Royal Caribbean drink package: worth it for UK cruisers?
Cruise Advisor planning guide. Verify changing prices, policies and itineraries with the relevant provider before booking.
If you’re searching “royal caribbean drink package worth it uk”, you’re likely weighing the Deluxe Beverage Package against simply paying as you go on your 2026 Royal Caribbean cruise from or booked in the UK. The right answer depends on your sailing’s personalised package price (including the 18% package gratuity Royal Caribbean says is added at final checkout on most sailings), what you’ll actually drink, whether everyone of legal drinking age in your stateroom must also buy the Deluxe package, and how much time you’ll spend ashore. This UK-focused guide walks you through a simple, verifiable method—no guesswork, no outdated price promises—so you can decide with confidence before you sail.
It can be—if your stateroom’s total package cost (including the 18% package gratuity on most sailings) is lower than what you’d realistically spend on included drinks across sea and port days. For many UK travellers, Deluxe is worth it on sea-day-heavy trips with regular alcoholic and specialty coffee/water consumption; for light or mixed groups, the Refreshment or Classic Soft Drinks packages—or paying as you go—often win. Always confirm your sailing’s personalised price and terms in My Royal Cruise before buying.
Royal Caribbean sells several beverage packages. For UK planners, the key choices are: the alcoholic Deluxe Beverage Package, the non-alcoholic Refreshment Package, and the Classic Soft Drinks Package. Royal Caribbean’s UK FAQ confirms that packages are personal, cannot be shared, and that only one beverage per guest will be served at a time. For most sailings, an 18% gratuity is added to the beverage package at final checkout—this is not included in the first price you see, so budget for it. Royal Caribbean also says some sailings may not offer packages. Always check your own booking in My Royal Cruise for the current inclusions, price and availability.
Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe Beverage Package page lists cocktails, spirits, liqueurs and beer; wines by the glass; fountain soft drinks; mocktails; premium coffees and teas; bottled still and sparkling water; fresh-squeezed juices; and smoothies and milkshakes where available. Royal Caribbean states a US$14 threshold for any single drink item included, and a 40% discount on bottled wines priced up to US$100 (20% above US$100). These are US-dollar thresholds published by Royal Caribbean; do not convert them into assumed GBP allowances. Menus and thresholds can vary, so verify the current details shown for your sailing.
If you don’t need alcohol, Royal Caribbean sells non-alcoholic packages. From 15 March 2026, Royal Caribbean states the Deluxe and Refreshment packages no longer include a Coca-Cola Freestyle Cup. A guest may buy a Freestyle Cup onboard for US$4.99, valid only for that sailing. The Classic Soft Drinks Package remains the option that comes with a complimentary Freestyle Cup. If you mainly want fizzy drinks from Freestyle machines, that Classic package detail matters; otherwise, factor a one-off cup purchase into your budget if you choose Deluxe or Refreshment. Always check the latest package wording in My Royal Cruise before you purchase.
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