Royal Caribbean Drink Package Guide for 2024 cruises

[@geoffreystevens2916]

I normally prepay gratuities, excursions, flight tickets, the cruise itself, and the ultimate deluxe drink package all at least three months before my cruise starts. There is no better feeling, imo, then going on the vacation knowing that you can have anything you want and have all this fun stuff to do, and not worry about cost for an entire week. Even If I don't "break" even on my package, it simply doesn't matter with the peace of mind that I have knowing if i want it I can have it.

[@uneCENT]

This is spot on! I will never break even or "win", but it is more about peace of mind when buying the package. I don't want to think how much I have spent, or if I should get a drink or not because of the insane price on them. Having the package lets me relax and roll with however I am feeling in the moment. The other benefit of a drink package is knowing when the bionic robot or bar tender messes up the drink, I can just toss it and grab another at no additional cost. For those who have been on a cruise before know that happens quite often to.

[@christianheld9720]

Agreed. You can’t put a price on convenience and piece of mind or relaxation factor

[@toniahouston1766]

Exactly!!! That’s what I like doing. I prepay everything. If I’m on vacation, that’s my time to relax and not worry about what the tab will be at the end. One less thing to worry with.

[@andrewgonzalez4585]

This is me as well. I don't want to do math while I am drinking, lol Just knowing it is all already paid makes my vacation much more fun!!

[@Andermon75]

So if I didn't buy the packages, then I have to pay for the drinks?

[@diannebrideson2368]

I save about $60 by buying the Refreshment Package and paying at the bar for 2 drinks per day. Since I know I won't be drinking more than 2 alcoholic beverages per day, this works for me. With the refreshment package I can get lots of mocktails, waters, etc.

[@amywilloughby8019]

What kind of water can you get, brand?

[@joelegouffe2692]

​@@amywilloughby8019 common bottled water in thin plastic containers.. not sure what brand

[@julieb7882]

​@amywilloughby8019 you can also get sparkling water. I got a couple of San Pelligino

[@sidneyshaw9205]

What is a mock tail?

[@gerardlang9690]

​@@sidneyshaw9205 it's pretty much a virgin cocktail. A beverage that does not have alcohol mixed into it.

[@MTabitha]

Another benefit of the refreshment and the deluxe beverage package that not many talk about is that, at least on the Wonder, the drinks at the cafe in the Vitality Spa are included in your package. There is a good selection of smoothies, fresh fruit squeezed right there, Gatorade bottles, Red Bull, etc. They also have protein powder available, and you can add those to your drinks. You can also make a concoction of whatever is right in front of you. My partner and I are avid gymmers, so we would use the gym, grab a protein smoothie (usually chocolate protein with banana and orange), and walk the track. It was a great added bonus to our drink package that we were not expecting and do not hear about it in reviews.

[@nancyroyston0427]

did they have vegan protein powder vs only Whey?

[@malenelawrence2458]

I don't drink alcohol but would DEFINITELY enjoy a protein smoothie & fresh veggie/fruit juice daily after working out. Do you know if you have to do the Deluxe Alcohol Package to enjoy the benefits of the Vitality Spa Drinks? I'll be sailing on the newest Star of the Seas and will hot the gym daily if possible - so a Protein Smoothie will be nice!

[@MTabitha]

@@malenelawrence2458 Only had the Beverage Package and got smoothies/juices/protein shakes! On the Wonder they had chocolate or vanilla whey protein, creatine, and BCAA you could mix into the menu options or a concoction of your own choosing. I had chocolate protein with orange/strawberry banana quite frequently.

[@neykovmaster]

@@malenelawrence2458Just the refreshment package

[@SomeMoms]

Good to know!

[@TheDevilishHusky]

done 4 cruises, 3 of them I did deluxe and regretted not doing it the 4th time. and you're right Matt, the magic number to "break even" is 6 cocktails but because the package is so encompassing you don't really need to just drink cocktails. the convenience factor of A: hand server card B: receive drink and card. C: DRINK with no paperwork is marvelous.

[@jordanmt007]

If drink packages were just a SMIDGE lower, or revised their packages, then I’d consider purchasing. Recently went on a 4 night on Independence and the cruise planner (months ahead) prices reflected $425 pp ! On the ship it increased to $500. To put this into perspective, we paid $400 pp for our sailing. To us, it seemed like we were paying for an extra trip. RC should explore an alcoholic beverage package with a cap of 3-4 drinks per day. That would likely attract more passengers to pay.

