We’ve all been there, standing on the gangway, the scent of the ocean breeze in our hair, a delicious sense of anticipation bubbling within us. For many of us, this feeling heralds the start of an unforgettable cruise vacation. And as we plan our escape aboard the magnificent Star of the Seas, one question inevitably pops up: what about the drinks? Specifically, the Star of the Seas Drink Package: is it worth the cost? It’s a query that sparks lively debate amongst even the most seasoned cruisers, and for good reason. It’s a significant investment, and we want to make sure every penny contributes to our ultimate enjoyment. So, let’s dive in and explore this popular topic with the knowledge and experience we’ve accumulated over countless voyages.
Before we can even begin to weigh the pros and cons, we need to understand what’s actually on offer. Royal Caribbean, known for its diverse offerings, provides a spectrum of drink packages designed to cater to various preferences and budgets. It’s not a one-size-fits-all situation, and that’s a good thing! Understanding the nuances of each package is the first crucial step in making an informed decision for our cruise booking.
The Refreshment Package: Sipping Smart, Staying Hydrated
For those of us who prefer non-alcoholic beverages, or perhaps just want to ensure we’re never parched, the Refreshment Package is a fantastic option.
- What’s Included: This package typically covers an extensive range of non-alcoholic drinks. Think specialty coffees from places like Cafe Promenade, fresh-squeezed juices, premium teas, bottled water (a lifesaver on shore excursions!), sparkling water, and even non-alcoholic cocktails. For us, the ability to grab a refreshing iced tea or a fancy latte whenever the mood strikes, without a second thought, truly enhances the feeling of a carefree cruise vacation.
- Who It’s For: This is ideal for families with children, designated drivers (though we’re all on vacation, someone has to be sensible!), or those who simply don’t consume alcohol. It also makes a lot of sense for us who might be doing a “dry” cruise or are focusing on wellness. We’ve seen many frequent cruisers opt for this package, even if they occasionally enjoy an alcoholic drink, simply because they get so much value from the included specialty coffees and bottled water.
The Deluxe Beverage Package: All-Inclusive Indulgence
This is the big one, the one that often sparks the most discussion. The Deluxe Beverage Package is Royal Caribbean’s most comprehensive offering, designed for those who want to enjoy a wide variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks without constantly checking their onboard account.
- What’s Included: Prepare yourselves for a truly extensive list! This package generally includes everything in the Refreshment Package, plus cocktails, spirits, liqueurs, beer, wine by the glass (up to a certain price point, which is usually quite generous), and often a discount on bottles of wine. We’ve found that the sheer freedom of ordering virtually any drink without hesitation is a huge draw for many. From that morning mimosa to an evening nightcap, it’s all covered.
- Price Point Considerations: This package is undoubtedly the most expensive, and its cost can vary significantly depending on the itinerary, the length of the cruise, and any ongoing promotions. We’ve noticed that prices tend to be higher for longer cruises and on newer ships like the Star of the Seas, reflecting the premium experience. It’s crucial to factor this into our overall cruise booking budget.
The Soda Package: Simple Sips for Soft Drink Lovers
For those who simply enjoy an endless supply of their favorite fizzy beverages, the Soda Package is a straightforward and economical choice.
- What’s Included: This package provides unlimited fountain soda and a complimentary Coca-Cola souvenir cup. It’s simple, effective, and keeps us refreshed throughout the day.
- Who It’s For: Perfect for kids, teenagers, and adults who enjoy soft drinks but don’t require specialty coffees or alcoholic beverages. We often recommend this for families with children who are old enough to appreciate their own refillable cup.
If you’re considering the Star of the Seas Drink Package and wondering whether it offers good value for your money, you might find it helpful to explore related topics about cruising. For instance, an insightful article titled “Why You Should Cruise to the ABC Islands: Best Cruise Lines & What to Expect” discusses various aspects of cruising, including the amenities and experiences offered by different cruise lines. This can provide you with a broader perspective on what to expect during your journey, which may help you decide if the drink package is worth the cost. You can read the article here: Why You Should Cruise to the ABC Islands.
Crunching the Numbers: Is the Value There?
Now comes the moment of truth: the financial analysis. This is where we put on our budgeting hats and figure out if the Star of the Seas Drink Package truly offers value for us. This isn’t just about the sticker price; it’s about our drinking habits and how we plan to enjoy our cruise vacation.
Understanding Daily Costs vs. Package Price
Royal Caribbean typically prices its drink packages on a per-person, per-day basis. We’ve seen these prices fluctuate, but generally, the Deluxe Beverage Package can range from $70-$100+ per person, per day, before gratuities. The Refreshment Package is considerably less, usually in the $20-$30 per person, per day range.
