Royal Caribbean Beverage Package---worth it?

Hey everyone, 1st time cruiser here!

I just booked a Royal Caribbean cruise for December 2018 and I'm a bit overwhelmed by ALL of the choices/packages!

I was curious about the drink packages---are they worth it? When we dine at a 'free' restaurant--would we still have to pay for drinks if we didn't purchase a package? Would it be best to buy the package with the alcoholic beverages?

Thanks!

Welcome to Cruise Critic.

Let me recommend that you post this one the dedicated RCI Cruise Line Board at:

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=-1&f=83

Keith

I know that you're new here but what exactly do you mean by "Worth It"?

We know nothing about you.

You've been blessed in life and money is no problem?

You're in section 8 housing with 4 kids and have saved for 20 years to be able to do this one time?

You don't drink soda, coffee, or alcohol?

You a sodaholic or alcoholic?

Is it worth it to you?

For some, the packages are a great deal, but for others they are a waste of money. It just depends on your consumption.

If you go to the RCI section of these boards, you can probably get help calculating the cost of your projected drinking.

When we dine at a 'free' restaurant--would we still have to pay for drinks if we didn't purchase a package? Would it be best to buy the package with the alcoholic beverages?

 

Thanks!

Ordering drinks in a restaurant is just like ordering drinks at the bar. If you have the deluxe package, you don't pay for drinks unless they're extra expensive like a fine wine or bottle service (if this is even a thing). If you have the refreshment package, you don't pay for drinks unless they have alcohol, then you pay full price. No discount with alcohol with any package other than deluxe. If you have the soda package, you don't pay for soda but you pay for anything else. Again, no discount on higher tier drinks.

There are basic beverages offered in all restaurants that are included in your cruise fare without any package like water, tea, coffee, and concentrated juices. Without the package, you pay per drink that isn't included in your cruise fare.

Reasons to go with a beverage package if you're on the fence:

• If you plan on drinking more than $45-65 worth of drinks daily
  
• If you enjoy experimenting. If you dont like a drink, dont drink it. Order a different one.
  
• If you like paying up front and knowing that you wont be spending more than that.
  

Reasons to avoid a beverage package

• If you only plan on a few beverages each day, it's cheaper a la carte.
  
• Each adult in the cabin must purchase the equivalent package so each adult must utilize it.
  

Included in your fare is : ice water, coffee, tea (iced or hot), lemonade, milk and juice during breakfast. If you can get by with those things, then there is no added cost at all. If you are only drinking a soda now and again, you can buy one whenever you want...a can will yield 2 glasses over ice. You can buy ANYTHING without a package!

You really have to be a major drinker to have the "packages" pay for itself. Perhaps wait until day 2 or 3, see how your drinking is going, and you can get a package for the remainder of the trip, if you feel you will come out ahead. You can do that as long as there are 4 or more days remaining. They pro-rate the prices.