Planning a Royal Caribbean cruise and wondering about the drink prices? You’re not alone! Many cruisers budget carefully, and understanding how much alcoholic drinks cost on Royal Caribbean cruises is a key part of that planning. Unexpected bar tabs can quickly derail a vacation budget. This blog post will break down the average costs of various alcoholic beverages onboard, explore drink package options, and offer tips for saving money on drinks during your cruise so you can enjoy your vacation without breaking the bank.
Understanding Royal Caribbean’s Drink Packages
Royal Caribbean offers various drink packages that can help you budget for your vacation and potentially save money if you plan to enjoy several alcoholic beverages each day. Understanding these packages is crucial before you even set sail. Deciding whether a package is right for you involves evaluating your typical drinking habits, the length of your cruise, and the potential savings compared to paying for each drink individually.
Types of Drink Packages Available
Royal Caribbean provides a few different drink package options, each catering to different preferences and budgets. Let’s explore some of the popular choices:
- Deluxe Beverage Package: This is the most comprehensive package, including virtually all alcoholic drinks (cocktails, beer, wine), as well as non-alcoholic beverages like soda, juice, specialty coffee, and bottled water. It’s the priciest option but offers the most freedom. Consider this if you plan to indulge in a variety of drinks throughout your cruise.
- Refreshment Package: This package focuses on non-alcoholic beverages like soda, juice, specialty coffee, and bottled water. This is a great option if you don’t drink alcohol but still want unlimited access to a wide range of drinks beyond basic tap water or juice provided at meals.
- Soda Package: The most basic package offering unlimited fountain soda. This is the most economical option if you mainly drink soda.
The Deluxe Beverage Package essentially gives you unlimited access to almost every drink on the ship. It’s perfect for those who want to sample different cocktails, enjoy multiple beers or glasses of wine throughout the day, and stay hydrated with bottled water. The convenience of not having to worry about individual drink costs can make your vacation more relaxing.
Staying hydrated is essential, especially when enjoying the sun and activities onboard. The Refreshment Package ensures that you always have access to your favorite non-alcoholic beverages without having to worry about the cost. It’s a popular choice for families with children and individuals who prefer not to consume alcohol.
If you have a soft spot for soda, this package is for you. It gives you access to unlimited fountain soda throughout the cruise, making it a cost-effective way to quench your thirst. This package is particularly popular with teenagers and those who enjoy classic sodas with their meals and snacks.
A 2022 survey by Cruise Critic found that 45% of cruisers opt for a drink package, citing convenience and cost savings as primary motivations.
Factors Affecting Drink Package Prices
The price of Royal Caribbean’s drink packages can fluctuate based on several factors, making it crucial to check current pricing before your cruise:
- Length of the Cruise: Longer cruises will generally have higher drink package prices, as you’ll be using the package for more days. The daily rate may remain consistent, but the total cost will increase.
- Time of Year/Season: Prices can vary depending on the time of year. Peak seasons, such as summer and holidays, may see higher prices due to increased demand. Booking during off-peak seasons might offer better deals.
- Promotional Offers: Royal Caribbean frequently runs promotions that include discounted or even free drink packages. Keep an eye out for these deals when booking your cruise.
The longer you’re at sea, the more opportunities you have to use your drink package. This is why the total cost of a package for a 7-day cruise will be significantly higher than for a 3-day cruise, even if the daily rate is the same.
Cruise lines often adjust their pricing based on demand. During popular travel times, such as school holidays and summer vacations, you can expect to pay a premium for drink packages and other onboard services.
Promotional offers can significantly reduce the cost of your drink package. These deals often include a percentage off the package price, or even bundling it with other perks like onboard credit. Check Royal Caribbean’s website or consult with a travel agent to find current promotions.
Example Scenario: Imagine you’re on a 7-night cruise. If the Deluxe Beverage Package costs $80 per day, the total cost would be $560 (plus gratuity). If you plan to have 6-7 alcoholic drinks per day, each costing around $13, the package could be a worthwhile investment.
Average Prices of Alcoholic Drinks Onboard
Knowing the average prices of individual alcoholic drinks onboard is essential for determining whether a drink package is the right choice for you, or if you prefer to pay as you go. These prices are subject to change and can vary slightly depending on the specific ship and itinerary, but this section will give you a general idea of what to expect.
