Picture yourself lounging by the pool on a Royal Caribbean cruise, the sun shining, and the ocean breeze in your hair. But wait, what about that refreshing cocktail? Many cruisers wonder how much do drinks cost on a Royal Caribbean cruise. Knowing the beverage prices and options, like drink packages, can significantly impact your vacation budget. This blog post breaks down the costs, package details, and tips for staying hydrated without breaking the bank. You’ll gain a clear understanding of your drink options and how to make the most of your cruise experience.
Understanding Drink Costs on Royal Caribbean
Understanding the pricing structure for beverages on a Royal Caribbean cruise is essential for budgeting. Individual drinks range from sodas and juices to cocktails, beers, and wines. These costs can quickly add up, especially if you enjoy multiple drinks throughout the day. Knowing the average prices beforehand helps you determine whether a drink package is a worthwhile investment.
Typical Drink Prices
Here’s a general overview of what you can expect to pay for individual drinks:
- Sodas: $3-$4
- Expect to pay between $3 and $4 for a soda. This can be a cost-effective option for staying hydrated, especially in the hot weather, if you do not want an alcohol beverage.
- Juices: $4-$5
- Fruit juices, such as orange, apple, or cranberry, typically fall in the $4 to $5 range. These are often available during breakfast and can be a refreshing choice throughout the day.
- Beers: $7-$9
- Domestic and imported beers usually cost between $7 and $9. The price can vary depending on the brand and location on the ship.
- Wines (by the glass): $9-$15
- Wine prices depend on the type and quality, ranging from $9 to $15 per glass. Higher-end wines will be at the upper end of the range.
- Cocktails: $13-$15+
- Mixed drinks and cocktails are typically the most expensive, often costing $13 or more, sometimes exceeding $15 for premium options. These prices reflect the use of liquor, mixers, and garnishes.
These are estimates and prices can vary based on the specific ship, itinerary, and venue. Speciality cocktails or premium brands may come with an additional cost.
Factors Affecting Drink Prices
Several factors can influence the prices of drinks on a Royal Caribbean cruise:
- Ship: Prices might slightly differ between older and newer ships. Newer ships may feature premium bars with higher-priced offerings.
- The type of ship can play a role in drink pricing. Larger, newer ships often have more specialty bars and restaurants, potentially offering a wider range of premium beverages with correspondingly higher prices.
- Itinerary: Prices may be higher on itineraries that visit more expensive ports. Cruises in Alaska or Europe, for example, might have slightly higher drink costs than those in the Caribbean.
- Your cruise itinerary also matters. Sailings to more exotic or remote locations, where the cost of transporting goods is higher, might see a small increase in drink prices.
- Venue: Different bars and restaurants on the ship may have varying prices. A premium cocktail bar might charge more than a poolside bar.
- The location where you purchase your drink on the ship can influence the price. Specialty bars or upscale restaurants might have different pricing than the main dining room or poolside bars.
Keep these factors in mind when planning your budget and comparing the cost of individual drinks versus a drink package.
Royal Caribbean Drink Packages: An In-Depth Look
Royal Caribbean offers several drink packages designed to cater to different preferences and drinking habits. These packages provide a fixed daily price for unlimited drinks within specific categories. Evaluating the available options and understanding their inclusions and exclusions is crucial to determining the best package for your needs.
Types of Drink Packages Available
Royal Caribbean typically offers a few different drink packages:
- Deluxe Beverage Package: Includes virtually all drinks, including alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, and premium drinks. This is the most comprehensive package and often the most popular.
- The Deluxe Beverage Package is the most comprehensive option, covering a wide range of drinks, including cocktails, beers, wines, premium liquors, fountain sodas, juices, specialty coffees, teas, and bottled water. It is ideal for cruisers who plan to enjoy a variety of beverages throughout their cruise.
- Refreshment Package: Includes non-alcoholic beverages such as sodas, juices, specialty coffees, and bottled water. This is a good option for those who don’t drink alcohol.
- The Refreshment Package focuses on non-alcoholic beverages, including fountain sodas, juices, premium coffees and teas, bottled water, and mocktails. It’s perfect for guests who do not consume alcohol but still want unlimited access to a variety of refreshing drinks.
- Classic Soda Package: Includes unlimited fountain sodas and refills. This is the most basic package and is suitable for those who mainly drink soda.
- The Classic Soda Package offers unlimited fountain sodas and refills throughout the cruise. This package is the most basic option and is suitable for guests who primarily drink soda and want a cost-effective way to stay refreshed.
Note that availability of packages can vary by ship and itinerary. Always check the current offerings on the Royal Caribbean website or through your travel agent.
