Caribbean Cruises: Cruise to Caribbean

Table Of Content

• Flashback: Cruise Bar Menus From 10 Years Ago Show How Much Prices Have Soared
• Don't plan on ordering more than one beverage at a time
• THREE OPTIONS THAT RAISE THE BAR
• Where can you use a cruise ship drink package?
• You can use the package while docked at Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee, Haiti
• What Is The Best Time To Buy Drink Package?
• What Do the Royal Caribbean Drink Packages Include?

Packages are intended for individual use and sharing among multiple people is not permitted. If you find yourself in a situation where only one guest wants or is able to consume alcohol, it’s advisable to contact Royal Caribbean directly. In the evening, live entertainment pairs with pulsing music and amazing visuals across a floor-to-ceiling wall of windows to dazzle guests late into the night.

Flashback: Cruise Bar Menus From 10 Years Ago Show How Much Prices Have Soared

Packages do not include room service, mini bar purchases, vending machines, or pre-cruise wine bottle purchases. Packages can be used in onboard restaurants, lounges, bars and Great Stirrup Cay, though not on Harvest Caye, nor sailings that are two days or less. The Easy Plus Package includes everything in the Easy Package, plus a variety of frozen and classic cocktails, spirits, liqueurs, a wider selection of beers, as well as a discount on bottles of wine. The Easy Plus Package can also be used in specialty restaurants, though not in signature venues. Purchased packages may be modified up to four days prior to sailing by canceling and reordering the package.

Don't plan on ordering more than one beverage at a time

With a decade of firsthand experience in the cruising industry, I have developed a deep understanding of the intricacies and wonders that these majestic vessels hold. As mentioned, the Royal Caribbean Drink Packages offer unlimited drinks, so don’t worry about the remaining drinks. These drinks will be honored during normal business hours at various locations on these private islands.

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THREE OPTIONS THAT RAISE THE BAR

While most drinks fall within this range, super premium brands may command a higher price. The typical cost for a cocktail, including signature drinks like the Pineapple Guava Sangria and the Passion Spritz, stands at $14. Notably, for those interested in alcoholic beverages, the Deluxe Beverage Package is available, typically ranging from $63 to $102 per person each day.

Where can you use a cruise ship drink package?

Carnival's Bottomless Bubbles program is a strictly soda package, with adult and child pricing available, and includes all-you-can-drink soda and juice for the duration of your cruise. That leaves you with somewhere between $30 and $80 per day to spend on alcoholic drinks to break even. You also get a hefty 40% discount on bottles of wine up to $100 and a 20% discount on bottles over $100.

In other words, if you are on a 7-night sailing and decide to purchase the package on day 3, you will have to get it for days 4-7. Likewise, if you get the drink package on day 2 of a 5-night cruise, you must pay for days 2-5. Before deciding if you should purchase one of Royal Caribbean's drink packages, you will want to calculate how many drinks you typically consume each day on vacation. The Deluxe Beverage Package gives you beverages with a value of up to $13 for select ships and sail dates. You will also receive a 40% discount on bottled wines priced up to $100 and 20% discount on wine prices above $100.

An all-inclusive beverage plan is attractive to many people, because it's an easy way to have unlimited access to drinks and not have to worry about running up a big bill by the end of the cruise. Of note, guests who do not purchase a drink package will not be able to use the freestyle machines. If a drink costs more than the maximum dollar amount, guests will only pay the difference (+18% gratuity on the difference). Of note, if you purchase a Royal Caribbean drink package and subsequently find a cheaper rate, you can always cancel and re-book prior to your sailing. This perk really helps you get your money’s worth as in most ports you can’t use the drink package on land.

When an itinerary has several sea days, though, cruisers may prefer the flexibility of enjoying drinks anytime, anywhere with the Prestige Select package. Since gratuities are included within each of MSC's drink packages, many guests will find value in their preferred package choice. This is especially true since guests may save 15% by prepaying for a drink package before sailing. An Alcohol-Free Package includes zero proof cocktails, fresh fruit and protein cocktails, energy drinks, sodas, hot drink selections and soft serve ice cream.

