Royal Caribbean Cruise Drink Package: Tips to Maximize Value

Royal Caribbean’s drink packages can be one of the most convenient—and enjoyable—ways to enhance your cruise. With cocktails, specialty coffee, smoothies, juices, soda, and bottled water included depending on the package you choose, it’s easy to relax without worrying about the cost of every drink. But to truly get your money’s worth, you need a strategy. These tips help you maximize value, avoid common mistakes, and make the most of every sip on your vacation.

Understanding What’s Included

Royal Caribbean offers three main beverage packages, each designed for different drinking styles and budgets. Knowing the differences helps you choose the right one from the start.

• Deluxe Beverage Package — Includes cocktails, beer, wine, premium coffee, soda, bottled water, and fresh juices. This is the only package that covers alcohol.
• Refreshment Package — Covers mocktails, soda, specialty coffee, smoothies, and fresh juices.
• Classic Soda Package — Unlimited fountain soda with a souvenir cup.

Before your cruise, review the inclusions so you know exactly what you can order without extra charges. This prevents surprises and helps you plan your drink habits for the week.

Start Early and Pace Yourself

The easiest way to maximize value is to spread your drinks throughout the day. A smoothie or fresh juice in the morning, a specialty coffee mid‑day, and cocktails or mocktails in the afternoon and evening help you naturally reach the daily value of your package without feeling rushed.

Many cruisers underestimate how much they’ll drink until they realize how many premium options are included. Starting early ensures you enjoy the full range of beverages—not just cocktails.

Try Specialty Cocktails and Premium Options

If you have the Deluxe Beverage Package, skip the basic rum‑and‑Cokes and explore the handcrafted cocktails available at bars like The Lime & Coconut or Boleros. These bars offer unique recipes, fresh ingredients, and top‑shelf spirits that cost more when purchased individually.

Signature drinks are where the package shines. They’re more flavorful, more fun, and offer the best value per drink.

Don’t Forget Specialty Coffee and Tea

Many cruisers overlook the fact that lattes, cappuccinos, and iced coffees are included in the Deluxe and Refreshment packages. Instead of grabbing the free buffet coffee, head to Café Promenade or another specialty venue for a richer, barista‑made drink. These beverages add up quickly when purchased individually, making them an easy way to increase your package value.

Enjoy Freshly Squeezed Juices and Smoothies

Fresh juices and smoothies are some of the most expensive non‑alcoholic drinks onboard, and they’re included in both the Deluxe and Refreshment packages. If your ship has a spa juice bar, take advantage of nutrient‑packed blends that would normally cost several dollars each.

Don’t Miss Johnny Rockets Shakes

If your ship has a Johnny Rockets, their famous milkshakes are included in the Deluxe and Refreshment packages—except for breakfast shakes. These shakes are thick, indulgent, and normally carry a premium price, making them a fun way to get extra value.

Using Your Drink Package on Royal Caribbean’s Private Destinations

Your drink package works at Perfect Day at CocoCay, including all bars and most specialty frozen drinks. This is one of the best ways to maximize value because island cocktails are normally pricey when purchased individually.

However, the drink package is not accepted at the new Royal Beach Club in Nassau, since it operates differently from CocoCay. Drinks there are purchased separately, so plan for additional costs if you’re spending the day at the beach club.