The advice in this video is free and well researched. So many people still complaining and not a single thank you for the team putting these high quality FREE videos out on a consistent basis.
We made diamond in 2022, we aren’t big drinkers, so the diamond drinks are perfect for us. We used to cruise once a year, now twice a year, 18 days in 2024, looking forward to 23 days in 2025. Thanks for all you do!
We’re cruising in May and bought the drink package very early after booking. This will be our first time cruising with it and we’re excited that it’s all taken care of and we don’t have to worry about it. Thanks for all the great tips, Matt.
Plan to add the DBP price in your vacation budget and relax! From breakfast(Baileys in coffee or Mimosas), morning, lunch, afternoon, dinner until evening it is not hard to “ get your moneys”” worth.” The relaxation factor is worth it.
We didn't know about the drink package on our first cruise in 2011. After 4 days, that was a price I didn't like when we left. Since then, we have gotten the drink package for every cruise. We don't drink as much, but it is paid before we sail, we can spend our money on other things, and we can try any drink that we want (well, the wife can, I have learned to stick to beer). Great video.
Maybe this changed since November 2023 but we bought our 11 year old the refreshment package on Oasis and he was unable to use the bionic bar because he was underage and package was in his name. He did do some serious damage at Johnny rockets for shakes and got a ton of smoothies from the vitality juice bar. 😊
I had the drinks package on my 1st cruise, I added up the drinks and costs every day, the drink package was definitely worth it! Especially since I love my speciality coffees as well, so now I don’t hesitate to get it during the sales.
I've noticed that we've been getting a lot of special "Diamond and Above" discount offers. Some as much as 45% off per person. Even though we are essentially giving up our vouchers it still makes the drink package very affordable in our opinion, so the "convenience factor" of not singing and not worrying that you mentioned in the video becomes more enticing. Before we reached diamond, the drink package was a no-brainer. We want to enjoy the cruise and know we drink enough that we will at least break even so it made the cruise more fun for us.
We used to get the drinks package until our last cruise. We decided to not get it and do what we normally do, we didn’t try to drink less to save money or go without. We found that we had actually saved $300.00 Needles to say we no longer get it.
I did the opposite lol. I was too startled by the price tag so I held off and drank what I normally would (never drink every day for a week straight) and I obviously beat it. Ever since then I haven't and calculate it every time after and I always beat it. I just dont drink that much and for people who plan to never have an empty glass GO FOR IT! Its probably worth it for them!
I have never been on a cruise before, and will be going on one at the end of March (your videos have been SUPER helpful- thank you!). I have decided to get the lowest tier "soda package" to save some money, since it includes all soft drinks. I anticipate this will be more than enough- and I am a Coke junkie, so it's perfect. Plus I have access to the basic drinks in the Windjammer. Staying in an Owner's Suite, I will have my own coffee maker, so I'll just bring my own pods on board, along with my favorite teas so I can just make as much coffee and tea as I want right in my room. So I won't need a coffee package or package that includes coffee. And if I want to splurge once or twice on some Starbucks (not a big Starbucks fan to begin with), I'll just pay at the counter. But I doubt that will even be an issue. I'm also not a big drinker- I'm on this cruise to relax, and I want to remember it! So I'll just bring my own bottle of champagne on, and that will probably be plenty for the week. If I want to splurge on a cocktail or two, again, I'll just pay. Even if I ordered 1 drink per day, that's still cheaper than getting the full on beverage package, and then getting completely tanked simply to justify the cost of the package. This saves me about $100 or so on an all-inclusive drink package.
You might want to check with your agent. Seems to me that Owners Suites,....everything is already included,....at least with most cruise lines. You might be double paying.
We got a great bundle deal on Drink/Internet package during Black Friday. Thank you for producing these informative videos. But like he has said in past videos, once you reserve the package, you can cancel it and rebook if a lower price comes along.
I’d rather go on another cruise than pay for the drink package. For the cost it would be for a six night sailing for my husband and I we could book another cruise!
Thank you Matt for the informative video! My friend and I are going on Radiance in July and I will be buying the DBP for the first time. I'll use this cruise to gauge whether or not I'll purchase it in the future. We paid $56.25 per person so an average of 4 alcoholic beverages per day to break even. Since I'm also a coffee drinker the idea that the specialty coffees are included is very appealing along with the bottled water being included.
We always purchase in advance and then never stress afterwards. If we don’t exactly break-even it’s still worth it since it includes the coffees, sodas, bottled waters etc. Like you said Matt, it’s vacation so why be worried about money!
I love the deluxe drink package, that way i dont have to think about how much ill be spending. First trip i took the first day i had 16 drinks. Best trip ever. Cant wait to do it again on my next trip.
I used to just get the soda package. But after the first few cruises those collectors cups take up a lot of space in my house XD So glad when i got to Diamond and I didn't have to get the cups anymore.
I'd love to see a video of your favorite drinks on the boat. I find myself trying new things but always returning to the same 5 and would love to get more ideas of what to ask for.
Awesome video,,, thanks,,, This is our first cruise and I like beer A LOT,,, couple clam diggers and should be good to go,,, Icon of the Seas in Feb 25,,,,, Like I said thanks new subscriber here now.
I got the deluxe drink package on every cruise and make good use of it. Always bought it in advance and looked at pricing every time I get an email. Black Friday is the best! Coffees, shakes, bottled water, soda, energy drinks, mocktails and alcohol drinks. Never did the math after. Its good to have a water or mocktail with you to stay hydrated and eat less. - Now I'm Diamond so I get the Refreshment package and get standard drinks all day and time the alcohol. Also bring 1 bottle of wine for the room. Works out well. - Good detail in the video, even as an experienced cruiser its confusing with all the possibilities. Maybe we get the coffee card next time instead of the refreshment package, don't know.