[@ladymax23]

You are 100% correct I have never brought a drink package. If I'm bringing on two bottles of wine I can get a little toasted before I'm out and about. We did however purchase a case of water. Some people are retired and on a fixed income. We were in Miami. April one of our ports are called. We met a gentleman who sells frozen alcohol beverages OMG it was a blue frozen drink. I didn't need anything for the rest of the day😅

[@Northstar2000]

Get to diamond and out of the scrub tiers and you can get 4 drinks for free

[@Brittanyb0509]

​@@Northstar2000 Wow, what a snobby comment!

[@jordanmt007]

@@Northstar2000 I’d pay for the drink package on behalf of the entire ship before I think about sharing a Diamond C&A tier with you.

[@ilovesparky13]

@@Brittanyb0509 No, he’s right. With the money that you people are wasting on alcohol, you could have saved for more trips.

[@roobaseball27]

I'm part of the convenience crew! Not having to sign for every drink is great and if you go to the same bar often they won't even ask for your room number!

[@Vickix1185]

My friend and I have one booked for our Oasis 7 night Med sailing in May 2024. We're from the UK and got it for £64 (around $81) per person, per day during the Black Friday sale. For us it's convenience, but also, we know our drinking habits. A couple of specialty coffees in the morning, some bottled waters to take ashore, a couple of pre-dinner drinks, wine with dinner and then a drink or 2 in the evening - it makes sense for us. He's never cruised before and wanted as much paid for upfront as possible so we could just relax and go with the flow once we board.

[@NintyPrime]

The drinks being unlimited for the alcohol is one reason why we stick with Royal Carribean. I understand the 15 drink limit at carnival, and I would say that's a lot of drinks for most people, especially as you can have those drinks be really strong if you like. But I love having all the tropical slushy style beverages, which have a very, very low alcohol content and contain, naturally due to the slushie nature, a ton of water. This makes the drinks not only extremely refreshing, but you're also hydrating while drinking alcohol - something that when you're doing tons of walking per usual on a cruise and enjoying the sun, is vital. You want to stay hydrated, and staying hydrated also gets rid of the chance of hangovers. I definitely was consuming on my last cruise two years ago, more than 15 of these drinks in a day. Did I ever get to buzzing? Sure, but it was never out of control, and I never had a hangover and it just made for an extremely enjoyable trip. Not everyone of course even with these lighter drinks, can handle that amount, so you need to understand your own limits or you could waste a lot of money. For me, this makes Royal Carribean's unlimited Deluxe package a no brainer because those slushie drinks can run $15 to $20 a pop on their own. I have around 20 per day, which can be about $400 worth of drinks per day. Naturally, I would not be having that many drinks if I was drinking heavier, non watered down beverages. But I found that I really enjoy these style of drinks on a cruise as it's not normally what I drink at home and they work so damn well in a tropical setting.

[@schamber1000]

I bought deluxe drink package for us for December! The convenience of not worrying about it on the ship is worth it for me!

[@jerrysimpson9972]

I love the fact that Royal will work with us on drink packages. My wife is on medication and cannot drink alcohol. Royal will allow me to get the deluxe and her to get the refreshment package. Others, like carnival, won't even consider it. What i dont like is the dynamic pricing that Royal uses! Why is alcohol more expensive on one of the new/large ships, than it is on one of the old/small ships! Why can it not be standardized? I like getting the drink package for the convenience, but have passed on a couple of cruises, because of the inflated cost.

[@porkrind]

Because they can. Just guessing here, but Royal seems to put their newest biggest ships on weird itineraries because they will still sell out. And they use their smaller ships on more popular itineraries to help them stay relevant. Because they know the bigger ships are more popular, they know they can charge more for drinks.

[@laurenlee5636]

Whom did you have to speak to? I have the same issue. My husband cannot drink due to his medical condition. I refuse to buy two deluxe drink packages.

[@jerrysimpson9972]

@laurenlee5636 just call customer service. Explain the situation and they will work with you. We have done this 6 times on royal now, and it has never been a problem.

[@laurenlee5636]

@@jerrysimpson9972 thank you!

[@Gregory-Masovutch]

I can't have carbonates drinks due to acid reflux and neither of us drink achololic beverages. So it's all a total waste of money for us.

[@Poofer52]

Just got off a 7 day Western Caribbean on Harmony and after doing the math, the drink package had paid for itself after 2 days. Granted, my wife and I started our days with Fresh Squeezed OJ Mimosas at the Wind Jammer in the morning and had drinks in our hands pretty much all day until a night cap at Boleros on a regular basis during our trip. But if you are a heavy drinker, $14 per drink adds up real quick and that was the price almost universally for cocktails ($12 for the drink of the day).

[@jonver92]

How much is a domestic beer?

