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Royal Caribbean has changed its beverage package policy and has removed an exception many cruisers have relied on for years.
As of August 1, 2025, if one adult in a stateroom purchases the Deluxe Beverage Package, every other adult of legal drinking age in that cabin must buy it too. The previous option for a non-drinking guest to request a Refreshment Package or Soda Package instead is no longer available.
For years, guests could call Royal Caribbean and request this exception for health, religious, or personal reasons. The cruise line says those requests increased significantly, and in some cases, people were sharing drinks, which has always been against policy. Basically, people were taking advantage. Now, the company has eliminated the exception to make the rule consistent.
This change hits hard for couples or friends traveling together when only one person drinks alcohol. If your partner is a recovering alcoholic, for example, and you decide you want an unlimited beverage package, you are now forced to buy it for both of you. Previously, that non-drinking guest could simply purchase a Refreshment Package and save hundreds of dollars on a seven-night cruise. That option is gone.
If you are not sure the Deluxe Beverage Package is worth it, you still have choices. You can skip it entirely and pay per drink, watch for pre-cruise sales that bring the cost down, or use loyalty perks like Diamond drink vouchers and daily bar specials.
You and your cabinmate can also both purchase the Refreshment Package if you prefer non-alcoholic options, but you can no longer mix one Refreshment Package with one Deluxe Beverage Package in the same cabin.
Royal Caribbean is not the first cruise line to enforce this rule across the board, but it is a big shift for guests who were used to having that flexibility. If you are booking a cruise, keep this in mind, especially if not everyone in your cabin drinks.
If you‘re considering the drink package, our Drink Package Calculator can help you run the numbers before you buy.
Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she’s become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She’s always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.
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