As someone who loves to travel and experience new things, I have always been fascinated by the world of cruising. One of my favorite cruise lines is Royal Caribbean, which offers a wide range of amenities and activities to keep passengers entertained throughout their voyage.
One aspect of cruising that can be a bit confusing for first-time cruisers is the pricing of drinks on board. In this article, I will be delving into the topic of Royal Caribbean drink prices, providing you with all the information you need to know before setting sail.
First and foremost, it’s important to note that Royal Caribbean offers a variety of drink packages for guests to choose from. These packages can be a great way to save money if you plan on enjoying a lot of drinks during your cruise. However, if you prefer to pay for your drinks individually, it’s good to have an understanding of the pricing structure.
Royal Caribbean offers a range of beverages, from soft drinks and juices to beer, wine, and cocktails. Each type of drink has its own price point, which can vary depending on the brand and location on the ship.
When it comes to alcoholic beverages, Royal Caribbean has a number of signature cocktails and specialty drinks that are unique to its brand. These drinks can be a bit pricier than your standard beer or wine, but they are often worth the splurge for their unique flavors and presentation.
Whether you’re looking for a classic margarita or a more adventurous concoction, Royal Caribbean has something to satisfy every taste bud.
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Royal Caribbean Drink Packages
If you’re planning a Royal Caribbean cruise, you might be wondering about drink packages. Royal Caribbean offers two main drink packages: the Refreshment Package and the Deluxe Beverage Package.
Refreshment Package
The Refreshment Package includes unlimited fountain sodas, Coca-Cola Freestyle beverages, bottled water (500ml), premium coffees and teas, and non-alcoholic cocktails. This package costs around $20 per person per day, plus an 18% gratuity. It’s a good option if you’re not a big drinker or if you prefer non-alcoholic beverages.
If you’re traveling with kids, the Refreshment Package might be a good choice. They can enjoy unlimited sodas and other non-alcoholic drinks without you having to worry about the cost.
Deluxe Beverage Package
The Deluxe Beverage Package includes all the drinks included in the Refreshment Package, plus alcoholic beverages. You can enjoy unlimited beers, wines by the glass (up to $13 value), cocktails, spirits, and frozen drinks. This package costs around $65 per person per day, plus an 18% gratuity.
If you’re planning to enjoy a few drinks each day, the Deluxe Beverage Package might be a good option. It can save you money compared to buying drinks individually. Plus, you can try a variety of different drinks without worrying about the cost.
It’s important to note that Royal Caribbean requires all adults in a stateroom to purchase the same drink package. If one person in your group wants the Deluxe Beverage Package, everyone else in the stateroom must also purchase it.
Royal Caribbean Drink Prices
As a frequent cruiser with Royal Caribbean, I know that drink prices can add up quickly. That’s why it’s important to know what you’re getting into before you set sail. Here’s a breakdown of the drink prices you can expect on board.
Alcoholic Beverages
If you’re planning on enjoying some adult beverages on your cruise, be prepared to pay a pretty penny. The prices for beer, wine, and cocktails can vary depending on the brand and type you choose. For example, a domestic beer like Bud Light or Coors Light will cost you around $7.49, while an imported beer like Heineken or Corona Extra will set you back $7.99.
If you’re a wine lover, you can expect to pay anywhere from $9 to $16+ for a glass of wine, depending on the brand and type. Bottles of wine can range from $32 to $100+ per bottle, with a 40% discount on bottled wines priced up to $100 USD and a 20% discount on wine prices above $100 USD.
Cocktails are also available, ranging from $14 to $16+ per drink. If you’re looking for something a little stronger, spirits and mixers are available for $9 to $11+ per drink.
Non-Alcoholic Beverages
If you’re not a drinker, don’t worry. There are plenty of non-alcoholic beverages available on board. Fountain soda and refills at any venue are priced at $3.50, while coffee and hot chocolate are available for $4. Bottled water is also available for $3 per bottle.
For those looking for a healthier option, fresh juices are available for $5.50 to $6.50 per drink. If you’re looking to indulge, milkshakes and smoothies are available for $6.25 to $7.25 per drink.
Overall, the drink prices at Royal Caribbean can be expensive, but there are options available for all budgets. Whether you’re looking for an alcoholic beverage or a non-alcoholic one, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Also Read: What is My Time Dining on a Royal Caribbean Cruise?
How to Save Money on Drinks
If you’re looking to save some money on drinks during your Royal Caribbean cruise, there are a few strategies you can use. Here are some tips:
Bring Your Own Drinks
One way to save money on drinks is to bring your own. While Royal Caribbean has restrictions on bringing your own alcohol onboard, you can bring up to 12 standard 17-ounce bottles of non-alcoholic beverages per stateroom.