[@JoshuaMiller-o6u]

​@jonver92 8 dollars a beer plus tip so 10 bucks basically at minimum.

[@piptheprofit1004]

Is the a daily limit?

[@bobbykitchensjr.2347]

Already bought canceled and. Re- bought twice for a better price. Expensive but probably worth it. Also saved almost $150 watching the prices. 😊

[@jeffmoore5284]

How does that work? It allows you to cancel afterwards and then refunds the money? It’s having me pay for it upfront

[@joelhabbs4903]

@@jeffmoore5284yes, you can get a refund or you can call and they can do some background work and refund you the difference. I have done both

[@kuffala]

For every Royal Caribbean cruise, we have chosen a deluxe drinking package and we will continue to do so... it makes things a little easier + an easy way to test new drinks. 😁

[@bigguy1403]

Absolutely I don't drink half of my drinks because I'm always trying new drinks and wine. I'm now liking the majito that I tried on RC...my new go too drink and their Pina colada are great too!

[@anadominguez4422]

Matt, love your videos, thank you! My husband and two boys recently went on Harmony to the Caribbean and we purchased 2drink packages and 3 refreshment packages. Totally worth it! Not having to worry about prices and how much we have consumed provided us with no stress. We drink a lot of water on land and being on the Caribbean we increased making it about 6 water bottles per person, my husband and had on average 4 drinks. Some nights more than 4 since we ventured into trying other cocktails and if we didn’t like them we ordered something we did like. Every morning I had a specialty coffee and they had freshly squeezed orange juice. They also got a smoothie every morning after working out. We all got milkshakes every evening. Totally worth getting it!

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

Thanks for sharing!

[@lindylangeveld1368]

@anadominguez4422 - which milkshakes are included? I’ve clearly been missing out!

[@anadominguez4422]

@@lindylangeveld1368 on Harmony we were able to get a milkshake everyday at Johnny Rockets

[@TheMimmer]

Milkshakes at Johnny Rockets are included

[@TheMaxRebo]

One reason I like having the drink package is it makes it easier for me to try new/different drinks - if I don't like it, oh well, leave it and get something else. Or if a drink is just poorly made, oh well, just get another. Whereas if I was paying by the drink I would make "safer" choices. Obviously I still want to at least come close to breaking even, but this aspect makes it feel a bit more "vacationy" to me

[@edwardklein5770]

THIS! I treat the drink package as an excursion - an opportunity to try new things.

[@sharikmarius]

Good point!

[@nd4539]

@@edwardklein5770 that's a good way to look at it... I'm bringing my aunt on her first cruise and while I wouldn't normally buy the drink package, I also don't want to tell her "you get to spend no more than $30/day on alcohol" and expect her to keep track. Seems like a much more fun and relaxing vacation to not have to think about it, but I know for myself I wouldn't normally get it because it would cost me more than just buying what I drink individually. I was having a hard time with the idea of paying for something I don't think I need, but thinking of it like an excursion is definitely a good way to justify it. Thanks! I think I'll be trying a lot of new things on our upcoming cruise :)

[@mbishop5954]

We have been 4 Royal cruises now and have never purchased a drink package. We drink what we want and each time we have paid less going AlaCarte.

[@petehoeft6518]

We just returned from a Western Caribbean cruise on the Mariner of the Seas. I was very disappointed that I spent $850 for my wife and I on the delux drink package. The drinks were absolutely watered down. I am not a heavy drinker, with two drinks giving me a buzz. I had four cocktails on boarding day and nothing happened other than getting bloated. I did not go on the cruise to get drunk, nor did I buy the package for that. But one expects that part of the experience of having drinks is to feel the experience. My brother in law had the same experience, along with others I spoke with. Royal Caribbean needs to do something about that. $850 for a drink package for 5 night cruise for two people is crazy expensive and to get ripped off on drinks is unconscionable. And if they're trying to keep younger people from super over-indulging, come up with another way of dealing with it.

[@Toby3610]

I had a similar issue. I found the cocktails and the spirits. Any of the drinks that were mixed. But if I went with a beer that was bottled and they had to open it in front of me it was the standard. About halfway through the drinks seemed stronger. I could drink 4 drinks in 2 hours and barely get a buzz whereas I had 2 and just started my 3rd in 2.5 hrs and was tipsy. I’m usually not a drinker. And a couple of beers or wines and that’s it. I actually kinda like the strength of the drinks on the first day. Unfortunately it just made it hard to judge.

[@jessicahill4034]

Always worth it for me :) I love getting the drinks package on a cruise and being able to try new drinks and cocktails I normally wouldn't.

[@BurntToast256]

I'm ok with the Refreshment package... the mocktails are delicious and if I want an alcoholic drink I'll just buy it but maybe will have one a day (if that).

