Did you know Royal Caribbean regularly gives out free alcoholic beverages on their cruise? We have the top seven ways to score a free drink in our brand new video!

We are all trying to save a little bit of money and keep that bar bill down, so this week Matt shares seven tried-and-true methods of getting an alcoholic beverage on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Did you love this video? We have lots of other great cruise videos to watch on our Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel!

Have you subscribed to our YouTube Channel yet? Be sure to subscribe to our channel and never miss a single video!

So check out the video and then let us know: What is your favorite way to get a free drink on a Royal Caribbean cruise?

If you have not heard, February 22 is National Margarita Day! 

We are always one to enjoy a great margarita, and rarely need an excuse to enjoy one.  To celebrate this holy of holidays, we have some recipes for how to make the amazing margaritas that Sabor Modern Mexican is renown for right in your own home!

Grab some limes, tequila and salt, and check out these must-drink margs!

Simply Perfect Margarita

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz Patrón Reposado tequila
• 0.5 oz Patrón Citrónge Liqueur
• 1 oz lime
• 1 oz orange juice
• 0.25 oz simple syrup

Method:

Rim the glass with Cactus/lemongrass salt. Pour all of the ingredients in a shaker tin over ice and shake well. Double strain over fresh ice.

Grand Sabor Margarita

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz Patrón Reposado tequila
• 0.5 oz Cedilla Acai Liqueur
• 0.5 oz Grand Marnier
• 0.5 oz lime
• 0.50 oz simple syrup

Method:

Combine all of the ingredients in a shaker tin over ice and shake well. Double strain over fresh ice.

Jalapeno-Cucumber Margarita

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz Don Julio Blanco tequila
• 0.5 oz Cointreau Orange Liqueur
• 1 small piece of jalapeno pepper (approximately 1/2 cm thick)
• 3 springs of Cilantro
• 3 discs of Cucumber (approximately 2 cm)
• 1 oz lime
• 0.5 oz simple syrup

Method:

Muddle the jalapeno, cilantro together in a mixing glass, combine all remaining ingredients in a shaker tin full of ice. Shake well, double strain over fresh ice.

Bonus: Guacamole recipe

If you are going to make margaritas at home, be sure to compliment it with a bowl of the amazing Sabor guacamole!

Ingredients (for 4 people)

• 0.5 cup red onion
• 2 tbsp jalapeno (omit this if you want mild guacamole)
• 1.5 tsp garlic
• 2 avocado
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 lime
• 0.5 lemon
• 0.25 cup cilantro
• 1/3 cup tomatoes

Method

1. In the molcajete, mix the onion, jalapeno and garlic.
2. Score the inside of the avocado into small cubes and remove the outer skin with a spoon.
3. Add the avocado and mash lightly to a lumpy consistency.
4. Add the lemon and lime juices, salt, cilantro and mash again.
5. Add the tomatoes and incorporate.

What is your favorite Royal Caribbean margarita? Leave a comment below and let us know!

Whether New Years Eve, July 4th, Arbor Day or really any celebration, we have some cocktail recipes to share that you can sample between Royal Caribbean cruises from the comfort of your own home.

LIME MARGARITA

• 1/2 oz House Tequila
• 1/2 oz Triple Sec
• Margarita Mix
• Salt Rim 

Shake and Strain over fresh ice for on the Rocks Or Blend 

ROYAL GOLD RITA — Rocks 

• 1/2 oz Patron Anejo
• 3/4 oz Cointreau
• 1/2 oz Grand Marnier
• Margarita Mix

Shake and Strain over fresh ice for on the Rocks and float Grand Marnier Or Blend and float Grand Marnier 

TEQUILA SUNRISE

• 1 1/2 oz House Tequila
• Orange Juice
• 1/2 oz Grenadine

Shake and strain over fresh ice 

GREEN MEXICAN 

• 3/4 oz House Gold Tequila
• 1/4 oz Peach Schnapps
• 1/4 oz Banana Liqueur
• 1/4 oz Blue Curacao
• 3 oz Pineapple Juice
• 1/4 oz Sugar Syrup 

