A Royal Caribbean beverage package is optional. Even without purchasing the Soda Package, Refreshment Package or Deluxe Beverage Package, you will still have several drinks included in your cruise fare.

The complimentary choices are fairly basic, but there are enough options that many guests can comfortably cruise without paying for a drink package.

Royal Caribbean lists the following beverages as included for all guests:

• Ice water
• Flavored waters
• Brewed coffee
• Assorted teas
• Iced tea
• Hot chocolate
• Milk
• Lemonade
• Fruit juices

These drinks are generally available from self-service stations in the Windjammer and other casual dining venues. They may also be ordered in the Main Dining Room and some other restaurants. Availability can vary by ship, venue and time of day.

---

What drinks are free on Royal Caribbean?

The word “free” is commonly used, but these drinks are technically included in your cruise fare. You have already paid for them as part of the cruise.

Here is what each category usually means.

Ice water

Regular ice water is available throughout the ship without a beverage package.

You can usually get it:

• From self-service beverage stations
• In the Windjammer
• In the Main Dining Room
• At restaurants
• At bars
• From dispensers near some pool or casual dining areas

At a bar or restaurant, you can ask for a glass of ice water without purchasing another drink.

This does not include bottled water. Bottled still water and sparkling water normally cost extra unless they are covered by a beverage package. Royal Caribbean lists bottled water as a benefit of the Refreshment and Deluxe Beverage Packages, rather than as a complimentary cruise-fare beverage.

Important difference

Included: A glass of water or water from a self-service dispenser
Not included: Bottled still water or bottled sparkling water

Flavored water and lemonade

Royal Caribbean includes flavored waters and lemonade in the cruise fare. These are commonly found in beverage dispensers in the Windjammer and some other casual dining venues.

The exact flavors can change by ship, venue and meal period. You may see options such as lemonade, fruit-flavored water or another noncarbonated drink.

These are not the same as:

• Fountain soda
• Coca-Cola Freestyle drinks
• Bottled juice
• Mocktails
• Energy drinks

Those normally cost extra or require an applicable beverage package.

Suggested photo placement: Use your photo showing the clear dispensers and stacks of cups here. It provides a realistic example of what the complimentary beverage area may look like.

Brewed regular and decaf coffee

Basic brewed coffee is included in the cruise fare.

You will commonly find:

• Regular brewed coffee
• Decaffeinated brewed coffee
• Hot water
• Tea bags
• Cream, milk and sweeteners

These stations are usually available in the Windjammer and may also appear in other complimentary dining venues.

You can also order regular brewed coffee in the Main Dining Room and some restaurants without purchasing a coffee package.

Royal Caribbean distinguishes basic brewed coffee from premium or specialty coffee, which costs extra.

What is the difference between included coffee and specialty coffee?

Included coffee generally means regular drip-style brewed coffee.

Specialty coffee includes drinks such as:

• Lattes
• Cappuccinos
• Espresso
• Americanos
• Mochas
• Specialty iced coffees

Those drinks are normally purchased individually or covered by the Refreshment or Deluxe Beverage Package at participating cafés. Licensed Starbucks locations are excluded from Royal Caribbean beverage packages.

Suggested photo placement: Your photo showing the Royal Caribbean regular, decaf and hot-water dispensers would work well in this section.

Tea and hot water

Assorted teas are included in the cruise fare.

At self-service stations, you may find:

• Black tea
• Green tea
• Herbal tea
• Decaffeinated tea
• Hot water
• Lemon
• Milk
• Sweeteners

The selection varies. Premium tea drinks prepared by a café may cost extra even though standard tea bags and hot water are included.

Iced tea

Unsweetened iced tea is generally included and is commonly available in the Windjammer, Main Dining Room and other dining venues.

Guests can add sugar or another available sweetener if they prefer sweetened tea.

Specialty flavored iced teas sold at cafés or bars may cost extra.

Hot chocolate

Royal Caribbean lists hot chocolate among the beverages included in the cruise fare.

