Royal Caribbean caused plenty of frustration when it tightened one of its most controversial drinks package rules in August 2025.
If one adult wanted the Deluxe Beverage Package, every other adult of legal drinking age in the same cabin generally had to buy it too – even if they didn’t drink alcohol.
And the exceptions that cruisers had relied on for years were gone.
But now, Royal Caribbean has made a U-turn.
As of September 2026, some passengers can once again avoid buying the alcoholic drinks package when their cabin mate has one – although the new rules are much stricter than before.
There’s now a formal application process, only certain circumstances qualify, and approval isn’t guaranteed.
So, who can get an exception – and what happens if Royal Caribbean approves it?
The Drinks Package Rule Most People Don’t Expect
Royal Caribbean’s standard policy requires all guests of legal drinking age in the same stateroom and under the same booking number to purchase the same alcoholic beverage package when one passenger buys one.
So, in most circumstances, you can’t have one person buy the Deluxe Beverage Package while another adult in the same cabin simply chooses the Refreshment Package or Soda Package.
This rule is intended to prevent people from buying one unlimited alcohol package and then sharing drinks with someone who hasn’t paid for it.
There is now an important exception, though.
Following a change in September 2026, some passengers who can’t drink alcohol can apply to have this requirement waived – something Royal Caribbean had stopped allowing a year earlier.
Royal Caribbean Has Made A Partial U-Turn
For years, passengers could contact Royal Caribbean and ask for an exception to the same-package rule.
That meant that, in certain circumstances, one person could buy the Deluxe Beverage Package while the other purchased a cheaper non-alcoholic package.
Royal Caribbean put an end to these general exceptions on 1st August 2025, saying that requests had increased and package sharing had continued.
“Beginning August 1, Royal Caribbean will no longer be able to grant exceptions to our policy that both guests in a stateroom must purchase the Deluxe Beverage Package.
“Over time, requests for exceptions have increased, and sharing of packages has continued, which led us to implement this policy change,”
Royal Caribbean statement
But in September 2026, Royal Caribbean made a partial U-turn by introducing its new Beverage Package Accommodation Request process.
It isn’t a return to the old system, though. Passengers can’t simply contact Royal Caribbean and ask for an exception because one person doesn’t drink.
The new process is specifically for passengers who cannot consume alcohol because of a disability, medical condition or pregnancy. Personal preference alone isn’t enough, while religious reasons and alcohol addiction aren’t currently listed among the qualifying circumstances.
Suggested read: The 8 Cruise Drink Package Loopholes That Still Work In 2026
How To Request An Exception
If you think you qualify, you’ll need to submit Royal Caribbean’s Beverage Package Accommodation Request.
You’ll be asked to provide information about your reservation and the passenger requiring the accommodation.
Supporting documentation isn’t mandatory, although Royal Caribbean allows applicants to voluntarily provide a brief written statement from what it describes as a reasonable, credible supporting source.
Royal Caribbean advises passengers to allow 10 business days for a response.
Even if your request is approved, you won’t be able to go without a package altogether. The passenger receiving the exemption will still need to purchase a non-alcoholic beverage package.
So, if you’re simply travelling with someone who doesn’t drink alcohol, don’t assume you’ll qualify. The standard rule still applies unless Royal Caribbean approves an accommodation.
Why Royal Caribbean Enforces This Rule
Royal Caribbean says the rule is designed to prevent package sharing. Drinks packages are personal, linked to each passenger and can’t be shared or transferred.
The new accommodation process doesn’t change that – it simply gives certain passengers a way to apply for an exception.
How Much Extra This Can Really Cost
This is where the rule can become expensive.
Royal Caribbean’s drink package pricing varies by ship, sailing and demand, but typical prices are:
- Deluxe Beverage Package: roughly $50 to $142 per person, per day
- Refreshment Package: around $30 to $48 per person, per day
- Soda Package: around $10 to $20 per person, per day
On a 7-night cruise, two adults both needing the Deluxe Package can easily spend hundreds more than expected, especially if one person only drinks occasionally.