I've got the deluxe package booked for my upcoming cruise, and had it on my cruise on Oasis in May this year. For me, the convenience and not needing to worry about the final bill make it worthwhile. Between coffees, sodas, water and alcohol, I think we broke even last time, but I don't really care about that - I just want to pre-pay and forget about it. Both times, I've purchased during the Black Friday sales - last year got it for £64 per person, per day, this year got it for £59 per person, per day. I tried drinks I never normally would in May, and now have some favourites I'm looking forward to on Voyager in June!
I went on my 1st ever cruise on Allure a few months ago and I got the deluxe package and it worked great but I don't drink often and only really drink cocktails and I don't like beer, the drinks seemed watered down (I averaged a drink an hour when I boarded and never even caught a buzz) so I'll get the refresher package on my next cruise and get an alcohol drink on special occasions. But I did love not worrying about the tab while ordering and everything processed very smoothly.
Most people who debate getting the drink package try to calculate how many Alcoholic Beverages they would have to buy to break even. While that's valid, most don't consider the additional things you get with your drink package that would cost Money, like unlimited soda, coffee, mocktails, and water bottles, to name a few. Plus, if you can get your Drink Package bundled with something else, like the internet, it actually comes out as a great value.
I prefer cruise lines that just include it all in my cruise price. Ill be on the 3rd and 4th sailings of the brand new (not even finished yet ) Celebrity Xcel next November / December. $1,100.00 PP Per week,....EVERYTHING included,......EVERYTHING ! In a Sunset Veranda
I think what a lot of people forget is that the Deluxe also includes those Specialty Coffee drinks and fresh juices from Vitality Spa. When you add the cost of those to your daily count of drinks it helps combat the drink fatigue you mentioned. The easiest way to decide if a drink package is worth the cost is to take the per day amount and divide it by $14. That will tell you how many drinks you need to "Break Even" and if you sub in some Coffees or Juices it really helps justify the cost overall.
I’m not a big drinker, I’m diamond and most days I don’t even use my 4 free drinks, but grab extra bottled water for my room. I do get the soda package because I drink soda throughout the day.
We always normally buy one soda package and a coffee card for my wife as we are not big alcohol drinkers occasionally we may splurge if it's a special occasion and get the non-alcoholic beverage package that includes the mocktails and milkshakes
Great info thanks! I'm just trying to be clear. For the person who's just going to visit the vitality spa/ juice bar which package would you recommend??
I got the carnival fun match program. Free balcony room, $100 free play at the casino, $200 ship credit, and free drinks as long i am at the casino. 2 bottles of wine in the room, playing at the casino, and a few drinks on board.. sounds good. Never been on a cruise. I just showed them my casino players card from Caesars which is diamond + and got this offer. Actually two. One ocean room and one balcony. We will see if I can keep these offers coming! Looking forward to my first cruise!
I was able to get my deluxe package for $70.99 per day on Cyber Monday for my May 2025 sailing on Wonder of the Seas. Seems like that is a pretty decent price. I'll continue to check for a possible price drop.
As a first time cruiser last year on RC, it was confusing to understand the various plans and how they connected to the various venues on the ship. Of course, liquor is understandable, but everything else is available here and not there--where do you get a smoothie and really how many smoothies do you need in a day! --and of course there is the free offerings that may be very adequate. If you are a coffee drinker, free drip coffee is available in lots of places, including Cafe Promenade and the buffet. For myself, I like hot tea in the morning and ice tea later in the day, and there is plenty of that too, for free. In fact, RC had a terrific foil-pack tea display with multiple varieties of regular and herbal teas along with every type of sweetener you would ever want. I would suggest bringing a larger mug from home to these outlets so that you aren't reliant on the smaller mugs that RC has on offer; I drink tea out of a 16 oz. mug at home but I bet the RC mugs were around 6 oz. As for ice tea, they have dispensers, but I could easily make my own with a mug of hot tea poured over ice in a larger tumbler that I brought with me. It may come across as penny pincher to make your own ice tea, but if you have a routine that you enjoy at home, there is no reason to stop the routine just because you are on vacation if there is a workaround. And if the ship doesn't offer exactly what you want on tap, you just make your own.
love these videos! Only concern with the soda package is when on the small RC ships there may not be a working coke machine and you have to send your kid to the bar with their cup. just an inconvenience
We are probably going with the soda package in November on Star of the seas. As you mentioned a "card", I know the souvenier cup has an RF ID, but do you HAVE to use the cup at a freestyle machine, or is there a card/is the package tied to your C card so you can fill your own cup/bottle?
My last cruise on Oasis, we ate @ the steak house...checked my account, had 14 glasses of wine listed under my dinner. I had the drink package. We only had 3 total. I mentioned it at my next meal to a waiter, he joked that there was probably some beautiful girls that night that did not have the drink package and were treated to a nice night. Priceless.......
I’ll be honest, the drink packages are EXPENSIVE. Wish there was a middle ground between deluxe and refreshment. For perspective I took a 9 Night (4 port days) on Liberty in May (paid $1200pp ) and tried the deluxe package (paid $700pp ). At some point, I was ordering just because I could. Also paying $700 pp is another cruise for me so there’s that lol. If there was an option to prepay a limit of 4 drinks per day, I’d jump at it!
If you watch, it is possible to get the Full Drinks Package at 35% of before the cruise. If you have made it to Diamond or above, then you can get the package for 45% off. I travel by myself in the stateroom, so that also helps make the decision easier, because I’m only paying for one person. So for example, l purchased the Deluxe Drinks Package on my next 9 day cruise at 45% off or $49.50 per day. So 3.5 of the $14 drinks each day and I have broken even. This makes it very easy to justify the purchase for myself. To even sweeten the deal on my next cruise, I had $150 on board credit included with my fare. So applied that to the total package price, which made it a spectacular deal. For the 9 day cruise, just an extra $370.20 for any beverages I want for the whole cruise. That price includes the gratuity. 😮. So it can be a very good add on to your cruise.
