Royal Caribbean's most underrated drink package is even more valuable than you think. Here's why

Cruise drink packages are often synonymous with free-flowing alcohol — think morning mimosas, poolside piña coladas, and pre-dinner cocktails. However, the alcoholic packages are expensive and can only be used on the sailing for which they were purchased. 

There's one drink package that is often overlooked, as it doesn't include soda, non-alcoholic energy drinks, bottled water, or cocktails. However, it's easily one of the most valuable for frequent cruisers. 

The Specialty Coffee Card is ideal for cruisers who don't drink a lot or top-tier loyalty members who receive daily beverage coupons. 

Image

Even better? Royal Caribbean just clarified that it can be used on more than one sailing. For a set price, the Specialty Coffee Card provides 15 punches for specialty coffee beverages. This includes everything from caramel macchiatos to cappuccinos and iced lattes. 

However, if you are going on a short 3- or 4-night cruise, you may think that you will not get the full value from the card, especially if you're not drinking multiple coffee beverages per day.

Think again. The new Specialty Coffee Card design reveals that cruisers can use the card on multiple sailings — so long as they keep up with the card at home. 

Image

"This card is shareable and multiple orders can be redeemed at one time. Card is also transferable to any other Royal Caribbean ship and sail date. Specialty coffees do not include beverages from licensed Starbucks stores," reads the back of the card. 

Additionally, Royal Caribbean's Cruise Planner website confirms the same to help clear up confusion:

"The Specialty Coffee Card can be used on future sailings if punches aren’t depleted. There is no minimum purchase or maximum limit when using the Specialty Coffee Card."

Is the Royal Caribbean coffee card worth it?

Image

Last year, I took a 5-night cruise to Bermuda on Vision of the Seas. My travel partner and I opted to skip the pricey Deluxe Beverage Package, as she is not a big drinker. Instead, we split a Cafe Select Coffee Card for $36.58 (including tax). 

As a Diamond cruiser, I get four complimentary alcoholic beverages per day, so the Royal Caribbean coffee card gave us the perfect balance. 

It covered our morning and afternoon iced coffees without having to pay full price at Café Latte-tudes each time. Meanwhile, my Diamond benefits took care of our occasional glass of wine or cocktail.

Read more: I tried the Royal Caribbean drink package nobody knows about. Why it's worth the money

Image

Each coffee card comes with 15 punches. One punch is used for smaller beverages, such as a single espresso, a tall latte, a chai latte, a specialty tea, or hot chocolate. 

Two punches are needed for larger drinks like grande or venti lattes, double espresso, and Frappuccinos. 

This means that with the Specialty Coffee Card, single-shot espresso drinks cost around $2. Flavored syrups and non-dairy milk alternatives are also included at no extra charge. As such, paying à la carte could easily cost over $5 per beverage. 

Image

I wouldn't hesitate to purchase the Royal Caribbean coffee card again; it is a great option for light drinkers who don't care about premium cocktails or most non-alcoholic beverages, such as bottled water, soda, or energy drinks. 

The quality of the coffee is also better than the complimentary drip coffee available throughout Royal ships. It's a small upgrade, but one that can make the sailing feel less restrictive. 

And now that it is confirmed that it can be used on multiple cruises, it offers even more flexibility and value.