Answering every single question about a Royal Caribbean drink package
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- Опубликовано: 6 авг 2024
- I know you've got questions about a Royal Caribbean drink package. Can I get someone else drinks? Can I choose the days to buy it? Is gratuity included? I've got all the answers in today's video!
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Two helpful money saving tips. First, if you’re in the same cabin one person can order the refreshment package and one can order the deluxe drink plan. Calling customer service can make that happen. Second. If you don’t drink a lot, order the refreshment package, then order a mock tail and when you want an occasional drink, order the mock tail with a shot on the side. It’s cheaper than ordering the original drink. For example, redbull is free under refreshment plan, shot of vodka was $8 onboard. Regular redbull vodka was $13, saving you $5 for ordering just the shot. 😊
Thanks for sharing
That's my plan! Of course I'm now realizing if it's more than one alcohol in the drink it won't work to just order the shot on the side... 🤔 But hey, that's what the daily drinks are for!
So if we have the Deluxe Drink Pkg my Red Bull and Vodka is fully covered ?
@@daveperkins6004 yup! 😊
@@Volcomsd1Mahalo They better stock up
The drink package is totally worth it! A few tips to maximize value:
1. Before your cruise, understand the full scope of your package, because it's more than just alcohol. Every morning, we would get freshly squeezed orange juice and premium drinks like lattes and cappuccinos from the barista. The soda machines w/ souvenir cup are included. Johnny Rocket's milkshakes are included (both virgin and spiked). Lastly, an underrated inclusion is unlimited water bottles, which you can easily take back to your room and off ship on port days.
2. Go to specialty restaurants! Most of the specialty restaurants have special cocktails that you can't get anywhere else on the ship, and they were the best drinks we could find. To avoid a big bill at specialty restaurants, we would grab only an appetizer, order 3-4 drinks each and have dinner at the main dining hall an hour later.
3. Make friends with bartenders all around the ship! Our first day, we met an amazing bartender at the pool bar, who also worked the main dining room bar at night. He knew we had the drink package, and he memorized our room number and dining table, so he would send us special drinks to go with our dinner without us even asking. Every night, there was a picture-worthy layered shot to complement our meals, and when we met him at the pool bar during the day he would make us amazing, obscure cocktails we had never heard of.
As an additional point to number 1 above, when you're trying to decide if it's worth it or not think about that too. If it's like 70/day you may think you need to drink 6 drinks a day (70/13) however if the stuff from the one a step down is up your alley (and let's he honest, most of probably want those) and the difference is only 40 bucks then you really need to drink 3 drinks a day (40/13) to just break even. That's not hard even if you're not a heavy drinker imo, and all of a sudden the price/worth it drastically shifts.
This is great advice! Do you need to make a reservation to go to the fancy restaurants? even just for an app and drinks?
Do you know if the Refreshment Package includes the Frozen Virgin drinks ? Like Non alcoholic Daiquiris, Piña Coladas etc ? Thanks 😉
These tips are gold. 1st cruise with Royal coming up in July and I can’t wait. As for extra tips for the bartenders, do you do that in cash or just add to the room bill? Hoping to make BFFs with many a tender of the bar👍🏻
It's not a question of "Can you drink enough to justify the cost". It's a question of "Do you WANT to drink enough EVERY DAY to justify the cost?" I can drink enough every day, but don't want the pressure of having to drink unhealthily just to justify the cost.
I feel ya man. If I was in my 20s like when I first cruised, yeah I could drink that much. But now in my early 40s, i'm not drinking that much even on vacation to cover that cost lol
Remember, you also get the water, fresh squeezed juices, soda, premium coffee, etc. That all adds up as well. Get a bottle of water with every alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink to stock up your fridge in the room.
Super thorough and very informative Matt thanks for this post! My girlfriend and I go back-and-forth each time asking ourselves if it’s worth it, and it’s not. We just don’t drink enough.