It may be available from packets or dispensers, depending on the ship and venue. It may not be displayed at every beverage station throughout the day, so ask a crew member if you do not see it.

Milk

Milk is included in the cruise fare and is commonly available during breakfast and through dining venues.

Options may include:

• Whole milk
• Reduced-fat milk
• Skim milk
• Chocolate milk

The exact selection varies by ship and venue.

Plant-based alternatives such as almond, soy or oat milk may be available in certain cafés or restaurants, but availability and possible charges can vary. Ask onboard if you require a specific alternative.

Fruit juice

Royal Caribbean lists fruit juices among the drinks included for all guests.

This usually refers to basic juice available from dining-room service or self-service dispensers, particularly during breakfast.

Common examples may include:

• Orange juice
• Apple juice
• Another juice or fruit drink offered from a dispenser

The exact selection varies.

Is fresh-squeezed juice included?

No. Royal Caribbean specifically lists fresh-squeezed juice as something that is not included in the basic cruise fare. It is sold separately or included in the Refreshment and Deluxe Beverage Packages.

This is one of the most common sources of confusion.

Included: Standard breakfast juice or juice from a complimentary dispenser
Not included: Fresh-squeezed juice, many bottled juices and smoothies

What drinks are not included in the basic cruise fare?

Royal Caribbean currently lists the following as additional-cost beverages:

• Soda
• Wine
• Beer
• Liquor
• Cocktails
• Premium coffee and tea
• Bottled water
• Fresh-squeezed juice

Other drinks that generally cost extra include:

• Mocktails
• Smoothies
• Protein shakes
• Energy drinks
• Sparkling bottled water
• Specialty coffees
• Milkshakes
• Non-alcoholic beer and wine

Many of those options are covered by the Refreshment Package or Deluxe Beverage Package.

Is soda included on a Royal Caribbean cruise?

No. Fountain soda and Coca-Cola Freestyle beverages are not included in the standard cruise fare.

You can:

• Purchase soda individually
• Buy the Classic Soda Package
• Buy the Refreshment Package
• Buy the Deluxe Beverage Package

Beginning March 15, 2026, the Refreshment and Deluxe Beverage Packages no longer automatically include the Coca-Cola Freestyle souvenir cup. Guests who want to use Freestyle machines can purchase an activating cup onboard for $4.99.

You do not need the Freestyle cup to order ordinary fountain soda from participating bars or restaurants when your package includes it.

Is bottled water included?

No. Bottled water is not included in the standard cruise fare.

You can still request complimentary glasses of ice water throughout the ship.

Bottled still and sparkling water are included in the Refreshment and Deluxe Beverage Packages. Royal Caribbean also sells separate water packages for delivery to a stateroom.

Are mocktails included?

Mocktails are not included in the standard cruise fare.

They can be purchased individually or are covered by the Refreshment and Deluxe Beverage Packages, subject to the package terms and participating venues.

However, lemonade and flavored water from complimentary dispensers are included. Those are not considered bar-made mocktails.

Are specialty coffees included?

No. Specialty coffees generally cost extra.

Basic brewed coffee is included, but espresso-based café drinks such as lattes and cappuccinos are not part of the standard cruise fare. Royal Caribbean includes premium coffee and tea in the Refreshment and Deluxe Beverage Packages, except at licensed Starbucks locations.

Where can you find the complimentary drinks?

The most reliable location is usually the Windjammer, where beverage stations commonly include:

• Water
• Lemonade or flavored drinks
• Regular coffee
• Decaf coffee
• Hot water
• Tea
• Milk at breakfast
• Juice during certain meal periods

The Main Dining Room also serves several included beverages with meals, including water, brewed coffee, tea, milk, iced tea, lemonade and available juice selections. Royal Caribbean says included drinks are served in the Main Dining Room and other restaurants as well as dispensed at casual dining venues.