I can't justify using Royal's package when it costs almost as much as our cabin. Husband and I only drink Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. Husband may drink a beer. If there's a separate wine package, we might take that. If not, we send gift bottles to the room pre cruise, bring two on with us, and buy bottles at the bar if we run out. Bottles usually run about $35 with gratuity included. When we get a deal that includes a drink package on other lines, we take it so I can get bottle water and specialty coffee too. That makes the package worth the cost.
Video mentions there are free drinks. I see one post about regular coffee and tea, but what is the full list of available free drinks? Does it include tap water and is it tasty or nasty? Does it include non-fresh squeezed juices? Does it include any soda? Also what is available during meals to drink? I'm thinking I dont need any package as I'm not a huge soda fan and can't drink more than a couple alcoholic drinks a day. Thanks
As stated, deluxe is usually between $55-115/day (let's average and say $85) and refreshment is $29/day (we'll say $30 for even numbers), assuming the average cocktail is $15, you would need to drink over 3 alcoholic beverages a day to "get your money's worth" versus owning the refreshment package and just buying alcohol when you want alcohol. Keep in mind, most people don't start drinking until lunch / pool time. Let's say you have 2 alcoholic beverages during then + mocktails. Then, you can also have a cocktail with dinner. At these rates, you are still saving money. Keep in mind, you already get mocktails, smoothies/coffee/fresh juice for breakfast/brunch time, milkshakes for something sweet (if there's johnny rockets), etc. And it's not like you can't have more than 3 a day, if we were basing this on a 7 day cruise, I'm just saying that's 21 alcoholic drinks the whole sailing before the deluxe becomes worth it. IMO, always, always, bare minimum get the refreshment package. If you think you're gonna be boozing, go for the deluxe, but most people simply don't drink that much ALCOHOL, but rather get soda/juices/smoothies/coffees/and even mocktails. I love going for virgin Miami Vices, Pina Coladas, and all the daiquiris.
Hey Matt! Great video, as usual! I have one question: do I have to buy the refreshment package for all people in cabin (its me, wife and 2 kids 10yo / 6yo)? This rule applies for all packages or just alcoholic ones? Tks again for your awesome videos and tips!!
Got my Deluxe Package for Seniors @ $55/per/day. I believe that’s the best I can do. We’re doing an Alaska Cruise on the Radiance of the Sea in September 25.
I still don't see senior discount for drink package for my cruise in 90 days. Once in a while, I've seen it on the app, but not often. Update: 75 days now no senior discount yet 🤞
@delbertsouthall8220 that's a great price. I, too, got the senior discount as well, but it's hard to get it as it only runs for a few hrs on any given day. There not so quick to post that one.
We are not big drinkers so a deluxe drink package does not make sense for us and the free coffee and tea is fine for us. I do get the soda package and I I love the Coke Free Style machines.
Go back to 2:18 in this video. You see the bartender first dumping a clear liquid (water?) into the glass and then short pouring the liquor into the shot glass before dumping it into the glass. See,s like this is proof that they water down, or at the very least don’t give you a full shot of liquor in your expensive drink.
If you are concerned, you could order wine. It’s a known concentration of alcohol per drink with no mixers. I’ve noticed the mix drinks aren’t strong, but it doesn’t mean they are scamming you. It’s unlimited. 😂
@@laughremixsquad Yep. I do only order wine. But only because the mixed drinks are weak. I don’t buy the package. I pay per drink so at least when I order wine. I know what I’m getting.
@@jenmather4112If you have the drink package, you can order a mixed drink and a spirit in a seperate glass, then add you mixed drink to the spirit glass. Cheers!
I am going on Icon first cruise in Aug for a 40th bday celebration. We want to get the refreshment package. More for the fact we don’t want to worry about paying while there that can easily get out of hand if you’re not careful. Summer is also very hot and will he consuming lots of liquids I personally drink frequently and keep hydrated often so having access to those mock tails and smoothies etc and not be stuck to the basic complementary will be nice. I don’t care to get the deluxe as we don’t drink alcohol often. That is our take on it. My friend and I are also teachers which will be going together and we don’t have an income in the summer we go on employment insurance so that is also a big reason why having a drink package helps then having to worry about paying a gigantic bill at the end. We are also from Canada so paying everything in advance and planning will save us the exchange rate which is significant when on board and paying for drinks separately will he paying more in exchange.
I'm going in August on Utopia with my wife and 3 children but we're in 2 rooms. My wife in 1 with 2 children and me in the other room with the other child. So could I just get 1 delux package for me and my wife not bother? If the answer is yes, I guess there's nothing stopping me from getting coffees for her on my package or do they have a plan to stop you doing this?
I wonder if Royal will ever give unlimited drinks for Pinnacle level members. Kind of what celebrity cruises does for their top tier members. I believe it’s called Zenith level.
The biggest tip about drink packages is to just not buy them because for 95% of people it’s a complete waste of money. However if you want to not have to worry about a bill you can do one of two things. You can either add cash to your account and collect whatever you don’t spend or you can get gift cards and add them to your account and use it over multiple cruises if you have anything left over. The only way a drink package is worth the cost is if other items are included like what Princess does with their Plus & Premier package.
Thanks for the informative video! Does anyone know if you cannot see the price of add-on packages, drinks or otherwise, until you’ve actually booked the cruise? My friend and I are eyeing a cruise on the Liberty in Sept ‘25 but haven’t booked it yet. I am trying to establish a budget and I’m not finding prices anywhere (other than reddit, YT and blogs).
Royal,..... Royally sucks when it comes to drink package. I have gotten ALL my drink packages included for the last 12 cruises including lines: Holland, NCL, Princess, Carnival, And on my upcoming Celebrity Xcel (3rd and 4th sailings on the BRAND NEW SHIP), most have also included Wi-Fi...... Price was $81.99 PP,PD the day we booked our cruise on Royal ,...was told to hold off as it would go down and best deals were Black Friday,.....It didnt budge for 5-6 months including Black Friday. It finally changed for the 2 weeks before X-mas. It went UP to $87.99. Went back to $81.99 the day after X-mas and I doubt it will do anything but go up prior to our cruise Jan 19th. This will be our 1st cruise with Royal,......it is likely to also be our LAST. Not going to pay out $984.00 for a week when all other cruise lines give it away much of the time. So much for ever cruising on ICON,.....the line is too greedy.
