When planning my next vacation, I stumbled upon Royal Caribbean cruise drink packages and started to wonder if they’re really worth it. With a variety of beverages to enjoy while onboard, including alcoholic drinks, specialty coffees, and sodas, I decided it was important to analyze the value they provide on a cruise vacation.
While researching, I found out that the worth of a Royal Caribbean drink package highly depends on your individual drinking habits and preferences. By considering factors such as the cost of the package, the types of drinks you typically consume, and the duration of your cruise, it’s possible to determine if the package is a good investment for you. It’s essential to weigh the benefits, costs, and your individual drinking style to make an informed decision.
What Are the Royal Caribbean Drink Packages?
When I cruised with Royal Caribbean, one of the things I had to decide was whether to get a drink package or not. The drink packages offered by Royal Caribbean help cruisers budget their beverage expenses and potentially save money while onboard. So, what are these drink packages, and how do they work?
The main drink package offered is the Deluxe Beverage Package. This option provides cruisers unlimited drinks throughout their time onboard. I could start my day with a premium coffee, sip a piña colada poolside, and enjoy a glass of wine or cocktail at dinner.
Another option I came across was the Water Package, perfect for staying hydrated onboard. With this package, I could order packs of 6, 12, or 24 bottles of water to be delivered to my stateroom on the date I choose. The price for a pack of 24 waters is around $29.
While considering these packages, I noticed that they came with varying inclusions. The Deluxe Beverage Package covered a wide range of drinks, from alcoholic beverages to non-alcoholic options such as fruit juices, Coca-Cola products, and even bottled water. On the other hand, the Water Package is a more budget-friendly option and includes only bottled water.
Now that we know the different drink packages Royal Caribbean offers, we can compare their costs and decide what might work best for each individual cruising experience. My personal choice depends on my preferences, itinerary, and how much time I plan to spend onboard.
Drink Package Options
As a frequent cruiser, I’ve explored various drink package options offered by Royal Caribbean. In this section, I’ll share my thoughts on three popular packages: Deluxe Beverage Package, Refreshment Package, and Classic Soda Package.
Deluxe Beverage Package
The Deluxe Beverage Package is Royal Caribbean’s most comprehensive drink package, catering to those who enjoy both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Prices for this package tend to range between $63 to $89 per person, per day depending on your sailing. I appreciate how it gives me access to an extensive variety of drinks, including cocktails, beer, wine, and premium coffee. And of course, it comes with access to the non-alcoholic options offered in the Refreshment Package as well.
One thing to bear in mind is that gratuity is often not included, so I usually end up paying an extra 18% on top of the package price. This package is great if, like me, you like to indulge in a few alcoholic beverages throughout the day and prefer not to worry about receiving a hefty bill at the end of the cruise.
Refreshment Package
For non-alcoholic needs, the Refreshment Package offers a good selection of beverages without breaking the bank. It usually costs between $28 and $36 per person, per day, plus an 18% gratuity. I’ve found this package to be particularly suitable for those who are under the drinking age, pregnant, or simply not interested in alcohol.
The Refreshment Package covers options such as mocktails, premium coffee and tea, bottled water, and fresh-squeezed juices – perfect for quenching my thirst during a long day at sea. It provides a nice balance between affordability and variety, all while keeping me hydrated and happy.
Classic Soda Package
Lastly, the Classic Soda Package is another option I’ve tried, especially when I’m looking for a more budget-friendly plan. With prices ranging from $12.99 to $15 per person, per day, this package is an ideal choice if, like me, you mostly drink soda.
The Classic Soda Package offers access to various fountain sodas and Coca-Cola Freestyle beverages, served in a complimentary souvenir cup. Although it doesn’t include options like tea, coffee, and bottled water, it still keeps me refreshed and satisfied throughout my cruise for a lower cost.
Factors to Consider
When deciding if a Royal Caribbean drink package is worth it for me, there are several factors I need to consider. These factors include my drinking habits, the cruise itinerary, and the cost breakdown. Let me discuss each of these factors in detail.
Your Drinking Habits
First and foremost, I need to think about my drinking habits. This means I should evaluate how many and what type of drinks I usually consume daily. It’s important to remember that the package includes both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, meaning coffee, sodas, and bottled water are also part of the deal. I need to be honest with myself about the amount I drink on a regular vacation day and whether a drinks package would acually save me money.
