Royal Caribbean Just Killed the Drink Package Loophole — Here’s What It Means for You
Royal Caribbean is tightening its beverage policy, officially ending a long-standing loophole that allowed some guests to bypass the “everyone in the cabin must buy” rule for its deluxe drink package.
As of August 1, 2025, the cruise line will no longer grant exemptions for travelers who don’t want — or can’t have — alcohol. In the past, guests who called customer service could often arrange for one person in the stateroom to buy the deluxe package while the other purchased a cheaper option, such as the Royal Refreshment package or a soda package.
This unofficial workaround could save couples hundreds of dollars over the course of a sailing. On a 7-night cruise, two deluxe drink packages could total more than $1,600, but swapping one for the refreshment package could shave nearly $500 off the bill.
Why the Change?
Royal Caribbean says the policy shift comes down to responsible consumption — and package sharing.
“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,” the cruise line confirmed. “This change allows us to ensure guests are consuming their beverage package responsibly. Over time, requests for exceptions have increased, and sharing of packages has continued, which led us to implement this policy change.”
The “everyone must purchase” rule has always been aimed at preventing guests from splitting one package between multiple people, but until now, the company showed flexibility for those with different drink preferences or health restrictions.
How to Save on Drinks Now
For those still looking to trim their bar tab, a drink package isn’t the only option. Buying beverages à la carte can often be cheaper if you’re not a big drinker, especially when taking advantage of the cruise line’s “drink of the day” specials or other discounts.
Booking drink packages before your sailing can also result in significant savings, with Royal Caribbean sometimes offering up to 50% off in pre-cruise sales. And, of course, plenty of drinks on board are free — including coffee, tea, lemonade, iced tea, juices at breakfast, and flavored waters.
While some guests may miss the old exception policy, Royal Caribbean is betting the new uniform rule will help curb abuse and simplify onboard beverage sales.
