Do both people have to get the drink package on Royal Caribbean?

Decoding the Drink Package Dilemma: Does Everyone in Your Royal Caribbean Cabin Need One?

Planning a Royal Caribbean cruise often involves navigating a sea of options, from shore excursions to dining packages. One of the most frequently asked questions, especially for first-time cruisers, revolves around the beverage packages: “Does everyone in my cabin have to buy one?” The answer, particularly regarding the sought-after Deluxe Beverage Package, is a resounding yes, with a few caveats.

Royal Caribbean’s policy generally mandates that all adults of legal drinking age (typically 21 in North America-based itineraries) sharing a stateroom must purchase the same beverage package if one person chooses to get it. This applies primarily to the Deluxe Beverage Package, the most comprehensive option offering a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Why this “all or none” approach?

The reasoning behind this policy boils down to fairness and manageability. Here’s a breakdown:

• Preventing Sharing: The policy directly addresses the potential for one person with a package to purchase drinks for others in their group who haven’t paid for it. Without this rule, the system would be easily abused, significantly impacting Royal Caribbean’s revenue and the overall experience for everyone.
• Streamlining Operations: Imagine the chaos of bartenders having to verify who is and isn’t entitled to package benefits for every single drink order. This policy simplifies the process, allowing for faster and more efficient service.
• Maintaining Value: The price of the beverage package is calculated based on the expected consumption patterns of an individual. If sharing were allowed, the value proposition for the cruise line would be undermined, potentially leading to higher prices for everyone.
• Ensuring a Consistent Experience: Royal Caribbean aims to provide a consistent and enjoyable experience for all its guests. By requiring everyone in a stateroom to commit to the same package, they strive to eliminate situations where some passengers feel excluded or resentful of others’ access to certain beverages.

Are there any exceptions to the rule?

While the “everyone in the stateroom” policy is generally enforced, there are a few potential exceptions:

• Medical Exemptions: If a passenger has a documented medical condition preventing them from consuming alcohol or certain beverages included in the package, they may be able to apply for an exemption. However, this requires providing official documentation and is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
• Underage Passengers: Obviously, passengers under the legal drinking age are not required to purchase the Deluxe Beverage Package. They may be eligible for a non-alcoholic beverage package or can simply purchase drinks individually.
• Alternative Packages: Royal Caribbean offers a variety of beverage packages. A passenger might consider a more basic package for themselves, such as the Refreshment Package (non-alcoholic), allowing the other passenger in the stateroom to forgo a package altogether and pay as they go. However, this option does not include alcohol for either guest.

Planning your cruise with the Drink Package Policy in Mind:

Understanding this policy is crucial when budgeting for your Royal Caribbean cruise. Consider the drinking habits of everyone in your party. If only one person is a frequent consumer of alcoholic beverages, it might not be financially beneficial for everyone to purchase the Deluxe Beverage Package.

Carefully weigh the costs of purchasing a package versus paying for drinks individually. Use online calculators and sample menus to estimate your potential consumption.

In conclusion, while the requirement for all eligible adults in a stateroom to purchase the Deluxe Beverage Package might seem restrictive, it’s a necessary measure to ensure fairness, manageability, and a consistent experience for all Royal Caribbean cruisers. Thoroughly research your options and plan accordingly to make the most of your vacation.