Alcohol Package On Royal Caribbean: Worth The Money?

Royal Caribbean offers a range of beverage packages for guests, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. The most popular choice is the Deluxe Beverage Package, which offers unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks for a fixed daily price. Other options include the Classic Soda Package and the Refreshment Package, which includes mocktails, premium coffees and teas, and fresh-squeezed juices. With cocktails priced at around $14 plus an 18% gratuity, the Deluxe Package is a good option for those who plan to drink a lot during their trip. However, it's important to note that packages are typically required for all guests of legal drinking age in the same stateroom, and certain beverages like room service drinks and minibar items are not included. So, is the alcohol package worth it? It depends on your drinking preferences and habits, but for some, it's a convenient way to pay for drinks in advance and avoid a surprise bill at the end of the cruise.

Cost-effectiveness

The cost-effectiveness of Royal Caribbean's drink packages depends on several factors, including drinking habits, cruise length, and group composition.

Firstly, drinking habits play a significant role in determining the value of the alcohol package. For those who enjoy alcoholic beverages and plan to consume a significant amount during their cruise, the package can offer good value. Most cocktails on board cost around $14, excluding the 18% gratuity, which brings the total to about $16.50 per cocktail. With the Deluxe Beverage Package, guests can enjoy unlimited alcoholic drinks for a fixed daily price, typically ranging from $56 to $115 per person, per day. This package also includes non-alcoholic options, such as premium coffees, teas, fresh juices, and milkshakes, which can further enhance its value for those who indulge in these beverages.

However, for light or occasional drinkers, the package may not be the most cost-effective option. In such cases, purchasing drinks à la carte or opting for alternative packages, like the Cafe Select Coffee Card or the Refreshment Package, might be more economical. The Cafe Select Coffee Card, for instance, offers specialty espresso-based coffees at a discounted rate, and it can be shared among multiple people in the same cabin.

The length of the cruise is another factor to consider. Royal Caribbean requires the alcohol package to be purchased for the entire duration of the cruise, and it must be bought by all guests of legal drinking age in the same stateroom. Therefore, for shorter cruises or those with limited sea days, the package might feel unnecessary or like a chore. On the other hand, for longer cruises with more sea days, the package can provide a convenient way to indulge without the worry of a high bar tab at the end of the trip.

Lastly, group composition can influence cost-effectiveness. The alcohol package must be purchased by all adults in the same stateroom, so if there are multiple adults in a cabin, the overall cost can add up quickly. However, for groups with varying drinking preferences, the package can still offer value as it includes non-alcoholic options, ensuring that everyone can find beverages to their liking.

In conclusion, the cost-effectiveness of Royal Caribbean's alcohol package depends on individual drinking habits, the length of the cruise, and the composition of the travelling group. While it may be a worthwhile investment for heavy drinkers or longer cruises, it might not be necessary for light drinkers or shorter trips. Alternative options, like the Cafe Select Coffee Card or the Refreshment Package, can provide more flexibility and affordability for those who prefer non-alcoholic options or wish to pay as they go.

Drink preferences

If you are a drinker, you may find the Deluxe Beverage Package to be a good value, especially if you plan on drinking multiple cocktails per day, as individual drink prices can add up quickly. Most cocktails cost around $14, plus an 18% gratuity, bringing the total to $16.50 per cocktail. With the package, you also get 40% off select bottled wines.

On the other hand, if you are not a big drinker or prefer non-alcoholic options, the Deluxe Package may not be the best value. In this case, you might consider the Refreshment Package, which offers non-alcoholic options at a lower price point, or the Classic Soda Package, which is the cheapest option.

It's important to note that drink packages are not available on all sailings, and certain beverages, such as room service or minibar drinks, are not included in any package. Additionally, if one person in a cabin purchases the Deluxe Package, all other guests of legal drinking age in the same cabin must also purchase it.

Ultimately, the decision to purchase the alcohol package on Royal Caribbean depends on your individual drink preferences and consumption habits. For some, the convenience of having drinks prepaid and the peace of mind of not having to worry about a high bar tab at the end of the cruise may outweigh the cost. For others, the package may feel unnecessary or like a chore, especially if they don't plan on drinking a lot or prefer non-alcoholic options.

