Planning a Royal Caribbean cruise is exciting, but navigating the various drink packages can be confusing. Have you ever wondered if the cost of the Royal Caribbean cruises drinks package prices is worth it? This guide will break down the different packages, their costs, and help you decide what’s best for your vacation. We’ll provide you with all the information you need to make an informed choice and budget effectively for your next cruise.
Royal Caribbean Drinks Package Options
Royal Caribbean offers several drink packages, each catering to different drinking habits and budgets. Understanding these options is the first step in choosing the right one for you. We’ll cover the details of each package, helping you compare their value and features.
The Deluxe Beverage Package
- Includes a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Price varies depending on the length of your cruise.
- Applicable to most bars and lounges onboard.
This package covers a vast range of drinks, from cocktails and spirits to beers and wines. It also includes non-alcoholic options like juices, sodas, and specialty coffees.
The cost of the Deluxe Beverage Package will fluctuate according to your cruise’s duration. Shorter voyages generally have lower package prices than longer ones.
Generally, you can use this package across almost all bars and lounges on the ship, providing flexibility in where you choose to enjoy your drinks.
The Refreshment Package
- Focuses on non-alcoholic beverages.
- More affordable option than alcoholic packages.
- Great for families with children.
This option is perfect for those who prefer to avoid alcohol but still want a variety of drinks. It provides a wide selection of juices, sodas, specialty coffees, and more.
The Refreshment Package offers significant savings compared to the alcoholic packages, making it a budget-friendly choice for those who don’t drink alcohol.
Since it offers a variety of drinks kids enjoy, the Refreshment Package is a sensible option for families. It’s more economical than buying individual drinks for everyone.
Classic Soda Package
- Includes unlimited sodas.
- Budget-friendly option for soda drinkers.
- Convenient and easy to use.
This is a simple and straightforward package offering unlimited sodas throughout your cruise. It’s a great choice for those who regularly consume soda.
This is an inexpensive alternative to buying individual sodas, saving money especially on longer cruises.
No need to constantly purchase individual cans or bottles of soda, making the cruise experience smoother.
Factors Affecting Royal Caribbean Cruises Drinks Package Prices
Several factors influence the final price of a Royal Caribbean drinks package. Understanding these will help you better predict the cost and plan your budget accordingly. We’ll analyze how length of the cruise, time of year, and even the specific ship can impact the price.
Cruise Length
- Longer cruises generally cost more.
- Pricing is often per person, per day.
- Discounts may apply for group bookings.
The price of the drinks package increases proportionally with the length of your cruise. A longer vacation means more days of access to the package.
Royal Caribbean often calculates the price as a daily rate per person for the duration of the voyage, which simplifies calculating the total.
Booking for larger groups might provide discounts on the price of the drinks packages, making it a more economical choice.
Time of Year
- Peak seasons often have higher prices.
- Shoulder seasons may offer better deals.
- Consider booking early for best prices.
During high-demand periods like school holidays and summer months, prices tend to be higher due to increased demand and limited availability.
Traveling during the shoulder seasons (periods before and after peak season) may result in lower package prices and potentially better deals.
Booking your cruise well in advance often ensures you get the best prices for both the cruise and the drinks package.
Ship Type and Itinerary
- Larger ships may have slightly higher prices.
- Itinerary doesn’t significantly affect package price.
- Check prices for specific ships and itineraries.
Some price variations occur between different classes of ships, though this might not be significant. Bigger ships might have slightly more expensive packages.
The cruise itinerary generally has less impact on the drinks package prices than the ship type, cruise length, and time of year.
It’s always a good idea to compare prices for different ships and itineraries on Royal Caribbean’s website to find the best deal.
How to Maximize the Value of Your Royal Caribbean Drinks Package
Choosing the right package is only half the battle; maximizing its value requires a bit of strategy. This section will offer tips on getting the most out of your purchase, avoiding common pitfalls, and ensuring you make the most of your beverage allowance.
Track Your Spending
- Keep a record of your drinks consumption.
- Compare against the cost of individual drinks.
- Adjust your consumption strategy as needed.
This helps to assess if your package is providing sufficient value based on your actual consumption.
Compare the total cost of the drinks you consume against the package price to determine the overall savings.
By analyzing your spending, you can adjust your consumption accordingly if you notice the package cost isn’t being fully utilized.
Understand Package Limitations
- Some premium drinks may not be included.
- Check for specific exclusions before purchase.
- Consider your drinking habits before purchasing.
Be aware that certain premium or specialty drinks might not be fully covered by the package, and may have an additional cost.
Always thoroughly check the Royal Caribbean website or your booking documentation for a complete list of included and excluded items.
Reflect on your usual drinking habits and decide if the package offers value based on your personal consumption.
Common Myths About Royal Caribbean Drinks Packages
Myth 1: The drinks packages are only worthwhile for heavy drinkers.
This isn’t necessarily true. Even moderate drinkers can often save money, especially on longer cruises. The savings add up over multiple days, covering many drinks.
Myth 2: It’s cheaper to buy drinks individually.
This is often false. While individual drinks seem less expensive at first glance, the cumulative cost quickly surpasses the cost of a package, particularly if you enjoy more than a couple of drinks per day.
Myth 3: You must purchase the package before the cruise.
Incorrect. While booking beforehand often secures the best price, you can typically purchase the packages onboard, although usually at a slightly higher cost.
Sample Scenarios and Case Studies
Let’s analyze a few scenarios to illustrate how different factors can influence the decision of whether or not to purchase a drink package.
- Scenario 1: A Family of Four on a 7-day Cruise: A family of four, with two adults who enjoy a couple of drinks each evening and two children who drink mostly soda, might find the Deluxe Beverage Package and Refreshment Package combination cost-effective. The cost per person for the adult package may be balanced by the cost savings in purchasing individual sodas for the children.
- Scenario 2: A Couple on a 3-day Cruise: For a couple on a short cruise, purchasing a package might not offer significant savings. It’s often more economical to calculate the potential cost of individual drinks purchased and compare to the package cost to make an informed decision.
Insert a comparison chart here showing the prices of different packages across various cruise lengths.
FAQ
What is included in the Deluxe Beverage Package?
The Deluxe Beverage Package typically includes most alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, such as cocktails, spirits, wine, beer, juices, sodas, and specialty coffees. However, some premium or specialty items might have additional charges.
Can I purchase a drinks package onboard the ship?
Yes, but purchasing the package before embarking is generally cheaper. Onboard prices tend to be higher.
What if I don’t drink alcohol?
The Refreshment Package is designed for non-alcoholic beverage lovers. It provides many non-alcoholic options.
Are there any age restrictions?
Yes, some packages might not be available for those under 21, depending on the cruise line’s and the destination’s regulations.
How do I pay for the drinks package?
You can usually pay for the package during the booking process or onboard the ship. Various payment methods are usually accepted.
Can I share my drinks package with someone else?
No, drinks packages are typically non-transferable and are assigned to individual guests.
What happens if I don’t use all the drinks in my package?
You don’t get a refund for unused drinks in a prepaid package.
Final Thoughts
Deciding whether or not to purchase a Royal Caribbean cruises drinks package requires careful consideration of your individual needs and drinking habits, as well as the factors discussed in this guide. By weighing the price of the various packages against your expected consumption and understanding the specifics of each option, you can ensure you make the most informed decision to optimize your cruise experience without overspending.