Royal Caribbean's App & Drink Package: A Guide to Not Screwing Up Your Vacation

Is this your first time on a cruise? Confused about how Royal Caribbean works? Have no fear, because Kirk and I are here! We have over 15 years of experience cruising with both Carnival and Royal Caribbean. Think of us as your cruise godparents—we’ll make sure you have an awesome vacation, sans fairy godmother. As a bonus, I work in the airline industry and Kirk is a former meteorologist, so we know a thing or two about getting you there safely and avoiding bad weather.

First up: The app

Your first mission, should you choose to accept it, is to download the Royal Caribbean app. Seriously, do it now. This isn't just some clunky app you'll use once and forget—it's your cruise lifeline. While it's great for checking maps and your account, its real superpower is making reservations.

If you're a Carnival veteran, you might be used to a more laid-back system. Not here! Royal Caribbean runs on reservations for almost everything, including must-see ice shows, comedy nights, and dinner. The system is robust, but it's not a free-for-all.

You can start making reservations on the app 30 to 90 days before your cruise. Trust us, you don't want to wait. The best shows and dining times get snatched up faster than the last waffle at the buffet. Don't be that person stuck on a waitlist, peering through the glass as others enjoy the world-class entertainment you're missing out on. Get your reservations locked in and save yourself from a major case of FOMO!

Drink Package

How to save a "boatload" of money

If you're a Carnival veteran who's used to their drink package, get ready for a whole new level of unlimited. On Royal Caribbean, the drink package is an entirely different beast—it's truly unlimited. Unlike Carnival's 15-drink daily limit, on Royal, the taps (and bottles) keep flowing as long as you do.

Booking the Drink Package

You can often score a deal, so keep an eye out for sales. They typically run for 25% off, but my husband Kirk and I have seen discounts as high as 50%. Don't stress about booking early, though, because it's completely safe. If you book and a better sale pops up later, you can easily cancel and rebook at the new, lower price.

To check current pricing, just head to the Royal Caribbean app and tap the drink icon at the bottom.

The Perks

You'll also get a souvenir soda cup that's your key to more than just soda. It works at the freestyle machines, for fresh-squeezed juices in the gym and dining room, and even at the Promenade Cafe, where you can get Starbucks coffee. So go ahead, get your caffeine fix and feel a little fancy while you're at it!

And there you have it, folks! That's a little taste of what's to come. Think of it as the appetizer before the seven-course meal.

So, stay tuned for the next issue, where we'll explore all the incredible things on Anthem of the Seas. We're talking world-class entertainment, heart-pounding activities, and enough food to make you question the need for a "home" kitchen ever again. You won't want to miss it!