Embark on a voyage with Royal Caribbean, where your all-inclusive cruise fare includes a variety of complimentary beverages.
This guide delves into free drinks, detailed drink packages, and exclusive onboard offerings, ensuring your journey is both refreshing and exhilarating.
Free Drinks Included with Cruise Fare on Royal Caribbean
When you set sail on a Royal Caribbean cruise, you’re embarking on a journey that’s not just about the destinations you’ll visit but also about the experiences you’ll have on board.
Among these experiences is the enjoyment of a variety of beverages, many of which are included in your cruise fare.
This comprehensive guide will take you through the drinks you can enjoy at no extra cost, ensuring your cruise experience is as refreshing as it is memorable.
Tap Water
- Availability: Everywhere on the ship
- Sustainability: Royal Caribbean provides potable water that meets international safety standards, making it not only safe to drink but also a sustainable choice compared to bottled water.
Regular Coffee and Tea
Morning rituals or afternoon breaks on Royal Caribbean ships can still include your essential cup of coffee or tea without any additional cost.
- Types of Coffee and Tea Offered for Free:
- Regular brewed coffee
- Decaffeinated coffee
- A selection of standard teas including black, green, and herbal varieties
- Locations: These beverages are readily available in the main dining room, buffet area, and select cafes across the ship.
Iced Tea and Lemonade
For a refreshing cold drink option during your cruise, Royal Caribbean offers complimentary iced tea and lemonade, perfect for quenching your thirst after a day in the sun.
- Availability: Buffet area and the main dining room during meal times
- Variety: Standard lemonade and regular iced tea are always available, with flavored options occasionally offered.
Milk and Juices
A staple for breakfast and available throughout the day, milk and juices are included in your cruise fare, ensuring you and your family have healthy beverage options.
- During Breakfast Hours:
- Milk: Whole, skim, and sometimes soy milk
- Juices: Orange, apple, cranberry, and sometimes pineapple juice
- Locations: Main dining room and buffet area
Hot Chocolate
Perfect for those cooler evenings or after a day of adventurous excursions, hot chocolate is available to warm you up.
- Seasonal Availability: More readily available during colder months or on cruises to cooler destinations
- Locations: Main dining room and buffet area, with self-serve machines often found in the buffet area
Making the Most of Your Beverage Options
Royal Caribbean’s complimentary beverage options are designed to cater to a wide range of preferences, ensuring that there’s something for everyone.
Here are some tips to enhance your experience:
- Morning Brew: Start your day with a hot cup of coffee or tea. If you prefer your coffee a bit stronger, the buffet area usually has a more robust blend compared to what’s served in the main dining room.
- Stay Hydrated: The tap water on board is perfectly safe to drink, and keeping a reusable water bottle with you means you can stay hydrated throughout the day without needing to purchase bottled water.
- Refreshing Afternoons: Take advantage of the iced tea and lemonade available during lunch in the buffet area. These can be a perfect pick-me-up after a morning of activities.
- Dinner Companions: Milk and juices aren’t just for breakfast; they can also be a great addition to your evening meal, offering a refreshing alternative to water.
- Evening Warmth: End your day with a comforting cup of hot chocolate, especially on cooler evenings or after enjoying a night under the stars.
Specialty Beverages Not Included But Available on Royal Caribbean
While Royal Caribbean cruises offer a generous selection of complimentary beverages, guests also have the opportunity to indulge in an array of specialty drinks available for an additional cost.
These beverages range from gourmet coffees to fine wines, offering something special for every palate.
Exploring these options can add an extra layer of enjoyment to your cruise experience.
Alcoholic Beverages
For those looking to enjoy a cocktail, glass of wine, or a cold beer, Royal Caribbean’s bars and lounges offer an extensive selection.
Each venue often has its unique menu, featuring classic favorites and inventive creations.
- Craft Cocktails: Expertly mixed by onboard bartenders, these include both classic and contemporary recipes.
- Wine by the Glass or Bottle: A carefully curated selection of reds, whites, rosés, and sparkling wines from around the world.
- Beer: From international bestsellers to craft beers, the range caters to all tastes.
- Premium Spirits: A wide selection of vodka, gin, rum, whiskey, and more, including top-shelf options.
Specialty Coffees and Teas
Coffee enthusiasts and tea lovers can enjoy an upgrade from the standard fare with specialty options available at onboard cafés like Café Promenade or Starbucks (available on select ships).
- Espresso and Espresso-Based Drinks: Cappuccinos, lattes, macchiatos, and more, made with high-quality beans.
- Premium Teas: An assortment of herbal, green, and black teas from renowned suppliers.
- Flavored and Iced Variants: Delicious alternatives for those looking for something different from the standard hot coffee or tea.