Common Alcoholic Beverage Costs
Let’s break down the typical prices you can expect to pay for different types of alcoholic drinks on a Royal Caribbean cruise:
- Beer: Domestic beers typically range from $7 to $8, while imported beers might cost $8 to $9. Specialty or craft beers can be even higher.
- Wine: Wine by the glass usually ranges from $9 to $15, depending on the type and brand. Bottles of wine can range from $40 to hundreds of dollars.
- Cocktails: Cocktails are often the most expensive individual drinks, typically ranging from $12 to $15 or more, depending on the ingredients and complexity.
Beer is a popular choice on cruises, especially during sunny days by the pool. Whether you prefer a light domestic lager or a flavorful imported brew, Royal Caribbean offers a variety of options to choose from.
Enjoying a glass of wine with dinner or during a relaxing evening is a common cruise experience. The wine list typically includes a variety of reds, whites, and rosés, catering to different palates and preferences.
From classic margaritas to tropical daiquiris, cocktails are a quintessential part of the cruise experience. Bartenders often have their own signature cocktails, so be sure to ask for recommendations and try something new.
A 2023 report by Statista shows that the average price of a cocktail in a bar in the United States is around $12. This is comparable to the prices you might find on a Royal Caribbean cruise.
Factors Influencing Drink Prices
Several factors contribute to the pricing of alcoholic drinks on Royal Caribbean cruises:
- Brand and Quality: Premium brands and higher-quality liquors will generally cost more than standard options. The use of top-shelf ingredients will always impact the price.
- Location Onboard: Certain bars or venues onboard might have slightly different pricing due to their ambiance or specialty offerings. For example, a swanky martini bar may charge a bit more than a poolside bar.
- Gratuity: An automatic gratuity is usually added to each drink purchase, typically around 18%. This is important to factor into your budget.
Just like in land-based bars, the quality of the ingredients used in your drink will affect its price. If you order a cocktail with a well-known premium liquor, you can expect to pay more than if you opt for a standard brand.
The location of the bar can also influence drink prices. Bars with live music, spectacular views, or a more upscale atmosphere might charge a bit more for their drinks compared to more casual venues.
Keep in mind that the listed price of a drink does not include gratuity. An automatic gratuity will be added to your bill, so be sure to factor this into your calculations when deciding whether a drink package is right for you.
Example Scenario: Ordering a typical cocktail priced at $14, with an 18% gratuity, will bring the total cost to $16.52. Consuming five such cocktails per day would amount to over $80.
Strategies for Saving Money on Drinks
Even if you enjoy alcoholic beverages, there are several ways to save money on drinks during your Royal Caribbean cruise without sacrificing enjoyment. Strategic planning and awareness of onboard policies can help you stay within your budget.
Taking Advantage of Happy Hour and Specials
Many Royal Caribbean ships offer happy hour specials or promotional discounts at certain times of the day or at specific bars. Taking advantage of these can significantly reduce your drink costs.
- Check the Daily Cruise Compass: The Cruise Compass, a daily newsletter, will list any drink specials, happy hour times, or promotions happening onboard.
- Ask Bartenders About Specials: Bartenders often know about unadvertised specials or promotions. Don’t hesitate to ask them about any deals that might be available.
- Plan Your Drinking Around Specials: If you know there’s a happy hour from 5 pm to 7 pm, consider adjusting your schedule to enjoy drinks during that time.
The Cruise Compass is your essential guide to everything happening on the ship. Be sure to check it daily for information on drink specials, entertainment, activities, and dining options.
Bartenders are a wealth of information. They can provide insights into drink specials, recommend cocktails, and offer tips for saving money on drinks during your cruise. A friendly conversation can be very helpful.
Strategic planning can make a big difference in your overall drink costs. By scheduling your drinking around happy hour specials and promotions, you can significantly reduce your expenses without sacrificing your enjoyment.
According to Royal Caribbean’s website, some sailings may offer “BOGO” (Buy One Get One) deals on certain drinks at specific times or locations.
Bringing Your Own Beverages (Limited)
Royal Caribbean allows passengers to bring a limited amount of their own beverages onboard, which can help reduce costs, particularly in your stateroom. Understanding the specific rules is crucial.
