Drink package on RCL

[lks1165]

HI

What has been your experience on the drink package on Royal Caribbean.  Is it worth the extra money?  Are there any exceptions? 

 

TY

[Clarea]

There is a cost limit (usually $12 or $13) per drink.  Anything over this limit you would have pay the difference plus 18%.  There are very few cocktails over the limit.

[gerif]

Only you can say if it is “worth it” based on the amount you drink. There is a dollar limit on drinks, something like &12 or $13 which covers most drinks. If you want something that costs more you just need to pay the difference plus gratuity. 

[danoconnl]

we love it for the idea that we know exactly what it costs us instead of getting a big bar bill at the end of the cruise.  We also love it because if we were paying by the drink, it would change what we would order and how often.  Also enjoy trying new things when we go on our cruise.  My wife discovered a love for martinis on our first cruise with the package.  I really like a bourbon drink they make in playmakers.

 

Having used it for our spring break cruises the last 6 years I doubt we will cruise without it, tho the price keeps going up.

 

It's still a deal for us when I calculate how much we typically drink.  We do enjoy ourselves but I don't think we've gotten "drunk" more than a few nights over the total of the last 6 cruises.   

[Mugiwara]

We did it previously, and are doing it on our next cruise, but only after making an assessment if it would be a good value for us.

 

We looked at where our currency was going as related to the USD, got the most current drink price list from Royal Carribean Blog, translated it to CAD and ran it through a spreadsheet where we estimated what we expected to be drinking vs what we'd be looking at if we were buying a la carte.  

 

We purchased our package when it was offered at 30% off.  Full price would not have been worth our while but that offer got us past the break even point, so it made sense.  The thing about the package is that it includes fancy coffees and bottled water.  This is really handy for shore excursion days - people generally don't drink enough water at the best of times and having a few bottles with me going out in the sun has been a real life saver.  Going through 5-6 bottles in a day is pretty normal for me, so that's almost $20.00 a day by itself.  Add a couple of lattes, a glass or two of wine at dinner and the happy hour cocktail and I'm pretty much there.

[grouchomarx]

I think we're probably going to buy it for our next cruise. Our last cruise we decided not to (Sky Princess) and I tallied up the alcohol and water charges and we spent $200 more than what the package would have cost.  My logic was that the package encourages excess drinking but apparently excess drinking was happening even without it!  And the Royal package is actually a little cheaper than the Princess one was. ($60/day vs $70/day).  

[LuCruise]

We got it for the first time on Adventure for a "good" price of $45 (usd amount when converted) 

 

Most days I broke even as it also includes specialty coffees (and on Adventure, the speciality included is Starbucks), bottled water.  DH also drinks soda. I'm not a big drinker, but what I really liked was being able to try different drinks without worrying if I'd like it or not.

 

DH drinks more than me so on most days, it was worth it.

 

We each had a day where we didn't drink much.

 

Not sure we'll purchase it again at current prices (next year cruises we hit it at $18 mix up ( but great getting to try it 

Edited January 7, 2020 by LuCruise

[dplusd]

2 hours ago, lks1165 said:

HI

Is it worth the extra money?  

 

I would consider your bar bill on previous cruises.  If they are significantly less than the cost of the package, I would continue to pay as you go and avoid the package.  

 

We bought the package when they were new thinking we would just drink more.  Wrong...we did not come close to breaking even!

[LB_NJ]

The package includes mocktails, soda, bottled water, fresh squeezed juice at breakfast and cappuccinos in addition to alcoholic drinks and wine.

 

Think about how much you really drink a day and do the math.  There is a little bit of a convenience factor but not much (in my opinion) in having the package.

 

Also, consider that some number of days you will be off the ship and may not use it fully on those days.

 

The alcoholic package never makes sense for us at the prices we generally see (not less than $48+tips).

 

We do usually buy the refreshment package (everything but alcohol) when it drops below $20.  Then the occasional drink we buy we just pay for.  That makes the most sense for us when you consider you can also bring on 2 bottles of wine.

 

Again, everyone drinks different amounts and you usually have to buy the package for every adult in the cabin (some exceptions apply). 