Smoothies and Non-Alcoholic Cocktails
For a refreshing treat without the alcohol, Royal Caribbean offers a range of smoothies and mocktails. These beverages are perfect for sipping by the pool or enjoying as a mid-day pick-me-up.
- Fruit Smoothies: Made with fresh fruits and juices, these are both healthy and delicious.
- Mocktails: Alcohol-free versions of your favorite cocktails, crafted with the same care and creativity.
Bottled Water and Soft Drinks
While tap water is available for free, some guests prefer the taste or convenience of bottled water. Additionally, soft drinks and other carbonated beverages are available for purchase.
- Bottled Water: Still and sparkling options are available, including premium brands.
- Soft Drinks: A wide selection, including cola, lemon-lime, ginger ale, and more.
When deciding whether to indulge in these specialty beverages, consider the following:
- Taste Preferences: If you have a preference for premium coffees, enjoy alcoholic beverages, or like to sip on something special, these options can enhance your cruise experience.
- Budget: Keep in mind that these specialty beverages do come at an additional cost. It’s wise to consider your budget when making your selections.
- Drink Packages: If you plan to enjoy multiple specialty beverages throughout your cruise, it might be cost-effective to consider purchasing a beverage package. Royal Caribbean offers packages that include many of these specialty options, providing value and convenience.
By exploring the wide range of specialty beverages not included in the cruise fare, guests can find unique and enjoyable ways to enhance their cruise experience.
Whether you’re toasting a special occasion with a fine wine, cooling off with a fruit smoothie, or starting your day with a gourmet coffee, there’s a beverage option to suit every moment of your journey.
Royal Caribbean Drink Packages
Embarking on a Royal Caribbean cruise offers not just a journey across the seas but a voyage into culinary and beverage delights.
While many beverages are included in your cruise fare, exploring the drink packages can elevate your onboard experience, offering everything from gourmet coffees to the finest cocktails.
This section delves into the details of Royal Caribbean’s drink packages, helping you decide which, if any, aligns with your cruising style.
Deluxe Beverage Package: For the Ultimate Thirst Quenching
The Deluxe Beverage Package is Royal Caribbean’s most comprehensive option, catering to guests who wish to indulge in a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
- What’s Included:
- Alcoholic Beverages: Unlimited access to cocktails, spirits, liqueurs, wines, and beer. This includes selections from the ship’s bars and restaurants, encompassing a vast array of international brands and signature cocktails.
- Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Besides the free beverages offered onboard, this package enhances your options with premium coffees and teas, bottled still and sparkling water, fresh-squeezed juices, and non-alcoholic cocktails.
- Additional Perks: Discounts on bottles of wine purchased on board and a discount on beverage seminars and classes available during the cruise.
- Price Range: The cost varies by sailing but typically ranges from $63 to $89 per person, per day, including service charges.
- Ideal For: The Deluxe Beverage Package suits guests looking for a worry-free way to enjoy a wide variety of beverages, from morning specialty coffees to evening cocktails, without thinking about the cost of individual drinks.
Refreshment Package: The Non-Alcoholic Alternative
For those who prefer to abstain from alcohol but still want more than the complimentary beverages, the Refreshment Package offers a middle ground.
- What’s Included:
- Premium Coffees and Teas: Enjoy specialty espresso-based drinks and a variety of teas throughout the day.
- Bottled Water: Stay hydrated with unlimited still and sparkling water.
- Fresh-Squeezed Juices: A healthy and refreshing option available at meals and any time in between.
- Non-Alcoholic Cocktails: Savor the taste of expertly mixed mocktails.
- Price Range: Pricing is subject to change, but expect to pay between $29 to $38 per person, per day.
- Ideal For: The Refreshment Package is perfect for guests who desire the flexibility and variety of premium non-alcoholic beverages at a fixed cost.
Classic Soda Package: A Fizz-Filled Journey
For soda lovers, the Classic Soda Package offers unlimited access to fountain soda and soft drinks throughout the ship.
- What’s Included:
- Unlimited Soft Drinks: Access to Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Sprite, and other selections from the ship’s soda fountain machines.
- Souvenir Cup: Comes with a Coca-Cola souvenir cup equipped with a chip to use at the ship’s Freestyle machines, where available.
- Price Range: Typically around $12.99 to $15 per person, per day, including gratuities.
- Ideal For: This package is a hit with families, especially those with children or teenagers, and adults who prefer soda over alcoholic and specialty beverages.
Maximizing Your Drink Package
To make the most out of your drink package, consider these tips:
- Assess Your Drinking Habits: Think about what and how much you typically drink. If you enjoy multiple specialty coffees and alcoholic beverages throughout the day, the Deluxe Beverage Package could offer significant savings.