Shake and Strain over fresh ice 

CUBA LIBRA

• 1 1/2 oz House White Rum Top with Coke 
• Fresh Lime Wedge 

Pina Colada

• 1 1/2 oz House White Rum
• Pina Colada Mix Blend
• Pineapple & Cherry 

ULTIMATE MAI TAI 

• 3/4 oz Pyrat XO Rum
• 1/2 oz Amaretto Disaronno
• 1 oz Orange Juice
• 1 oz Pineapple Juice
• 1 oz Sweet & Sour
• 1/2 oz Grenadine
• 3/4 oz Myer's Rum 

Shake, strain and pour over fresh ice.

Float Myer's Rum 

STRAWBERRY DAIQUIRI 

• 1 1/2 oz House White Rum
• Strawberry Mix

Blend

ULTIMATE BLOODY MARY 

• 1 1/2 oz Stoli Elite
• Spices to taste
• Top with tomato juice
• Lime
• 2 Olives

Shake and pour over fresh ice.

CARIBBEAN COOLER 

• 1 oz Grey Goose
• 1/2 oz Peach Schnapps
• 3 1/2 oz Orange Juice
• 1/2 oz Grenadine
• Top with Sprite 
• Pineapple 

Shake and strain over fresh ice 

MADRAS 

• 1 1/2oz Vodka
• 1 1/2 oz Orange Juice
• Top with Cranberry Juice 
• Lime Wedge 

CAPE COD

• 1 1/2 oz House Vodka
• Top with Cranberry Juice 
• Lime Wedge 

GIN COOLER 

• 1/2 oz House Gin
• 1/2 oz Peach Schnapps 
• 1/2 oz Blue Curacao
• 1/2 oz of Pineapple Juice 
• Pineapple & Cherry 

Shake and Strain over fresh ice 

ROYAL SINGAPORE SLING 

• 1 1/2 oz Aviation Gin
• 1/2 oz Blackberry Brandy
• 1/2 oz Grenadine
• 2oz Sweet & Sour
• Soda Water

Shake and strain over fresh ice and top with Soda pour Grenadine on top to float down.

TOM COLLINS

• 1 oz House Gin
• 2 1/2 oz Sweet & Sour
• Soda Water 

Shake until frothy, strain over fresh ice and top with soda.

RASPBERRY COLLINS 

• 2 oz New Amsterdam Gin
• 3/4 oz Raspberry Mix
• 1 1/2 oz Sweet & Sour
• Soda Water 

Shake and strain over fresh ice and top with soda.

WHISKEY SOUR

• 1 1/2 oz House Whiskey
• 3 oz Citus Mix Shake until frothy, strain over fresh ice
• Lemon & Cherry 

OLD FASHIONED - Rocks

• 1 1/2 oz House Whiskey
• 1 x Orange Slice
• 1 x Cherry
• 1 x Sugar Sachet
• 3 Dashes Angostura Bitters
• 1 oz Soda 

Muddle Orange, Cherry, Sugar & Bitters. Add Liquor, Stir, Add Ice and Top with Soda 

LYNCHBURG LEMONADE

• 1 oz Jack Daniels
• 1/2 oz Triple Sec
• 3 oz Sweet & Sour
• Sprite 

Shake until frothy and strain over fresh ice. Top with Sprite 

RUSTY NAIL - Rocks

• 1 oz House Whiskey
• 1/2 oz Drambuie 

Strawberry Lemonade 

• 2oz Strawberry Mix
• 2oz Lemonade Mix
• Top with Soda

Shake and strain over fresh ice, Top with Soda. Stir as required.

Red Delight

• 2oz Strawberry Mix
• 1 1/2 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
• Top with Red Bull (Regular)

Shake and strain over fresh ice, top with soda. Stir as required.

