Royal Caribbean Drink Package Guide for 2025 cruises

[@laughremixsquad]

The advice in this video is free and well researched. So many people still complaining and not a single thank you for the team putting these high quality FREE videos out on a consistent basis.

[@MonicaPetitjean]

Plan to add the DBP price in your vacation budget and relax! From breakfast(Baileys in coffee or Mimosas), morning, lunch, afternoon, dinner until evening it is not hard to “ get your moneys”” worth.” The relaxation factor is worth it.

[@JaniceM0908]

We made diamond in 2022, we aren’t big drinkers, so the diamond drinks are perfect for us. We used to cruise once a year, now twice a year, 18 days in 2024, looking forward to 23 days in 2025. Thanks for all you do!

[@robertchampagne7539]

We used to get the drinks package until our last cruise. We decided to not get it and do what we normally do, we didn’t try to drink less to save money or go without. We found that we had actually saved $300.00 Needles to say we no longer get it.

[@BuddySchauland]

We didn't know about the drink package on our first cruise in 2011. After 4 days, that was a price I didn't like when we left. Since then, we have gotten the drink package for every cruise. We don't drink as much, but it is paid before we sail, we can spend our money on other things, and we can try any drink that we want (well, the wife can, I have learned to stick to beer). Great video.

[@stevesutherland824]

We’re Diamond and get 4 free drinks a day each, this works great for us 🎉

[@timseitz2271]

Refreshment package is awesome, great mocktail mango margaritas! Also can be used at the bionic bar! Love that package!

[@tiffanybrown5196]

Good to know that 😊 going on a cruise 2025

[@jamespugh]

Is worth the 35 to 38 a day or worth going to cheap packages for just pop

[@sludog]

Maybe this changed since November 2023 but we bought our 11 year old the refreshment package on Oasis and he was unable to use the bionic bar because he was underage and package was in his name. He did do some serious damage at Johnny rockets for shakes and got a ton of smoothies from the vitality juice bar. 😊

[@richscary]

I've noticed that we've been getting a lot of special "Diamond and Above" discount offers. Some as much as 45% off per person. Even though we are essentially giving up our vouchers it still makes the drink package very affordable in our opinion, so the "convenience factor" of not singing and not worrying that you mentioned in the video becomes more enticing. Before we reached diamond, the drink package was a no-brainer. We want to enjoy the cruise and know we drink enough that we will at least break even so it made the cruise more fun for us.

[@FootprintsofInspiration]

We’re cruising in May and bought the drink package very early after booking. This will be our first time cruising with it and we’re excited that it’s all taken care of and we don’t have to worry about it. Thanks for all the great tips, Matt.

[@adamellis3013]

Won my cruise and it’s included 😁

[@kenyattaclay7666]

The biggest tip about drink packages is to just not buy them because for 95% of people it’s a complete waste of money. However if you want to not have to worry about a bill you can do one of two things. You can either add cash to your account and collect whatever you don’t spend or you can get gift cards and add them to your account and use it over multiple cruises if you have anything left over. The only way a drink package is worth the cost is if other items are included like what Princess does with their Plus & Premier package.

[@NicolasGilfillan]

Already bought the package months ago but I’m going on my honeymoon on Mariner tomorrow and I’m so excited!

[@jamespugh]

Congratulations 🎊

[@jasonliebenow8793]

We got a great bundle deal on Drink/Internet package during Black Friday. Thank you for producing these informative videos. But like he has said in past videos, once you reserve the package, you can cancel it and rebook if a lower price comes along.

[@CypressElf]

I’d rather go on another cruise than pay for the drink package. For the cost it would be for a six night sailing for my husband and I we could book another cruise!

[@arlenemaxwellcopeland1644]

I can't justify using Royal's package when it costs almost as much as our cabin. Husband and I only drink Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. Husband may drink a beer. If there's a separate wine package, we might take that. If not, we send gift bottles to the room pre cruise, bring two on with us, and buy bottles at the bar if we run out. Bottles usually run about $35 with gratuity included. When we get a deal that includes a drink package on other lines, we take it so I can get bottle water and specialty coffee too. That makes the package worth the cost.