We bought the refreshment package w VOOM wifi device as a bundle for our next cruise in Jan '25 but I don't see that as an option for our cruise after that in Aug '25.
I enjoy having it for peace of mind. You will likely never save money with it, but it's nice to grab a beverage whenever you want without thinking about it. RCL knows this package is expensive and has been slowly raising the price of single drinks to make the package more attractive. The truth of the matter is that RCL drinks are very overpriced. They lack alcohol and there really isn't any wow liquors on the boat for enthusiast. RCL makes a killing no matter what path you take.
If you don't get a drink package, are the drinks you get charged to your sea pass/room? Does it come out as one bill at the end of the cruise? Going on our second cruise, the first one was an auction purchase that included the drink package, so wondering how it works otherwise.
Yes anything you buy on the ship gets added to your sea pass. As for one bill or more, I guess it depends on how you have you pass set up. My wife and I split ours so we pay separate.
@@Brendt-Bsatsea Ok, I guess that makes sense. We've decided to get the full drink package this time and take a rough tally to see if it is worth it for us on subsequent cruises.
I know all adults in the same cabin are required to get a drink package if someone wants to get the alcohol package, but can the other passenger get the soda package because they dont drink alcohol? Or would it have to be the Refreshment package?
Yes. Contact Royal and talk to them. Things can usually be worked out. My wife and I go on the Star Trek cruise every year. She takes morphi e 3x a day and cannot drink. I do drink. When it's time for our beverage pa page, we call Royal and she gets the refreshment or soda package and I get the full drink package.
Hello, how can I ask for an exception to just one adult get the deluxe beverage package considering that I am going with my husband and just he drinks alcool .
Imagine waiting and waiting for vacation, being surrounded by countless bars, and worrying all week about how much you’re spending or not going to said bars because you are worried about money. Drink package is worth every penny…you wait so long to be on vacation so BE ON VACATION.
Anybody know if/how you can use your drink package before your room is ready? It is my understanding you don’t get your Sea Pass card until your room is ready which can be later in the day. Are suites ready earlier? Just curious, sailing in a suite with drink package on Mariner 1/16.
Not for us because of how little we drink things not included. Happy to get something here or there, but we'd never get anywhere near breaking even with the drink packages.
It really sucks that RC makes your cabin mate also get a drink package. My wife doesn’t drink a drop but I love to drink! I’m not going to share my drink package with anyone and I wish they would find a way to change this, but it makes too much money for them.
The problem with the drink package is that every one in that cabin needs to purchase the drink package which is ridiculous. They would sell more of those drink packages if you would be able to have one person buying the package not everyone in the same cabin.
The deluxe package for Canadians right now is about $105 per day, which is 8 drinks per day. If you are going on a 7 or more day cruise this is just insane. Sure ‘weekend’ cruises where you drink for 3-4 days… maybe… but for 7 or more days why make yourself drink to make it worth it.
The advice in this video is free and well researched. So many people still complaining and not a single thank you for the team putting these high quality FREE videos out on a consistent basis.
We made diamond in 2022, we aren’t big drinkers, so the diamond drinks are perfect for us. We used to cruise once a year, now twice a year, 18 days in 2024, looking forward to 23 days in 2025. Thanks for all you do!
We’re cruising in May and bought the drink package very early after booking. This will be our first time cruising with it and we’re excited that it’s all taken care of and we don’t have to worry about it. Thanks for all the great tips, Matt.
Won my cruise and it’s included 😁
Only if you get prime status in the casino
Plan to add the DBP price in your vacation budget and relax! From breakfast(Baileys in coffee or Mimosas), morning, lunch, afternoon, dinner until evening it is not hard to “ get your moneys”” worth.” The relaxation factor is worth it.
This is my motto and I ensure that I get my monies worth. 😅
This sounds excellent as I’m there to unwind and party over 7 days!
We’re Diamond and get 4 free drinks a day each, this works great for us 🎉
We didn't know about the drink package on our first cruise in 2011. After 4 days, that was a price I didn't like when we left. Since then, we have gotten the drink package for every cruise. We don't drink as much, but it is paid before we sail, we can spend our money on other things, and we can try any drink that we want (well, the wife can, I have learned to stick to beer). Great video.
Refreshment package is awesome, great mocktail mango margaritas! Also can be used at the bionic bar! Love that package!
Good to know that 😊 going on a cruise 2025
Is worth the 35 to 38 a day or worth going to cheap packages for just pop
Maybe this changed since November 2023 but we bought our 11 year old the refreshment package on Oasis and he was unable to use the bionic bar because he was underage and package was in his name. He did do some serious damage at Johnny rockets for shakes and got a ton of smoothies from the vitality juice bar. 😊
@@sludog I used it as an adult, so I don't know if they block kids. No johnny rockets on Odyssey so I just had a ton of Peach Daiquiris
@@jamespugh You can get a soda package but I don't know if it lets you get sodas from the bars or just from the machines
I had the drinks package on my 1st cruise, I added up the drinks and costs every day, the drink package was definitely worth it! Especially since I love my speciality coffees as well, so now I don’t hesitate to get it during the sales.
I've noticed that we've been getting a lot of special "Diamond and Above" discount offers. Some as much as 45% off per person. Even though we are essentially giving up our vouchers it still makes the drink package very affordable in our opinion, so the "convenience factor" of not singing and not worrying that you mentioned in the video becomes more enticing.
Before we reached diamond, the drink package was a no-brainer. We want to enjoy the cruise and know we drink enough that we will at least break even so it made the cruise more fun for us.
Already bought the package months ago but I’m going on my honeymoon on Mariner tomorrow and I’m so excited!
Congratulations 🎊
I hope it was a wonderful honeymoon.