Island Fusion

• 1 1/4 oz Pina Colada Mix
• 1 1/4 oz Passion Fruit Mix
• 2 1/2 oz Orange juice
• Slice of pineapple and Cherry

Shake and strain over fresh ice

Slushy Coco Loco

• 4oz Red Bull Yellow Edition
• 2 oz Pineapple juice
• 1 oz coconut cream/Pina colada mix
• Slice of pineapple

Blend

APPLETINI

• 2oz Tito's Vodka
• 1oz Sour Apple Pucker
• Cherry

Shake and Strain into a Martini glass or on the rocks

MANHATTAN 

• 2 oz Buffalo Trace
• 3/4 oz Sweet Vermouth
• Dash Angostura Bitters
• Bar Spoon of Cherry Juice
• Cherry

Guest preference, Stir, Shake and Strain 

ZACAPA DREAM

• 1 1/4 oz Ron Zacapa
• 1/2 oz Baileys
• 1/2 oz Kahula
• 1/2 oz Amaretto
• 1/2 oz Heavy Cream
• 1/4 oz Sugar Syrup 

Shake and Strain 

ULTIMATE COSMOPOLITAN 

• 2oz Grey Goose Vodka
• 1/2 oz Cointreau 
• 1/2 oz Cranberry Juice
• 1 Lime Wedge Squeezed 
• Lime Twist 

Shake and Strain 

Melon Mojito Cosmo 

• 1 1/4 oz White Rum
• 3/4 oz Midori
• 1 oz Mojito Syrup
• 4 oz Soda 
• Mint Sprig & Lime 

Build ingredients and stir through, top with Soda 

Starboard Madras Cosmo 

• 2 oz House Vodka
• 3 oz Orange Juice
• 2 oz Cranberry Juice
• 1 oz Sprite 
• Orange Wedge 

Shake all ingredients except Sprite. Strain over fresh ice and finish with sprite 

Caribbean Sling Cosmo 

• 1 1/4 oz Spice Rum
• 3/4 oz Blackberry Brandy
• 1/2 oz Simple Syrup
• 3 oz Pineapple Juice
• 1 oz Orange Juice 
• Pineapple Wedge 

Shake all ingredients & strain over fresh ice 

Mai Tai 

• 1 1/4 oz House Dark Rum
• 3/4 oz Disaronno
• 3 oz Pineapple Juice
• 1 oz Orange Juice
• 1/4 oz Grenadine 
• Slice of pineapple & Cherry 

Shake all ingredients except grenadine, Strain over fresh ice 

Port Side Punch 

• 1oz House White Rum
• 1/2 oz Malibu
• 1/2 oz Peach Schnapps
• 1/2 oz Simple Syrup
• 3 oz Pineapple Juice
• 1 oz Cranberry 
• Pineapple Cherry 

Shake all ingredients except Cranberry Juice, Strain over fresh ice and finish with soda 

Citrus Cooler 

• 1 1/4 oz House Vodka
• 3/4 oz Triple Sec
• 4 oz Orange Juice
• 1 oz Sprite
• Orange Wedge 

Shake all (except Sprite) and strain over fresh ice. Then top with Sprite 

Margarita Azul Pilsner 

• 1 oz House tequila
• 1/2 oz Triple sec
• 1/2 oz Blue curacao
• 2 oz Margarita Mix
• 2 oz Sprite 
• Lemon wedge / Half Salt Rim 

Shake and strain over fresh ice filled pilsner glass top with Sptrite 

Royal Lemonade 

• 2 oz House Vodka
• 2 oz Lemonade mix
• 4 oz Sprite 
• Lemon wedge 

Build ingredients in Glass over fresh ice and stir 

Woo Woo

• 1 1/4 oz House Vodka
• 3/4 oz Peach Schnapps
• 1 oz Sour mix
• 4 oz Cranberry Juice 
• Lime Wedge 

Build all ingredients in glass

Captains Collins 

• 2 oz House gin
• 1 1/2 oz Sour mix
• 1/2 oz Simple syrup
• 4 oz Soda 
• Lemon & Cherry 

Shake Gin with sour mix, strain over fresh ice and finish with soda 

Watch how The Royal Zombie, a signature cocktail at The Bamboo Room, is created in the new Polynesian-themed bar on the amped-up Mariner of the Seas.

