Two helpful money saving tips. First, if you’re in the same cabin one person can order the refreshment package and one can order the deluxe drink plan. Calling customer service can make that happen. Second. If you don’t drink a lot, order the refreshment package, then order a mock tail and when you want an occasional drink, order the mock tail with a shot on the side. It’s cheaper than ordering the original drink. For example, redbull is free under refreshment plan, shot of vodka was $8 onboard. Regular redbull vodka was $13, saving you $5 for ordering just the shot. 😊

It's not a question of "Can you drink enough to justify the cost". It's a question of "Do you WANT to drink enough EVERY DAY to justify the cost?" I can drink enough every day, but don't want the pressure of having to drink unhealthily just to justify the cost.

The drink package is totally worth it! A few tips to maximize value: 1. Before your cruise, understand the full scope of your package, because it's more than just alcohol. Every morning, we would get freshly squeezed orange juice and premium drinks like lattes and cappuccinos from the barista. The soda machines w/ souvenir cup are included. Johnny Rocket's milkshakes are included (both virgin and spiked). Lastly, an underrated inclusion is unlimited water bottles, which you can easily take back to your room and off ship on port days. 2. Go to specialty restaurants! Most of the specialty restaurants have special cocktails that you can't get anywhere else on the ship, and they were the best drinks we could find. To avoid a big bill at specialty restaurants, we would grab only an appetizer, order 3-4 drinks each and have dinner at the main dining hall an hour later. 3. Make friends with bartenders all around the ship! Our first day, we met an amazing bartender at the pool bar, who also worked the main dining room bar at night. He knew we had the drink package, and he memorized our room number and dining table, so he would send us special drinks to go with our dinner without us even asking. Every night, there was a picture-worthy layered shot to complement our meals, and when we met him at the pool bar during the day he would make us amazing, obscure cocktails we had never heard of.

Super thorough and very informative Matt thanks for this post! My girlfriend and I go back-and-forth each time asking ourselves if it’s worth it, and it’s not. We just don’t drink enough.

We didn’t buy the drink package before our December 2021 sailing of Freedom of the Seas. The first day deal with Buy One/Get One 50% off. Once we saw how expensive a drink was with required gratuity, we jumped on the package. Plus it saves you from being asked if you have the drink package every single time you order a drink. Lowest price we saw pre-cruise was on Cyber Monday at 50% off.

Just got back went with my wife and 3 young adult kids all under 21 on Oasis and lemme tell you RC took a hit huge dent on that drink package 😆 BUY IT! Pre cruise! Trust me the last thing we worried about was ordering a drink while in party mode. I had 2 bartenders who I tipped a little extra and it’s well worth it. These guys work hard nonstop. They WANT you to enjoy! No regrets. Do it!! 🥃🍺🥂🍻🍹🍹🍷🎉🎉🎉

Purchased the drink package for the first time on my last cruise on Wonder, totally worth it! I definitely got my money's worth especially when you include the coffee and bottled water. Great informative video

In my opinion, Starbucks should be included in the drink package. Our last cruise in January, it was included at no additional charge.

You’re very good in explaining about what’s and what to expect if you cruise in Royal cruising.❤️it!😁

FINALLY a video about the drink package!

Love the convenience of having one less thing to worry about and we definitely drink enough to justify the price. I remember on our first cruise ever, these packages weren't a thing yet and we got stick shock when half way through the cruise looked at how much we had spent on drinks alone. Luckily we made some of it back in the Casino!! 😉 Thanks for the video Matt. Already got our drink package for our next cruise leaving next week. So excited!!!

Very informative! Thanks!

So many first-time cruisers watch videos like this and think they NEED a drink package because you never point out how much is complimentary. We typically spend $100-$150 per week on drinks on a cruise (on top of our 2 bottles of wine and 12 sodas). Coffee (usually dark, decaf and sometimes light), teas, water, iced tea, flavored drinks, chocolate, apple and orange juice, milk, ice and ice cream (plus you can mix it up for mocha, iced coffee, etc.) are all no-charge. The water on the ship is filtered the same or better than bottled water without the karma.