[@charlesschroeder4062]

I got the deluxe drink package on every cruise and make good use of it. Always bought it in advance and looked at pricing every time I get an email. Black Friday is the best! Coffees, shakes, bottled water, soda, energy drinks, mocktails and alcohol drinks. Never did the math after. Its good to have a water or mocktail with you to stay hydrated and eat less. - Now I'm Diamond so I get the Refreshment package and get standard drinks all day and time the alcohol. Also bring 1 bottle of wine for the room. Works out well. - Good detail in the video, even as an experienced cruiser its confusing with all the possibilities. Maybe we get the coffee card next time instead of the refreshment package, don't know.

[@uneCENT]

I'd love to see a video of your favorite drinks on the boat. I find myself trying new things but always returning to the same 5 and would love to get more ideas of what to ask for.

[@Ovanite33]

I was able to get my deluxe package for $70.99 per day on Cyber Monday for my May 2025 sailing on Wonder of the Seas. Seems like that is a pretty decent price. I'll continue to check for a possible price drop.

[@candlechef6786]

How many days is you'd cruise

[@candlechef6786]

How many days is your cruise

[@Ovanite33]

@@candlechef6786 7 nights

[@Ovanite33]

@@candlechef6786 7 nights

[@christineedwards1252]

We just had the Classic soda package. We enjoyed it.

[@jamespugh]

Classic soda is what 12 a person? In free cup ?? 🥤

[@MDH_Joey]

I used the package with mocktails my daughter loved the soda I wasn't drinking since it was just us , also get dinning packages totally worth it

[@pcrusier3715]

The deluxe package for Canadians right now is about $105 per day, which is 8 drinks per day. If you are going on a 7 or more day cruise this is just insane. Sure ‘weekend’ cruises where you drink for 3-4 days… maybe… but for 7 or more days why make yourself drink to make it worth it.

[@Vickix1185]

I've got the deluxe package booked for my upcoming cruise, and had it on my cruise on Oasis in May this year. For me, the convenience and not needing to worry about the final bill make it worthwhile. Between coffees, sodas, water and alcohol, I think we broke even last time, but I don't really care about that - I just want to pre-pay and forget about it. Both times, I've purchased during the Black Friday sales - last year got it for £64 per person, per day, this year got it for £59 per person, per day. I tried drinks I never normally would in May, and now have some favourites I'm looking forward to on Voyager in June!

[@mrtodd3620]

As a first time cruiser last year on RC, it was confusing to understand the various plans and how they connected to the various venues on the ship. Of course, liquor is understandable, but everything else is available here and not there--where do you get a smoothie and really how many smoothies do you need in a day! --and of course there is the free offerings that may be very adequate. If you are a coffee drinker, free drip coffee is available in lots of places, including Cafe Promenade and the buffet. For myself, I like hot tea in the morning and ice tea later in the day, and there is plenty of that too, for free. In fact, RC had a terrific foil-pack tea display with multiple varieties of regular and herbal teas along with every type of sweetener you would ever want. I would suggest bringing a larger mug from home to these outlets so that you aren't reliant on the smaller mugs that RC has on offer; I drink tea out of a 16 oz. mug at home but I bet the RC mugs were around 6 oz. As for ice tea, they have dispensers, but I could easily make my own with a mug of hot tea poured over ice in a larger tumbler that I brought with me. It may come across as penny pincher to make your own ice tea, but if you have a routine that you enjoy at home, there is no reason to stop the routine just because you are on vacation if there is a workaround. And if the ship doesn't offer exactly what you want on tap, you just make your own.

[@daniak7468]

I’m not a big drinker, I’m diamond and most days I don’t even use my 4 free drinks, but grab extra bottled water for my room. I do get the soda package because I drink soda throughout the day.

[@leonardwaters293]

I went on my 1st ever cruise on Allure a few months ago and I got the deluxe package and it worked great but I don't drink often and only really drink cocktails and I don't like beer, the drinks seemed watered down (I averaged a drink an hour when I boarded and never even caught a buzz) so I'll get the refresher package on my next cruise and get an alcohol drink on special occasions. But I did love not worrying about the tab while ordering and everything processed very smoothly.

[@ashleyc6511]

We always purchase in advance and then never stress afterwards. If we don’t exactly break-even it’s still worth it since it includes the coffees, sodas, bottled waters etc. Like you said Matt, it’s vacation so why be worried about money!

