Royal Caribbean Drink Packages: Are They Worth It?
So, you're planning a Royal Caribbean cruise, huh? Awesome! One of the first things you'll probably start thinking about (besides the sun and the fun, of course) is the whole drinks situation. And that's where the Royal Caribbean drink packages come in. Are they a must-have, or can you skip them and still have a fantastic time? Let's dive deep into everything you need to know to make the best decision for your vacation.
What are Royal Caribbean Drink Packages?
Okay, first things first, let's break down exactly what these Royal Caribbean drink packages are all about. Basically, they're a way to prepay for your drinks onboard. Instead of paying for each individual cocktail, beer, soda, or specialty coffee, you pay a flat daily rate, and then you can order away (within certain limits, of course!). It sounds pretty straightforward, but there's a bit more to it than that.
The core idea is convenience and cost control. Instead of constantly watching your bar tab climb, you can relax and enjoy your vacation knowing that a big chunk of your onboard expenses is already taken care of. For many people, that peace of mind alone is worth the price of admission.
However, not all Royal Caribbean drink packages are created equal. There are different tiers, each offering a different range of beverages and, naturally, a different price point. Understanding these differences is key to choosing the right package for your drinking habits and preferences. We'll get into the specifics of each package in a bit, so hang tight!
Ultimately, the value of a drink package hinges on how much you realistically think you'll drink each day. If you're planning on indulging in multiple cocktails, beers, and specialty coffees, then a package could save you a significant amount of money. But if you're more of a casual drinker, or you're happy sticking to water, juice, and the occasional soda, then you might be better off paying as you go.
Breaking Down the Royal Caribbean Drink Packages
Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty and explore the different Royal Caribbean drink packages available. Royal Caribbean typically offers a few different tiers, each designed to cater to different drinking styles and budgets. Keep in mind that the specific names and offerings of these packages can sometimes change, so it's always a good idea to check the Royal Caribbean website or app for the most up-to-date information before your cruise.
1. The Deluxe Beverage Package
This is the big kahuna, the top-tier package that includes just about everything you could possibly want to drink on board. With the Deluxe Beverage Package, you can enjoy unlimited cocktails, beers, wines by the glass, fountain sodas, specialty coffees and teas, bottled water, juices, and even milkshakes. Basically, if it's a beverage, chances are it's included.
The Deluxe Beverage Package is definitely the most expensive option, but it can also be the most cost-effective if you plan on indulging in a wide variety of drinks throughout the day. If you're a cocktail enthusiast, a wine lover, or someone who simply enjoys having a constant stream of beverages at your fingertips, this package might be right up your alley.
2. The Refreshment Package
If you're not a big drinker of alcohol but still want to enjoy the convenience of a beverage package, the Refreshment Package is a great option. This package includes unlimited fountain sodas, specialty coffees and teas, bottled water, juices, and virgin cocktails. It's perfect for those who want to stay hydrated and caffeinated without the booze.
The Refreshment Package is also a popular choice for families with kids or teens who want to be able to grab a soda or juice whenever they want without having to worry about racking up a huge bill. It offers a good balance of value and convenience for non-alcoholic drinkers.
3. The Classic Soda Package
For the soda enthusiasts out there, Royal Caribbean offers the Classic Soda Package. This package includes unlimited fountain sodas throughout your cruise. It's the most basic and affordable of the drink packages, and it's a great option if you primarily drink soda and don't care about other beverages.
While the Classic Soda Package is the cheapest option, it's worth considering whether it's really worth the cost. Sodas are typically available for free at meal times, so you'll primarily be using the package between meals. If you only drink a few sodas a day, you might be better off paying for them individually.
Royal Caribbean Drink Package Cost
Now, let's talk about the moolah. The cost of Royal Caribbean drink packages can vary depending on a few factors, including the length of your cruise, the time of year, and any ongoing promotions. Generally speaking, the longer your cruise, the higher the daily cost of the package will be. And, as you might expect, prices tend to be higher during peak season, such as summer and holidays.
To give you a general idea, the Deluxe Beverage Package typically ranges from around $70 to $90 per person per day. The Refreshment Package usually costs around $30 to $40 per person per day, and the Classic Soda Package is the most affordable, at around $10 to $15 per person per day. Keep in mind that these are just estimates, and the actual prices may vary.
