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I’ve cruised enough times to know that every dollar counts — especially when it comes to drink packages.
For years, there’s been this not-so-secret trick that smart cruisers (myself included!) used to dodge paying hundreds of dollars unnecessarily.
But as of August 1, 2025, Royal Caribbean just slammed that loophole shut.
If you’ve ever called Royal to say your cabinmate doesn’t drink — maybe for medical reasons, or they just prefer Diet Coke — and got an exemption… yeah, those days are gone.
Let me explain exactly what changed, how it affects your wallet, and what you can still do to save on drinks without missing out on the fun.
What Was the Loophole Everyone Used?
Okay, so here’s how it used to work.
Royal Caribbean’s official rule says that if one adult in a stateroom buys the Deluxe Beverage Package (that’s the unlimited alcohol one), then every adult in that room has to buy it too. Sounds fair, right? Stops people from “sharing” their drinks.
But here’s the thing:
If you called customer service and explained your situation — say your partner doesn’t drink alcohol, has medical restrictions, or just prefers mocktails — Royal would usually let it slide.
They’d allow the non-drinker to purchase a cheaper Refreshment or Soda Package instead.
Was it advertised anywhere? Nope.
Did it work anyway? Absolutely.
Was it a bit of an open secret? Definitely.
I’ve used this myself on cruises with family, and it saved us a small fortune.
What’s Changed Now (and Why)?
As of August 1, 2025, Royal Caribbean made it clear: no more exceptions.
Even if you’ve got a rock-solid reason, you’ll no longer be allowed to mix packages in one cabin.
Everyone 21 and over must buy the same Deluxe Beverage Package, no matter what.
In a statement to Cruise Hive, Royal said:
“Beginning August 1, Royal Caribbean will no longer be able to grant exceptions to our policy that both guests in a stateroom must purchase the Deluxe Beverage Package.”
So why the sudden crackdown?
Apparently, the loophole was getting out of hand. Too many people were requesting exemptions, and package-sharing still continued — despite the rules.
From Royal’s perspective, this change brings consistency and likely boosts revenue too. From my perspective? It stings, especially if only one of you drinks.
How Much This Change Will Actually Cost You
If you’re cruising as a couple — especially if only one of you drinks — this change can hit hard.
Let’s break it down.
The Deluxe Beverage Package on Royal Caribbean can run anywhere from $50 to $115 per person, per day, depending on the ship and sailing.
Meanwhile, non-alcoholic options like the Refreshment Package usually cost $30–$45, and the Soda Package is even cheaper at $10–$20.
Before the rule change, here’s what I could do:
- Buy the Deluxe Package for myself
- Get my partner a cheaper Refreshment Package
- Save up to $490 on a 7-night cruise
Now? If I want that unlimited drink freedom, we both have to buy the Deluxe — no exceptions.
And it adds up fast:
- $90 per person x 2 = $180/day
- For a 7-night cruise = $1,260 total
That’s not pocket change. Especially if one of you isn’t planning to drink much beyond a soda or two.
Can You Still Save on Drinks? Absolutely — Here’s How I Do It
This rule might be a blow, but I’m not one to give up on budget-friendly cruising.
Here are a few tricks I’ve learned over the years that still help you save — no loopholes required:
✅ 1. Pay Per Drink If You’re a Light Drinker
If you only drink a couple of cocktails a day, it might actually be cheaper to skip the package and just pay as you go. I’ve done this on shorter sailings, and it’s worked out well.
Before you cruise, jot down what you typically drink daily — then multiply by the onboard prices. You might be surprised how little you actually need to break even on the package.
✅ 2. Book the Drink Package on Sale
Royal Caribbean runs drink package sales all the time — especially during:
- Black Friday
- Cruise Planner sales
- Wave season (Jan–March)
I’ve seen discounts up to 50% off, though 30–40% is more common. Always pre-purchase in the Cruise Planner rather than waiting to buy onboard.
✅ 3. Take Advantage of Drink Specials
Even without a package, I’ve scored deals like:
- Drink of the Day specials for ~$7–$8
- Happy hour discounts at select bars
- Welcome aboard, cocktail promos
Ask the bartenders — they know where the deals are.
✅ 4. Stick to Free Drinks
Royal offers quite a few complimentary beverages that are perfect if you’re going alcohol-free (or just cutting back):
- Iced tea
- Lemonade
- Fruit-flavoured water
- Regular coffee and tea
- Hot cocoa
And don’t forget: you can bring 12 non-alcoholic drinks per stateroom on embarkation day (cans, bottles, or cartons).
Final Thoughts: No More Exceptions, But Still Options
I’ll be honest — I was disappointed when I heard Royal shut this loophole down. It felt like one of those little insider tricks that made loyal cruisers feel savvy.
But now that it’s gone, I’m adjusting. If you were banking on getting an exception, now’s the time to rethink your strategy.
Whether that means skipping the package, watching for sales, or finding creative alternatives, you can still enjoy great drinks without wrecking your cruise budget.
And hey — sipping a strawberry kiwi water on the pool deck under a Caribbean sky? Still a win in my book.
