How Much Are Drinks on Royal Caribbean? Ultimate Savings
If you’re searching for fast food open on christmas while planning your vacation, you might also be wondering how much are drinks on Royal Caribbean. Food and beverages are an important part of every cruise, and understanding drink prices before you board can help you budget wisely. Whether you enjoy specialty coffee, fresh juices, cocktails, mocktails, or premium wine, Royal Caribbean offers a wide range of beverages for every traveler. If you’re comparing your beverage choices before your trip, you may also want to read our guide on is coffee better than energy drinks to make a more informed decision about your favorite drinks.
Many first-time cruisers assume that all drinks are included in their cruise fare. While some beverages are complimentary, many premium drinks come with an additional charge. Knowing what is included and what costs extra allows you to avoid surprises and enjoy your vacation without worrying about unexpected expenses. In this guide, you’ll discover everything you need to know about how much are drinks on Royal Caribbean, including complimentary beverages, alcohol prices, coffee costs, beverage packages, money-saving tips, and even how to recreate popular cruise-style drinks at home.
Understanding Royal Caribbean Drink Prices
One of the most common questions travelers ask is how much are drinks on Royal Caribbean before booking their cruise. The answer depends on the type of drink you choose and whether you purchase a beverage package.
Royal Caribbean offers everything from complimentary drinks to premium cocktails, imported beers, specialty coffee, smoothies, fresh juices, and fine wines. Prices are generally similar across most ships, although they may vary slightly depending on the itinerary or sailing region. Several factors influence drink prices, including:
- Beverage category
- Brand and quality
- Ship location
- Specialty venues
- Beverage package discounts
Most premium beverages also include an automatic gratuity, so it’s important to factor that into your budget.
Which Drinks Are Included in Your Cruise Fare?
The good news is that not every beverage requires an additional payment. Your cruise fare already includes several refreshing options available throughout the day.
Complimentary beverages typically include:
| Included Drink | Available Throughout the Cruise |
| Filtered Water | Yes |
| Regular Coffee | Yes |
| Hot Tea | Yes |
| Iced Tea | Yes |
| Lemonade | Yes |
| Flavored Water | Selected Areas |
| Milk | Breakfast & Dining Rooms |
These beverages are available in the Windjammer Café, Main Dining Room, and several buffet stations. If you’re satisfied with these options, you can easily complete your cruise without spending extra on drinks.
Drinks That Cost Extra
Premium beverages are available almost everywhere onboard, including restaurants, bars, cafés, lounges, and entertainment venues.
Extra-cost beverages include:
| Beverage | Additional Charge |
| Cocktails | Yes |
| Beer | Yes |
| Wine | Yes |
| Premium Coffee | Yes |
| Fresh Juice | Yes |
| Energy Drinks | Yes |
| Milkshakes | Yes |
| Smoothies | Yes |
| Soda | Yes |
| Bottled Water | Yes |
These beverages can either be purchased individually or through one of Royal Caribbean’s beverage packages.
Alcoholic Drink Prices
Many travelers researching how much are drinks on Royal Caribbean are primarily interested in alcoholic beverage prices. Cocktails are among the most popular drinks onboard. Guests can enjoy classic favorites like Mojitos, Margaritas, Piña Coladas, Daiquiris, Martinis, and Long Island Iced Teas.
Typical price ranges include:
| Alcoholic Beverage | Average Price |
| Domestic Beer | $8–$9 |
| Imported Beer | $9–$10 |
| Cocktails | $14–$16 |
| Frozen Cocktails | $14–$16 |
| Glass of Wine | $9–$18 |
| Champagne | $12–$20 |
| Premium Whiskey | $15–$30+ |
An automatic gratuity is generally added to each purchase unless covered through a beverage package.
Specialty Coffee Prices
Coffee lovers will find numerous cafés across Royal Caribbean ships serving handcrafted beverages.
Popular choices include:
| Coffee Drink | Average Price |
| Espresso | $3–$4 |
| Cappuccino | $5–$6 |
| Latte | $5–$6 |
| Americano | $4–$5 |
| Mocha | $6–$7 |
| Iced Coffee | $5–$7 |
Although regular brewed coffee is included in your cruise fare, specialty coffee drinks require an extra payment unless covered by a beverage package.