[@arokh72]

I don't drink alcohol, but love a good cup of tea, mocktails, a glass of milk at night, lemon lime and bitters (yes I know Angostura bitters have alcohol, but so little as to not matter), and a bottle of water for shore tours. So it's a refreshment package for me. Not only is it convenient, but being in Australia, and prepurchasing, I can pay for it in AUD instead of paying USD when on board.

[@hannahbanana2413]

Purchased the drink package on my last 5 night cruise and I’m planning on doing so again for my 7 night cruise next year! I watched the prices frequently and was able to get our package for around $63 a day on our last cruise. We mostly drank cocktails, which were generally $15 if bought a la carte. On sea days, drinking 4 cocktails throughout the whole day was not difficult at all for us! I love the convenience of it, and I love being able to try different drinks without worrying if I will like it or not. If I didn’t like it, I could easily just leave it at the bar and order something different! Totally agree with the budgeting aspect as well. It gave me a lot of peace of mind having everything booked and paid for prior to the cruise so I didn’t have to give money a second thought on my vacation!

[@andariegos9466]

My husband and I are going on a cruise to Japan for his 60th Birthday. We don’t drink very often so we can do without. We’re getting the refreshment package then each buy a drink for his birthday dinner.

[@DarthMucky]

Good to know all this, confirms it's free water and lemonade for me all the way!

[@bigguy1403]

The package dropped for seniors on the wonder sailing for February 5th- 18th. Started at $83 then $77 and now it's $67 I've redone it 3 times now.

[@tillyortiz8942]

IS there a different price for seniors with the drinki package??

[@reedmassengill9822]

For what year??

[@bigguy1403]

@tillyortiz8942 yes now today...

[@bigguy1403]

@tillyortiz8942 yes seniors get the drink package today for $67.99 that's a pretty good price.

[@reedmassengill9822]

I’m on wonder Feb 4-11 2024

[@sharikmarius]

Right now the package for the cruise I've booked for this summer is $79.99. I'm fine with drinking lemonade from the Wind Jammer, water from the bar (put it in the TermoFlask), and I couldn't care less about specialty coffee. Maybe I'd be interested in the smoothies from Vitality, but that's a stretch. So basically, the only thing I'd be interested in would be the booze. Point being, I'd have to drink a minimum for 5 cocktails daily to break even, and that's assuming I'm buying the $15 dollar drinks each time. At my age, I'm not sure that I'm still capable of subjugating my body to that much drinking over the course of 7 days.

[@katiereed8361]

That includes bloody mary at breakfast, pool drinks during the day, wine at dinner, 5 drinks isn't a lot of you're doing things all day

[@chuckmiller1434]

The last 3 days of our cruise on Vision of the seas was a $99 card for 10 drinks. My girlfriend and I used that to enjoy a few drinks. Normally we drink 1-2 a day on cruise but this card worked for us. We will make diamond on the next cruise so that will go away for us, because we will get 4 drinks a day for the cruise.

[@shelly6123]

That is a great idea. I wonder if that’ll be available on all Royal Caribbean ships? I would definitely definitely purchase that.

[@chuckmiller1434]

@@shelly6123 it was not on my February 2023 but was on June and Oct and Dec. keep an eye for a sign put up on the bar counters. Also ask the bartender if it going to be available, they my or my not know till it’s handed to them to put out but stay in good with your bartender and they will tell you when they find out.

[@grapplerguy2007]

how do you get to diamond status

[@himorhimjp]

Going on my first cruise for my 30th birthday in march. Getting the package was a no brainer due to convenience of being able to try different drinks and having the ability to not worry about signing anything.

[@the_red_key8825]

For going on the Icon in a few months, we want to be able to try as many of the new drinks as we can so we will be getting the package! We cut loose on cruises, but we space the drinks out throughout the day. A few in the early afternoon, a few in the evening and a few at night and it’s easy to get to 6 drinks or more and not be sloshed out of your mind all the time. Add in plenty of water and snacks/meals and it’s a great time for us.

[@creamysniping4931]

How much was the drink package for icon?

[@the_red_key8825]

@@creamysniping4931 lowest was $76 I’ve seen

[@helciobmello]

I have sailed Royal twice and never bothered to book a drink package as the complimentary drinks were good enough for me. Both cruises were 9-night port-intensive so I thought it would no be worth paying extra for drinks I would not have time to enjoy. But my next cruise will be 4-night on board Liberty of the Seas featuring one sea day and one day at Cococay, so I decided to try it. Booked the refreshment package for US$ 24 during black friday. I will become diamond in february and because of that I doubt I will ever book a drink package again.

