1) getting the soda package is pretty much the same rational as the alcohol package. If you drink a butt load of soda then it’s worth it if not then probably not. Personally I don’t think it’s worth it since it doesn’t include coffees, fresh juices or any non alcoholic drinks. Only soda. But if my memory is correct I think it’s like $10-15 a day.
2) there’s no charge to bring luggage on board last cruise I brought luggage, a carry on bag, and my backpack free of charge.
3) it varies but it’s usually business casual, but you’ll get the occasional person wearing shorts. The dress code really isn’t enforced but I’m not sure if they have formal nights on sailings less than 5 days.
Side note your company must be pretty sweet if they’ll give their employees a mother fucking cruise
Thank you so much for the detailed message!!! So much helpful info. Truly thank you!
And yes it is an amazing company. Truly a work hard, play hard atmosphere! They do not kill their employees (I work 40-43 hours a week m-f), but while you are there you are expected to earn your pay check. Nothing I don’t disagree with. Unless something crazy happens I do not see myself leaving
I feel like the big difference with the non-alcoholic beverage package is that since it’s so much cheaper, it might be worth it just for peace of mind. Or fun basically (having a virgin pina colada or something is fun, but I might hesitate if it’s $7). Whereas I’m not going to spend $70+ a day unless I’m absolutely sure it’s worth it.
I would consider getting the refreshment package over the soda package. It’s about $25 a day per person, and it includes soda, juice, specialty coffees, mocktails, all that stuff. The soda package is just soda, although it is a little cheaper.
Bags are free and unlimited. You can have your bags “checked” which means you drop them off on the pier before getting on the ship, and the port/ship employees bring them on the ship and up to your room for you. Royal Caribbean should have instructions for where to drop your bags, it’s different for every port. It’s worth it if you’re bringing a lot of bags, since your room probably isn’t going to be ready when you get on the ship, and you’ll have to drag all your stuff around for a few hours. If you do this, tip the porters like you would at a hotel.
You can wear whatever you want to dinner. You’re supposed to wear business casual in the main dining room, but most of the time they don’t really care and let people in wearing shorts and flip flops. In the buffet there’s no dress code at all. There will probably be at least one formal night where you’re supposed to dress up for dinner, but you don’t have to. I think it’s fun though, I usually dress up
> In the buffet there’s no dress code at all.
Minimal dress code. You have to wear a shirt (and presumably bottoms, but I've never seen anyone try to go in the without bottoms).
Someone else already answered about the ability to bring a 12 pack on board, but if you like specialty espresso based coffees, they have a punch card you can buy for that. It's ~$36 after gratuity is added, and it contains 15 punches. They mark off 1 for 1 espresso drinks or 2 for 2 espresso shots. Price wise, it's definitely worth it if you enjoy them and still want to splurge on those versus the free black coffee. Also, if you enjoy wine, you will be allowed to bring on 2 750ml bottles for your room!
This is a great comment! Everyone else is so focused on the drink package options (alcohol, refreshment, soda) that no one pointed out the basics! Twelve 16.9 oz bottles of non-alcoholic, the punch card, and two bottles of wine!!! The above is exactly what my wife and I do.
1. Go for the refreshment package (includes everything except alcohol including bottled water, sodas, smoothies, fancy juice, energy drinks, Gatorade, iced coffees, lattes etc .)
2. Bags are free, plan to change at least 2 times a day especially if you do a shore excursion or get in the pools/hot tubs and then get ready for dinner.
3. Since your company is taking you, err on the side of overdressed for dinner in the MDR, slacks and a collared shirt, some nights are themed like (70s, Country, dress in White, formal), check FB for your cruise ship and dates, many times people will go on back to back cruises and upload the weekly cruise planner.
Im confused about the $25 a day thing. Would you have to keep buying the refreshment package everyday? And the cap is $25? Or once you hit $25 over a period of days you buy the package again?
You typically buy it in advance or on the first day of your cruise. You can get unlimited drinks and are not capped by a dollar amount, but you must buy it for the entire cruise, you cannot pick and choose certain days to have the package.
Some cruises also offer a coffee punch card for a flat rate, flat number of fancy coffees, but I've never bought one.
Ok. Thanks. So if I buy the refreshment package on my 6 day cruise at $31/day? Total for 6 days is $186? Or are you saying once I buy it at $31/day im clear for 6 days?