Purchased the drink package for the first time on my last cruise on Wonder, totally worth it! I definitely got my money's worth especially when you include the coffee and bottled water. Great informative video
You’re very good in explaining about what’s and what to expect if you cruise in Royal cruising.❤️it!😁
Thank you! 😃
We didn’t buy the drink package before our December 2021 sailing of Freedom of the Seas. The first day deal with Buy One/Get One 50% off. Once we saw how expensive a drink was with required gratuity, we jumped on the package. Plus it saves you from being asked if you have the drink package every single time you order a drink. Lowest price we saw pre-cruise was on Cyber Monday at 50% off.
FINALLY a video about the drink package!
Nice video. Thanks for putting it together. I was trying to find out if Heineken 0.0 could be bought with the Refreshment Package.
Just got back went with my wife and 3 young adult kids all under 21 on Oasis and lemme tell you RC took a hit huge dent on that drink package 😆 BUY IT! Pre cruise! Trust me the last thing we worried about was ordering a drink while in party mode. I had 2 bartenders who I tipped a little extra and it’s well worth it. These guys work hard nonstop. They WANT you to enjoy! No regrets. Do it!! 🥃🍺🥂🍻🍹🍹🍷🎉🎉🎉
Great advice. If your liver can take it.
@@itzyogirl100 $500 “per person” 😉
I got it for my first RCL cruise and it was totally worth it mimosa and cappuccino in the morning. Also was able to get Powerade energy drinks in addition to soda and cocktails.
Love the convenience of having one less thing to worry about and we definitely drink enough to justify the price. I remember on our first cruise ever, these packages weren't a thing yet and we got stick shock when half way through the cruise looked at how much we had spent on drinks alone. Luckily we made some of it back in the Casino!! 😉
Thanks for the video Matt. Already got our drink package for our next cruise leaving next week. So excited!!!
Any idea if the casino has a bubble craps machine?
Very informative! Thanks!
Boarding wonder on Friday and I’m just watching to see if we made the right choice
In my opinion, Starbucks should be included in the drink package. Our last cruise in January, it was included at no additional charge.
This Was great! Thanks!!
Deluxe Package will be the one I will be getting for sure it’s my vacation and I will be thoroughly enjoying myself when I go… Thank you for explaining the packages for me I had many questions and you answered them all. 🙂
I have used the drink package with the alcohol previously on both Royal Carribean and NCL and wouldn't cruise without one, if you drink alcohol and sodas it's very worth it
Thanks for the very informative video!
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks! Great video!
Thank you
So many first-time cruisers watch videos like this and think they NEED a drink package because you never point out how much is complimentary. We typically spend $100-$150 per week on drinks on a cruise (on top of our 2 bottles of wine and 12 sodas). Coffee (usually dark, decaf and sometimes light), teas, water, iced tea, flavored drinks, chocolate, apple and orange juice, milk, ice and ice cream (plus you can mix it up for mocha, iced coffee, etc.) are all no-charge. The water on the ship is filtered the same or better than bottled water without the karma.
He has pointed out in other videos that you don't need a drink package and that, if you're not a big alcohol drinker, it could actually waste money. He's mentioned the reduced price daily drink and all of the free options on board. I'm planning my first cruise for next year and my husband and I both plan on getting the deluxe drink package because we both cam drink a lot and we want to have the options for some non-alcoholic drinks that are covered, such at fresh squeezed juice and Starbucks (on Oasis OTS only in the Cafe Promenade). It really is a matter of choice and I hope others that are new to cruising like I am will do their research and watch as many of Matt's videos as possible.
Yep.
Wait what? I’m a first time cruiser and yes this is confusing. They make it seem like anything you try to drink costs extra. Plus. I’ve never heard smoothies mentioned. Are there any smoothies on the ship? And is Johnny Rockets the only place you can go for a milkshake or are those the only milkshakes covered by the refreshment package?
@@tommon02 Milkshakes per se, maybe, but you can order a virgin mudslide with extra chocolate or that chocolate chip chocolate Starbucks-style drink (with or without espresso) in the coffee shop which is ONLY covered by the coffee punch card (or drinks packages) on ships that do not have an actual Starbucks.
