As someone who loves to travel, I’ve always been a fan of cruising. And one of the most exciting aspects of cruising for me is the opportunity to indulge in delicious drinks while enjoying the ocean views.
However, as a budget-conscious traveler, I always try to weigh the cost and value of any additional expenses, including drink packages.
Royal Caribbean offers several drink packages that can be purchased before or during a cruise, but deciding whether or not to buy one can be a difficult decision.
Is it worth it to spend extra money on unlimited drinks, or should you stick to paying for drinks individually?
In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of Royal Caribbean drink packages, and provide a helpful calculator to determine if a drink package is worth it for your specific situation.
With this information, you can make an informed decision and enjoy your cruise with the freedom and flexibility to choose what works best for you.
- Royal Caribbean drink packages cost between $63 and $89 per person, per day and include unlimited drinks worth up to $12 or $13 each.
- The Deluxe package is worth it if you drink at least six cocktails, six glasses of wine, nine pints of beer, or 21 soft drinks per day, while the Classic Soda Package comes with a refillable souvenir cup.
- Passengers should calculate expected drink consumption before purchasing a package and consider the cost of drinks on board, the cost of the drink package, and the length and nature of the cruise.
- Discounts on drink packages are available for pre-booking and during promotional periods, and Royal Caribbean loyalty program provides discounts on drink packages.
Cost and Value
I’m considering whether to buy a Royal Caribbean drink package and I’m weighing the cost and value.
While the packages range from $63 to $89 per person, per day, they do include unlimited drinks up to $12 or $13 each.
When comparing cruise lines, I’ve noticed that Royal Caribbean’s drink prices tend to be higher. However, I’m willing to pay a little extra for convenience and the ability to indulge without worrying about the bill.
That being said, I’m also mindful of my budget and am exploring all options.
I’ve heard that some cruise lines offer cheaper drink packages or even all-inclusive packages that include drinks.
I’ll need to factor in my expected drink consumption and the length and nature of my cruise before deciding if the Royal Caribbean drink package is worth it.
Types of Packages
When considering purchasing a drink package for a Royal Caribbean cruise, it’s important to understand the different types of packages available and which one would best suit your expected drink consumption.
Royal Caribbean offers three drink packages: Deluxe, Refreshment, and Classic Soda. The Deluxe package includes premium cocktails, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages, while the Refreshment package includes a selection of non-alcoholic beverages and premium coffee and tea. The Classic Soda package is specifically for soda drinkers and includes unlimited refills with a souvenir cup.
It’s worth noting that Royal Caribbean’s drink packages tend to be more expensive compared to other cruise lines. However, Royal Caribbean’s packages may still offer a better value if you plan to indulge in premium cocktails or wine.
Additionally, all drink packages on Royal Caribbean include gratuities, which can add up quickly if you’re paying for individual drinks. When comparing packages, it’s important to consider what’s included in each package and how it aligns with your personal drinking habits.
Factors to Consider
Considering my expected drink consumption, the cost of drinks on board, and the length and nature of the cruise, it’s important to carefully evaluate if purchasing a drink package is worth it for me. While the convenience and unlimited drinks may be enticing, there are other factors to consider.
For example, if I’m someone who only drinks occasionally, the cost of purchasing individual drinks may be more economical than buying a drink package. Additionally, there are drink package alternatives such as all-inclusive cruise packages that offer drinks included in the price.
It’s also important to take into account Royal Caribbean’s sustainability efforts when deciding whether to purchase a drink package. The cruise line has been taking steps to reduce single-use plastics, including straws. As a conscious consumer, I can support these efforts by choosing to bring a reusable water bottle or opting for tap water instead of purchasing bottled water.
By making informed choices, I can enjoy my cruise while also being mindful of my impact on the environment.
Drink Consumption Calculator
After calculating my expected drink consumption and comparing it to the cost of individual drinks on board, I realize that purchasing a drink package would not only be more convenient but also save me money in the long run. The Deluxe package seems like the best fit for me since I enjoy a variety of drinks throughout the day. According to Cruise Tips’s opinions, this package is worth it if I consume at least six cocktails, six glasses of wine, nine pints of beer, or 21 soft drinks per day.
With the package, I can enjoy unlimited drinks worth up to $12 or $13 each, and the tips are included.
Here are some benefits of purchasing a drink package on a Royal Caribbean cruise:
- Convenience: No need to worry about carrying cash or credit cards around to purchase drinks individually.
- Savings: The cost of a drink package can be significantly lower than the cost of purchasing drinks individually, especially if you plan on consuming multiple drinks per day.
- Variety: With a drink package, you can try different types of drinks without worrying about the cost.
- Special offers: Royal Caribbean often offers discounts on drink packages during promotional periods, making them even more affordable.
- Loyalty program discounts: If you’re a frequent Royal Caribbean cruiser, you can receive discounts on drink packages through the loyalty program.