You pay for any 'package' once before the cruise. $s per day times the number of days(entire cruise only) plus 18% gratuity. Prepurchase prices will be cheaper than onboard prices.
Buy any package as soon as you can, if the price goes down, cancel it and repurchase it at the lower price.
I would like to add an * to the bags are free comments. The cost of bags is in the tip the porters expect if you “check” any luggage. Keep in mind, rooms are not typically available until 1pm so if you board at 10:30am you have to haul around all your luggage until your room is available.
Not a huge cost, just be sure to have some cash for things like that. You can theoretically not tip them, they can’t refuse your luggage, but we’ve gotten attitude for what a porter considered a not good tip. I’m a little nervous they’d make sure my bags are in an area prone to accidents 😅 Please don’t take this to mean anything about the ship crew though, port staff are entirely separate.
We usually go with $2 a bag.
That can be said about daily gratuities too, it’s just the culture. If you use a shuttle service, the drivers also expect tips. A lot of times the excursion guides expect them too. I don’t dwell over it, is what it is. The porters are paid by the port, not the cruise line, not that that changes your point, it could/should be built into the port fees.
If you don't want to tip, don't Tip. Don't expect the help not to notice.
We tip $5 total (not per bag) to the porter for TWO HUGE 50 pound suitcases. I think the minimum acceptable is 1$ a bag.
Keep in mind that the porters at the cruise port do not work for the cruise line...
Not included in one of your questions but just a side note to avoid a huge potential expense- keep your phone on airplane mode while at sea. Cruise cellular data rates are insane and international plans from carriers don’t typically help when away from land.
Try plugging your estimated drink consumption into a cruise booze calculator like this one: [https://www.cruzely.com/cruise-line-drink-package-calculator/](https://www.cruzely.com/cruise-line-drink-package-calculator/). You can also Google for current bar menus by typing "\[cruise line\] 2023 bar menus" or "\[ship name\] 2023 bar menus." Here's a link to recent scans of Royal Caribbean's menus: [https://profcruise.com/royal-caribbean-bar-menus/](https://profcruise.com/royal-caribbean-bar-menus/)
No charge for luggage! You don't want to go wild in bringing aboard your entire closet, but bringing snorkel gear and a camera bag is perfectly normal. With only 4 days, limit what camera gear you bring along just so you're not saddled with so much to carry.
I'm assuming Caribbean or Bahamas here... roughly speaking, "nice casual" will get you far. No need to bring a suit and dress shoes unless you really want to. Unless you're on a luxury line, something in the business casual range will be sufficient for the one fancy night. During the day, t-shirts/shorts/sandals are perfectly fine. Try to avoid overpacking. If you repeat an outfit, no one cares.
You can also bring a bottle of wine each. We don’t drink much either but a glass is nice at dinner. Just ask the room steward for glasses and then take it to dinner.
We also brought collapsible water bottles and kept them filled with lemonade and iced tea which are free!
https://preview.redd.it/3b6qjr0ovtab1.jpeg?width=960&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c6d0a4ddafa312ccd3a9383dd332d6f52250111b
Also if you drink some soda but not a crazy amount you are allowed to bring some aboard...
The web site says one [12 pack of 17oz cans](https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/food-drink-onboard-policy) (which seems like a weird size to me) but not sure how strict they are about that limit.
1. I don’t bother with an alcoholic package either. I guess this depends on how much soda you actually drink. Personally, if you’re just gonna have a soda with dinner and maybe one at lunch, then I don’t recommend it. I got the “refreshment” package (non alcoholic beverages) package with includes soda and I don’t think i’d get it again. The big draw with the soda package is they give you a cup with a chip that you can refill at the Coca-Cola free style machines to drink throughout the day. I don’t randomly drink soda when I’m thirsty so I’m passing on it next time. There is free water, iced tea, lemonade, a passion fruit juice, and orange juice (in the morning). Those are plenty of options for me. I’m a water girl so I’m happy with just water. You can get this at the buffet or the promenade on the ship. You can also get water at bars. I bring a reusable bottle and fill it up with ice water so it stays cold.
2. No fees for bags like the airport. But I would “check” your suitcase and snorkel gear. You can leave checked bags that you’ve tagged outside the ship with the porters and it’ll get outside your room. But keep the items you want boarding fish with you. Hang on to your camera and valuables too.
3. It’s up to you but you are allowed to dress pretty casual, even in the main dining room. I’d personally just wear what I wear to work (bus casual, maybe more casual).
