This Drinks Package Loophole Has Been Closed For Good

In a move that ends a popular money-saving workaround, Royal Caribbean has officially eliminated all personalised exceptions to its beverage package policy in 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 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.

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.

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This Drinks Package Loophole Has Been Closed For Good

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