Royal Caribbean Just Shut Down This Popular Drinks Loophole

You know that little trick some cruisers used to use to save a few hundred dollars on drinks? Well, Royal Caribbean just shut it down.

As of 1 August 2025, the cruise line has officially ended all personalised exceptions to its beverage package rule, meaning if one person in a stateroom buys the Deluxe Drink Package, every other adult now has to as well. No more calling customer service to explain why your partner only drinks Diet Coke.

So what changed, why did it happen, and is there still any way to save on drinks? Let’s break it down.

Side-by-side image showing tropical cocktails with paper umbrellas being toasted on the left, and the Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas cruise ship sailing through blue ocean waters on the right, capturing the essence of vacation vibes and luxury travel.

What Was the Loophole?

Royal Caribbean’s drink policy has always been pretty clear: if one adult in a cabin buys the Deluxe Beverage Package, all adults of legal drinking age must buy it too. It’s designed to stop guests from sharing drinks, simple enough.

But savvy cruisers knew there was a workaround. If you called customer service before your cruise and explained your situation, maybe you don’t drink alcohol, have a medical condition, or just prefer soft drinks, you’d often be allowed to buy a cheaper non-alcoholic package instead.

It wasn’t officially advertised, but the “just call and ask” method became an open secret among frequent cruisers.

What’s Changed (and Why)

Close-up of a person's hands holding a mason jar filled with a vibrant red cocktail garnished with fresh mint and blackberries, offering a refreshing moment aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise.

As of 1 August 2025, that unofficial loophole is no longer an option. Royal Caribbean has confirmed that it will no longer grant any exceptions to the beverage package policy, no matter your reason.

The cruise line told Cruise Hive:

“Beginning August 1, Royal Caribbean will no longer be able to grant exceptions to our policy that both guests in a stateroom must purchase the Deluxe Beverage Package.”

The reason? Too many people were taking advantage. The company says requests for exemptions have increased, and drink package sharing has continued despite the rules. So now, to keep things simple (and profitable), the policy is locked in, no more calls, no more favours.

How Much Will This Cost Couples?

For many cruisers, this change means a serious bump in onboard costs, especially for couples where only one person drinks alcohol.

Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe Beverage Package typically costs between $50 and $115 per person, per day, depending on the sailing. The Refreshment Package (non-alcoholic) runs $30–$45, and the Soda Package is around $10–20.

Before the rule change, a couple on a 7-night cruise could save up to $490 if one person opted for a cheaper package. Now, both guests must go all-in on the Deluxe option, or skip the packages altogether.

The image showcases Royal Caribbean's non-alcoholic beverage packages, including a Refreshment Package, Classic Soda Package, Evian Water Package, and a Cafe Select Coffee Card, each with pre-cruise savings and per guest per day pricing. It displays images of various drinks such as smoothies, sodas, bottled water, and coffee.

Can You Still Save on Drinks?

All is not lost, you can still cruise without blowing your budget on booze. If you’re a light or occasional drinker, skipping the drink package entirely and paying per drink might actually save you money. A quick tally of your usual orders can help you decide.

Booking your package in advance or during a sale is another smart move. Royal Caribbean often runs promotions with up to 50% off, though discounts around 35–40% are more common.

And don’t forget the “Drink of the Day” specials, which offer discounted cocktails at select bars. You can also stick with free options like iced tea, lemonade, fruit-flavoured water, coffee, and hot cocoa, available at drink stations around the ship. Oh, and you’re allowed to bring up to 12 non-alcoholic drinks (cans, bottles, or cartons) per stateroom on embarkation day.

Final Thoughts

Royal Caribbean’s new policy might feel like a buzzkill for those who used to save with that quiet little workaround, but from the cruise line’s perspective, it’s about fairness (and probably revenue too).

If you were banking on getting an exception, it’s time to rethink your strategy. Whether that means going without, sharing smart tips with your cabinmate, or getting creative with free and discounted options, there are still ways to sip without overspending.

And hey, strawberry kiwi water on a sunny sea day? Not a bad trade-off.