Royal Caribbean’s New Refreshment + 10 Drinks Package: Everything You Need to Know

Royal Caribbean is testing a brand-new beverage package, and it could be a huge win for light and moderate drinkers. It’s called the Refreshment + 10 Drinks Package and while it’s not yet fleetwide, it has the potential to change how couples and groups approach drink packages at sea.

Here’s everything you need to know before deciding if it’s right for you.

What Is the Refreshment + 10 Drinks Package?

The package combines two things:

Unlimited non-alcoholic drinks for the entire cruise
- Soda
- Bottled water (still or sparkling)
- Specialty coffees and teas
- Mocktails and juices
10 alcoholic drinks per sailing
- Beer, wine, or cocktails
- Redeemable at any onboard bar, restaurant, or lounge

It’s basically a Refreshment Package with a “sprinkle” of alcohol included, perfect for guests who don’t drink heavily but still want a cocktail or two each day.

Who It’s Best For

This package is especially valuable for:

Light to moderate drinkers – Guests who enjoy 1–2 alcoholic drinks a day but not enough to justify the Deluxe Beverage Package, which includes unlimited alcohol.
Couples with different drinking habits – One person drinks cocktails daily, the other prefers mocktails or soda with the occasional glass of wine.
Budget-conscious cruisers – Lets you enjoy the basics plus some alcohol without paying top price.

Key Details You Should Know

Currently available only on longer sailings (10+ nights).
If you use all 10 alcoholic drinks, additional drinks are charged at the regular menu price.
Drinks are non-transferable. Your 10 alcoholic beverages are linked to your account only.
Gratuity is usually added automatically, just like with other beverage packages.
August 1, 2025 change: Royal Caribbean ended the exception policy that allowed one guest to buy Deluxe while the other bought Refreshment for medical reasons. This new package may help fill that gap for couples.

Cost Comparisons

Exact pricing will vary by sailing, but here’s how the math often looks:

Deluxe Beverage Package: $70–$100 per person, per day. Unlimited alcohol + all non-alcoholic.
Refreshment Package: $29–$38 per person, per day. Unlimited non-alcoholic only.
Refreshment + 10 Drinks (new): Not fully published yet, but early reports suggest it will fall somewhere between $35–$50 per day.

📌 Break-even point: If you usually order fewer than 3 alcoholic drinks per day, this package will likely save you money compared to Deluxe.

Pros and Cons

Pros:
✔ Perfect for light drinkers
✔ Includes bottled water and specialty coffees
✔ More affordable than Deluxe
✔ Great for couples with different drinking styles

Cons:
✘ Limited availability (only on select long sailings)
✘ Drinks don’t roll over between guests
✘ Not ideal for heavier drinkers who want 3+ cocktails per day
✘ No sharing allowed. One package per person

FAQs: Refreshment + 10 Drinks Package

Q: Can I use my 10 alcoholic drinks anywhere?
Yes, bars, lounges, restaurants, and the Main Dining Room.

Q: What happens if I don’t use all 10?
Unused drinks expire at the end of the cruise. They don’t roll over to another sailing.

Q: Can I share my 10 drinks with someone else?
No. Packages are per person, non-transferable.

Q: Do I have to buy it for everyone in my cabin?
Yes. Like other beverage packages, Royal requires all adults in the same stateroom to purchase the same alcohol package (Deluxe or Refreshment + 10). Exceptions for medical reasons were removed August 1, 2025.

Q: Is gratuity included?
Yes. Royal adds an automatic gratuity (usually 18–20%) at the time of purchase.

Q: Can I upgrade to Deluxe mid-cruise if I change my mind?
Typically yes, but you’ll pay the daily rate for Deluxe from the day you upgrade forward.

Bottom Line

The Refreshment + 10 Drinks Package fills an important middle ground between non-alcoholic and unlimited alcohol packages. It’s best for:

Light drinkers who want a few cocktails without overpaying.
Couples with different drinking habits.
Guests on longer sailings (10+ nights) where the package is being tested.

If you average 1–2 alcoholic drinks a day and enjoy sodas, lattes, or mocktails, this package could be the sweet spot you’ve been waiting for.

Charity Bradley