When you book a Royal Caribbean cruise, your fare includes a lot of awesome things like meals, entertainment, and some basic drinks. But if you want to enjoy a cocktail, beer, soda, or specialty coffee, those usually come with an extra cost. Understanding Royal Caribbean drink prices helps you plan your budget and decide if a drink package is worth it. Royal Caribbean drink
What Drinks Are Free on Royal Caribbean?
Before we talk about what you will pay for, let’s start with what’s included in your cruise fare. Royal Caribbean offers several complimentary beverages, so you don’t always have to spend extra to stay hydrated. These free drinks are available in the main dining rooms, buffets, and some other spots on the ship:
- Tap water: Available everywhere, including your stateroom.
- Iced tea: Perfect for a refreshing sip at meals.
- Lemonade: A great option for kids and adults.
- Flavored waters: These taste more like cordial or squash and are a fun alternative.
- Coffee and tea: Basic coffee and tea are included at breakfast and other meals.
- Breakfast juices: Orange, apple, and cranberry juices are free in the main dining rooms and buffets during breakfast.
These free options are great for keeping costs down, especially if you’re traveling with kids or prefer non-alcoholic drinks. But if you’re craving something else, like a soda, beer, or cocktail, you will need to pay extra.
Royal Caribbean Drink Prices
Royal Caribbean drink prices vary depending on the type of drink and the ship you’re on. Newer ships like Oasis-class or Icon-class tend to charge a bit more (about 50 cents to $1 extra per drink) compared to older ships. All prices listed below are before an 18% gratuity that’s automatically added to each drink order. Here’s a clear look at what you’ll pay for different beverages in 2025.
Cost of Soda on Royal Caribbean
Soda is a popular choice for many cruisers, especially families. Wondering how much is a soda on Royal Caribbean? A can of soda costs $3.50 before gratuity. This includes popular brands like Coca-Cola, Sprite, and Fanta. If you use the Coca-Cola Freestyle machines (available on many ships), you get a souvenir cup with a chip that lets you refill unlimited sodas if you have a drink package. Without a package, each soda from the machine or a bar costs $3.50.
Beer Prices on Royal Caribbean
Beer lovers, this one’s for you! Royal Caribbean offers a wide selection of beers, including domestic, imported, and craft options. Beer prices on Royal Caribbean range from $7.00 to $8.25 per bottle or can before gratuity. Here’s a breakdown:
- Domestic beers (like Budweiser or Coors Light): $7.49
- Imported beers (like Heineken or Corona): $7.99–$8.25
- Craft beers or seltzers (like Angry Orchard or White Claw): Around $7.99
- Large cans (like Foster’s “oil cans”): $9.49–$11.21 with gratuity
If you grab a beer at the English-style pub on the main promenade, you’ll find an even bigger selection, including draft beers. A beer with gratuity costs about $8.85–$9.74. For a 7-day cruise, if you have two beers a day, you’re looking at about $123.90–$136.36.
How Much Are Drinks On Royal Caribbean
Alcoholic drinks are where things can add up quickly. The cost of alcohol on Royal Caribbean varies depending on the bar, such as the Schooner Bar, Bamboo Room, or Bionic Bar, which serve everything from classic cocktails to tropical specialties. Here’s what you will pay:
- Cocktails: Most cocktails cost $11–$14 before gratuity. Signature cocktails, like those at the Bamboo Room, are typically $14, while basic mixed drinks (like a vodka soda) are $11–$13.99. The “drink of the day” is a discounted cocktail, usually around $11, and changes daily.
- Spirits and liqueurs: A shot of liquor (like New Amsterdam vodka or Bacardi rum) costs $9.99–$13.99. Premium brands like Grey Goose or Hennessy are at the higher end.
- Wine: A glass of wine ranges from $8–$22. Most wines, like Beringer White Zinfandel, cost around $11, while premium options like Moët & Chandon champagne can hit $24. Bottles of wine start at $40 and go up to $231, with most around $50–$60.
For example, a $14 cocktail with gratuity costs $16.52. If you enjoy three cocktails a day on a 7-day cruise, that’s about $347.52. A glass of wine at $11 with gratuity is $12.98, so two glasses a day for a week adds up to $181.72.
Specialty Coffee and Other Non-Alcoholic Drinks
If you are a coffee lover, you’ll want to know about specialty coffee prices. Basic coffee is free, but espresso-based drinks like lattes or cappuccinos cost extra. Here’s what you’ll pay:
- Specialty coffee: $4–$6 per drink at places like Café Promenade or Café Latte-tudes. A Café Select Coffee Card gives you 15 espresso-based drinks for $36.58 (including gratuity), which saves you about 20% compared to buying individually.
- Starbucks: Some ships have licensed Starbucks locations, where drinks cost $4–$6. These are not included in any drink package or the Coffee Card.
