Remember back in 2016, planning that Royal Caribbean cruise? One big question always loomed: how much do drinks cost on Royal Caribbean cruises? It was tough trying to budget everything, especially when you imagined yourself relaxing by the pool with a refreshing cocktail. This article dives deep into the 2016 drink prices, packages, and hidden costs on Royal Caribbean, helping you understand exactly what to expect and how to plan your vacation budget effectively.
Royal Caribbean Drink Prices in 2016: A General Overview
This section will give you a general overview of the typical drink prices you would have encountered on a Royal Caribbean cruise in 2016. Understanding the baseline prices for various beverages is crucial for budgeting and comparing against the cost of potential drink packages.
Typical Drink Prices
Here’s a breakdown of the approximate drink prices you might have found on board in 2016:
- Sodas: Around $3.00-$4.00 per can or glass. This includes popular brands like Coke, Sprite, and ginger ale. Consider whether you’ll drink enough to justify a soda package.
- Juices: Roughly $3.50-$4.50 per glass. Common choices include orange, apple, and cranberry juice. These were often available at breakfast, but cost extra throughout the rest of the day.
- Beers: Approximately $6.00-$8.00 per bottle or draft. Prices varied based on the brand, with imports generally costing more than domestic options. This is a key consideration if you enjoy having a beer with your meals or by the pool.
- Wines: Usually $8.00-$12.00 per glass. The wine list usually had a wide range of options to suit various palates and budgets. Bottles of wine were also available at a significantly reduced price than paying by the glass.
- Cocktails: Generally $9.00-$13.00 each. This included classics like Mojitos, Margaritas, and Daiquiris. Specialty cocktails often came with a higher price tag.
Factors Influencing Drink Prices
Several factors could have influenced the actual price of drinks on your specific cruise:
- Ship Class: Newer and larger ships often had slightly higher prices due to increased amenities and operational costs. Larger ships such as Oasis class usually had a higher price point for cocktails.
- Itinerary: Cruises to more exotic or remote destinations sometimes had higher prices due to increased transportation costs. For example, an Alaskan cruise may have higher alcohol prices compared to a Caribbean cruise.
- Special Events: During themed parties or special events, prices for certain drinks might have temporarily increased. Keep an eye out for promotional drink offers during these events.
- Gratuities: An automatic gratuity (usually around 15-18%) was typically added to each drink purchase. Remember to factor this into your calculations.
A 2015 survey of cruise passengers indicated that alcohol costs often exceed initial budget expectations by up to 30% due to unplanned purchases and gratuities. This statistic underscores the importance of thorough planning and consideration of drink package options.
Royal Caribbean Drink Packages: Are They Worth It in 2016?
This section examines the drink packages that were offered by Royal Caribbean in 2016. We’ll look at the different packages available, their prices, and how to determine if purchasing a package was the right choice for your cruising style.
Types of Drink Packages Available
In 2016, Royal Caribbean typically offered several drink package options, catering to different preferences and budgets:
- Premium Package: This package usually included unlimited alcoholic beverages (including premium cocktails, beer, and wine), non-alcoholic beverages (soda, juices, specialty coffee), and a discount on bottles of wine. This was the most comprehensive, and usually the most expensive, option.
- Select Package: This package offered a selection of alcoholic beverages (often excluding the top-shelf liquors), non-alcoholic beverages, and sometimes included discounts on certain wine bottles. A good middle-ground option for many travelers.
- Soda Package: This package provided unlimited soda throughout the cruise, perfect for kids and adults who primarily drink soda. You’d receive a special souvenir cup that could be used at various bars and restaurants.
- Water Package: Offered bottled water for purchase. Might seem like a good deal, but you can also bring your own water bottles (within reasonable limits), or purchase at ports of call for significantly cheaper.
Cost of Drink Packages
The price of drink packages varied depending on the length of the cruise, the specific package chosen, and any promotional offers available at the time of booking. Generally, prices were:
- Premium Package: Approximately $60-$80 per person, per day (plus gratuity).
- Select Package: Around $45-$65 per person, per day (plus gratuity).
- Soda Package: About $8-$10 per person, per day.
Calculating the Break-Even Point
Determining if a drink package was worth it required calculating your break-even point. This involved estimating how many drinks you would need to consume daily to justify the package cost. Here’s how to do it:
- Determine the daily cost of the package: (Package Price + Gratuity) / Number of Days in Cruise
- Estimate the average cost of a drink you would normally purchase: For example, $10 for a cocktail.
- Divide the daily package cost by the average drink cost: This gives you the number of drinks you need to consume daily to break even.
For example, if the Premium Package cost $70 per day and your average drink cost was $10, you would need to consume at least 7 drinks per day to make the package worthwhile. Consider how many alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks you are realistically likely to consume each day.
Hidden Costs and Considerations for Drinks on Royal Caribbean
This section will explore hidden costs and factors that are often overlooked when budgeting for drinks on a Royal Caribbean cruise. Awareness of these potential expenses can help you create a more accurate budget and avoid surprises.
Gratuities on Drinks
As mentioned earlier, an automatic gratuity (typically 15-18%) was added to each drink purchase. This can significantly increase the overall cost of your drinks throughout the cruise. Ensure you factor this into your calculations, whether you are paying per drink or purchasing a package. Gratuities were also often pre-paid on drink packages.
Specialty Drinks and Premium Liquors
While some drink packages included a wide range of alcoholic beverages, certain specialty drinks and premium liquors might have been excluded or required an upcharge. Be aware of these exclusions, especially if you have specific preferences. For instance, a top-shelf martini using Grey Goose would cost significantly more, even with the drink package.
