Royal Caribbean’s drinks packages are one of the most talked-about parts of cruise planning – and also one of the most misunderstood.
Time and time again, cruisers are surprised to discover the same rule just as they’re about to book.
If one adult in a stateroom buys the Deluxe Beverage Package, every other adult in that cabin must buy it too.
There are no opt-outs.
There are no substitutions.
And there are no exceptions.
The Drinks Package Rule Most People Don’t Expect
Royal Caribbean’s policy is simple on paper, but often unexpected in practice.
All adults of legal drinking age staying in the same stateroom must purchase the same alcoholic drinks package if one person chooses to do so.
That means you cannot mix and match packages within a cabin.
You can’t have one person on the Deluxe Beverage Package while the other buys the Refreshment Package or Soda Package. It’s all in, or nothing at all.
This rule applies regardless of:
- How much each person actually drinks
- Medical or health reasons
- Personal or religious choices
- Whether one person plans to drink alcohol at all
Since 2025, if you’re sharing a cabin with a pregnant person, an alcoholic are anyone else who abstains from drinking and you want to get the alcohol package, they would have to buy it too.
For couples where only one person enjoys alcohol, this is often the moment the maths stops adding up.
The New Rule That People Hate
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
Suggested read: The 8 Cruise Drink Package Loopholes That Still Work In 2026
Why Royal Caribbean Enforces This Rule
The reason Royal Caribbean gives is package sharing.
Drink packages are personal and tied to your SeaPass card, but in reality, sharing still happens. Over time, this became widespread enough that the cruise line decided to enforce the rule consistently across all sailings.
While some cruisers remember being able to request exceptions in the past, this is no longer possible.
Today, the policy is fixed. Customer service cannot override it, and onboard staff cannot bend it.
How Much Extra This Can Really Cost
This is where the surprise turns into frustration.
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.
This is why many cruisers feel caught out. They budget for one drinks package and suddenly find they need two.
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 rule is strict, and it isn’t changing.
If one adult in a cabin buys the Deluxe Beverage Package, every adult in that cabin must do the same.
There are no exceptions and no workarounds.
Knowing this in advance lets you plan properly, avoid surprise costs, and choose the option that genuinely fits how you cruise – not how the package is marketed.
A little planning now can save a lot of money later.
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- Royal Caribbean Drinks Prices For 2026
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- The 8 Cruise Drink Package Loopholes That Still Work In 2026
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.