[@ModernMyths]

I used to just get the soda package. But after the first few cruises those collectors cups take up a lot of space in my house XD So glad when i got to Diamond and I didn't have to get the cups anymore.

[@thiggs333]

Thanks Matt and Happy New Year! Nice to start us off 2025 drinking! Why Not! Good episode

[@jordanmt007]

I’ll be honest, the drink packages are EXPENSIVE. Wish there was a middle ground between deluxe and refreshment. For perspective I took a 9 Night (4 port days) on Liberty in May (paid $1200pp ) and tried the deluxe package (paid $700pp ). At some point, I was ordering just because I could. Also paying $700 pp is another cruise for me so there’s that lol. If there was an option to prepay a limit of 4 drinks per day, I’d jump at it!

[@WarnerAJones]

Most people who debate getting the drink package try to calculate how many Alcoholic Beverages they would have to buy to break even. While that's valid, most don't consider the additional things you get with your drink package that would cost Money, like unlimited soda, coffee, mocktails, and water bottles, to name a few. Plus, if you can get your Drink Package bundled with something else, like the internet, it actually comes out as a great value.

[@Brendt-Bsatsea]

I prefer cruise lines that just include it all in my cruise price. Ill be on the 3rd and 4th sailings of the brand new (not even finished yet ) Celebrity Xcel next November / December. $1,100.00 PP Per week,....EVERYTHING included,......EVERYTHING ! In a Sunset Veranda

[@MDH_Joey]

Yeah people forget that they don't just need to have drink with alcohol in them smoothies mock tails soda and everything else makes it well worth it

[@evitathediva371]

How much are shots of alcohol?! I plan to purchase the refreshment package and get mocktails then just ask for a shot on the side.

[@sunstonefv5353]

Off the top of my head, $10-$12 plus 18% gratuity.

[@maries7058]

We are diamond and always get the refreshment package since four alcoholic drinks per day are more than enough for us.

[@jenmather4112]

Go back to 2:18 in this video. You see the bartender first dumping a clear liquid (water?) into the glass and then short pouring the liquor into the shot glass before dumping it into the glass. See,s like this is proof that they water down, or at the very least don’t give you a full shot of liquor in your expensive drink.

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

That’s probably triple sec or another flavoring liquor. It contains alcohol

[@laughremixsquad]

If you are concerned, you could order wine. It’s a known concentration of alcohol per drink with no mixers. I’ve noticed the mix drinks aren’t strong, but it doesn’t mean they are scamming you. It’s unlimited. 😂

[@jenmather4112]

@@laughremixsquad Yep. I do only order wine. But only because the mixed drinks are weak. I don’t buy the package. I pay per drink so at least when I order wine. I know what I’m getting.

[@jenmather4112]

@@RoyalCaribbeanBlog Could be.

[@laughremixsquad]

@@jenmather4112If you have the drink package, you can order a mixed drink and a spirit in a seperate glass, then add you mixed drink to the spirit glass. Cheers!

[@sludog]

I wonder if Royal will ever give unlimited drinks for Pinnacle level members. Kind of what celebrity cruises does for their top tier members. I believe it’s called Zenith level.

[@btab5332]

We are not big drinkers so a deluxe drink package does not make sense for us and the free coffee and tea is fine for us. I do get the soda package and I I love the Coke Free Style machines.

[@AngeloAbib]

Hey Matt! Great video, as usual! I have one question: do I have to buy the refreshment package for all people in cabin (its me, wife and 2 kids 10yo / 6yo)? This rule applies for all packages or just alcoholic ones? Tks again for your awesome videos and tips!!