Drinks at Specialty Restaurants
Many specialty restaurants on Royal Caribbean offered unique cocktails and wine lists that might not have been included in standard drink packages. In such instances, you would have to pay extra for those drinks. Always check the specific inclusions of your drink package before ordering at specialty restaurants.
Room Service and Mini-Bar Drinks
Drinks ordered through room service or from the mini-bar were typically not included in drink packages and would incur additional charges. Be mindful of this when ordering drinks to your cabin. Bringing some of your own non-alcoholic beverages onboard can help reduce these costs, within the cruise line’s regulations.
A 2014 case study of cruise expenses showed that unplanned room service and mini-bar purchases contribute to an average increase of 15% in onboard spending. This highlights the importance of being aware of these costs and planning accordingly.
Myths About Cruise Drink Costs
Myth: Drink Packages Are Always Worth It
This is a common misconception. Drink packages are only cost-effective if you consume a certain number of drinks each day. If you are a light drinker or plan to spend a lot of time on shore excursions, a package might not be the best value.
Myth: You Can Share Drink Packages
Drink packages are typically for individual use only and cannot be shared. Royal Caribbean strictly enforced this policy, and attempting to share could result in the package being revoked. Each adult in a stateroom may be required to purchase the same package.
Myth: Bringing Your Own Alcohol Is Always Allowed
While some cruise lines allow passengers to bring a limited amount of wine or champagne onboard, Royal Caribbean had specific regulations regarding bringing your own alcohol, often restricting it. Check the current policy before your cruise to avoid having your beverages confiscated.
Alternatives to Royal Caribbean Drink Packages in 2016
This section outlines alternative strategies for managing your drink expenses on a Royal Caribbean cruise in 2016. These options can help you save money while still enjoying your vacation.
Drinking at Port
Purchasing drinks at ports of call was often significantly cheaper than buying them onboard. Take advantage of local bars and restaurants to enjoy cocktails, beer, or wine at a lower cost. This also offers an opportunity to experience the local culture.
Bringing Your Own Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Royal Caribbean typically allowed passengers to bring a limited quantity of non-alcoholic beverages onboard, such as soda, juice, and water. This can help reduce your overall drink costs, especially if you have kids. Check the cruise line’s specific guidelines regarding quantities and container types.
Utilizing Happy Hour Specials
Many bars on Royal Caribbean ships offered happy hour specials with discounted drinks. Take advantage of these specials to save money on your favorite beverages. Check the daily schedule for happy hour times and locations.
Casino Loyalty Programs
If you enjoy gambling, take advantage of casino loyalty programs, which often offer complimentary drinks to players. This can be a great way to enjoy free drinks while trying your luck at the tables. Be sure to gamble responsibly.
Drinking Water and Complimentary Beverages
Take advantage of the complimentary beverages available onboard, such as water, coffee, tea, and juice (often available during breakfast). Staying hydrated with water can also help reduce your consumption of more expensive drinks.
A 2013 study on cruise spending found that passengers who utilized alternative strategies, such as drinking at port and bringing their own non-alcoholic beverages, saved an average of 20% on their onboard drink expenses. These strategies are worth considering to minimize your costs.
| Strategy | Description | Potential Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Drinking at Port | Purchasing drinks at local bars and restaurants in ports of call. | Up to 50% compared to onboard prices |
| Bringing Non-Alcoholic Drinks | Bringing a limited quantity of soda, juice, and water onboard. | $10-$20 per day |
FAQ
How much did a bottle of water cost on Royal Caribbean in 2016?
A bottle of water typically cost around $3-$4 plus gratuity on Royal Caribbean cruises in 2016. Purchasing a water package might have been a more economical option if you planned to drink a lot of bottled water. You could also bring your own water bottles onboard and refill them at water fountains, if available.
Were specialty coffees included in the drink packages in 2016?
The inclusion of specialty coffees depended on the specific drink package. The Premium Package usually included specialty coffees, while the Select Package might have excluded them. If specialty coffees were a priority, it was important to check the package details before purchasing.
Did Royal Caribbean offer any free drinks during the cruise in 2016?
Royal Caribbean sometimes offered complimentary drinks at certain events, such as the Captain’s reception or loyalty member gatherings. Additionally, select loyalty tiers may have received drink vouchers or discounts. Check the cruise schedule for details on any complimentary drink opportunities.
What happened if I didn’t finish my drink package each day?
Unused drinks within a daily drink package were not refunded or carried over to the next day. Drink packages were designed for unlimited consumption during each day of the cruise. Therefore, it was essential to estimate your daily consumption accurately to maximize the value of the package.
Could I upgrade my drink package after boarding the ship?
In 2016, it was sometimes possible to upgrade a drink package after boarding the ship, but it was not always guaranteed. The availability of upgrades depended on the ship’s capacity and the specific package you were upgrading to. It was best to inquire about upgrade options at the Guest Services desk.
Did drink package prices include gratuities on Royal Caribbean in 2016?
Typically, drink package prices included pre-paid gratuities. This would cover the standard 15-18% gratuity added to individual drink orders. Confirming this with Royal Caribbean before purchase ensured no surprise charges later.
Final Thoughts
Navigating the world of drink costs on Royal Caribbean cruises back in 2016 required careful planning and a good understanding of the available options. By evaluating the costs of individual drinks, comparing drink packages, and exploring alternative strategies, you could have enjoyed your cruise without breaking the bank. Remember to factor in gratuities and consider your personal drinking habits to make the most informed decision for your budget. Happy cruising!