You daydream about your next Royal Caribbean cruise, the open ocean, warm sunshine, and a refreshing drink in your hand. Then you remember how expensive drinks were on your last cruise. The good news is that you can actually enjoy free drinks on Royal Caribbean cruises if you know where to look.
Many guests do not realize that Royal Caribbean includes several complimentary drinks as part of the cruise fare. From my own Royal Caribbean cruise experience, knowing which drinks are included is a big advantage for cruisers who do not buy a drink package and still want to enjoy their time onboard.
In this guide, I’m sharing clear details about which beverages are free on Royal Caribbean, so you can plan ahead and enjoy your cruise without unnecessary spending.
What Drinks Are Free on Royal Caribbean?
Free beverages are available at different times and locations across the ship, making it easy to enjoy drinks without extra cost.
Royal Caribbean also has many specialty bars, and drink prices onboard can be quite high, which is why it is advisable to check the Drink Prices and Bar Menus before your cruise.
Tap Water
Royal Caribbean provides free tap water throughout their ships, so you can stay hydrated without worrying about extra costs. Whether you are enjoying a meal in the Main Dining Room or sampling international cuisines at the Windjammer buffet, tap water is always available.
The tap water onboard is thoroughly filtered and safe for drinking. Stateroom tap water is also safe, though it may not always be chilled. If you prefer cold water, you can easily request ice from your room attendant.
For guests who like to carry a water bottle, Royal Caribbean recommends filling it using a clean glass rather than directly from the dispensers to maintain hygiene.
Note: Bottled water is not included in the cruise fare and must be purchased separately or brought on board.
Milk
Milk is available for free on most Royal Caribbean ships. At the Windjammer buffet, you can find regular milk, half-and-half, and skimmed milk near the coffee and cereal stations. Guests can also request almond or soy milk if preferred.
For those staying in suites, you can ask room service for your preferred type of milk at no extra cost. On ships with in-room kettles, which is common on UK sailings, small pots of milk are usually provided in the cabin.
If you need dairy-free milk for morning drinks or whole milk for infants and toddlers, simply contact room service to have it delivered to your room. Most cabins are equipped with refrigerators, making it convenient to store milk safely throughout your cruise.
Hot Tea
Tea lovers on Royal Caribbean cruises have plenty of options in both the Main Dining Room and the Windjammer buffet. You can enjoy a wide variety of teas, including Earl Grey, English Breakfast, black tea, green tea, orange tea, peppermint, chamomile, and other herbal blends, ensuring there is something for every tea lover.
For guests departing from the UK, staterooms are often equipped with a kettle and tea bags. This thoughtful touch reflects Royal Caribbean’s attention to the British morning tea tradition and makes it convenient to enjoy a hot cup of tea anytime in your cabin.
Iced Tea
Royal Caribbean also offers iced tea for guests who enjoy their tea chilled. It is available at the Windjammer Marketplace buffet throughout the day. This refreshing beverage is lightly sweetened, making it perfect for sipping while relaxing by the pool or enjoying the ship’s outdoor spaces.
If you like adding a slice of lemon to your iced tea, simply ask a staff member, who will be happy to provide it. This small touch enhances your onboard experience and ensures every guest can enjoy their iced tea just the way they like it.
Coffee
Royal Caribbean offers complimentary brewed coffee at several locations across their ships, including the Main Dining Room, Windjammer buffet, Café Promenade, Café Latte-tudes, Park Café, Pearl Café and through room service. Guests can choose between regular or decaf coffee and select from a variety of milk options, such as whole, semi-skimmed, skimmed, soy, or almond.
While brewed coffee is free, specialty coffees like cappuccinos and espressos are not included and may carry an additional charge. Some ships also feature Starbucks, where coffee is not complimentary. The free brewed coffee provided by Royal Caribbean is generally good in taste, though it may not match the quality of specialty coffee.
Hot Chocolate
A cup of hot chocolate is perfect for chilly nights at sea. On Royal Caribbean ships, you can find hot chocolate mix packets next to the tea bags, sweeteners, and stir sticks at the drink stations in the Windjammer buffet.
Hot chocolate is also complimentary in the Main Dining Room, Cafe Promenade, and through room service. Some ships feature Starbucks, where hot chocolate is available for purchase.