[@highkeycass]

As stated, deluxe is usually between $55-115/day (let's average and say $85) and refreshment is $29/day (we'll say $30 for even numbers), assuming the average cocktail is $15, you would need to drink over 3 alcoholic beverages a day to "get your money's worth" versus owning the refreshment package and just buying alcohol when you want alcohol. Keep in mind, most people don't start drinking until lunch / pool time. Let's say you have 2 alcoholic beverages during then + mocktails. Then, you can also have a cocktail with dinner. At these rates, you are still saving money. Keep in mind, you already get mocktails, smoothies/coffee/fresh juice for breakfast/brunch time, milkshakes for something sweet (if there's johnny rockets), etc. And it's not like you can't have more than 3 a day, if we were basing this on a 7 day cruise, I'm just saying that's 21 alcoholic drinks the whole sailing before the deluxe becomes worth it. IMO, always, always, bare minimum get the refreshment package. If you think you're gonna be boozing, go for the deluxe, but most people simply don't drink that much ALCOHOL, but rather get soda/juices/smoothies/coffees/and even mocktails. I love going for virgin Miami Vices, Pina Coladas, and all the daiquiris.

[@adventura11]

I am going on Icon first cruise in Aug for a 40th bday celebration. We want to get the refreshment package. More for the fact we don’t want to worry about paying while there that can easily get out of hand if you’re not careful. Summer is also very hot and will he consuming lots of liquids I personally drink frequently and keep hydrated often so having access to those mock tails and smoothies etc and not be stuck to the basic complementary will be nice. I don’t care to get the deluxe as we don’t drink alcohol often. That is our take on it. My friend and I are also teachers which will be going together and we don’t have an income in the summer we go on employment insurance so that is also a big reason why having a drink package helps then having to worry about paying a gigantic bill at the end. We are also from Canada so paying everything in advance and planning will save us the exchange rate which is significant when on board and paying for drinks separately will he paying more in exchange.

[@jonesmcjones6676]

I buy the deluxe beverage package ahead of time so I can enjoy my vacation without concerning myself about a massive tab at the end of my trip.

[@Brendt-Bsatsea]

Right now, you will pay $1000 for 6 nights,...at least thats what they want from me @ $81.99 PP,PN,...that price hasnt changed in 5-6 months at least.

[@RyanArnott-w9h]

@@Brendt-Bsatsea81.99 a night is crazy, are you in Canada by chance?

[@edennnx]

@@Brendt-BsatseaI got 69.99 is that good

[@Brendt-Bsatsea]

@RyanArnott-w9h Close,....Washington State

[@Brendt-Bsatsea]

@@edennnx Its way better then what they want from me

[@laughremixsquad]

Great video, as always, RCB!

[@kevzilla2746]

We bought the refreshment package w VOOM wifi device as a bundle for our next cruise in Jan '25 but I don't see that as an option for our cruise after that in Aug '25.

[@tduck828]

That was a special bundle deal but almost all of them were cheaper to buy the things outright if you did the math.

[@RyanArnott-w9h]

The key has the internet package included, doesn’t have the drink package but it’s still super nice

[@brandone1200]

Does the drink package include the shakes at Johny rockets?

[@elizabethbrown9904]

RCCL needs to flat rate the drink packages across the fleet

[@sharonh5399]

I have the refreshment package. Someone said you can just buy a shot to put in?

[@GH56789]

Do they have cold pressed juices or just orange juice?

[@Loomisdj]

If I'm on a 4-night cruise I think it's definitely worth it but the longer the cruise maybe not you'll eventually start slowing down

[@jamespugh]

Very good info 🎉

[@ryrycopyguy4441]

I think what a lot of people forget is that the Deluxe also includes those Specialty Coffee drinks and fresh juices from Vitality Spa. When you add the cost of those to your daily count of drinks it helps combat the drink fatigue you mentioned. The easiest way to decide if a drink package is worth the cost is to take the per day amount and divide it by $14. That will tell you how many drinks you need to "Break Even" and if you sub in some Coffees or Juices it really helps justify the cost overall.

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

Absolutely!

[@laughremixsquad]

Don’t forget sparkling water too!

[@deborahsteck2597]

Yea, I figured that out- fresh juices from Vitality Spa in AM are an excellent way to hydrate before drinking again at Noon--haha

[@theonly1-66]

How much are beers?

[@EvrydyJay]

Las Vegas strip pricing for drinks is around $20 or more, $14 for a drink. Isn’t that bad?

[@dan81275a]

Even the soda package got more expensive. It's not much, but everything is going up in price. It's crazy!

