For many cruisers, drink packages have become as essential as sunscreen: convenient, indulgent, and a frequent topic of debate. Whether you drink heavily or just enjoy the occasional cocktail, the decision to buy a package often comes down to cost and value.
For years, some cruisers quietly relied on a lesser-known workaround that let them save money, especially in cabins where one person drank and the other didn’t.
That workaround is now gone, and the change has caught a lot of regular cruisers off guard. Royal Caribbean recently updated its policy, and it’s already stirring frustration among guests. Here’s what changed, why it matters, and what people are saying.
The Quiet Policy Shift That’s Catching Cruisers Off Guard
As of August 1, 2025, Royal Caribbean has officially closed a drinks package loophole that many seasoned cruisers quietly relied on. When a passenger purchases the Deluxe Beverage Package (the line’s unlimited alcohol option) the rules have long required that all other adults in the same stateroom purchase it too.
Until now, guests could sometimes call in and request an exemption, allowing a non-drinking cabinmate to opt for a cheaper non-alcoholic package instead, like the Refreshment or Soda package. It wasn’t a guaranteed workaround, but it was widely known—and often approved.
This wasn’t a publicly advertised policy, and the outcome was never guaranteed, but it was widely known and often approved—especially for those with medical conditions, religious restrictions, or simply personal preference.
That flexibility has now been eliminated. In a statement, Royal Caribbean confirmed: “Beginning August 1, Royal Caribbean will no longer be able to grant exceptions to our policy that both guests in a stateroom must purchase the Deluxe Beverage Package.”
While the new policy only applies to the Deluxe Beverage Package, it removes all possibility of exemptions going forward.
Here’s What Pushed Royal to Finally Crack Down
Royal Caribbean says the change was driven by growing abuse of the system. Guests who received exemptions were sometimes sharing drinks with their cabinmates—something that’s always been against the rules.
Since the exemption process relied entirely on the honor system, there was no real way to enforce it. Over time, word spread among cruisers, and the number of exception requests reportedly spiked. What started as a courtesy for a small number of guests became a widespread workaround.
In response, the cruise line decided to shut it down entirely. A spokesperson explained, “This change allows us to ensure guests are consuming their beverage package responsibly.” Royal says the move is meant to create consistency and curb the loss of revenue caused by shared benefits.
Check out this article to learn why cruisers are ditching Royal Caribbean’s drink package and what they’re doing instead.
What This Rule Change Could Cost You
For cruisers, the new rule is simple and strict. If one adult in a stateroom purchases Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe Beverage Package, every adult in that room must now purchase it as well.
Previously, guests in specific situations such as those in recovery, pregnant travelers, religious non-drinkers, or those who simply didn’t drink much could request an exemption and choose a lower-tier non-alcoholic package instead. That option is no longer available, regardless of personal circumstance.
The financial impact is significant. Couples who used to mix packages could save nearly 490 dollars on a typical seven-night cruise. Without that flexibility, some guests are rethinking their plans entirely and considering other cruise lines like MSC or Celebrity, which might offer more customizable drink policies.
The change may also affect Royal Caribbean’s bottom line, as cabins with only one drinker may now skip the package altogether. And with no official word from the cruise line on whether previously approved exemptions will be honored, many guests are left uncertain. Some have already reported that their prior approvals have been denied.
Smart Ways to Drink Without Breaking the Bank
Even without a drink package, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy drinks on board without overspending:
Buy Drinks à la Carte: If you’re a light or moderate drinker, paying per drink is often the smarter option. You’ll likely spend far less than the daily cost of the Deluxe Beverage Package, especially if you’re not drinking heavily each day.
Watch for Daily Specials: Royal Caribbean typically offers a “Drink of the Day” at a discounted price. These deals rotate daily and are usually advertised at bars throughout the ship.
Bring Your Own Wine: Each adult is allowed to bring one bottle of wine or champagne on board during embarkation. As long as you drink it in your stateroom, there’s no corkage fee, making it one of the most budget-friendly options available.
Leverage Loyalty Perks: Guests with Diamond status in the Crown & Anchor Society receive four free drinks per day, which can quickly add up over the course of a cruise. Casino Royale Prime members also enjoy unlimited complimentary drinks—but only at the casino bar.
Book Early and Watch for Sales: If you do want a package, booking in advance during a sale is your best bet. Royal Caribbean frequently offers discounts of 35 to 50 percent off the standard onboard prices when packages are purchased ahead of time.
Social Media Reactions: Frustration, Fairness, and Fallout
The backlash to Royal Caribbean’s policy change has been swift and passionate across social media. Many cruisers expressed frustration that a few dishonest guests have ruined things for everyone else.
“Only takes a few to ruin it for everyone,” one commenter wrote, a sentiment repeated across platforms. Others felt the company had overcorrected, with one guest saying, “We’re being punished for others’ dishonesty,” and another asking, “My husband is a recovering alcoholic—now I have to buy two full packages?”
There’s also widespread disappointment that Royal didn’t attempt better enforcement before implementing such a sweeping change. “Royal didn’t improve enforcement. They just punished honest people,” one cruiser wrote.
Many noted that people had openly bragged about sharing drink packages online, making this crackdown feel inevitable. Some loyal Royal guests say they’ll now drink only in port or switch to lines like MSC. “This move is shortsighted,” one person commented. “Royal will lose revenue long-term.”
Final Thoughts: Should You Still Buy a Drink Package?
With the exemption option now off the table, it’s more important than ever to weigh whether a drink package actually makes sense for you. Ask yourself: will you realistically drink enough each day to justify the cost?
And if you’re traveling with someone who doesn’t drink at all, is it still worth paying for two full packages? Royal Caribbean offers a drink package calculator that can help you run the numbers before you commit—something every cruiser should do now that the rules have changed.
For many guests, skipping the package or simply planning smarter might be the better option. There are still plenty of ways to enjoy drinks on board without overspending, especially if you’re a light drinker or can take advantage of loyalty perks.
Whether you agree with Royal Caribbean’s decision or find it frustrating, one thing is clear: the policy isn’t changing anytime soon. Planning ahead is now more important than ever if you want to enjoy your cruise without overspending.
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