Onboard prices and packages

[rockchk31]

Hi all, am looking at booking a 3 or 4 night mini break for next year. We haven’t sailed with Royal Caribbean before so wanted to check some things....

can we get a drinks package on a mini cruise, if not are the drinks expensive...we do like a cocktail and a glass or two of wine! 

Are there service charges on everything?

Obviously it is not the cheapest cruise line and want to make sure we don’t get on board and realise we can’t buy much!

Thanks

[sxphil]

They have certainly stopped drinks packages on 3/4 cruises out of UK they are still available out of the US

 

Which Ship are you looking at?

[rockchk31]

Looking at the Independence. Looks great for us as a family but worried about the costs once onboard.

[Tee & Chilli]

The onboard costs are drinks and specialty restaurants. You do not have the purchase either. 

[iahawkfan21]

There is an 18% service charge when purchasing drinks individually.  Whether the package is beneficial depends on the individual.  If two-three drinks a day max it wouldn’t be a benefit.  Check your cruise planner once booked to see prices.  Keep in mind there is 18% added onto the cost of the package as well.

[Biker19]

17 hours ago, rockchk31 said:

Are there service charges on everything?

Just about, with the VOOM internet package being one of the exceptions.

[2Long2NxtCrz]

You can get on board and spend nothing, if your tips are already pre-paid.  

 

But that means that you are limited to the free drinks: coffee, tea, juice, water that is available in the eating venues and at select places around the ship.  And no alcohol.

 

There are "cheaper" drinks, but any drink will have the 18% service charge added to it.  If your cruise planner offers a beverage package, that will include specialty coffees, smoothies, fresh squeezed juices, bottled waters, and alcohol and wine up to $12/drink.  On Black Friday there are likely to be good sales on the drink packages and it might be worth it to buy in advance and pay yourself back for it over time before the cruise.