Royal Caribbean slammed over controversial change to drinks packages
Royal Caribbean Cruises has received backlash after cutting a beloved perk from its popular beverage packages.
When booking a cruise with the company, travellers can opt for a variety of packages, including the Refreshment and Deluxe Packages.
The former allows guests to enjoy unlimited non‑alcoholic beverages throughout their cruise, including: fountain soda refills, Johnny Rockets milkshakes, fresh-squeezed juices, and mocktails, among other drinks.
Meanwhile, the Deluxe Beverage Package allows guests to sip on all of the above, as well as alcoholic drinks such as wines by the glass, cocktails, spirits, and beers.
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However, the packages are having a major overhaul, with a perk being removed this month.
On March 15, neither the Refreshment nor the Deluxe Beverage package will include unlimited access to the Coca-Cola Freestyle Cup.
The souvenir grants guests access to the Coca-Cola Freestyle machines that are located across the ships.
“Effective March 15, 2026, the Deluxe Beverage Package will no longer include a Coca‑Cola Freestyle Cup,” the Royal Caribbean Cruises website reads.
“Guests who wish to use Coca‑Cola Freestyle machines may purchase a Freestyle Cup onboard for $4.99.
“Replacement cups are also available for $4.99, and all cups are valid only for the sailing during which they are issued.”
Anyone who has purchased one of the two beverage packages before the 15 March deadline will still receive a souvenir cup and enjoy access to the soda machines, as per Cruise Critic.
Additionally, customers purchasing the Royal Caribbean's Classic Soda Package past the cutoff will still be able to use the freestyle machines.
Guests travelling on Brilliance of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas and Vision of the Seas will not have access to the Coca-Cola machines as they are not yet installed onboard.
The change has been questioned by fans, with one writing via the Cruise Critic message board: “RCI probably got tired of passengers giving their cups to their kids.”
Over on Reddit, someone else said: “This is not going to work well. I have to always ask for the cup at a bar. I have a cruise in September I already paid for the package. Now the bartender has to look up when I got the package. Stop being such cheapskates RCL.”
“Unbelievably cheap on Royal's part,” added another. “It will no doubt be wrapped in a bs statement about ‘reducing waste’.”
Some holidaymakers aren’t as mad about the extra charge, with one Redditor commenting: “It’s $5. Not too concerned about this.”
“Before you beat up Royal, it could be a Coke issue,” a second reported. “Could range from Coke raising their prices and taking the bottle out to meet margin, Coke can't get supply, tariffs, etc. This seems like a Coke issue. RC can pick up $5 someone else in their universe”
FOODbible has contacted Royal Carribean Cruises and Coca-Cola for comment.
Ella Scott