Cost of Each Drink Package
The cost of each drink package varies depending on several factors, including the length of the cruise, the specific ship, and any ongoing promotions. Here’s a general idea of what you can expect to pay per day:
- Deluxe Beverage Package: $80-$100+ per day
- The Deluxe Beverage Package is the most expensive, typically ranging from $80 to over $100 per day, depending on the cruise and any available discounts. This package offers the most comprehensive coverage and is best suited for guests who plan to indulge in a wide variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Refreshment Package: $30-$40 per day
- The Refreshment Package usually costs between $30 and $40 per day. This is a good value for guests who want to enjoy unlimited access to non-alcoholic drinks, such as sodas, juices, specialty coffees, and bottled water, without the expense of an alcoholic beverage package.
- Classic Soda Package: $10-$15 per day
- The Classic Soda Package is the most affordable option, generally priced between $10 and $15 per day. It provides unlimited fountain sodas and refills, making it a cost-effective choice for those who primarily drink soda.
These prices are estimates and may not include gratuities, which are typically added at the time of purchase. Always check the specific pricing for your cruise on the Royal Caribbean website or through your travel agent.
Example: A 7-night cruise with the Deluxe Beverage Package at $90 per day (plus gratuities) would cost around $750 per person. A similar cruise with the Refreshment Package at $35 per day (plus gratuities) would cost around $300 per person.
Is a Drink Package Worth It?
Deciding whether a drink package is worth the investment depends on your individual drinking habits and preferences. To make an informed decision, consider the following factors:
- How many drinks do you typically consume per day? If you plan to have several cocktails, beers, or specialty coffees each day, a drink package may be cost-effective.
- Think about your average daily drink consumption. If you enjoy multiple alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, and bottled water each day, a drink package can quickly pay for itself. Conversely, if you only have a few drinks, paying individually may be more economical.
- What types of drinks do you prefer? If you primarily drink soda or water, the Classic Soda Package or purchasing drinks individually may be more suitable.
- Consider the types of drinks you usually prefer. If you primarily consume soda or water, the Classic Soda Package or simply paying individually might be more cost-effective. On the other hand, if you enjoy a wide variety of beverages, including cocktails, wine, and specialty coffees, the Deluxe Beverage Package is likely the best choice.
- How many sea days are on your itinerary? Sea days offer more opportunities to consume drinks on board, making a drink package potentially more valuable.
- Take into account the number of sea days on your cruise itinerary. Sea days typically provide more opportunities to consume drinks on board, increasing the potential value of a drink package. Port days, on the other hand, might involve spending more time ashore, reducing your onboard drink consumption.
Real-Life Example: John and Mary are going on a 7-night cruise. John typically has 4-5 cocktails per day, while Mary prefers 2-3 specialty coffees and a glass of wine. For them, the Deluxe Beverage Package would likely be a worthwhile investment, as the cost of individual drinks would quickly exceed the package price. However, for someone who only drinks water and the occasional soda, purchasing drinks individually would likely be more economical.
Tips for Saving Money on Drinks
Even if you choose not to purchase a drink package, there are several strategies you can use to save money on drinks during your Royal Caribbean cruise. These tips can help you stay hydrated and enjoy your favorite beverages without overspending.
Utilizing Free Drink Options
Royal Caribbean offers several complimentary drink options throughout the day:
- Water: Water is freely available at various locations, including the buffet and main dining room.
- Staying hydrated is essential, and water is always available without charge. You can find complimentary water stations at the buffet, main dining room, and other public areas. Consider bringing a reusable water bottle to fill up and carry with you throughout the day.
- Coffee and Tea: Complimentary coffee and tea are typically available in the buffet and during breakfast.
- Complimentary coffee and tea are usually available in the buffet and during breakfast hours. This can be a great way to start your day without spending extra money on specialty coffee drinks.
- Juice at Breakfast: A selection of juices is usually offered during breakfast in the main dining room and buffet.
- Juice is typically offered as part of the complimentary breakfast service in the main dining room and buffet. This can be a refreshing and cost-effective way to start your day and stay hydrated.
Taking advantage of these free options can significantly reduce your overall drink costs.
Bringing Your Own Beverages Onboard
Royal Caribbean allows passengers to bring a limited amount of non-alcoholic beverages onboard:
- Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Guests are typically allowed to bring up to 12 standard-size cans, bottles, or cartons of non-alcoholic beverages per stateroom.
- Royal Caribbean allows guests to bring a limited quantity of non-alcoholic beverages onboard. Typically, you can bring up to 12 standard-size cans, bottles, or cartons of non-alcoholic drinks per stateroom. This can be a great way to save money on sodas, juices, and bottled water.
Always check the specific policy on Royal Caribbean’s website before your cruise, as rules can change. Bringing your own non-alcoholic beverages can be a significant cost-saver, especially for families.
Taking Advantage of Happy Hour Deals
Many bars on Royal Caribbean ships offer happy hour specials:
- Discounted Drinks: Look for bars that offer discounted drinks during certain hours.