 

 

[JeromeSC]

We have purchased the drink package on several cruises and consider it to be "worth it". We are not big drinkers and could certainly save a few dollars by limiting our drinks on the cruise but part of being on vacation is not worrying about details. We find it to be a great value because it allows us to:

 

try new drinks

pair wines with courses at dinner

stay hydrated with bottled water

order fresh squeezed orange juice, specialty coffees and soft drinks

not worry about blowing the budget

 

Another consideration is how many port days you have and whether one of those ports is a private island where the drink package is honored.

 

It works for us but only you can decide if it works for you.

 

 

[karena1]

3 hours ago, lks1165 said:

HI

What has been your experience on the drink package on Royal Caribbean.  Is it worth the extra money?  Are there any exceptions? 

 

TY

Totally worth the money to us.  If you drink 5 drinks a day,  specialty coffees, water, soda, fresh juice, smoothies, etc. pays for itself in a heartbeat. If my beer is warm, I get a new one.  If I order something I don't like, I get something else.  For us, it is just part of the price of our cruise

 

 

Edited January 7, 2020 by karena1

[Merion_Mom]

2 hours ago, LuCruise said:

We got it for the first time on Adventure for a "good" price of $45 (usd amount when converted) 

 

Most days I broke even as it also includes specialty coffees (and on Adventure, the speciality included is Starbucks), bottled water.  DH also drinks soda. I'm not a big drinker, but what I really liked was being able to try different drinks without worrying if I'd like it or not.

 

DH drinks more than me so on most days, it was worth it.

 

We each had a day where we didn't drink much.

 

Not sure we'll purchase it again at current prices (next year cruises we hit it at $18 mix up ( but great getting to try it 

 

Just to be clear, for anyone reading this who does not understand what “Starbucks” means on a Royal Caribbean ship:

 

Adventure does NOT have a Starbucks. This is the reason that your coffees on the package were covered there. 

 

It has had a coffee counter that serves Starbucks coffee. 

[LuCruise]

7 minutes ago, Merion_Mom said:

 

Just to be clear, for anyone reading this who does not understand what “Starbucks” means on a Royal Caribbean ship:

 

Adventure does NOT have a Starbucks. This is the reason that your coffees on the package were covered there. 

 

It has had a coffee counter that serves Starbucks coffee. 

Sorry for any confusion. The specialty coffee is at Cafe Promenade, but Adventure serves their coffee .  Think on most other ships there is a separate Starbucks kiosk which is not included in the package.

[SRF]

As has been said, it depends on YOU.

 

I typically have a fresh squeezed OJ with breakfast and possibly a specialty coffee.

 

On sea days, 2 - 3 cocktails around the pool.  But not on port days.

A drink before dinner, maybe a glass or wine or two with dinner.

 

And a frozen drink for the show.

 

And occasionally a night cap before bed.

 

Add in a couple of bottles of water.

 

And I am well above breaking even.

 

Plus, with the package, you do not need to sign a slip for every drink.  And you do not have to monitor your account to make sure you got charged correctly (wrong drinks or extra drinks).

 

Have done it both ways, and having the package is MUCH nicer.  FOR US.

[fdthird]

Honestly, you are the only one who can answer that question.  Just remember that it includes bottled water, fresh squeezed juice, and specialty coffees and tea at Cafe Promenade. . 

[LB_NJ]

You should also consider the refreshment package which has all the non-alcoholic drinks.

 

Again, depends on how much alcoholic drinks you'll have.

 

For us on sea days maybe 2 drinks a day.  In port maybe 1 drink a day. So for us never makes sense. 

 

 

[Jarmo]

I have a simple answer when people ask if they should buy the DXP.  

 

If you are worried you need to drink too much to make it worth it, don't buy.

 

If you are worried you will spend too much on booze without it, buy.

[LittleMissMagic]

We like the Deluxe Beverage Package because we know exactly how much the bar tab is going to be, and it's paid in advance. I feel like we have found it to be a good value, but personally, I like it for the flexibility.

 

Bartender skills are really hit-or-miss on the ships. On several occasions, I've received a mixed beverage that was just plain awful (on drinks that should be simple for a bartender, too... like margaritas). If I had paid for that drink, I would've been annoyed and felt obligated to consume it despite not enjoying it. But with the Deluxe Beverage Package, no harm... I quietly ditch that beverage, then go to a different bar. And if that drink also sucks, ahhh, just give me a beer, this is pathetic.