This Was great! Thanks!!

Thanks for the very informative video!

I got it for my first RCL cruise and it was totally worth it mimosa and cappuccino in the morning. Also was able to get Powerade energy drinks in addition to soda and cocktails.

Thanks! Great video!

I have used the drink package with the alcohol previously on both Royal Carribean and NCL and wouldn't cruise without one, if you drink alcohol and sodas it's very worth it

Boarding wonder on Friday and I’m just watching to see if we made the right choice

Nice video. Thanks for putting it together. I was trying to find out if Heineken 0.0 could be bought with the Refreshment Package.

Deluxe Package will be the one I will be getting for sure it’s my vacation and I will be thoroughly enjoying myself when I go… Thank you for explaining the packages for me I had many questions and you answered them all. 🙂

QUESTION 🙋🏾‍♀️: if you are Diamond status do you still get the drink perks on 3 day cruises? I read if your Diamond or Diamond Plus you get 4 FREE drinks a day as of March 2022👀

We just saw the drink package go on sale for buy one get one 50%. We were hesitant because some of your pointers in other videos and saw the pre sale price was higher than the pre sale price before and the gratuity was still 15%. However the total price after everything is still somehow cheaper by like $30 and gratuity only changed by a $3 decrease. I think we are going to buy it.

Always drink package! I’m monitoring the price for our October 30 Harmony sailing. We used to save change in jars and cash it in to pay for our drinks package. Well we don’t have change anymore, so I’m stashing cash every week in an envelope in a drawer to pay for it with no pain.

Since you now receive 4 to 5 free drinks a day if you are diamond member or higher do you think Royal will consider giving these members the option of a discount Dink Package of say $300 for 7 night cruise and higher depending on the number of days for us Members who still may want the drink package but feel we are losing out on a great peek if paying regular price for drink package?

Where can you get the bottles of water on Freedom of the Seas when you have the refreshment package? Do they also have flavored teas available, like Snapple? Are fresh squeezed juices available in the Windjammer, or do you need to go to a specialty restaurant to get them?.

I am a social and moderate drinker. My girlfriend is the same and a lightweight. That said, also accounting for 3 different port days, we both would need to drink at least 7 beers a day on the ship to make it worth the purchase. There is no way my girlfriend would have 7 beers. I could definitely have 7 beers in a day but not 7 days in a row, it's just too much. Obviously, water and other drinks are also included but that is a lot of intake including food. I don't see us reaching that or even coming close. Maybe a day or two where we are on the ship all day long but even then, neither one of us want to be drunk or buzzing all day walking around. I believe the drink package is definitely for heavier set folks who want to drink all day long. It is convenient as well, not having to sign something every time you purchase a drink. But at the cost of another 7 day cruise ticket? Unless you simply don't care about the cost, it just doesn't seem worth it at. I'll update this after our cruise in Oct. '23. Sidenote: Royal Caribbean should offer moderate drink packages, or a package that separates hard liquor from beer in my opinion.

I noticed in your recent videos you're still referencing the price adjustment policy, but didn't they already announce they will not be doing that anymore for future cruises like those booked next year for example?

If I have the alcohol package, can I use it at a specialty restaurant if I’m not eating there? For example, can I go into Izumi, order a cocktail and then leave without sitting down and eating/ordering food? Also that one drink with the bucket I saw, does that come with the drink package or is it extra because it’s a bucket?

You don't actually need to buy it for all people over the age of 21 in a room if you just call and book with customer service. My wife dose not drink enough to justify it so I just get it for myself. Have done this on 2 prior cruise and just booked one for next year.

Thank you for the tips! Johnny Rockets milkshakes aren’t included in ultimate beverage package?

For our TA on Wonder of the Seas in October, the standalone Deluxe Drink package has disappeared from the shop and only a combination Deluxe Drink & Voom package at $85 per day is available. Is that something that happens often? Never noticed this before,

My friends and I are planning a cruise for later this year and the Deluxe Drink Package sounds great!! Really want to catch a sale/deal!! It’s nerve wrenching trying to decide 🙃🤣

Hi there! I keep hearing different things... are the milkshakes at Johnny Rockets and the smoothies at Vitality complimentary with the refreshment package? Also, where can one obtain "specialty coffees"?

