Cruising, Royal Caribbean, Drink Packages

Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe Beverage Package Policy Change: What It Means for Your Next Cruise

Planning a Royal Caribbean vacation and eyeing the Deluxe Beverage Package? Recent policy changes for 2026 quietly reshaped what’s included, who has to buy it, and how much value you actually get. Here’s a clear, consumer-focused breakdown so you can decide if it still makes sense for you and your travel companions.

The Big Change: Freestyle Cup No Longer Included

As of March 15, 2026, Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe Beverage Package no longer includes the popular Coca‑Cola souvenir cup or automatic access to the Coca‑Cola Freestyle machines. The same is true for the Royal Refreshment Package.1 If you want to use the Freestyle machines, you now need to buy the cup onboard for a one-time fee of $4.99 per sailing.

The good news: the Classic Soda Package is unchanged. It still includes the souvenir cup and unlimited Freestyle access, so soda fans who don’t need alcohol may find this option more appealing than before.2

📌 Key Takeaway: With Deluxe or Refreshment, budget an extra $4.99 if you love mixing your own Freestyle sodas; otherwise, you’ll be limited to canned and fountain sodas served by staff.

Already Booked? You Might Be Grandfathered In

If you purchased the Deluxe or Refreshment Package on or before March 15, 2026, you’re in luck. Royal Caribbean has confirmed that these guests are “grandfathered in”, meaning you will still receive the souvenir cup and Freestyle access at no extra charge for that sailing.3

If you are unsure when you bought your package, log into your Cruise Planner or contact Royal Caribbean or your travel agent to confirm. For many families who booked early, this can represent real savings, especially if multiple people in the cabin are soda drinkers.

The Strict “All Adults Must Purchase” Rule

Another major shift affects how couples and groups budget. Since August 2025, Royal Caribbean has enforced a firm rule: if one adult in a stateroom buys the Deluxe Beverage Package, all adults of legal drinking age in that same stateroom must also purchase it—with no exceptions.4

In the past, a non‑drinking partner could sometimes opt for the cheaper Refreshment Package instead. That flexibility is gone. Even if your spouse hardly drinks or abstains for medical or personal reasons, they will still be required to purchase the Deluxe Package if you do. For a seven‑night cruise, that can add hundreds of dollars to your total vacation cost.

The “all adults must purchase” rule can double drink package costs for couples.

What Still Comes with the Deluxe Beverage Package

Aside from the Freestyle cup change, the core benefits of the Deluxe Beverage Package remain intact.5 You still get:

• Cocktails, spirits, liqueurs, and beer up to the current price limit (typically around $14 per drink)

• Wine by the glass within the same limit, plus discounts on bottled wine

• Mocktails, milkshakes where available, and a wide variety of soft drinks

• Bottled still and sparkling water, specialty coffees and teas (excluding licensed Starbucks venues), and fresh juices

For guests who enjoy several alcoholic drinks a day plus specialty coffees and bottled water, the value can still be strong—especially when purchased during a sale in the Cruise Planner, where discounts of up to around 50% off the onboard price are sometimes offered.6

How to Decide if the Package Still Works for You

For individuals and couples, the 2026 policy changes make it more important than ever to run the numbers. Ask yourself:

• How many alcoholic drinks will I realistically have each day? If it’s only one or two, à la carte might be cheaper.

• Does every adult in my cabin drink enough to justify the cost? Remember, everyone of legal drinking age must buy Deluxe if one person does.

• Is Freestyle access a must‑have? If yes, add $4.99 per person for the cup—or consider the Classic Soda Package for non‑drinkers.

💡 Pro Tip: Watch Cruise Planner pricing and rebook if the rate drops before your sail date—Royal Caribbean often allows cancellations and repurchases up to 48 hours before departure.

Final Thoughts for 2026 Cruisers

Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe Beverage Package still offers a convenient, all‑inclusive feel for your vacation, but the 2026 policy changes mean it’s no longer a simple “set it and forget it” decision. With Freestyle access now a paid extra and a strict “all adults must purchase” rule, individuals and couples need to think carefully about their drinking habits and cabin setup before committing.

Take a few minutes to estimate your daily drink spend, compare it to the discounted pre‑cruise price, and factor in the added $4.99 cup if you love Freestyle sodas. With a bit of planning, you can choose the package—or combination of packages—that delivers the best value for your Royal Caribbean getaway in 2026 and beyond.