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Royal Caribbean Drinks Package – Worth It or Total Waste?

Solo Travel 1974
Solo Travel 1974
🥈Expert
👁️ 4K views📅 5 months ago⏱️ 8:50
What This Creator Said
Creator RecommendsTips & Advice🥈Expert Creator
CaribbeanVeteran Cruiser

Source: Our analysis of the creator's lived experience, based on what they said in this video.

Creator's Key Takeaways

I've cruised with P ando, Princess, and Royal Caribbean. And on my recent Independence of the Seas sailing, I tested the drinks package myself.

The deluxe package covers almost everything. It includes cocktails, spirits, wines by the glass, up to about $14, roughly £11, as well as beers, premium coffees, bottled water, mocktails, and soft drinks.

On my independent sailing, which had a bit of a booze cruise vibe, sunny sea days, lively bars. It absolutely paid off.

Creator's Tips & Advice

Book the drinks package as soon as you see a price you're comfortable with rather than waiting for the perfect deal.
If the price goes down after booking, cancel and rebook at the lower rate with no penalty up to the cruise cut-off date.
Factor in the rule that if one adult buys the deluxe package, every adult in the cabin must buy it.
Consider the refreshment package or cafe select card if you prefer coffee over cocktails.

🆕New to Cruising? This Creator Addresses:

Not knowing if the package is worth the costCalculate break-even point: about five cocktails a day or fewer with other drinks included.
Hidden costs and exceptionsUnderstand what's not included: souvenir glassware, energy drinks, fresh juice cocktails over $14, and licensed Starbucks kiosks.

Questions This Creator Answers

QIs the Royal Caribbean drinks package worth it?
QWhat are the prices and inclusions for 2025?
QWhen and how should you buy the package for the best deal?
QWhat are the hidden costs and exceptions?

Topics Covered

Drink Package1½ Happy BaconLoyalty Program2 Happy BaconBooking Process1½ Happy BaconDining Bars Drinks2½ Happy Bacon

Port Highlights

Southampton1 Happy Bacon
How to read the Trip Bacon Score
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Sad Bacon — creators took issue with this
Meh — no strong opinion either way

Scale: 0–5 strips in half-step increments. 0 = “meh”, 5 = “bacon bliss”. Aggregated from creator-review sentiment, weighted by channel expertise.

About our Bacon Score methodology
YouTube Video Description

This is my full guide to the Royal Caribbean Drinks Package for 2026 covering prices, inclusions, hidden costs, and the real value after trying it myself on Independence of the Seas. If you’re wondering whether the Deluxe Beverage Package, Refreshment Package, or Classic Soda Package is worth it, this video explains everything including when to buy for the best price, how dynamic pricing works, and whether it’s better to pay as you go. In this video: – Royal Caribbean drinks package prices (UK & USD) – What’s included in each package – My real costs and savings on Independence of the Seas – When to buy for the best deal – Rules, restrictions, and new 2025 updates 🎥 Watch next: 👉 Royal Caribbean Independence Dining Options Guide https://youtu.be/Y979Qf83o9Y 👉 10 Things You Need to Know About Independence of the Seas https://youtu.be/ePPy3VmPYxU 👉 Independence of the Seas 2025 Full Ship Tour https://youtu.be/z0HMt5NHYps I’ve cruised with Royal Caribbean, P&O Cruises, Marella and Princess - sharing honest, solo-friendly cruise advice to help you plan smarter and save money on every sailing. 📍 New videos every week – Subscribe & join the adventure! https://www.youtube.com/@solotravel1974?sub_confirmation=1 #royalcaribbean #cruisetips #solotravel1974 #independenceoftheseas Chapters 00:00 - Royal Caribbean Drinks Package – Worth It or Waste of Money? 00:25 - Deluxe vs Refreshment vs Classic Soda Packages 01:33 - Royal Caribbean Drink Package Prices – Buy It Early 02:51 - How to Get the Best Price – Buy Early & Rebook If It Drops 03:54 - The Deluxe Rule That Catches People Out 04:28 - What’s Actually Included and What’s Not? 06:24 - Why Where You Drink Matters! 06:57 - Families and Loyalty Perks 07:19 - Refreshment and Coffee Card Alternatives 07:42 - Is the Drinks Package on Royal Caribbean Worth it? 08:29 - Watch Next!m