Going on a cruise is exciting—but figuring out which add-ons are worth it can be overwhelming. One of the most debated extras? The Royal Caribbean drink package.
On my 7-day Royal Caribbean cruise aboard the Odyssey of the Seas, I decided not to buy the drink package—and guess what? I didn’t regret it at all.
đź’¸ The Drink Package: Is It Worth the Cost?
As of 2025, the Deluxe Beverage Package (which includes alcoholic drinks, sodas, and specialty coffees) costs $65–$90 per person per day—plus an automatic 18% gratuity. That means you’d need to drink 6 or more cocktails a day just to break even.
That’s a lot of pressure. I knew I wouldn’t drink that much, so I skipped it.
🥤 Soda Package: Just Right for Me
Royal Caribbean gives you a souvenir refillable cup when you buy the soda package. You can refill it at freestyle Coca-Cola machines around the ship. I carried a tumbler to make it easier and filled it up
Whenever I felt like drinking alcohol, I just bought a cocktail here and there. I probably had 2 drinks the entire cruise, so a full drink package would’ve been a total waste for me.
🧠Why I Didn’t Regret Skipping It
I avoided the feeling of “needing to drink more to get my money’s worth.” I didn’t feel limited—one or two drinks were enough for me. I used the money I saved on specialty dining and shore excursions.
đź‘‘ A Different Experience on Princess Cruises
When I cruised with Princess, I actually did buy the drink package. The reason? Their service was incredible—I could order a drink from anywhere, anytime, and they would deliver it to me, even at 2 AM in my cabin. That convenience made it worth every penny.
With Royal Caribbean, the vibe was different, and the value just wasn’t there for me.
🙋‍♀️ Final Thoughts
If you’re someone who drinks a lot daily, the Royal Caribbean drink package might make sense. But for casual drinkers like me, it’s often better to go à la carte or just get the soda package.
You’ll save money—and still enjoy your cruise to the fullest!
đź“Ś Related Post:
👉 🛳️ 10 First-Time Cruise Tips You Shouldn’t Miss
đź“Ł Ready to Cruise Smarter?
If you found this post helpful, feel free to share it or leave a comment with your experience!
Have you ever bought the drink package? Was it worth it for you?