Deciding if the Royal Caribbean drink package is worth it in 2026 depends on how you drink, what you want, and how you plan to spend your cruise days. This honest, easy-to-understand guide breaks it down in simple terms — including what’s included, true costs, and when it makes sense (and when it doesn’t) for most travelers.
In this Royal Caribbean drink package worth it 2026 guide, we’ll cover:
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What the drink package includes
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Typical prices in 2026
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Real cost comparisons
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Pros and cons
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Who should buy it
Let’s get started.
What Is the Royal Caribbean Drink Package?
The drink package lets you order most non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks (depending on the version you buy) throughout your cruise — without paying each time.
Typical packages include:
1) Deluxe Beverage Package
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Soft drinks
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Alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, cocktails) up to a set price
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Specialty coffee drinks
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Bottled water
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Juice and other beverages
2) Refreshment Package (Non-Alcoholic)
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Soda
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Specialty coffee (latte, cappuccino)
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Smoothies and bottled water
3) Water Package (Light)
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Bottled water only
For many travelers asking is the Royal Caribbean drink package worth it 2026, the Deluxe Beverage Package is the most talked-about.
How Much It Costs in 2026
Drink package prices change by ship and sailing, but here’s a realistic snapshot for 2026 cruise sailings before taxes and fees:
Deluxe Beverage Package
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~$69–$89 per person per day
(Price varies by ship & itinerary; shorter cruises sometimes cost more per day)
Refreshment (Non-Alcoholic) Package
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~$15–$20 per person per day
Water Package
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~$8–$12 per person per day
These are cruise industry averages and often appear in Royal Caribbean pricing tools. Prices rise on cruises that are shorter or in high-demand markets.
True Value: What You Get
The big question in is the Royal Caribbean drink package worth it 2026 comes down to cost vs. what you actually drink.
Here’s a simple math comparison:
If your cruise drinks average:
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🍹 Cocktails: $12–$16 each
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🍺 Beer: $7–$10 each
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☕ Specialty coffee: $5–$8 each
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🥤 Sodas: $4–$6 each
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🍷 Glass of wine: $9–$15 each
If you drink:
✔ 2 cocktails at lunch
✔ 2 cocktails at dinner
✔ 2 drinks by the pool every day
That’s ~6 drinks a day — which can easily match or beat the Deluxe Beverage Package price.
So if you’re someone who likes to sip a lot through the day, the answer to is the Royal Caribbean drink package worth it 2026 tips toward yes.
When It Is Worth It
Best cases for the drink package being worth it:
✔ You Drink Alcohol Daily
If you enjoy several alcoholic drinks each day — especially cocktails or wine — the package often pays for itself by day 2 or 3 of your sailing.
✔ You Like Specialty Drinks (Martinis, Mojitos, etc.)
Individual cocktails onboard can be pricey — a package gives you freedom to try more.
✔ You Want Convenience
No tabs. No ordering cash each time. Drinks are included up to the package limits — which many travelers prefer for peace of mind.
✔ You Cruise Longer Than 5 Nights
The longer you cruise, the more value the package offers because your average daily drink volume increases.
If these are you, then yes — the Royal Caribbean drink package is worth it in 2026.
When It Isn’t Worth It
Not worth it if:
✖ You Barely Drink
If you enjoy only a soda with lunch and a coffee, the non-alcoholic package (or pay-as-you-go) is cheaper.
✖ You Stick to Water & Free Drinks
Some things are free:
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Water from fountains
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Juice at breakfast
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Tea/coffee with meals (usually free)
If that’s your pattern, you’ll spend more on the drink package than you would ordering only what you consume.
Hidden Realities Most People Miss
1) You Must Buy for Everyone in the Cabin (21+)
Royal Caribbean often requires everyone 21+ in the same cabin to buy the same package if one person in the cabin gets it. This matters when asking is the Royal Caribbean drink package worth it 2026 — because it increases the total cost.
2) Gratuities Add More
The daily price usually doesn’t include tips. So add ~18% gratuity on top — that changes the true daily cost.
3) Not All Drinks Are Included
Premium wines, bottles, some top-shelf spirits, and special items may not be fully covered.
True valuation means knowing exactly what you will drink and comparing.
Tips to Get More Value if You Buy It
🥂 Monitor Daily Promotions
Sometimes Royal Caribbean offers limited-time drink package credits or early booking discounts — which make the question is the Royal Caribbean drink package worth it 2026 much easier to answer with a yes.
🍹 Use It Early in the Cruise
Use the package starting on embarkation day — many forget that this adds value.
☕ Try Different Drink Styles
Not just cocktails — specialty coffees and smoothies give additional perceived value.
Simple Rule to Decide
If you will consume 5+ paid drinks per day, the drink package is likely worth it.
If you drink less than 3 paid drinks per day, it’s probably not worth it unless you just want the convenience.
That’s the best rule of thumb when weighing the question is the Royal Caribbean drink package worth it 2026 for your cruiser type.
Final Word
The answer to is the Royal Caribbean drink package worth it in 2026 is:
✅ Yes, if you’re a frequent drinker, love cocktails, or want the convenience of all-day drinks.
❌ No, if you drink sparingly or prefer to pay as you go.
There’s no single answer for everyone — but understanding the daily cost vs. what you drink is the key to making a smart choice before you sail.