Always drink package! I’m monitoring the price for our October 30 Harmony sailing. We used to save change in jars and cash it in to pay for our drinks package. Well we don’t have change anymore, so I’m stashing cash every week in an envelope in a drawer to pay for it with no pain.
Budget to drink……a wise investment!!🎉🍺🍷
We just saw the drink package go on sale for buy one get one 50%. We were hesitant because some of your pointers in other videos and saw the pre sale price was higher than the pre sale price before and the gratuity was still 15%. However the total price after everything is still somehow cheaper by like $30 and gratuity only changed by a $3 decrease. I think we are going to buy it.
Madi Murphy can I ask where you seen the package go on sale for buy one get one 50% off??
Where can you get the bottles of water on Freedom of the Seas when you have the refreshment package? Do they also have flavored teas available, like Snapple? Are fresh squeezed juices available in the Windjammer, or do you need to go to a specialty restaurant to get them?.
My friends and I are planning a cruise for later this year and the Deluxe Drink Package sounds great!! Really want to catch a sale/deal!! It’s nerve wrenching trying to decide 🙃🤣
Thank you for the tips! Johnny Rockets milkshakes aren’t included in ultimate beverage package?
I was just on a RC cruise that did not have a freestyle machine!
Since you now receive 4 to 5 free drinks a day if you are diamond member or higher do you think Royal will consider giving these members the option of a discount Dink Package of say $300 for 7 night cruise and higher depending on the number of days for us Members who still may want the drink package but feel we are losing out on a great peek if paying regular price for drink package?
I noticed in your recent videos you're still referencing the price adjustment policy, but didn't they already announce they will not be doing that anymore for future cruises like those booked next year for example?
If I have the alcohol package, can I use it at a specialty restaurant if I’m not eating there? For example, can I go into Izumi, order a cocktail and then leave without sitting down and eating/ordering food? Also that one drink with the bucket I saw, does that come with the drink package or is it extra because it’s a bucket?
For our TA on Wonder of the Seas in October, the standalone Deluxe Drink package has disappeared from the shop and only a combination Deluxe Drink & Voom package at $85 per day is available. Is that something that happens often? Never noticed this before,
QUESTION 🙋🏾♀️: if you are Diamond status do you still get the drink perks on 3 day cruises? I read if your Diamond or Diamond Plus you get 4 FREE drinks a day as of March 2022👀
Thank you for this video!
Question: Do you know if we are able to use our Starbucks app/rewards on the ship?
You can earn Starbucks rewards with purchases, but you cannot redeem rewards onboard.
Do the soda machines have the HI C fruit punch, like the machines at a WaWa location?
Hi there! I keep hearing different things... are the milkshakes at Johnny Rockets and the smoothies at Vitality complimentary with the refreshment package? Also, where can one obtain "specialty coffees"?
Hi Matt, we are thinking of pickup a cruise on Anthem of the Seas out of Southampton, I understand that we have to get tested 2 days prior. Any suggestions as to where in London can we get vaccinated or what options we have?
Great tips again Matt. Question, if I purchase the 'Refreshment Package' before the cruise, and I upgrade it to the 'Delux package' during my 7 night cruise?
Theoretically, yes, but that's gonna be a trip to Guest Services. I'd recommend going with the Deluxe off the bat if you're on the fence. Save yourself some grief later
I am a social and moderate drinker. My girlfriend is the same and a lightweight. That said, also accounting for 3 different port days, we both would need to drink at least 7 beers a day on the ship to make it worth the purchase. There is no way my girlfriend would have 7 beers. I could definitely have 7 beers in a day but not 7 days in a row, it's just too much. Obviously, water and other drinks are also included but that is a lot of intake including food. I don't see us reaching that or even coming close. Maybe a day or two where we are on the ship all day long but even then, neither one of us want to be drunk or buzzing all day walking around. I believe the drink package is definitely for heavier set folks who want to drink all day long. It is convenient as well, not having to sign something every time you purchase a drink. But at the cost of another 7 day cruise ticket? Unless you simply don't care about the cost, it just doesn't seem worth it at. I'll update this after our cruise in Oct. '23. Sidenote: Royal Caribbean should offer moderate drink packages, or a package that separates hard liquor from beer in my opinion.
