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Royal Caribbean Drink Package: Is It Worth It? Real Math + Break-Even Calculator

The value of the Deluxe Beverage package comes down to one thing: how much you actually drink — and what you drink.

Charity Bradley
3–4 minutes
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If you’re trying to decide whether the Royal Caribbean drink package is worth it, you’re not alone.

Some people swear it saves them money. Others say it’s a total waste.

The truth?
They’re both right.

It all comes down to one thing:
how much you actually drink — and what you drink.

Let’s break down the real numbers using actual prices from Royal Caribbean so you can decide for yourself.

💰 WHAT DRINKS ACTUALLY COST ON ROYAL CARIBBEAN

Here’s what you’ll typically pay onboard (before gratuity):

  • Cocktails: about $14
  • Wine (glass): $12–$14
  • Beer: $7.50–$8
  • Soda: $3.50
  • Specialty coffee (latte/cappuccino): about $4
  • Fresh juice or smoothie (Vitality Café): about $8.25

👉 If you pay as you go, 18% gratuity is added, so your real cost is higher:

  • Cocktail: ~$16.50
  • Beer: ~$9
  • Soda: ~$4.13
  • Coffee: ~$4.72
  • Smoothie/Juice: ~$9.74

That gratuity piece matters more than people realize.

📊 DRINK PACKAGE PRICE RANGE (REALISTIC)

Most people pay somewhere between:

  • $55–$75/day (good sale)
  • $75–$85/day (common)
  • $90–$100+/day (high end / last minute)

And yes — that includes gratuity when you prepay.

🍸 BREAK-EVEN: ALCOHOL ONLY

If you’re just thinking about alcohol, here’s the math:

Package PriceDrinks Needed Per Day
$65~4 cocktails
$75~5 cocktails
$85~5–6 cocktails
$100~6–7 cocktails

👉 That’s every single day of your cruise.

Not just sea days. Not just vacation mode day one.

☕ MORE REALISTIC: MIXED DRINK DAY

This is where most people underestimate value.

Let’s say your typical day includes:

  • 1 cappuccino → ~$4.72
  • 1 smoothie/juice → ~$9.74
  • 1 soda → ~$4.13

That’s already:

👉 ~$18.50 per day before alcohol

Now your break-even changes:

Package PriceCocktails Needed
$65~3 drinks
$75~4 drinks
$85~4–5 drinks
$100~5 drinks

That’s a completely different conversation.

⚖️ WHEN THE DRINK PACKAGE IS WORTH IT

The package tends to make sense if you:

  • Drink 3–5+ alcoholic drinks per day
  • Also enjoy coffee, bottled water, juices, smoothies
  • Spend a lot of time on the ship (not in port all day)
  • Like the convenience of not thinking about prices

🚫 WHEN IT’S PROBABLY NOT WORTH IT

It’s harder to justify if you:

  • Drink 1–3 drinks per day
  • Spend long days in port
  • Skip drinking some days
  • Don’t care about specialty drinks

💡 THE BIGGEST MISTAKE PEOPLE MAKE

They calculate based on their best day, not their average day.

Anyone can hit 6 drinks on a sea day.

The real question is:
👉 Will you do it every day?

🧠 WHY PEOPLE DISAGREE ABOUT THIS

If you’ve read comments online, you’ve seen the debate.

That’s because:

  • One person paid $56/day and drinks everything
  • Another paid $95/day and barely drinks

Both walk away with completely different experiences.

❓ FAQ SECTION

Do I have to buy the drink package for both adults?

Yes. If one adult buys the Deluxe Beverage Package, the other adult in the same cabin usually has to as well.

Does the package include gratuity?

If you prepay, yes.
If you buy drinks individually, gratuity is added to each drink.

Are coffee, smoothies, and soda included?

Yes — with the Deluxe Package.
That’s why the value changes depending on how you use it.

What if I don’t drink alcohol?

Look into the Refreshment Package instead. It includes:

  • specialty coffee
  • bottled water
  • juices and smoothies
  • soda

What about The Key? Does it include drinks?

No — The Key does NOT include a drink package.

It includes things like:

  • priority boarding
  • internet (VOOM) for one device
  • reserved seating at shows

But drinks are still separate.

Can I share a drink package?

No. Officially, sharing is not allowed.
And realistically, it’s not something you should plan around.

What if I find a cheaper price later?

You can cancel and rebook your drink package before your cruise if the price drops.

Want to feel prepared for your cruise?

I pulled the most important Royal Caribbean prep steps into a printable checklist bundle that walks you through what to do before you leave, what to bring, how embarkation works, and what to expect on disembarkation day—so you’re prepared instead of guessing.

👉 Get the Royal Caribbean Cruise Checklist Bundle

Products I Use and Recommend

I keep a list of cruise-approved items I personally use and recommend.

👉 See My Cruise Favorites on Amazon

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