As a Diamond member, I can tell you that you don't need to buy the drink package. We got off the Independence OTS this weekend, and we each had four free drinks each day plus the free drinks in the Diamond Lounge each afternoon. We then got additional discounts on a few more drinks.

Do the soda machines have the HI C fruit punch, like the machines at a WaWa location?

I was just on a RC cruise that did not have a freestyle machine!

Does the deluxe package work on johnny rockets milkshakes too?

We are going on a cruise next January in Australia and going with our 10 year old son do we need to but him a drinks package or could we just get him the drinks on our drink package?

The deluxe drink package also states Johnny Rockets shakes are included, but Ive never heard it mentioned in any cruise blogs. Is this accurate?

Hi Matt, we are thinking of pickup a cruise on Anthem of the Seas out of Southampton, I understand that we have to get tested 2 days prior. Any suggestions as to where in London can we get vaccinated or what options we have?

I love the drink package on RC I admit I share and purchase for everyone! No shame at all. Best deal ever!

The Johnny rocket milkshakes are included in the royal refreshment package?? Is that new?

Thank you for this video! Question: Do you know if we are able to use our Starbucks app/rewards on the ship?

Hello, Thanks for this informative video but my question is if you're somebody who doesn't consume alcohol at all, and only expect to be served coffee and water/sodas with breakfast and meals, should you even jump on any package. Isn't coffee and water complimentary with breakfast & meals?

Great tips again Matt. Question, if I purchase the 'Refreshment Package' before the cruise, and I upgrade it to the 'Delux package' during my 7 night cruise?

If I have the refreshment package, can I get pop at the bar with my sea pass? Or is that package only for pop from the freestyle machines and special cup?

These packages are nearly $100 per day per person and the best discount you can hope for is 20% which is taken up by the gratuities.

Have you done a review of the Spectrum of the Seas ?

I understand the beverage package except when you were in a room with someone who does not drink and does not want to buy the beverage package so now I can’t buy the alcohol package what do you do

Is there a drink menu of what drinks are possible at RC drink packages?

Wish Royal would include drink pacakges as part of their sales packages or deals like some other cruise lines do.

Hi Matt, cruising on Odyssey next week. I know you mentioned that if I have the soda package I can order a soda at any venue..does this mean that I can get a glass of soda without having my tumbler with me with my SeaPass? Or do I have to have the tumbler? Also would this include canned sodas or only drinks from the fountain?

if you book a room for two. and buy one soda package? can we both drink?

I’m taking two cruises in the coming year - Dec 2022 and June 2023 - and neither ship is listed as having the freestyle machines 😩

So on Liberty, there are no freestyle machines, what is the alternative? I'm bummed that they are not available but the price for the refreshments package is still the same as if they were. There has to be something else just grab and go right? I hope? Help..

If I'm the only one who drinks sodas and I want to buy the refreshments package, can I get one only for myself or the other guests in my stateroom are forced to buy the same package too just like the Deluxe package?

Is there a delay to the freestyle machine. Can't I just get another cup and pour my freestyle cup in it for another person and I get myself one?

Does anyone know if there is soda water at the beverage stations on a Royal Caribbean cruise?

I'm convinced that this is the Khan Academy of cruiseship blogs

If you buy classic soda package,Can you use the coca-cola freestyle machine?

But can the souvenir cups be used on different sailings? Because from my understanding you said that there's a chip on the bottom of the cup and after the sailing you can keep it so if for example I have a sailing 2 weeks after the one where I got the cup from will it work? Because then that's a huge hack!

Do you have to wait a certain amount of time between drinks with the refreshment package? For breakfast I want a coffee and orange juice.

Are there any places in Nassau where I can utilize the drink package?( from what I'm seeing I don't think so, but i want to confirm)

Hi Matt I noticed pre-purchasing on the App saves money. Does it ever increase as the date draws near , though ? Also- does the Refreshment Package include VIRGIN FROZEN type Mocktails ? Thanks

Does the refreshment package cover specialty drinks at the RC Vitality Cafe’ spa area?