You don't actually need to buy it for all people over the age of 21 in a room if you just call and book with customer service. My wife dose not drink enough to justify it so I just get it for myself. Have done this on 2 prior cruise and just booked one for next year.
The Johnny rocket milkshakes are included in the royal refreshment package?? Is that new?
We are going on a cruise next January in Australia and going with our 10 year old son do we need to but him a drinks package or could we just get him the drinks on our drink package?
I’m taking two cruises in the coming year - Dec 2022 and June 2023 - and neither ship is listed as having the freestyle machines 😩
Hello,
Thanks for this informative video but my question is if you're somebody who doesn't consume alcohol at all, and only expect to be served coffee and water/sodas with breakfast and meals, should you even jump on any package. Isn't coffee and water complimentary with breakfast & meals?
The deluxe drink package also states Johnny Rockets shakes are included, but Ive never heard it mentioned in any cruise blogs. Is this accurate?
I understand the beverage package except when you were in a room with someone who does not drink and does not want to buy the beverage package so now I can’t buy the alcohol package what do you do
Is there a drink menu of what drinks are possible at RC drink packages?
Have you done a review of the Spectrum of the Seas ?
Does anyone know if there is soda water at the beverage stations on a Royal Caribbean cruise?
Does the deluxe package work on johnny rockets milkshakes too?
If I have the refreshment package, can I get pop at the bar with my sea pass? Or is that package only for pop from the freestyle machines and special cup?
Hi Matt, cruising on Odyssey next week. I know you mentioned that if I have the soda package I can order a soda at any venue..does this mean that I can get a glass of soda without having my tumbler with me with my SeaPass? Or do I have to have the tumbler? Also would this include canned sodas or only drinks from the fountain?
These packages are nearly $100 per day per person and the best discount you can hope for is 20% which is taken up by the gratuities.
I got mine at about 33% off for my cruise in September
But can the souvenir cups be used on different sailings? Because from my understanding you said that there's a chip on the bottom of the cup and after the sailing you can keep it so if for example I have a sailing 2 weeks after the one where I got the cup from will it work? Because then that's a huge hack!
I think it needs activation
I'm a big kettle one fan. I'm disappointed it wasn't on the list. Going on my cruise in June already purchased the deluxe package.
Kettle One would be included. Like I said in the video, you have to really struggle to find something not included
@@RoyalCaribbeanBlog thank you for the update. I'm super excited first time on RC.
Is there a delay to the freestyle machine. Can't I just get another cup and pour my freestyle cup in it for another person and I get myself one?
I love the drink package on RC I admit I share and purchase for everyone! No shame at all. Best deal ever!
Ill be sharing with 1 person from another cabin who just got the soda package. No Shame idc.
I want t share with my husband how can I achieve that lol, plus are we able to fill our thermal cups up with juice and sodas and water without having a package like can he go up to the soda fountain and just fill up his cup without having a package at all?
@@bobbichiq8999 yes. Buy the package. So worth it
Wow
Proud to be thieves
So on Liberty, there are no freestyle machines, what is the alternative? I'm bummed that they are not available but the price for the refreshments package is still the same as if they were. There has to be something else just grab and go right? I hope? Help..
If you buy classic soda package,Can you use the coca-cola freestyle machine?
Are there any places in Nassau where I can utilize the drink package?( from what I'm seeing I don't think so, but i want to confirm)
Do you know if the Deluxe Drink Package covers wine flights from Giovanni's Wine Bar (a la carte pricing is $12) ?
For anyone who wonders, the answer to this question is no (I asked on Wonder of the Seas, April 2022). The package does include beer flights from Playmaker's though. It doesn't really make sense to me, but that's how it is.
Thanks for the details. I can't find anywhere what sodas are available. My husband is really picky. Does Royal Caribbean serve Dr. Pepper and Red Bull?