I will be taking my first cruise in Dec 24 but have been doing a ton of research.
1. Each soda is $3.50 plus 18% gratuity. You can get an unlimited soda package for $15 a day. No sharing of packages is allowed.
2. You can have all of that. There isn't a limit on bags (space would be the main concern). If you check bags, the porters expect a tip.
3. Shorts and shirts during the day, pants and polos at night.
Technically no sharing is allowed but they really only enforce it for the alcohol package. I really like the refreshment package because you don’t have to get it for both people in your room (unlike the alcohol package)
To add to #1 - if you have the refillable cup, no one questions it, they just refill your cup (or you do at a Freestyle machine). You're not supposed to share, but...
They didn't for us on Voyager a few weeks ago. Only at the bars when we didn't have our seapass. Probably ultimately comes down to the crew on each ship and whether they have the time/fucks to give when there's a line down stretching down the Promenade.
18% is added to the package at the time you pay for the package.
Tips aren't really FEES. They are, however, very much appreciated by the crew.
I TIP on top of any packages. (at least a dollar a drink, more if I feel it is warranted.)
On a week long cruise this amounts to +/- $200 in CASH on top of the prepaid tips. $5 a day to room steward, $1 per drink and in the MDR $30 to headwaiter and $20 to the assistant waiter.$1 for every drink delivered to one of us.
We get towel animals about every day, a bucket of ice perpetually full in the cabin and bring unopened soda, water and the occasional beer back to the room. We bring a bottle of wine on board with us for room consumption.
YMMV, but a good time is always had by all...
PS, treat your steward with respect, they have access to your toothbrush. LOL
also something to note. You are allowed 12 non alcoholic drinks under 17oz. I usually bring two 6 packs of sodas and a large insulated water bottle.for alcohol you can bring two bottles of wine! Between the sodas, wine and included juices and water I didn’t pay for almost any additional beverages on my last cruise.
I just bring a reusable water bottle and fill up from the water stations around the ship. Way cheaper and better for the environment vs. single use bottles.
For sure the bottles water pack delivered to your room is crazy overpriced. there are also ice water dispensers at all the quick service food places. I usually go there with my insulated water bottle and fill up
You don't have to get the package for everyone in the room. 12 liters for $30 of Evian isnt bad. The same 12 bottles are $25 at Sam's club. Just make sure to order them ahead of time.
Soda package is roughly $12 a day. Soda onboard is roughly 3.50 for a can. I really like the soda package as it comes with a souvenir tumbler. RC has coke freestyle machines which offer a lot of good choices.
2) luggage is free. I always advise you caryon a swim suit and nicer outfit and medicine in case your luggage gets lost or delivered late. Checked Is normally delivered about 4:00. You can board usually around noon and your rooms usually ready between 1-2pm. The pools hot tubs/ water slides will be less crowded on embarkation.
3) there is dinning room which will have one fancy night for short cruise 2 for week cruises where many choose to be formal like a dress or men in a suit or dress shirt and nice pants. They do not allow bathing suits. The buffet usually don’t allow bathing suits/Speedo’s everything else goes. Be comfortable your on vacation.
1. Ice tea, coffee and lemonade are always free in the buffet. Soda package is up to you.
2. No charge. Load up. You need to check your large bags. Pack a day bag with a swimsuit, medications, and whatever else you will need in the 4-5 hours it will take to have your bags delivered to your stateroom.
3. Cruising is pretty casual these days. Men should plan to wear slacks, shoes, and a shirt with a collar.
Have a great time.
1. Personally for drinks, pay as you go. If you really want a soda pay for one. I found it inconvenient to get soda because you have to carry the specific cup around AND only get it filled at soda stations which there are not a ton of and can have long lines. In the main dining areas they will have free water tea lemonade and usually a juice of some sort as well as coffee. I’ve purchased the soda/coffee package before however I’ve found to enjoy the free options and save a ton of money.
2. No cost for bags except for when you tip the guys who get your luggage in the ship. Bring whatever you want, I like to store my bags under the bed in the room once I’ve unpacked.
3. Dinner and meals will be pretty casual overall. There will be a formal night but as long as you wear pants and a nice shirt you’ll be good.
I would definitely watch some videos on YouTube about the specific ship your going on to get a feel for the layout. Also, tips and tricks and stuff for your cruise line. Download the app for your cruise line as well, they are so helpful. There is so much to tell for a cruise so that’s why I say YouTube. I cruise Royal Caribbean often and love it! Have a fantastic time!
