Thinking about getting the Royal Caribbean drink package but not sure if it’s worth the price? You’re not alone.
After several cruises through the Caribbean — especially on Freedom of the Seas, which has become one of my favorites — I finally gave in and tried the Deluxe Beverage Package. I got it during one of Royal’s Cruise Planner sales and figured it was time to see what all the fuss was about.
Let’s just say… I didn’t regret it. And I definitely didn’t go thirsty.
Table of Contents
What’s Included?
Here’s a quick list of what you can enjoy:
- 🍹 Cocktails & Spirits (Grey Goose, Tito’s, Bacardi 8, etc.)
- 🍷 Wine by the glass (under $14)
- 🍺 Beer (craft and domestic)
- 🧃 Sodas, fresh juice, mocktails
- ☕ Premium coffee (Cafe Promenade is a must)
- 💧 Bottled water (Evian or Dasani)
- 🏝️ Drinks on CocoCay and Labadee
What’s not included:
- Bottles of wine
- Starbucks drinks at standalone kiosks
- Drinks in souvenir cups
Is It Worth It? My Personal Experience
I had around 4 to 5 drinks per day, mixing cocktails, mocktails, coffee, and bottled water. That totaled about 30–35 drinks for the week, which would’ve cost over $500 individually. With the Royal Caribbean drink package, I paid just $512 — and got to enjoy everything stress-free without second guessing each order.
But beyond the math, the freedom changed everything.
What I Loved:
- I tried everything I wanted with zero guilt.
- Didn’t finish a drink? No problem. I just moved on.
- No need to sign receipts or track spending — just tap and go.
Some of my favorites:
- 🥃 Old Fashioned with Gentlemen Jack
- 🍹 Mai Tai with Bacardi 8
- 🍸 Caribbean Mule with Tito’s
- 🌺 Lavender Daiquiri (Schooner Bar — a must)
Diamond, Diamond Plus & Pinnacle Perks
If you’re a Crown & Anchor Society member, your loyalty status matters.
Here’s how the free drinks stack up:
| Loyalty Tier | Free Drinks | Where Redeemed |
|---|---|---|
| Diamond | 4 per day | Any bar, loaded to SeaPass card |
| Diamond Plus | 5 per day | Same |
| Pinnacle Club | 6 per day | Same |
These drinks include beer, wine, and most cocktails under $14. It’s a great alternative if you’re not a heavy drinker and want to avoid the full package.
Read more about Royal Caribbean loyalty benefits
Drink Package Tips & Tricks
If you’re going to invest in the Royal Caribbean drink package, make sure you’re getting the most out of it. Here are some insider tips I picked up after using the package on multiple cruises:
- Ask for premium liquor. The drink package lets you order top-shelf spirits, so don’t settle for the well stuff. Say “Mai Tai with Bacardi 8” or “Margarita with Patron Silver” to get a better pour.
- Hydrate between drinks. This one’s obvious but essential. One of the smartest ways to enjoy the Royal Caribbean drink package without wrecking your body is to alternate with water. You’ll feel better each day.
- Remember the 5-minute rule. Royal’s system won’t let you order more than one drink every 5 minutes. If you’re doing shots with a group, expect to pause between rounds.
- Stick to the best bars. Service varies. On Freedom of the Seas, one of Royal Caribbean’s older ships, the Schooner and Pool Bar bartenders were on point — fast, friendly, and they made drinks the right way. Solarium and Sky Bar? Not so much.
- Enjoy the tap-and-go simplicity. One underrated perk of the Royal Caribbean drink package is skipping the signature process. Just tap your card and move on — no receipts, no delays.
- Be adventurous. You’re not paying by the glass, so this is your chance to try things you normally wouldn’t order. I had a blast experimenting with drinks like the Peanut Butter Tropic, Caipirinha at Boleros, and the Lavender Daiquiri.
When the Royal Caribbean Drink Package Might Not Be Worth It
While the Royal Caribbean drink package can be a game-changer for many cruisers, it’s not the right fit for everyone. Here’s when you might want to skip it:
- You’re sailing a port-heavy itinerary with fewer sea days, meaning less time onboard to actually use the drink package
- You’re already Diamond, Diamond Plus, or Pinnacle, and your free loyalty drinks cover what you’d normally consume
- You mostly drink water, tea, or have 1–2 drinks per day, making it tough to justify the daily cost
In those situations, it might be smarter to skip the Royal Caribbean drink package and just pay à la carte when the mood strikes. That way, you can still enjoy a cocktail or two without the full price tag.
Jim’s Take
For me, the Royal Caribbean drink package was totally worth it — especially because I got it on sale.
I loved not second-guessing what I ordered. I could explore the menu, skip drinks I didn’t like, and treat the cruise like a tasting tour. It added a whole new layer to the vacation.
One of my favorite moments? Grabbing a Lavender Daiquiri and watching the action on the FlowRider as the sun started to set. It’s those little experiences that make cruising feel carefree and memorable.
That said, I’d skip it on port-heavy sailings or when cruising with my mom (she’s Diamond Plus and doesn’t drink much). But when it’s me and friends on a fun itinerary? Absolutely going for it.
Comment: What’s Your Go-To Cruise Drink?
Do you always buy the drink package or prefer to pay as you go?
Drop your favorite cruise cocktail below — and let me know if you’ve tried the Lavender Daiquiri!
