Royal Caribbean Drink Packages

Royal Caribbean’s Drink Packages: What’s on the Menu?

So, you’ve booked your Royal Caribbean cruise, and now you’re eyeing those drink packages like a cat at a fish market. But are they worth it? Let’s dive into the juicy details of Royal Caribbean’s drink packages, because trust me, the devil is in those fine, fruity print details.

Package Types and Pricing

Okay, here’s the lowdown on what you’re choosing between when it comes to Royal Caribbean’s liquid assets:

• Deluxe Beverage Package: This is the mother of all drink packages, covering cocktails, spirits, liqueurs, beer, wine by the glass, non-alcoholic beverages, bottled water, and specialty coffee. Prices usually hover around $63-$89 per person, per day, depending on your cruise itinerary and sail dates. Oh, and don’t forget an obligatory 18% gratuity will be tacked on.
• Refreshment Package: Think of this as the teetotaler’s delight. You get non-alcoholic cocktails, premium coffees and teas, bottled water, fresh-squeezed juices, and soda. Costs range between $29-$38 per person, per day.
• Soda Package: Unlimited fountain sodas and refills at any venue. It’s the cheapest at $12-$15 per person, per day, but too many bubbles might make you float away.

What’s Included vs Excluded

You get a fair bit with these packages, but let’s zoom in on the asterisk-worthy items:

• Included: All the drinks covered by your package type, plus 20% off bottles of wine if you’re using the Deluxe package. That 20% might make you feel all fancy, but remember, you’re not getting that wine bottle for free.
• Excluded: Drinks served in souvenir glasses, minibar items, and room service beverages are not included. Oh, and certain high-end liquors might also ring in as an extra charge.

The Math: When Does the Package Pay for Itself?

Let’s crunch the numbers so you don’t have to:

– If you’re eyeing the Deluxe Beverage Package, you’ll need to sip down about 5-7 alcoholic beverages per day to get your money’s worth, considering each cocktail can cost around $13 a pop.
– The Refreshment Package breaks even if you’re downing at least 5 non-alcoholic beverages, such as specialty coffees and fresh-squeezed juices.
– Soda Package? You better be one of those folks who lives on fizzy drinks since you’d need about 5 sodas a day to come out ahead.

Specialty Drink Markups

Let’s spill some tea here. The average markup on cruise ship drinks is around 300%. Yes, that tropical cocktail you’re sipping might have cost Royal Caribbean a buck or two, but they’re charging you over ten clams. Keep this in mind when deciding whether to go package-free and pay as you drink or go all-in with a package.

Non-Alcoholic Options

You don’t have to be drunk to enjoy a cruise, contrary to popular belief. The non-alcoholic packages can be a sweet deal if you’re into specialty coffees, fresh juices, and all the soda your pancreas can handle. And with the Refreshment Package offering mocktails, you can still flaunt that fancy drink umbrella.

Sharing Rules

Royal Caribbean is onto your sneaky tricks. Packages are non-transferable and should only be used by the person who purchased them. Think you can share your package with your significant other? Guess again. They check your card against your photo ID, so no cheeky passing the card around. Also, if one adult in a cabin gets a Deluxe package, all adults in that cabin must do the same, unless they’ve got a medical note. More details on this are in the hidden costs section, so be prepared for those unexpected charges.

Hacks and Tips

Alright, you savvy sailor, here are some insider tricks for squeezing the most out of your drink package:

• Discounts for Early Birds: Book your packages before you sail, during cruise planner sales, to snag discounts up to 30% off the onboard price. The earlier, the better!
• Mix and Match: If you’re not a heavy drinker every day, consider pairing the Deluxe package with the Refreshment on alternating days. Just remember, you can’t officially share packages.
• Bring Your Own (Limited): You can bring up to two bottles of wine per stateroom at embarkation. Don’t cry over spilled wine though—corkage fees apply if you enjoy it in public areas.
• Stay Hydrated and Caffeinated: For those guzzling coffee or needing constant hydration, the Refreshment Package can still be a bargain without the booze.

Wrapping it all up, if you’re still on the fence about whether the drink package is worth it for your upcoming Royal Caribbean cruise, head over to the Royal Caribbean Dossier for some more info on the cruise line, as well as other tips and tricks to make the most of your journey. And remember, whether you decide to splurge on a package or go à la carte, it’s all about having fun without breaking the bank. Cheers to smart sipping!