to make it worthwhile.
Myth: Prices are the Same at All Bars Onboard
Drink prices can vary slightly depending on the bar and the type of drink. Premium bars and lounges may offer higher-priced drinks, while standard bars may have more affordable options. Additionally, some bars may have happy hour specials or other promotions that can affect prices. Always check the menu before ordering to avoid surprises.
Myth: Gratuities Are Optional
Gratuities are typically automatically added to your drink bill on Royal Caribbean cruises. These gratuities are not optional and are intended to cover the service provided by the bartenders and waitstaff. The standard gratuity rate is usually around 18% of the drink price. Be sure to factor gratuities into your budget when estimating your drink costs.
How to Calculate If a Drink Package is Worth It
Deciding whether to purchase a drink package requires careful consideration and a bit of math. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you determine if a drink package is the right choice for you.
- Determine the average price of the drinks you typically consume.
Make a list of the drinks you usually order on vacation, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Then, find the average price of each type of drink on Royal Caribbean.
- Estimate how many drinks you’ll have each day.
Think about your typical drinking habits while on vacation. Consider how many cocktails, beers, sodas, or specialty coffees you’ll likely consume each day. Be honest with yourself to get an accurate estimate.
- Calculate the total cost of buying individual drinks.
Multiply the average price of each drink by the number of drinks you plan to have each day. Then, add up the total cost of all your drinks for each day of your cruise.
- Add gratuities to the individual drink cost.
Remember that gratuities are automatically added to your drink bill on Royal Caribbean. Typically, this is around 18% of the drink price. Multiply your daily drink cost by 1.18 to account for gratuities.
- Compare the total cost of individual drinks to the drink package price.
Compare the total cost of buying individual drinks (including gratuities) to the daily price of the drink package you’re considering. If the drink package costs less than your estimated individual drink expenses, it’s likely a good value for you.
FAQ
How much does a can of soda cost on Royal Caribbean?
A can of soda typically costs around $3-$4 on Royal Caribbean cruises. If you plan to drink multiple sodas each day, purchasing the soda package might be more cost-effective.
Can I bring my own water bottles on a Royal Caribbean cruise?
Yes, Royal Caribbean allows you to bring your own sealed water bottles on board, but only in limited quantities, typically a 12-pack per stateroom. Bringing your own water can help you save money on onboard beverage costs.
Are there free drinks on Royal Caribbean cruises?
Yes, Royal Caribbean offers complimentary beverages such as water, coffee, tea, and some juices during breakfast and lunch in the main dining room and buffet areas. These options are included in the price of your cruise.
What is the legal drinking age on Royal Caribbean cruises?
The legal drinking age on Royal Caribbean cruises departing from North American ports is 21. However, on cruises departing from European or South American ports, the drinking age is typically 18.
Does Royal Caribbean offer a non-alcoholic drink package?
Yes, Royal Caribbean offers the Refreshment Package, which includes unlimited sodas, juices, specialty coffees, bottled water, and mocktails. This package is a great option for those who don’t drink alcohol.
Are gratuities included in Royal Caribbean drink packages?
When purchasing a Royal Caribbean drink package, gratuities are not typically included in the advertised price. You will be charged an additional daily gratuity fee on top of the package cost. These fees cover the service provided by the bartenders and waitstaff.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how much do drinks cost on Royal Caribbean cruises and the options available can significantly enhance your cruise experience. By carefully evaluating your drinking habits, considering the different drink packages, and utilizing cost-saving tips, you can enjoy your favorite beverages without breaking the bank. Take the time to plan ahead and make informed decisions, ensuring a relaxing and budget-friendly vacation. Happy cruising!