Icon of the Seas offers Deluxe Beverage Package ($89/day for drinks up to $15), Refreshment Package ($39/day for non-alcoholic), and water packages. Deluxe includes premium cocktails, wine, beer, and specialty coffees. Calculate break-even at 6-7 alcoholic drinks daily. All packages must be purchased for entire cruise duration and all guests 21+ in same stateroom.
My husband insisted the drink package was a waste since he ‘doesn’t drink that much.’ After watching him order his fourth specialty coffee by 10 AM and a beer with lunch, I quietly calculated we’d already broken even on day one.
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The Math Behind the Madness
Let’s talk numbers because this is where most people get it wrong. The Deluxe Beverage Package at $89 per day sounds steep until you realize what counts toward your break-even point. Most cruisers think only about alcoholic drinks, but specialty coffees at Starbucks ($4.50-$6.50), fresh juices ($3.95), smoothies ($5.95), and bottled water ($2.50) add up faster than ice melts in Caribbean heat.
| Drink Type | Typical Cost | Daily Consumption |
|---|---|---|
| Specialty Coffee | $4.50-$6.50 | 2-3 cups |
| Cocktails/Mixed Drinks | $12-$15 | 3-4 drinks |
| Wine by Glass | $9-$13 | 1-2 glasses |
| Beer | $6-$8 | 2-3 beers |
| Fresh Juice/Smoothies | $4-$6 | 1-2 servings |
| Bottled Water | $2.50 | 2-3 bottles |
What’s Actually Included (The Fine Print)
The Deluxe Beverage Package covers more than most people realize. Beyond the obvious alcoholic beverages, you’re getting premium coffee drinks, fresh-pressed juices, mocktails, energy drinks, and even room service beverages. Here’s the insider scoop: the package works at specialty restaurants too, so that expensive wine pairing with your Icon of the Seas dining packages experience is covered.
- All alcoholic beverages up to $15 per drink
- Specialty coffees and teas from all venues
- Fresh juices and smoothies
- Energy drinks and premium sodas
- Bottled water (still and sparkling)
- Mocktails and virgin cocktails
- Wine by the glass at all Icon of the Seas restaurants
The Refreshment Package Sweet Spot
Don’t overlook the Refreshment Package at $39 per day. If alcohol isn’t your thing but you’re a coffee fiend who loves fresh juice and specialty sodas, this package often pays for itself by lunch on day one. Parents traveling with teens will find this package golden since teenagers consume beverages like they’re training for some sort of hydration Olympics.
Refreshment Package Includes:
- Specialty coffees and premium teas
- Fresh juices and smoothies
- Mocktails and virgin drinks
- Energy drinks
- Premium sodas and flavored waters
- Bottled water
Insider Tips That Save Money
Here’s what cruise veterans know but nobody talks about: timing matters enormously. Book your beverage package before you cruise for significant savings compared to onboard prices. The pre-cruise rate is typically 10-15% less than what you’ll pay once you’re aboard.
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Another pro tip: the 15-drink limit per day sounds restrictive until you realize it includes everything – even bottled water. Most people never hit this limit because consuming 15 beverages daily requires dedication that borders on concerning.
When Packages Don’t Make Sense
Let’s be honest about when these packages are money down the drain. If you’re genuinely someone who drinks primarily tap water, rarely touches alcohol, and considers hotel coffee perfectly acceptable, skip the packages. Some people really don’t drink enough to justify the cost and that’s perfectly fine.
The packages also don’t make sense for port-heavy itineraries where you’re spending most days exploring destinations rather than lounging poolside with a drink in hand. Consider your actual cruise behavior, not your vacation fantasies.
The Hidden Costs Nobody Mentions
Every beverage package has an 18% gratuity automatically added, which many people forget to factor into their calculations. On a week-long cruise, that’s an additional $111.30 for the Deluxe Package or $49.14 for the Refreshment Package per person.
Also worth noting: wine bottles purchased for your stateroom aren’t covered by the package. If you’re planning romantic dinners in your cabin, budget separately for bottle service.
Strategy for Different Cruise Types
Your beverage strategy should match your cruise style. Sea days call for different drinking patterns than port days. Icon of the Seas has incredible venues like the Surfside neighborhood and multiple pool areas where beverage consumption naturally increases.
For Party Cruisers:
The Deluxe Package is practically mandatory. Between poolside cocktails, evening entertainment drinks, and late-night bar hopping, you’ll easily consume 8-10 drinks daily.
For Families:
Consider mixing packages. Adults might benefit from Deluxe while teens get Refreshment packages. The math works especially well for families who spend lots of time at the ship’s amazing water attractions.
For Couples:
Remember both passengers over 21 in the same stateroom must purchase the same package. This rule catches many couples off guard, especially when one person drinks significantly less than the other.
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Alternative Strategies
Some experienced cruisers swear by selective purchasing. Instead of packages, they buy drink vouchers for specific occasions or focus spending at venues with happy hour specials. Icon of the Seas has several bars with promotional pricing that can make Ă la carte ordering more economical for light drinkers.
Water package options exist for those who simply want convenient hydration without paying $2.50 per bottle. At around $5-8 per day, these packages provide unlimited bottled water throughout your cruise.
Making the Decision
Track your beverage consumption on a typical vacation day at home. If you’re drinking 3-4 specialty coffees, having wine with dinner, enjoying a cocktail by the pool, and staying hydrated with bottled water, you’re already at break-even territory before adding any “cruise extras.”
Consider the convenience factor too. With a package, you’re not mentally calculating costs with every order or avoiding drinks because of price. That freedom to enjoy beverages without constant math can enhance your vacation experience significantly.
The decision ultimately comes down to your drinking habits, Icon of the Seas price considerations, and how much you value convenience versus cost control. Most cruisers who purchase packages report satisfaction, while those who skip them rarely regret the decision if they’re honest about their consumption patterns.
Before making your final choice, check recent Icon of the Seas reviews to see what other passengers report about their beverage package experiences on this specific ship.
Common Questions and FAQ
Can I share my beverage package with my spouse or travel companion?
No, beverage packages are non-transferable and linked to your cruise card via facial recognition technology at bars. Each person must purchase their own package, and all guests 21+ in the same stateroom must buy the same alcoholic package.
What happens if I want to upgrade from Refreshment to Deluxe mid-cruise?
You can upgrade onboard by paying the difference, but you cannot downgrade or cancel packages once the cruise begins. The upgrade cost is calculated based on remaining cruise days at onboard pricing, which is higher than pre-cruise rates.
Are drinks from room service included in the beverage packages?
Yes, most room service beverages are covered including coffee, juices, and bottled water. However, there may be delivery fees for room service that aren’t covered by the beverage package.
Do the packages work at private island destinations like Perfect Day at CocoCay?
Yes, your beverage package works at Royal Caribbean’s private destinations. This is actually a significant value-add since island beverage prices are typically inflated, and having package coverage can save substantial money during beach days.
Can I purchase beverage packages for just part of my cruise?
No, beverage packages must be purchased for the entire duration of your cruise. You cannot buy packages for specific days or skip port days. This policy prevents passengers from gaming the system by only buying packages for sea days when consumption is typically higher.
