Wether you’re sailing on your first cruise with Royal Caribbean or your 30th, you’ll most likely be deciding wether to splurge on their Deluxe Drinks Package – I know I am. But is Royal Caribbean’s Drinks Package worth it? Well, it depends. Royal Caribbean’s all-inclusive beverage package offers a tempting array of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks for a fixed daily rate. Let’s dive into the details to help you make an informed decision.
Before you get too deep into this blog, It’s worth mentioning that I am based in the UK so costings will be in Pound Sterling, but Royal Caribbean’s currency is the United States Dollar – so things may get a little confusing.
What is Included in Royal Caribbean’s Drinks Package?
The Deluxe Drinks Package is Royal Caribbean’s top-tier beverage option. It includes:
- Cocktails
- Spirits
- Wine by the glass
- Beer
- Premium coffee and tea
- Fresh-squeezed juices
- Non-alcoholic cocktails
- Fountain sodas
- Bottled still and sparkling water
The package covers beverages up to a certain price (typically $13-$14), and you can order as many drinks as you like, with some limitations. Also, Gratuities are also included, making the overall experience hassle-free.
Cost of Royal Caribbean’s Drinks Package
The price for the Deluxe Drinks Package can vary depending on the cruise length, ship, and even the time of booking. Generally, you can expect to pay between £60 and £100 per person, per day. Royal Caribbean often offers discounts on the package if purchased in advance, so it’s wise to book early if you decide it’s right for you. Check the Royal Caribbean website for their latest promotions.
As of 2024, it seems that Royal Caribbean have a continuous promotion that offers 30-35% off the total price. This brings the cost to £69.78 GBP per person, per day. So, if there was two people in your stateroom sailing on a 7 night cruise, this would come to an eye-watering £976.92.
It’s worth noting that both guests in the stateroom have to opt into the Deluxe Drinks Package. You aren’t able to have just one person buy it.
Based on the price alone do you think Royal Caribbean’s Drinks Package is worth it?
Assessing Your Drinking Habits
To determine if Royal Caribbean’s Drinks Package is worth it, consider your typical drinking habits. Here’s a rough breakdown of average drink prices on board:
- Cocktails: $12-$14
- Beer: $7-$8
- Wine by the glass: $10-$14
- Specialty coffee: $5-$6
- Bottled water: $3
If you plan on enjoying several alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, and bottled waters each day, the package could save you money. For instance, having just five drinks a day (e.g., two cocktails, one beer, a glass of wine, and a coffee) would already come close to the daily cost of the package.
Personally, I like to calculate how many drinks per day I would need to have to warrant the cost of the Deluxe Drinks Package.
- 11AM – Diet Coke around the pool ($6-7)
- 12PM – Gin & Tonic around the pool ($13)
- 1PM – Glass of wine with lunch ($8)
- 2PM – Another Pina Colada ($13)
- 4PM – Gin & Tonic taken to the room ($13)
- 6PM – 2 glasses of wine with dinner ($16)
- 7PM – Post dinner Gin & Tonic ($13)
- 8PM – Another Gin & Tonic ($13)
- 9PM – Probably take a G&T to bed ($13)
So that list may be excessive, but as you can see it’s quite easy to rack up a few drinks here and there without thinking about it. If that list looks similar to how you’d spend a day onboard Royal Caribbean’s ships, then you may want to indulge in the Drinks Package.
Convenience and Peace of Mind
One of the biggest advantages of Royal Caribbean’s Drinks Package is the convenience. Not having to worry about the cost of each drink allows you to fully relax and enjoy your vacation. You can try different cocktails, sample various wines, and hydrate with bottled water throughout the day without constantly signing receipts or thinking about the bill.
Special Considerations
- Shore Days: On days when the ship is docked, you might spend less time onboard, potentially reducing your drink consumption. Consider whether you’ll be on excursions or exploring ports, which could impact the value you get from the package.
- Sharing: Royal Caribbean’s policy states that the package is for individual use only and cannot be shared. If one person in a cabin purchases the package, all adults in the same cabin must also buy it, preventing sharing.
- Health and Fitness: If you’re focused on fitness or health, you might not drink enough alcohol to make the package worthwhile. However, the package does include smoothies and fresh juices, which could be a plus for health-conscious travelers.
Alternative Options
If the Deluxe Drinks Package seems too extravagant, Royal Caribbean offers other options, such as:
- Refreshment Package: Includes non-alcoholic beverages like specialty coffee, bottled water, and fresh juices.
- Classic Soda Package: Covers unlimited fountain sodas and a Coca-Cola souvenir cup.
So, is Royal Caribbean’s Drinks Package worth it?
Whether Royal Caribbean’s Drinks Package is worth it largely depends on your personal preferences and drinking habits. If you enjoy a variety of drinks and the convenience of an all-inclusive experience, it can offer great value and enhance your cruise experience. However, if your beverage consumption is more modest or you plan to spend significant time off the ship, you might be better off paying per drink.
Carefully consider your itinerary, drinking habits, and the package details to make the best decision for your cruise vacation. Cheers to a well-planned and enjoyable voyage!
