When planning a Royal Caribbean cruise, one common question travelers ask is: How much do drinks cost on Royal Caribbean? Whether it’s a refreshing cocktail by the pool, a glass of wine with dinner, or a soda for the kids, it’s important to know what you’ll pay onboard.
This comprehensive 2025 guide breaks down Royal Caribbean drink prices, including alcoholic beverages, beer, cocktails, wines, and soft drinks. We’ll also explore drink packages to help you decide whether buying one is worth it.
Table of Contents
- Overview of Drink Costs on Royal Caribbean
- Alcohol Prices on Royal Caribbean
- Beer Prices on Royal Caribbean
- Cocktail Prices on Royal Caribbean
- Wine Prices on Royal Caribbean
- Spirits and Liquor Prices
- Non-Alcoholic Beverages and Soda Prices
- Specialty Coffees, Teas, and Bottled Water
- Royal Caribbean Drink Packages Explained
- Is a Drink Package Worth It?
- Tips to Save on Drinks Aboard Royal Caribbean
- Policies on Bringing Your Own Drinks
- Final Thoughts on Beverage Costs at Sea
Overview of Drink Costs on Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean is known for offering a wide selection of beverages for every taste and preference, but each drink comes with an extra charge unless you have a drink package. In 2025, drink prices have seen moderate increases in line with industry trends and inflation, but they remain competitive compared to other major cruise lines.
Prices vary slightly depending on the ship, destination, and the venue onboard, but the ranges below are good estimates for planning purposes.
Alcohol Prices on Royal Caribbean
Alcoholic drinks like beer, wine, and cocktails are not included in the basic cruise fare. Here’s what you can expect to pay for alcohol on Royal Caribbean:
- Cocktails: $13 to $17 per drink
- Frozen Drinks: $14 to $17 per drink
- Glass of Wine: $10 to $18 per glass
- Spirits & Mixed Drinks: $10 to $14 per serving
- Shots: $8 to $12 per shot
- Premium & Top-Shelf Spirits: $14 to $18 per drink
A gratuity of 18% is automatically added to all drink purchases.
Example Alcohol Prices:
| Drink Type | Price Range (USD) |
|---|---|
| Mojito | $14 – $16 |
| Margarita | $14 – $17 |
| Martini | $15 – $17 |
| Pina Colada | $14 – $16 |
| Old Fashioned | $13 – $16 |
Beer Prices on Royal Caribbean
If you’re a beer lover, Royal Caribbean offers a variety of domestic and international options including popular brands, craft beers, and ciders.
- Domestic Beers: $7.99 – $8.99
- Imported Beers: $8.99 – $9.99
- Craft Beers: $9.99 – $11.99
- Hard Ciders: $8.99 – $10.99
Popular Beer Brands Available:
- Bud Light
- Heineken
- Corona
- Stella Artois
- Guinness
- Sam Adams
- Angry Orchard (Cider)
Cocktail Prices on Royal Caribbean
Cocktails are a popular choice, especially when lounging by the pool or attending themed parties. Royal Caribbean’s bartenders are known for their skill and creativity, offering classic and signature options.
- Classic Cocktails: $13 – $15
- Specialty Cocktails: $15 – $17
- Frozen Cocktails: $14 – $17
Popular choices include:
- Mai Tai
- Long Island Iced Tea
- Strawberry Daiquiri
- Mudslide
- Espresso Martini
Wine Prices on Royal Caribbean
Wine enthusiasts have access to an extensive list of reds, whites, and sparkling wines onboard.
- Glass of Wine: $10 – $18
- Bottle of Wine: $40 – $150+
For special occasions or fine dining, Royal Caribbean offers premium bottles that can range significantly higher.
Spirits and Liquor Prices
Royal Caribbean bars stock a broad range of spirits, from standard liquors to top-shelf brands.
- Standard Spirits: $10 – $12
- Premium Brands: $14 – $18
- Shots: $8 – $12
Some common options:
- Bacardi
- Grey Goose
- Johnnie Walker Black
- Patron Silver
- Hendrick’s Gin
Non-Alcoholic Beverages and Soda Prices
For non-drinkers or those traveling with kids, Royal Caribbean provides a variety of soft drinks and mocktails:
| Beverage Type | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Soda (Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta) | $3.50 – $4.00 |
| Mocktails | $6.00 – $8.00 |
| Fresh Juices | $4.00 – $6.00 |
| Bottled Water | $3.25 – $4.25 |
| Powerade | $4.00 – $5.00 |
Specialty Coffees, Teas, and Bottled Water
Specialty drinks like coffees and teas can be purchased from Café Promenade, Starbucks at Sea, or dining venues:
- Espresso: $2.75
- Cappuccino: $3.50 – $4.50
- Latte: $4.00 – $5.00
- Specialty Teas: $3.00 – $4.00
- Starbucks Drinks: Similar to land-based Starbucks pricing, typically $4.00 – $7.00
Royal Caribbean Drink Packages Explained
Royal Caribbean offers multiple drink packages designed for convenience and potential savings:
1. Deluxe Beverage Package (Alcoholic Package)
- Includes cocktails, spirits, wine, beer, soda, juices, premium coffee, and bottled water
- Cost: $65 – $100 per person, per day (prices vary by cruise)
2. Refreshment Package (Non-Alcoholic)
- Includes mocktails, premium coffees, teas, soda, bottled water, and juices
- Cost: $29 – $38 per person, per day
3. Classic Soda Package
- Unlimited soda with a refillable souvenir cup
- Cost: $12.99 – $15 per person, per day
All packages are subject to the 18% gratuity at purchase.
Is a Drink Package Worth It?
Whether a drink package is worth it depends on your drinking habits:
- If you plan to drink 5-7 alcoholic drinks per day, the Deluxe Beverage Package could save you money.
- For non-drinkers who enjoy soda, premium coffee, and mocktails, the Refreshment Package is often worthwhile.
- Occasional drinkers may find it cheaper to pay per drink.
Additionally, packages must be purchased for the entire duration of the cruise and for every adult in the cabin if one adult purchases the alcohol package.
Tips to Save on Drinks Aboard Royal Caribbean
-
Pre-purchase Packages: Drink packages are often cheaper if booked before your cruise.
-
Look for Happy Hour Specials: Some venues offer discounted drinks at specific times.
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Bring Allowed Beverages: Guests can bring two 750ml bottles of wine or champagne per stateroom.
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Loyalty Program Perks: Crown & Anchor Society members sometimes receive free drink vouchers.
-
Water Package: Buying a bottled water package in advance can be cheaper than buying individual bottles.
Policies on Bringing Your Own Drinks
Royal Caribbean allows:
-
Two bottles of wine or champagne per cabin at embarkation.
-
Non-alcoholic beverages (like water, juice, soda) in small quantities carried on in your hand luggage.
However, beer and spirits are not permitted to be brought onboard. Any alcoholic beverages purchased in port or at duty-free shops are held until the end of the cruise.
Final Thoughts on Beverage Costs at Sea
Understanding the cost of drinks on Royal Caribbean helps you budget effectively for your vacation. Whether you prefer wine with dinner, a daily cocktail by the pool, or simply soda and coffee, you’ll find options for every taste onboard. cost of beverages on Royal Caribbean,
If you’re a frequent drinker, consider the drink package for convenience and savings. Occasional drinkers might be better off paying a la carte. Either way, Royal Caribbean ensures you’ll never go thirsty, with a variety of refreshing options across its many bars, lounges, and restaurants.
Planning ahead and knowing what to expect will enhance your cruising experience—and ensure you’re raising a glass to good times without worrying about the bill.
