I like to "map out" a list of all the places I can get a drink aboard ship. I then make it a fun goal to visit and get at least one drink from every bar, lounge and venue during my cruise. Oasis has no less than 28 bars and lounges.... Drives my wife crazy.

Spacing out your alcoholic drinks. Its easy to think about drinking in the way most people do while not on vacation (waiting till dinner, and having a few drinks at dinner and later) but on vacation its always acceptable to have a drink. A mimosa at breakfast? "I'll take 2". A daquiri at the pool at 10:00 am? "Yes, please." Drinking earlier in the day allows one to maximize the time you can go between alcoholic drinks and allows me to enjoy more beverages, without the consequences of the hangover the next day.

I like getting the drink package because if I get a drink and don't like it I can get another and don't feel guilty about spending more money.

Some of venues even have Evian "fancy" water, which is included. I usually get in the habit of ordering a cocktail and water at the same time. Also make sure to tip your bar tenders a little extra! Made friends with Casino Bar staff and it really paid off when they were working on CocoCay at Oasis Lagoon Bar. It was packed and no one could get a drink. My friend from Casino Bar saw me and knew my drinks right away. A little extra tipping goes a long way.

Definitely second the idea of making sure you use your drink package for non alcoholic beverages too! I was surprised to learn that not everyone knew that when I went on a cruise with a group of friends. It's definitely a way to make sure you get your money's worth. And yeah, ask for a bottle of water whenever, and keep them in your cabin.

Definitely agree about saving on the package. My husband didn't drink for personal preference & medical reasons. 5 cruises under our belts now, and we've never had an issue buying the Deluxe package for me and the refreshment package for him. Just gotta call in to customer service and they'll take care of it right away.

LOVE the grabbing a bottle of water before you leave the bar - excellent idea! Thank you Matt and team!

The calling in and talking to someone about the drunk package does in fact, work 👍

We are just getting one package, Refresher. We are not big drinkers, so an occasional drink with dinner or during the day will not break the bank. It has worked on previous cruises

Try new and different things! Have you ever wanted to try Gin or Scotch? Or maybe you want to compare different Scotches to figure out which one you like best. Ask the bartender to make you their specialty or something from their home. Maybe you’ll find your new go-to drink. Just because you ordered a drink doesn’t mean you have to finish it. Take a sip and push it away if it’s not your thing (another reason to have that bottle of water handy). Then just get something else. 🍻🥂🍹🍷🍸🥃

Yes grabbing a bottle of water everytime you leave the bar is a great idea. We found water became the commodity because you have to buy it everywhere i think even in the shop on the cruise we had to buy it so we got ours at the bar when we were there. Funny thing was during the evenings our barman stopped asking for our card. I thought wow he is letting it slide until I remembered I already paid for those drinks, he just couldn't be bothered swiping anymore. Yes we drank a lot.

Cruising in September 2022 and we purchased the Deluxe drink package. This is great information.

red bull Red bull Red bull!!

Just have to say thanks for all of your vlogs. You have saved me money and time with all of your tips and tricks. Thank you!☺️

I notice a lot of people that talk about the Deluxe Drink package talk about how many alcoholic drinks they will need to have per day to make it worth it rather then just buying drinks onboard. They don’t mention you can also grab a freshly squeezed orange juice or say a Caramel Frappe or bottled still or sparkling water or even a Red Bull. Some ships also have Vitality Spas and you can get a protein shake too! These all add up in a day! I’m not a big alcohol drinker but love a good coffee so we just got the Refreshment Package which is every non alcoholic drink on board. We would just have a few alcoholic drinks at night after dinner and paid for them separately.

Another way to help make it worth it is Fresh Squeezed OJ in the MDR or Windjammer with breakfast

Hi Matt. Wish you would also include Celebrity in your vlogs. Love Royal Caribbean and will never cruise on Carnival or NCL again. However, now that I’ve become in my mid 60’s and don’t need water slides or wave runners, I discovered that Celebrity which is a part of the Royal Caribbean family, fits my taste much better. And remember, all drinks, WiFi and gratuities are included in the fare. After pricing both, I discovered that Celebrity is much more affordable.

I had the non alchohol one and got my money's worth on it. Lots of fresh OJ,

I start off first thing in the morning at breakfast with a piña colada and just work myself through the day that way I make sure I get my moneys worth

Start the day with an Irish coffee for breakfast!

