Best 50 Tips For DESIGN: How Much Do Drinks Cost on a Royal Caribbean Cruise? A Complete Guide

Drinks can be a significant expense on a cruise, so it's crucial to know how much you can expect to pay. On Royal Caribbean, the cost of drinks varies depending on the type of beverage, venue, and time of day. A basic soda or juice may cost around $2, while a cocktail might cost $8 or more. Specialty coffees and bottled water are also typically more expensive.

To save money on drinks, consider purchasing a drink package. Royal Caribbean offers several different packages that allow you to prepay for a certain number of drinks per day. This can be a good value if you plan on drinking several alcoholic beverages during your cruise.

Ultimately, the cost of drinks on a Royal Caribbean cruise is a personal choice. By understanding the different factors that affect the price of drinks, you can make the best decision for your budget.

How Much Do Drinks Cost on a Royal Caribbean Cruise?

When planning a Royal Caribbean cruise, it's essential to consider the cost of drinks. Here are five key aspects to keep in mind:

Type of beverage: Alcoholic drinks are generally more expensive than non-alcoholic drinks.
Venue: Drinks purchased in bars and lounges are typically more expensive than those purchased in self-serve areas.
Time of day: Drinks purchased during happy hour or other promotional periods may be discounted.
Drink package: Royal Caribbean offers several drink packages that can save you money if you plan on drinking several alcoholic beverages during your cruise.
Location: Drinks purchased on private islands or in ports of call may be more expensive than those purchased on the ship.

By understanding these key aspects, you can budget for drinks on your Royal Caribbean cruise and avoid any surprises. For example, if you're on a tight budget, you may want to stick to non-alcoholic drinks or purchase a drink package. If you're looking for a more luxurious experience, you may want to enjoy cocktails in the ship's bars and lounges.

Type of beverage

This is a significant factor in determining how much drinks cost on a Royal Caribbean cruise. Alcoholic drinks are taxed more heavily than non-alcoholic drinks, and they also require more ingredients and labor to produce. As a result, you can expect to pay more for a cocktail or a glass of wine than you would for a soda or a juice.

For example, a can of soda on a Royal Caribbean cruise costs around $2, while a glass of beer costs around $6. A cocktail can cost anywhere from $8 to $12. If you're planning on drinking several alcoholic beverages during your cruise, it may be worth purchasing a drink package. Royal Caribbean offers several different packages that allow you to prepay for a certain number of drinks per day. This can save you money if you plan on drinking more than three alcoholic beverages per day.

Understanding the relationship between the type of beverage and the cost of drinks on a Royal Caribbean cruise can help you budget for your trip. By choosing non-alcoholic drinks or purchasing a drink package, you can save money on your overall cruise expenses.

Venue

When considering the cost of drinks on a Royal Caribbean cruise, it's essential to factor in the venue where you purchase them. Drinks purchased in bars and lounges are typically more expensive than those purchased in self-serve areas. This is due to several factors, including:

Service: Drinks purchased in bars and lounges are typically served by a waiter or bartender, which adds to the cost.
Ambiance: Bars and lounges typically have a more upscale ambiance than self-serve areas, which can also contribute to the higher cost of drinks.
Convenience: Bars and lounges are often located in convenient areas of the ship, which can also lead to higher prices.
Selection: Bars and lounges typically offer a wider selection of drinks than self-serve areas, which can also contribute to the higher cost.

If you're looking to save money on drinks on your Royal Caribbean cruise, it's best to purchase them in self-serve areas. However, if you're looking for a more upscale experience, you may be willing to pay the higher prices for drinks in bars and lounges.

Time of day

When considering the cost of drinks on a Royal Caribbean cruise, it's important to factor in the time of day. Drinks purchased during happy hour or other promotional periods may be discounted, which can save you money. Here are four things to keep in mind:

Happy hour: Many bars and lounges on Royal Caribbean offer happy hour specials, which typically include discounts on drinks. Happy hour is usually during the early evening, so it's a great time to grab a drink before dinner.
Loyalty program: If you're a member of Royal Caribbean's loyalty program, you may be eligible for discounts on drinks. These discounts vary depending on your loyalty status, but they can save you a significant amount of money.
Promotions: Royal Caribbean often runs promotions that offer discounts on drinks. These promotions can vary, so be sure to check the Royal Caribbean website before your cruise to see if there are any current offers.
Special events: Royal Caribbean sometimes hosts special events that feature discounted drinks. These events may be themed or seasonal, so be sure to check the Royal Caribbean website or cruise planner to see if there are any special events happening during your cruise.

By taking advantage of happy hour specials, loyalty program discounts, promotions, and special events, you can save money on drinks on your Royal Caribbean cruise.

Drink package

When considering the cost of drinks on a Royal Caribbean cruise, it's important to factor in the potential savings offered by drink packages. Royal Caribbean offers several different drink packages that allow you to prepay for a certain number of drinks per day. This can be a good value if you plan on drinking several alcoholic beverages during your cruise.

Package options: Royal Caribbean offers a variety of drink packages to choose from, so you can find one that fits your needs and budget.
Daily drink limit: Each drink package has a daily drink limit, so you'll need to choose a package that provides enough drinks for your needs.
Included drinks: The drinks included in each package vary, so be sure to read the details carefully before purchasing.
Cost: The cost of drink packages varies depending on the package you choose and the length of your cruise.