- Bottled water: A 1-liter bottle of Evian water costs $3.25 before gratuity.
- Freshly squeezed juices: Around $4–$5 per glass.
- Mocktails (non-alcoholic cocktails): $7–$9.
- Johnny Rockets milkshakes: Around $6–$7.
A specialty coffee at $5 with gratuity costs $5.90. If you have two a day for a 7-day cruise, that’s $82.60. A bottle of water at $3.25 with gratuity is $3.84, so one a day for a week is $26.88.
Royal Caribbean Drink Packages
Now that you know the à la carte prices, let’s talk about the cost of drinks on royal Caribbean. These packages let you enjoy unlimited drinks for a fixed daily price, which can save money if you plan to drink a lot. There are three main packages, and prices vary by ship, itinerary, and sail date. All prices include gratuity, so you won’t pay extra when ordering drinks.
-
Deluxe Beverage Package
This is the most comprehensive package, covering both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. It includes:
- Cocktails, beers, and wines by the glass (up to $14 per drink)
- Non-alcoholic cocktails (mocktails)
- Fountain sodas and Coca-Cola Freestyle drinks (with a souvenir cup)
- Premium coffees and teas
- Freshly squeezed juices
- Bottled still and sparkling water
- Johnny Rockets milkshakes
- 40% off bottles of wine under $100 and 20% off bottles over $100
Cost: $56–$115 per person, per day. On newer ships like Icon of the Seas, it’s often around $100–$110, but you can find deals as low as $70 during pre-cruise sales.
Rules: If one adult in a stateroom buys this package, all adults in the stateroom must buy it too. Kids don’t need to buy a package. There’s no daily drink limit, but staff can refuse service if you’re intoxicated.
Is it worth it? If you drink 5–6 alcoholic drinks a day (like a cocktail, beer, and wine) plus a couple of sodas or coffees, the package pays for itself. For example, three cocktails ($16.52 each with gratuity), two beers ($9.74 each), and two sodas ($3.84 each) total $76.78 per day. If the package costs $70, you save money and get the freedom to try new drinks without worrying about the bill.
-
Royal Refreshment Package
This non-alcoholic package includes:
- Fountain sodas and Coca-Cola Freestyle drinks (with a souvenir cup)
- Non-alcoholic cocktails
- Premium coffees and teas
- Freshly squeezed juices
- Bottled still and sparkling water
- Johnny Rockets milkshakes
Cost: $29–$40 per person, per day.
If you drink a lot of non-alcoholic beverages, this package is a good deal. For example, four sodas ($3.84 each with gratuity), two coffees ($5.90 each), and a juice ($5) total $22.26 per day. If the package costs $29, you need to drink a bit more to break even, but it’s great for families or non-drinkers who want variety.
-
Classic Soda Package
This package is just for sodas and includes:
- Fountain sodas and refills at any venue
- Coca-Cola Freestyle drinks (with a souvenir cup)
Cost: $12.99–$16 per person, per day.
At $3.84 per soda (with gratuity), you need to drink about four sodas a day to make this package worth it. For a 7-day cruise, four sodas a day à la carte cost $107.52, while the package at $14 per day costs $98, so it’s a small savings.
-
Café Select Coffee Card
This isn’t a traditional package but a card for 15 espresso-based drinks for $36.58 (including gratuity). It’s shareable, doesn’t expire, and works at Café Promenade or Café Latte-tudes (but not Starbucks).
Is it worth it? A $5 coffee with gratuity costs $5.90, so 15 coffees would be $88.50. The card saves you about $51.92, making it a great choice for coffee lovers.
Sample Daily Drink Costs: À La Carte vs. Package
To help you decide, here’s what a typical day might cost without a package:
- Morning: Specialty coffee ($5.90 with gratuity) + orange juice ($5) = $10.90
- Afternoon: Two sodas ($3.84 each) + one beer ($9.74) = $17.42
- Evening: Two cocktails ($16.52 each) + one glass of wine ($12.98) = $45.98
- Total: $74.30 per day, or $520.10 for a 7-day cruise
With the Deluxe Beverage Package at $70 per day, you’d save $30.10 daily, or $210.70 over a week. Even at $100 per day, you’re close to breaking even and get the convenience of unlimited drinks.
Plan Your Drink Budget!
Royal Caribbean alcohol prices can add up, but with a little planning, you can enjoy your vacation without surprises. If you love trying new cocktails, beers, or specialty coffees, the Deluxe Beverage Package is usually the best value. For non-drinkers or families, the Royal Refreshment or Classic Soda Package can save money while keeping everyone hydrated. And don’t forget the free drinks like iced tea and lemonade to stretch your budget further. How to Use the Royal Caribbean Cruise Compass