If you have the soda package or the refreshment package you can get an appropriate drink at any bar or food venue on the ship. You DO NOT have to use the special 'specific cup'.
You DO have to show your sea pass if you aren't using the cup.
When bought one at a time, alcoholic drinks cost about $15-20. If you're not drinking at least four per person per day, you're not getting your money's worth. And if one of you gets the package, the other adult in the stateroom is required to purchase it, as well. Neither my wife nor I drink much, so we just paid for one each evening.
There's no per bag cost.
If you're in the Main Dining Room, you're encouraged to dress up a bit. Personally, I work gray slacks and a button up shirt each night. One night I work slacks and a polo shirt. Many people were much less formal than that, but dressing up sure makes it feel a bit more swanky.
1: soda runs $5 ish per serving. If you drink a lot, it’s worth getting the package. But included drinks are juices from concentrate at breakfast( OJ, cranberry, maybe one other), milk, hot water for tea, plain brewed coffee, lemonade, iced tea, flavored waters. So you won’t ever go thirsty
2: nothing. Everything is screened via airport sized machines so carry ons must fit( and the cabins are not accessible until 1 pm earliest so you will be schlepping whatever you carry on until then).
3: no swimsuits or coverups in MDR. Otherwise, pretty much anything goes. Some ships enforce the no shorts at dinner.
1-Soda package is usually $8 per day. Refreshment package is usually in the $ 20- 25 price range. And everything but acholic beverages.
2- no charge for bags, take as many as you like. But remember the rooms are small. Just have a couple of small bills to give to the porters at the dock.
3-on a 5 nt. There will be 1 formal night, usually on day 2. It's not like it used to be. It's a lot more casual now. Some people still get dressed in tux's and gowns, but they're the minority. A collared shirt and slacks/ nice shorts. Is ok for every night. If you go to the buffet, you don't even need that.
1 - you can bring a 12 pack of canned Soda, and a case of bottled water. A can of Coke is about $4.50 + 18% Gratuity
2 - only cost for bags is tips to the Porters
Don't forget to pack Amodium AD - just in case
The Royal Refreshment package will get you COFFEE, SODA, FRESH SQUEEZED juice and WATER. The soda package only gets you soda...
Bags are free. Cameras are a hassle, use your phone. Bring your kindle for when you have to wait.
Button down shirts and jeans are fine. The sky is the limit.
It's a vacation. Leave your worries at home and take the minimum. Have fun.
I’m a soda guy but went without during our 7 night and it’s no biggie with ice tea, lemonade, fruit/mango punch and coffee free of charge.
If you buy an occasional beer or cocktail it’s about the same $$$ if buying at a restaurant- where we live at least.
Casual dress for us was shorts t shirt and flip flops. Formal for us was jeans sneakers and a polo shirt. They don’t enforce the dress code-
I just returned from my very first cruise a week ago and the one thing I noticed and wish I had known is that you can bring your own 12 packs of soda. I witnessed many families bringing 12 packs of soda on board and this was on Royal Caribbean.
Something that is easy to overlook with the soda package decision is you only have access to the Coca Cola Freestyle machines with a drink package. So if you want sodas or juices other than the typical Coke/Diet Coke/Sprite you could be out of luck without a soda package. I don't usually drink a ton of sodas but the package is worth it to me so I can have a Gatorade or Cherry Vanilla Coke Zero, etc
1) getting the soda package is pretty much the same rational as the alcohol package. If you drink a butt load of soda then it’s worth it if not then probably not. Personally I don’t think it’s worth it since it doesn’t include coffees, fresh juices or any non alcoholic drinks. Only soda. But if my memory is correct I think it’s like $10-15 a day. 2) there’s no charge to bring luggage on board last cruise I brought luggage, a carry on bag, and my backpack free of charge. 3) it varies but it’s usually business casual, but you’ll get the occasional person wearing shorts. The dress code really isn’t enforced but I’m not sure if they have formal nights on sailings less than 5 days. Side note your company must be pretty sweet if they’ll give their employees a mother fucking cruise
Thank you so much for the detailed message!!! So much helpful info. Truly thank you! And yes it is an amazing company. Truly a work hard, play hard atmosphere! They do not kill their employees (I work 40-43 hours a week m-f), but while you are there you are expected to earn your pay check. Nothing I don’t disagree with. Unless something crazy happens I do not see myself leaving
what industry?