But if they don’t qualify, it’s important to factor the cost of two alcoholic packages into your calculations before buying.
What Happens If You Say No to the Package
The good news is that drink packages are always optional.
If one adult doesn’t want the Deluxe Package, the solution is simple: nobody in the cabin buys it.
Instead, you can:
- Pay for drinks individually
- Stick mostly to included beverages
- Choose drinks more selectively throughout the cruise
For many light drinkers, this actually works out cheaper – and is far less stressful.
Suggested read: Discover the 9 Completely Free Drinks on Royal Caribbean Cruises
When Paying Per Drink Makes More Sense
If you usually enjoy:
- One cocktail in the evening
- A glass of wine with dinner
- The occasional sea day drink
…then paying as you go can be a smarter option.
Royal Caribbean’s drink prices are high, but you have full control. No pressure to “get your money’s worth” and no feeling that you need to order drinks just because you’ve paid upfront.
A drinks package calculator can help you compare your realistic drinking habits with package pricing before you commit.
How to Reduce Your Drinks Spend Without a Package
Even without a drinks package, there are plenty of ways to keep costs down.
Book Drinks in Advance If You Do Want a Package
If you decide the Deluxe Package is worth it, always check pre-cruise pricing.
Royal Caribbean often offers pre-cruise discounts on drink packages – sometimes up to 50% off, though more commonly it’ll be around 35-40%.
You can also cancel and rebook if the price drops.
Suggested read: The Best Time to Buy a Royal Caribbean Drink Package
Look Out for Drink of the Day Offers
Most Royal Caribbean ships offer a discounted “drink of the day,” which changes daily. If you’re only having one or two drinks, these offers can make a noticeable difference over the course of a cruise.
Make the Most of What’s Free
A surprising amount is already included.
Free drinks typically include:
- Water
- Iced tea
- Lemonade
- Flavoured water
- Standard coffee and tea
- Hot chocolate
- Basic juices at breakfast
These are available at drink stations and in the buffet throughout the day.
There are also occasional opportunities for complimentary drinks at events such as art auctions or loyalty gatherings.
Bring Your Own Soft Drinks
Royal Caribbean allows guests to bring up to 12 cans, bottles or cartons of soft drinks per stateroom on embarkation day.
This is a simple way to avoid buying soda packages or individual soft drinks onboard.
The Bottom Line
Royal Caribbean’s drinks package rules remain fairly strict, but the latest change does offer some welcome flexibility for passengers who genuinely can’t drink alcohol.
The key is not to assume an exception will apply to you. Check the rules before you buy, apply in advance if you qualify, and then you can choose the drinks option that makes the most sense for your cruise.
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The cheaters ruined it for everyone. It’s that simple.
My other half drinks extremely seldomly, if at all. Prior we had done the split package and paid in advance.
Sad to see it go, but I do understand.
The next one is with family so I may see if they’ll let us switch my spouse to the family room and have me be ‘solo’ and purchase the deluxe. The rest of the family just has a beer or wine with dinner so it makes more sense to buy them individually.
I don’t want to cheat the system, but I can’t justify an extra $600 beyond. If they won’t let us switch (we’re already booked) then I’ll probably just stick to refreshment.
Love reading your info. Another sign of price gouging by RCCL regarding the drink packages. Then why not sell a drink package offering 7 drinks instead of 15 for 50% the price if you are worried about sharing?
Well, Royal’s decision means that my other half will never buy the deluxe beverage package again. I can’t drink for medical reasons and, as with my disabilities, can prove this on my Special needs at sea form. I’ve no doubt that some people abuse the loophole BUT to punish everyone else for the misbehaviour of a few is completely unacceptable. As a family we have NEVER abused the system, and if someone has genuine medical, religious or personal reasons why they cannot drink alcohol, can provide proof, and has a proven track record of sticking to the rules, then Royal should respect that, or risk being accused of – in this case – disability discrimination. Alternatively, we’ll take our loyalty elsewhere.