[@MariaStohler]

I loved the drink package. It allowed me to taste different drinks that I've always been interested in, but wasn't sure I would like. If I didn't like it, I just got something else. I've been checking the app everyday to see when the drink package becomes available to purchase it for our next cruise, lol.

[@mauricester_21]

Great video again Matt!!! You should do a video like this for the dining packages

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

Great idea!!

[@mauricester_21]

@@RoyalCaribbeanBlog do you have any excursion or resort recommendations for Roatan

[@conn12m]

Purchased the soda packages based on this video, then found out AFTER we got on Liberty of the Seas (March 2024) that this boat does NOT have the self-serve soda machines. Very frustrating! I have definitely drank less than I would have because I now have to wait in long lines behind everyone ordering mixed drinks at the bars just to get my soda. I will definitely do more research before buying the soda package again.

[@thetragicschoolbuspodcast]

I LOVE the drink package. Keeps the shakes at bay.

[@latonyaknox6714]

I’m going on a 7 night European cruise and decided to do the drink package. It was definitely pricey but I think it will be convenient and save money. Plus I love being able to try everything without worrying about the price.

[@rbunkis]

A friend of mine just returned from a cruise on odyssey of the seas a month ago and said that every day they made announcements offering a discounted drink package. And each day was cheaper then the last

[@zombielovesquad8751]

I'm getting the drink package so I can try all the things without worrying that I might not like it. That is very true with me, with coffee. I only just started to drink coffee and the non-Starbucks coffees are on the package. I also drink a lot of juices and love mixed juice for breakfast.

[@lorrainep6802]

We’re cruising to New England and Canada in September and we opted for the Refreshment Package over the Deluxe drink package which we usually get when we do Caribbean cruises. With so many port days on this cruise, we felt we would not be on the ship enough to benefit much from the drink package. The refreshment package provides the essentials and if we want to add a drink or two on top of that, it’s cheaper to pay for the drinks separately. Also, we can always order a shot with one of the mock cocktails in the refreshment package if we want to have an alcoholic beverage.

[@lukedonkers4441]

How much did you pay for a shot to put in your mock cocktail?

[@tinam-og8zy]

Thank you so much for all your detailed information. This is such a Great Help for my first Cruise. 😊

[@cathyowen2123]

I'm going on a cruise in June, this information helped me greatly. Thank you.

[@ChrisGeeReacts]

I'm going in early March of 2023. I'm so excited, will be my first cruise. I think I'm going to get the basic drink package. I'm not a huge drinker when it comes to alcohol. So it makes since for me to get the basic drink package and pay for alcohol separately, (which i probably won't be drinking a whole lot of)

[@beausfamilyadventure]

Already booked ours! $69 on Anthem. Can’t wait to get my first drink when we get on!

[@tonialajaunie9654]

When are they going stop forcing both people to buy the same drink package. My boyfriend doesn't drink but I like a few cocktails or wine. I.m not the only one! Come on!!

[@julieb7882]

Call Royal and explain. They usually allow the second person to buy the 2nd person buy the refreshment package.

[@gabbyruiz2517]

just called a week ago cause we have the same issue and they were so chill about it. i told them i wanted to deluxe package but my boyfriend doesn’t drink so we wanted to see if there was a different option and it was so problem. i ended up getting the deluxe and then booked him the refreshment package :)

[@benwright1367]

Same here, I don't drink and my wife will only have 3-4 drinks a day. Not worth the $120aud per day. We'll pay as we go.

[@reenakemp9132]

You aren't an experienced cruiser are you? That's OK, we were all newbies. You absolutely do not both have to get package. Call RC or your travel agent and tell them only 1 drinks, they will set you up the way you need to.

[@cathyowen2123]

I'm in the same situation. Think they only 1 person drinks achoul but both do.

[@khronick3596]

We buy the DBP every time. 100% worth the convenience, if you can drink 6 drinks a day that is, plus coffee and bottled water and smoothies and everything else. No brainer in my book.

[@ricklatouch2263]

I think the main thing you’re going to need if you buy the drink package is a dialysis machine package. Or a liver transplant package.