I Love the Drinks & TRICKS ....You for sure have done Your Research ...

Great video. I was going to ask during one of your Q&A's about taking the soda cup on shore at labadee/coco cay, but you've answered that, so thank you!

Love the tip regarding water bottles

Great tips, I need to write them down.

I only have 1 to 2 alchohol drinks per day, so I just pay for those. I purchased the 24 pack of bottled water pre-cruise really cheap around black friday. I just got the soda package for my son. FYI, you can get water at the buffet, Sorrrento's, Mini Bites, and other places. It's not bottled but it is good.... and it's free! Don't spend unnecessary money! Also, if you do purchase any drinks or food, even if you have a package, your tip is already paid! They add on an extra 18% to your package and when you purchase things individually. It drives me crazy when I see people give them extra money when they don't have to..... just making people aware for those who don't know that. Read your receipts! I got double charged on the Rising Tide bar on the Harmony! I did get reimbursed but only because I check my billing statement every time I make a purchase! Be careful! Oh yeah, I just got off the Harmony on Sunday and today, 2 days, later, I tested positive for COVID and feel like crap! I strongly suggest people wear a mask indoors because you don't want to bring home this kind of souvenir!

I get the deluxe package and definitely have a drink on me all the time. If you don't want to be drinking alcohol all day, same for me, you can get mocktails and great coffees. The drink bill at the end of a cruise without a package is huge if you did the same. Paying in advance takes away all the guilt of should I get another drink??

Excellent. This is great info to share with others. The only thing I haven’t done in your list is ask for a specific brand except in my rum punch drinks….I have to remember that, I mean why get the house when you don’t have to. 😆

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.

Here in Australia the deluxe drinks package is currently 150$ per person per day. I honestly think this is absurd.

Great video. I only missed more info regarding the refresment package at the vitality spa.

I just like not have to worry about a bill when I am vacation really don't matter to me if I get my money's worth. Peace of mind is well worth it

Always tip the bar tenders / drink runners especially in places like the casino. You will never have to search out someone for a drink again. After a couple of times, you might find that you suddenly have a new drink handed to you as soon as you take the last sip of your old one.

I drink about a gallon of water a day. The little bottles of water are not cheap, not including the sparkling water (with lemon) I drink, so I drink the cost of the drink package in water. A half dozen or more alcoholic drinks a day are a bonus. 😉. Note: I know coffee and tea are made from ship tap water. Hence, I tried drinking just tap water one cruise and regretted it (no further explanation needed).

i wish they would opt to put an RFID reader on the machines too. i'd rather use my yeti/arctic style cup and not have to lug around two cups for a refill (without having bother a bartender)

Great value and tips. Thank you! 😍 Please let me know if the Refreshment Drink Package have a daily drink limit?

Don't forget milkshakes and just convience.

Great tips like always 👌 👍 🇳🇿

Great tips! Thanks!

I only get the soda package out of all my trips. Mostly cause I don't drink alcohol. XD Still, I just went to Diamond Status, and now I get some free drinks. I've been thinking of just skipping the packages all together now. Also, I do gamble a little and (sorry I forgot what lv I'm at with the casino) I get free drinks at the casino as well. If I get thirsty now, I can just go to the casino real quick and get a virgin Pina Colada XD

My wife and I were on Voyager of the seas based on Copenhagen in May. We purchased the refreshment package as weare not big drinkers. They have stopped handing out plastic bottles of water, instead they are giving out small cans of water. Ideal to stop plastic waste - but not convenient if you are going off ship and wanted a bottle for your bag. We re-used a plastic bottle and topped up fro the cans before heading out.

I don't have any strategy to be honest. It's going to be my first time with a package on cruise. But I still loved the video tho! haha

My strategy is I first order a alcoholic drink plus a bottle of water if you do this you can actually get a second one once you come back for another drink. While in between the time I have to wait to order another alcoholic drink I might order some specialty drinks like piña colada or smoothies until you can order another alcoholic drink and repeat the process. That way you can maximize those drinks per hour and get the most out of the drinking package. There is also other stuff you can consider if you don't want to be a heavy drinker you can tell the bartender do give you soft alcoholic drink you just tell them what kind of drink you want and specify you want low volume of alcohol and then progressively increase the volume this way you can easily drink more alcoholic without having the hard effects of being drunk so for all those people that like to be more conservative this is a must do.