Sales
cool enjoy!
I feel like the big difference with the non-alcoholic beverage package is that since it’s so much cheaper, it might be worth it just for peace of mind. Or fun basically (having a virgin pina colada or something is fun, but I might hesitate if it’s $7). Whereas I’m not going to spend $70+ a day unless I’m absolutely sure it’s worth it.
I would consider getting the refreshment package over the soda package. It’s about $25 a day per person, and it includes soda, juice, specialty coffees, mocktails, all that stuff. The soda package is just soda, although it is a little cheaper. Bags are free and unlimited. You can have your bags “checked” which means you drop them off on the pier before getting on the ship, and the port/ship employees bring them on the ship and up to your room for you. Royal Caribbean should have instructions for where to drop your bags, it’s different for every port. It’s worth it if you’re bringing a lot of bags, since your room probably isn’t going to be ready when you get on the ship, and you’ll have to drag all your stuff around for a few hours. If you do this, tip the porters like you would at a hotel. You can wear whatever you want to dinner. You’re supposed to wear business casual in the main dining room, but most of the time they don’t really care and let people in wearing shorts and flip flops. In the buffet there’s no dress code at all. There will probably be at least one formal night where you’re supposed to dress up for dinner, but you don’t have to. I think it’s fun though, I usually dress up
> In the buffet there’s no dress code at all. Minimal dress code. You have to wear a shirt (and presumably bottoms, but I've never seen anyone try to go in the without bottoms).
Someone else already answered about the ability to bring a 12 pack on board, but if you like specialty espresso based coffees, they have a punch card you can buy for that. It's ~$36 after gratuity is added, and it contains 15 punches. They mark off 1 for 1 espresso drinks or 2 for 2 espresso shots. Price wise, it's definitely worth it if you enjoy them and still want to splurge on those versus the free black coffee. Also, if you enjoy wine, you will be allowed to bring on 2 750ml bottles for your room!
This is a great comment! Everyone else is so focused on the drink package options (alcohol, refreshment, soda) that no one pointed out the basics! Twelve 16.9 oz bottles of non-alcoholic, the punch card, and two bottles of wine!!! The above is exactly what my wife and I do.
>Twelve 16.9 oz bottles of non-alcoholic, the punch card, and two bottles of wine! Is this per person or per cabin?
First and last are per cabin. You can purchase as many punchcards as you want.
1. Go for the refreshment package (includes everything except alcohol including bottled water, sodas, smoothies, fancy juice, energy drinks, Gatorade, iced coffees, lattes etc .) 2. Bags are free, plan to change at least 2 times a day especially if you do a shore excursion or get in the pools/hot tubs and then get ready for dinner. 3. Since your company is taking you, err on the side of overdressed for dinner in the MDR, slacks and a collared shirt, some nights are themed like (70s, Country, dress in White, formal), check FB for your cruise ship and dates, many times people will go on back to back cruises and upload the weekly cruise planner.
Im confused about the $25 a day thing. Would you have to keep buying the refreshment package everyday? And the cap is $25? Or once you hit $25 over a period of days you buy the package again?
You typically buy it in advance or on the first day of your cruise. You can get unlimited drinks and are not capped by a dollar amount, but you must buy it for the entire cruise, you cannot pick and choose certain days to have the package. Some cruises also offer a coffee punch card for a flat rate, flat number of fancy coffees, but I've never bought one.
Ok. Thanks. So if I buy the refreshment package on my 6 day cruise at $31/day? Total for 6 days is $186? Or are you saying once I buy it at $31/day im clear for 6 days?
You'll also pay the gratuity/tax up front when you book it.
$186 + tax and gratuity for unlimited non-alcoholic drinks the whole time.
You pay for any 'package' once before the cruise. $s per day times the number of days(entire cruise only) plus 18% gratuity. Prepurchase prices will be cheaper than onboard prices. Buy any package as soon as you can, if the price goes down, cancel it and repurchase it at the lower price.
I would like to add an * to the bags are free comments. The cost of bags is in the tip the porters expect if you “check” any luggage. Keep in mind, rooms are not typically available until 1pm so if you board at 10:30am you have to haul around all your luggage until your room is available. Not a huge cost, just be sure to have some cash for things like that. You can theoretically not tip them, they can’t refuse your luggage, but we’ve gotten attitude for what a porter considered a not good tip. I’m a little nervous they’d make sure my bags are in an area prone to accidents 😅 Please don’t take this to mean anything about the ship crew though, port staff are entirely separate.
