Remember planning that amazing Royal Caribbean cruise back in 2015? The excitement of the sea, the sun, and the onboard entertainment! But then came the inevitable question: how much would it all really cost? One significant expense many cruisers faced was the cost of beverages. This post will delve into what drinks cost on Royal Caribbean cruises in 2015, providing you with a historical glimpse of pricing, available drink packages, and tips for saving money on your onboard expenses. Understanding these costs can help you appreciate how cruise pricing has evolved and plan your future voyages more effectively.
Understanding Royal Caribbean Drink Prices in 2015
The year 2015 was a pivotal time in the cruise industry, and Royal Caribbean was already a leader in offering diverse onboard experiences. Understanding the drink prices then provides a baseline for comparing current costs. This section explores the typical prices of various beverages available on Royal Caribbean ships during that year, offering insights into the overall onboard spending environment.
Typical Drink Prices
In 2015, Royal Caribbean’s drink prices varied depending on the specific beverage. Here’s a general idea:
- Sodas: Around $2-3 per can or glass. Many opted for the soda package to avoid individual charges. This package, offering unlimited soda refills, was a popular choice for families and those who preferred non-alcoholic beverages.
- Juices: Similar to sodas, about $2-3 each. Freshly squeezed juices, if available, might have been slightly more expensive. The availability and pricing of fresh juices depended on the ship and its offerings.
- Beers: Typically $6-8 per bottle or draft. Imported beers usually cost more than domestic options. The beer selection ranged from popular American brands to international brews, catering to diverse preferences.
- Wines: Around $8-12 per glass. Bottles were also available for purchase. Wine lists varied significantly, with options ranging from budget-friendly house wines to premium selections.
- Cocktails: Generally $8-14 each. Prices varied widely depending on the ingredients and complexity of the drink. Popular cocktails included classics like margaritas, mojitos, and daiquiris, as well as signature Royal Caribbean creations.
Factors Influencing Drink Prices
Several factors influenced the drink prices on Royal Caribbean in 2015:
- Ship Class: Larger, newer ships often had higher prices due to perceived exclusivity and upgraded facilities. The Oasis-class and Quantum-class ships, for example, generally featured more premium bars and restaurants.
- Itinerary: Cruises to more exotic or remote destinations sometimes had slightly higher prices due to increased transportation costs. Longer voyages might also see price adjustments based on inventory and demand.
- Bar Location: Certain bars, such as those with live entertainment or specialized themes, might charge a premium. Specialty bars focusing on cocktails or wine often had higher prices compared to poolside bars.
A Note on Drink Packages
Royal Caribbean offered various drink packages in 2015, which could significantly impact the overall cost of drinks. These packages allowed guests to pay a flat daily rate for unlimited beverages, making budgeting easier. The cost of these packages varied depending on the type of drinks included and the length of the cruise.
Royal Caribbean Drink Packages Available in 2015
Drink packages were a popular way to manage onboard expenses. By paying a fixed daily rate, cruisers could enjoy unlimited beverages without worrying about individual charges. This section details the various drink packages Royal Caribbean offered in 2015, including their costs, inclusions, and considerations for deciding whether they were worth the investment.
Types of Drink Packages
Royal Caribbean typically offered a few different types of drink packages:
- Soda Package: As mentioned earlier, this package included unlimited sodas and juices. It was the most affordable option and a great choice for non-alcoholic drinkers.
- Premium Drink Package (Alcoholic): This package included a wide range of alcoholic beverages, such as beers, wines, cocktails, and premium spirits. It was the most comprehensive option, suitable for those who planned to consume multiple alcoholic drinks per day.
- Select Drink Package (Alcoholic): A mid-tier option that included a more limited selection of alcoholic beverages. This package often excluded premium brands and some higher-end cocktails.
Drink Package Costs
In 2015, the prices of Royal Caribbean’s drink packages were roughly as follows:
| Drink Package | Approximate Daily Cost |
|---|---|
| Soda Package | $6 – $8 |
| Select Drink Package (Alcoholic) | $45 – $55 |
| Premium Drink Package (Alcoholic) | $55 – $65 |
These prices were per person, per day, and typically required all adults in the same stateroom to purchase the same package. It’s important to note that these are approximate figures, and actual prices could vary based on the specific cruise and any ongoing promotions.
Evaluating the Value of Drink Packages
Determining whether a drink package was worth the cost involved a simple calculation:
- Estimate the number of drinks you typically consume per day.
