Royal Caribbean's new rule means it's impossible to get away with sharing drink packages aboard its fleet of 29 ships.
In the past, you could call and request an exemption if one guest didn’t drink alcohol. Instead of having to buy two pricey Deluxe Beverage Packages, the second adult could get the less expensive Royal Refreshment Package, which only includes non-alcoholic drinks.
Last week, however, Royal Caribbean Blog reported that the cruise line is no longer granting exceptions to its policy requiring all adults in a cabin to purchase the Deluxe Beverage Package.
The exemption allowed cruisers who don't drink alcohol, such as pregnant guests, those with medical conditions, or passengers in recovery, the benefits of an inclusive drink package without paying for a one they wouldn't fully utilize.
Meanwhile, their travel companions could enjoy the perks of the Deluxe Beverage Package, rather than paying for each drink individually.
However, as more cruisers became aware of the rule, requests for drink package exemptions grew — and so did the number of cruisers who abused it.
In layman's terms: the updated policy means that if one adult in the cabin purchases the Deluxe Beverage Package, every adult must do the same.
"This change allows us to ensure guests are consuming their beverage package responsibly. Over time, requests for exceptions have increased, and sharing of packages has continued, which led us to implement this policy change," a Royal Caribbean spokesperson told Royal Caribbean Blog's Matt Hochberg.
Read more: I spent $2,400 on cruise drink packages in the last year. Here's why I don't plan on stopping
Frustration over the change
It's true that when policies are abused, it harms those who benefit from them — and not just from a monetary perspective.
"This is a great example of a couple of people abusing a policy and therefore ruining it for everyone. I feel bad for all the pax who legitimately cannot drink for whatever reason because this policy change unanimously hurts them," wrote NateLundquist on a Reddit discussion forum.
"You're pregnant? Doctor's note. It's completely unreasonable and unacceptable to force a 20 week pregnant woman to pay for alcohol when her husband wants it. This will now just lead to people trying to smuggle things on again," FoghornLeghorn999 added.
ILLeyeCoN said, "I’m not surprised. Bunch of dummies bragging on every cruise about only getting one package and tipping their waiter or bar staff to get them staggered drinks."
"Just about every day on this sub, you see people advocating and encouraging violation of the alcohol policy- either in terms of sneaking booze onboard or scamming the beverage package. Now those same people are complaining when a loophole they exploited gets closed," Pburnett_795 commented.
How much is a Royal Caribbean drink package?
The drink package is a costly add-on. Unlike other cruise lines, however, the price varies based on a few factors, such as the cruise ship, sailing date, and the voyage's length. That said, it's not uncommon to see the daily price as high as $75 or $80 per person on the Cruise Planner.
For some, the package is worth the cost. With most cocktails priced at around $14, it's relatively easy to break even, especially if you're drinking 5 or 6 per day.
It's even easier to break even when you factor in specialty coffees, soda, bottled water, energy drinks, and fresh-squeezed juices, which are included in Royal Caribbean's Deluxe Beverage Package.
Read more: How much is a Royal Caribbean drink package?
Tips for saving money on cruise drinks
Drinking on cruise ships doesn't have to break the bank. If you are adamant about not purchasing a drink package, here are a few ways to save money on your next voyage.
First, Royal Caribbean lets each guest bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne onboard with them. So, instead of paying $10 or more for one glass, stop at a local supermarket on the way to the port and pick up a reasonably priced bottle.
Also, look for "Drink of the Day" specials during your sailing. Royal Caribbean will feature a new cocktail each day for a discounted price. Not only that, but they've started offering 2-for-1 draft beers in the pub, as well as $6 margaritas during Happy Hour.
Those with loyalty perks should take full advantage of the free or discounted drinks that come with their Crown & Anchor Society status. For example, as soon as you've finished one sailing, you can get 50% off two glasses of wine, beer, or soda per cruise. It won't save you a ton of money, but every penny counts!
The best benefits, however, are reserved for those with top-tier status, including Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle Club cruisers. Each day, these guests receive complimentary drink vouchers that can be used at various bars and lounges onboard.
Diamond members get four vouchers, Diamond Plus members receive five, and Pinnacle Club members enjoy six. They reset daily, so on a weeklong cruise, Diamond cruisers would get over 25 free drinks.
Read more: I always do these 5 things to save money on cruise drinks when I don't buy a drink package
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she traveled frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas during her freshman year of high school. Having sailed on over 30 cruises across different lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, Margaritaville at Sea, and Princess, she loves sharing her insight and expertise on all things cruising!
