Royal Caribbean drink packages carry variable pricing and 18% gratuity
The cruise line offers three beverage plans, with only the Deluxe Beverage Package including alcohol.
Royal Caribbean currently offers three drink packages, but only the Deluxe Beverage Package covers alcoholic beverages. It includes cocktails, beer, wine, coffee, tea, juice, bottled water and soda priced at up to $14 per glass. Room-service and mini-bar purchases are excluded.
Package prices depend on the ship and sailing, and Royal Caribbean does not publish price ranges. According to a pricing review, advance rates for the Deluxe package generally run about $70 to $75 per person, per day before gratuity, while onboard prices are higher. An automatic 18% gratuity applies to every beverage package, including nonalcoholic options.
Advance-purchase promotions observed in the review have included 50% off a second package and discounts of 45% from the headline price. Royal Caribbean permits customers to cancel a package before departure and buy it again if the price declines.
Under the cruise line’s purchase rules, when one passenger buys the Deluxe Beverage Package, every adult sharing that passenger’s stateroom must also purchase it.