- Wine and Champagne: Guests are typically allowed to bring two 750ml bottles of wine or champagne per stateroom on embarkation day.
- No Hard Liquor or Beer: Hard liquor and beer are generally not allowed to be brought onboard. Any alcohol exceeding the allowed limit will be confiscated and returned at the end of the cruise.
- Corkage Fees: If you consume your own wine or champagne in the main dining room or other public areas, a corkage fee might apply (usually around $15-$25 per bottle).
Bringing your own wine or champagne allows you to enjoy your preferred brands without paying onboard prices. This can be a particularly good option for special occasions or if you have specific tastes.
Cruise lines restrict bringing hard liquor and beer onboard to protect their revenue from bar sales. If you attempt to bring these items, they will likely be confiscated.
Corkage fees are charged when you consume your own wine or champagne in public areas to compensate the cruise line for lost revenue. If you want to avoid this fee, enjoy your beverages in your stateroom.
Debunking a Myth: Many believe that you can sneak alcohol onboard in water bottles. However, cruise lines are increasingly vigilant and employ methods like x-ray scanners to detect concealed alcohol.
Considering Onboard Credit
Onboard credit, often offered as part of booking promotions or through loyalty programs, can be used to offset the cost of drinks. Strategically using onboard credit can significantly reduce your overall expenses.
- Check for Booking Promotions: Many booking promotions include onboard credit, which can be used for drinks, specialty dining, excursions, or other onboard purchases.
- Use Loyalty Programs: Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society offers various benefits, including onboard credit, to loyal cruisers.
- Plan Your Spending: Decide how you want to use your onboard credit before you even board the ship. Allocating a portion of it for drinks can help you stay within your budget.
Onboard credit is essentially free money to spend on the ship. Keep an eye out for booking promotions that include this perk, as it can significantly reduce your overall cruise costs.
If you cruise with Royal Caribbean frequently, joining the Crown & Anchor Society is a great way to earn rewards. As you climb the tiers, you’ll unlock perks like onboard credit, priority boarding, and exclusive discounts.
Before your cruise begins, create a plan for how you want to use your onboard credit. This will help you avoid impulse purchases and ensure that you allocate a portion of it towards drinks, if that’s a priority for you.
Insert a table here comparing drink package costs vs. individual drink costs based on consumption levels.
FAQ
How much is a beer on Royal Caribbean?
On Royal Caribbean cruises, the price of beer typically ranges from $7 to $9, depending on whether it’s a domestic or imported brand. Specialty or craft beers may be priced even higher. Remember that an 18% gratuity is usually added to each purchase.
What is the cheapest way to drink alcohol on a Royal Caribbean cruise?
The cheapest way to enjoy alcoholic beverages on a Royal Caribbean cruise depends on your drinking habits. If you plan to have several drinks each day, a drink package might be the most economical option. Otherwise, taking advantage of happy hour specials and bringing your allowed bottles of wine or champagne can help reduce costs.
Can I bring my own alcohol on a Royal Caribbean cruise?
Royal Caribbean allows guests to bring two 750ml bottles of wine or champagne per stateroom on embarkation day. Hard liquor and beer are generally not permitted. Any additional alcohol exceeding the allowed limit will be confiscated until the end of the cruise.
Is the Deluxe Beverage Package on Royal Caribbean worth it?
Whether the Deluxe Beverage Package is worth it depends on your consumption habits. If you plan to enjoy 6-7 alcoholic drinks per day, along with non-alcoholic beverages like soda and specialty coffee, the package can be a worthwhile investment. Compare the package cost to the estimated cost of individual drinks to make an informed decision.
How much does a cocktail cost on Royal Caribbean?
Cocktails on Royal Caribbean cruises typically range from $12 to $15 or more, depending on the ingredients and complexity. Premium cocktails with top-shelf liquors may be priced even higher. Don’t forget to factor in the 18% gratuity that is added to each drink purchase.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how much alcoholic drinks cost on Royal Caribbean cruises is crucial for effective vacation budgeting. By exploring drink package options, being aware of average drink prices, and implementing money-saving strategies, you can enjoy your cruise without exceeding your financial limits. Before you set sail, weigh your options and plan accordingly, and you’ll be ready to enjoy a fantastic voyage!