Length of cruise

The length of your cruise can be a significant factor in determining whether the alcohol package on Royal Caribbean is worth it for you. The package is sold for the entire length of the voyage and must be purchased within the first two days of shorter cruises (2-3 nights). The longer your cruise, the more opportunities you will have to enjoy alcoholic drinks and potentially maximise the value of the package.

For example, on a 5-night cruise, one reviewer and their travel companion shared the Cafe Select Coffee Card, which allowed them to enjoy 15 specialty espresso-based drinks for $36.58, or approximately $2.43 per drink. This option may be more cost-effective for shorter cruises, especially if you are not a frequent drinker or do not plan to consume a large number of alcoholic beverages.

On the other hand, if you are considering a longer cruise, such as a 7-night cruise, the Deluxe Beverage Package may offer better value. While the package typically costs around $70-$85 per day, it includes unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, which can be a good deal if you plan to indulge in multiple drinks per day. Additionally, most cocktails on board are priced around $14, and with the automatic 18% gratuity, they come to about $16.50 each. With the package, you can enjoy a variety of drinks without worrying about a high bar tab at the end of your cruise.

Ultimately, the decision to purchase the alcohol package depends on your personal drinking habits and preferences. Some cruisers may always want a drink package, even on shorter cruises, while others may opt for alternative options or choose to pay for individual drinks.

Number of drinkers in the cabin

Royal Caribbean's drink packages are designed to cater to different preferences and drinking habits. The number of drinkers in a cabin is an important consideration when deciding whether to purchase an alcoholic beverage package. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

Firstly, it's important to note that Royal Caribbean requires all guests of legal drinking age in the same cabin to purchase the same drink package. This policy ensures that everyone in the cabin has consistent access to alcoholic beverages and prevents situations where only certain individuals in the cabin can order specific drinks.

For cabins with multiple drinkers, the Deluxe Beverage Package can offer significant value. This package typically ranges from $56 to $115 per person, per day, and it includes unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. By purchasing this package, drinkers in the cabin can enjoy a variety of drinks without worrying about running up a high bar tab. The package also includes beverages at Royal Caribbean's private island destinations, enhancing the overall value.

On the other hand, if there are drinkers in the cabin who do not consume alcohol, it might be more cost-effective to consider alternative packages or à la carte options. The Royal Refreshment Package, for instance, provides non-alcoholic beverages such as sodas, mocktails, specialty coffees, and energy drinks. This package typically costs between $29 and $40 per person, per day, making it a more economical choice for non-drinkers or those who prefer non-alcoholic options.

Additionally, for those who enjoy specialty coffees, the Cafe Select Coffee Card can be a great choice. This card offers a set number of espresso-based drinks at a discounted rate, and it can be shared among multiple people in the cabin. It's an excellent option for those who want to indulge in specialty coffees without committing to a full drink package.

Ultimately, the decision to purchase an alcoholic beverage package depends on the drinking preferences and habits of those in the cabin. For cabins with multiple drinkers, the Deluxe Beverage Package can provide peace of mind and potentially save money. However, for cabins with a mix of drinkers and non-drinkers, customising with alternative packages or à la carte options may be more cost-effective.

Alternative drink packages

Royal Caribbean offers a range of alternative drink packages for those who do not wish to opt for the alcoholic drink package. These include:

• Classic Soda Package: This package offers unlimited fountain soda and Coca-Cola Freestyle beverages. It also includes a Coca-Cola souvenir cup.
• Refreshment Package: This package includes everything in the Classic Soda Package, as well as mocktails, premium coffees and teas, and fresh-squeezed juices.
• Water Package: This package offers guests the option to order water in various package sizes (6, 12, or 24 packs) at a discounted price.

The above packages are available for individual purchase, meaning guests can choose the package that best suits their preferences. It is worth noting that beverage packages are active from the moment guests step onboard, and they can be purchased either in advance or during the cruise.

For those who are interested in the alcoholic drink package, it is important to note that Royal Caribbean has started to require guests to sign waivers before purchasing. Additionally, the package must be purchased for all guests of legal drinking age in the same stateroom.

Frequently asked questions