Question if my wife and I get the refreshment package and buy the classic soda package for our 14 year old. Would it be frowned upon if we shared our drinks with our five year old?

Do you know if the Deluxe Drink Package covers wine flights from Giovanni's Wine Bar (a la carte pricing is $12) ?

You didn’t name the Spectrum Of the seas while naming ships that have Coca Cola freestyle machines. Does Spectrum have the freestyle machines or not?

My question, does the refresher package include non-alcoholic beers?

Can you take a french press and grounds onboard?

My wife and I are scheduled to take our first cruise, on the Odyssey Of The Seas, December 2024. We're considering the deluxe drinking package. My question is, do you get charged 18% gratuity per drink, tacked on to your bill at the end of the cruise or is the 18% gratuity included in the price of the drink oackage? We're trying to avoid surprise cost.

How do they know that you aren't sharing. Are you not allowed to take it back to your cabin?

I'm a big kettle one fan. I'm disappointed it wasn't on the list. Going on my cruise in June already purchased the deluxe package.

I am doing a RC Mediterranean Cruise and we have 5 stops in 7 days, so I don’t want to buy the deluxe package. Can I preorder a bottle of bourbon and have it delivered to my room or can I buy a bottle onboard?

I would like to avoid as much sugar as possible with all the cocktails. tequila is my go to that is keto. Can i get just shots of tequila with the drink package?

Thanks for the details. I can't find anywhere what sodas are available. My husband is really picky. Does Royal Caribbean serve Dr. Pepper and Red Bull?

Does this start the first day or is there a waiting period?

Does the soda package include drinks while dining, for example in the main dining room?

What if you're the only adult in your booking that drinks alcohol you're at a stale mate then as all adult's have to have a drink package? Do you all need the same drink package or just a package. As if others don't drink they will not want to pay for it then you're left without the option

Matt can you use the drink package in the spa for a smoothie?.

Very helpful Matt!!! 👍🏾👍🏾

is water included on the basic pkg?

What is the cost for wine? Are sodas available for free at meals? Can you get free water at anytime and anywhere?

Matt… is Johnny Rocket’s (malt’s/shake’s) included in Deluxe Beverage Package?

Hi matt, I am about to go on my 1st cruise in January. I am purchasing the deluxe drinks package, my question is I noticed the total bill has a gratuity charge. When my cruise ends do I still have to pay another gratuity on board?

How long does the refund take if you buy a better price? What happens if you had used a card that was lost?

What would be helpful are the prices approximately ala carte. I can figure out how much i will drink but need the per prices to determine if it is worth it

What about those that only drink water?

NON-oasis ships, include starbucks though!

is there a lag time of when you can get another drink? If order a shot can I immediately get another drink?

Can u get drinks from specialty restaurants without a reservation if they have a bar area?

If you buy the refreshment pkg, can that be used at Coco Cay?

Is there a coffee package?

Don't matter if I get my money worth I just like going on cruise knowing I don't have to worry about a bill for my drinks

If you pre-pay your gratuities when booking the cruise does it automatically prepaid gratuities for the drink package as well? I see at check out gratuities have been added to my drink package. Does this mean I will not be paying the extra 18% per drink on board?

Wow last year the drink package included Starbucks and everything in it , I totally filled my room up with vitamin waters and pellegrinos...lol dam sorry maybe it was my fault 😆

I have a Royal Caribbean cruise coming up soon and I have a question I can’t seem to find the answer to. Do you know if the Coffee Card can be shared between two guests? My fiancé and I are going on a 7 night cruise, but don’t want to drink more than 1 coffee a day and don’t want all the extra coffees to go unused. Thank you ☺️

I’m looking into getting the refreshment package for myself & my boyfriend for our three night cruise in July. The deluxe package is $600 which does not seem worth it for a shorter cruise.. My question is, what non-alcoholic cocktails are included? Is it only frozen drinks or is there no exclusions as long as the drink is non alcoholic?

Are energy drinks included? (Redbull, Monster...)