Want to make this drink at home? Here is the The Royal Zombie drink recipe.

1oz lime juice 
3/4oz cinnamon syrup 
1/2oz passion fruit juice
1/2oz velvet falernum liqueur 
1oz white rum 
1/2oz dark rum 
1/2oz orange liqueur 
2 shakes of angostura bitters and anise liqueur 

Serve in a tall tiki glass, topped with crushed ice, fresh mint and a cherry.

Royal Caribbean has updated its non-alcoholic beverage policy for guests, beginning on September 1st, 2018.

Guests bringing small quantities of non-alcoholic beverages onboard are now required to do so in a carry-on or hand luggage, rather than in a checked bag.

The cruise line announced that guests will be able to bring small quantities of non-alcoholic beverages in a carry-on or hand luggage onboard only on boarding day. Checking in non-alcoholic beverages will no longer be permitted.

Specifically, non-alcoholic beverages brought onboard may not exceed 12 standard (17 oz) cans, bottles or cartons per stateroom. Distilled water or specialized beverages such as, milk for medical purposes, dietary or infant use, are permitted.

Guests are prohibited from bringing alcoholic beverages onboard any cruise ship, with the exception of being able to bring two bottles of wine per stateroom.

Ever since Royal Caribbean spent $120 million reimagining Mariner of the Seas, it has gotten a lot of well-deserved attention for some incredible new changes and improvements.  Chief among them is the new Bamboo Room lounge.

Royal Caribbean calls the Bamboo Room a "laid back Polynesian watering hole with a throwback vibe and kitschy-cool craft cocktails".  We love Royal Caribbean's custom cocktails, such as the wonderful margaritas at Sabor Modern Mexican, so we wanted to share what to look for at the Bamboo Room.

Currently, the specialty cocktails are priced at $14 each.

The Royal Zombie

The signature tiki mug is "Cliff The Parrot", and it is available for purchase for $10. Just let your bartender know that you would like to purchase one.

The Bamboo Swizzle

Buffalo Trace bourbon, Lemon juice, Cinnamon Syrup, Soda, Mint and Angostura Bitters.

The Navy Grog

Saturn Landing

Bobby's Gin, Ginger Syrup, Velvet Falernum Liqueur, St. Elizabeth Allspice Dram, Mango and Lime Juice.

Mariner of the Seas is now sailing short 4-night Weekday and 3-night weekend getaways to The Bahamas, from PortMiami.

Going on a Royal Caribbean cruise does not mean you have to "break the bank" to enjoy as many non-alcoholic beverages as you care to enjoy.  The Royal Refreshment drink package offers guests a variety of on-alcoholic drinks for one fixed price.

The Royal Refreshment package includes juices, premium coffees, bottled water and virgin cocktails.  By purchasing the Royal Refreshment package, it ensures you not only get to enjoy as many of these drinks as you like, but it also allows you to lock in the price of your preferred drinks.

What does the Royal Refreshment package include?

Guests can choose between unlimited fountain sodas, non-alcoholic beverages and cocktails, bottled water (500ml), sparkling water (375 ml), fresh squeezed juices, premium coffee and premium tea.  

Guests who purchase the Royal Refreshment package will also receive a souvenir Coca-Cola cup, which can be used with the Coca-Cola Freestyle machines on select Royal Caribbean ships.

How much is the Royal Refreshment package?

The standard price of the Royal Refreshment Package in 2018 is between $26.00 - $29.00 per guest (not including gratuity) per night of your cruise.  In 2019, the price will be $29.00 per guest, per night of the cruise.

When you purchase the drink package, a one-time gratuity (referred to as a service charge) will be charged as well. 

This means the daily price you pay covers all the drinks covered in this package, as well as gratuity.

Is there ever a discount offered on the Royal Refreshment package?

On occasion, Royal Caribbean does offer a pre-cruise discount on certain drink packages purchased prior to your cruise via the Cruise Planner site.

We usually share Cruise Planner sales on this site, which tend to occur once every few weeks or so.  Be sure to follow us on Facebook for notifications when there is a new sale.