- Average Drink Prices Onboard: To truly assess the value, we need to know what individual drinks cost. Here’s a general idea:
- Cocktails: $13-$17
- Wine by the glass: $10-$15
- Beer: $7-$9
- Specialty Coffee: $4-$6
- Fresh Juice: $5-$7
- Bottled Water: $3-$5
- Soda: $3-$4
- The Breakeven Point: This is where we calculate how many drinks we’d need to consume daily to “break even” on the package cost. For the Deluxe Beverage Package, for example, if it’s $80 per day, and cocktails average $14, we’d need to consume at least 6 cocktails (or a combination of drinks equivalent to that value) each day to justify the cost. For the Refreshment Package at $25 a day, we’d need about 5 specialty coffees or fresh juices.
Factors Influencing Our Decision: Beyond Just Drinks
While the numbers are important, our cruise vacation is about more than just economics. Several other factors play a significant role in deciding if a drink package is right for us.
- Our Drinking Habits: This is the most crucial factor. Are we light drinkers, moderate, or do we enjoy several beverages throughout the day? Be honest with yourselves! We’ve seen many cruisers overestimate their consumption.
- The Length of Our Cruise: On a shorter 3-4 night cruise, it might be harder to justify the Deluxe package, especially if we have port-heavy itineraries. On a 7-night or longer cruise, there are more sea days to enjoy the package’s full potential.
- Port-Heavy vs. Sea-Day Intensive Itineraries: If our cruise visits a new cruise port almost every day, we’ll likely be off the ship for significant portions of the day, consuming drinks ashore. This reduces our onboard consumption and might make a package less worthwhile. However, if we have several sea days, the package can be a fantastic way to relax and indulge.
- Pre-Cruise Discounts: Royal Caribbean often offers discounts on drink packages if we purchase them pre-cruise through the Cruise Planner. These can sometimes be 10-30% off the onboard price, making the package a more attractive option. Always check your cruise booking portal for these deals!
The Freedom Factor: The Intangible Value of a Drink Package
Beyond the pure financial calculations, there’s an undeniable “freedom factor” that comes with a drink package, especially the Deluxe Beverage Package. We’ve heard it time and time again from happy cruisers, and we definitely feel it ourselves.
Eliminating the “Bill Shock” Worry
One of the biggest advantages of a drink package is the peace of mind it offers. When we have the package, we no longer need to worry about the escalating bill at the end of our cruise vacation. We can order another specialty coffee, an extra glass of wine with dinner, or a celebratory cocktail without a moment’s hesitation. This psychological comfort truly enhances the relaxed vibe of being on a cruise ship.
Enhanced Onboard Experience
Think about it:
- Trying New Things: With a package, we’re more inclined to experiment with new cocktails or try a wine we wouldn’t normally order, simply because there’s no additional cost. This expands our palate and adds an element of culinary adventure to our trip.
- Convenience and Speed: No need to sign a receipt every time we order a drink. A quick swipe of our SeaPass card, and we’re good to go. This streamlines the experience, especially in busy bars.
- Feeling Truly All-Inclusive: While Royal Caribbean isn’t truly all-inclusive, having the Deluxe Beverage Package makes it feel much closer. It removes one more financial decision point from our daily cruise experience, allowing us to simply enjoy the journey. This is particularly appealing for us frequent cruisers who appreciate a seamless experience.
The Social Aspect
A drink package can also enhance the social aspect of our cruise. Sharing a round with new friends, or simply offering to buy one without worrying about the cost, can foster a more open and generous atmosphere. We often find ourselves lingering longer in bars and lounges, enjoying the camaraderie without constantly eyeing our wallets.
Potential Downsides and Alternatives to Consider
While we’ve highlighted the many benefits, it wouldn’t be a comprehensive guide if we didn’t also explore the potential downsides and some excellent alternatives. Not every cruise vacation calls for a full drink package, and that’s perfectly fine!
The “Over-Consumption” Trap
One of the biggest dangers of a drink package, particularly the Deluxe option, is the temptation to over-consume. We might feel compelled to “get our money’s worth” by drinking more than we normally would. This can lead to feeling unwell, missing out on activities, and ultimately detracting from the overall enjoyment of our trip. Remember, our cruise vacation is about relaxation and enjoyment, not a drinking marathon!