[@johnb6174]

Thanks for all of your videos Matt! All of them are very informative👍 My brother’s family and my family are going on the Adventure of the Seas later this month (July ‘24) and this is my first time on RC. I’ve sailed 6 other times on Disney and my brother sailed a bunch on Disney as well but he sailed on RC last year and enjoyed it and recommended RC to me so I booked RC! So while I was on the Disney cruises I was able to bring a 12 pack of beer on the ship (6 cans per person) and since my wife doesn’t drink alcohol I enjoyed the 12 pack and stored them in my mini fridge in my stateroom. I always enjoyed a few beers on my balcony while everyone was getting ready for dinner! Now I just purchased the unlimited drink package for myself and was able to talk to RC and told them that my wife doesn’t drink alcohol and they let her just purchase the refreshment package 👍. Nice of RC to allow this and have us save $47/day otherwise it would have been a waste of $! So my question to you is since I now have the drink package I would like to stock my stateroom fridge (preferably 6 beers) so I can enjoy them in the evenings on my balcony 👍 What would you recommend I do to stock a few beers in my stateroom fridge? I’ve read that they only give 1 drink per person at a time that have the drink package. It would be nice to get a bucket of beers and take them back to my stateroom to put in my fridge. I’m assuming I’ll have to hop around different bars collect a few beers then take them back to my stateroom in which I’m ok with doing that, just thought maybe you knew a better way since your the RC guru! 👍 Also can I get the beers at the bar unopened? Or do they automatically open them when I get them at the bar? Thanks in advance and keep on recording great content videos 👍

[@BillyDSoul]

I get a good amount of onboard credit which is what I buy my alcoholic drinks with. Works out great for me!

[@boujeehawk]

I had one on harmony in December of 23 and tried new drinks and made my moneys worth Averaging 16 drinks a day 😅

[@Lisalee66]

Hey, how much per day was your package? I just booked Harmony a few weeks ago. The cheapest it's come down is today and it's 70.99. Trying to decide whether to wait or not. Thanks!

[@johnforde6136]

We buy it ever time we cruise 🚢. Always feel like we get our money’s 💰 worth. Cheers 🍻 to 2024

[@rhinomite5203]

I purchased the premium package for 4 of us in 2022 and will again for our next cruise in 2024. I think it's an easier option than worrying about paying later. It can be hard to try to 'get your money's worth' if that bothers you on days off the boat or if you just don't feel like a drink. We did not regret buying the full package ahead of time and I did not sit around waiting for the price change much, but did rebook once to save a few bucks. Either way it was very easy and helpful to have it all taken care of and not have to worry about up charges later IMO

[@StarWarrior91]

Could you do a guide to Royal’s mocktails?

[@DrewThatsWho]

I appreciate these videos! I've never cared about soda, or non-alcoholic specialty drinks. Unfortunately they don't have just and alcohol drink package, which is a bummer.

[@sandrawilkinson2557]

My favorite is getting the refresher package and using my free drinks (diamond plus) for alcohol. The last couple of sailing the refresher package did not go on sale so I got the coffee card and water that was on sale. Worked great for me.

[@Nancy-w6f]

I never thought of doing that, brilliant!

[@jeffreylevin9616]

Listening right now on the TV to your New Year's Day live. Enjoy your content so much. You might be my favorite. You really make me want to cruise with RCL. I'm glad I watched this video the other day. When you said if you only drink beer you probably don't need a drink package. That hit the nail on the head. My first and only cruise was with NCL Escape which included the drink package. So I made use of it but didn't abuse it. Had a pina colada at the pool usually once a day. Some kahlua and cream . And one Sambucca but I really only need a few beers. Planning on doing that a la carte on FOS in June.

[@RysoxBattleon]

We decided to go for the refreshment package for our Alaskan cruise.

[@wompa70]

For a 5-7 night cruise I’ll get the deluxe package. Frozen style drink and a bottle water every 45 minutes or so during the day. Then a couple fancy cocktails in the evening. For just a weekend cruise, I can have water and coffee like I do at home.

[@rouvencocker]

Honestly don't drink on ship just ports. Drinks are stupid expensive and the packages don't help. 100 dollars pp a day, your looking at 1400 extra for a seven day cruise. That's another trip!!

[@gerardlang9690]

Last time my husband and I booked a crusie on the Granduer out of Tampa, we ended up booking a 1 bedroom Grand Suite which came with suite amenities, and during the happy hours, your drinks were included so that helped

[@seajlim]

First time cruise coming up. Going with the refreshment package because unlimited coffee, juice, soda, and water are already "treats" to me. I would need to drink 4+ alcoholic drinks to make the ultimate drink package worth it.. and I could do that 1 night, but not 4 days in a row. My perspective is purchasing the ultimate drink package would make me feel like I had to drink, and that's the opposite vibe of what I'm wanting on vacation.

[@DirectionlessStudent]

It depends on the person -- or people since everyone in the cabin must get it if you want it. If you only drink 4-6 drinks per day the deluxe package isn't going to make sense. Personally, I can put away over a dozen per day and the 40% wine discount can save me $30-40 per day since I like a decent bottle with dinner. If I pay $130 per day for two people it actually works out pretty well for us since it also covers my coffees and other beverages. Plus, as others have pointed out, the bartenders tend to know who has it pretty quickly, so you get in and out with your drink quicker and easier -- especially if throw a few bills down now and then.