- Multiply that number by the average cost of each drink.
- Compare the total cost of individual drinks to the daily cost of the drink package.
If the cost of individual drinks exceeded the cost of the package, then the package was likely a worthwhile investment. However, it’s also important to consider whether you would actually consume that many drinks and whether you prefer certain brands or types of beverages that might not be included in the package. According to a survey conducted in 2015, approximately 40% of Royal Caribbean cruisers purchased a drink package, highlighting its popularity as a budgeting tool.
Comparing 2015 Drink Prices to Today
Understanding how drinks cost on Royal Caribbean cruises in 2015 sets a valuable baseline for comparing costs to the present day. This section compares 2015 prices with current rates, discussing inflationary trends, changes in drink package offerings, and the evolving value proposition for cruisers.
Inflation and Price Increases
Since 2015, inflation has significantly impacted the cost of goods and services, including drinks on Royal Caribbean cruises. Generally, prices have increased across the board. You can expect to pay more for the same beverages today than you would have in 2015. The cumulative inflation rate from 2015 to 2024 is roughly 25-30%, which translates to a noticeable difference in drink prices.
Changes in Drink Package Offerings
Royal Caribbean has also adjusted its drink package offerings since 2015. The specific names, inclusions, and prices of the packages have changed. For example, the current “Deluxe Beverage Package” is similar to the old “Premium Drink Package” but might include slightly different options or have a different daily price. It’s crucial to review the current offerings and compare them to your drinking habits to determine the best value.
Real-Life Example of Price Changes
To illustrate the price changes, let’s consider a specific example:
Back in 2015, a typical cocktail might have cost around $10. Today, the same cocktail on a Royal Caribbean ship could easily cost $13-15. Similarly, the daily cost of a premium alcoholic drink package has increased from around $60 in 2015 to upwards of $80 or even $90 in some cases.
Debunking the Myth: “Drink Packages Always Save Money”
One common myth is that drink packages always save money. While they can be a great value for some cruisers, they are not universally beneficial. If you only consume a few drinks per day, particularly non-alcoholic beverages or less expensive options, you might end up spending more on the package than you would on individual drinks. Careful consideration of your consumption habits is essential.
- Myth 1: Drink packages cover all drinks. While comprehensive, some very high-end or rare beverages may be excluded. Review the package details carefully.
- Myth 2: Everyone in the cabin must purchase the same package. This is often the case, but there may be exceptions for medical reasons or specific promotional offers. Always check the terms and conditions.
Tips for Saving Money on Drinks
While drink costs can be a significant expense on a cruise, there are several strategies to save money. This section provides practical tips for reducing your onboard spending without sacrificing enjoyment. From utilizing happy hour deals to bringing your own beverages (where allowed), these tips can help you stay within budget.
Utilize Happy Hour Deals
Many bars on Royal Caribbean ships offer happy hour deals with discounted drinks. Taking advantage of these promotions can significantly reduce your overall spending. Check the daily schedule for happy hour times and locations. You can often find these schedules in the Cruise Compass, the ship’s daily newsletter.
Bring Your Own Beverages (Where Allowed)
Royal Caribbean allows passengers to bring a limited amount of non-alcoholic beverages onboard, such as sodas and bottled water. Taking advantage of this policy can save you money, especially if you have a large family or prefer certain brands that might be expensive on the ship. Check the current policy on Royal Caribbean’s website, as the allowed quantities may vary.
Consider Purchasing Individual Drinks
If you only plan to consume a few drinks per day, purchasing individual drinks might be more cost-effective than buying a drink package. Keep track of your spending and compare it to the cost of the package to see which option is more economical for you. You can use the Royal Caribbean app to track your onboard spending.
Look for Promotional Offers
Royal Caribbean frequently offers promotional deals on drink packages, especially when booking your cruise or purchasing onboard packages in advance. Keep an eye out for these offers and take advantage of them when available. These offers can sometimes include discounts on drink packages or bonus onboard credit that can be used for drinks.
Alternative Drink Options
Remember that water, tea, coffee, and lemonade are generally free and readily available throughout the ship. Taking advantage of these complimentary options can help you reduce your reliance on purchased beverages. Many passengers bring refillable water bottles to stay hydrated and avoid buying bottled water.
- Free Water & Tea: Always available at the Windjammer and other dining venues.
- Complimentary Coffee: Provided in select locations and during meal times.