Soft Drinks and Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Not everyone drinks alcohol, and Royal Caribbean provides plenty of refreshing alternatives.
Common prices include:
| Beverage | Average Price |
| Fountain Soda | $3–$4 |
| Bottled Water | $3–$5 |
| Fresh Orange Juice | $4–$6 |
| Smoothies | $6–$8 |
| Milkshakes | $7–$8 |
| Mocktails | $7–$9 |
| Energy Drinks | $5–$7 |
Families traveling with children often choose the Refreshment Package or Soda Package to reduce overall beverage costs.
Royal Caribbean Beverage Packages
Instead of paying for every drink individually, many guests purchase beverage packages. The most popular packages include:
| Beverage Package | Includes |
| Deluxe Beverage Package | Alcoholic & Non-Alcoholic Drinks |
| Refreshment Package | Premium Non-Alcoholic Drinks |
| Classic Soda Package | Unlimited Fountain Soda |
Package prices fluctuate depending on demand, itinerary, and promotional offers.
Booking before your sailing often provides the biggest discounts.
Is the Deluxe Beverage Package Worth Buying?
Whether the Deluxe Beverage Package is worth it depends entirely on your drinking habits. Guests who regularly enjoy specialty coffee in the morning, bottled water during excursions, soft drinks throughout the day, fresh juice at breakfast, cocktails by the pool, wine with dinner, and late-night drinks may actually save money by purchasing the package.
However, if you only drink one or two premium beverages daily, paying individually is usually the more economical option. This is why understanding how much are drinks on Royal Caribbean before your trip helps you compare package costs with your expected daily spending.
Drink Types Available on Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean offers one of the largest beverage selections at sea.
| Drink Type | Examples |
| Coffee | Latte, Espresso, Cappuccino |
| Tea | Green Tea, Black Tea, Herbal Tea |
| Soda | Cola, Lemon-Lime, Orange Soda |
| Juice | Orange, Apple, Cranberry |
| Cocktails | Mojito, Margarita, Daiquiri |
| Frozen Drinks | Piña Colada, Strawberry Daiquiri |
| Wine | Red, White, Rosé |
| Beer | Domestic & Imported |
| Mocktails | Virgin Mojito, Fruit Punch |
| Smoothies | Berry Blend, Tropical Mix |
The extensive variety ensures every guest can find beverages that suit their preferences.
How to Make Royal Caribbean-Style Drinks at Home
One enjoyable way to experience the flavors of your cruise after returning home is by recreating some of the popular beverages yourself. While you cannot exactly duplicate every drink served onboard, you can prepare similar versions using fresh ingredients. This allows you to enjoy a cruise-inspired experience whenever you like while saving money.
Tropical Cruise Mocktail Recipe
This refreshing drink is perfect for both adults and children.
Ingredients
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- ½ cup orange juice
- ¼ cup coconut cream
- Ice cubes
- Pineapple slice for garnish
- Maraschino cherry (optional)
Instructions
- Fill a blender with ice cubes.
- Add the pineapple juice, orange juice, and coconut cream.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Pour into a chilled glass.
- Garnish with a pineapple slice and cherry before serving.
This homemade mocktail delivers a tropical flavor similar to many beverages served on Royal Caribbean ships.
Benefits of Preparing Cruise-Style Drinks at Home
Although cruising offers a unique dining experience, making similar drinks at home has several advantages.
| Benefit | Explanation |
| Saves Money | Homemade drinks cost much less than premium beverages onboard. |
| Customizable | You can adjust sweetness, flavors, and ingredients to your taste. |
| Family Friendly | Mocktails are suitable for guests of all ages. |
| Fresh Ingredients | You control the quality of fruits and juices used. |
| Fun Experience | Great for parties, summer gatherings, or vacation-themed events. |
Preparing these beverages at home is also a fun way to relive your favorite cruise memories.
