When it comes to enjoying the best vacation possible, having unlimited access to delicious beverages can be the cherry on top of a perfect trip. If you’re cruising with Royal Caribbean and thinking about purchasing their Deluxe Beverage Package, you’re on the right track. It’s a decision that adds convenience, indulgence, and a dash of excitement to your cruise. However, before you start dreaming of poolside cocktails and endless soda refills, there’s a small, Texan-sized catch. But don’t worry – it’s still a better deal than what Carnival offers!
Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of how Royal Caribbean’s beverage policy works, why Texas makes things a little weird, and how Carnival’s policy will make you appreciate Royal’s approach even more.
What Makes the Deluxe Beverage Package Worth It?
First off, let’s talk about why so many passengers opt for Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe Beverage Package. It’s not just about drowning in endless margaritas (though, we won’t judge if that’s your plan!).
Passengers fork over anywhere between $60 and $110 per day, per adult, to enjoy an all-you-can-drink cruise experience. You might gasp at that price tag initially, but think about this: $14 cocktails, $8 beers, $3 bottles of water, and specialty coffees that make Starbucks look cheap add up quickly. So, when you don’t have to think twice about the cost of each drink, that’s when the real magic of the package kicks in. It brings peace of mind—no math required after your third piña colada.
The Deluxe Beverage Package covers a wide variety of drinks: soda, fresh-squeezed juices, specialty coffee, water, and alcohol. And if you decide you don’t like what you ordered? No problem! Just ask for something else. There’s no “drink regret” on Royal Caribbean.
But wait… there’s a catch, and it involves Texas. Yep, you heard that right. Before you start imagining a cocktail showdown at the Alamo, let’s break down what happens when you sail out of the Lone Star State.
The Texas Twist: How State Laws Impact Your Drink Selection
Royal Caribbean has several ships that depart from Galveston, Texas—a state known for BBQ, big hats, and… complicated liquor laws. Here’s where things get interesting. According to Texas law, any alcohol served within its waters (until the ship is 12 miles out at sea and hits international waters) must be purchased from a Texas distributor.
In practical terms, this means Royal Caribbean has two separate liquor cabinets on board: one stocked with booze that’s Texas-approved, and another for once the ship sails into international waters. Until you hit that magical 12-mile mark, you’ll be sipping on Texas-approved spirits. Not a huge deal, unless your heart is set on a very specific drink they can’t serve right away. But hey, it’s still better than how Carnival handles things.
Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival: The Beverage Battle
Now, let’s look at the competition—Carnival Cruise Line—and how it handles the same situation. Spoiler alert: It’s not as convenient.
Carnival’s Cheers! Beverage Package, their version of the all-you-can-drink deal, comes with a significant delay if you’re cruising from Texas or New York. Instead of offering a limited selection of drinks like Royal Caribbean, Carnival takes a different (and much less fun) approach.
Here’s the kicker: You can’t even buy Carnival’s Cheers! Package on the first day of your cruise if you’re leaving from Texas or New York. Yep, that means you’re paying full price for individual drinks until 6 a.m. on day two. So, if you were planning to celebrate the start of your trip with a margarita or a cold beer while waving goodbye to the dock, sorry—not happening.
Carnival makes this crystal clear on their website: “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.”
Not only is this a buzzkill, but you’ll also have to keep track of your spending on drinks during the first day, which totally defeats the purpose of buying an unlimited beverage package in the first place. This policy leaves a lot of Carnival passengers feeling like they’ve been duped—talk about a bad way to start what should be the best vacation.
Why Royal Caribbean’s Policy is the Better Deal
While Royal Caribbean’s Texas limitations may seem like an inconvenience, they still provide you with drinks on day one—just with a slightly restricted menu until you hit international waters. Essentially, you’re getting what you paid for from the moment you board, even if it’s with a Texas twist.
In contrast, Carnival’s delay tactic feels like you’re being nickel-and-dimed. Imagine paying for an all-you-can-eat buffet, but being told you can only nibble on appetizers for the first 24 hours. That’s basically how Carnival handles their beverage package, and no one’s cheering about that.
If you’re looking to maximize your onboard experience and get the most value for your vacation dollar, Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe Beverage Package is the clear winner. You can start your vacation in style, drink in hand, and avoid any awkward surprise charges when the bill comes. Plus, the flexibility to try different drinks—especially for the picky drinkers among us—makes it a must-buy for those who like to indulge on their getaway.
New York: A Slightly Different Situation
For those cruising out of New York, things are a little different, but still in Royal Caribbean’s favor. While Carnival restricts drink sales on day one for New York sailings, Royal Caribbean avoids this problem entirely. How? Their New York cruises actually depart from Bayonne, New Jersey, meaning they aren’t subject to New York’s state laws. It’s a loophole that works in your favor—cheers to that!
Why Royal Caribbean is the Best Vacation Choice
When planning the best vacation possible, little details matter, and Royal Caribbean has you covered when it comes to drinks. While Texas may throw a small wrench in your plans with their liquor laws, Royal Caribbean still finds a way to make sure you’re sipping something refreshing as soon as you board.
So, the next time you’re debating between cruise lines, remember this: Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe Beverage Package gives you exactly what you want—freedom to drink when you want, how you want—even in Texas. Carnival? Well, you might want to pack a flask for that first day.
Leave a Reply