05-08-2025
Royal Caribbean enforces drink package rule
Royal Caribbean enforces drink package rule originally appeared on TravelHost.
Going on vacation usually involves consuming your favorite alcoholic drinks, whether it be a Bahama Mama or a Whisky Sour-that is if you drink alcohol. Many people do, especially on cruises where you don't have to worry about driving.
Drink packages are among the most popular add‑ons that cruisers purchase, offering travelers a carefree way to enjoy cocktails, specialty coffees, juices, and sodas throughout their trip—without tallying up each vacationers treat their package as part of the cruise experience—from pool‑deck margaritas at sunset to espresso‑martinis before evening shows. Whatever your favorite drink is if you buy a package, you are probably having more than a few since drink packages can be a big part of your vacation investment.
Cruise line veterans and first‑time cruisers should look closely at new rule changes from Royal Caribbean governing its all‑important Deluxe Beverage Package.
Want the latest cruise news and deals? Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter.
Royal Caribbean is not giving out exceptions to the Deluxe Beverage Package rule
As of August 1, 2025, the cruise line will no longer allow exceptions to the long‑standing policy that if one adult in a cabin buys the Deluxe Package, all legal‑age adults must do so—including non‑drinkers or those who prefer the lower‑cost Refreshment or Soda packages.
This marks one of the most significant policy shifts in years—and while Cruise Hive broke the news, Royal Caribbean has yet to publish a formal memo, press release, or updated site FAQ formally announcing internal statement from Royal Caribbean regarding the Deluxe Beverage Package was provided to Cruise Hive:
'Beginning August 1, Royal Caribbean will no longer be able to grant exceptions to our policy that both guests in a stateroom must purchase the Deluxe Beverage Package…''Over time…requests for exceptions have increased, and sharing of packages has continued, which led us to implement this policy change.'
This means that customer‑care overrides, which previously allowed exceptions for one guest to skip Deluxe, are now completely revoked. While Royal Caribbean's formal policy has long required that if one legal‑age guest in a stateroom buys the Deluxe Beverage Package then all other legal‑age guests must also purchase it, the informal practice that once allowed a second adult to choose the Refreshment Package instead has been officially removed.
Even if there is a medical reason for not drinking alcohol, the rule will still apply that all persons in a stateroom of legal drinking age will need to purchase the Deluxe Beverage Package even if for example, one person is pregnant or simply does not drink alcohol.
Be the first to see the best deals on cruises, special sailings, and more. Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter.
What the Royal Caribbean's drink packages include
Typically, the Deluxe Beverage Package runs from around $50 to $100 per day depending on the specific sailing and when you buy the package.
The Deluxe Beverage Package includes:
Cocktails, spirits, liqeurs and beer
Still and sparkling water
Wines by the glass
Fresh squeezed juices
Mocktails
Coffees and teas
Fountain sodasThe Refreshment Package is around $30 to $45 per day, roughly half of what the Deluxe Beverage Package costs.
The Refreshment Package includes:
Coffees and teas
Still and sparkling water
Fresh squeezed orange juice
Mocktails
Fountain sodas
On a typical 7-night cruise, the Deluxe Beverage Package can cost over $700 per person.
Maximize Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society perks and drink saving tips
If you are a Diamond member of the Crown & Anchor Society you are provided with 4 drink vouchers (up to $14/voucher). If you are Diamond Plus you will receive 5 drink vouchers. This can help offset the cost of buying one or more drink packages.
If you are a casino player and you are Prime status or higher with Club Royal, you can get free drinks while playing at the casino.
If you consider not buying the drink package and you drink modestly, let's say 4-6 drinks a day, you'd possibly save money just by buying drinks a la carte (drinks range from around $7-$14).There are daily drink specials that can be purchased onboard.
While some cruisers may be disappointed by this change, you can still take advantage of savings through sales, not buying drink packages and taking advantage of loyalty perks.
If you are a moderate to heavy drinker or plan to really splurge on your trip, rest assured, Royal Caribbean does not have any drink limit to the Deluxe Beverage package, like some other cruise lines such as Carnival Cruise Line and MSC Cruises.
(The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.)
Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me's Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@ or call or text her at 386-383-2472.
This story was originally reported by TravelHost on Aug 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
Solve the daily Crossword
