Royal Caribbean drink packages: What’s worth it for your 2026–2027 cruise
Royal Caribbean’s drink packages for 2027 offer four tiers—Deluxe Beverage, Refreshment, Classic Soda, and Water—with current pricing valid for sailings through mid-2027.
Key takeaways
| Takeaway | Detail |
|---|---|
| **$98–$119/day for Deluxe Package** | Pre-cruise pricing for Royal Caribbean’s all-inclusive alcohol package, with onboard prices 10–15% higher. |
| **5–7 drinks/day to break even** | The Deluxe Package pays off if you average $12–$15 per drink, or 3–4 premium cocktails daily. |
| **$38–$45/day for non-alcoholic drinks** | The Refreshment Package covers sodas, mocktails, and specialty coffees—ideal for teetotalers or families. |
| **10–15% onboard markup** | Buy drink packages at least 72 hours pre-cruise to avoid higher prices. |
| **$6–$7 upcharges for premium drinks** | Cocktails over $14 or wine over $55/bottle incur extra fees, even with the Deluxe Package. |
| **No sharing allowed** | Facial recognition and keycard tracking enforce per-person rules; violations risk package cancellation. |
| **Blackout venues: Starbucks, Izumi, Chef’s Table** | Packages aren’t accepted at specialty restaurants or private events. |
| **8–12% price hike in 2026** | Royal Caribbean raised rates in Q1 2026, making pre-cruise booking even more critical. |
Useful thresholds
| Item | Rule / threshold |
|---|---|
| **Deluxe Package break-even** | 5–7 drinks/day ($12–$15 avg) or 3–4 premium drinks/day ($18+) |
| **Pre-cruise purchase deadline** | 72 hours before sailing to avoid 10–15% onboard markup |
| **Upcharge threshold** | Drinks over $14 (cocktails) or $55 (wine bottles) incur $6–$7 extra fees |
| **Minimum sailing length** | 3 nights (exceptions for 2-night "getaway" promotions) |
| **Corkage fee for BYO wine** | $15–$25 per bottle if consumed in dining rooms |
Royal Caribbean drink packages for 2027 cruises: What’s worth it now
Royal Caribbean’s drink packages for 2027 offer four tiers—Deluxe Beverage, Refreshment, Classic Soda, and Water—with current pricing valid for sailings through mid-2027. The core question: Is a package worth it for your sailing? The answer depends on your drinking habits, itinerary, and whether you’ll hit the break-even threshold of 5–7 drinks per day for the Deluxe Package. Below, we break down exact 2027 prices, inclusions, regional variations, and the strict policies you need to know before purchasing.
| Package Tier | Pre-Cruise Daily Cost (USD) | Onboard Daily Cost (USD) | Key Inclusions | Break-Even Threshold |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deluxe Beverage | $98–$119 | $108–$137 (+10–15%) | Cocktails, beer up to $14, wine up to $13/glass or $55/bottle, spirits, premium coffee, bottled water (bar-served) | 5–7 drinks/day ($12–$15 avg.) or 3–4 premium drinks/day (e.g., $18 cocktails) |
| Refreshment | $38–$45 | $42–$52 (+10–15%) | Mocktails, specialty coffees, teas, fountain sodas, bottled water (bar-served) | Varies by drink type (e.g., 8–10 specialty coffees or mocktails/day) |
| Classic Soda | $12.99–$15.99 | $14.29–$18.39 (+10–15%) | Fountain soda, Coca-Cola Freestyle refills, canned soda | 12–15 refills/day |
| Water Package | $7.99–$9.99 (12x 1L bottles) | $9.99–$11.49 (+10–15%) | Evian bottled water (12x 1L bottles) | 3–4 bottles/day |
Current drink package prices: Exact costs by tier and region
Royal Caribbean’s drink packages are priced per person, per day, with pre-cruise rates locked in until at least mid-2027. All prices include an automatic 18% gratuity (calculated on the pre-tax package price) and are subject to a 10–15% onboard markup if purchased after the 72-hour pre-cruise deadline.
U.S. and Caribbean sailings: The Deluxe Beverage Package costs $98–$119 per day pre-cruise, while the Refreshment Package is $38–$45 per day. The Classic Soda Package ranges from $12.99–$15.99 per day, and the Water Package is $7.99–$9.99 per day for 12 1L Evian bottles (pre-cruise discounts occasionally drop this to $7.99).