Other possible locations vary by ship and may include:

• Café Promenade
• Park Café
• Solarium Bistro
• El Loco Fresh
• Café@Two70
• Other complimentary dining venues

Not every included drink is available at every location.

Can you get complimentary drinks at a bar?

You can request a glass of ice water at a bar without purchasing a beverage package.

Bars may not have complimentary lemonade, juice, coffee or tea immediately available in the same way a dining venue does. For the broadest complimentary selection, a buffet or restaurant beverage station is usually easier.

Are drinks included in the Main Dining Room?

Several basic beverages are included with meals in the Main Dining Room, such as:

• Ice water
• Brewed coffee
• Tea
• Iced tea
• Milk
• Lemonade
• Available standard juices

Soda, alcoholic beverages, bottled water, fresh-squeezed juice and specialty coffee cost extra unless covered by a package.

Are drinks included at the Windjammer?

Yes. The Windjammer is generally the easiest place to find the largest selection of complimentary beverages.

Based on my recent Wonder of the Seas sailing, the self-service areas included regular and decaf brewed coffee, hot water, tea supplies, water dispensers and juice or flavored-drink dispensers.

The equipment and flavors may look different on another ship, but the basic categories are consistent with Royal Caribbean’s published list.

Are complimentary drinks available all day?

Some are easier to find throughout the day than others.

Water, coffee, tea, iced tea and lemonade are usually widely available when dining venues are open. Juice and milk may be most visible during breakfast.

A venue may close between meal periods, so you may need to visit another complimentary dining location.

Do you need a beverage package?

No. A beverage package is not required.

A guest who is satisfied with water, brewed coffee, tea, lemonade, flavored water, milk and basic juice may not need to buy any package.

A package may be more useful when someone regularly wants:

• Soda
• Bottled water
• Specialty coffee
• Fresh-squeezed juice
• Smoothies
• Mocktails
• Alcoholic drinks

The right choice depends on what you actually drink and the price offered for your sailing.

Can you pay for drinks individually?

Yes. You do not have to buy a beverage package to order something that is not included.

You can purchase soda, specialty coffee, bottled water, cocktails and other drinks individually and charge them to your onboard account.

This is often the better choice for guests who only want an occasional paid drink.

Can you bring your own water or soda onboard?

Royal Caribbean currently allows each stateroom to carry on up to 12 standard cans, bottles or cartons of non-alcoholic beverages, with each container no larger than 17 ounces. These items must be brought as carry-on items on boarding day. Milk and distilled water for infant, medical or dietary use are also permitted.

That allowance can be useful for guests who want a particular soda, energy drink or bottled water without purchasing a package.

Can you bring wine onboard?

Each guest of legal drinking age may bring one sealed 750-milliliter bottle of wine or champagne on embarkation day. Beer, hard liquor and alcoholic seltzers are not permitted under the standard carry-on allowance.

Royal Caribbean’s policies can change, so check the official beverage policy again shortly before your sailing.

What is included for children?

Children receive the same basic complimentary beverage options, including water, milk, lemonade, flavored water, juice, hot chocolate and available tea or decaf beverages.

Soda, mocktails, bottled water, smoothies and milkshakes are not automatically included in the cruise fare.

Parents can purchase individual drinks or choose a Soda or Refreshment Package for a child. A parent does not have to buy a Refreshment Package simply because a child has one.

Are complimentary drinks included at Perfect Day at CocoCay?

Basic complimentary beverage options are generally available with included dining at Perfect Day at CocoCay, including water and other standard non-premium choices.

Royal Caribbean also allows qualifying beverage packages to be used at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Availability can differ by venue, so ask at the island’s dining locations if you are looking for a specific complimentary option.

My practical takeaway

You can absolutely take a Royal Caribbean cruise without purchasing a beverage package.

The complimentary selection is not elaborate, but it includes more than plain water:

• Coffee in the morning
• Juice or milk with breakfast
• Lemonade or flavored water during the day
• Iced tea with lunch or dinner
• Hot tea, coffee or hot chocolate later

The beverage packages are upgrades for people who want more variety, convenience or premium drinks. They are not required to stay hydrated or have a choice of beverages throughout the cruise.

