You will see tables filled with colorful cups on embarkation day. But what exactly are they? And how do you get one?
The Royal Caribbean soda cup is available for an extra charge and allows guests unlimited access to the ship's Freestyle Coca-Cola machines.
The Freestyle machine is a convenient touch-screen interface that allows guests to choose from over 100 drink combinations, from classic sodas to unique flavored variations and no-sugar options.
Royal Caribbean Freestyle cups are included with the Classic Soda Package. However, as of March 15, 2026, they are no longer included with the Royal Refreshment and Deluxe Beverage Packages.
While soda from bars, lounges, and restaurants is still included, guests who'd like access to the Coca-Cola Freestyle machine must purchase a souvenir cup onboard for $4.99.
Freestyle machines are located in high-traffic areas, such as the Royal Promenade and Windjammer Marketplace. You may find them in other spots, too. For example, there are Coca-Cola Freestyle machines in the Surfside Neighborhood on Icon Class vessels.
If you are worried about carrying your soda cup around, consider purchasing a convenient sling. This will keep your hands free as you navigate from deck to deck. Some drink holders also have a slot for your SeaPass card — and no, you won't get as many strange looks as you think!
Unfortunately, Royal Caribbean soda cups are programmed for your specific voyage. As such, you cannot reuse them on future sailings. Moreover, Freestyle machines are not available on Brilliance of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas, and Vision of the Seas.
Is the Royal Caribbean soda package worth it?
Royal Caribbean's Classic Soda Package is the cheapest beverage package offered by the cruise line. However, it's also the most restrictive. For example, you cannot pick up bottled water, order a specialty coffee, or indulge in premium cocktails.
"With the Classic Soda Package, you enjoy non-stop cans of soda, fountain soft drinks, and more Coca-Cola favorite beverages, for one low price. Unlock the endless variety of Coca-Cola® Freestyle machines as you explore and pour all you want with a Coca-Cola souvenir cup to take home," reads the Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner.
Unlimited soft drinks ashore at Perfect Day at CocoCay, the cruise line's private island in The Bahamas, are also included.
That said, while the Freestyle cup is included, there is a $4.99 charge if you misplace it on the ship. Additionally, packages cannot be shared and are non-transferable.
So, is a Royal Caribbean soda package worth it? It depends on your drinking habits. For starters, it is the most affordable beverage package, which is an advantage for budget cruisers.
Generally speaking, you can pre-purchase a soda package through the Cruise Planner for anywhere from $9.99 to $18.00 per person per day, plus gratuity.
Comparatively, the cost of a single soft drink aboard Royal Caribbean ships is $3.50, before the mandatory service charge. As such, if you can find a deal for about $10 per day, the package can help you save money as long as you consume at least three soft drinks each day of your sailing.
Another perk is that the Royal Caribbean soda cup is included with the package. This means that you don't have to shell out an additional $4.99 per person for access to the Coca-Cola® Freestyle machine.
For a family of four, this could potentially mean shelling out another $20 — on top of what was already paid for the packages.
That said, if you plan to enjoy specialty coffees, energy drinks, mocktails, and more, opting for the Royal Refreshment Package is a better choice. You don't have to buy a soda cup, after all.
Read more: Royal Caribbean soda package review