We used to get the drinks package until our last cruise. We decided to not get it and do what we normally do, we didn’t try to drink less to save money or go without. We found that we had actually saved $300.00 Needles to say we no longer get it.
I did the opposite lol. I was too startled by the price tag so I held off and drank what I normally would (never drink every day for a week straight) and I obviously beat it. Ever since then I haven't and calculate it every time after and I always beat it. I just dont drink that much and for people who plan to never have an empty glass GO FOR IT! Its probably worth it for them!
I have never been on a cruise before, and will be going on one at the end of March (your videos have been SUPER helpful- thank you!). I have decided to get the lowest tier "soda package" to save some money, since it includes all soft drinks. I anticipate this will be more than enough- and I am a Coke junkie, so it's perfect. Plus I have access to the basic drinks in the Windjammer. Staying in an Owner's Suite, I will have my own coffee maker, so I'll just bring my own pods on board, along with my favorite teas so I can just make as much coffee and tea as I want right in my room. So I won't need a coffee package or package that includes coffee. And if I want to splurge once or twice on some Starbucks (not a big Starbucks fan to begin with), I'll just pay at the counter. But I doubt that will even be an issue. I'm also not a big drinker- I'm on this cruise to relax, and I want to remember it! So I'll just bring my own bottle of champagne on, and that will probably be plenty for the week. If I want to splurge on a cocktail or two, again, I'll just pay. Even if I ordered 1 drink per day, that's still cheaper than getting the full on beverage package, and then getting completely tanked simply to justify the cost of the package. This saves me about $100 or so on an all-inclusive drink package.
You might want to check with your agent. Seems to me that Owners Suites,....everything is already included,....at least with most cruise lines. You might be double paying.
We got a great bundle deal on Drink/Internet package during Black Friday. Thank you for producing these informative videos. But like he has said in past videos, once you reserve the package, you can cancel it and rebook if a lower price comes along.
We just had the Classic soda package. We enjoyed it.
Classic soda is what 12 a person? In free cup ?? 🥤
I’d rather go on another cruise than pay for the drink package. For the cost it would be for a six night sailing for my husband and I we could book another cruise!
Thank you Matt for the informative video! My friend and I are going on Radiance in July and I will be buying the DBP for the first time. I'll use this cruise to gauge whether or not I'll purchase it in the future. We paid $56.25 per person so an average of 4 alcoholic beverages per day to break even. Since I'm also a coffee drinker the idea that the specialty coffees are included is very appealing along with the bottled water being included.
We always purchase in advance and then never stress afterwards. If we don’t exactly break-even it’s still worth it since it includes the coffees, sodas, bottled waters etc. Like you said Matt, it’s vacation so why be worried about money!
I used the package with mocktails my daughter loved the soda I wasn't drinking since it was just us , also get dinning packages totally worth it
I love the deluxe drink package, that way i dont have to think about how much ill be spending. First trip i took the first day i had 16 drinks. Best trip ever. Cant wait to do it again on my next trip.
16??
I used to just get the soda package. But after the first few cruises those collectors cups take up a lot of space in my house XD So glad when i got to Diamond and I didn't have to get the cups anymore.
I'd love to see a video of your favorite drinks on the boat. I find myself trying new things but always returning to the same 5 and would love to get more ideas of what to ask for.
Awesome video,,, thanks,,, This is our first cruise and I like beer A LOT,,, couple clam diggers and should be good to go,,, Icon of the Seas in Feb 25,,,,, Like I said thanks new subscriber here now.
I got the deluxe drink package on every cruise and make good use of it. Always bought it in advance and looked at pricing every time I get an email. Black Friday is the best! Coffees, shakes, bottled water, soda, energy drinks, mocktails and alcohol drinks. Never did the math after. Its good to have a water or mocktail with you to stay hydrated and eat less. - Now I'm Diamond so I get the Refreshment package and get standard drinks all day and time the alcohol. Also bring 1 bottle of wine for the room. Works out well. - Good detail in the video, even as an experienced cruiser its confusing with all the possibilities. Maybe we get the coffee card next time instead of the refreshment package, don't know.
Great video, as always, RCB!
Thanks Matt and Happy New Year! Nice to start us off 2025 drinking! Why Not! Good episode
I've got the deluxe package booked for my upcoming cruise, and had it on my cruise on Oasis in May this year. For me, the convenience and not needing to worry about the final bill make it worthwhile. Between coffees, sodas, water and alcohol, I think we broke even last time, but I don't really care about that - I just want to pre-pay and forget about it. Both times, I've purchased during the Black Friday sales - last year got it for £64 per person, per day, this year got it for £59 per person, per day. I tried drinks I never normally would in May, and now have some favourites I'm looking forward to on Voyager in June!
I love the drink package! Beer by the pool and bourbon in the evening!
I went on my 1st ever cruise on Allure a few months ago and I got the deluxe package and it worked great but I don't drink often and only really drink cocktails and I don't like beer, the drinks seemed watered down (I averaged a drink an hour when I boarded and never even caught a buzz) so I'll get the refresher package on my next cruise and get an alcohol drink on special occasions. But I did love not worrying about the tab while ordering and everything processed very smoothly.
Most people who debate getting the drink package try to calculate how many Alcoholic Beverages they would have to buy to break even. While that's valid, most don't consider the additional things you get with your drink package that would cost Money, like unlimited soda, coffee, mocktails, and water bottles, to name a few. Plus, if you can get your Drink Package bundled with something else, like the internet, it actually comes out as a great value.