There is no risk in purchasing a drink package now and taking advantage of a price drop later. If you spot a better discount on something you already pre-purchased, you should be able to cancel the purchase and then re-purchase the same item under this promotion.

Does the Royal Refreshment package include espresso-based coffee?

Royal Caribbean defines "premium coffees" as cappuccinos, espressos, and lattes. Thus, espresso based drinks are included with the Royal Refreshment package at any restaurant, bar, or cafe that serves espresso beverages.

On non-Oasis class ships, the Royal Refreshment package does include Illy or Starbucks beverages from locations like Cafe Promenade or Cafe Latte-Tudes.

On Oasis-class ships (Oasis of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas and Symphony of the Seas), the Royal Refreshment package does not include any drink from the free-standing Starbucks kiosk.  Instead, guests can enjoy premium coffees and teas from Cafe Promenade or Park Cafe with their Refreshment package.

Does the Royal Refreshment package include milk shakes?

As of July 2018, milkshakes at Johnny Rockets are included.

Who is the Royal Refreshment package best for?

We believe the Royal Refreshment package is a great choice for guests who are not interested in (or are not old enough to purchase) alcoholic beverages, but still want to have premium non-alcoholic beverages while on their cruise.

Typically, this package is popular with guests that enjoy premium coffees, virgin cocktails and soft drinks. Teenagers especially gravitate towards the Royal Refreshment package, because they can enjoy the lots of drinks without fear of a large bill later.  Adults also find the package worthwhile, for the premium coffee and fresh squeezed juices option.

Essentially, it tends to resonate as a good choice for guests who are not interested in alcoholic beverages, but want to still enjoy many drinks that cost extra.

What is the difference between the Royal Refreshment package and the Classic Soda Package?

The Classic Soda package only includes soft drinks and a souvenir Coca-Cola cup, whereas the Royal Refreshment package includes soft drinks, a souvenir Coca-Cola cup, and many other varieties of drinks.

Instead of just sodas, the Royal Refreshment package includes virgin cocktails, premium coffee, fresh squeezed juice and more.

Can I purchase the Royal Refreshment package and share drinks with someone I know onboard?

No, sharing beverages on any of Royal Caribbean's unlimited drink packages is strictly prohibited.

If I buy the Royal Refreshment package, are others in my stateroom required to purchase the same drink package?

No, unlike Royal Caribbean's Deluxe Beverage package, Royal Caribbean does not require other guests in the same stateroom to purchase a Royal Refreshment package.

Looking for an unique margarita? Well, look no further than Sabor Modern Mexican!

Located on Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas and Navigator of the Seas, this contemporary take on Mexican cuisine is something of a hidden gem.  Word is getting around about Sabor among Royal Caribbean fans, but guests new to Royal Caribbean may not yet know about the frankly amazing food and drink at Sabor.  

Sabor Modern Mexican has earned itself a solid reputation for its fresh, authentic food that boasts an impressive selection of Mexican dishes across their menu (including some amazing tuna tacos), and a staff with a passion and knowledge about what they serve.

When you talk about a Mexican meal, margaritas may quickly come to mind and if you have a reservation to dine at Sabor on your next Royal Caribbean cruise, then you need to need to treat yo self and indulge in their margarita list!

So, join me as I try the various margaritas found on the Sabor Modern Mexican menu.

Sabor Modern Mexican on Freedom of the Seas

Once seated at Sabor for lunch or dinner, your waiter will provide you with a menu of the available margaritas.  Some of the margaritas are hand crafted at your table, while the others are freshly made behind-the-scenes.

Margarita list

Featured margaritas are made table side

Of course, for "research purposes," we have no choice but to try all the margaritas from the margarita menu.  Across various Royal Caribbean ships, we have tried these great cocktails and it is easy to find a favorite.

We will begin with my personal favorite, the Avocado Margarita.  It is smooth, flavorful and has (a lot of) smooth Patrón tequila.

The Avocado Margarita consists of Patrón Silver tequila, orange liqueur, avocado and lime juice. Rimmed with Aleppo pepper/lime salt.  I dare you not to like this one.