How many drinks can you order at one time? If there is a wait can you order two drinks each time to prevent waiting?

Very good information Matt, thanks

I just got off the phone with Royal to get a alcohol package for myself. Previously had got two soda packages. They said my wife would have to upgrade to the unlimited drink package ( includes juices , waters , shakes). The price difference would be $650.00 more for unlimited drinks for her and alcohol package for me. I passed, I’ll pay out of pocket.

Great info Thank You

Bring a non-open can of beer back to your room

Okay…but what is that watermelon cocktail you used as the photo! It looks amazing!

Come on Matt. The number one tip is to get LIT!!!

How’s Alaska?

Does the drink package include gratuities, or is 18% added onto each drink?

Here we are a year later, can we still get the same deal?

I will drink anything, but in order would be sparkling wine (formerly called champagne), then Cabernet, the Chardonnay. What is the selection of wines?

Unless your a big drinker, the package doesn't always work out, but they are great for cruises with lots of sea days

Does the "everybody must buy it too" rule for Deluxe Package apply for the other non-alcohol packages?

Soda Package rules are somewhat ambiguous/mysterious at the bars. Sometime I could get just a Ginger Beer, sometimes not. If you don't like one answer, just try at a different bar.

Thanks. It worked. I got alcohol package and wife didn't have to

Hope you’re feeling better Matt. Is your family still non-symptomatic?

I already purchased drink package ho will I know if it goes lower than what I purchased it for?

Extended family! Check it: wife, me and one kid in one stateroom, grandma and kid nr2 in another. Guess what? Only grandma gets a drink package 😉

Drink package good on first day. Go try different cocktails.

I am going on a trip in December, and we were wondering if we can get the refreshment package and then ask the bartender to add a shot of alcohol in it, would it cost less or would they charge as a whole alcoholic drink ?

Can you get a milkshake at Jonny rockets with a deluxe drink package?

Can someone help us please? We are sailing for our first time in April on anthem and we are going back and forth about the drink package, we are thinking of buying drinks as we want but don’t know the prices I am a beer drinker my wife is a margarita n frozen drink ❤ is it cheaper to pay as you go?

Love your videos. Question, if I have a refreshments package, (non alcoholic) can I get a mock tail or na beer included with that package?

I just went on my first cruise on Adventure of the sea. When we got on the ship they were offering buy one deluxe get the second half off. Is that normal because that would have been a better deal than getting it before the cruise

What is the avg cost of a non premium drink on Loyal to Royal

Don't really know why people make this so complicated. If you have been in a cruise before look at your prior bills. How much did you spend on drinks? What does that average to per day? You can look at how many $$$ you spend or how many drinks you bought. Then watch the sales on the approach to your upcoming cruise and see if you would save money or not based on your daily average spend. If you have never cruised then know that mixed cocktails are typically $13 each and beers about $8. Figure it out from there. If its close I would still get it because its nice to not think about but if its $200 more just save your money.

I've got the beverage package, but dont want to do any specialty dining. Is it possible to order a drink from a specialty dining venue if you don't want to eat there?

5:53 Freddy kreuger is at the bar

If I purchase the refreshment package and order a strawberry virgin daiquiri. Can I “add” a shot of alcohol to it to make it a normal daiquiri and only pay that small up charge? I don’t normally drink alcohol but I only drink strawberry daiquiris anyway so if possible it would make more sense to just pay that up charge if that’s the case. Does anyone know for certain or know how I can find out?

Can you order 2 drinks at a time?

Hi Matt- our room will have my wife and I + our 13 year old son + 6 y/o daughter. our kids don't need the drink package so can I just purchase drink packages for the adults [my wife and I]? Or will royal require all 4 of us to purchase a drink package?

Do they still give discount booklets?

How much is the drink package normally ?

Hi, Matt. Wanted to let you know that I appreciate everything you do. I have a question for you concerning the specialty dining.I have a future cruise coming in November on the Symphony of the Seas. I got online to reserved Hooked for me and my friend. The fee that they charge you what is that for? I have been watching your blogs but I don’t remember seeing the specialty dining blog? Can you help me with that? Thanks in advance

Can I order 2 alcoholic drinks at once?

Has anyone booked the ultimate drinks package and then seen the price drop, and been able to cancel and rebook at the lower price? I'm worried that if I book at a price, to protect against it going higher, that RCCL will clearly know I have booked already and may not present me with the lower price, when I look at my cruise planner. In other words, differential pricing! I want to lock in a price today actually. But just a little nervous about missing out on a future price drop.

