In a move that ends a popular money-saving workaround, Royal Caribbean has officially eliminated all personalised exceptions to its beverage package policy as of 1st August 2025.
For years, the cruise line maintained a rule that all guests of legal drinking age in the same stateroom must purchase the Deluxe Beverage Package if one person does – but unofficially, some flexibility existed.
Previously, guests could call customer service and request an exemption, citing personal reasons such as medical conditions, religious beliefs, or personal drinking preferences.
In response, one guest might be allowed to buy the Refreshment Package (non-alcoholic) or the soda package, rather than the full Deluxe Package.
These exceptions were never guaranteed, but widely known – and widely used.
That quiet workaround has now been shut down.
The cruise line cited package sharing abuse as the primary reason for ending the policy.
“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
What Does This Mean for Guests?
This update will increase costs for many couples or groups who previously relied on the exemption. For instance, on a 7-night cruise:
- Deluxe Beverage Package: $50–$115 per person/day
- Refreshment Package: $30–$45 per person/day
- Soda Package: $10–$20 per person/day
If one guest previously substituted a Refreshment Package instead of a second Deluxe Package, a couple could save as much as $490 on a 7-night trip.
With those savings now off the table, all adults must buy in or go without.
Still Want to Save on Drinks? Here’s How
Fortunately, there are still ways to reduce drink expenses onboard, even without exemptions:
Don’t Buy a Package at All
For light or moderate drinkers, simply paying a la carte may result in lower total costs than committing to a full package.
My drinks package calculator can help you work out whether it makes financial sense for you to book a package or pay a la carte.
Book Early or During a Sale
Royal Caribbean often offers pre-cruise discounts on drink packages – sometimes up to 50% off, though more commonly it’ll be around 35-40%.
Booking online ahead of your sailing is often cheaper than waiting until you board.
Watch for “Drink of the Day” Deals
Each day, many Royal ships offer discounted cocktails or drinks, typically posted at bars around the ship.
Stick to the Free Stuff
Don’t forget that iced tea, lemonade, fruit-flavoured water, morning juices, regular coffee, hot tea, and hot cocoa are free and available at most drink stations throughout the ship.
There are other ways you could nab yourself a free drink too – including attending an art auction.
Read more: Discover The 9 Completely Free Drinks on Royal Caribbean Cruises
And you can always bring your own soft drinks too – up to 12 cans, bottles or cartons per stateroom on boarding day.
Royal Caribbean is cracking down on beverage package abuse, and while it may frustrate some loyal cruisers, the cruise line has made it clear: the policy is final and no exceptions will be made.
Guests are encouraged to plan ahead and consider all available options to stay hydrated and happy – without overspending.
NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!
Don’t miss the latest Royal Caribbean offers…
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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.