- Bring a Refillable Water Bottle: Reduce the need to purchase bottled water.
How to Determine the Best Drink Strategy for You
Choosing the right drink strategy depends on your individual preferences, consumption habits, and budget. This section provides a step-by-step guide to help you determine whether a drink package is worthwhile or if purchasing individual drinks is the better option. By analyzing your typical beverage consumption, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your needs.
Analyze Your Drinking Habits
Start by analyzing your typical drinking habits on vacation. Consider the following factors:
- Types of Drinks: What types of drinks do you usually consume (sodas, juices, beers, wines, cocktails)?
- Quantity: How many drinks do you typically have per day?
- Timing: When do you usually drink (during meals, by the pool, in the evening)?
Knowing your consumption patterns will help you estimate your potential spending on individual drinks and compare it to the cost of a drink package. For example, if you only have a couple of beers and a cocktail each day, a drink package might not be necessary. Conversely, if you enjoy multiple cocktails, wines, and beers throughout the day, a package could be a good value.
Calculate Potential Costs
Next, estimate the potential costs of purchasing individual drinks versus buying a drink package. Use the approximate drink prices from 2015 or current prices (adjusted for inflation) to calculate the total cost of your typical daily consumption. Compare this to the daily cost of the drink package you are considering.
Consider Onboard Credits and Promotions
Factor in any onboard credits or promotional offers you might have. If you have significant onboard credit, you might be able to cover a portion of your drink expenses without purchasing a package. Similarly, if you can take advantage of discounted drink packages, the value proposition might change.
Sample Scenario: Weighing Your Options
Let’s consider a sample scenario:
- Scenario: You enjoy 2 beers, 1 glass of wine, and 1 cocktail each day.
- Estimated Cost (2015): 2 beers ($14), 1 wine ($10), 1 cocktail ($12) = $36 per day.
- Estimated Cost (Current): 2 beers ($18), 1 wine ($13), 1 cocktail ($15) = $46 per day.
- Drink Package Cost (Current): $80 per day.
In this scenario, purchasing individual drinks would be more cost-effective than buying a drink package, even with the increased prices. However, if you planned to consume more drinks, or if the drink package included additional benefits like specialty coffees or bottled water, the calculation might change.
FAQ
Question: How much did a beer cost on Royal Caribbean in 2015?
Answer: In 2015, a typical beer on a Royal Caribbean cruise cost around $6-8. This price could vary depending on whether it was a domestic or imported beer, and the specific bar location. Premium beers often commanded a higher price compared to standard domestic options.
Question: Were drink packages worth it on Royal Caribbean in 2015?
Answer: Whether drink packages were worth it depended on individual drinking habits. If a cruiser consumed multiple alcoholic beverages per day, the packages could be a good value. However, for those who only had a few drinks or preferred non-alcoholic options, purchasing drinks individually might have been more economical. It all came down to doing the math.
Question: Could you bring your own alcohol on Royal Caribbean in 2015?
Answer: Royal Caribbean’s policy on bringing your own alcohol has varied over time. In 2015, passengers were generally allowed to bring a limited amount of wine or champagne onboard at embarkation, typically one bottle per person. However, policies regarding bringing other types of alcohol or purchasing alcohol at ports of call and bringing it back onboard were stricter. It’s always best to check the latest policy on the cruise line’s website.
Question: Did Royal Caribbean offer free drinks at any time in 2015?
Answer: While Royal Caribbean didn’t offer free alcoholic drinks except for during certain Captain’s Reception events or loyalty program perks, complimentary beverages like water, tea, coffee, and lemonade were readily available in designated areas such as the Windjammer buffet. Guests could also enjoy free drinks during select events or promotions.
Question: What were the most popular drinks on Royal Caribbean in 2015?
Answer: Popular drinks on Royal Caribbean cruises in 2015 included classic cocktails like margaritas, mojitos, and daiquiris. Beers and wines were also frequently ordered, along with Royal Caribbean’s signature cocktails. The popularity of specific drinks often depended on the bar location and the preferences of the cruisers on board.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how much drinks cost on Royal Caribbean cruises in 2015 provides valuable context for planning future cruises. While prices have increased due to inflation and changes in drink package offerings, the core principles of budgeting and evaluating your personal consumption habits remain the same. By analyzing your drinking patterns, taking advantage of promotions, and considering alternative beverage options, you can manage your onboard spending effectively and enjoy your cruise without breaking the bank.