It's also important to factor in the automatic gratuity that Royal Caribbean adds to all drink package purchases. This gratuity is typically around 18% and covers the service provided by the bartenders and other beverage staff. So, when you're calculating the total cost of a drink package, be sure to add in that extra 18%.
One thing to keep in mind is that Royal Caribbean often runs promotions on their drink packages, especially when you book your cruise in advance. These promotions can sometimes offer significant discounts, such as a percentage off the regular price or even a free drink package with certain stateroom categories. So, it's always a good idea to keep an eye out for these deals and take advantage of them when you can.
Is a Royal Caribbean Drink Package Worth It? The Million-Dollar Question
Okay, so here's the big question: Is a Royal Caribbean drink package actually worth the money? The answer, as with most things, is it depends. It depends on your drinking habits, your budget, and your overall vacation style. Let's break down the factors you need to consider.
Consider Your Drinking Habits
This is the most important factor to consider. Be honest with yourself about how much you typically drink on vacation. Do you enjoy indulging in multiple cocktails throughout the day? Do you like to have a glass of wine with dinner? Do you need a specialty coffee to get you going in the morning? If you answered yes to most of these questions, then a drink package might be a good investment.
To get a better idea of whether a package is worth it, try to estimate how many drinks you would typically buy each day if you were paying individually. Then, multiply that number by the average price of each drink. If the total cost is higher than the daily cost of the drink package, then the package is likely a good deal. If not, you might be better off paying as you go.
Factor in Your Budget
Of course, you also need to consider your budget. Royal Caribbean drink packages can be a significant expense, especially for longer cruises or for families traveling together. If you're on a tight budget, you might need to prioritize other aspects of your vacation, such as shore excursions or specialty dining. In that case, you might be better off skipping the drink package and paying for drinks individually.
Think About Your Vacation Style
Your overall vacation style can also play a role in whether a drink package is worth it. If you plan on spending most of your time lounging by the pool or exploring the ship, then you're more likely to take advantage of a drink package. But if you plan on spending a lot of time ashore on excursions, you might not get as much value out of it.
Also, consider whether you enjoy trying new drinks and experimenting with different cocktails. If you do, then the Deluxe Beverage Package can be a great way to sample a wide variety of beverages without worrying about the cost. But if you tend to stick to the same few drinks, you might not need the full range of options offered by the package.
Tips and Tricks for Royal Caribbean Drink Packages
Alright, let's wrap things up with a few tips and tricks to help you make the most of your Royal Caribbean drink package (if you decide to get one, that is!).
- Look for Promotions: As mentioned earlier, Royal Caribbean often runs promotions on their drink packages, especially when you book your cruise in advance. Keep an eye out for these deals and take advantage of them when you can. You might be able to save a significant amount of money.
- Share (But Not Really): Royal Caribbean has a strict policy against sharing drink packages. If one person in your stateroom purchases a Deluxe Beverage Package, all other adults in the same stateroom must also purchase it. This is to prevent people from buying one package and then sharing drinks with their friends or family. However, there is one exception: if someone in your stateroom doesn't drink alcohol, they can purchase the Refreshment Package instead.
- Do the Math: Before you commit to a drink package, take some time to do the math and figure out whether it's actually worth the cost. Estimate how many drinks you would typically buy each day if you were paying individually, and then compare that to the daily cost of the package. Don't forget to factor in the gratuity!
- Pace Yourself: It can be tempting to overindulge when you have a drink package, but try to pace yourself. Remember that you're on vacation to relax and enjoy yourself, not to see how many drinks you can consume in a day. Drink responsibly and stay hydrated.
- Explore the Options: Don't be afraid to try new drinks and explore the different options available on board. The Deluxe Beverage Package gives you access to a wide variety of cocktails, beers, wines, and specialty coffees, so take advantage of it! Ask the bartenders for recommendations and try something new.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – a comprehensive guide to Royal Caribbean drink packages. Hopefully, this information has helped you make a more informed decision about whether a drink package is right for you. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual circumstances and preferences. Consider your drinking habits, your budget, and your vacation style, and then weigh the pros and cons of each package. And most importantly, have a fantastic cruise!
