When it comes to cruising, many passengers choose to buy beverage packages for convenience and peace of mind. On a Royal Caribbean cruise, one of the most popular options is the Deluxe Beverage Package, which offers unlimited access to a variety of drinks, including water, soda, cocktails, and specialty coffees. While this may sound like the perfect cruise deal, there are a few nuances to Royal Caribbean’s beverage package policy, especially when it comes to cruises departing from Texas and New York.
In this article, we’ll explore the specifics of Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe Beverage Package, its limitations depending on the departure port, and how it compares to the beverage policy of rival Carnival Cruise Line. Whether you’re planning your next vacation or just curious about how cruise lines handle their drink packages, we’ll give you all the details you need.
The Deluxe Beverage Package: Convenience and Variety
The Deluxe Beverage Package on Royal Caribbean offers passengers an all-inclusive option for drinks during their voyage. Priced between $60 and $110 per day, per adult passenger, plus taxes and an 18% gratuity, this package covers a wide range of beverages, including alcohol, fresh juices, bottled water, soda, and specialty coffee. However, this package isn’t just about indulging in unlimited drinks — it’s about convenience. For many passengers, it means not worrying about tracking every purchase or keeping tabs on how much they’re spending.
With drink prices on a Royal Caribbean ship ranging from $3 for bottled water to $14 for a cocktail, the cost of drinks can quickly add up. For those who enjoy trying different drinks, the Deluxe Beverage Package allows them to sample different cocktails or drinks without the fear of wasting money if they don’t like something. Additionally, the package enables passengers to indulge from the moment they board the ship. From that first soda to a late-night cocktail, it’s all covered.
But there’s an important caveat to this seemingly perfect cruise deal that passengers need to be aware of.
A Major Exception: The Deluxe Beverage Package in Texas and New York
Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe Beverage Package offers excellent value on most of its ships, but there are some legal restrictions depending on where the cruise departs. If you’re setting sail from Galveston, Texas, or Bayonne, New Jersey (near New York City), you may not get the full range of benefits from the package on the first day of your cruise.
Let’s start with Texas. Texas has strict laws governing the sale of alcohol, which means Royal Caribbean must comply with local regulations before the ship enters international waters, which is 12 miles from shore. The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission requires that any alcohol served in Texas waters must be purchased from a Texas distributor. This means that Royal Caribbean ships departing from Galveston have to stock two separate liquor inventories — one with Texas tax-paid bottles and another for use in international waters.
As a result, passengers who purchase the Deluxe Beverage Package or order drinks à la carte will have a limited selection until the ship clears Texas waters. While this might seem like a minor inconvenience, it’s important for travelers to be aware of the restriction before boarding the ship. If you’re hoping to start your vacation with your favorite cocktail, you might have to wait until you’re in international waters.
New York has similar restrictions, but the situation is slightly different. Carnival Cruise Line, for example, does not activate its Cheers! beverage package until the second day of cruises departing from New York due to state laws. While Royal Caribbean sails out of Bayonne, New Jersey (rather than directly from New York), it avoids these specific limitations since New Jersey doesn’t have the same alcohol laws. That said, it’s always a good idea to check with the cruise line about any restrictions that may apply to your sailing.
How Carnival Handles Beverage Packages Differently
While Royal Caribbean has found a way to work within Texas’ alcohol laws by stocking two sets of liquor, Carnival Cruise Line has taken a different approach. For cruises departing from Texas and New York, Carnival’s Cheers! beverage package is not available until the second day of the cruise.
According to Carnival, “Due to state laws, we cannot sell Cheers! until the second day of the cruise (starting at 6 a.m.) for voyages departing from our Texas and New York home ports.” What this means is that passengers who purchase the Cheers! package are charged only for the remaining days of the cruise, minus the first day when the package isn’t available. On the first day, any drinks purchased are billed to the guest’s Sail & Sign card, Carnival’s onboard payment system.
This policy is a bit more restrictive than Royal Caribbean’s solution. With Carnival, passengers can’t use their beverage package at all on day one, regardless of whether the ship is in state or international waters.
For passengers who value being able to start their vacation with the full range of beverage options from the moment they board, Royal Caribbean’s approach might be preferable. However, Carnival’s pricing structure does reflect the fact that the package isn’t available on day one, which could be a better fit for those looking to save a little on their cruise deal.
Is the Deluxe Beverage Package Worth It?
Whether or not the Deluxe Beverage Package is worth it depends on your drinking habits and preferences. For some passengers, the peace of mind that comes with not having to track every drink is priceless. You can enjoy unlimited drinks without worrying about the final bill at the end of the cruise. Additionally, if you like trying new drinks or indulging in specialty beverages, the package offers significant savings compared to buying drinks à la carte.
However, it’s important to weigh the cost of the package against how much you realistically expect to drink. At $60 to $110 per day, you’d need to drink several cocktails, beers, or specialty coffees to make the package financially worthwhile. If you’re a light drinker or plan to spend most of your time off the ship during port visits, you may find that purchasing drinks individually is a more economical option.
Final Thoughts
Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe Beverage Package offers a great value for passengers who want convenience and the freedom to enjoy unlimited drinks throughout their cruise. However, if you’re sailing from Texas or New York, it’s essential to be aware of the limitations on the first day of your cruise. While these restrictions might be frustrating, Royal Caribbean’s approach is still more flexible than Carnival’s, making it a solid cruise deal for many passengers.
Before booking your next cruise, consider how much you plan to drink and weigh the pros and cons of the beverage package. With the right expectations, the Deluxe Beverage Package can enhance your cruise experience without breaking the bank.
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