[@DieKastle-x5c]

If you watch, it is possible to get the Full Drinks Package at 35% of before the cruise. If you have made it to Diamond or above, then you can get the package for 45% off. I travel by myself in the stateroom, so that also helps make the decision easier, because I’m only paying for one person. So for example, l purchased the Deluxe Drinks Package on my next 9 day cruise at 45% off or $49.50 per day. So 3.5 of the $14 drinks each day and I have broken even. This makes it very easy to justify the purchase for myself. To even sweeten the deal on my next cruise, I had $150 on board credit included with my fare. So applied that to the total package price, which made it a spectacular deal. For the 9 day cruise, just an extra $370.20 for any beverages I want for the whole cruise. That price includes the gratuity. 😮. So it can be a very good add on to your cruise.

[@LoveHenry1234]

I'm going in August on Utopia with my wife and 3 children but we're in 2 rooms. My wife in 1 with 2 children and me in the other room with the other child. So could I just get 1 delux package for me and my wife not bother? If the answer is yes, I guess there's nothing stopping me from getting coffees for her on my package or do they have a plan to stop you doing this?

[@AnthonyHologounis96]

Great advice I love drink packages

[@uneCENT]

I enjoy having it for peace of mind. You will likely never save money with it, but it's nice to grab a beverage whenever you want without thinking about it. RCL knows this package is expensive and has been slowly raising the price of single drinks to make the package more attractive. The truth of the matter is that RCL drinks are very overpriced. They lack alcohol and there really isn't any wow liquors on the boat for enthusiast. RCL makes a killing no matter what path you take.

[@dudinetravelviews]

Does anyone know the price for each bottle of sparkling water?

[@timcross11]

Can someone talk about the amount of emails Royal Carib send out daily/ weekly😂, PS it’s alot ha

[@portisleft6483]

Drink package prices have gone beyond my limit; I’ll pay as I go. Everyone has the ability to make their own choices.

[@eddieadams2051]

It really sucks that RC makes your cabin mate also get a drink package. My wife doesn’t drink a drop but I love to drink! I’m not going to share my drink package with anyone and I wish they would find a way to change this, but it makes too much money for them.

[@andyl9920]

I know all adults in the same cabin are required to get a drink package if someone wants to get the alcohol package, but can the other passenger get the soda package because they dont drink alcohol? Or would it have to be the Refreshment package?

[@johnscalia7172]

Yes. Contact Royal and talk to them. Things can usually be worked out. My wife and I go on the Star Trek cruise every year. She takes morphi e 3x a day and cannot drink. I do drink. When it's time for our beverage pa page, we call Royal and she gets the refreshment or soda package and I get the full drink package.

[@vinchenzomarchiavafa962]

@Tmartn @Tmartn2 sighting at 12:39 lmao

[@gamingwithalfredo]

If you guys order a drink package in odyssey of the seas, make sure you buy it from my argentine friends, martin and hector.

[@jewels7822]

I would add Bingo to the list, the cost is ridiculous

[@adamellis3013]

What’s the energy drink options?

[@brandongodfrey8596]

Pretty much red bull and sugar free I believe.... That's all I've had on 3 different RC cruises besides coffees

[@sf3413]

Not for us because of how little we drink things not included. Happy to get something here or there, but we'd never get anywhere near breaking even with the drink packages.

[@Brendt-Bsatsea]

Royal,..... Royally sucks when it comes to drink package. I have gotten ALL my drink packages included for the last 12 cruises including lines: Holland, NCL, Princess, Carnival, And on my upcoming Celebrity Xcel (3rd and 4th sailings on the BRAND NEW SHIP), most have also included Wi-Fi...... Price was $81.99 PP,PD the day we booked our cruise on Royal ,...was told to hold off as it would go down and best deals were Black Friday,.....It didnt budge for 5-6 months including Black Friday. It finally changed for the 2 weeks before X-mas. It went UP to $87.99. Went back to $81.99 the day after X-mas and I doubt it will do anything but go up prior to our cruise Jan 19th. This will be our 1st cruise with Royal,......it is likely to also be our LAST. Not going to pay out $984.00 for a week when all other cruise lines give it away much of the time. So much for ever cruising on ICON,.....the line is too greedy.

[@rolori3]

Anybody know if/how you can use your drink package before your room is ready? It is my understanding you don’t get your Sea Pass card until your room is ready which can be later in the day. Are suites ready earlier? Just curious, sailing in a suite with drink package on Mariner 1/16.