Red Bull, yes. Dr Pepper only on cruises out of Galveston
Very helpful Matt!!! 👍🏾👍🏾
You didn’t name the Spectrum Of the seas while naming ships that have Coca Cola freestyle machines. Does Spectrum have the freestyle machines or not?
if you book a room for two. and buy one soda package? can we both drink?
Question if my wife and I get the refreshment package and buy the classic soda package for our 14 year old. Would it be frowned upon if we shared our drinks with our five year old?
Do you have to wait a certain amount of time between drinks with the refreshment package? For breakfast I want a coffee and orange juice.
Nope
Does the refreshment package cover specialty drinks at the RC Vitality Cafe’ spa area?
Yes, assuming the drink doesn't have protein powder.
My question, does the refresher package include non-alcoholic beers?
Wish Royal would include drink pacakges as part of their sales packages or deals like some other cruise lines do.
They aren’t actually “deals “when they offer free drinks and Wi-Fi because their prices are much much higher than cruise only prices. Check it out!
Recently went with Celebrity x because it’s included along tips and gruity
@@dearmepa1 Celebrity x
The reality is you're paying for it with those offers. Question is do you want discount on fare or an addon
@@RoyalCaribbeanBlog I actually just booked a cruise with NCL and got 70% off 2nd guest plus, open bar, specialty dining (2 nights), $50 per port towards excursions, free wifi, free airfare for second guest and $250 with CruiseFirst. I compared pricing of a similar cruise with Royal and NCL was a better deal. We have only cruised with Royal over past 20 years so we are definatley nervious but just couldn't pass up the deal NCL was offering. Thought we'd try it out. Thanks for your content and blog they are always helpful tips, reminders. We love what you do!
As a Diamond member, I can tell you that you don't need to buy the drink package. We got off the Independence OTS this weekend, and we each had four free drinks each day plus the free drinks in the Diamond Lounge each afternoon. We then got additional discounts on a few more drinks.
Not everyone is Diamond!
how do you become diamond?
@@shakeyabrown81 Take a ton of cruises.
@@janebeville7446 Great thanks...yeah this our first cruise and I just got a voucher to book another one on the RC Jewel of Seas but I wasn't sure if that would be more affordable.
@@shakeyabrown81 I got the drink package on my last cruise for my brother's bachelor party(i am not a diamond member what so ever)... it's worth it if you are going to get more than 4-5 drinks a day, I probably got at least 12-15 drinks a day, 1000% worth it, plus no wait to pay and sign a receipt.
If I'm the only one who drinks sodas and I want to buy the refreshments package, can I get one only for myself or the other guests in my stateroom are forced to buy the same package too just like the Deluxe package?
Hi Matt
I noticed pre-purchasing on the App saves money. Does it ever increase as the date draws near , though ?
Also- does the Refreshment Package include VIRGIN FROZEN type Mocktails ?
Thanks
It does get more expensive i looked 1 day 700 then the next week 849 for 2 people 6 night cruise.
I would like to avoid as much sugar as possible with all the cocktails. tequila is my go to that is keto. Can i get just shots of tequila with the drink package?
I am doing a RC Mediterranean Cruise and we have 5 stops in 7 days, so I don’t want to buy the deluxe package. Can I preorder a bottle of bourbon and have it delivered to my room or can I buy a bottle onboard?
I'm convinced that this is the Khan Academy of cruiseship blogs
Does this start the first day or is there a waiting period?
Does the soda package include drinks while dining, for example in the main dining room?
Yes…that’s the package we get as we don’t drink alcohol
How do they know that you aren't sharing. Are you not allowed to take it back to your cabin?
Matt can you use the drink package in the spa for a smoothie?.
Yes, as long as there isn't any protein powder in it
Hi matt, I am about to go on my 1st cruise in January.
I am purchasing the deluxe drinks package, my question is I noticed the total bill has a gratuity charge. When my cruise ends do I still have to pay another gratuity on board?
The gratuity for a drink package covers just drinks you order. The gratuity at the end of the cruise covers your dining room staff and stateroom attendant. You could pre-pay that gratuity by contacting Royal Caribbean (or your travel agent if you booked through them)
Can you take a french press and grounds onboard?
If you buy the refreshment pkg, can that be used at Coco Cay?
