Royal Caribbean Cruises Changes Drink Package Rule

Image: Royal Caribbean is closing a popular loophole related to one of its drink packages (Photo Credit: Pexels)
Image: Royal Caribbean is closing a popular loophole related to one of its drink packages (Photo Credit: Pexels)
Sarah Kuta
by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 12:00 PM ET, Wed August 6, 2025

Royal Caribbean is closing a popular loophole related to one of its drink packages.

Typically, if one guest in a stateroom wants to buy a Deluxe Beverage Package for all-inclusive alcoholic drinks, then all of the travelers staying in that stateroom must also buy one.

However, Royal Caribbean previously allowed guests to call and ask for an exception, letting them swap to the non-alcoholic Royal Refreshment package instead. 

However, as of August 1, guests can no longer be excused from purchasing the Deluxe Beverage Package if other travelers in their stateroom have purchased one. 

Cruise line officials made the change in response to an increase in requests for exceptions, which were originally intended for individuals in recovery and those with medical conditions that prevent them from drinking.

Some guests were using the loophole as a way to save money, by purchasing only one drink package and then sharing it—which is against the rules.

Topics From This Article to Explore

Featured Video

Get To Know Us Better

Advertise with UsTravelPulse Canada has been voted #1 by Travel Advisors in Canada year after year.. Let us help you connect with them.
Follow us on Social MediaDaily updates on Travel industry news and events across our social media channels stay current follow along!
Advertise with UsTravelPulse Canada has been voted #1 by Travel Advisors in Canada year after year.. Let us help you connect with them.
Follow us on Social MediaDaily updates on Travel industry news and events across our social media channels stay current follow along!

Become A Travel Expert

Upcoming Webinar
Worry-Free Access to the World - Part 1Monday, July 13, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for Worry-Free Access to the World, a webinar...
Upcoming Webinar
Asia Travel That SellsWednesday, July 29, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for an in depth webinar on Asia travel. Explore...
Watch Now!
Small Groups, Big AdventuresThursday, June 18, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Trafalgar and Insight Vacations for an exclusive launch webinar introducing 56 new Small Group...
Upcoming Webinar
Worry-Free Access to the World - Part 1Monday, July 13, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for Worry-Free Access to the World, a webinar...
Upcoming Webinar
Asia Travel That SellsWednesday, July 29, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for an in depth webinar on Asia travel. Explore...
Watch Now!
Small Groups, Big AdventuresThursday, June 18, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Trafalgar and Insight Vacations for an exclusive launch webinar introducing 56 new Small Group...