If you’re sailing with Royal Caribbean, you’ll never go thirsty, whether you stick to the complimentary options or splurge on a drink package. But when it comes to specialty coffee like lattes, cappuccinos, mochas, and more your choices matter if you want to save money and sip exactly what you like.
Let’s break it down.
What Drinks Are Free on Royal Caribbean?
Included with your cruise fare, you can get these drinks at no additional cost in the Windjammer buffet, Main Dining Room, and other casual venues:
- Regular brewed coffee
- Hot tea
- Milk
- Flavored water
- Juices from a mix (orange, apple, etc.)
- Iced tea
- Lemonade
- Water (iced or room temperature)
These drinks are available all day, though juice service is mainly at breakfast.
When Drinks Aren’t Free: Specialty Coffees
If you’re craving more than drip coffee- think cappuccino, latte, mocha, chai latte, Frappuccino-style drinks- those are considered specialty coffee and come with an extra charge.
Prices vary by ship and drink size, but expect $4–$6 per cup when paying individually.
Option 1: Specialty Coffee Card
Price: $25.99 base price for a 4-night sailing, $30.66 after gratuities
This prepaid punch card gets you 15 specialty coffee drinks.
Punch System:
- 1 punch = small/tall drinks, single espresso, hot tea, hot chocolate, chai latte
- 2 punches = large/grande/venti drinks, double espresso, Frappuccino-style frozen drinks
Where It Works:
- At Royal Caribbean cafés like Café Promenade, Café Latitudes, Park Café, and others serving “We Proudly Serve” Starbucks coffee
- Not valid at the official licensed Starbucks kiosks onboard
Value:
If you use all 15 punches on drinks normally priced $4–$6, you’ll pay about $1.75–$2.40 per drink—a savings of up to 50%.
Option 2: Refreshment Beverage Package
Price: $108.48 total for a 4-night sailing (about $27.12/day, gratuity included)
This non-alcoholic package includes:
- All specialty coffees (lattes, cappuccinos, mochas, chai lattes, Frappuccinos)
- Fresh-squeezed juices
- Bottled still and sparkling water
- Fountain sodas with a souvenir cup
- Non-alcoholic cocktails (mocktails)
- Non-alcoholic beer
- Milkshakes at Johnny Rockets (on ships with the venue)
Value:
Great if you want specialty coffee plus other premium non-alcoholic drinks multiple times a day. For a 4-night cruise, you’d only need about 5–6 paid drinks daily to break even.
Option 3: Deluxe Beverage Package
Price: $71.99 per person per day + 18% gratuity = $84.95/day
This all-inclusive package covers:
- All drinks in the Refreshment Package (specialty coffees, juices, mocktails, etc.)
- Beer, wine, and cocktails up to the price limit (usually $14 per drink)
- 40% off bottles of wine under $100, 20% off bottles over $100
- Premium bottled water
Value:
Ideal if you drink both alcohol and specialty coffee daily. Since it’s the highest daily cost, you’ll want to factor in how many alcoholic drinks (plus specialty coffees and other beverages) you’ll realistically consume.
Quick Comparison
| Option | Price (4-Night) | Includes Specialty Coffee? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Drinks | $0 | No | Basic coffee, tea, milk, juices, lemonade |
| Specialty Coffee Card | $30.66 total | Yes (15 drinks) | Coffee lovers only, cost-conscious |
| Refreshment Package | $108.48 total (~$27.12/day) | Yes | Coffee + non-alcoholic variety drinkers |
| Deluxe Beverage Package | $84.95/day (~$339.80 total for 4N) | Yes | Coffee + alcohol + everything else |
Which One Should You Choose?
- If you only want specialty coffee once or twice a day: The Specialty Coffee Card is the best value.
- If you want coffee, fresh juices, mocktails, sodas, and milkshakes: The Refreshment Package makes sense.
- If you also plan to drink multiple alcoholic beverages daily: Go with the Deluxe Beverage Package.
- If you’re happy with drip coffee, tea, milk, and lemonade: Stick with the free options and save your budget for something else onboard.
💡 Pro Tip: None of these packages or the Coffee Card works at the official Starbucks kiosk on the ship, only at “We Proudly Serve” locations operated by Royal Caribbean.
Frequently Asked Questions About Royal Caribbean Coffee and Drink Packages
1. Does Royal Caribbean have free coffee?
Yes. Regular brewed coffee is free, along with tea, milk, iced tea, lemonade, water, and juices in the morning.
2. What’s the difference between free coffee and specialty coffee?
Free coffee is standard brewed drip coffee. Specialty coffee includes espresso-based drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, mochas, chai lattes, and Frappuccino-style frozen drinks, which cost extra unless you have a drink package or Coffee Card.
3. Can you use the Specialty Coffee Card at Starbucks on the ship?
No. The Coffee Card is valid only at Royal Caribbean-operated cafés serving “We Proudly Serve” Starbucks coffee. It cannot be used at licensed Starbucks kiosks onboard.
4. How much is the Specialty Coffee Card on Royal Caribbean?
On a 4-night sailing, the Coffee Card is currently $25.99 before gratuities, or $30.66 after gratuities. It includes 15 specialty drinks.
5. Which drink packages include specialty coffee?
Both the Refreshment Package and Deluxe Beverage Package include specialty coffee drinks. The Refreshment Package also covers juices, mocktails, sodas, and milkshakes. The Deluxe Beverage Package covers everything in the Refreshment Package plus alcoholic beverages.
6. Can you share the Coffee Card with someone else?
Yes. You can use multiple punches on the Coffee Card at once and share it with family or friends traveling with you.
7. Do unused punches on the Coffee Card expire?
No. Unused punches on the Coffee Card do not expire. You can use the remaining punches on a future Royal Caribbean sailing.
8. Can I use a Starbucks gift card on a Royal Caribbean cruise?
You can use a Starbucks gift card on a Royal Caribbean cruise, but only at licensed Starbucks kiosks onboard. These kiosks operate separately from Royal Caribbean and accept Starbucks gift cards, credit cards, or cash. Starbucks gift cards cannot be used at “We Proudly Serve” cafés run by Royal Caribbean.
Charity Bradley 
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