I prefer cruise lines that just include it all in my cruise price. Ill be on the 3rd and 4th sailings of the brand new (not even finished yet ) Celebrity Xcel next November / December. $1,100.00 PP Per week,....EVERYTHING included,......EVERYTHING ! In a Sunset Veranda
Yeah people forget that they don't just need to have drink with alcohol in them smoothies mock tails soda and everything else makes it well worth it
Thank you so much!!!❤
As an irish male… yes it’s worth it
I think what a lot of people forget is that the Deluxe also includes those Specialty Coffee drinks and fresh juices from Vitality Spa. When you add the cost of those to your daily count of drinks it helps combat the drink fatigue you mentioned. The easiest way to decide if a drink package is worth the cost is to take the per day amount and divide it by $14. That will tell you how many drinks you need to "Break Even" and if you sub in some Coffees or Juices it really helps justify the cost overall.
Absolutely!
Don’t forget sparkling water too!
Yea, I figured that out- fresh juices from Vitality Spa in AM are an excellent way to hydrate before drinking again at Noon--haha
I’m not a big drinker, I’m diamond and most days I don’t even use my 4 free drinks, but grab extra bottled water for my room. I do get the soda package because I drink soda throughout the day.
We always normally buy one soda package and a coffee card for my wife as we are not big alcohol drinkers occasionally we may splurge if it's a special occasion and get the non-alcoholic beverage package that includes the mocktails and milkshakes
Great info thanks! I'm just trying to be clear. For the person who's just going to visit the vitality spa/ juice bar which package would you recommend??
I got the carnival fun match program. Free balcony room, $100 free play at the casino, $200 ship credit, and free drinks as long i am at the casino. 2 bottles of wine in the room, playing at the casino, and a few drinks on board.. sounds good.
Never been on a cruise. I just showed them my casino players card from Caesars which is diamond + and got this offer. Actually two. One ocean room and one balcony.
We will see if I can keep these offers coming! Looking forward to my first cruise!
Free drinks for my guest also.
I was able to get my deluxe package for $70.99 per day on Cyber Monday for my May 2025 sailing on Wonder of the Seas. Seems like that is a pretty decent price. I'll continue to check for a possible price drop.
How many days is you'd cruise
How many days is your cruise
@@candlechef6786 7 nights
@@candlechef6786 7 nights
As a first time cruiser last year on RC, it was confusing to understand the various plans and how they connected to the various venues on the ship. Of course, liquor is understandable, but everything else is available here and not there--where do you get a smoothie and really how many smoothies do you need in a day! --and of course there is the free offerings that may be very adequate. If you are a coffee drinker, free drip coffee is available in lots of places, including Cafe Promenade and the buffet. For myself, I like hot tea in the morning and ice tea later in the day, and there is plenty of that too, for free. In fact, RC had a terrific foil-pack tea display with multiple varieties of regular and herbal teas along with every type of sweetener you would ever want. I would suggest bringing a larger mug from home to these outlets so that you aren't reliant on the smaller mugs that RC has on offer; I drink tea out of a 16 oz. mug at home but I bet the RC mugs were around 6 oz. As for ice tea, they have dispensers, but I could easily make my own with a mug of hot tea poured over ice in a larger tumbler that I brought with me. It may come across as penny pincher to make your own ice tea, but if you have a routine that you enjoy at home, there is no reason to stop the routine just because you are on vacation if there is a workaround. And if the ship doesn't offer exactly what you want on tap, you just make your own.
love these videos! Only concern with the soda package is when on the small RC ships there may not be a working coke machine and you have to send your kid to the bar with their cup. just an inconvenience
We are probably going with the soda package in November on Star of the seas. As you mentioned a "card", I know the souvenier cup has an RF ID, but do you HAVE to use the cup at a freestyle machine, or is there a card/is the package tied to your C card so you can fill your own cup/bottle?
Great advice I love drink packages
My last cruise on Oasis, we ate @ the steak house...checked my account, had 14 glasses of wine listed under my dinner. I had the drink package. We only had 3 total. I mentioned it at my next meal to a waiter, he joked that there was probably some beautiful girls that night that did not have the drink package and were treated to a nice night. Priceless.......
Since tips are built into the cost that is a way for the wait staff to pad there earnings. I think it is akin to stealing.
Very good info 🎉
We are diamond and always get the refreshment package since four alcoholic drinks per day are more than enough for us.
I’ll be honest, the drink packages are EXPENSIVE. Wish there was a middle ground between deluxe and refreshment.
For perspective I took a 9 Night (4 port days) on Liberty in May (paid $1200pp ) and tried the deluxe package (paid $700pp ). At some point, I was ordering just because I could. Also paying $700 pp is another cruise for me so there’s that lol.
If there was an option to prepay a limit of 4 drinks per day, I’d jump at it!
If you watch, it is possible to get the Full Drinks Package at 35% of before the cruise. If you have made it to Diamond or above, then you can get the package for 45% off. I travel by myself in the stateroom, so that also helps make the decision easier, because I’m only paying for one person. So for example, l purchased the Deluxe Drinks Package on my next 9 day cruise at 45% off or $49.50 per day. So 3.5 of the $14 drinks each day and I have broken even. This makes it very easy to justify the purchase for myself. To even sweeten the deal on my next cruise, I had $150 on board credit included with my fare. So applied that to the total package price, which made it a spectacular deal. For the 9 day cruise, just an extra $370.20 for any beverages I want for the whole cruise. That price includes the gratuity. 😮. So it can be a very good add on to your cruise.
I can't justify using Royal's package when it costs almost as much as our cabin. Husband and I only drink Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. Husband may drink a beer. If there's a separate wine package, we might take that. If not, we send gift bottles to the room pre cruise, bring two on with us, and buy bottles at the bar if we run out. Bottles usually run about $35 with gratuity included. When we get a deal that includes a drink package on other lines, we take it so I can get bottle water and specialty coffee too. That makes the package worth the cost.
So im going on icon of the seas and was wondering if anyone knows if the ultimate drinking package covers the actual Starbucks thanks!
Video mentions there are free drinks. I see one post about regular coffee and tea, but what is the full list of available free drinks? Does it include tap water and is it tasty or nasty? Does it include non-fresh squeezed juices? Does it include any soda? Also what is available during meals to drink? I'm thinking I dont need any package as I'm not a huge soda fan and can't drink more than a couple alcoholic drinks a day. Thanks
How much for the deluxe drink package?
