Royal Caribbean Cruise Line Increases Prices of Three Drink Packages
by Daniel McCarthy /
Starting next year, Royal Caribbean will be increasing the price of its three drink packages onboard all of its sailings.
Beginning on Jan. 1, 2019, Royal’s Deluxe package will cost, depending on the sailing, anywhere from $63 to $70 (up from $57 to $63) per person, per day. The package includes cocktails, beer, wine, coffee, tea, bottled water, and a 40 percent discount on bottles of wine under $100, along with a 20 percent discount of bottles over $100.
The Refreshment package (with teas, coffee, bottled water, sodas, juices) will cost $29 (up from a range of $26 to $29); and its Classic Soda package (with unlimited sodas) will cost $12.99 (up from between $8.50 and $9.50). These prices do not include an automatic 18 percent gratuity.
Royal is not alone in the increase, as other lines have made similar moves over the last two years.
Late last year, Carnival Cruise Line raised prices of its most popular drink packages when it started charging $51.95 per person, per day for its Cheers! package purchased pre-cruise; and $56.95 per person, per day purchased onboard. Carnival also charges an automatic 15 percent gratuity.
Norwegian Cruise Line increased the price of its Ultimate Beverage Package earlier this month from $89 per person, per day to $99. That price does not include an automatic 20 percent gratuity. The increase followed a 2017 hike that saw the price go from $79 per person, per day, to $89.