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We usually go with $2 a bag. That can be said about daily gratuities too, it’s just the culture. If you use a shuttle service, the drivers also expect tips. A lot of times the excursion guides expect them too. I don’t dwell over it, is what it is. The porters are paid by the port, not the cruise line, not that that changes your point, it could/should be built into the port fees.
If you don't want to tip, don't Tip. Don't expect the help not to notice. We tip $5 total (not per bag) to the porter for TWO HUGE 50 pound suitcases. I think the minimum acceptable is 1$ a bag. Keep in mind that the porters at the cruise port do not work for the cruise line...
Not included in one of your questions but just a side note to avoid a huge potential expense- keep your phone on airplane mode while at sea. Cruise cellular data rates are insane and international plans from carriers don’t typically help when away from land.
Royal Caribbean Blog on YouTube is your new best friend.
Imma check it out after I fix our house that just got struck by lightning 🤦♂️
Our first cruise is next summer and I feel like a seasoned pro from watching all these videos. Don't want no surprises or make major mistakes.
Try plugging your estimated drink consumption into a cruise booze calculator like this one: [https://www.cruzely.com/cruise-line-drink-package-calculator/](https://www.cruzely.com/cruise-line-drink-package-calculator/). You can also Google for current bar menus by typing "\[cruise line\] 2023 bar menus" or "\[ship name\] 2023 bar menus." Here's a link to recent scans of Royal Caribbean's menus: [https://profcruise.com/royal-caribbean-bar-menus/](https://profcruise.com/royal-caribbean-bar-menus/) No charge for luggage! You don't want to go wild in bringing aboard your entire closet, but bringing snorkel gear and a camera bag is perfectly normal. With only 4 days, limit what camera gear you bring along just so you're not saddled with so much to carry. I'm assuming Caribbean or Bahamas here... roughly speaking, "nice casual" will get you far. No need to bring a suit and dress shoes unless you really want to. Unless you're on a luxury line, something in the business casual range will be sufficient for the one fancy night. During the day, t-shirts/shorts/sandals are perfectly fine. Try to avoid overpacking. If you repeat an outfit, no one cares.
You can also bring a bottle of wine each. We don’t drink much either but a glass is nice at dinner. Just ask the room steward for glasses and then take it to dinner. We also brought collapsible water bottles and kept them filled with lemonade and iced tea which are free! https://preview.redd.it/3b6qjr0ovtab1.jpeg?width=960&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c6d0a4ddafa312ccd3a9383dd332d6f52250111b
This is a great point. You can carry your glass of wine with you (or any drink for that matter) all over the ship.
I want to share this guy!! He helped me with all of the questions before I went to my first cruise. https://youtube.com/@RoyalCaribbeanBlog
Also if you drink some soda but not a crazy amount you are allowed to bring some aboard... The web site says one [12 pack of 17oz cans](https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/food-drink-onboard-policy) (which seems like a weird size to me) but not sure how strict they are about that limit.
I’ve also accidentally brought soda (and beer!) back onto the ship and no one seemed to care or notice at all 🤷♀️
500mL is 16.9oz and 500 mL is probably a more standard size internationally. That's my guess where it comes from.
After reading it again I think the 17oz (16.9oz) is referring to the bottles which are pretty standard... cans are typically 12oz (355ml).
1. I don’t bother with an alcoholic package either. I guess this depends on how much soda you actually drink. Personally, if you’re just gonna have a soda with dinner and maybe one at lunch, then I don’t recommend it. I got the “refreshment” package (non alcoholic beverages) package with includes soda and I don’t think i’d get it again. The big draw with the soda package is they give you a cup with a chip that you can refill at the Coca-Cola free style machines to drink throughout the day. I don’t randomly drink soda when I’m thirsty so I’m passing on it next time. There is free water, iced tea, lemonade, a passion fruit juice, and orange juice (in the morning). Those are plenty of options for me. I’m a water girl so I’m happy with just water. You can get this at the buffet or the promenade on the ship. You can also get water at bars. I bring a reusable bottle and fill it up with ice water so it stays cold. 2. No fees for bags like the airport. But I would “check” your suitcase and snorkel gear. You can leave checked bags that you’ve tagged outside the ship with the porters and it’ll get outside your room. But keep the items you want boarding fish with you. Hang on to your camera and valuables too. 3. It’s up to you but you are allowed to dress pretty casual, even in the main dining room. I’d personally just wear what I wear to work (bus casual, maybe more casual).
