If you’re getting ready for a Royal Caribbean cruise, one of the decisions you’ll probably make before sailing is whether or not to purchase a drink package.

Royal Caribbean currently offers three main beverage packages, and they are definitely not all the same! There are also a few smaller beverage options that may make more sense if you don’t need an unlimited package.

Here’s a simple breakdown to help you decide what works best for your cruise.

🍹 Deluxe Beverage Package

This is Royal Caribbean’s alcohol-inclusive package and the most comprehensive of the three.

It includes:

• Cocktails

• Spirits and liqueurs

• Beer

• Wine by the glass

• Fountain soda and refills

• Mocktails

• Premium coffees and teas

• Bottled still and sparkling water

• Fresh-squeezed juices

• Smoothies and milkshakes where available

The package currently covers individual drinks priced up to $14. If you want a more expensive drink, you generally pay the difference.

You also receive 40% off bottles of wine priced up to $100 and 20% off bottles over $100.

⚠️ Important Cabin Rule

If one adult purchases the Deluxe Beverage Package, all guests of legal drinking age in the same stateroom must purchase an alcoholic beverage package.

That can make a BIG difference when deciding whether the package is worth the cost for your cabin.

🥤 The Soda Cup Has Changed!

As of March 15, 2026, the Coca-Cola Freestyle Cup is no longer included with the Deluxe Beverage Package.

If you want to use the Coca-Cola Freestyle machines, you can purchase the special RFID-enabled Freestyle Cup onboard for $4.99.

You can still get regular fountain soda and refills without purchasing the cup—the cup is specifically needed to operate the Freestyle machines.

☕ Starbucks?

Starbucks purchases are NOT included in the Deluxe Beverage Package.

🍹 Refreshment Package

Don't drink alcohol but still want more than soda?

This may be the sweet spot.

The Refreshment Package includes unlimited non-alcoholic beverages such as:

• Fountain soda and refills

• Mocktails

• Johnny Rockets milkshakes

• Bottled still and sparkling water

• Premium coffees and teas

• Fresh-squeezed juices

This can be a great option if you enjoy specialty coffee in the morning, bottled water throughout the day and a few mocktails by the pool.

🥤 Freestyle Cup

Just like the Deluxe Package, the Coca-Cola Freestyle Cup is no longer automatically included with the Refreshment Package.

Beginning March 15, 2026, you can purchase the Freestyle Cup onboard for $4.99 if you want access to the Freestyle machines.

☕ Starbucks?

Starbucks is NOT included with the Refreshment Package either.

🥤 Classic Soda Package

If you're mainly a soda drinker, this is the simplest of Royal Caribbean's three beverage packages.

It includes:

• Unlimited fountain soda

• Unlimited refills

• Coca-Cola Freestyle beverages

• Coca-Cola Freestyle Cup INCLUDED

Unlike the Deluxe and Refreshment Packages, the Classic Soda Package still includes the special Freestyle Cup.

If you lose your included cup, Royal Caribbean currently allows you to purchase a replacement for $4.99.

💰 How Much Do Royal Caribbean Drink Packages Cost?

This is where things get interesting.

Royal Caribbean doesn't have one single price that applies to every cruise. Your price can vary depending on the ship, sailing and current Cruise Planner promotion.

When looking at the cost, remember that you're essentially paying the daily package price for the duration of your cruise.

So don't just look at the advertised per-day price.

Look at the total checkout price for your entire sailing, including any applicable gratuities and taxes.

And with the Deluxe Beverage Package, remember to consider the cabin rule if there is another guest of legal drinking age staying with you.

💡 MY TIP:

Don't automatically assume the first sale you see is the best price.

Check your Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner periodically.

If you purchase a package and later see a better eligible price, check Royal Caribbean's current cancellation terms—you may be able to cancel and repurchase at the lower price.

☕ Café Select Coffee Card

Don't need an unlimited beverage package but LOVE your specialty coffee?

Take a look at the Café Select Coffee Card.

The card currently includes 15 specialty espresso-based coffees during your cruise.

Royal Caribbean says it can save you up to 50% compared with purchasing eligible specialty coffees individually.

But there is an important exception:

🚫 The Café Select Coffee Card is NOT valid at licensed Starbucks locations.

💧 Evian Bottled Water Package

If you like having plenty of bottled water in your cabin, you can also purchase an Evian Bottled Water Package.

Royal Caribbean offers pre-purchased water that can be delivered directly to your stateroom.

This can be especially convenient if you like to grab a bottle before heading to the pool or leaving the ship for an excursion.

Availability and package sizes can vary, so check your Cruise Planner for your specific sailing.

💦 Sparkling Water Options

Royal Caribbean also offers bottled sparkling water options on select sailings, which may appear in your Cruise Planner as a separate beverage or stateroom-delivery purchase.

If you specifically want San Pellegrino, check your individual sailing's Cruise Planner to see what is currently offered and the package size and price.

⭐ DON'T FORGET THIS STARBUCKS TIP!

Here's one Royal Caribbean tip that Starbucks fans should know.

Your Royal Caribbean beverage package and Café Select Coffee Card do not cover drinks purchased inside a licensed Starbucks onboard.

BUT...

☕ Starbucks Gift Cards ARE accepted at officially licensed Starbucks locations onboard Royal Caribbean ships that have them.

Even better, if you use a registered Starbucks Card, Royal Caribbean says you can still earn a Starbucks Star for the transaction.

However, you cannot redeem Starbucks Rewards benefits, coupons or in-store promotional offers onboard.

So if you already have money sitting on a Starbucks gift card, bring it along!

🛳️ Which Royal Caribbean Drink Package Should You Choose?

Here's how I would look at it:

🍸 Deluxe Beverage Package
Best for someone who plans to enjoy alcoholic drinks along with specialty coffee, bottled water, soda, juices and mocktails.

🍹 Refreshment Package
Best for someone who doesn't drink alcohol but enjoys mocktails, specialty coffees, bottled water, fresh juice and soda.

🥤 Classic Soda Package
Best for the dedicated soda drinker who doesn't need all the extras.

☕ Café Select Coffee Card
Worth considering if specialty coffee is your main splurge and you don't need an unlimited package.

💧 Water Delivery
A convenient alternative if bottled water is your biggest priority.

One Last Tip

Before buying ANY Royal Caribbean drink package, think about what you realistically drink in a normal day.

Coffee in the morning?

Bottled water throughout the day?

A couple of sodas?

Cocktails by the pool?

Wine with dinner?

Add up what you would probably purchase individually and compare that with the total package price for your sailing.

Sometimes a beverage package is a great deal.

Other times, paying as you go makes much more sense.

There isn't one drink package that's right for everyone—the best one is the one you'll actually use! 🛳️🍹