Royal Caribbean is one of the most popular cruise lines in the world, offering a wide variety of travel experiences to destinations all over the globe. One of the questions that many people have when planning a cruise with this company is how much they can expect to spend on drinks. In this article, we will take a closer look at the prices of drinks on a Royal Caribbean cruise, and provide you with everything you need to know to budget for your trip accordingly.
Exploring the Drink Packages
When booking a Royal Caribbean cruise, one of the things passengers consider is the cost of drinks. Royal Caribbean offers various drink packages, ranging from soda to alcohol packages. The packages often depend on the cruise’s length and itinerary. However, the cost of the packages can be quite confusing, especially for first-time cruisers.
Soda Package
The soda package is the most basic package Royal Caribbean offers. It includes unlimited fountain soda, Coca-Cola Freestyle beverages, and juices. The package costs $12.99 per person per day, excluding gratuity. However, if purchased online before the cruise, the price drops to $8.99 per day.
Deluxe Beverage Package
The Deluxe Beverage Package is Royal Caribbean’s most comprehensive package. It includes unlimited cocktails, beer, wine, non-alcoholic beverages, and premium coffee. The package also includes a 40% discount on wine bottles priced at $100 or less and a 20% discount on wine bottles priced over $100. The package costs $63 per person per day, excluding gratuity. However, if purchased online before the cruise, the price drops to $55 per day.
Refreshment Package
The Refreshment Package is a middle-ground package between the Soda Package and the Deluxe Beverage Package. It includes unlimited non-alcoholic beverages, such as soda, fresh juices, premium coffee, tea, and bottled water. The package costs $29 per person per day, excluding gratuity. However, if purchased online before the cruise, the price drops to $26 per day.
Understanding the Cost of Drinks
While Royal Caribbean offers drink packages, not every passenger may want to purchase one. For those who prefer to pay for drinks individually, the cost can add up quickly. The cost of drinks on a Royal Caribbean cruise is similar to what one would pay at a bar or restaurant on land. However, the prices may be slightly higher due to the added convenience of having drinks readily available.
Alcohol Prices
Alcohol prices on a Royal Caribbean cruise range from $7 to $20 per drink, depending on the type of beverage. For example, beer can range from $7 to $8.50, while a glass of wine can range from $9 to $20. Cocktails can range from $11 to $13, and premium spirits can cost up to $18.
Non-Alcoholic Prices
For those who prefer non-alcoholic beverages, the prices on a Royal Caribbean cruise are more reasonable. A can of soda costs around $3, while a bottle of water costs around $2. Fresh juices and premium coffee can cost up to $6.
Tips for Saving Money on Drinks
While the cost of drinks on a Royal Caribbean cruise can add up quickly, there are ways to save money. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
A key takeaway from this text is that while the cost of drinks on a Royal Caribbean cruise can add up quickly, there are various drink packages and discounts available to help passengers save money. By researching and taking advantage of these options, passengers can enjoy their favorite beverages while still staying within their budget. Additionally, bringing two bottles of wine per stateroom and cans or cartons of non-alcoholic beverages can also help save money. Lastly, attending tastings and events onboard can provide complimentary drinks while also providing an opportunity to learn more about various beverages.
Purchase Drink Packages Online
As mentioned earlier, purchasing drink packages online before the cruise can save passengers money. The prices are often lower than purchasing them onboard.
Bring Your Own Beverages
Royal Caribbean allows passengers to bring up to two bottles of wine per stateroom onboard. Passengers can also bring non-alcoholic beverages in their carry-on luggage, as long as they are in cans or cartons.
Take Advantage of Happy Hour
Royal Caribbean often offers a daily happy hour, where passengers can enjoy discounted drinks. The happy hour is usually held during a specific time and location on the ship.
Attend Tastings and Events
Royal Caribbean offers various tastings and events onboard, such as wine tastings and mixology classes. These events often include complimentary drinks, and passengers can learn more about various beverages.
Final Thoughts
The cost of drinks on a Royal Caribbean cruise can vary, depending on the type of package or individual beverages purchased. While the prices may be slightly higher than what one would pay on land, Royal Caribbean offers various drink packages and discounts to help passengers save money. By following the tips mentioned above, passengers can enjoy their favorite beverages while staying within their budget.
FAQs – How Much Are Drinks on a Royal Caribbean Cruise?
How much is a beer on a Royal Caribbean cruise?
The price of a beer on a Royal Caribbean cruise can vary depending on the type of beer and the ship, but most beers start at around $6. If you’re looking for something more premium, such as craft or imported beer, prices can go up to $8 or more.
How much is a glass of wine on a Royal Caribbean cruise?
The price of wine on a Royal Caribbean cruise can vary depending on the brand and vintage. You can expect to pay around $8 for a glass of house wine, while a more premium wine can cost between $10 to $20 per glass.
How much are cocktails on a Royal Caribbean cruise?
The cost of cocktails on a Royal Caribbean cruise varies depending on the type of drink and the ingredients used. The average price for a cocktail can range from $8 to $14, with some more premium cocktails costing up to $20 or more.
Can you get a drink package on a Royal Caribbean cruise?
Yes, Royal Caribbean offers a variety of drink packages to guests for a set price per day. The Deluxe Beverage Package includes most alcoholic beverages, premium coffees, bottled water, juice, and soda for around $55 per day plus gratuity.
Is it cheaper to buy individual drinks or a drink package on a Royal Caribbean cruise?
Whether it’s cheaper to buy individual drinks or a drink package ultimately comes down to your personal drinking habits. If you plan to have more than a few drinks per day, it may be cost-effective to purchase a drink package. However, if you prefer to have only a few drinks during your cruise, it might be more affordable to pay as you go.
Are there any discounts or promotions for drinks on a Royal Caribbean cruise?
Royal Caribbean occasionally offers promotions and discounts on drinks, such as buy-one-get-one-half-off or a discount on a reserved drink package. Be sure to check for any current promotions when booking your cruise. Additionally, Crown and Anchor members may be eligible for discounts on drinks depending on their membership level.