Is The Beverage Package Worth Buying On Royal Caribbean International: What Royal Caribbean International Guests Should Know for 2026
Let's clear up whether the drink package is worth it with what Royal Caribbean International actually publishes, not guesswork.
To answer that, it helps to see exactly what the package covers: $18.50 per person, per day for standard staterooms, and $21 per person, per day for suite guests. It's added automatically to your onboard account and can be adjusted at Guest Services.
Our advisors can confirm the current details on whether the drink package is worth it for your exact sailing - call +1-800-406-8495 anytime. This is one of those details worth confirming close to your sail date, since packages and pricing are occasionally refreshed each season. Small thing, but it matters if you're planning around it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the beverage package worth buying on Royal Caribbean?
It depends on your habits - guests who'd have 4+ drinks a day typically save money with a package, while those who drink less often usually spend less paying à la carte. For groups sharing a cabin, it's worth checking whether everyone in the room is required to buy the same package. Good to know before you finalize anything.
Does the package include specialty coffees and bottled water?
Most premium packages include specialty coffees, bottled water, and soft drinks in addition to alcohol, though the exact inclusions vary by tier and cruise line. Specialty dining venues sometimes have their own separate rules from the main dining room, so it's worth asking about those specifically. That's the short version, at least.
Is there a cheaper non-alcoholic package option?
Yes, most lines offer a soda or non-alcoholic beverage package at a lower price point for guests who don't drink alcohol but still want unlimited specialty drinks. Comparing the package cost against your expected daily consumption is the most reliable way to know if it's worth it for your trip. Easy to overlook, but it's worth a mental note.
Can I share a package with someone else in my cabin?
No, most lines require all adults sharing a cabin to purchase the same package rather than allowing one package to be shared. Specialty dining venues sometimes have their own separate rules from the main dining room, so it's worth asking about those specifically. That detail alone can save some back-and-forth later.
Is it cheaper to buy the package before sailing or onboard?
Almost always cheaper to prepay before sailing - onboard pricing for the same package is typically higher. Specialty dining venues sometimes have their own separate rules from the main dining room, so it's worth asking about those specifically. Good to know before you finalize anything.
Who can help calculate if a package makes sense for my Royal Caribbean cruise?
Call +1-800-406-8495 and our advisors can run the numbers based on your typical drinking habits. It's worth asking whether a package needs to be purchased before boarding to lock in a lower rate versus buying it once onboard. Good to know before you finalize anything.
How many drinks per day would make a beverage package worth it?
As a general rule of thumb, if you'd typically have 4 or more drinks a day, a package often pays for itself compared to paying per drink - light drinkers usually come out ahead without one. This is one of those details worth confirming close to your sail date, since packages and pricing are occasionally refreshed each season. Easy to overlook, but it's worth a mental note.
Does Royal Caribbean require everyone in the cabin to buy the package if one person does?
Some cruise lines require all adults sharing a cabin to purchase the same beverage package rather than letting one person buy it alone - check your specific line's current policy. It helps to check whether gratuities are already included in a package price or added separately at checkout. Good to know before you finalize anything.
Is the package cheaper if bought before boarding versus once onboard?
Yes, prepaying for a beverage package before your cruise is almost always cheaper than the price charged if you wait and purchase it once onboard. Menus and package details can vary slightly by ship, so it's worth checking what's currently offered on your specific vessel. Not a bad idea to keep that in your back pocket.
Does the beverage package include specialty coffee and bottled water?
Many packages include specialty coffee and bottled water, but this varies by cruise line and package tier, so it's worth checking the specific inclusions before buying. This is one of those details worth confirming close to your sail date, since packages and pricing are occasionally refreshed each season. Good to know before you finalize anything.