Are Cruise Drink Packages Really Worth It on Royal Caribbean in 2026?
If you’re planning a trip on Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas, one of the biggest questions you’ll probably ask is: Are the cruise drink packages really worth it?
The honest answer? It really comes down to your personal travel style and what you want out of your cruise.
💭 It All Depends on Your Travel Style
Drink packages can be worth it, but only in certain situations.
If you’re going on this cruise with a big group of friends and your goal is to party, relax, and have drinks flowing all day, then yes—the package can absolutely be worth it. You won’t have to think twice about ordering another cocktail, and it can make the whole experience feel more carefree.
But if your cruise is more about exploring at the ports, doing excursions, seeing shows, and enjoying the ship beyond just drinking, then it’s a different story. On a ship like this—especially sailing with Royal Caribbean—there’s a lot to do, and you may not actually drink enough to justify the cost.
💸 How Much Do Drinks Cost?
To figure out if the package makes sense, you need to know what you’d normally spend:
- Beer: about $7-9
- Cocktails: about $12-$18
When you add that up, you really have to drink a lot every day to break even on a drink package. It’s not just a couple drinks by the pool—you’re looking at multiple drinks throughout the day, every day.
🍹 Easy Ways to Save Without the Package
One thing many people overlook is how easy it is to save money without buying the full drink package.
Onboard, there are usually “Drink of the Day” specials, where a featured cocktail is discounted—often around $5 off. If you plan around those, you can enjoy drinks without paying full price every time.
Even better, on Utopia of the Seas specifically, there are some great happy hour deals. For example:
- $5 margaritas from 4 PM – 6 PM
That’s a huge discount compared to regular cocktail prices, and a great way to enjoy drinks without overspending.
Also, if you want the fun tropical cocktails, you can still get those without the alcohol and it really doesn’t change the taste at all, and a virgin cocktail will save you about $6 per drink and keep you, and your wallet, sharp throughout the day.
⚖️ So…Are the Cruise Drink Packages Worth It?
Here’s the bottom line:
- ✅ Worth it if you’re traveling with friends and plan to drink consistently throughout the day
- If you’re looking to party, go to clubs, bars and let loose
- ❌ Not worth it if you’re a casual drinker or plan to spend lots of time exploring ports, doing activities, and watching shows
If you know you’ll be drinking a lot, go for it—you’ll likely get your money’s worth and enjoy the convenience.
But if you’re more of a casual drinker, you can easily save money by skipping the package and taking advantage of onboard deals like drink specials and happy hours.
You can still “get a buzz” and feel good, even without the drink package. Your head and your wallet will thank you.
In Nassau? Try a Rum Tasting & Food Tour here!
🧭 Final Thought
The drink package isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. It really depends on how you want to experience your cruise.
If your vibe is party mode with friends, it’s a great add-on and very convenient when ordering drinks at the bar.
If your vibe is relax, explore the ports, and enjoy the experience, you’re better off paying per drink and being strategic.
We opted to not get the drink package. Over the course of the cruise, we still got to have plenty of drinks, took advantage of the deals, and still got to have fun drinking all while saving tons of money in the process.
Either way, you’ll still have an amazing time onboard—you just want to spend your money where it actually makes sense for your trip. 🍹🚢
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