Flavored Water
In addition to complimentary tap water, Royal Caribbean ships also offer flavored waters at the Windjammer buffet. These refreshing beverages provide a tasty alternative to plain water and are lightly infused with fruit flavors, making them both enjoyable and hydrating.
Flavored waters typically come in at least two different flavors, giving guests a small but welcome variety during their cruise. They are a great option for anyone looking to stay refreshed while adding flavor to their beverage choices.
Fruit Juices and Cordials
Royal Caribbean cruises offer a variety of complimentary fruit juices throughout the day, not just at breakfast. At the Windjammer buffet in the morning, you can find classic options like apple and orange juice, as well as other types such as grapefruit or tropical breakfast blends.
Most of these juices are included in your cruise fare, making them a refreshing and healthy beverage choice. Some specialty juices including freshly squeezed options, may carry an additional charge, so it’s good to check before ordering.
Lemonade
At the Windjammer Marketplace buffet, the same stations that serve flavored water also offer complimentary lemonade. Royal Caribbean’s lemonade strikes the perfect balance between tangy and sweet, making it a refreshing choice for guests throughout the day.
The lemonade has a slightly pulpy, cloudy texture and just the right level of sweetness, making it a satisfying and thirst-quenching beverage.
Note: Fizzy lemonade drinks, such as Sprite or Minute Maid, are available on board but are not included in the cruise fare and must be purchased separately.
Free Drinks for Suite Guests on Royal Caribbean Cruises
Guests staying in a Grand Suite or higher can enjoy complimentary drinks at the Suite Lounge. On Oasis and Quantum Class ships, this includes beer and wine from 11 AM to 11 PM, with an expanded selection of alcoholic drinks available in the evening.
On some ships, free wine and cocktails are offered daily from 5 PM to 8 PM, but it’s important to note that these complimentary beverages are only available in the Suite Lounge.
If you are planning your next cruise, keep these suite perks in mind when deciding whether to purchase a deluxe beverage package. Enjoying complimentary drinks as a suite guest can add significant value and enhance your overall cruise experience.
Royal Caribbean Free Drinks for Diamond Members and Above
Let’s talk about the benefits of being a Diamond, Diamond Plus or Pinnacle member and how many Royal Caribbean free drinks you can have on your next cruise.
Free Drinks on Royal Caribbean for Diamond Members
As a Diamond member, you get 4 free drinks on Royal Caribbean every day. These drinks include various options like soft drinks, fruit juices available at the Windjammer Buffet, and specialty coffees. You can claim your Royal Caribbean free drinks at any bar on the cruise ship by using the daily vouchers loaded to your Sea Pass account.
To become a Diamond member, you need 80 cruise points with Royal Caribbean. You earn one point for every night you cruise, and double points if you stay in a Suite. This perk provides you with a daily mini happy hour throughout your entire cruise experience!
Free Drinks on Royal Caribbean for Diamond Plus Members
As a Diamond member Plus Member, you get 5 free drinks each day. Whether you fancy a refreshing soda by the pool or a high-quality coffee at the end of a day filled with activities, you won’t have to worry about the cost. You need 175 cruise points to reach Diamond Plus.
Free Drinks on Royal Caribbean for Pinnacle Members
Pinnacle members get 6 free drinks every day. You can have a fruit juice in the morning, a soft drink at lunch, a special coffee in the afternoon, and three alcoholic drinks at night. To reach Pinnacle level, you need 700 cruise points and a lot of dedication to cruising.
If you’re planning a cruise and wondering if the drink package is worth it, consider how many drinks you usually have each day. Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Anchor Society members get free drinks, so you might not need to buy a package.
But check the list of free drinks on Royal Caribbean and drink packages before deciding. These benefits are just one way the cruise line rewards its loyal members for a wonderful experience.
Free Drinks on Royal Caribbean for Special Events
Royal Caribbean cruises often offer a variety of exclusive onboard events, allowing you to enjoy delicious drinks without having to spend any money.
Art Auctions
Visiting an art auction on a Royal Caribbean cruise not only offers the opportunity to appreciate beautiful artworks, but also the chance to enjoy a complimentary glass of bubbly. The soothing rhythm of ocean waves coupled with the elegance of fine art creates an ambiance that is simply unparalleled.