For many guests, the most economical approach is to use the included beverages and pay individually for an occasional soda, specialty coffee or alcoholic drink.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

What beverages are included in a Royal Caribbean cruise fare?

Royal Caribbean includes ice water, flavored waters, brewed coffee, assorted teas, iced tea, hot chocolate, milk, lemonade and fruit juices. These are generally found in casual dining venues and may also be ordered in the Main Dining Room and other restaurants.

Is coffee free on Royal Caribbean?

Basic brewed regular and decaf coffee is included. Espresso, lattes, cappuccinos and other specialty coffees normally cost extra.

Is Starbucks included in the cruise fare?

No. Drinks from licensed Starbucks locations cost extra. They are also excluded from Royal Caribbean’s standard beverage packages.

Is soda free on Royal Caribbean?

No. Soda is not included in the regular cruise fare. It can be purchased individually or through an applicable beverage package.

Is lemonade included on Royal Caribbean?

Yes. Lemonade is included and is commonly available at self-service beverage stations and in dining venues.

Is juice included on Royal Caribbean?

Basic fruit juice is included, especially at breakfast. Fresh-squeezed juice and many bottled juices cost extra.

Is orange juice free at breakfast?

Standard orange juice may be available as an included breakfast beverage. Fresh-squeezed orange juice costs extra unless covered by an applicable package.

Is bottled water free on Royal Caribbean?

No. Bottled still and sparkling water cost extra. Glasses of regular ice water are included.

Can I ask for water at a bar?

Yes. You can ask for a glass of ice water without purchasing another drink.

Is milk included?

Yes. Milk is included, although the available varieties can differ by venue and ship.

Is chocolate milk included?

Chocolate milk is often available at breakfast or by request, but availability may vary.

Is hot chocolate included?

Yes. Royal Caribbean lists hot chocolate among the included beverages.

Is iced tea included?

Yes. Standard iced tea is included. Specialty or flavored café teas may cost extra.

Are mocktails included without a package?

No. Bar-made mocktails generally cost extra. They are included in the Refreshment and Deluxe Beverage Packages.

Are smoothies included?

No. Smoothies normally cost extra and may be included in the Deluxe Beverage Package at participating venues. Package offerings can vary.

Are Johnny Rockets milkshakes included?

They are not included in the standard cruise fare. Royal Caribbean currently lists Johnny Rockets milkshakes as included in the Refreshment Package, while the Deluxe Package includes milkshakes where available.

Can I cruise without buying any drink package?

Yes. Many guests use the included water, coffee, tea, lemonade, flavored water, milk and juice, then pay individually for anything else they want.

Can only one person buy the Refreshment Package?

Yes. Royal Caribbean does not require everyone in the stateroom to buy the Refreshment Package.

Can I bring my own soda?

Yes. A stateroom may carry on up to 12 standard cans, bottles or cartons of non-alcoholic beverages, each no larger than 17 ounces, on boarding day.

Can I bring my own bottled water?

Yes, within the same 12-container non-alcoholic beverage allowance per stateroom.

Can I bring an energy drink onboard?

An energy drink may be included within the allowed 12 non-alcoholic cans, bottles or cartons per stateroom, subject to the 17-ounce limit.

Are complimentary beverages available through room service?

Continental breakfast may include basic coffee, tea and juice selections, but room-service availability, menu items and fees can differ from what is offered at self-service stations. Check the current menu in the Royal Caribbean app once onboard.

Are the included beverages the same on every ship?

The core categories are published fleetwide, but the exact flavors, brands, dispensers and availability can vary by ship and venue.

Do complimentary drinks come with gratuity charges?

No additional beverage gratuity is added when you select a drink already included in the cruise fare. Purchased beverages are subject to Royal Caribbean’s applicable gratuity policies.