I have the refreshment package. Someone said you can just buy a shot to put in?
As stated, deluxe is usually between $55-115/day (let's average and say $85) and refreshment is $29/day (we'll say $30 for even numbers), assuming the average cocktail is $15, you would need to drink over 3 alcoholic beverages a day to "get your money's worth" versus owning the refreshment package and just buying alcohol when you want alcohol.
Keep in mind, most people don't start drinking until lunch / pool time. Let's say you have 2 alcoholic beverages during then + mocktails. Then, you can also have a cocktail with dinner. At these rates, you are still saving money. Keep in mind, you already get mocktails, smoothies/coffee/fresh juice for breakfast/brunch time, milkshakes for something sweet (if there's johnny rockets), etc. And it's not like you can't have more than 3 a day, if we were basing this on a 7 day cruise, I'm just saying that's 21 alcoholic drinks the whole sailing before the deluxe becomes worth it.
IMO, always, always, bare minimum get the refreshment package. If you think you're gonna be boozing, go for the deluxe, but most people simply don't drink that much ALCOHOL, but rather get soda/juices/smoothies/coffees/and even mocktails. I love going for virgin Miami Vices, Pina Coladas, and all the daiquiris.
Hey Matt! Great video, as usual! I have one question: do I have to buy the refreshment package for all people in cabin (its me, wife and 2 kids 10yo / 6yo)? This rule applies for all packages or just alcoholic ones? Tks again for your awesome videos and tips!!
Just alcohol package.😊
Got my Deluxe Package for Seniors @ $55/per/day. I believe that’s the best I can do. We’re doing an Alaska Cruise on the Radiance of the Sea in September 25.
I still don't see senior discount for drink package for my cruise in 90 days. Once in a while, I've seen it on the app, but not often. Update: 75 days now no senior discount yet 🤞
@ - It was during the Black Friday Sale.
I had an interior cabin discount during black friday sale... I'll take it!! LOL
Wow, they have that?! I'll need to keep an eye out!
@delbertsouthall8220 that's a great price. I, too, got the senior discount as well, but it's hard to get it as it only runs for a few hrs on any given day. There not so quick to post that one.
How much are shots of alcohol?! I plan to purchase the refreshment package and get mocktails then just ask for a shot on the side.
Off the top of my head, $10-$12 plus 18% gratuity.
RCCL needs to flat rate the drink packages across the fleet
We are not big drinkers so a deluxe drink package does not make sense for us and the free coffee and tea is fine for us. I do get the soda package and I I love the Coke Free Style machines.
Go back to 2:18 in this video. You see the bartender first dumping a clear liquid (water?) into the glass and then short pouring the liquor into the shot glass before dumping it into the glass. See,s like this is proof that they water down, or at the very least don’t give you a full shot of liquor in your expensive drink.
That’s probably triple sec or another flavoring liquor. It contains alcohol
If you are concerned, you could order wine. It’s a known concentration of alcohol per drink with no mixers.
I’ve noticed the mix drinks aren’t strong, but it doesn’t mean they are scamming you. It’s unlimited. 😂
@@laughremixsquad Yep. I do only order wine. But only because the mixed drinks are weak. I don’t buy the package. I pay per drink so at least when I order wine. I know what I’m getting.
@@RoyalCaribbeanBlog Could be.
@@jenmather4112If you have the drink package, you can order a mixed drink and a spirit in a seperate glass, then add you mixed drink to the spirit glass. Cheers!
I am going on Icon first cruise in Aug for a 40th bday celebration. We want to get the refreshment package. More for the fact we don’t want to worry about paying while there that can easily get out of hand if you’re not careful. Summer is also very hot and will he consuming lots of liquids I personally drink frequently and keep hydrated often so having access to those mock tails and smoothies etc and not be stuck to the basic complementary will be nice. I don’t care to get the deluxe as we don’t drink alcohol often. That is our take on it. My friend and I are also teachers which will be going together and we don’t have an income in the summer we go on employment insurance so that is also a big reason why having a drink package helps then having to worry about paying a gigantic bill at the end. We are also from Canada so paying everything in advance and planning will save us the exchange rate which is significant when on board and paying for drinks separately will he paying more in exchange.
Even the soda package got more expensive. It's not much, but everything is going up in price. It's crazy!
If I buy just the regular drink package , can I order non alcoholic drinks , slushies , virgin daharis?
I'm going in August on Utopia with my wife and 3 children but we're in 2 rooms. My wife in 1 with 2 children and me in the other room with the other child. So could I just get 1 delux package for me and my wife not bother? If the answer is yes, I guess there's nothing stopping me from getting coffees for her on my package or do they have a plan to stop you doing this?
Drink package prices have gone beyond my limit; I’ll pay as I go. Everyone has the ability to make their own choices.
If I'm on a 4-night cruise I think it's definitely worth it but the longer the cruise maybe not you'll eventually start slowing down
I wonder if Royal will ever give unlimited drinks for Pinnacle level members. Kind of what celebrity cruises does for their top tier members. I believe it’s called Zenith level.
I buy the deluxe beverage package ahead of time so I can enjoy my vacation without concerning myself about a massive tab at the end of my trip.
Right now, you will pay $1000 for 6 nights,...at least thats what they want from me @ $81.99 PP,PN,...that price hasnt changed in 5-6 months at least.
@@Brendt-Bsatsea81.99 a night is crazy, are you in Canada by chance?
@@Brendt-BsatseaI got 69.99 is that good
@RyanArnott-w9h Close,....Washington State
@@edennnx Its way better then what they want from me
The biggest tip about drink packages is to just not buy them because for 95% of people it’s a complete waste of money. However if you want to not have to worry about a bill you can do one of two things. You can either add cash to your account and collect whatever you don’t spend or you can get gift cards and add them to your account and use it over multiple cruises if you have anything left over.
The only way a drink package is worth the cost is if other items are included like what Princess does with their Plus & Premier package.