- Check Package Details Before Purchasing: Each package has its terms, including which drinks are covered and where they can be redeemed. Review these details to ensure the package fits your needs.
- Take Advantage of Your Package Early in the Day: Start with specialty coffees or non-alcoholic beverages in the morning. Enjoy water, juices, or soft drinks throughout the day, and explore different alcoholic options by night.
- Explore New Drinks: One of the joys of having a drink package is the opportunity to try new beverages without worrying about the cost of each drink. Experiment with different cocktails, wines, and mocktails.
Royal Caribbean’s drink packages are designed to cater to a variety of preferences, ensuring there’s an option for every type of guest.
Whether you’re a coffee aficionado, a cocktail enthusiast, or someone who enjoys sipping on soft drinks as you gaze at the ocean, there’s a package tailored just for you.
By understanding what each package offers and assessing your own drinking preferences, you can enhance your cruise experience, making it as refreshing and satisfying as the journey itself.
Drinks Not Found Onboard Royal Caribbean Cruises
While Royal Caribbean cruises offer an impressive selection of beverages to satisfy most preferences and tastes, there are certain drinks that you won’t find onboard.
Understanding what these are can help set your expectations before you sail and encourage you to explore the diverse options that are available.
Here’s a look into the types of beverages that typically don’t make their way onto the ship, and why.
Very Rare or Specialty Items
- Limited Edition Spirits and Wines: Ultra-premium, rare, or vintage spirits and wines are often not stocked due to their limited availability and high cost. These items are usually reserved for specialty collectors and high-end establishments on land.
- Specific Craft Beers: While Royal Caribbean does offer a selection of craft beers, the variety might not extend to very small, local breweries due to distribution limitations or the inability to meet the demand of a cruise ship.
Local or Artisanal Brands
- Region-Specific Beverages: Beverages that are highly localized or come from small-scale production facilities, such as certain artisanal spirits or regional wines, may not be available. Import restrictions, licensing agreements, and the logistics of supplying a moving ship contribute to this absence.
- Craft Sodas: Similar to craft beers, sodas from small, local producers may not be onboard due to the challenges of stocking and distributing these niche products on a large scale.
Non-Alcoholic Versions of Alcoholic Beverages
- Specialty Mocktails: While Royal Caribbean offers an array of non-alcoholic cocktails, guests looking for non-alcoholic versions of specific, niche alcoholic drinks might find the selection limited. The focus tends to be on popular and widely recognized cocktails.
- Zero-Alcohol Spirits: The market for zero-alcohol spirits is growing, but these products are still making their way into mainstream acceptance and may not be readily available on all ships.
Why Certain Drinks Are Never Included
Cost and Licensing
The primary reason some drinks are not included or available on board is due to the cost and complexity of licensing.
Procuring rare or highly specific beverages can be prohibitively expensive, not just in terms of purchase price but also in terms of importation and licensing fees.
Storage and Demand
Cruise ships have limited storage space, which means they need to prioritize which beverages to stock based on widespread appeal and demand.
Rare or niche products may not justify their space onboard if only a few guests would request them.
Alternatives and Suggestions
While you might not find every specific beverage you desire, Royal Caribbean prides itself on offering a broad selection designed to please a diverse international clientele. For those seeking something unique:
- Explore Similar Options: Bar staff and sommeliers can often recommend similar drinks available onboard that might suit your taste.
- Special Requests: For future cruises, you can inquire with Royal Caribbean about special requests. While not all can be accommodated, they do consider guest feedback for their offerings.
Royal Caribbean’s beverage selection is curated to cater to a wide range of tastes while ensuring quality and variety.
While you may not find every specific drink you’re looking for, the array of available options is designed to ensure that there’s something onboard to delight and surprise every guest.
Embrace the opportunity to try new things, and you might just discover your next favorite drink.
Tips for Enjoying Beverages on Your Cruise
Savoring the right drink at the right moment can enhance your Royal Caribbean cruise experience significantly.
Whether it’s a morning coffee while watching the sunrise or a cocktail as the sun dips below the horizon, beverages play a key role in the enjoyment of your cruise.
Here are some tips to help you navigate the drinking options on board and make the most of your beverage experience.
Explore Early and Often
- Discover All Options: Spend the first day of your cruise exploring different bars and restaurants on the ship. Each venue often has its unique drink offerings and specials.
- Ask for Recommendations: The staff on board are experts in their menus. Don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations based on your preferences.
Stay Hydrated
- Water is Key: With all the activities and sun exposure, staying hydrated is crucial. Take advantage of the complimentary tap water, and if you have a drink package that includes bottled water, use it.