If you are more of a traditionalist, there are two good choices for you.  First up, is the Sabor Grand Margarita.

The Sabor Grand is great for anyone who is either new to margaritas or prefers a fruitier taste to their fine Mexican beverages.  It is made of Patron Reposado tequila, Grand Marnier and Cedilla Acai liqueurs with lime juice.  The Cedilla Acai is what gives this drink its red color, and also adds a pleasant flavor.

The Simply Perfect Margarita is very similar, but more of a classic look and taste.

With a name like Simply Perfect, there are some high expectations set and I am happy to report it does not disappoint.  Unlike many conventional margaritas, there is no compromising on the tequila or flavor of the drink.  Patrón Reposado tequila, Patrón Citrónage liqueur with lime and orange juice makes for a very solid beverage.

If you fancy yourself a more adventurous margarita drinker, there are two margaritas that are great for you.

First up is the Sweet and Spice Margarita.  As the name implies, it starts off with a sweet, traditional margarita taste but once the drink passes by your lips, your mouth will be left with a little kick to it.

The Sweet and Spice Margarita is definitely a different kind of drink, and perfect for anyone that wants something different from the usual kind of drinks one might get a restaurant.  Different does not have a negative connotation, rather, it means there is little like this unique margarita.

Speaking of spice, if you prefer a little less sweet and a little more spice, go for the Jalapeño-Cucumber Margarita.

When you have bits of jalapeño floating in the drink, rest assured that this is not a wimpy drink.  It is made of Don Julio Plata tequila. Cointreau liqueur, cucumber, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice and for fans of spicy, this is the perfect margarita to compliment the food that can also be ordered spicy.  A good tip is to ask your waiter to make the table side guacamole extra spicy too, and you are sure to destroy many of your taste buds by the end of the meal!

You might note that we have included all of the margaritas from the menu, but we have a bonus margarita to share!  While dining at Sabor Modern Mexican a third time during our cruise (I'm only human!), our waiter inquired if we wanted to try a margarita that is not listed on the menu, the Mezcal Margarita.  Not being one to shy away for hard-hitting "research," I bravely ventured forth into this brave new margarita world.

Our waiter explained that Mezcal is agave-based liquor. Tequila must be made from the Blue Agave. Mezcal, on the other hand, can be made from more than 30 varieties of agave, including the Blue Agave. What you need to know is that Mezcal has a smoky flavor to it, and it is unlike any other margarita on Sabor's menu.  I really enjoyed it and only wish I knew about it earlier!

I cannot be certain the Mezcal Margarita will be available on your sailing, but if you want something different, there is no harm in asking for it. 

Since Sabor Modern Mexican opened on Navigator of the Seas, the restaurant catapulted to the top of my favorites list and I look forward to seeing (and tasting) whatever come up with next!

What is your favorite margarita flavor? Please let us know with a comment below!

Royal Caribbean's unlimited drink packages have never been more popular and you might find yourself considering one for your next cruise.  But if the prospect of drinking enough every day of your cruise to "break even" on your drink package investment leaves you feeling a little overwhelmed, then here are some easy ways to skip the drink packages but still save money on your bar tab.

While Royal Caribbean's drink packages are quite popular with guests, they do require a moderate amount of drinking every day of your cruise to make the investment worthwhile financially. For those that do not want to drink quite that much every day, there are a number of alternative strategies to the drink package that can still save you some money.  Here are our top five ways to skip the Royal Caribbean beverage packages and still enjoy plenty of cocktails on your cruise.

Buy a drink card

As popular as drink packages have become, the newest unlimited drink package option that has been popping up on Royal Caribbean cruises is the drink card. On many (but not all) sailings, a drink card offer will appear for guests to purchase, which allows them to buy a punch card for 10 beverages at a fixed price.

What is great about the drink cards is that they are shareable with other guests, and can additional cards can be purchased later during the cruise.  Drink cards afford greater flexibility than the drink packages and less of an upfront cost than the drink packages.

