Royal Caribbean Drink Package Rule Tightens
Royal Caribbean International has closed the last loophole in its all-or-nothing drink package policy. As of August 1, every adult booked in the same stateroom must purchase the Deluxe Beverage Package if one person wants it. The line says a surge in exemption requests, and suspected package sharing, forced the move. For nondrinkers and expecting parents, the change removes a popular workaround, but alternate strategies still exist for keeping bar bills in check.
Key Points
- Why it matters: Ends the only formal exemption to the unlimited alcohol package.
- Travel impact: All adults in a cabin now pay $63-$98 per day, depending on sailing.
- What's next: Expect stronger ID checks at bars and possible copycats from rival lines.
Snapshot
Royal Caribbean told Royal Caribbean Blog that it "will no longer be able to grant exceptions" allowing one guest to opt out of the Deluxe Beverage Package. The line blamed "abuse of the system" after noticing many exemption calls were followed by package sharing onboard. Passengers reacted quickly on Reddit and Cruise Critic, with many predicting lower package sales and higher à-la-carte bar revenue. The company did not say whether it will review prices or introduce tiered options.
Background
Since 2016, Royal Caribbean has required all adults in a stateroom to buy the Deluxe Beverage Package if any guest does. However, the cruise line quietly offered case-by-case exemptions for pregnancy, sobriety, or medical reasons-provided the other guest bought a Refreshment Package. That honor system faltered as some travelers used the exemption to split drinks, violating onboard rules that link packages to a single SeaPass card. The policy shift aligns Royal Caribbean with MSC Cruises and Virgin Voyages, which mandate uniform beverage purchases per cabin.
Latest Developments
Exemption Window Closed on August 1
Email notifications to travel advisors went out July 29, giving less than 72 hours' notice before the new rule took effect. Royal Caribbean said many callers sought exemptions "with the intent of sharing," leading bartenders to flag mismatched drink orders. Going forward, crew will continue swiping SeaPass cards to verify package status, and the line is testing handheld POS units to speed checks at pool bars and theaters. Guests who bought the Deluxe plan before August 1 can still cancel up to 48 hours before sailing.
Analysis
Royal Caribbean's decision reflects a broader industry push to protect onboard revenue. Beverage packages yield high margins yet rely on honest use; every shared cocktail chips away at profitability. The company's rapid notice suggests internal data showed widespread noncompliance. While critics argue the blanket rule penalizes teetotalers, the line already offers limited concessions-from one carry-on wine bottle per adult to four free daily drinks for Diamond-tier Crown & Anchor members. Casino Prime players also keep unlimited drinks at casino bars, and some sailings sell a 10-drink shareable card. For most cruisers, however, the math shifts: a couple that previously bought one package faces up to $686 extra on a seven-night cruise, potentially dampening overall spending. Competitors will watch closely; if Royal Caribbean maintains package uptake without backlash, similar clamp-downs could spread across the big-ship sector.
Final Thoughts
The end of exemptions caps Royal Caribbean's long-running effort to standardize its Deluxe Beverage Package. Travelers who value unlimited cocktails must now budget for two packages per cabin, while nondrinkers will need to lean on loyalty perks, carry-on wine, or shoreside bars. Either way, understanding the Royal Caribbean drink package rules before booking is more critical than ever.