Cruise & Cruise Line

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.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Let's Sell Luxury TogetherMonday, September 14, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Luxury travel continues to evolve, creating exciting new opportunities for advisors to elevate their...
Upcoming Webinar
Greenland Uncovered: Selling the Arctic's Best-Kept Secret with HXTuesday, September 15, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Towering icebergs, colourful Inuit communities, the Midnight Sun, and a UNESCO-listed icefjord —...
Upcoming Webinar
The Next Generation Of Carnival FunWednesday, September 16, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Get ready for an exciting webinar with Janet Wygert, Carnival’s Senior Vice President of Sales and...
Upcoming Webinar
Let's Sell Luxury TogetherMonday, September 14, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Luxury travel continues to evolve, creating exciting new opportunities for advisors to elevate their...
Upcoming Webinar
Greenland Uncovered: Selling the Arctic's Best-Kept Secret with HXTuesday, September 15, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Towering icebergs, colourful Inuit communities, the Midnight Sun, and a UNESCO-listed icefjord —...
Upcoming Webinar
The Next Generation Of Carnival FunWednesday, September 16, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Get ready for an exciting webinar with Janet Wygert, Carnival’s Senior Vice President of Sales and...