- Many bars throughout the ship offer happy hour specials, featuring discounted prices on select drinks. Keep an eye out for announcements and promotions in the daily cruise planner or on digital signage.
- Two-for-One Specials: Some bars may offer two-for-one specials on select drinks.
- Some bars might offer two-for-one specials on certain drinks during specific times. This can be a great way to save money while enjoying your favorite cocktails.
Check the daily cruise planner for information on happy hour specials and promotions.
Statistic: According to a 2022 survey, cruisers who took advantage of happy hour deals saved an average of 20% on their onboard drink expenses.
Royal Caribbean’s Water Policy
Royal Caribbean’s water policy is important for understanding how you can stay hydrated on your cruise. Knowing what is included and what is not will help you make informed decisions about purchasing water or bringing your own.
Complimentary Water
Royal Caribbean provides complimentary water in several locations:
- Buffet: Water stations are readily available in the buffet area.
- Water stations are typically located in the buffet area, offering complimentary water throughout the day. You can fill up your glass or reusable water bottle at these stations.
- Main Dining Room: Water is served during meals in the main dining room.
- During meals in the main dining room, water is served free of charge. You can request additional water as needed throughout your meal.
These options ensure that you can stay hydrated without incurring extra costs.
Bottled Water Costs
If you prefer bottled water, it is available for purchase:
- Individual Bottles: Bottled water typically costs between $3 and $5 per bottle.
- If you prefer bottled water, it is available for purchase at various bars, restaurants, and shops onboard. Individual bottles typically cost between $3 and $5, depending on the brand and size.
- Water Packages: Royal Caribbean also offers water packages that include multiple bottles at a discounted price.
- Royal Caribbean also offers water packages that include multiple bottles at a discounted price. These packages can be a cost-effective alternative to purchasing individual bottles, especially if you plan to consume a significant amount of bottled water during your cruise.
Consider purchasing a water package if you prefer bottled water and plan to drink it regularly.
Water and Drink Packages
Some drink packages include bottled water:
- Deluxe Beverage Package: Includes bottled water, making it a convenient option for staying hydrated.
- The Deluxe Beverage Package includes bottled water, providing a convenient and cost-effective way to stay hydrated throughout your cruise. If you plan to enjoy other beverages as well, this package can be a great value.
- Refreshment Package: Also includes bottled water, catering to those who don’t drink alcohol.
- The Refreshment Package also includes bottled water, catering to guests who do not consume alcohol but still want access to a variety of refreshing beverages, including sodas, juices, and specialty coffees.
If you are considering a drink package, factor in the inclusion of bottled water when making your decision.
FAQ
How much is a beer on Royal Caribbean?
A beer on Royal Caribbean typically costs between $7 and $9, depending on the brand and location. Domestic beers are usually at the lower end of the price range, while imported and craft beers may be slightly more expensive.
Are drinks free on Royal Caribbean cruises?
No, drinks are not generally free on Royal Caribbean cruises, with some exceptions. Water, coffee, tea, and juice (during breakfast) are usually offered complimentary. All other beverages, including sodas, alcoholic drinks, and specialty coffees, are available for purchase either individually or through a drink package.
What is included in the Royal Caribbean Deluxe Beverage Package?
The Royal Caribbean Deluxe Beverage Package includes virtually all drinks offered onboard, up to a certain price limit (typically around $14 per drink). This includes cocktails, beers, wines, premium liquors, fountain sodas, juices, specialty coffees, teas, and bottled water. It also covers drinks at private destinations like CocoCay.
Is the Deluxe Beverage Package worth it on Royal Caribbean?
Whether the Deluxe Beverage Package is worth it depends on your drinking habits. If you plan to consume 5-7 alcoholic drinks per day, plus other beverages like specialty coffees and bottled water, the package is likely a good value. However, if you only have a few drinks per day, paying individually may be more economical.
Can I bring my own alcohol on a Royal Caribbean cruise?
Royal Caribbean’s policy on bringing alcohol onboard is limited. Guests are generally not allowed to bring their own beer, wine, or liquor onboard for consumption in their stateroom or public areas. However, each guest is allowed to bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne per stateroom on embarkation day.
Are there discounts on drink packages?
Yes, Royal Caribbean often offers discounts on drink packages purchased before the cruise. Keep an eye out for promotions on the Royal Caribbean website or through your travel agent. Purchasing a drink package in advance can save you money compared to buying it onboard.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how much do drinks cost on a Royal Caribbean cruise is a crucial step in planning your budget. By carefully evaluating your drinking habits, considering the different drink packages, and taking advantage of cost-saving tips, you can enjoy your favorite beverages without overspending. Whether you opt for a drink package or prefer to pay individually, a little planning goes a long way in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable cruise experience. Now, raise a glass to a well-planned and relaxing vacation!