Short answer: Royal Caribbean's Deluxe Beverage Package runs about $63–$120 per person, per day (18% gratuity already included). It usually pays off if you'll have roughly 6+ alcoholic drinks a day — below that, paying à-la-carte is normally cheaper. Plug in your real habits below to see your break-even, then book that exact sailing with Pixie Vacations online — no fees, same price as Royal Caribbean.
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Set your sailing length and how many drinks you'd really have each day.
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How Royal Caribbean drink packages work in 2026
Royal Caribbean sells three prepaid drink packages. Each is priced per person, per day, must be bought for every day of your sailing, and (with a few kids' exceptions) every adult 21+ in the same stateroom has to buy the Deluxe package if one of you does. Prices swing a lot by ship and sail date, so the calculator lets you type in the exact price you're quoted.
| Package | What's included | Per day* |
|---|---|---|
| Deluxe Beverage | Cocktails, beer, wine (up to $14), soda, specialty coffee, bottled water, mocktails, fresh juice | $63–$120 |
| Royal Refreshment | Non-alcoholic: soda, mocktails, specialty coffee, bottled water, fresh juice | $29–$42 |
| Classic Soda | Coca-Cola Freestyle soda + souvenir cup | $12–$18 |
*Prices include the 18% gratuity. À-la-carte drinks add 18% on top. Figures are 2026 estimates and vary by ship and sailing — always confirm your price at checkout. Sources: royalcaribbeanblog.com, eatsleepcruise.com.
Quick tips to decide
- Do the honest math. Most cruisers overestimate how much they'll drink on a port-heavy itinerary (you're off the ship on port days).
- Non-drinkers: if you mainly want soda, specialty coffee and bottled water, the Refreshment package — or just paying à-la-carte — almost always beats the Deluxe.
- Buy before you board. Pre-cruise (Cruise Planner) prices are usually lower than onboard, and Royal often runs sales.
- Everyone in the cabin, all days. Factor the 21+ "everyone must buy" rule and every sailing day into your total.
Royal Caribbean drink package FAQ
How many drinks a day to make the Deluxe package worth it?
At roughly $90/day with cocktails around $13 + 18% ($15.34 each), you break even at about 6 alcoholic drinks per day. Coffee, soda and water you'd have bought anyway lower that number. The calculator shows your personal break-even.
Is gratuity included in the Royal Caribbean drink package?
Yes. The 18% gratuity is built into the package price. Individual drinks bought à-la-carte have the 18% added at the register.
Does everyone in the stateroom have to buy the package?
Generally yes — if one adult (21+) in the cabin buys the Deluxe Beverage Package, all adults 21+ in that cabin must buy it too. Kids can get the Refreshment or Soda package instead.
Can I buy the drink package for only part of the cruise?
No. Packages are sold for the full length of your sailing, priced per day. That's why long, port-heavy itineraries often favor paying per drink.
Where's the cheapest place to book Royal Caribbean and the package?
The cruise fare is the same everywhere — cruise lines set the price. Booking through Pixie Vacations costs you nothing extra (no fees, same price as Royal Caribbean), you get a real agent watching for price drops and promos, and Pixie earns the commission instead of the cruise line's call center. Book Royal Caribbean online here or get a free quote.
Estimates only — Royal Caribbean drink prices and package rates vary by ship, sailing date and promotions, and change over time. Confirm current pricing in your Cruise Planner or with your Pixie agent before purchasing. Pixie Vacations is an independent travel agency and authorized cruise seller; not affiliated with Royal Caribbean International.