To determine if a drink package is right for you, consider how much you typically spend on drinks and how many drinks you plan on consuming each day. If you're a heavy drinker, a drink package can save you a significant amount of money. However, if you're a light drinker, you may be better off purchasing drinks individually.

Location

This is because businesses on private islands and in ports of call are not subject to the same regulations as businesses on the ship. As a result, they can charge higher prices for drinks and other goods and services. For example, a beer that costs $6 on the ship may cost $8 or more on a private island or in a port of call. This can add up quickly, especially if you're planning on drinking several drinks during your shore excursions.

It's important to factor in the cost of drinks when planning your shore excursions. If you're on a tight budget, you may want to bring your own drinks from the ship or purchase them from a local vendor. You can also look for bars and restaurants that offer happy hour specials or other discounts.

Understanding the relationship between location and the cost of drinks on a Royal Caribbean cruise can help you budget for your trip and avoid any surprises. By planning ahead, you can ensure that you have a fun and affordable vacation.

FAQs

This FAQ section addresses common questions and concerns regarding the cost of drinks on a Royal Caribbean cruise, providing clarity on various factors that influence pricing.

Question 1: What is the average cost of a drink on a Royal Caribbean cruise?

The cost of drinks varies depending on the type of beverage, venue, and time of day. Generally, a basic soda or juice costs around $2, while a cocktail might cost $8 or more.

Question 2: Are there any ways to save money on drinks on a Royal Caribbean cruise?

Yes, consider purchasing a drink package, which allows you to prepay for a certain number of drinks per day. This can be a good value if you plan on drinking several alcoholic beverages during your cruise.

Question 3: Are drinks more expensive in certain venues on the ship?

Yes, drinks purchased in bars and lounges are typically more expensive than those purchased in self-serve areas due to factors like service, ambiance, convenience, and selection.

Question 4: Do drink prices vary depending on the time of day?

Yes, drinks purchased during happy hour or other promotional periods may be discounted. Additionally, loyalty program members and those taking advantage of promotions or special events may be eligible for further savings.

Question 5: Are drinks more expensive on private islands or in ports of call compared to the ship?

Yes, businesses on private islands and in ports of call are not subject to the same regulations as those on the ship, allowing them to charge higher prices for drinks and other goods.

Question 6: Can I bring my own drinks on the ship?

Royal Caribbean allows guests to bring bottled water and non-alcoholic beverages on the ship for personal consumption. However, alcoholic beverages are not permitted.

These FAQs provide key insights into the factors influencing the cost of drinks on a Royal Caribbean cruise, highlighting strategies for saving money and maximizing value. The following section will delve deeper into the various drink packages offered by Royal Caribbean, exploring their benefits and limitations.

Tips for Saving Money on Drinks on a Royal Caribbean Cruise

This section provides practical tips to help you save money on drinks during your Royal Caribbean cruise. By following these tips, you can enjoy your vacation without breaking the bank.

Tip 1: Purchase a drink package. This is the best way to save money on drinks if you plan on drinking several alcoholic beverages during your cruise.Tip 2: Take advantage of happy hour specials. Many bars and lounges on Royal Caribbean offer happy hour specials, which typically include discounts on drinks.Tip 3: Join Royal Caribbean's loyalty program. Members of Royal Caribbean's loyalty program are eligible for discounts on drinks and other onboard purchases.Tip 4: Bring your own non-alcoholic drinks on the ship. Royal Caribbean allows guests to bring bottled water and non-alcoholic beverages on the ship for personal consumption.Tip 5: Share drinks with friends or family members. This is a great way to save money if you're not a heavy drinker.Tip 6: Drink during port days. Drinks are typically cheaper in ports of call than they are on the ship.Tip 7: Avoid ordering drinks in bars and lounges. Drinks purchased in bars and lounges are typically more expensive than those purchased in self-serve areas.Tip 8: Ask for a "mocktail" instead of a cocktail. Mocktails are non-alcoholic drinks that are made to resemble cocktails. They are typically cheaper than cocktails and just as refreshing.

By following these tips, you can save money on drinks on your Royal Caribbean cruise and enjoy your vacation without breaking the bank.

In the next section, we'll discuss some of the best bars and lounges on Royal Caribbean ships. These bars and lounges offer a wide variety of drinks, from classic cocktails to craft beers.

Conclusion

Ultimately, how much you spend on drinks on a Royal Caribbean cruise depends on your drinking habits and preferences. This article provides some tips to help you save money on drinks, but it's essential to budget accordingly. By understanding the factors that affect the price of drinks, you can plan ahead and avoid any surprises.

Here are a few key points to remember:

The cost of drinks varies depending on the type of beverage, venue, and time of day.
Drink packages can be a good value if you plan on drinking several alcoholic beverages during your cruise.
There are several ways to save money on drinks, such as taking advantage of happy hour specials, joining Royal Caribbean's loyalty program, and sharing drinks with friends or family members.

Whether you're looking to save money or enjoy a luxurious experience, Royal Caribbean has something to offer everyone. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy your cruise!