A Royal Caribbean Odyssey passenger shared detailed analysis comparing advertised drink package prices ($62.99-$79/day) against actual out-of-pocket spending during their Greek Isles cruise. The breakdown reveals whether prepaid packages offer genuine savings or if paying per drink is more economical. This data-driven comparison helps cruisers make smarter beverage purchasing decisions.
📰 Reported — from industry news sources
Photo: Royal Caribbean International
How to Compare Drink Package Costs vs. Per-Drink Spending on Your Cruise
You're standing at the bar on embarkation day, and the crew is pushing a $62–$79 daily drink package. But will you actually save money, or will you hemorrhage cash ordering à la carte? This guide walks you through the math that matters: collecting real drink prices, mapping your actual consumption, and deciding whether prepaid makes sense for your sailing.
How Do You Find the Actual Per-Drink Prices on Your Ship?
Start by asking your bartender or server for a current beverage menu on your first day aboard—or request one at Guest Services before you commit to anything. Write down the actual prices for the drinks you'll actually order: your standard cocktail, a beer, wine by the glass, specialty coffee, and a soda. Don't trust the brochure; prices vary by ship and sailing date. Once you have real numbers, add 18–20% gratuity to every single price (Royal Caribbean applies 18% surcharge on beverages). This is the number most cruisers forget and it's a killer. A $14 cocktail becomes $16.52 before tip. Multiply your typical daily drink count by that true per-drink cost, then compare it to the package rate you were quoted.
The catch: Royal Caribbean's Deluxe Beverage Package typically runs $56–$120 per person per day depending on demand, with a $80 pre-cruise average. That drink-price cap sits at $14 per beverage. If you're a craft-cocktail person and you're eyeing drinks that run $16–$18 before gratuity, you'll get socked with an upcharge. The Refreshment (non-alcoholic) package is significantly cheaper—around $35 pre-cruise—but only covers specialty coffee, juice, smoothies, and mocktails. The Classic Soda Package runs roughly $13 per day but includes sodas only.
Photo: Royal Caribbean International
What Should You Calculate Before Making Your Purchase Decision?
Determine your break-even point: How many drinks per day do you need to consume for the package to beat per-drink pricing? Grab a pen and do this math yourself. If individual cocktails run $14–$16 with gratuity included, and the package costs $80 daily, you're looking at 5–6 drinks per day just to break even. Add in a specialty coffee ($6–$9 plus gratuity) and you're closer to 4–5 paid beverages. Honestly assess whether you'll hit that number. If you're a one-drink-per-dinner person, a package is a terrible deal. If you're drinking from sunrise to midnight, it's closer to worth it.
Also check whether your specific sailing qualifies. Royal Caribbean makes packages available on most sailings of 2+ days, but restrictions apply to certain itineraries. And remember the cabin rule: every adult in your stateroom must buy the same package—you can't have one person buy the package and another go à la carte.
Factor in where you'll be drinking. The Deluxe package works at Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee, but not at Royal Beach Club Paradise Island. If your itinerary includes a private island day and you plan to spend hours at the beach bar, that matters.
Photo: Royal Caribbean International
How Do You Lock In the Best Price Before Sailing?
Purchase your package through the Cruise Planner online up to 48 hours before sailing. Pre-cruise pricing is always cheaper than buying onboard on Day 1. Royal Caribbean runs flash sales—sometimes deep discounts appear 2–3 weeks before departure. Check your Cruise Planner account every few days in the month leading up to your sailing. If prices drop, your cost automatically adjusts to the lower rate.
Keep in mind that you can cancel through Cruise Planner up to 2 days before your sail date for a full refund, so there's no harm in purchasing early and canceling if you change your mind. Once you're onboard, you can still buy packages on Day 1 at the bar, but you'll pay the onboard premium.
Traveler Tip:
I always tell people to spend your first hour onboard not buying anything. Grab a drink menu, price a few items, sit with your travel companion, and do the math before the crew pressure kicks in. I've watched too many cruisers throw $400 at a package they didn't need because they felt rushed. The packages aren't going anywhere—take 60 minutes, do the real math, and then decide.
Sources:
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Last updated: June 2, 2026. This is a developing story — check back for updates.