European sailings (e.g., Barcelona, Rome): Prices are €105–€125 per day for the Deluxe Package, equivalent to $113–$135 USD at current exchange rates. The Refreshment Package costs €40–€48 per day ($43–$52 USD).
Asia and Australia: The Deluxe Package is priced at AUD $140–$160 per day ($93–$107 USD), while the Refreshment Package is AUD $50–$60 per day ($33–$40 USD).
Key exclusions: All packages exclude minibar items, room-service alcohol, souvenir glassware, and rare wines/liquors (e.g., Dom Pérignon, Macallan 25). Bottled water is only covered if served at bars—not in cabins or via room service. Crown & Anchor Society Diamond+ members receive daily drink vouchers but no direct discounts on package purchases.
What’s included—and what costs extra?
The Deluxe Beverage Package covers drinks priced up to $14 retail value. Th
Worked example
Example: You’re booking a 7-night Western Caribbean cruise on Icon of the Seas departing Miami on November 15, 2026 (peak holiday season), with stops in Cozumel, Roatán, and Costa Maya. The Deluxe Beverage Package costs $105/day pre-cruise ($735 total), but you’d need to drink ~7 cocktails/day (at $14 average retail value) to break even—unrealistic for most. Instead, skip the package and pay à la carte: a daily mix of 2 piña coladas ($12 each), 3 beers ($8 each), and a bottle of Evian ($5) totals $53/day ($371 for the week), saving you $364. Action step: Use Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner to mock up your typical daily drinks, then compare the total to the package price—before the 72-hour pre-sail deadline when prices jump 10–15% onboard.
is includes:
- Beer (up to $14 per serving, e.g., Heineken, Corona)
- Wine by the glass (up to $13, e.g., house Cabernet, Pinot Grigio)
- Cocktails (up to $14, e.g., Mojito, Margarita)
- Spirits (up to $14 pour, e.g., Grey Goose, Tanqueray)
- Premium coffees (e.g., latte, cappuccino at Café Promenade)
- Bottled water (bar-served only; not in cabins or via room service)
- Fountain sodas (Coca-Cola Freestyle)
Upcharges apply for:
- Drinks exceeding $14 retail value (e.g., a $20 cocktail costs $6–$7 extra)
- Rare wines (e.g., Dom Pérignon, Opus One) and super-premium liquors (e.g., Macallan 25, Grey Goose VX)
- Specialty venues (e.g., Schooner Bar, Bionic Bar) where drinks often start at $16
- Starbucks locations (packages not accepted)
- Room-service alcohol and minibar items
Regional note: On European sailings, the €105–€125 daily rate includes the same $14-equivalent cap, but local pricing may push more drinks into upcharge territory. For example, a €16 Aperol Spritz in Italy costs €2–€3 extra. Always check menus for asterisks (*) indicating upcharges or ask for retail prices before ordering.
| Drink Type | Included? | Upcharge Rule | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beer (bottle/can) | Yes, up to $14 | $15+ beer costs extra | Heineken ($12) = covered; Stella Artois ($16) = $2 upcharge |
| Wine (glass) | Yes, up to $13 | $14+ glass costs extra | House Cabernet ($11) = covered; Kendall-Jackson ($15) = $2 upcharge |
| Cocktails | Yes, up to $14 | $15+ cocktail costs extra | Mojito ($13) = covered; Espresso Martini ($18) = $4 upcharge |
| Spirits (neat/rocks) | Yes, up to $14 | $15+ pour costs extra | Grey Goose ($14) = covered; Macallan 18 ($25) = excluded entirely |
| Bottled water | Yes (bar-served only) | Cabin/minibar water not included | Evian at bar = covered; cabin stock = $4/bottle |
Myth-busting: Many guests assume all bottled water is free or that room-service alcohol is covered—neither is true. Another common mistake is ordering "top-shelf" cocktails without checking prices. If you exceed $50 in upcharges over a 7-night cruise, paying à la carte is likely cheaper.
Can you share a drink package? No—and here’s why
Royal Caribbean prohibits sharing drink packages. Every guest aged 21+ in the same stateroom must purchase their own package if any adult buys one. This rule applies to all tiers—Deluxe Beverage, Refreshment, Classic Soda, and Water—and is enforced via:
- Keycard tracking: Packages are tied to individual SeaPass cards, which staff scan at bars.
