Planning your Royal Caribbean cruise and wondering what drinks await you onboard? From craft cocktails at the iconic Schooner Bar to premium wines at Vintages, Royal Caribbean offers an impressive selection of beverages across multiple venues. Understanding the drink options and pricing can help you make the most of your cruise vacation.
Royal Caribbean’s beverage program spans dozens of bars and lounges, each with its own personality and specialty drinks. Whether you’re sipping a signature cocktail while watching the sunset from Two70 Bar or enjoying a cold beer by the pool, there’s something for every taste and occasion. With cocktails ranging from $13-14, beers from $7.49-8.50, and wines from $8-16 per glass, knowing what to expect can help you budget accordingly.
Royal Caribbean’s Premier Bar Venues
Royal Caribbean ships feature distinct bar venues, each offering a unique atmosphere and specialized drink selections.
Schooner Bar: The Heart of Ship Life
The Schooner Bar serves as Royal Caribbean’s signature venue, found on nearly every ship in the fleet. This nautical-themed bar becomes the social hub during sea days, featuring live piano music in the evenings and trivia during the day. The Schooner Bar’s menu showcases creative cocktails like the Irish Peach (Jameson Irish Whiskey, peach, lemon juice, bitters, and a dash of black pepper) and the signature Toasted Marshmallow Old Fashioned, served with actual mini toasted marshmallows.
Two70 Bar: Entertainment Meets Mixology
Exclusive to Quantum-class ships, Two70 Bar offers stunning ocean views by day and transforms into an entertainment venue at night. Located at the ship’s stern, this venue features floor-to-ceiling windows and serves both classic cocktails and the fleetwide menu. The bar’s location makes it perfect for watching the sunset while enjoying a craft cocktail.
Playmakers Sports Bar & Arcade
For sports enthusiasts, Playmakers combines the excitement of live games with an extensive beer selection and game day favorites. The venue features multiple large screens, arcade games, and classic bar food. Their cocktail menu includes sports-themed drinks like “The Pitch” and “Knockout Punch,” both priced at $14.
Boleros: Latin-Inspired Cocktails
Boleros brings Latin flair to your cruise experience with tropical cocktails and vibrant atmosphere. Signature drinks include the Coconut Mojito ($14) made with Malibu Original and Bacardi Superior rums, and the Mezcal Mule featuring Ilegal Joven mezcal with guava and passion fruit syrup.
Current Drink Prices and Categories
Royal Caribbean’s drink pricing follows a structured approach across different categories, with an automatic 18% gratuity added to all beverage purchases.
Cocktail Pricing
Most specialty cocktails are priced at $13-14, regardless of the venue. This consistent pricing makes it easy to budget for mixed drinks whether you’re at the pool bar or an upscale specialty lounge. Premium cocktails featuring top-shelf spirits may cost slightly more, particularly at specialty venues like Wonderland or high-end wine bars.
Beer and Beyond
Beer prices range from $7.49 for domestic options like Bud Light and Miller Lite to $8.25 for specialty beers like Red Stripe (473ml bottles). International beers like Heineken and Corona Extra are typically priced at $7.99. Hard seltzers and ciders, including brands like Truly and Angry Orchard, are priced at $7.49-7.99.
Wine Selection
Wine by the glass ranges from $8-16, with prosecco and basic whites at the lower end and premium selections commanding higher prices. Bottles range from $29 for entry-level options to several hundred dollars for premium champagnes like Dom Pérignon ($231) or luxury selections like Opus One ($499).
Non-Alcoholic Options
Specialty coffees and teas range from $3-6, while sodas, juices, and bottled water are priced at $3.50. Energy drinks cost $4, and elaborate mocktails are available for $7. Basic beverages like tap water, regular coffee, tea, and certain juices at breakfast are complimentary.
Royal Caribbean Drink Package Options
Royal Caribbean offers three main beverage packages designed to suit different drinking preferences and budgets.
Deluxe Beverage Package
The Deluxe Beverage Package represents the most comprehensive option, covering cocktails, spirits, beer, wine by the glass, specialty coffee, sodas, and premium non-alcoholic beverages. This package includes drinks up to $15 per serving and covers the 18% automatic gratuity, making it convenient for guests who plan to enjoy various beverages throughout their cruise.
Refreshment Package
Perfect for non-drinkers or families, the Refreshment Package covers sodas, juices, specialty coffees, bottled water, and other non-alcoholic beverages. This option appeals to guests who want the convenience of unlimited beverages without alcohol.
Soda Package
The most budget-friendly option, the Soda Package provides unlimited fountain sodas and refills at various venues throughout the ship. This basic package works well for guests who primarily drink soft drinks.
When considering a drink package, calculate your expected daily consumption against the package cost. The Deluxe Beverage Package typically pays for itself after 4-5 cocktails per day, making it valuable for guests who enjoy cocktails with lunch and dinner plus drinks throughout the day.
Spotlight: Royal Caribbean’s Unique Signature Cocktails
Royal Caribbean’s mixology team has crafted distinctive cocktails that showcase creativity and quality ingredients.
Irish Peach
This Schooner Bar specialty combines Jameson Irish Whiskey with peach, lemon juice, bitters, and an unexpected dash of black pepper. The black pepper adds a subtle spice that complements the peach sweetness, creating a memorable drink that balances fruity and savory elements.
Southern Belle
Featured at multiple venues, the Southern Belle blends Buffalo Trace Bourbon with fresh blueberry purée, mint leaves, lemon juice, and soda water. This refreshing cocktail captures the essence of Southern hospitality with its bright purple color and balanced flavors.
Lavender Daiquiri
A sophisticated twist on the classic daiquiri, this cocktail features Bacardi Superior Rum, lavender syrup, and lemon juice. The lavender adds floral notes without overwhelming the rum base, creating an elegant drink perfect for sunset sipping.
Desert Pear Margarita
This unique margarita variation uses Patrón Silver Tequila combined with desert pear syrup and lime juice. The desert pear provides an exotic flavor profile that sets it apart from traditional fruit margaritas.
Toasted Marshmallow Old Fashioned
Perhaps the most Instagram-worthy cocktail, this creation combines Buffalo Trace Bourbon with toasted marshmallow syrup, cocoa bitters, and actual mini toasted marshmallows as garnish. The drink captures the essence of campfire s’mores in cocktail form.
Maximizing Your Royal Caribbean Drink Experience
Getting the most from your beverage experience requires strategic planning and venue knowledge.
Venue-Specific Strategies
Different venues excel at different types of drinks. For wine enthusiasts, Vintages offers the most extensive selection with knowledgeable staff who can recommend pairings. Beer lovers should head to English-style pubs or Playmakers for the broadest selection of drafts and international options. Cocktail enthusiasts will find the most creative options at specialty venues like the Schooner Bar or Wonderland.
Timing Your Orders
Happy hour specials and promotional pricing can provide savings, though these vary by ship and itinerary. Pool bars tend to be busiest during sea days, so consider visiting specialty venues during these times for faster service and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Glassware and Presentation
Royal Caribbean pays attention to proper glassware for different drinks. Wine is served in appropriate glasses for each varietal, cocktails come in proper stemware, and beer is served in chilled glasses. This attention to detail enhances the drinking experience and ensures optimal flavor delivery.
Understanding Venue Limitations
While most bars can prepare drinks from the fleetwide menu, specialty venues may have limited selections based on their theme and available ingredients. The pool bar might not have the full range of premium spirits available at the Schooner Bar, for example.
