Royal Caribbean Drink Package Comparison 2026
| Package | Price/Day (Pre-Cruise) | What's Included | Break-Even Drinks/Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soda Package | ~$14/day (+18% grat) | Fountain soda, Coca-Cola Freestyle, souvenir cup | 4 sodas/day |
| Refreshment Package | ~$34.50/day (+18% grat) | Soda, specialty coffee, fresh juice, mocktails, water, energy drinks — no alcohol | 8-9 specialty coffees/day |
| Deluxe Beverage | ~$77/day median (+18% grat) | Everything in Refreshment + cocktails, wine, beer, spirits (up to $14/drink) | Calculated per-ship |
| Coffee Card | $31 one-time (15 punches) | 15 specialty coffees — lattes, cappuccinos, espresso drinks | ~2 coffees/day (7-night) |
Prices are fleet-median pre-cruise rates as of 2026 (Royal Caribbean uses dynamic pricing — actual price varies by ship, sailing date, and demand). Onboard pricing is typically 20-30% higher. All packages add 18% gratuity. Break-even assumes all drinks are at the noted price; a mix of drink types changes the count. Use the calculator above for your personalized break-even.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate if the Royal Caribbean drink package is worth it?
Enter the number of drinks you expect per day by type (cocktails, beer, wine, soda, coffee). The calculator multiplies each by its average price, then compares your daily spending to the package cost. If your total exceeds the package price plus 18% gratuity, the package saves money. The break-even chart shows exactly where that crossover happens.
What is the break-even point for Royal Caribbean drink packages?
Break-even depends on your ship's package price (fleet median ~$77/day pre-cruise, $55–$125 depending on ship and sailing date), your drink mix, and whether you buy pre-cruise or onboard. The widely repeated '6-7 drinks per day' rule is based on pre-gratuity arithmetic that understates the real cost of à la carte drinks. Use the calculator above with your actual drink preferences — it computes your personalized break-even with realistic prices and the 18% gratuity included on every drink.
What's included in the Deluxe Beverage Package?
Cocktails, wine by the glass, beer, spirits, soda, specialty coffee, tea, fresh juice, mocktails, energy drinks, milkshakes, and bottled water. Drinks up to $14.00 per serving (before 18% gratuity) are included. Excludes bottles of wine, souvenir cups, and specialty shots over the cap.
Do I have to buy a drink package for everyone in my stateroom?
Yes. Royal Caribbean requires ALL adults (21+) in the same stateroom to purchase the same adult beverage package. There are absolutely no exceptions — not for pregnancy, medical conditions, religious reasons, or designated drivers. If adults purchase Deluxe, all minors must purchase Refreshment.
Should I buy the drink package pre-cruise or onboard?
Always buy pre-cruise. Pre-cruise pricing is typically 20-30% cheaper than onboard. You can usually cancel or modify up until a few days before sailing. Watch for Royal Caribbean sales — Black Friday and Wave Season (January-March) often have the best deals.
What are Crown & Anchor drink vouchers?
Crown & Anchor loyalty members at Diamond level (80-174 nights) get 4 free drink vouchers per day. Diamond Plus (175-699 nights) gets 5, and Pinnacle (700+ nights) gets 6. Each voucher covers one drink up to $14. If you have vouchers, the calculator adjusts your break-even point — you may not need the package at all.
What is the Refreshment Package vs. the Deluxe?
The Refreshment Package (~$38/day) covers non-alcoholic drinks: soda, specialty coffee, fresh juice, mocktails, water, and energy drinks. The Deluxe Beverage Package (~$89/day) includes everything in Refreshment plus all alcoholic beverages up to $14/drink. If you don't drink alcohol, the Refreshment Package is the better value.
How does sea day vs. port day weighting work?
Sea days typically mean more onboard drinks (lounging by the pool), while port days mean fewer (you're off exploring). The calculator adjusts estimates: sea days increase by your chosen percentage (default 20%), port days decrease by the same. This gives a more realistic total than assuming the same consumption every day.