[@sunstonefv5353]

Yes. Just let the bartender know your cabin number.

[@rolori3]

Thank you! It’s my first cruise! Super excited!

[@darrenditmer2517]

We only get the water. We are fine with the free drinks.

[@js384575]

Does anybody have any experience only buying one refreshment beverage package for two people?

[@heidischoening1579]

We got a 40% off "interior cabin discount" recently 😂

[@delbertsouthall8220]

Got my Deluxe Package for Seniors @ $55/per/day. I believe that’s the best I can do. We’re doing an Alaska Cruise on the Radiance of the Sea in September 25.

[@bigguy1403]

Still don't see senior discount for drink package for my cruise in 90 days. Once in awhile I've seen it on ther cruises.

[@delbertsouthall8220]

@ - It was during the Black Friday Sale.

[@lerouxly67]

I had an interior cabin discount during black friday sale... I'll take it!! LOL

[@Plum_bird]

Personally speaking anything over $60-$75 a day turns into me drinking just to be drinking and I really don’t think that would add to a positive vacation experience for me. I can easily see myself drinking a glass of fresh squeeze juice or coffee for breakfast, having two cocktails by the pool, the beach or throughout the midday midday, and having two glasses of wine with my dinner. Anything over that is more than I normally drink and even this breakdown is excessive for my daily consumption.

[@jorgemassiah2188]

I wanted to buy a souvenir cup on the last day of the cruise they said no 😭

[@Brendt-Bsatsea]

Yupp,.....the company is a rip off,

[@ScentsibleHomeWithJamie]

We love having the drink package for the pure convenience of not having to sign any receipts when we get drinks. With that being said, I don’t think we are buying drink packages for our next cruise in April. These packages cost more than what we even spend on excursions! 👎🏻

[@antonioholmes989]

Gotta have my package

[@brandongodfrey8596]

Faxxx lol

[@margiesadventures8423]

Interesting info as it is NOT UNLIMITED DRINKS. You are LIMITED to 15 drinks a day!!!! You have to drink way more than a couple drinks a day to make it worth it, otherwise pay for what you drink. Much cheaper, unless you plan on drinking all day and night every day.

[@RoyalCaribbeanBlog]

You are not limited to 15 drinks per day on Royal Caribbean. Carnival does but not Royal

[@Solo_Traveling]

Not worth it. On my last cruise I got the coffee package and not even this one was worth it. Next time I'm not getting any drink package. I don't drink that much and I find these packages are REALLY expensive.

[@BethNeutze]

As a non-drinker, my Diamond benefits are sufficient.

[@tduck828]

Cool. Most don't fall in that category so these videos are helpful.

[@dchang3838]

If you use the money for the drink package to go on a cruise, you can easily have enough points to be a diamond member, then you can enjoy 4 drinks a day. I find 4 drinks is enough for me. Sometimes I don't even use all 4 vouchers, I'll then get bottles of water instead😅

[@bigguy1403]

Drink Packages are getting way overpriced. Also, how can we tell Royal Caribbean to find another song to play on their infomercial that come on TV and KZbin and dump that gang rapper song. So irritating.

[@BourbonJawnt]

You’ll live… “big guy”

[@RyanArnott-w9h]

Get them on discount, I got the same price that they were two years ago

[@FelixTorres-wl5vt]

@RyanArnott-w9hyup there are plenty discounts

[@wzupmane]

Sound like carnival cruise may be for you!

[@reenakemp9132]

Oh not "Big Guy" again making his rounds complaining

[@911HRW]

As a Brit, $14 for 1 drink, $90 a day, 7 drinks a day and you break even. Easy to do 7 drinks, 1 prior to dinner, 3 with dinner, 3 at the evening entertainment. That’s not including poolside, wipeout, casino, you’d be mad not to buy it.

[@candlechef6786]

I don't have a drinking problem said your liver😅

[@911HRW]

@@candlechef6786Saw some shirts on my last cruise that said “shut up liver, I have the drinks package”

[@ochenhetree]

15 a day easy for a Russian citizen

[@candlechef6786]

@@ochenhetree lol....that is true and they live forever

[@theonly1-66]

How much are beers?

[@saltlife5866]

Too overpriced