Should I Get a Royal Caribbean Deluxe Drink Package?

By:  Jesse Foutz, a Marvelous Mouse Travels agent

Cruising is such a great way to vacation and nothing says vacation like enjoying a beer or cocktail by the pool. How about a glass of wine or two with dinner or a mimosa for breakfast.

After you have booked your Royal Caribbean Cruise you will have the opportunity to add-on a Deluxe Drink Package, which will give you unfettered access to drinks all throughout your cruise.

Before we go into the Deluxe Drink Package here’s what already included with your cruise fare:

Drinks Included with your cruise:

• Milk (Different options including Chocolate)
• Tea (Hot & Iced Unsweetened)
• Coffee (Specialty Coffee Drinks are available at an extra cost)
• Lemonade
• Flavored Waters
• Assorted Fruit Juices (freshly-squeezed is available at an extra cost)
• Hot chocolate (packets, self-mix)
• Tap Water

Included with the Deluxe Beverage Package

Pretty much anything that you can drink on a Royal Caribbean Cruise. But here’s the rundown:

• Cocktails
• Beer
• Wine by the Glass
• Liquor
• Premium Coffee & Tea Drinks
• Mocktails (non-alcoholic)
• Soft-Drinks
• Milkshakes (dining at Johnny Rockets on select ships)
• Still & Sparkling Water
• Bottles of Water
• Freshly Squeezed Juices 
• Discounts on full bottles of wine

So needless to say, you won’t go thirsty if you purchase a Deluxe Drink Package. But is it for you?

Is the Deluxe Drink Package worth it? 

This is a question that most people will tend to ask themselves before purchasing the package and I would say that the answer is not as simple as “Yes!” or “No!” but rather “it depends!”. I will explain further below.

Having worked as an accountant, I learned to love spreadsheets and I love to just break down the raw numbers. On my most recent cruise, I decided to go ala carte on drinks and journal out my first full day at sea.  

Not included in the numbers above was my access to unlimited Coca-Cola soft-drinks, which I did pay for a Soft-Drink package that cost $13.50 per day before taxes and gratuities. That would’ve also been included with the Deluxe Package. 

The Deluxe Drink Package starts at $64.00 per eligible person per day before tax and gratuities and taking that into consideration, the Deluxe Drink Package would’ve been perfect for me…BUT not for my cabin. Let me explain.

When purchasing the Deluxe Drink Package, it must be purchased for everyone in your stateroom that is drinking age. That’s important to remember, especially if your cabinmate(s) do not like to drink or do not drink as much as you do. 

For this particular cruise, we would’ve had to have purchased the Deluxe Drink Package for 2 Adults. However, on this particular day that I was journaling, my cabin-mate had two cocktails total and he did not purchase any premium coffees. His out-of-pocket cost was a lot less than the daily cost of the Deluxe Drink Package. This was pretty much his same routine each day of the cruise.

So in this case when it comes to just the raw numbers, it wouldn’t have made the most financial sense to buy the Deluxe Drink Package.

Who cares if the numbers make sense? 

For some, one of the big allures of a Deluxe Drink Package is bringing more of that “all-inclusive” element to your cruise. You may not get a drink every time you go by the pool bar…But you could, if you wanted to!

Another great thing about the Deluxe Drink Package is that you can add it on and pay for it before you cruise. Meaning that’s one less thing you have to worry about paying for while on your cruise. More spending money for souvenirs, right?

You don’t have to make it make sense! 

When you have the Deluxe Drink Package it may become your personal challenge to make sure you drink your worth whether you want to or not. You have the drink package and you feel like you have to order a drink every time you pass a bar. Just remember you are on vacation and on a cruise ship, the last thing you want to do is drink too much. On a previous cruise, I had the Deluxe Drink Package and used it as an opportunity to try drinks I would never order while at home or just out for dinner. Some of these drinks I maybe took a few sips and I was done. I didn’t have to feel guilty about finishing a drink that I didn’t really like because it was included. You are on vacation and if you have the Deluxe Drink Package just enjoy it if you want it!

A Few More Things You Should Know Regarding the Deluxe Drink Package

Here are a few more things that may help you decide 

• You cannot share your Deluxe Drink Package. If you are caught sharing drinks you obtained with your Deluxe Drink Package you can lose your ability to obtain new drinks using your Deluxe Drink Package.
• You will want to make sure and purchase your Drink Package before you cruise for the best deals. Make sure to keep an eye on your email and Cruise Planner for current deals and bundles to make the Deluxe Drink Package even cheaper. 
• For itineraries that include stops at Perfect Day at CocoCay or Labadee, your Deluxe Drink Package is good to use on these private island retreats. 

My Final Thoughts

The Deluxe Drink Package is not for everyone but there are also other options including the Refreshment Package or the Soda Package that you can consider. If you would like to learn more about the different drink package options reach out to Marvelous Mouse Travels to be connected to an agent who specializes in booking Royal Caribbean Cruises. Their services are 100% Free. 

Regardless if you purchase a Deluxe Drink Package or not, you will have an amazing time sailing on your next  Royal Caribbean Cruise. Cheers!