This includes water, soda, and juice. Bringing your own drinks can save you money, especially if you have a large group or if you plan on drinking a lot of soda or water during your cruise.
Book in Advance
Another way to save money on drinks is to book in advance. Royal Caribbean offers discounts on drink packages if you purchase them before your cruise.
You can save up to 30% off the regular price of the Deluxe Beverage Package, which includes unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Keep in mind that prices may vary depending on the ship and sailing date, so be sure to check the current prices before booking.
Special Deals
Finally, keep an eye out for special deals on drinks. Royal Caribbean occasionally offers promotions like “buy one, get one 50% off” on cocktails or discounts on beer buckets. These deals can save you money on drinks, but they may not always be available.
Be sure to check your Cruise Compass (the daily newsletter that lists all onboard activities and events) to see if there are any drink specials during your cruise.
Can I Pay Cash for Drinks on Royal Caribbean Cruise?
Royal Caribbean allows you to pay with cash at the bar, but they require you to have a valid credit card on file for incidental expenses. If you prefer to avoid using credit cards altogether, you can opt to purchase a drink package before your cruise or on the first day of your voyage.
This way, you can enjoy unlimited drinks throughout the duration of your trip, hassle-free. But how much do drinks cost on a Royal Caribbean cruise? Well, it depends on what you’re drinking. The prices range from $2 for soda to $15 for specialty cocktails. Beer and wine prices fall somewhere in between, but there are always specials and discounts available throughout the voyage.
One thing to note is that there is a gratuity charge added to every drink you order. This can add up, especially if you’re ordering multiple drinks throughout the day. Keep this in mind when budgeting for your trip and consider purchasing a drink package to save on gratuity charges.
Is There a Daily Drink Limit on Royal Caribbean?
But before you start overindulging, keep in mind that the drink prices can add up quickly if you’re not careful. Fortunately, Royal Caribbean offers various drink packages that can help you save money on drinks.
For example, the Deluxe Beverage Package allows you to enjoy unlimited premium cocktails, beers, and wines by the glass, as well as non-alcoholic drinks and bottled water. And the Refreshment Package includes unlimited sodas, mocktails, and other non-alcoholic beverages.
If you’re not interested in purchasing a package, individual drink prices range from around $10 to $15 per cocktail, $5 to $9 per beer, and $8 to $12 per glass of wine. This may seem pricey, but keep in mind that you’re paying for the convenience and experience of drinking on a luxury cruise ship.
What Happens if You Don’t Buy a Drink Package on Royal Caribbean?
If you choose not to purchase a drink package, you can still enjoy a variety of options at reasonable prices. Cocktails start at around $8.50, wine by the glass is available for around $9, and beer starts at around $6. You can also enjoy non-alcoholic options like soda and juice for around $3.75 a glass.
Keep in mind that there are also happy hour and daily specials, so be sure to check your daily itinerary for deals. Plus, Royal Caribbean regularly offers promotions and discounts on drinks, so keep your eyes peeled for those as well. If you’re a wine lover, you can bring up to two bottles of wine per stateroom onboard with you.
This can significantly cut down on your drink costs for dinner or relaxing on your balcony. In summary, while Royal Caribbean’s drink packages can be a great value for some, you don’t have to purchase one to enjoy a drink on your cruise. With affordable options and promotions, you can still enjoy a refreshing beverage without breaking the bank.
Conclusion
After researching the drink prices on Royal Caribbean, I have come to the conclusion that it can be quite expensive to drink on board. With cocktails averaging around $10-13 per drink and beers starting at $7.00, bar tabs can quickly add up.
However, if you plan on drinking frequently during your cruise, purchasing a drink package may be worth it. The Deluxe Beverage Package includes unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for a daily fee of around $65-70 per person. This may seem steep, but it can be a great value if you plan on drinking more than a few drinks per day.
It is also important to note that Royal Caribbean offers discounts on drink packages if purchased in advance. Additionally, members of the Crown and Anchor Society loyalty program may be eligible for further discounts or even complimentary drink packages.
Overall, while the drink prices on Royal Caribbean can be high, there are options available to save money and still enjoy your favorite beverages while cruising. It is important to weigh the costs and benefits of purchasing a drink package and to take advantage of any discounts or loyalty program perks that may be available.
Read More:
- Do You Need to Buy the Internet Package on Royal Caribbean?
- What is the earliest I can board Royal Caribbean?
- Is Everything All Included on a Royal Caribbean Cruise?
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