Sipping on a refreshing drink as you wander through the gallery enhances the overall experience, adding a touch of luxury to your day at sea.
Crown & Anchor Parties
As a member of the Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society, you can enjoy exclusive benefits regardless of your membership level. If you’re at least a gold member, you will receive an invitation to the Welcome Back party, where you can enjoy free wine and cocktails.
Platinum members and above get invited to the Top Tier event, with free drinks and a chance to meet other cruisers. Keep an eye out for the invitations in your room. It’s a great way to have free drinks on Royal Caribbean and meet other cruisers.
Birthday Parties
You will receive an invitation to the cruise’s birthday party, if you are lucky enough to celebrate your birthday while on board, which takes place on one of the days of the cruise schedule.
You will be able to get complimentary champagne and cake.
Royal Caribbean Casino Royale
Free drinks in the Casino Royale on Royal Caribbean are only for people who have reached certain levels in the Royal Caribbean Casino Royale loyalty program.
If you have Prime, Signature, or Masters status, you can get free drinks in the casino during operating hours. If you’re not a regular casino visitor, you’ll have to pay for your own drinks while you gamble.
Which Top Cruises Offer Free Drinks?
- Royal Caribbean International: Royal Caribbean often offers free drink packages as part of their promotions, with the added perks of free non-alcoholic drinks.
- Norwegian Cruise Line: NCL has a promotion called More at Sea that lets you choose a free beverage package as one of the available perks. The free beverage package includes various alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks throughout the cruise.
- Carnival Cruise Line: Carnival Cruise Line offers Cheers beverage package. Guests can buy it for a flat fee, and they have unlimited access to both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks for the duration of their cruise.
Final Thoughts
Royal Caribbean offer a wide variety of complimentary drinks throughout the day with the Windjammer buffet and Main Dining Room being the main sources. Guests can enjoy freshly brewed coffee in the morning, refreshing iced tea at lunchtime, or a glass of wine with dinner, providing plenty of free beverage options during their cruise.
When planning your next Royal Caribbean cruise, be sure to take full advantage of these complimentary drinks. From morning coffee to evening wine, these perks allow you to stay refreshed and enjoy your cruise without worrying about extra costs. Cheers to smooth sailing and endless refreshments!
FAQs – Free Drinks on Royal Caribbean
How to Get Free Drinks on Royal Caribbean?
Passengers can join the Crown & Anchor Society to receive drink vouchers and access events with free beverages. Booking a suite or earning higher status in Casino Royale can also unlock complimentary drinks in select lounges and areas.
Can You Bring Your Own Drinks on Royal Caribbean?
Yes, guests of legal drinking age may bring one sealed 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne per sailing on embarkation day. Beer, liquor, boxed wine, and extra alcohol are not permitted and will be confiscated.
Can You Bring Soda on Royal Caribbean?
Yes, You can bring up to 12 cans, bottles, or cartons of non-alcoholic drinks per room when you board the ship. Sodas are okay, just pack them in your carry-on bag.
What if I Want Different Drinks?
If the free drinks don’t suit your taste, you can buy a Royal Caribbean drink package to enjoy premium cocktails, wines, beers, and specialty drinks without paying per drink.
Do Suites Get Free Drinks on Royal Caribbean Cruises?
Suite guests on Royal Caribbean cruises receive complimentary beverages in Suite Lounge, but not all over the ship.
Do Diamond Members Get Free Drinks on Royal Caribbean?
Yes, Diamond Members receive four complimentary drinks per day, valued up to $14 ($13 on Singapore sailings and $15 on UK and Australia sailings), excluding Starbucks, Bionic Bar, and Desserted Milkshake Bar.
Are Soft Drinks Free on Royal Caribbean Cruises?
Soft drinks are not free on Royal Caribbean cruises. They are available for purchase individually or through a beverage package like the Soda Package, which offers unlimited fountain soda for a daily fee.
Are Alcoholic Drinks Free on Royal Caribbean Cruises?
Alcoholic drinks are not free on Royal Caribbean. They can be purchased individually or through beverage packages like the Deluxe Beverage Package, which covers unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks for a daily fee.
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