Those free perks could make the difference in which package you choose, if any. For example, a Diamond member might use her free drink allotment on cocktails and wine and save money with a Refreshment or Soda Package for her other daily drinks. Or, perhaps, the free drinks are enough that it's cheaper to buy a few nonalcoholic beverages a la carte. Drinks that come with an extra cost include sodas, fresh-squeezed juices, bottled waters, and specialty coffees.

In fact, there are specific drink packages that only contain non-alcoholic drinks, including tea, coffee, and other refreshment beverages. It is popular with adults as well as older children and those that like having juices, coffee and teas. Plus, guests who purchase the Deluxe drink package will receive a 40% discount on bottled wines priced up to $100, and 20% discount on wine prices above $100.

Nonalcoholic Royal Caribbean drink package options include a Refreshment Package, inclusive of mocktails, premium coffees and teas, still and sparkling water, fresh-squeezed juices and Coca-Cola beverages. Princess Cruises also offers a Zero Alcohol Package, inclusive of specialty coffees, fresh juices and smoothies, mocktails, bottled water, sodas and energy drinks. Meanwhile, the Classic Soda Package includes all sodas, fruit juices, mocktails and smoothies, without the buzz of energy drinks or specialty coffees. Margaritaville At Sea drink packages aren't all-inclusive, so anyone who plans on drinking at least 10 alcoholic drinks will save money on the pre-packaged offerings. For less than 10 beverages throughout the voyage, a la carte pricing may be a better option. If you're lucky and can purchase your package at the lowest possible price, almost anyone who drinks a combination of non-alcoholic drinks and a couple of cocktails daily would break even.

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If you’re not a huge fan of sweet drinks but would prefer something with more flavor than just liquor, a whiskey sour is a good choice. At first glance, putting lavender in a cocktail may seem a bit strange, but trust us when we say it’s delicious! The drink combines Bacardi Superior rum with lavender syrup, giving a floral twist to the traditional daiquiri. This cocktail combines Aperol with prosecco, club soda, and fresh orange.

Guests of legal drinking age in the same stateroom are required to purchase the same alcoholic beverage package and there is little wiggle room with this stipulation. Keep in mind that you can always purchase a drink package even after your cruise begins, if you find yourself drinking more than you thought. Royal Caribbean advertises that its drink packages can be purchased at any point in a cruise, provided there are at least four days left in the cruise. For $12.99-$15 per person, per day (plus 18% gratuity) you can get all the soda refills you want aboard the ship, along with a souvenir cup.

Keep this in mind when you’re deciding if it’s worth it for you to buy. If there are days that you’re in port or simply days where you don’t feel like having drinks, then you are still charged for the drink package. Now, the package doesn’t include room service or mini-bar items. One other quirk is that drinks above $14 per glass (before gratuity) aren’t included. Thankfully, the vast majority of drinks you find on the ship are at or below this limit, so it’s not really an issue.

Take a look at your cruise schedule and think about how many drinks you think you’ll have on the days you will be onboard. This comprehensive plan covers most beverages on the ship, from cocktail classics to fine wine, allowing you to savor your favorites without stress. The Classic Soda Package provides unlimited fountain soda and Coca-Cola® Freestyle beverages, perfect for quenching your thirst throughout the cruise. It all really comes down to how much you plan on drinking and the average cost of drinks onboard compared to the package. The Lime and Coconut℠ turns the holiday vibes all the way up with DJs, live music and two pool bars serving all your favourite poolside cocktails – including the signature Lime & Coconut. And when the sun goes down, this pool bar just might be the hottest spot on board.

For those only interested in bottled waters, the Water Package delivers six-, 12- or 24-packs of water to your stateroom. Indulge in your favorite brews any time of day with a card that entitles you to any 15 specialty espresso-based coffees throughout your vacation, all for one low price. Start the morning off right with a macchiato or latte and reenergize your afternoons with iced coffee or an espresso, then finish your meal with a cappuccino.