If I originally buy the refreshment package, but then decide I want to upgrade to the deluxe package how does that work?
Thanks for the informative video! Does anyone know if you cannot see the price of add-on packages, drinks or otherwise, until you’ve actually booked the cruise? My friend and I are eyeing a cruise on the Liberty in Sept ‘25 but haven’t booked it yet. I am trying to establish a budget and I’m not finding prices anywhere (other than reddit, YT and blogs).
Royal,..... Royally sucks when it comes to drink package.
I have gotten ALL my drink packages included for the last 12 cruises including lines: Holland, NCL, Princess, Carnival, And on my upcoming Celebrity Xcel (3rd and 4th sailings on the BRAND NEW SHIP), most have also included Wi-Fi......
Price was $81.99 PP,PD the day we booked our cruise on Royal ,...was told to hold off as it would go down and best deals were Black Friday,.....It didnt budge for 5-6 months including Black Friday. It finally changed for the 2 weeks before X-mas. It went UP to $87.99. Went back to $81.99 the day after X-mas and I doubt it will do anything but go up prior to our cruise Jan 19th.
This will be our 1st cruise with Royal,......it is likely to also be our LAST. Not going to pay out $984.00 for a week when all other cruise lines give it away much of the time. So much for ever cruising on ICON,.....the line is too greedy.
You didn't mention we can buy drinks with drink package in perfect day
We bought the refreshment package w VOOM wifi device as a bundle for our next cruise in Jan '25 but I don't see that as an option for our cruise after that in Aug '25.
That was a special bundle deal but almost all of them were cheaper to buy the things outright if you did the math.
The key has the internet package included, doesn’t have the drink package but it’s still super nice
Do coffee card ever go on sale?
Rarely, but I’ve seen it
The refreshment package says premium TEAS? anybody know what that means
I enjoy having it for peace of mind. You will likely never save money with it, but it's nice to grab a beverage whenever you want without thinking about it. RCL knows this package is expensive and has been slowly raising the price of single drinks to make the package more attractive. The truth of the matter is that RCL drinks are very overpriced. They lack alcohol and there really isn't any wow liquors on the boat for enthusiast. RCL makes a killing no matter what path you take.
If you don't get a drink package, are the drinks you get charged to your sea pass/room? Does it come out as one bill at the end of the cruise? Going on our second cruise, the first one was an auction purchase that included the drink package, so wondering how it works otherwise.
Yes anything you buy on the ship gets added to your sea pass. As for one bill or more, I guess it depends on how you have you pass set up. My wife and I split ours so we pay separate.
@@Brendt-Bsatsea Ok, I guess that makes sense. We've decided to get the full drink package this time and take a rough tally to see if it is worth it for us on subsequent cruises.
Do they have cold pressed juices or just orange juice?
Las Vegas strip pricing for drinks is around $20 or more, $14 for a drink. Isn’t that bad?
How much are beers?
Does anyone know the price for each bottle of sparkling water?
If you guys order a drink package in odyssey of the seas, make sure you buy it from my argentine friends, martin and hector.
Gotta have my package
Faxxx lol
@Tmartn @Tmartn2 sighting at 12:39 lmao
Can someone talk about the amount of emails Royal Carib send out daily/ weekly😂, PS it’s alot ha
I know all adults in the same cabin are required to get a drink package if someone wants to get the alcohol package, but can the other passenger get the soda package because they dont drink alcohol? Or would it have to be the Refreshment package?
Yes. Contact Royal and talk to them. Things can usually be worked out. My wife and I go on the Star Trek cruise every year. She takes morphi e 3x a day and cannot drink. I do drink. When it's time for our beverage pa page, we call Royal and she gets the refreshment or soda package and I get the full drink package.
@johnscalia7172 great to know. Thank you
What’s the energy drink options?
Pretty much red bull and sugar free I believe.... That's all I've had on 3 different RC cruises besides coffees
In Australia the costs are way more by the time you change to our dollar i wouldn't waste my money now to expensive
Hello, how can I ask for an exception to just one adult get the deluxe beverage package considering that I am going with my husband and just he drinks alcool .
You need to talk to the cruise line directly,....They will do it,...but you need to really convince them that he will be the only one drinking.
@@Brendt-Bsatseaand how can I contact them directly?
We got a 40% off "interior cabin discount" recently 😂
Imagine waiting and waiting for vacation, being surrounded by countless bars, and worrying all week about how much you’re spending or not going to said bars because you are worried about money. Drink package is worth every penny…you wait so long to be on vacation so BE ON VACATION.
Anybody know if/how you can use your drink package before your room is ready? It is my understanding you don’t get your Sea Pass card until your room is ready which can be later in the day. Are suites ready earlier? Just curious, sailing in a suite with drink package on Mariner 1/16.
Yes. Just let the bartender know your cabin number.
Thank you! It’s my first cruise! Super excited!
Does anybody have any experience only buying one refreshment beverage package for two people?
Not for us because of how little we drink things not included. Happy to get something here or there, but we'd never get anywhere near breaking even with the drink packages.
We only get the water. We are fine with the free drinks.
I would add Bingo to the list, the cost is ridiculous
It really sucks that RC makes your cabin mate also get a drink package. My wife doesn’t drink a drop but I love to drink! I’m not going to share my drink package with anyone and I wish they would find a way to change this, but it makes too much money for them.
The problem with the drink package is that every one in that cabin needs to purchase the drink package which is ridiculous. They would sell more of those drink packages if you would be able to have one person buying the package not everyone in the same cabin.
You can get out of it but need to call them directly.
I wanted to buy a souvenir cup on the last day of the cruise they said no 😭
Yupp,.....the company is a rip off,
The deluxe package for Canadians right now is about $105 per day, which is 8 drinks per day. If you are going on a 7 or more day cruise this is just insane. Sure ‘weekend’ cruises where you drink for 3-4 days… maybe… but for 7 or more days why make yourself drink to make it worth it.