Hi. I'll be in my first cruise next month. I don't drink too much alcohol but love coffee, coke and soft drinks. Do you recommend to buy the non alcoholic brebage package?

Is there s daily limit on drinks when you purchase a drink package?

Is 54$ per day bundle of Deluxe Drink Package and Internet worth it? I'm not a heavy drinker and considering refreshment package+internet (need this one for work). Refreshments+internet is 43$ per day but the current bundle for deluxe+internet is 54$ per day..

Do you get to keep the souvenir cup after the cruise?

Cruising has just started back in Australia - domestic cruises only at this stage but I’m booked to cruise on Royal Caribbean in March to NZ.There is no way the current prices are going to work for me. The Deluxe drinks package special at the moment is buy one get one free. Great you think until you do the math. For a 13 day cruise it will cost 1 person $A1750.00. WTF. Even a Soda package will cost 1 person for the same trip $A700. Apparently they can’t sell them as I’ve had 3 emails in 3 weeks from RCCL telling me to get in quick the offer will only last 3 days. But the same offer has now been going for 3 weeks. The packages are waaaay too expensive and I don’t think they are going to sell many packages. Yes Aussies like a drink but don’t take the piss. The prices have to come way, way down before I personally would consider purchasing a drink package at these prices.

What’s up Matt! I’m a subscriber who loves to watch your RC videos. So informative and entertaining. Here’s my cruise drink strategy: “I Don’t Get Drink Packages.” Looking at this video, you’re making me actually consider getting the refreshment package, but generally speaking, the amount I’d pay for individual drinks throughout the week of a cruise is nowhere near what these packages cost. I have a cruise coming up soon (Harmony) and found out that they give complimentary soda cups to Diamond members and above. So my Mom who’s traveling with our group who is Diamond member, but doesn’t drink soda, can just give it to me. (I’m Emerald) That takes care of the soda, and the other stuff, the vitamin water-like drinks and water and tea and coffee that you can get complimentary will suffice for me. 🛳🙂

Do they serve alcohol in the MDR & Buffet?

Can I enter a restaurant and only ask for a special mocktails? Or I need be dining there? 4:33

I called twice and was told both times that I would have to purchase the alcoholic package as well even though I am allergic to alcohol 🤷🏻‍♀️ it doesn’t always work if you call

Is the drink package available on the first day?? If so how soon after getting on the ship will I be able to get my ship card to use the drink package?? New to RC and usually its a couple hours before you can go to your room and get the card.

does the deluxe package include protein shakes at the fitness center? and where do I get the fresh squeezed juices? thanks!

I am not seeing the Evian water bottle liters anymore that you can pre order to your room.. only canned water which I don’t care for since I can’t reseal it as I walk around. Anyone know if that option is gone now?

We only get the drink package on NCL not worth it if you have to pay for it, we simply don’t drink nearly enough

If you have a drink package is there a time limit on drink orders or can you just get one after another?

I don’t think the “cabin mate(s)” not buying package should be allowed..this is reason it continues to go up..they know their sharing it..(and they are in ALMOST EVERY instance…)Even at 100$ it’s not outrageous-albeit I look for anytime it goes down)

Can you just buy the package just for 1 of the day?

Does anyone know, if there is space for your own drinks in the fridge of the staterooms; or is the fridge filled like a common hotel minibar fridge, where it is basically not allowed to store your own drinks?

Also be careful some ships - brilliance of the seas. The bar staff do not want to provide the soda drinks and you are seen as a hassle. Coffees hard to find, milkshakes, juices, bottled water were non existent. Bar staff were unhelpful and not happy to provide anything but alcohol - ask for a second drink and they are super angry.. :( Queuing for ages at the bar to get a half full cup of ice with a dash of coke is a waste of time and money... 🥴

We going on a 18 night RC cruise and the drink package is $1,694.86 AUD / per person so we will just buy a drink or 2 each night

The drink package is way overpriced. Divide the package price by the amount of days you are on the cruise. Then keep in mind they heavy pour mixed drinks on purpose.

I just called last week for the drink and refreshment package because I can’t drink anymore.

Unless you’re a borderline alcoholic it’s hard to break even. At the end of the day you need 6-8 drinks a day. That’s a big much for 5 to 7 days straight.