Royal Caribbean’s Refreshment Package Reviewed: The Best Non-Alcoholic Option?

The Refreshment Package is a versatile and comprehensive non-alcoholic beverage option available to guests on Royal Caribbean cruises. Designed to cater to those who want more than just standard sodas, this package provides an impressive variety of drinks to elevate your cruising experience. In this article, we will take a closer look at all the features this package offers, giving you a complete understanding of why it might be the right choice for your next cruise. Whether you’re interested in starting your day with a premium coffee, staying refreshed with sparkling water, or enjoying a flavorful mocktail in the evening, the Refreshment Package ensures a diverse selection that fits any occasion.

What’s Included in the Refreshment Package?

The Refreshment Package offers a wider variety of non-alcoholic drinks compared to the Classic Soda Package. It is designed for guests who enjoy a mix of refreshing options beyond just soda during their cruise. This package includes:

Unlimited Fountain Soda: Enjoy all the fountain soda you like at any venue on the ship
Coca-Cola® Freestyle® Beverages: Access over 100 flavors using the Coca-Cola Freestyle machines available on select ships
Souvenir Cup: Receive a complimentary, refillable Coca-Cola souvenir cup to use throughout your voyage
Non-Alcoholic Cocktails (Mocktails): Enjoy expertly crafted mocktails prepared by Royal Caribbean’s talented bartenders to add a touch of fun to your evenings
Bottled Still and Sparkling Water: Stay hydrated throughout your journey with unlimited bottled still and sparkling water, available at all venues
Premium Coffees and Teas: Start your mornings or relax in the afternoons with a selection of high-quality coffees and teas, including lattes, cappuccinos, and specialty brews
Fresh-Squeezed Juices: Enjoy freshly squeezed juices available throughout the day for a boost of natural flavor and vitamins

As of October 2024, the package price typically ranges from $29.00 to $38.00 per person, per day, plus an 18% service charge. Prices may vary depending on the ship and sailing date.

The Refreshment Package is an excellent choice for guests who want a variety of non-alcoholic beverage options. Whether you enjoy premium coffees in the morning, fresh juices during lunch, or a mocktail in the evening, this package ensures you have an array of drinks available at all times. With access to Coca-Cola Freestyle machines, you can still enjoy your favorite sodas along with other premium options, making your time on board even more enjoyable.

What’s Not Included

The Refreshment Package is limited to non-alcoholic beverages only. It does not include alcoholic drinks. If you’re looking for a more inclusive beverage experience that includes alcoholic options, you may want to explore Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe Beverage Package. Below, you’ll find a comparison table that highlights the key differences, making it easier to choose the package that best suits your preferences and needs.

	Classic Soda Package	Refreshment Package	Deluxe Beverage Package
Pricing	$	$$	$$$
Coca-Cola® Freestyle beverages beverages	✓	✓	✓
Coca-Cola souvernir cup included	✓	✓	✓
Fountain sodas and refills	✓	✓	✓
Premium coffees and teas		✓	✓
Fresh squeezed juices		✓	✓
Bottled still and sparkling water		✓	✓
Non-alcoholic cocktails		✓	✓
Milkshakes at Johnny Rockets		✓	✓
Cocktails, spirits, liqueurs and beer			✓
Wines by the glass			✓
	Link	Link	Link

All Beverage Packages exclude any beverages served inside licensed Starbucks® stores.

What Guests Are Saying About the Refreshment Package

Guest feedback on the Refreshment Package has been mixed, with opinions varying based on individual tastes and expectations. Many travelers appreciate the package for its variety, particularly the ability to enjoy unlimited specialty coffees, mocktails, and freshly squeezed juices throughout their journey. For coffee lovers, the package is especially valued for providing access to premium Starbucks-style drinks that aren’t typically available with complimentary options, making it a popular choice for those who rely on their daily caffeine fix.

However, some guests have noted that the package may not provide enough value for its cost unless you are someone who frequently enjoys multiple drinks throughout the day. The mocktails, while visually appealing, were often described as overly sweet, containing high amounts of sugary syrups and carbonation. Additionally, there were some limitations with the fresh juice options, as orange juice was the only variety offered, which fell short of some guests’ expectations.

For those focused on health-conscious choices, the high sugar content in many drinks was a downside, and unless you plan on drinking a significant number of beverages each day, it may be challenging to get your money’s worth. On the other hand, families with children and those who enjoy experimenting with different non-alcoholic cocktails found the package convenient and fun.

Overall, the Refreshment Package is well-suited for guests who want diverse non-alcoholic drink options, especially if they enjoy specialty coffees, mocktails, and juices regularly. However, for those who prefer simpler beverages or want to keep sugar intake low, opting for individual purchases instead of the full package might be more practical. Ultimately, assessing your own drinking preferences and habits is key to determining whether this package is worth the investment for your cruise. However, it might not be the best value for those who only occasionally enjoy such drinks or have a preference for low-sugar options. Consider your drinking habits and preferences before deciding if this package is the best choice for your upcoming Royal Caribbean adventure.