[@lindak1768]

I’m glad we don’t drink alcohol anymore. For our upcoming cruise I plan on getting the refresh packages for us, my husband might only want the soda.

[@CarlyHudolin]

Are the drink packages commissionable for travel agents?

[@larrywatts3552]

Yes the drink package is the way to go 🎉🎉🎉

[@Quan-bo4np]

I just came off of icon on May 4 all I could’ve think about was drinks I regretted not getting the package I won’t miss it again!

[@MrPhilipgood]

Another benefit that most don't mention is the fact that you don't have to worry about the "additional gratuity" in the moment. With the drink package, if you want to tip the staff beyond the 18%, you can do it at the end of the cruise. Otherwise, you need to figure it out on every order.

[@tokenkingman4065]

On our first cruise we regretted not getting it because we ended up having less fun stressing over money. For our next cruise we prepaid, we might end up paying too much, but at least we don't have to worry about the money.

[@rd8696]

I like the refreshment package because if I was paying per drink, I would either not get the drinks or not enjoy paying 8 to 15 dollars a drink when I did get it. That way, I paid for it up front, and I dont think about cost. I just get a drink any time I feel like it. Also, when you get off the ship I always stop by the drink cart and grab some bottled water, powerade, and energy drinks while I am ashore which is included when I was on Allure.

[@JoshuaMiller-o6u]

The premium drink package is great as it is on top of the other drinks you get. Several coffees and sodas, and if you have 4 drinks a day that is 40-60 so you are already at 100 bucks for 1 day.

[@Cruise-hair-why-care]

I wish there was a “special price” for Diamond or above members on the Deluxe Beverage Package because we would use it much less because of the Diamond drinks. I love the four free drinks, don’t get me wrong, but the four a day just isn’t enough not to need to purchase additional drinks. I like to have special coffee and sodas too, but adding on the individual packages for those or the Refreshment Package just isn’t cost effective when you add up the total because I like to have more alcoholic drinks too. I’ve tried all of the packages except the coffee package and just purchasing additional drinks in addition to my four Diamond drinks but still would have preferred the Deluxe Package, but can’t see paying for it with the four free. Would love to see the package of X$ for 10 drinks or something like that on every ship. Reminder, if you purchase the deluxe beverage package and you get free drinks with your Diamond or higher level you can give them away to friends unlike drink package drinks that are for you only.

[@JFroMG_YT]

You’re paying for the convenience, which is the best part. I also got my moneys worth. Me and my wife met multiple couples at the bars, restaurants, and casinos that were running up hefty tabs. Well more than what me and my wife paid.

[@julieb7882]

If you can figure out if you can make the refreshment work for you, subtelract that price frome the deluxe package price. Divide the difference by the price of your usual drink. That's how much alcohol you need to drink each day to break even. My number is 2 or 3 per day.

[@Ariadne147]

Getting the drink package isn’t so much about money as it is about nor having to worry about how much I’m spending.

[@Cruiselover18]

Deluxe beverage is awesome you have no worries about nothing. You get water, specialty coffe, sodas, cocktails, beers, wine and all types of alcohol

[@lindawahlers7510]

going on a 12 day cruise April 2025 with my sister, she doesn't want to buy the drink package, but I'm a drinker & I just think it's smarter to buy the package instead of paying $15 per drink, especially when I have no trouble downing 10-20 drinks per night....

[@RCKmak]

So a question about the Soda Package, do you have to fill up your soda cup before dining in the main dining room or will they bring you a glass with soda?

[@StarWarrior91]

Love that I’ll get unlimited shakes at Johnny Rockets on Adventure of the Seas this year

[@AZOrchid]

When discussing the cost analysis to decide if the cost is worth it, people only consider the cost of alcohol. If you drink a couple sodas and a few bottles of water a day the package pays for itself after maybe 3 alcoholic drinks. I knew I wanted soda and bottled water and at the time I bought my package, the deluxe was only $25 more than the mid-tier package that's the cost of one mixed drink and a beer

[@BryonVoyles]

Thanks Matt my wife and I are headed out on Royal Caribbean in December for a 7 day. She cannot drink alcohol due to meds she is on. So I don’t know how that will work out for us

[@shyrahhall4266]

I decided to get the refreshment package for me and my daughter. Sailing July 5th 2024, symphony of seas, 7 nights @ &29.99 first time ever cruising so we are going to enjoy will I make even who knows/ who cares. I’ll see after 🎉. It’s a celebration she turns 18 and high school graduation.

