Cruises are supposed to be carefree, but there’s a brand-new rule that could seriously change how you plan your vacation budget.

If you’ve ever sailed on Royal Caribbean, you probably know that their drink packages are a huge part of the onboard experience. Whether you’re sipping poolside margaritas, grabbing an iced latte before a show, or toasting with wine at dinner, the beverage package makes it easy to indulge without stressing over the bill. But starting this year, Royal Caribbean has tightened up its rules in a way that might not sit well with every guest. If you’re booking a cruise soon, here’s the drink package update you absolutely need to know before you sail.

No More Exceptions to the Rule

For years, Royal Caribbean’s official policy has been that if one adult in a cabin buys the Deluxe Beverage Package, then every other adult of legal drinking age in that same cabin must buy it, too. The reasoning was simple: The cruise line didn’t want people buying one package and sharing drinks between multiple adults.

Until now, though, there was some wiggle room. If you called customer service, you could sometimes score an exception. That meant one guest could choose the cheaper Refreshment Package (which doesn’t include alcohol) while their cabin-mate purchased the Deluxe. Maybe someone was pregnant, didn’t drink alcohol, or just wasn’t a big drinker — Royal Caribbean usually let it slide.

As of August 1st, 2025, that flexibility is officially gone. Royal Caribbean has announced that it will no longer honor exceptions. If one adult in a stateroom buys the Deluxe Beverage Package, then all adults in the room must buy it — no matter the circumstance. Even medical reasons or personal preference won’t get you out of it.

What the Deluxe Package Includes

So what exactly are you paying for if you’re required to buy the Deluxe? A lot, actually. The package typically runs between $50 and $100 per person, per day, depending on your ship and when you purchase it. Here’s what you get:

• Cocktails, spirits, liqueurs, and beer
• Wines by the glass
• Still and sparkling water
• Fresh squeezed juices
• Fountain sodas
• Specialty coffees and teas
• Mocktails

On a 7-night cruise, that can total more than $700 per person. For couples or groups traveling together, that adds up fast.

The Refreshment Package (Now Off the Table If You’re Sharing a Cabin)

Before this rule change, the Refreshment Package was a popular alternative for non-drinkers. It costs about $30 to $45 per person, per day, and includes:

• Coffees and teas
• Still and sparkling water
• Fresh squeezed juice
• Mocktails
• Fountain sodas

It’s about half the price of the Deluxe, and for people who don’t drink alcohol, it offered a way to still enjoy specialty beverages without overpaying. Now, if your roommate wants the Deluxe, you’ll have to buy it, too—even if you’d rather stick with mocktails.

Why the Change?

Royal Caribbean hasn’t issued a big public announcement, but internal communications suggest the main reasons are twofold:

• Too many exceptions. Over time, more and more people were calling in to request exemptions from the rule, which made it harder for the company to manage.
• Package sharing. Even though it’s against the rules, some guests were buying one Deluxe package and splitting drinks with their cabin-mate.

To crack down, Royal Caribbean decided to remove the exceptions altogether.

How to Save Without the Package

If you’re not a heavy drinker, you might want to skip the Deluxe Package entirely and just buy your drinks à la carte. Here’s why:

• Most cocktails, beers, and wines range from $7 to $14 each.
• If you only plan to have 3–4 drinks per day, paying as you go could save you money.
• Royal Caribbean offers daily drink specials onboard that can help cut costs.

Plus, if you’re a member of the Crown & Anchor Society, you may already have perks that reduce your need for a package. Diamond members get four free drinks per day (valued up to $14 each), and Diamond Plus members get five. Casino players with Club Royal Prime status or higher also enjoy free drinks while playing.

Should You Still Buy the Deluxe Package?

If you’re the type of cruiser who loves bottomless mimosas at brunch, piña coladas by the pool, wine with dinner, and an espresso martini at the theater, then the Deluxe Beverage Package can definitely be worth it. There’s no daily limit, unlike some other cruise lines, so you can indulge without counting. But if you’re more of a casual drinker—or if you’re traveling with someone who doesn’t drink at all—this new rule can make things tricky. Suddenly, both of you are locked into a costly package, even if only one of you plans to take full advantage of it.

Royal Caribbean’s decision to enforce this rule is one of the most significant policy shifts in years. It means fewer options for cruisers who want to save money, but it also clarifies the expectations moving forward. Before you book your next sailing, make sure you factor this change into your budget — because whether you like it or not, if your roommate goes Deluxe, you’re going Deluxe, too.

Stay tuned to DFB for more cruise and travel news.

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Would this be a dealbreaker for you when booking a cruise? Tell us in the comments!