+1-877-777-6741 If you’re planning a vacation with Royal Caribbean, chances are you’re already dreaming of ocean views, island stops, and—let’s be honest—a cold beer in hand. But before you set sail, it’s smart to know what that refreshing brew will cost you. Understanding Royal Caribbean Cruise Beer Cost helps you make informed decisions about your vacation budget. Whether you choose individual purchases or a beverage package depends on your drinking habits and preferences.
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Beer Cost on Royal Caribbean Cruises
The cost of a beer on Royal Caribbean varies slightly depending on the brand and type, but here’s the general range:
| Beer Type | Cost (USD) | With 18% Gratuity |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic Bottled (e.g., Bud Light, Coors) | $7.49 | $8.84 |
| Imported & Craft (e.g., Stella Artois, Blue Moon) | $7.99–$9.50 | $9.43–$11.21 |
| Non-Alcoholic Options | $6.99 | $8.25 |
These costs apply across most ships in the fleet and are consistent regardless of your itinerary.
Important Note: All beverage costs include an automatic 18% gratuity, so the final cost will be higher than the base cost listed on menus.
Ways to Buy Beer Royal Caribbean Cruises Onboard
There are three main ways to enjoy beer on a Royal Caribbean cruise:
- À La Carte at Bars: You can order beer individually at any bar or restaurant onboard. This is ideal if you’re a light drinker or just want to enjoy a few brews during your trip. Just remember: every drink comes with an automatic 18% gratuity added to the bill.
- Drink Packages: If you plan to drink multiple beers (or other alcoholic beverages) daily, Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe Beverage Package might be your best bet. It includes unlimited beer, cocktails, wine, soda, and more. Costs typically range from $50 to $70 per day, depending on your sailing and promotions. Gratuity is already included in the package cost, so no extra charges per drink.
- Happy Hour & Promotions: Keep an eye out for happy hour specials and daily deals listed in the Cruise Compass (the ship’s daily newsletter). These can offer discounts on select beers or bundled drink offers.
Payment Methods for Beer on Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean offers several convenient ways to pay for your beverages:
Onboard Payment Options
- SeaPass Card – Your room key doubles as a payment card linked to your credit card or cash account
- Cash – Accepted at most bars, though SeaPass is more convenient
- Pre-purchased Beverage Packages – The most cost-effective option for regular drinkers
Setting Up Your SeaPass Account
- Link a credit card during check-in for automatic charging
- Load cash onto your SeaPass account at Guest Services
- Monitor your spending through the Royal Caribbean app
Types of Beer Available on Royal Caribbean Ships
Royal Caribbean stocks an impressive selection of beers to satisfy various tastes:
| Popular Beer Brands Onboard | Specialty Beer Venues |
| Domestic Options: Budweiser, Bud Light, Coors Light, Miller Lite Import Favorites: Corona, Heineken, Stella Artois, Guinness Craft Beer Selection: Varies by ship but often includes regional favorites Hard Seltzers and Ciders: Typically priced similar to beer at $7.99 | Many Royal Caribbean ships feature dedicated beer venues like pubs and sports bars, offering expanded selections and sometimes exclusive drafts not available elsewhere on the ship. |
Comparing Costs: Royal Caribbean vs. Other Cruise Lines
Royal Caribbean’s beer costs are competitive within the cruise industry. Here’s how they generally compare:
- Similar Range: Norwegian, Celebrity, and Princess cruise lines
- Slightly Lower: Some older or smaller cruise lines
- Potentially Higher: Ultra-luxury cruise lines
The automatic gratuity inclusion makes Royal Caribbean’s pricing transparent, unlike some competitors who add service charges separately.
Check Here: What Is a Good Steward Tip for a Long Cruise?
Final Thoughts
So, how much is a beer on a Royal Caribbean cruise? Expect to pay between $7.49 and $9.50, plus gratuity, unless you opt for a drink package. Whether you’re sipping poolside or toasting at dinner, knowing your options helps you cruise smarter—and maybe even toast a little more often.
FAQs on Royal Caribbean Cruise Beer Cost
How much is a beer on a Royal Caribbean cruise in 2025?
Beer cost on Royal Caribbean cruises range from $7.49 to $9.50 before the automatic 18% gratuity. After gratuity, expect to pay between $8.84 and $11.21 per beer, depending on the brand and type you choose.
How much is a beer on a Royal Caribbean cruise compared to land prices?
Beer on Royal Caribbean cruises costs significantly more than typical land prices. While a beer might cost $3-5 at a restaurant on land, cruise beer cost are $8.84-$11.21 after gratuity, making them 2-3 times more expensive than shore-based establishments.
How much is a beer on a Royal Caribbean cruise with a beverage package?
With the Deluxe Beverage Package ($55-$115 per day), beer is essentially “free” after you’ve consumed enough drinks to break even. If the package costs $65 daily and you drink 6 beers worth $9.43 each, you save money while accessing all beverages.
How much is a beer on a Royal Caribbean cruise without a drink package?
Without a beverage package, individual beer purchases cost $8.84-$11.21 each including the mandatory 18% gratuity. For guests having fewer than 3-4 alcoholic drinks daily, individual purchases often cost less than buying a beverage package.
How much is a beer on a Royal Caribbean cruise during happy hour?
Royal Caribbean occasionally offers happy hour specials where beer might be discounted by $1-2 per drink. Even during promotional periods, you’ll still pay the 18% gratuity on the discounted price, making happy hour beers approximately $7.50-$9.50 total.
How much is a beer on a Royal Caribbean cruise for different brands?
Beer pricing varies by brand: domestic beers like Budweiser cost $7.49-$7.99, imported options like Corona run $7.99-$8.50, and premium craft beers reach $8.50-$9.50, all before the 18% automatic gratuity is added.
How much is a beer on a Royal Caribbean cruise when ordered through room service?
Room service beer costs the same base price as other venues ($7.49-$9.50) plus 18% gratuity, but Royal Caribbean adds a $7.95 delivery fee per room service order, making it one of the most expensive ways to enjoy beer onboard.
How much is a beer on a Royal Caribbean cruise compared to other cruise lines?
Royal Caribbean’s beer costs are competitive with major cruise lines like Norwegian and Celebrity. The $8.84-$11.21 total cost per beer (including gratuity) falls within the industry standard range, though some budget cruise lines may charge slightly less.
How much is a beer on a Royal Caribbean cruise if you buy it at different ship locations?
Beer costs the same regardless of where you purchase it on the ship – whether at pool deck bars, specialty restaurants, or sports pubs. The $7.49-$9.50 base price plus 18% gratuity remains consistent across all onboard venues.
How much is a beer on a Royal Caribbean cruise for a week-long vacation?
For a 7-day cruise, beer costs depend on consumption. Light drinkers (1-2 beers daily) spend $62-156 total, while moderate drinkers (3-4 beers daily) pay $186-312. Heavy drinkers should consider the beverage package at $385-805 for unlimited access to all beverages.