The article was updated on Aug. 25 at 11:12 p.m. EST to add some clarifications sent by Royal Caribbean to TheTravel.
Royal Caribbean has been enhancing guest experiences lately, from letting guests bid on additional perks before sailings to offering new destinations across a bucket-list region for 2027–2028. Even not-so-new upgrades have been getting increased appreciation from passengers.
Recently, cruise guests praised Royal Caribbean for tripling its selection of a highly requested menu item. It reflects a rising travel trend, which is only part of a larger shift in experiences aboard the company’s ships.
Passengers Applaud Royal Caribbean’s Expanded Mocktail Selection
Passengers recently expressed their gratitude to Royal Caribbean for offering options for non-alcoholic beverage preferences by tripling its mocktail selection fleetwide. While it has been over a year since this elevated menu was first introduced, many cruise passengers are only discovering these options after Elizabeth Wright of the Royal Caribbean Blog reported on how the cruise line has made it easier for sober travelers to enjoy refreshing drinks.
Royal Caribbean told TheTravel that it currently offers approximately 28 mocktail choices, including non-alcoholic beer and wine, across its 29 ships, from only about a dozen or less before.
“I’m so glad this is a normal thing now,” a Royal Caribbean guest wrote in the comments. “My first cruise was in 2019 on Adventure of the Seas. I remember going to one of the bars and asking the bartender if they had a mocktail menu. He looked at me like I had two heads! I don’t like mixed drinks and the only alcohol I’ll have is the occasional beer.”
When the Icon class of ships launched in 2024, it also became the first time Royal Caribbean purposely developed non-alcoholic mocktail recipes for the menus of every bar onboard, instead of simply serving virgin versions of standard cocktails. In August last year, the bigger menu for low-alcohol and zero-proof drinks, which are now available on every cruise, was introduced during a preview on the Star of the Seas.
Why Mocktails Are Becoming Popular Across Royal Caribbean Cruises
Mocktails have become popular on cruises in recent years due to a surge in demand for sober-conscious travel, also known as “dry tripping”—a major movement in tourism this year. Royal Caribbean Senior Director of Beverage Operations, Ed Eiswirth, also confirmed that younger cruisers have been leading the trend.
“From a trend standpoint, this next generation that’s coming up is not drinking as much alcohol as the rest. They’re leaning into these mocktails,” Eiswirth told the Royal Caribbean Blog.
But it’s not just a Millennial or Gen Z thing. Abigail Cuffey, executive editor of Women’s Health, told KCRA 3 that all ages have been “pulling back” on alcoholic drinks for different reasons: “Some of it is health-related, some of it is energy, mood, sleep—just seeing what life is like when they drink a little bit less.”
Those who are pleased with Royal Caribbean’s selection of mocktails mention other common factors, such as mere dislike of the taste of alcohol, inability to drink due to health issues, and recovering from dependence. Another bonus is that mocktails allow families to enjoy fun and festive drinks together, keeping kids and teens included in the social and bar/lounge experience.
Mocktails Are Fully Included In Royal Caribbean’s Refreshment Package
With many only discovering Royal Caribbean’s large mocktail selection (or their love for it), some guests are left confused about whether these drinks are included in the Refreshment Package. And they fully are, according to an email sent by Royal Caribbean to TheTravel. Many even feel that these zero-proof options significantly add value to the package.
A single mocktail on a Royal Caribbean cruise typically costs $8 before the 18% gratuity, which adds $1.44 to the bill. Refreshment Packages range from $29 to $42 per person per day, and include:
- Fountain soda and refills at any venue
- Non‑alcoholic cocktails or mocktails
- Johnny Rockets milkshakes
- Bottled still and sparkling water
- Premium coffees and teas
- Fresh‑squeezed juices
- $4.99 for a Freestyle Cup to access Coca‑Cola® Freestyle beverages
With individual mocktails hitting nearly $9.50 after gratuity, purchasing three to four premium drinks throughout the day to break even on the Refreshment Package is quite an achievable goal compared to the Deluxe Beverage Package (with alcoholic drinks), which costs $55 to $120 per person, but requires at least 5 to 7 alcoholic drinks each day just to break even.
The Catch
However, Royal Caribbean enforces a policy that if one adult buys a Deluxe Beverage (Alcohol) Package, every other adult of legal drinking age in the same stateroom must also purchase it. You cannot substitute a non-drinker’s package with the cheaper Refreshment Package.
It could be challenging to justify the cost if not everyone in the group drinks alcohol. Additionally, as more people become aware of the Refreshment Package’s upgraded mocktail options, many are worried that the rising demand may affect pricing.
Royal Caribbean Guests Fear Rise In Refreshment Package Costs Due To Mocktail Trend
While many are delighted with the health-conscious trend behind the new popularity of mocktails on Royal Caribbean cruises, others are already concerned about its potential impact on prices. Since the post-pandemic recovery phase in late 2022 and 2023, the company has steadily increased its cruise fares, onboard fees, and extra service costs due to high consumer demand and increased operating expenses.
“I predict a new type of beverage package,” someone on Facebook wrote about the mocktail trend. “Refreshment package is too cheap to cover this rising trend.”
Royal Caribbean tightened its Deluxe Beverage Package policy in August 2025, the exact same month the cruise line expanded its zero-proof and low-alcohol drink menu fleetwide. Since then, many passengers have shared their frustrations about onboard drinking costs. Other guests also note that some ships are still lagging on rolling out the revamped mocktail menu.
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