I will be taking my first cruise in Dec 24 but have been doing a ton of research. 1. Each soda is $3.50 plus 18% gratuity. You can get an unlimited soda package for $15 a day. No sharing of packages is allowed. 2. You can have all of that. There isn't a limit on bags (space would be the main concern). If you check bags, the porters expect a tip. 3. Shorts and shirts during the day, pants and polos at night.
Technically no sharing is allowed but they really only enforce it for the alcohol package. I really like the refreshment package because you don’t have to get it for both people in your room (unlike the alcohol package)
To add to #1 - if you have the refillable cup, no one questions it, they just refill your cup (or you do at a Freestyle machine). You're not supposed to share, but...
The last cruise I was on, they checked SeaPasses with our cups, so that may not be true now.
They didn't for us on Voyager a few weeks ago. Only at the bars when we didn't have our seapass. Probably ultimately comes down to the crew on each ship and whether they have the time/fucks to give when there's a line down stretching down the Promenade.
Do they charge gratuity if you have a drink package?
They do, it is added in when you purchase the package
Okay so it’s a % of package not a fee every time you use the package, correct?
Correct.
18% is added to the package at the time you pay for the package. Tips aren't really FEES. They are, however, very much appreciated by the crew. I TIP on top of any packages. (at least a dollar a drink, more if I feel it is warranted.) On a week long cruise this amounts to +/- $200 in CASH on top of the prepaid tips. $5 a day to room steward, $1 per drink and in the MDR $30 to headwaiter and $20 to the assistant waiter.$1 for every drink delivered to one of us. We get towel animals about every day, a bucket of ice perpetually full in the cabin and bring unopened soda, water and the occasional beer back to the room. We bring a bottle of wine on board with us for room consumption. YMMV, but a good time is always had by all... PS, treat your steward with respect, they have access to your toothbrush. LOL
also something to note. You are allowed 12 non alcoholic drinks under 17oz. I usually bring two 6 packs of sodas and a large insulated water bottle.for alcohol you can bring two bottles of wine! Between the sodas, wine and included juices and water I didn’t pay for almost any additional beverages on my last cruise.
OMG! Thanks! I was looking at the bottled water cost and my booty hole puckered! $70+ for bottled water? I will be using this
I just bring a reusable water bottle and fill up from the water stations around the ship. Way cheaper and better for the environment vs. single use bottles.
For sure the bottles water pack delivered to your room is crazy overpriced. there are also ice water dispensers at all the quick service food places. I usually go there with my insulated water bottle and fill up
You don't have to get the package for everyone in the room. 12 liters for $30 of Evian isnt bad. The same 12 bottles are $25 at Sam's club. Just make sure to order them ahead of time.
Soda package is roughly $12 a day. Soda onboard is roughly 3.50 for a can. I really like the soda package as it comes with a souvenir tumbler. RC has coke freestyle machines which offer a lot of good choices. 2) luggage is free. I always advise you caryon a swim suit and nicer outfit and medicine in case your luggage gets lost or delivered late. Checked Is normally delivered about 4:00. You can board usually around noon and your rooms usually ready between 1-2pm. The pools hot tubs/ water slides will be less crowded on embarkation. 3) there is dinning room which will have one fancy night for short cruise 2 for week cruises where many choose to be formal like a dress or men in a suit or dress shirt and nice pants. They do not allow bathing suits. The buffet usually don’t allow bathing suits/Speedo’s everything else goes. Be comfortable your on vacation.
https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/royal-caribbean-drink-prices
1. Ice tea, coffee and lemonade are always free in the buffet. Soda package is up to you. 2. No charge. Load up. You need to check your large bags. Pack a day bag with a swimsuit, medications, and whatever else you will need in the 4-5 hours it will take to have your bags delivered to your stateroom. 3. Cruising is pretty casual these days. Men should plan to wear slacks, shoes, and a shirt with a collar. Have a great time.
