Royal Caribbean made a notable change to its beverage policy on August 1, 2025: if one adult in a stateroom purchases the Deluxe Beverage Package (Royal’s alcohol-inclusive package), all other adults in the same stateroom are now required to purchase it too—no exceptions.

@charityky

No one else is talking about this: you heard it here first. After the August 1 exception change for Royal Caribbean‘s deluxe beverage package I’ve noticed a PATTERN in some of the comments and messages. People are looking for a workaround. The latest seems to be adults that drink the most in one cabin and the ones that don’t in another. #deluxebeveragepackage #royalcaribbean #exceptionpolicy #alcoholpackage #cruisedrinkpackage

♬ original sound – Charity🌺Family.Travel.Points.

Before this change, travelers could sometimes call Royal Caribbean and explain that their cabinmate didn’t drink alcohol. In many cases, the cruise line would allow that person to purchase a less expensive Refreshment Package instead. Those exceptions are no longer offered.

Since the change, a question has popped up repeatedly in my comments, messages, and cruise community discussions:

“If we book each adult into a separate cabin, does that mean only one of us has to buy the Deluxe Beverage Package?”

Here’s what I’ve found after researching Royal Caribbean’s policy, reading passenger accounts, and considering how this works in practice.

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How the Separate Cabin Scenario Works

When you’re the only adult listed in a stateroom, the system requires just one Deluxe Beverage Package purchase—yours. The rule is tied to the number of adults per cabin, not your overall travel party.

In theory, this means if two adults traveling together each book their own cabin, only one person has to buy the package.

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Why Some Travelers Book This Way (Outside of Drink Packages)

It’s important to note that this isn’t a brand-new concept—some travelers have always booked separate cabins for reasons unrelated to beverage packages:

• Families giving teens or adult children their own space
• Friends traveling together but wanting privacy
• Loyalty program perks (Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society points are earned per night per cabin)
• Needing different bed configurations or sleeping arrangements

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The Risks and Considerations

While technically possible, this is considered a gray area in terms of cruise policy. Royal Caribbean could flag unusual booking arrangements if they suspect it’s solely to avoid the drink package rule. While I haven’t seen wide reports of penalties, it’s not impossible for a cruise line to question the setup or adjust charges if they believe it violates policy intent.

Other practical considerations include:

• Cost of two cabins vs. the savings from not buying two drink packages
• Managing two separate cabin keys and folios
• Potentially being located in different parts of the ship unless cabins are linked or adjoining
• Housekeeping may or may not be able to open connecting doors (if applicable)

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Alternatives to Consider

If one person doesn’t drink alcohol—or only wants the occasional drink—there are other options:

• Skip the drink package entirely and pay for drinks à la carte
• Purchase the Refreshment Package for unlimited soda, bottled water, and specialty coffees (no alcohol)
• Take advantage of drink specials or free beverages available on board (like tea, lemonade, and drip coffee)

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Final Takeaway

This “separate cabin” method isn’t something Royal Caribbean advertises, but it’s a booking pattern surfacing since the August 1st rule change. While it may work under current system rules, it comes with cost, convenience, and policy considerations that travelers should weigh carefully.

Have you been reconsidering the Deluxe Beverage Package after the August 1st change or are you still all-in?