Drink Menus and Prices
I’m interested in exploring the drink menus and prices available on the cruise ship. Royal Caribbean offers a wide range of beverage options, from classic cocktails to specialty drinks.
On their website, they provide a detailed menu with prices for each drink, allowing passengers to plan their drink consumption and decide if a drink package is worth it.
For those who enjoy cocktails, Royal Caribbean offers a variety of options, including classic favorites like the Margarita and the Mojito, as well as their own signature cocktails like the Perfect Storm and the Coco Loco. Additionally, they have a selection of specialty drinks, such as the Ultimate Mai Tai and the Espresso Martini, for those looking to try something new.
With the drink menu readily available, passengers can make informed decisions on which drinks to try and which package to purchase.
Discounts and Loyalty Programs
Oh boy, here we go again with the loyalty programs and discounts for those who just can’t resist buying more drinks on their cruise.
Royal Caribbean offers a loyalty program that provides discounts on drink packages. The Crown and Anchor Society has six tiers, each with its own set of benefits, including discounts on drink packages. The higher the tier, the greater the discount. For example, members of the Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club tiers receive a 30% discount on drink packages.
In addition to the loyalty rewards, pre-booking deals are also available. Passengers who purchase drink packages before their cruise or during promotional periods can save money. Discounts of up to 30% off the regular price have been offered in the past.
It’s worth checking the website or speaking to a travel agent to find out if any deals are currently available. With these discounts and loyalty rewards, it may be worthwhile to purchase a drink package if you plan to consume a certain amount of drinks during your cruise.
tips and Gratuities
Let’s talk about the tips and gratuities that are included in the drink packages on a Royal Caribbean cruise. It’s important to note that the tips are already included in the cost of the drink package, so you won’t have to worry about tipping your bartender for each drink you order.
However, if you feel like you’ve received exceptional service, you can always add an extra gratuity to your bill. Another great thing about Royal Caribbean drink packages is that they can be customized to fit your beverage preferences.
Whether you prefer wine, beer, cocktails, or non-alcoholic drinks, there’s a package that can cater to your needs. Plus, with the option to pre-book and take advantage of loyalty program discounts, you can save even more money on your drink package.
So, if you’re someone who likes to indulge in a few drinks while on vacation, purchasing a drink package can be a great way to save money and enjoy your cruise to the fullest.
Limitations and Cheating Risks
It’s important to weigh the potential risks of cheating the drink package against the limitations that come with it. While it may be tempting to share a package or sneak in drinks, getting caught can result in cancellation without refund. Not only is this a waste of money, but it can also ruin the vacation experience for everyone involved.
Additionally, Royal Caribbean is cracking down on single-use plastics, including straws, in an effort to be more eco-friendly. Cheating the drink package goes against this initiative and can harm the environment.
Aside from cheating risks, there are also limitations to consider when purchasing a drink package. For instance, the package cannot be used at private islands or in specialty restaurants. This means that passengers will have to pay for drinks separately when dining at these venues.
Safety concerns should also be taken into account when deciding whether to purchase a drink package. While tap water on Royal Caribbean ships is safe to drink, some passengers may prefer to order bottled water for delivery to their stateroom.
Ultimately, passengers should carefully consider the potential limitations and risks before deciding whether to purchase a drink package.
Are there any restrictions on the types of drinks included in the drink packages?
Yes, there are restrictions on the types of drinks included in Royal Caribbean drink packages. The packages cover drinks worth up to $12 or $13 each, but do not include drinks at private islands or in specialty restaurants. tips for maximizing drink package value include calculating expected drink consumption and looking for discounts through the loyalty program. Drink package pricing varies from $63 to $89 per person, per day, and includes gratuities. Remember, the drink packages are not transferable between passengers and cheating the system can result in cancellation without refund.
Can the drink packages be shared between multiple passengers?
Let me put it this way: drink packages on Royal Caribbean cannot be shared between multiple passengers due to sharing restrictions. However, package customization is available, so calculate your expected drink consumption to determine if it’s worth it for you.
Is there a limit on the number of drinks that can be ordered per day with the drink packages?
Yes, the Royal Caribbean drink packages offer unlimited drinks for a fixed cost per day, making them cost effective for heavy drinkers. However, it’s important to calculate expected consumption before purchasing. As a frequent cruiser, I highly recommend considering the package.
Are there any age restrictions for purchasing the drink packages?
It’s important to know that purchasing a drink package on a cruise may come with legal requirements. The minimum drinking age is 21 for North American cruises and 18 for others, with parental consent needed for those under 21.
Can the drink packages be used on Royal Caribbean’s private islands or in their specialty restaurants?
Yes, the drink packages cannot be used on Royal Caribbean’s private islands or in their specialty restaurants. However, for non-drinkers, there are alternatives such as purchasing individual drinks or opting for all-inclusive cruise packages with drinks included. Drink package cost and personal drink consumption should be carefully considered before deciding.