Changes to Royal Caribbean’s Beverage Packages
Royal Caribbean International is set to make a significant change to its beverage packages. From 15th March 2026, the cruise line will no longer include Coca-Cola souvenir cups in selected drink packages. This adjustment will limit access to the popular Coca-Cola Freestyle machines across most of the fleet.
What This Means for Cruise Passengers
The change was first noticed by guests checking their upcoming cruise details. They found that the cups were missing from the Deluxe Beverage Package and the Refreshment Package. Without these cups, passengers won’t be able to use the self-service Freestyle machines. These machines offer over 100 drink combinations via touchscreen dispensers.
Impact on Royal Beach Club Open Bar Day Pass
The exclusion of the souvenir cup also affects those adding a Royal Beach Club Open Bar Day Pass to their package. The cup will not be included as part of this offering either. However, guests can still enjoy canned and fountain sodas as part of their drink packages. They will need to order these directly from a bar or through onboard servers.
Souvenir Cup Still Available for Purchase
While the cup is no longer complimentary, it hasn’t vanished entirely. Guests can buy the Coca-Cola Freestyle cup for a one-time fee of $4.99. This charge is a single payment, not a daily fee. The Classic Soda Package still includes one souvenir cup per package. If a cup is lost during the cruise, a replacement can be purchased for the same price.
Uncertainty for Prepaid Packages
It’s unclear how this change will affect guests who have already prepaid for beverage packages for sailings after 15th March 2026. However, it seems likely that these sailings will not include the cup as part of the standard package.
Mixed Reactions from Cruise Enthusiasts
The decision has sparked varied reactions among regular cruisers. Some believe the change is due to misuse of the cups. One guest noted that people often handed the cup to their children, which was seen as a loophole. Royal Caribbean has previously tightened its drink package policies. In mid-2025, the cruise line enforced stricter measures to prevent sharing of alcoholic beverages.
Will the Change Curb Misuse?
Some passengers doubt whether this move will effectively curb misuse. They argue that determined guests could still pay the $4.99 for the cup and continue sharing. Others suggest the change might reduce waste, as not all passengers used the cups.
In conclusion, while the removal of the Coca-Cola souvenir cup from Royal Caribbean’s drink packages may disappoint some, it also presents an opportunity to streamline beverage service and reduce waste. Whether this change will achieve its intended goals remains to be seen.
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