As you prepare for your upcoming Royal Caribbean cruise, it’s the perfect time to review the optional packages that can make your cruise even more enjoyable. Below, I’ve laid out everything you need to know about:
Beverage (Drink) Packages
Wi-Fi (VOOM Internet) Packages
Specialty Dining Packages
My goal is to help you make informed decisions—no pressure, just helpful insight.
Please note: All pricing is approximate and may fluctuate depending on your sailing date, ship, and any promotional discounts. To get accurate pricing, log in to your cruise planner.
🍹 Drink Packages Overview
Royal Caribbean offers three tiers of drink packages that provide unlimited beverages for a daily flat rate:
1. Classic Soda Package
Includes unlimited fountain soda, Coca-Cola Freestyle machines, and a souvenir cup.
Cost: $12.99/day + 18% gratuity ($90 total on a 7-night cruise)
Best for: Soda lovers and kids
2. Refreshment Package
Includes everything in the Soda Package plus bottled still/sparkling water, specialty coffees & teas, fresh juices, mocktails, and milkshakes at Johnny Rockets.
Cost: $29–$38/day + gratuity ($247 total on a 7-night cruise)
Best for: Those who enjoy a mix of non-alcoholic premium drinks throughout the day
3. Deluxe Beverage Package
Includes all drinks—alcoholic and non-alcoholic—plus discounts on wine bottles.
Cost: Varies widely (~$56–$105/day before gratuity). Most commonly ~$75–$85/day pre-cruise sale
Best for: Guests who plan to enjoy 5–6+ alcoholic beverages per day
💭 Is a Drink Package Worth It?
It all comes down to your drinking habits and preferences. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:
Deluxe Beverage Package (Alcohol Included) Most cocktails onboard are priced around $13 each (beer ~$8, soda ~$3). To make this package worth it, you’d typically need to enjoy 5–6 alcoholic drinks per day, or a similar mix of premium non-alcoholic beverages like bottled water and specialty coffees.
Refreshment Package (Non-Alcoholic) If you’re someone who enjoys multiple lattes, mocktails, fresh juices, and bottled water throughout the day, this package can easily save you money. Just a few of these items a la carte could total $30+ daily.
Classic Soda Package Best for guests who consistently drink 4 or more sodas a day. At roughly $3 per soda onboard, this package offers solid value for soda lovers.
💡 Bottom Line: These packages aren’t just about saving money—they offer convenience and peace of mind. No bar tab surprises. No second-guessing if you should try that new drink. However, if you only plan to have a few beverages per day, it may be more cost-effective to pay as you go.
Royal Caribbean Policy: If one adult in the stateroom purchases the Deluxe Beverage Package, all other legal-age guests in that cabin must also purchase it. Exceptions may be requested by calling RC Customer Service at 1-800-398-9819.
🍷 Bringing Your Own Beverages
You may bring:
One (1) sealed 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne per adult. Boxed wine and other containers are prohibited.
Up to 12 non-alcoholic drinks (17 oz. cans, bottles, or cartons) per stateroom
Milk and distilled water for infant, dietary, or medical needs
📌 Alcoholic beverages beyond the allowed quantity, purchase of alcohol bottles onboard, or in a port-of-call, will be stored and returned at the end of the cruise. However, alcoholic beverages (beer, seltzer, or hard liquor) seized on embarkation day will not be returned.
👉 Full Beverage Policy
☕ Café Select Coffee Card
If you just want premium coffee and espresso drinks (like lattes, cappuccinos, or Americanos) without a full drink package:
Includes: 15 barista-made drinks (1–2 punches each, depending on drink size)
Cost: $31 + 18% gratuity ($36.58 total)
Does not include drinks served at licensed Starbucks® cafes.
Bonus: Can be shared and unused punches roll over to your next cruise!
📶 VOOM Wi-Fi Internet Package
Royal Caribbean’s VOOM is known as the fastest internet at sea.
Wi-Fi:
VOOM Surf + Stream Package – message and video chat on messenger services, browse the web, send emails, post on social media, and live video chat.
Cost Example:
Pre-cruise sale: ~$20/day (e.g., $139 for 1 device, $225 for 2 devices on a 7-night sailing)
Good to Know:
You do not need internet to use the Royal Caribbean app—just connect to the free onboard Guest Wi-Fi
WhatsApp and other messaging apps do require a paid package
Keep your phone in airplane mode at all times to avoid roaming charges
🍽️ Specialty Dining Packages
If you’d like to dine at more than one specialty restaurant, these packages offer great value:
Unlimited Dining Package
Eat at a specialty restaurant every night and lunch on sea days.
Cost: $35–$40/day ($210–$250 for a 7-night cruise)
Perks: 40% off wine bottles under $100
3-Night Dining Package
Cost: ~$120–$150 per person
Includes: 3 meals at specialty restaurants of your choice
Kid Pricing:
Ages 6–12 dine for $14.99
Kids 5 and under eat free at specialty restaurants
📲 Accessing Your Cruise Planner
Log in to view, purchase, or manage packages at:
👉 royalcaribbean.com/account/signin
Or download the Royal Caribbean app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
📌 Final Notes & Best Time to Buy
Packages are optional—you’re not required to buy the dining or Wi-Fi packages.
Pricing is dynamic—costs can change based on sailing, promotions, or ship.
Buy Early: Pre-cruise sales can save you 10–40% vs. onboard prices.
Price Drops? You can cancel and rebook a package at the lower price through your Cruise Planner.
Best Times to Watch for Deals:
Immediately after booking (initial sales often pop up)
Holiday sales (Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Labor Day, etc.)
Flash sales (check your Cruise Planner regularly!)
If you’d like help reviewing which packages make the most sense for your trip—or want me to add any to your booking—just reply to this email. I’m happy to take care of it for you.