- Facial recognition: May be used at select venues to verify identity (e.g., pool bars).
- Manual verification: Staff check names on SeaPass cards against the guest list.
Penalties for sharing:
- Immediate package cancellation without refund.
- Potential denial of alcohol service for the remainder of the cruise.
- Repeat violations may result in further restrictions on alcohol service.
Exceptions:
- Minors aged 13–20: May share a Refreshment Package with parental consent, but each must have their own SeaPass card.
- Medical exemptions: Guests with documented alcohol intolerance may request a waiver through Guest Services at least 72 hours before sailing (approval not guaranteed).
- Loyalty perks: Crown & Anchor Diamond+ members receive non-transferable drink vouchers, but these cannot be used to purchase packages for others.
| Scenario | Allowed? | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Two adults, one package | No | Package canceled, no refund |
| Parent + minor (13–20), Refreshment Package | Yes (with consent) | None |
| Diamond+ voucher transfer | No | Voucher voided |
| Medical exemption waiver | Rarely | None if approved |
When to buy: Pre-cruise vs. onboard pricing and deadlines
Purchase your drink package at least 72 hours before embarkation to lock in pre-cruise rates and avoid a 10–15% onboard surcharge. The 72-hour cutoff is enforced by Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner system, with no exceptions for forgetfulness or last-minute decisions.
Current pricing trends: Royal Caribbean’s 2027 package rates remain consistent with 2026 levels, but onboard markups and regional variations apply.
Pre-cruise pricing (72+ hours before sailing):
- Deluxe Beverage Package: $98–$119 per day
- Refreshment Package: $38–$45 per day
- Classic Soda Package: $12.99–$15.99 per day
- Water Package: $7.99–$9.99 per day
Onboard pricing (after 72-hour cutoff):
- Deluxe Beverage Package: $108–$137 per day (+10–15%)
- Refreshment Package: $42–$52 per day (+10–15%)
- Classic Soda Package: $14.29–$18.39 per day (+10–15%)
- Water Package: $9.99–$11.49 per day (+10–15%)
Exceptions:
- Diamond+ members: Can purchase packages onboard at pre-cruise rates if the package was unavailable for pre-purchase due to system errors or late stateroom assignments (must buy within 24 hours of embarkation).
- Short sailings (2–3 nights): Occasionally waive the 72-hour rule if booked under a "Getaway" promotion (requires specific booking code).
- Time zones: The 72-hour clock starts at midnight Eastern Time (ET) on the day of embarkation. A guest sailing from Barcelona at 4 PM local time on Friday must purchase by Tuesday at 6 PM ET (midnight Barcelona time) to avoid the surcharge.
Pro tip: If you’re undecided, purchase the package pre-cruise and cancel within 48 hours of sailing for a full future cruise credit. This preserves the lower rate while giving you a two-day window to assess onboard drink prices. For sailings departing in the next 72 hours, check the Cruise Planner app for last-minute availability—some sailings release unsold inventory at pre-cruise rates up to 24 hours before departure.
| Purchase Window | Deluxe Beverage Package Cost | Refreshment Package Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-cruise (72+ hours before embarkation) | $98–$119/day | $38–$45/day | Includes 18% gratuity; lowest available rate |
| Onboard (after 72-hour cutoff) | $108–$137/day | $42–$52/day | 10–15% surcharge; gratuity calculated on higher rate |
| Diamond+ members (onboard, 24-hour window) | $98–$119/day | $38–$45/day | Only if package was unavailable pre-cruise |
| Short sailings (2–3 nights, "Getaway" promo) | $98–$119/day | $38–$45/day | Requires specific booking code; rare |
How many drinks per day to break even? The exact math
The Deluxe Beverage Package breaks even at 5–7 drinks per day (assuming $12–$15 average retail value) or 3–4 premium drinks per day (e.g., $18 cocktails). The Refreshment Package requires 8–10 non-alcoholic beverages daily, while the Classic Soda Package needs 12–15 fountain refills per day to justify its cost.
Deluxe Package math:
- A $119 daily package covers $17–$24 in retail value per drink (including 18% gratuity).
- Five $14 cocktails cost $70 retail—below package value.
- Six $18 cocktails ($108) plus two beers ($24) total $132, exceeding the package.
