RCL Drink Tips: Skip the Package
Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe Beverage Package costs about $70-90/person/day.
Sounds like a good deal?
Most people don’t drink enough to break even.
Why We Don’t Recommend the Package
Do the Math
Assume the package is $80/day. Add 18% gratuity: $94.4/day.
A cocktail costs $12-15. You need to drink 6-8 drinks daily to break even.
| Time | Drinking Scenario |
|---|---|
| Morning | Most people don’t drink |
| Lunch | Maybe one drink |
| Afternoon | 1-2 by the pool |
| Dinner | 1-2 drinks |
| Evening | 1-2 drinks |
Normal pace: 4-5 drinks. Not even close to 6-8.
Port Days Are Worse
On port days, you’re mostly on shore. Less time drinking on the ship.
A 7-day cruise might have 3-4 port days — those days are basically wasted.
Not All Drinks Are Included
The package typically covers drinks under $14. Premium spirits, specialty cocktails, and bar exclusives cost extra.
The Real Money-Saving Tricks
1. Daily Specials
Every bar has a Daily Special — usually a featured cocktail or beer at a discount.
Price: around $8-10, 30-40% cheaper than regular.
Just ask: “What’s today’s special?“
2. Buy Large Beer Cans
If you drink beer, don’t buy regular pours.
Get Foster’s large cans (25oz) — similar price but double the volume.
| Option | Size | Price | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular beer | 12oz | ~$8 | Standard |
| Foster’s can | 25oz | ~$10 | Double |
3. Happy Hour
Some bars have Happy Hour at certain times — buy-one-get-one or discounts.
Times vary. Ask staff or check Cruise Compass.
4. Bring Your Own
Royal Caribbean allows each guest to bring:
- 2 bottles of wine (750ml)
- or 1 bottle of champagne
Drink in your cabin for free. Want it at dinner? Bring it to the restaurant, pay $15 corkage fee.
5. Embarkation Day Shopping
On day one, check out the Promenade shops.
Often have wine and champagne bundle deals — much better than buying by the glass.
6. Free Champagne Events
Some onboard events offer free champagne:
- Art Auction: No purchase required to enjoy the bubbly
- Jewelry showcases: Some jewelry store events include drinks
- Captain’s Reception: Usually for loyalty program members
Check Cruise Compass for events with “complimentary champagne” — show up and enjoy.
When the Package Might Be Worth It
Consider the package if you’re:
- A heavy drinker: Actually can drink 8+ daily
- All sea days: No ports, plenty of drinking time
- Love variety: Want to try different cocktails every day
- Don’t want to count: Don’t care about breaking even, just want convenience
But for most people, skipping the package + using these tricks costs much less.
What We Actually Do
- Before boarding: Bring 2 bottles of wine each
- Embarkation day: Check for bundle deals
- Daily: Ask about Daily Specials
- Beer: Only buy Foster’s cans
- Dinner: Use our own wine, pay corkage
A week’s total: about $100-150/person vs. $600+ for the package.
Ingrid’s Summary
The “unlimited drinks” package sounds tempting, but most people genuinely can’t drink enough to break even.
Money-saving essentials:
| Trick | Savings |
|---|---|
| Daily Specials | Save $3-5 per drink |
| Foster’s cans | Double the beer |
| Bring wine | Free or just corkage |
| Happy Hour | Buy one get one |
| Embarkation deals | Bundle discounts |
| Free champagne events | Art Auction freebies |
Skip the package. Use these tricks. Drink just as well, spend half as much.
Questions? Contact me for cruise planning help.