Cruise Itinerary
Another factor that plays a significant role in determining the value of a drink package is the cruise itinerary. If my cruise has many port days, I might spend less time on the ship, and consequently, have fewer opportunities to take advantage of the package. On the other hand, if I have more sea days or plan to stay on the ship during port days, there’s a higher chance I could benefit from the package. The length of the cruise also factors into this decision as drink packages are generally more cost-effective on shorter trips.
Cost Breakdown
Lastly, I have to take a closer look at the cost breakdown of the drink package. Royal Caribbean has variable pricing for their drink packages based on factors like the time of year and ship class (source). Therefore, I should check the exact price of the package on the specific sailing I’m interested in. When doing the math, I need to keep in mind the costs of individual drinks on board and the number of drinks I’d need to consume each day to make the package worth it.
Once I’ve considered my drinking habits, the cruise itinerary, and the cost breakdown, I will be able to make a more informed decision about whether or not a Royal Caribbean drink package is worth it for me.
Tips to Maximize Your Drink Package
Find Deals and Promotions
I always keep an eye out for discounts before my Royal Caribbean cruise. Booking your drink package ahead of time can save you some money compared to purchasing it onboard. For instance, the Deluxe Beverage Package costs $70 per person, per day, plus 18% gratuity when booked ahead of time, while it jumps to $94 when bought onboard. Ensuring you grab these deals helps you get the most out of your drink package.
Stay Hydrated
I can’t stress enough how important it is to stay hydrated while enjoying your vacation. The great thing about the drink package is that it usually includes more than just alcoholic beverages. You’ll also have access to bottled water, soda, coffee, and other non-alcoholic drinks. Make a conscious effort to alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to stay refreshed and avoid dehydration. This has the added benefit of helping you make the most of the drink package without going overboard on alcohol.
With these strategies in mind, I find it much easier to maximize the value of my Royal Caribbean drink package. Now, it’s time to kick back, relax, and enjoy your cruise to the fullest.
Alternatives to Drink Packages
Bring Your Own Wine
I discovered that Royal Caribbean allows each guest to bring up to two bottles of wine onboard in their carry-on luggage. This can be a great option to help save some money on beverages during the trip. Keep in mind that there is a corkage fee (usually around $15) if you want to enjoy your wine at a restaurant, but you can always avoid the fee by enjoying the wine in your stateroom or at a designated BYOW event.
Specialty Dining Packages
Specialty dining packages offer guests the opportunity to dine at the various specialty restaurants onboard Royal Caribbean ships for a set price per meal or a discounted price for multiple meals. Some of the specialty dining packages include a limited selection of alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages during your meals, which could save you some money if you like to enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail with your meal.
When I compared these packages to the all-inclusive drink packages, I found that they might be a better option if you prefer to mostly drink during meals and want to try a variety of dining experiences. However, if you plan on drinking throughout the day by the pool or while attending onboard activities, the all-inclusive drink package might still be a more cost-effective option.
In conclusion, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of each option based on your specific preferences and consumption habits. Personally, I enjoyed the flexibility of bringing my own wine and trying out the specialty dining packages, which saved me money and provided a diverse array of dining experiences during my Royal Caribbean cruise.
Conclusion
In my experience, the value of Royal Caribbean drink packages really depends on individual preferences and drinking habits. For some people, the Deluxe Drink Package might be worth it, especially if they enjoy a variety of beverages and don’t want to worry about paying for each drink separately.
When I tried the drink package for the first time, I found that it wasn’t worth it for me. I couldn’t drink enough to make it a cost-effective choice, but that doesn’t mean it won’t work for someone else.
The diverse range of prices create flexibility within the drink packages, so it’s important to consider the individual’s preferences and needs when making the final decision.
If you’re on the fence about whether or not to purchase a drink package, it may be best to start your cruise without one, and monitor your daily spending on drinks. Then, if you find that your daily beverage spending approaches or exceeds the price of a drink package, you can always decide to purchase one for the remainder of your cruise.
In the end, the best way to determine if a Royal Caribbean drink package is worth it for you is to be honest about your drinking habits, and enjoy your vacation responsibly. Happy cruising!
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