Tips to Save Money on Drinks
Understanding how much are drinks on Royal Caribbean before your vacation can help you avoid overspending. A few smart strategies can significantly reduce your beverage expenses without limiting your enjoyment. Book beverage packages before your sailing whenever possible. Royal Caribbean frequently offers discounts before departure, making advance purchases cheaper than buying packages onboard. Take advantage of complimentary beverages such as filtered water, regular coffee, tea, lemonade, and iced tea throughout the day.
These drinks are already included in your cruise fare and can help reduce additional spending. Carry the complimentary beverages with your meals instead of ordering premium drinks every time you dine. If you enjoy only an occasional cocktail or specialty coffee, paying individually may be the better option. Comparing your expected daily drink consumption with package prices is one of the easiest ways to determine which option offers the best value.
Can You Bring Your Own Drinks?
Royal Caribbean allows guests to bring certain beverages onboard, but there are specific rules that travelers should know before packing. Most sailings allow guests to bring a limited amount of wine or champagne during embarkation, subject to the cruise line’s current policy. Many ships also permit a small quantity of bottled water on embarkation day if it follows the latest guidelines.
However, bringing hard liquor, beer, or large quantities of beverages is generally not allowed. Policies may change over time, so checking the latest cruise guidelines before departure is always recommended. Knowing these rules, along with how much are drinks on Royal Caribbean, helps you prepare your vacation budget more accurately.
Are Beverage Packages Worth It for Families?
Families often wonder whether beverage packages are a worthwhile investment. The answer depends on everyone’s drinking habits. Parents who drink specialty coffee in the morning, bottled water throughout the day, soft drinks during activities, and cocktails in the evening may benefit from a package. On the other hand, travelers who mainly drink complimentary beverages might spend less by purchasing drinks individually.
Children and teenagers who frequently consume soda, smoothies, milkshakes, or fresh juices may also find value in non-alcoholic beverage packages. Before purchasing, estimate how many premium drinks each family member is likely to enjoy every day.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many first-time cruisers make simple mistakes that increase their beverage costs.
- One common mistake is buying a beverage package without calculating how many drinks they’ll actually consume. Another is overlooking the complimentary beverages already included with the cruise fare.
- Some guests also forget that specialty coffees, bottled water, fresh juices, and mocktails can quickly add up when purchased individually.
Researching how much are drinks on Royal Caribbean in advance helps you avoid these surprises and choose the most cost-effective option. While planning your cruise expenses, don’t forget to prepare for a safe journey. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers useful travel health information that can help travelers stay informed before their trip.
Final Thoughts
Planning your beverage budget before sailing can make your cruise more enjoyable and stress-free. Whether you prefer complimentary drinks, specialty coffee, refreshing smoothies, or premium cocktails, understanding how much are drinks on Royal Caribbean allows you to choose the option that best fits your travel style and budget. Some travelers save money by purchasing drinks individually, while others get better value from a beverage package.
Your ideal choice depends on how often you expect to enjoy premium beverages during your vacation. Before your cruise, compare current package prices with your estimated daily consumption, review the latest onboard beverage policies, and take advantage of any pre-cruise discounts. By doing so, you’ll have a clear understanding of how much are drinks on Royal Caribbean and can enjoy every sip without worrying about unexpected costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Are any drinks free on Royal Caribbean?
Yes. Filtered water, regular coffee, hot tea, iced tea, lemonade, flavored water in select locations, and milk during meals are generally included in your cruise fare.
Q. How much does a cocktail usually cost?
Most cocktails cost between $14 and $16, although prices may vary depending on the ship and itinerary.
Q. Is bottled water included?
No. Bottled water is usually available for an additional charge unless your beverage package includes it.
Q. Can I buy drinks individually?
Yes. You are not required to purchase a beverage package. Every premium beverage can be bought separately.
Q. Should I purchase a beverage package before my cruise?
In many cases, booking before departure offers better prices than purchasing onboard.
Q. Do drink prices stay the same on every ship?
Prices are generally similar across the fleet, but slight variations may occur depending on the ship, destination, promotions, and seasonal pricing.