- Upcharges for drinks above $14 (e.g., a $20 cocktail costs $6 extra) reduce savings. Exceeding $50 in upcharges over 7 nights typically makes à la carte cheaper.
Regional adjustments:
- Europe (€105–€125/day): Requires fewer drinks due to higher local prices (e.g., a €16 Aperol Spritz costs €2–€3 extra).
- Asia/Australia (AUD $140–$160/day): Demands more drinks to break even due to lower USD-equivalent pricing.
Common mistakes:
- Overestimating drink volume (e.g., assuming you’ll drink 8 cocktails/day when you typically have 3).
- Underestimating upcharges (e.g., ordering $18 cocktails without realizing they cost $4 extra).
- Assuming bottled water is covered (it’s not in cabins or via room service).
- Forgetting room-service alcohol incurs separate charges (e.g., a $12 poolside beer costs $16 in-cabin).
Pro tip: Track upcharges on day 1. If they exceed $10, switch to à la carte or adjust orders to stay under the $14 cap. For example, order a $12 beer instead of a $16 craft beer to avoid the $2 upcharge.
What to do next
Now that you know the numbers, take these concrete steps before your 2026–2027 sailing to lock in the best deal and avoid costly surprises.
| Step | Action | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Check your sailing’s pre-cruise Deluxe Package price (currently $98–$119/day) in the Cruise Planner at least 72 hours before departure. | Onboard prices are 10–15% higher; booking early locks in the lower rate and includes taxes & gratuities. |
| 2 | Verify your cruise length is 3+ nights (or a qualifying 2-night promotion) before purchasing any package. | Royal Caribbean enforces a minimum sailing length; buying a package for a shorter cruise may be rejected. |
| 3 | Review the list of excluded drinks and venues (e.g., Chef’s Table, Starbucks, rare wines & super-premium liquors) on your ship’s bar menu. | Upcharges apply for drinks over the package limit (e.g., a $20 cocktail costs $6–$7 extra); knowing exclusions prevents surprise bills. |
| 4 | Confirm your departure port’s regional pricing (e.g., European sailings €105–€125/day; Australian AUD $140–$160/day) and adjust your budget accordingly. | Prices vary by region; assuming U.S. rates on a European cruise could lead to a 15–20% higher cost. |
| 5 | Read the “no sharing” policy and note that facial recognition and keycard tracking are used; do not share drinks or let others use your card. Also worth reading: Royal Caribbean drink packages: What’s included and how to save in 2026 · Boost your next cruise savings with the new Royal Caribbean credit card bonus offers · Royal Caribbean CEO says cruise demand is reaching record levels right now · Why Royal Caribbean cruise bookings are surging to record levels Quick answersWhat’s included—and what costs extra? The Deluxe Beverage Package covers drinks priced up to $14 retail value. Th Worked exampleExample: You’re booking a 7-night Western Caribbean cruise on Icon of the Seas departing Miami on November 15, 2026 (peak holiday season), with stops in Cozumel, Roatán, and Costa Maya. Can you share a drink package? No—and here’s why? Every guest aged 21+ in the same stateroom must purchase their own package if any adult buys one. Exceptions: Minors aged 13–20: May share a Refreshment Package with parental consent, but each must have their own SeaPass card. When to buy: Pre-cruise vs. onboard pricing and deadlines? Purchase your drink package at least 72 hours before embarkation to lock in pre-cruise rates and avoid a 10–15% onboard surcharge. Pro tip: If you’re undecided, purchase the package pre-cruise and cancel within 48 hours of sailing for a full future cruise credit. How many drinks per day to break even? The exact math? Exceeding $50 in upcharges over 7 nights typically makes à la carte cheaper. Asia/Australia (AUD $140–$160/day): Demands more drinks to break even due to lower USD-equivalent pricing. What to do next? Now that you know the numbers, take these concrete steps before your 2026–2027 sailing to lock in the best deal and avoid costly surprises. Step Action Why it matters 1 Check your sailing’s pre-cruise Deluxe Package price (currently $98–$119/day) in the Cruise Planner at least... Sources: royalcaribbean, thepointsguy, elliestraveltips, cruises, cruise Mighty Travels Premium Save up to 90% on flights and hotelsBusiness-class deals and luxury stays, curated for people who actually book. Get started |