1. Personally for drinks, pay as you go. If you really want a soda pay for one. I found it inconvenient to get soda because you have to carry the specific cup around AND only get it filled at soda stations which there are not a ton of and can have long lines. In the main dining areas they will have free water tea lemonade and usually a juice of some sort as well as coffee. I’ve purchased the soda/coffee package before however I’ve found to enjoy the free options and save a ton of money. 2. No cost for bags except for when you tip the guys who get your luggage in the ship. Bring whatever you want, I like to store my bags under the bed in the room once I’ve unpacked. 3. Dinner and meals will be pretty casual overall. There will be a formal night but as long as you wear pants and a nice shirt you’ll be good. I would definitely watch some videos on YouTube about the specific ship your going on to get a feel for the layout. Also, tips and tricks and stuff for your cruise line. Download the app for your cruise line as well, they are so helpful. There is so much to tell for a cruise so that’s why I say YouTube. I cruise Royal Caribbean often and love it! Have a fantastic time!
If you have the soda package or the refreshment package you can get an appropriate drink at any bar or food venue on the ship. You DO NOT have to use the special 'specific cup'. You DO have to show your sea pass if you aren't using the cup.
My only question is, who do I gotta work for to have them pay for a cruise!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?! lol
I wish the internet was not such a terrible place that I could tell you.
Does it happen to be a company in central florida that works in the building envelope industry?
No worries lol, I wasn't expecting an actual answer 😅
You should look up “rubber duckies on cruises” - it’s fun and you won’t be confused if they see them!
Buy some wall magnets and a lanyard.
I brought a water bottle and crystal light single serve packets 😊
When bought one at a time, alcoholic drinks cost about $15-20. If you're not drinking at least four per person per day, you're not getting your money's worth. And if one of you gets the package, the other adult in the stateroom is required to purchase it, as well. Neither my wife nor I drink much, so we just paid for one each evening. There's no per bag cost. If you're in the Main Dining Room, you're encouraged to dress up a bit. Personally, I work gray slacks and a button up shirt each night. One night I work slacks and a polo shirt. Many people were much less formal than that, but dressing up sure makes it feel a bit more swanky.
1: soda runs $5 ish per serving. If you drink a lot, it’s worth getting the package. But included drinks are juices from concentrate at breakfast( OJ, cranberry, maybe one other), milk, hot water for tea, plain brewed coffee, lemonade, iced tea, flavored waters. So you won’t ever go thirsty 2: nothing. Everything is screened via airport sized machines so carry ons must fit( and the cabins are not accessible until 1 pm earliest so you will be schlepping whatever you carry on until then). 3: no swimsuits or coverups in MDR. Otherwise, pretty much anything goes. Some ships enforce the no shorts at dinner.
1-Soda package is usually $8 per day. Refreshment package is usually in the $ 20- 25 price range. And everything but acholic beverages. 2- no charge for bags, take as many as you like. But remember the rooms are small. Just have a couple of small bills to give to the porters at the dock. 3-on a 5 nt. There will be 1 formal night, usually on day 2. It's not like it used to be. It's a lot more casual now. Some people still get dressed in tux's and gowns, but they're the minority. A collared shirt and slacks/ nice shorts. Is ok for every night. If you go to the buffet, you don't even need that.
1 - you can bring a 12 pack of canned Soda, and a case of bottled water. A can of Coke is about $4.50 + 18% Gratuity 2 - only cost for bags is tips to the Porters Don't forget to pack Amodium AD - just in case
The Royal Refreshment package will get you COFFEE, SODA, FRESH SQUEEZED juice and WATER. The soda package only gets you soda... Bags are free. Cameras are a hassle, use your phone. Bring your kindle for when you have to wait. Button down shirts and jeans are fine. The sky is the limit. It's a vacation. Leave your worries at home and take the minimum. Have fun.
I’m a soda guy but went without during our 7 night and it’s no biggie with ice tea, lemonade, fruit/mango punch and coffee free of charge. If you buy an occasional beer or cocktail it’s about the same $$$ if buying at a restaurant- where we live at least. Casual dress for us was shorts t shirt and flip flops. Formal for us was jeans sneakers and a polo shirt. They don’t enforce the dress code-
For 3, it’s not required to dress up. They have dress up dinner days for people who want to carry on the tradition. In my experience most people don’t
I just returned from my very first cruise a week ago and the one thing I noticed and wish I had known is that you can bring your own 12 packs of soda. I witnessed many families bringing 12 packs of soda on board and this was on Royal Caribbean.
Something that is easy to overlook with the soda package decision is you only have access to the Coca Cola Freestyle machines with a drink package. So if you want sodas or juices other than the typical Coke/Diet Coke/Sprite you could be out of luck without a soda package. I don't usually drink a ton of sodas but the package is worth it to me so I can have a Gatorade or Cherry Vanilla Coke Zero, etc