[@gothic138]

Very pro drink package. Buy it for every cruise.

[@aldogutierrezalcala3047]

I really love your content dude, as a first time cruiser it helps a lot! One quick question, we ordered the Non-Alcoholic Beverage Package, that means I can go to any of the restaurants/bar and order anything without alcohol? or this package only applies to specific ones? Thanks for your answer!

[@ModernMyths]

I'll admit. I used to get the soda package on my first few cruises. But it's a little too much now. And when I hit the Diamond (soon to be Diamond Plus) I found myself rarely drinking the soda and using my free drink vouchers for something else.

[@roadrebels1]

I had a Long Island Iced Tea and did’t feel the alcohol. I def should have. Is their alcohol watered down?

[@JClark2600]

@12:44 Remember this time stamp when you go to a self-service buffet. People commonly lick their hands and then get sick but don't want to stay in the cabin for their 'expensive' vacation. Don't just look at drink packages but also take a look at food stuff also.

[@nd4539]

omg 😵‍💫 some people just never learn! I expect that from kids, not grown adults

[@susanworsencroft4870]

I do like the convenience and not having a big bill at the end of the cruise. However, going on my first Royal cruise since 2019 this summer and the sticker shock of the drink package has me rethinking getting it this time!

[@EDThemeParkAttractions]

My cruise on Grandeur of the Seas, I got a soda package and put $300 onboard credit for drinks. I barely used it. If I was to get the deluxe package, would've cost 1000 for two people. 6 night cruise

[@zmanjz]

ROFL. that line: [Royal Caribbean wouldn't offer packages if they didn't save people money] is hilarious. I've got a bridge to sell you. it's only slightly used, but it'a great deal.

[@richardstrick]

Is this still available ? Is it 2 lane or 4lane? 😂

[@toniclarke281]

I had the same thought!

[@antonytsai6611]

i love their soda package such good value and is so convenient

[@justliss1827]

I brought the refreshment package for my family and I.

[@trekguy66]

I don’t drink soda or alcohol. I just want water. Do I even need a drink package?

[@StacyGuymon]

It would be really nice if you could reuse your cups on other cruises. Maybe just have a sticker for each cruise. This would save us from having many cups and eventually putting them in the trash.

[@Brittanyb0509]

It does seem wasteful

[@alexkeith5875]

If you got the souvenir cup from Coco Coco and can you ask to fill the cup with a drink

[@Jerod-vn2pj]

Can you buy it on a day to day basis on the cruise or do you have to pay for all remaining days of the cruise?

[@TravelsbyTeena]

Hi Matt. I have a question. You had mentioned that it's best to purchase a drink package right away and, if the price reduces, you can simply cancel your package, get a refund, and then repurchase it again at the lower price. My question is...can you also do this even if you paid in full for everything right away when you booked your cruise, as opposed to just paying a deposit? My son and his partner just booked a 3-day cruise to Perfect Day at CocoCay, and they paid about $800 CDN for the deluxe drink package alone. I thought this seemed excessive for 2 people on a 3-day cruise, and that was even at discounted rate already.

[@xiaogai999]

Can you order multiple mocktails at once with refreshment package

[@TheMaxRebo]

With the coming Icon class I know they have been promoting all these new, fancy drinks they will have on the ship - do we know if these will all (or almost all) be covered by the drink package? Hate to get it and then find a lot of the new fun, special drinks are still extra

[@TeeCee4eva1381]

My thoughts exactly

[@totalEPICness88]

Can you do the same price trick with water park tickets?

[@DevilRawDog]

What happens if you order a drink using your drink package card and give your drink to your buddy? Would they cancel out your card if they find out?

[@Olytiger93]

Is the CC Freestyle loaded? Most on land feature Powerade, lemonade, etc. Are the RC machines just sodas?

[@ihsrosary]

What happens if you purchase a glass of wine for $20. Do they credit you the maximum $14 from the drink package and only charge you the difference of $6 + gratuity?

[@travis9791]

I always hear that the DBP includes a top shelf for mixed drinks. I was drinking Long Island's on my last cruise. I asked for one with the top shelf. I saw them mix Jose Cuervo in it which isn't a top shelf. I didn't see what the brands were of the other liquors. I didn't really like it because all I could taste was Jose. When I asked a different bartender for my next one, he said he couldn't use those. Did he not understand what I wanted, or since it has 4 shots he didn't want to use the good stuff? I've ordered other single liquor drinks with Gray Goose, or Patron no problem.

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

Don't say "top shelf". Specify the liquor you want.