 

You can get unlimited bottles of water with DBP. I like this because water. I don't like this because they're dinky plastic bottles, and I feel bad for using so much plastic.

 

You also receive the refillable mugs for the soda. And you can get specialty coffees.

[Jeff13]

How much do you want to drink?  Do you like to drink!?  Does your mind think in terms of "this has be be a cheap vacation" or do you consider a vacation a time to splurge and just enjoy no matter the cost?  These things determine if it is worth it.

 

For the deluxe package, this is my justification. 

1. Shot of Kahlua with coffee in the morning.

2. Bloody Mary with breakfast.  You can also do fresh orange juice.

3. Fruity frozen thing while in the hot tub or pool in the afternoon.

4. A second frozen drink.

5. Glass of wine with dinner.

6. 2nd glass of wine with dinner.

7. White Russian or other milky after dinner drink.

8. Rum and Coke during evening activities.

9. Usually a second Rum and Coke.

10. A frozen dessert type drink to end the day.

 

On shore days, maybe not all of those.  On cruising days, a couple more than that.  My most in one day was 14.  My least was 7.  It usually works out.

 

Keep in mind that Labadee and CocoCay are included in the drink package.  So they are like cruising days.

 

Another advantage is you can sample everything behind the bar as a shot if you like!  Find something you like and then order it as the drink later.  If you didn't like it, don't feel bad about not drinking it.

 

Don't get stuck at a "bad bar".  Try all of them early on and find a bar tender you connect with. Keep going back and add a dollar or 2 to keep them attentive.  On my last cruise he had the bottle in hand as he saw me walking up.  Not all bar tenders are that good.

 

Of course, if you would never drink that much or know you would get sick of drinking half way through the cruise, then it is not a good deal!

[Jeff13]

Oh yeah ... I always forget to say ... if you are a beer drinker, then do the math.  Beer is less than shots or mixed drinks.  It takes more.

[LuCruise]

With the question of "is it worth it", you need to take into account the cost of your package. It may should like an obvious comment, but the price varies.  One of our cruises had DBP at $45 USD (converted from CAD) and we have another at $69.82 USD

If counting alcoholic drinks and at $12 each

... for first cruise, it is worth it with 4 drinks. 

...for second cruise, it is wroth it with 6 drinks.

 

So you need to do the math based on price and also count any water, coffees, juice, etc

 

Edited January 8, 2020 by LuCruise

[mac66]

If you drink..a lot...it is worth getting. But unless you are already an alcoholic you will likely drink a lot more with a package than without. But what the heck, you're on vacation right?

[katiel53]

Only you can determine if the drink package is worth it.  None of us know what you drink, how often you drink etc.  I can tell you why I think it is worth it for me, but your needs/desires probably are not the same.

 

I am not one who feels getting my money's worth is why I purchase the package.  I do not drink myself into oblivion nightly and think that is a fun way to cruise.  I do probably break even or perhaps it's a bit over/under, but it's just easier to pay ahead of time and not be concerned when onboard.

 

I like to have the freshly squeezed juice if/when I have breakfast. I usually have a specialty coffee in the morning.  I do drink several bottles of water daily.  I may have a Bloody Mary during the day, but that's not every day. My drinks are in the evening/night.  I enjoy wine with dinner.  I have a couple of glasses and the after dinner either at a show or in the casino, I have a couple of drinks.

 

I know I can have more drinks if I desire.  I also know if I don't like a drink, I can order something else without feeling guilty for not drinking what I ordered.

 

As the price continues to rise, I may have to re-consider if it is worth it for me in the future.  I do have it for my next 2 cruises, but after that, perhaps not.

[snaefell]

As has been said the answer depends on a number of things,mainly I guess the price you get it for & how much you drink.

On our recent 12 night cruise the drink package was available at £38 pppn +18% which was a total of over £1100 which for us seemed an awful lot,not as young as we used to be we certainly don't drink as much as we used to but certainly don't go without either.

In the end we bought drinks as & when we wanted & ended up with bills totalling around $200 each,one big factor in that was probably that every other day was a shore day with less time to drink on board.

[lks1165]

How much do they charge you for a budweiser or Blue Moon (if they even have it)?

ty