Yes
is there a lag time of when you can get another drink? If order a shot can I immediately get another drink?
Yes you can. At least when we cruised on allure In February we did that and had no issues.
Can u get drinks from specialty restaurants without a reservation if they have a bar area?
Yes
What if you're the only adult in your booking that drinks alcohol you're at a stale mate then as all adult's have to have a drink package? Do you all need the same drink package or just a package. As if others don't drink they will not want to pay for it then you're left without the option
If you pre-pay your gratuities when booking the cruise does it automatically prepaid gratuities for the drink package as well? I see at check out gratuities have been added to my drink package. Does this mean I will not be paying the extra 18% per drink on board?
No, the pre-paid gratuities don't include drink packages. When you buy a drink package, it includes a service charge that covers the gratuity for drinks ordered
What about those that only drink water?
Does anyone know which drink package Red bull is included in? My brother drinks it in the morning instead of coffee. Thanks!
Royal Refreshment or Deluxe Beverage Package
I have a Royal Caribbean cruise coming up soon and I have a question I can’t seem to find the answer to. Do you know if the Coffee Card can be shared between two guests? My fiancé and I are going on a 7 night cruise, but don’t want to drink more than 1 coffee a day and don’t want all the extra coffees to go unused. Thank you ☺️
Yes, coffee card can be shared between two guests because it's not unlimited.
I hope the creator sees this. So I literally have like over 1k in OBC. Should I still purchase? I mean I drink but not like a fish in water. I do wanna do mimosas for breakfast maybe 4/5 drinks a day my husband doesn’t drink as much as me. And my 12 year old may get a mock tail at dinner or so
Like Over $1700 in OBC
Hi, when would be the best time to purchase the beverage package and when will they offer the best discount? We have booked a cruise in January. Thanks.
Now
@@RoyalCaribbeanBlog will they have any discount offer during Xmas Boxing Day?
My wife and I are scheduled to take our first cruise, on the Odyssey Of The Seas, December 2024. We're considering the deluxe drinking package. My question is, do you get charged 18% gratuity per drink, tacked on to your bill at the end of the cruise or is the 18% gratuity included in the price of the drink oackage? We're trying to avoid surprise cost.
Hi, how do you actually use the drink package though is it on your room key and you just scan it?
You just hand them your SeaPass card and they can tell you have the drink package. It says it on the card and when they scan it, they can see you have it too
I’m looking into getting the refreshment package for myself & my boyfriend for our three night cruise in July. The deluxe package is $600 which does not seem worth it for a shorter cruise.. My question is, what non-alcoholic cocktails are included? Is it only frozen drinks or is there no exclusions as long as the drink is non alcoholic?
Damn. 600. Why so much. Faacckkk
So how was the cruise. Did you like it. I've never gone on one and thinking about doing one very soon.
What would be helpful are the prices approximately ala carte. I can figure out how much i will drink but need the per prices to determine if it is worth it
With mandatory tip, figure $14 each
@@RetiredSignDude thank you! What about the non alcoholic stuff?
Thank you, the drink package would cost my wife and I around 1200.00 for 7 days …. Not sure it’s worth it for us?
So a pina colada is about $14?
is water included on the basic pkg?
Is the drink package included for entertainment like the concert what shows they have
Yes
What is the cost for wine? Are sodas available for free at meals? Can you get free water at anytime and anywhere?
Wine depends on the brand. Sodas are not free at all. Yes, you can get get water anywhere and anytime
@@RoyalCaribbeanBlog How about a cup of coffee?
Matt… is Johnny Rocket’s (malt’s/shake’s) included in Deluxe Beverage Package?
Thanks for asking that and hopefully it’s answered because I was wondering that myself. 🙂
@@tiffanysanchez9184 We had breakfast there……I want to try a malt and they have the best onion rings!!!!! On Harmony……👍
Yes
Is there a limit on how frequent you can order alcoholic drinks? Like every 15 mins or something?
Nope. Occasionally a bartender will insist there is such a rule, but I'm not sure why because the vast majority of bartenders don't.