If you’re planning a Royal Caribbean cruise and considering the Deluxe Beverage Package (Royal Caribbean’s alcohol package), you might wonder: what if only one person in the stateroom drinks? This is a common question for couples where one enjoys cocktails, wine, or beer, and the other sticks to non-alcoholic beverages.
The good news is that it’s possible to purchase the Deluxe Beverage Package for just one person—but there are specific policies and steps you need to follow. Let’s break it down.
Royal Caribbean’s Drink Package Policy
Royal Caribbean has a general rule:
- If one adult (21 or older) in a stateroom purchases the Deluxe Beverage Package, all adults in the same stateroom are required to purchase it.
This policy is designed to prevent sharing of package benefits between guests.
Exceptions to the Rule
There are exceptions for situations where one guest does not drink alcohol due to:
- Medical reasons.
- Religious beliefs.
- Personal preference.
In these cases, Royal Caribbean allows the non-drinker to skip the Deluxe Beverage Package, but they may require the purchase of a Refreshment Package instead. The Refreshment Package includes:
- Specialty coffees and teas.
- Fresh-squeezed juices.
- Soda and a Coca-Cola Freestyle cup.
- Bottled water.
💡 Pro Tip: If the non-drinker only plans to have a few beverages during the cruise, buying drinks à la carte might still be more economical than purchasing a package.
How to Request an Exemption
To purchase the Deluxe Beverage Package for just one person in your stateroom:
- Book the Deluxe Package Online: During the pre-cruise planning stage, purchase the package for the drinking guest.
- Contact Royal Caribbean Customer Service: Call or email Royal Caribbean and explain the situation. Be ready to provide the reason for the exemption.
- Confirm the Refreshment Package: If required, purchase the Refreshment Package for the non-drinking guest.
Important: Make this request before your sailing. While exceptions can sometimes be arranged onboard, it’s much easier to handle in advance.
Is It Worth It?
The Deluxe Beverage Package is an excellent value for guests who enjoy multiple alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks each day. To decide if it’s worth it for one person:
- Consider how many drinks you’ll have daily. A few cocktails, specialty coffees, and bottled waters can easily add up to the package cost.
- Compare with à la carte pricing for both guests.
For the non-drinking guest, the Refreshment Package is a great alternative if they enjoy soda, specialty coffees, or juices. If their drink consumption is minimal, sticking with à la carte may save money.
Final Thoughts
Yes, you can purchase the Deluxe Beverage Package (alcohol package) for just one person in your stateroom, but it requires a little planning. Be sure to request an exemption for the other guest and weigh the costs to see if the package is the best fit for your cruise experience.