The "catch" with the drink cards is you cannot pre-purchase them for your cruise, and there are no guarantees they will be available on any particular sailing.  Generally, it will be offered on the third to fifth day of a 7 night cruise.

Bring 2 bottles of wine onboard

Did you know that Royal Caribbean allows guests to bring up to two bottles of wine per stateroom on their Royal Caribbean cruise?

Each bottle of wine may be up to 750ml in size and should be brought on in your carry-on luggage. Do not put the wine in your checked luggage.

Wine lovers will be able to bring a couple of bottles of their favorite wine on their cruise at a savings compared to purchasing the wine onboard.  Moreover, bringing your own wine means you will save money on your total bar tab during your cruise.

My favorite aspect of bringing your own wine is if you do not finish the bottle of wine, Royal Caribbean can store the wine for you and deliver it another restaurant at that time.

Look for drink specials onboard

When looking at Royal Caribbean drink prices, many guests base their math of whether a drink package makes sense off the regular price for drinks, but in reality, there are drink specials all around the ship that bring that price down.

One of the best ways to get a deal on a cocktail is to order the drink of the day.  The drink of the day is a select cocktail that changes every day, which has about a 20% discount on it and is available from most bars onboard.  You can just ask the bartender or waiter what the drink of the day is and take advantage of those savings.

In addition, individual ships will run their own bar specials, like 2 for 1 deals, drink combo deals and other happy hour discounts.  The exact details of a drink special will vary from ship to ship, and sailing to sailing, but it is important to understand that they exist.  

To find drink specials, consult the Cruise Compass for some advertised deals, as well as walk around bars and look for posted signs.

Drink in port

In our experience, Royal Caribbean's drink prices are about what we pay for drinks at many restaurants on land, but there is no question you will save money by drinking at the ports of call you visit compared to onboard.

Bars and restaurants at the ports your Royal Caribbean ship will visit regularly offer cheaper drink prices for beers and cocktails and that can mean big savings if you can wait to enjoy some drinks when on land, compared to on your ship.

Depending on your itinerary, this strategy may be more lucrative than others, but it is a good way to indulge in your favorite mixed drink or cerveza for a lower cost.

Get free drinks

Free drinks on Royal Caribbean? Yes. Seriously!

Believe it or not, there are ways to get free drinks on your Royal Caribbean cruise.  Granted, there is no way to effectively drink all day like this, but any free drinks you can get are less drinks you have to buy!

One of the best ways to get free drinks is by being a Crown and Anchor Society member.  Diamond level and above members are eligible for three free beverages per evening from 4:30 to 8:00pm, in addition to the unlimited complimentary beverages in the Diamond Lounge during those hours.

All Crown and Anchor Society members will have special coupons pre-loaded on their SeaPass account that provide deals like Buy One, Get one beer, wine or soda by the glass.  In addition, Royal Caribbean holds Crown and Anchor Society events onboard for members, with complimentary cocktails served.

Free champagne can also be found at select events, including art auctions, Captain's Welcome and during holiday celebrations.

Your thoughts

What is your best tip for saving money on drinks when not using a drink package? Is there one that we missed? Share your top tips in the comments!

You may have heard about Royal Caribbean's drink packages and even the drink cards, but here is a new drink card especially for those that enjoy a little "pep" in their day.

On Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas, guests were able to purchase a specialty coffee drink card, where if 6 coffee drinks are pre-purchased, they get one for free.

Photo by Dr. Kris L-C

These pre-paid punch cards area available at three different price points, so you can choose one that is right for you.

• $24 for 7 coffee drinks priced at $4 or less
• $30 for 7 coffee drinks priced at $5 or less
• $36 for 7 coffee drinks priced at $6 or less

There is no indication that this kind of a drink card will be available on any particular sailing or ship. Royal Caribbean has experimented greatly with the concept of pre-paid drink cards that did include specialty coffees over the last 12 months or so, but this is the first we have seen of a pre-paid card specifically for coffee.

Would you buy one of these coffee cards? If so, which one appeals to you? Tell us in the comments below.