- Carry a Reusable Water Bottle: Having a water bottle ensures you can stay hydrated throughout the day, whether you’re lounging by the pool or exploring a new city.
Make the Most of Your Drink Package
- Understand Your Package: Familiarize yourself with the details of your drink package. Know where and when you can use it, and what drinks are included.
- Try New Things: With the safety net of a drink package, it’s the perfect opportunity to try drinks you wouldn’t normally order. You might just find a new favorite.
Enjoy Responsibly
- Moderation: It’s easy to get carried away, especially with a drink package. Remember to drink in moderation to ensure you and everyone else on board have a pleasant experience.
- Food Pairings: Try pairing your drinks with meals. Not only does this enhance the dining experience, but it also helps in moderating alcohol consumption.
Take Advantage of Specials and Tastings
- Daily Specials: Keep an eye out for daily drink specials and happy hours, which are great opportunities to enjoy beverages at a lower cost.
- Attend Tastings: Wine, whiskey, and rum tastings are not only educational but also a fun way to spend your time onboard. They often come at an additional cost but can be a worthwhile experience for enthusiasts.
Be Mindful of Your Environment
- Poolside Sipping: When enjoying drinks by the pool, opt for plastic cups or containers provided by the ship to avoid any accidents with glassware.
- Respect Non-Drinking Areas: Be mindful of areas on the ship where drinking may not be appropriate, such as kid-friendly zones or certain public spaces.
Keep Health in Mind
- Non-Alcoholic Options: Don’t overlook the delicious non-alcoholic beverages available. From premium coffees to fresh juices and mocktails, there’s plenty to enjoy without alcohol.
- Balance Is Key: Enjoying your vacation includes indulging, but balance it with healthier beverage choices and plenty of water to stay refreshed and energized.
Your Royal Caribbean cruise is an opportunity to indulge in a variety of beverage experiences.
By exploring different options, staying hydrated, enjoying responsibly, and taking advantage of specials and tastings, you can enhance your cruise experience significantly.
Remember, the goal is to create memorable moments, and sometimes, it’s the simple pleasure of enjoying a great drink in a beautiful setting that makes all the difference.
Q: Can I bring my own drinks on board?
Royal Caribbean allows guests to bring a limited quantity of non-alcoholic beverages and two 750 ml bottles of wine or champagne per stateroom on embarkation day.
These must be carried in your carry-on luggage. For specific quantities and restrictions, check Royal Caribbean’s official policy as this may vary.
Q: Are drink packages worth the investment?
Drink packages can offer significant savings, especially if you intend to enjoy several beverages throughout the day.
Consider your drinking habits; if you enjoy alcoholic drinks, specialty coffees, and bottled water regularly, a package could be cost-effective. Review what each package offers to decide which, if any, meets your needs.
Q: Can I share my drink package with someone else?
No, drink packages are strictly for individual use and cannot be shared. Royal Caribbean requires guests of legal drinking age in the same stateroom to purchase the same beverage package to ensure compliance with their policy.
Q: What happens if I don’t use all the benefits of my drink package?
Unfortunately, unused portions of your drink package do not roll over and cannot be refunded. It’s essential to assess whether you’ll make the most of the package before purchasing.
Q: Can I cancel or modify my drink package?
Yes, Royal Caribbean allows changes to drink packages up to 48 hours before your cruise departure. You can cancel and re-purchase if you change your mind about which package suits you best.
Q: Are there any restrictions on the number of drinks I can order with my package?
While there’s no set limit to the number of beverages you can enjoy per day with your package, responsible consumption is encouraged.
Additionally, to prevent abuse of the package, there may be a brief waiting period between ordering drinks.
Q: How do I purchase a drink package?
Drink packages can be purchased before your cruise via Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner or onboard during the first few days of your voyage. Purchasing in advance often secures a lower price than buying onboard.
Q: Are drink packages available on all Royal Caribbean cruises?
Yes, drink packages are available on all Royal Caribbean ships. However, offerings and prices may vary slightly depending on the ship and itinerary.
Q: What if I have dietary restrictions?
Royal Caribbean offers a variety of beverage options to accommodate guests with dietary restrictions, including lactose-free milk, soy milk, and gluten-free beers. Be sure to inquire onboard for specific options available to meet your needs.
Q: Is there a dress code for the bars and lounges on board?
Dress codes vary by venue and time of day. Most bars and lounges have a casual dress code during the day, while evening dress codes can range from smart casual to formal, depending on the venue and the night. Always check the daily cruise itinerary for specific guidance.
These FAQs aim to clear up common queries and concerns regarding beverages on your Royal Caribbean cruise, ensuring you can make the most of your vacation with the perfect drink in hand.