Port Days and Value Reduction
As we mentioned earlier, if our itinerary is packed with exciting shore excursions, we’ll likely spend less time on the cruise ship consuming drinks. Many of us enjoy a refreshing local beer or a unique cocktail when we’re exploring a new cruise port. These purchases aren’t covered by the onboard package, effectively reducing its daily value. It’s a key consideration for first-time cruisers who might not realize how much time they’ll spend ashore.
Royal Caribbean’s BYOB Policy (for Wine)
Did you know Royal Caribbean allows us to bring a limited amount of our own wine onboard?
- Policy Details: Typically, each adult guest (21 years or older) is allowed to bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne onboard at embarkation. If we bring more, a corkage fee might be applied.
- Saving Opportunity: For us wine lovers, bringing our own bottle to enjoy in our stateroom or with dinner (though a corkage fee might apply in dining rooms) can be a significant saving, especially if we only enjoy a glass or two a day. This is a clever alternative for those who don’t want a full package but still appreciate a good vino.
“A La Carte” Drinking: The Budget-Friendly Approach
For light drinkers, or those who prefer to be flexible, simply buying drinks as we go is often the most economical choice.
- Tracking Our Spending: We can set a daily budget for drinks and stick to it. Many frequent cruisers use their Royal Caribbean app to track onboard spending, helping them stay on top of their expenses.
- Taking Advantage of Happy Hours/Specials: Many bars on the Star of the Seas will likely have happy hour specials or daily drink discounts. Keeping an eye out for these can save us some money if we’re paying as we go.
- Focusing on Free Options: Don’t forget that certain basic beverages are always free on Royal Caribbean! This includes tap water, iced tea, regular coffee, milk, and some juices (usually at breakfast). For us who are conscious about spending, these free options can form the backbone of our hydration strategy.
If you’re considering the Star of the Seas Drink Package and wondering whether it offers good value for your money, you might find it helpful to explore additional resources that provide insights into cruising. For instance, an article titled “10 Helpful Tips When Cruising from Guadeloupe” offers practical advice that can enhance your overall experience at sea. You can check it out here. This could help you make a more informed decision about the drink package and other aspects of your cruise adventure.
Our Expert Advice: Making the Right Call for YOUR Cruise Vacation
So, after dissecting all the angles, what’s our final advice on the Star of the Seas Drink Package? It truly boils down to individual preference and careful planning. There’s no universal “yes” or “no” answer, but we can guide you to the right decision for your specific cruise vacation.
Step 1: Self-Assessment – Know Your Habits
Before you even look at prices, honestly assess your drinking habits.
- How many alcoholic drinks do you typically consume in a day, especially when you’re on vacation and relaxing?
- Do you enjoy specialty coffees, fresh juices, or bottled water frequently throughout the day?
- Are you primarily a soda drinker?
- Be realistic! It’s easy to think we’ll drink more than we actually will once we’re aboard a cruise ship.
Step 2: Research and Compare Prices
- Check Pre-Cruise Offers: As soon as you complete your cruise booking, regularly check the Cruise Planner for drink package sales. These can significantly reduce the cost.
- Calculate the Breakeven: Use the average drink prices we provided and the package price to determine your personal breakeven point. This objective calculation can be very enlightening.
- Consider Gratuities: Remember that a mandatory 18% gratuity is automatically added to all drink package purchases. Factor this into your total cost.
Step 3: Factor in Your Itinerary and Shore Excursions
- Port-Heavy vs. Sea Days: If you have many port days with long shore excursions, the value of an onboard drink package diminishes. You’ll likely be buying drinks ashore.
- Specific Shore Excursion Plans: Are you planning all-day tours where food and drinks might be included? Or are you returning to the ship early each day? These details matter.
Step 4: Weigh the “Freedom Factor”
For some of us, the intangible benefit of not worrying about the bill is worth the extra cost, even if we don’t strictly “break even” financially. The enhanced relaxation and feeling of an all-inclusive cruise vacation can be priceless. If this resonates with you, it’s a valid reason to lean towards a package.
Step 5: Don’t Forget Alternatives
If a full package isn’t right, remember your options:
- Refreshment Package: Excellent for non-alcoholic drinks and specialty coffees.
- Soda Package: Great for soft drink enthusiasts.
- BYOB Wine: A smart move for wine drinkers.
- A La Carte: Perfectly viable for light drinkers.
Ultimately, the Star of the Seas Drink Package can be a fantastic addition to your cruise vacation, enhancing relaxation and providing great value for those whose habits align with its offerings. For others, a more selective approach might be best. By taking the time to understand the options, doing a little math, and being honest about our personal preferences, we can confidently make the best decision for our next unforgettable journey on the Star of the Seas. Happy cruising, everyone!