Royal Caribbean Drink Package Calculator: Is the Deluxe Beverage Package Worth It? (2026)

Cruising with Royal Caribbean offers endless adventure, but navigating drink costs can be a challenge. One key thing to know is that Royal Caribbean uses dynamic pricing, meaning the cost of beverage packages can change based on your ship, sailing date, and demand. While the onboard price is typically higher, pre-cruise discounts of 20%, 30%, or even Buy One Get One 50% Off are common in the Cruise Planner.

Our Royal Caribbean Drink Package Calculator uses the standard onboard rates to show you the maximum potential value. However, we strongly recommend logging into your booking on the Royal Caribbean website or app to check for exclusive promotional pricing before you sail. Enter your estimated daily drink count below to see if locking in a package is the right move for your vacation budget.

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Select Cruise Line & Package
Drink package prices are based on current pre-cruise rates and include gratuity. Some cruise lines, like Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and Margaritaville at Sea, offer occasional deep discounts on beverage packages. These discounts would not be reflected in the calculation, so we suggest checking for specials and promotions for additional savings.
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Automatic Gratuity Rate
Gratuity Rate: --%
This gratuity rate is set by the cruise line. It is included in the package price calculations below but will be added to "Pay As You Go" purchases in the comparison. Onboard, this is the minimum amount you will see as an automatic gratuity on your individual bar checks.
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Daily Drink Habits
Alcoholic Drinks
Non-Alcoholic Drinks
A Note About Drink Packages
When you buy a drink package, cruise lines require that all adults in the same stateroom purchase one. If two adults share a cabin and only one wants the package, both must still buy it.

Royal Caribbean Package Comparison Chart (2026)

Note: Prices below reflect standard onboard rates. Always check your Cruise Planner for pre-cruise discounts of 20–35% off. A 18% gratuity is automatically added to package purchases.

Deluxe Beverage

~$77.99 – $120 /day (Varies)
  • 🍸Top Shelf: Unlimited cocktails, spirits, liqueurs & wines up to $14.
  • 🍺All Included: Beer, wine, spiked seltzers & frozen drinks.
  • Full NA: Specialty coffees, fresh juices, soda & bottled water.
  • 🏝️Private Islands: Valid at Perfect Day at CocoCay & Labadee.

Refreshment Package

~$30.99 – $42 /day (Varies)
  • 🍹Zero Proof: Premium mocktails & Johnny Rockets shakes.
  • Specialty: Premium coffees, teas & fresh-squeezed juices.
  • 💧Hydration: Bottled still/sparkling water & coconut water.
  • 🥤Soda: Coca-Cola Freestyle beverages & souvenir cup.

Classic Soda

~$11.99 – $18 /day (Varies)
  • 🥤Unlimited: Fountain soda & Coca-Cola Freestyle refills.
  • 🎁Souvenir: Includes one Coca-Cola souvenir cup.
  • 🏝️Private Islands: Works at CocoCay & Labadee.
  • Excludes: Cans, bottled water & specialty coffee.

Note: An 18% gratuity is added to all package purchases. Prices listed are estimates; check your Cruise Planner for discounts. Packages exclude Starbucks kiosks.

Royal Caribbean Drink Package FAQs (2026)

Choosing a drink package can be confusing with so many rules and exceptions. We’ve compiled an exhaustive list of the most common questions about Royal Caribbean’s beverage program to help you decide.

What is the price limit for drinks with the Deluxe Beverage Package?

The Deluxe Beverage Package covers any single beverage item priced up to $14.00. This includes cocktails, spirits, liqueurs, beer, and wine by the glass.

What happens if I order a drink that costs more than $14?

If you order a drink that exceeds the $14 limit, such as a super-premium wine or scotch, you only pay the price difference. An 18% gratuity is applied to that difference.

Does every adult in the cabin have to buy the Deluxe Beverage Package?

Yes. If one guest in a stateroom purchases the Deluxe Beverage Package, all other guests of legal drinking age in that cabin are required to purchase it as well. In some cases, you can contact Royal Caribbean to request an exemption, such as for medical reasons or pregnancy, and have the other guest purchase the Refreshment Package instead.

Can I use my Royal Caribbean drink package at Perfect Day at CocoCay?

Yes. All Royal Caribbean drink packages, including Deluxe, Refreshment, and Soda, are fully honored at Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee. This is a major perk compared to many other cruise lines.

Are Starbucks drinks included with Royal Caribbean drink packages?

No. Drinks served at licensed Starbucks kiosks onboard are excluded from all Royal Caribbean drink packages. However, premium coffees and teas from venues like Café Promenade and Park Cafe are included with the Deluxe and Refreshment packages.

What non-alcoholic drinks are included with the Deluxe Beverage Package?

The Deluxe Beverage Package includes all non-alcoholic items from the Refreshment Package. This includes premium coffees and teas, bottled still and sparkling water such as Evian and San Pellegrino, fresh-squeezed juices, fountain sodas, and mocktails.

Are milkshakes included with Royal Caribbean drink packages?

Yes. Milkshakes and soda floats from Johnny Rockets are included with both the Deluxe and Refreshment packages.

Can I share my Royal Caribbean drink package with someone else?

No. Drink packages are non-transferable and may not be shared. If you are caught sharing drinks, your package can be revoked without a refund.

Is there a daily limit on drinks with Royal Caribbean packages?

Royal Caribbean does not impose a fixed daily drink limit. Guests may order unlimited beverages, provided they are not visibly intoxicated. Bar staff will only serve one drink at a time per guest.

What is the Coca-Cola Freestyle cup?

Guests with a drink package receive a Coca-Cola souvenir cup that contains a microchip. This chip activates the Freestyle machines onboard, allowing you to create custom sodas and flavored waters throughout the ship.

Does the drink package include room service or mini-bar items?

No. Beverages from the in-room mini-bar and drinks ordered through room service are excluded from all drink packages and are charged at standard menu prices.

Can I get bottled water with the Soda Package?

No. The Soda Package only includes fountain soda and access to Coca-Cola Freestyle machines. Bottled water is included with the Refreshment and Deluxe packages, not the Soda Package.

Are gratuities included in the advertised Royal Caribbean drink package price?

No. An 18% service charge is added to the total cost of the drink package at the time of purchase. Additional tipping per drink is optional.

What wine bottle discounts are included with the Deluxe Beverage Package?

Guests with the Deluxe Beverage Package receive a 40% discount on bottles of wine priced under $100 and a 20% discount on bottles priced over $100.