Guide to Drink Prices on Royal Caribbean Cruises: What to Expect in 2025

 

Cruising with Royal Caribbean is an unforgettable experience packed with sun, sea, and spectacular entertainment. Whether you’re lounging by the pool with a cold beer, toasting at dinner with a glass of wine, or sipping cocktails at a themed party, beverages are a big part of the fun. However, many travelers wonder: how much are drinks on a Royal Caribbean cruise? This detailed guide covers everything from alcohol prices to soda and beverage packages so you can budget your cruise accordingly.

Understanding the Beverage Scene on Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean offers a wide variety of beverages to suit every taste. Drinks fall into two categories:

• Complimentary drinks (included in your cruise fare): tap water, iced tea, lemonade, drip coffee, hot tea, and a few juices at breakfast.

• Paid drinks (not included): soda, bottled water, specialty coffees, mocktails, beer, wine, cocktails, and premium liquors.

You can either pay à la carte for these drinks or purchase a Royal Caribbean drink package, which can offer significant savings depending on your drinking habits.

Cost of Beverages on Royal Caribbean (2025 Prices)

Let’s break down the average drink prices across categories to answer your top questions:

1. How Much Is a Drink on a Royal Caribbean Cruise?

The cost varies by type of drink. Here’s a general range:

• Soft drinks (sodas): $3.50–$4.00 each

• Specialty coffees: $4.00–$6.00

• Bottled water: $2.25–$4.50

• Beer: $7.49–$8.99

• Cocktails: $10.00–$14.00

• Wine (by the glass): $9.00–$14.00

• Shots/premium liquors: $8.00–$14.00

All drink purchases come with an 18% service charge automatically added.

2. How Much Is a Soda on Royal Caribbean?

A can of soda typically costs $3.50 to $4.00, depending on the brand (Coca-Cola is the official soda onboard). This is why many guests choose to purchase the Soda Package or the Refreshment Package if they plan to drink soda daily.

3. How Much Is a Beer on a Royal Caribbean Cruise?

Beer prices are generally:

• Domestic (Bud Light, Coors Light): $7.49–$7.99

• Imported/Craft (Heineken, Stella Artois, Corona, Guinness, etc.): $7.99–$8.99

• Canned beer (16 oz): Sometimes slightly higher than bottled versions.

There are also bucket-of-beer deals (typically 5 beers for the price of 4), which are a good way to save if you’re sharing with friends or want to stock up.

4. Royal Caribbean Alcohol Prices (Wines, Cocktails, and Spirits)

• Wines by the glass: $9.00–$14.00 (up to $20+ for premium brands)

• Bottles of wine: $30–$70 (with premium bottles exceeding $100)

• Cocktails (Margaritas, Mojitos, etc.): $10.00–$14.00

• Frozen drinks (Pina Colada, Miami Vice): $11.00–$13.00

• Top-shelf liquors (Johnnie Walker Blue, Patron, Grey Goose): $11.00–$14.00 per shot

Royal Caribbean Drink Packages: Are They Worth It?

To make drink purchases more convenient and potentially more cost-effective, Royal Caribbean offers drink packages:

1. Deluxe Beverage Package (Alcohol Included)

• Cost: $65–$105 per day (varies by cruise and promotions)

• What’s Included: Unlimited alcoholic drinks (cocktails, spirits, beer, wine), non-alcoholic drinks (sodas, mocktails, bottled water, specialty coffees), and more.

• Is It Worth It? Yes—if you plan to drink more than 5-6 alcoholic drinks per day. This is the most comprehensive drink package.

2. Refreshment Package (Non-Alcoholic)

• Cost: $29–$38 per day

• What’s Included: Unlimited non-alcoholic drinks like sodas, mocktails, bottled water, juices, premium coffees, and teas.

• Good For: Guests who don’t drink alcohol but still want premium beverages.

3. Classic Soda Package

• Cost: $12.99–$15.00 per day

• What’s Included: Unlimited fountain soda and Coca-Cola Freestyle machine access.

• Best For: Soda lovers and families with kids.

Where You Can Get Drinks on the Ship

You can grab your favorite drinks almost anywhere onboard:

• Pool Bars: Great for frozen cocktails and beers

• Schooner Bar & Pub: Craft cocktails and piano entertainment

• Boleros: Latin-themed bar with mojitos and Cuban flair

• Bionic Bar: Robotic bartenders mixing custom cocktails

• Dining Rooms & Buffets: Beer, wine, and cocktails available during meals

• Lounges and Theaters: Full bar service while you enjoy shows

Drink packages are accepted at all of these venues.

Royal Caribbean Drink Rules You Should Know

Before you plan your bar tab or drink package purchase, it’s important to understand the rules:

• Everyone 21+ in a cabin must buy the drink package if one person does.

• No sharing of drink packages is allowed.

• Drink limits: You can order one drink at a time, and there is a 15-alcoholic-drink-per-day limit with the Deluxe Beverage Package.

• You may bring 2 bottles of wine per stateroom at embarkation (no beer or liquor).

• Mini bar and room service drinks are not included in drink packages.

Tips to Save on Royal Caribbean Drinks

If you're cruising on a budget, consider these money-saving hacks:

1. Buy drink packages before your cruise. They’re often discounted online vs. onboard.

2. Use loyalty perks. Crown & Anchor Society members sometimes get free drinks.

3. Bring your allowed wine onboard. You can enjoy it in your cabin with no corkage fee.

4. Look for happy hours and drink specials. Daily drink specials are sometimes available.

5. Split wine bottles at dinner. You can save the unfinished portion for the next night.

6. Buy drink of the day specials. Usually $1–$2 cheaper than regular drinks.

Comparing À La Carte vs. Package Costs

Let’s say you typically drink the following per day:

• 2 cocktails ($12 each)

• 2 beers ($8 each)

• 1 soda ($4)

• 1 bottled water ($3)

That’s $47/day plus 18% gratuity ($55.46 total). Over 7 days, that’s $388.22—very close to or more than a drink package (depending on cruise deals). If you think you’ll indulge daily, the package may be the smarter option.

What About Drinks on Private Islands?

If your cruise stops at Royal Caribbean’s private destinations—Perfect Day at CocoCay or Labadee—your drink package works there too. You can enjoy cocktails, beers, and sodas on the beach without paying extra.

Can You Bring Alcohol Onboard?

Royal Caribbean has strict rules:

• Allowed: Up to two 750ml bottles of wine or champagne per stateroom on embarkation day.

• Not Allowed: Beer or liquor in carry-on or checked luggage. If found, it will be confiscated.

• Duty-Free Purchases: Can be made onboard but will be held until the end of the cruise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I get free drinks on Royal Caribbean?
A: Yes, but limited to things like tap water, iced tea, lemonade, and breakfast juices. Some loyalty members receive free drink vouchers.

Q: Are drink prices higher than on land?
A: Yes, typically $1–$3 higher per drink, but this includes gratuity and the convenience of cruise service.

Q: Are there alcohol tastings?
A: Yes—events like wine tastings or mixology classes are often offered (usually for an extra fee).

Conclusion: Sip Smart and Sail Smoothly

Knowing the cost of beverages on a Royal Caribbean cruise helps you plan your vacation more effectively. Whether you're a casual soda drinker, a wine connoisseur, or a cocktail enthusiast, Royal Caribbean has something for everyone. Deciding between à la carte pricing and a drink package depends on your personal preferences and how much you plan to indulge. Use this guide to make an informed decision—and enjoy every sip on your voyage!