flyerjay11

That's no longer the case, changed a couple of years ago.

Good to know - thanks! Although, like I said, I still don't think it is worth it.

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This is really going to make me question cruising with RCCL next time we go. In fact, I'm probably going to question cruising at all since the industry trend is in this direction. Wife doesn't drink and I enjoy some drinks, but not enough that drink package would make sense (even if my wife did drink since everyone in stateroom needs to buy). 2-3 per day is usually it, some days more, some less. In general, I feel like a lot of the extras that used to make cruising really awesome have slowly been getting watered down and now it isn't that much better than other vacation options. Probably will cruise again, but before I used to get really excited thinking about it, now I'm not as enthusiastic. I guess that is their goal - to capture that "consumer surplus" and convert it into their profit.

From RCCL's latest 10-K that was just filed last month, it is clear they are making a lot of money from the drink packages.

"Despite the difficulties in the Caribbean, the Company grew 2014 Net Yields by 2.4% on a Constant Currency basis. Net ticket revenue yield improved 1.4% while onboard revenue yield increased by 3.8% on a Constant Currency basis. Onboard revenue continues to be a bright spot with beverage packages, specialty restaurants and internet packages driving strong growth in the Caribbean and Europe, while gaming and retail are fueling our growth in Asia. This, coupled with our investments in ship revitalizations and technology, has helped continue onboard’s strong growth trajectory."

"$45.5 million increase in onboard revenue attributable to higher spending on a per passenger basis primarily due to our ship upgrade programs and other revenue enhancing initiatives, including various beverage initiatives, the addition and promotion of specialty restaurants, the increased revenue associated with internet and other telecommunication services and other onboard activities"

Surprisingly the increase in onboard revenue only equates to about $1.24 per person per day. I'd think it would be more, but this is for RCCL corporate, not just the Royal brand. It still adds up...