Royal Caribbean Drink Packages: The Ultimate Guide for 2026

Is a Royal Caribbean drink package worth it? It’s the question every cruiser asks (right after “When is the next sale?”). In 2026, the rules of the game have shifted slightly, but the goal remains the same: Getting the best value for your holiday.

As a seasoned cruiser who has sailed on a number of different Royal Caribbean ships, I’ve crunched the numbers to give you a comprehensive guide on when to buy a package, and when it might not be the best option for you.

The Big Question: When to buy the Royal Caribbean deluxe drink package

The “Deluxe Beverage Package” is Royal Caribbean’s all-inclusive alcoholic option. But it isn’t always the right choice.

Average UK Price: £70 – £110 per person, per day (including the 18% service charge). Depending on the sailing, and the number of packages already sold for the specific sailing, the price could be higher or lower than this average as dynamic pricing is used to put these packages on the market.

Buy the package if:

• You love a “stress-free” holiday. There is a huge psychological benefit to knowing your bill is £0 at the end of the week.
• You enjoy variety. If you want a latte in the morning, a fresh juice at lunch, a few beers by the pool, and cocktails at the show, the package covers it all.
• You are visiting CocoCay or Labadee. Your package works on Royal Caribbean’s private islands, where drinks are just as expensive as they are on the ship.
• You drink 6+ alcoholic beverages a day. This is the general “magic number” for breaking even. However, it is important for you to keep in mind the price you bought your package at per day, as the higher this figure is, the more drinks you need to drink every day to “break even”.

As example; imagine you buy a drinks package at £95 per day ($125 at time of writing), you’d need to drink nearly 9 cocktails($14 each) without even considering the 18% gratuity, or VAT on certain sailings, on top of the base price of the drinks, as these are usually included within the deluxe beverage drink package. However, if you get the package as cheap as £50 ($66 at time of writing), the calculation could work out in your favor as you’d only 5 cocktails every day to “break even”.

Bottom line is, that it all depends on the price point you purchase the package at. If you get a good deal it is far easier to break even where as at a high price point it becomes more difficult.

Skip the package if:

• You have a port-heavy itinerary. If you’re sailing the Mediterranean and spending 10 hours a day in Rome, Florence, and Cannes, you won’t be on the ship enough to get your money’s worth.
• You are a Diamond (or higher) Crown & Anchor member. You already get 4–6 free drink vouchers per day. Most Diamond or higher Crown & Anchor members find the package a waste of money as the point of “breaking even” due to the increased number of drinks a day goes up whilst the drink package price stays the same due to it’s dynamic pricing.
• You only drink one or two glasses of wine with dinner. You’re better off paying as you go.

Refreshment package: The everything but alcohol option

This is the most popular choice for cruisers who want all the perks of a premium experience without the alcohol. In 2026, we’ve seen some great value here, but there is one new “hidden cost” to watch out for.

• Average UK Price: £22 – £34 per person, per day (including the 18% service charge). Please note that these prices aren’t a guarantee, and due to the dynamic pricing they can go up and down on a daily basis. This is purely a average and doesn’t guarantee you can purchase this package at this price.

What’s Included:

• Specialty Coffees and Teas: Think lattes, cappuccinos, and premium loose-leaf teas.
• Mocktails and Non-Alcoholic Cocktails: Fancy “pina colada” vibes without the hangover.
• Fresh Squeezed Juices: Available at the Vitality Café and main dining rooms.
• Bottled Water: Both still and sparkling (Handy at port days as you can take these of the ship)
• Unlimited Soda: All fountain and Freestyle machine access

Please note; as of the 15th of March 2026, the Royal Caribbean refreshment and the deluxe beverage packages no longer include the Freestyle machine souvenir cups anymore. These have to be purchased for a one-time $4.99 activation fee to get the cup and be able to use the Freestyle machines aboard the ship.

Classic soda package: Budget friendly favourite

If you are only interested in refreshing fizzy drinks, and only want to purchase the occaisional speciality coffee or alcoholic beverage, than this is the best value for money option on board of Royal Caribbeans ships.

• Average UK Price: £8 – £14 per person, per day (including the 18% service charge).

What’s Included:

• Unlimited Fountain Sodas: Available at any bar or dining room.
• Coca-Cola Freestyle Machine Access: This gives you over 100 different soda combinations (like Cherry Lime Coke or Peach Sprite).
• The Souvenir Cup: Unlike the higher-tier packages in 2026, the Classic Soda Package still includes the souvenir cup for free!

When to buy the beverage packages?

The best time to buy your Royal Caribbean beverage package is the moment you book your cruise. If the price drops later, you can cancel and re-book your chosen package at the lower rate. However by buying at the time of booking your cruise, you lock in that price, against potentially price increases. It is also, almost always atleast 30% cheaper to pre-purchase a package prior to boarding the ship, as you’ll find far higher prices once onboard of the ships.

Royal Caribbean almost always runs some sort of a deal throughout the year, especially around Christmas, Black Friday or New Years. It is worth keeping an eye on their website during this time of the year, as you might find a better deal than you currently got.

The Final Verdict: To Buy or Not to Buy?

As we move into the 2026 cruise season, the math behind the Royal Caribbean Deluxe Beverage Package is more nuanced than ever. With the new £3.80 ($4.99) activation fee for Freestyle cups starting the 15th of March 2026, the “value” now depends entirely on your personal drinking style and how much you value convenience.

The Expert Strategy: If you can secure a pre-cruise price under £60 per day, the Deluxe Package is almost always a “win,” especially on sea-day-heavy itineraries or when visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay. However, if you are a Diamond-tier member or prefer exploring local bars in Mediterranean ports, the “Pay-As-You-Go” method will likely keep more money in your pocket, unless ofcourse you plan on drinking a lot.

Final Tip: Never wait until you’re on the ship. The onboard premium is the quickest way to blow your holiday budget. Lock in your price early, watch for the special deals, and spend your cruise enjoying the views—not worrying about the bill.