What’s Included on a Royal Caribbean Cruise? A Complete Guide
One of the most common questions we get about Royal Caribbean cruises is: “What is included with my cruise fare?” If you’re planning your first cruise or just looking to budget for your next sailing, we’re here to break it all down.
Royal Caribbean offers world-class entertainment, delicious dining, and visits to incredible destinations, but are their cruises truly all-inclusive? The short answer: not quite—but you still get amazing value for your money.
Unlike an all-inclusive Caribbean resort, Royal Caribbean’s pricing model includes a base cruise fare with essential amenities, while allowing guests to add extra experiences for an additional cost. Let’s dive into exactly what’s covered—and what’s not—so you can plan your best cruise yet!
Despite the fact they are not all-inclusive, a Royal Caribbean cruise still packs a lot to enjoy, including:
Your stateroom
Complimentary meal service throughout the cruise for all meals and snacks
Activities and things to do onboard the ship
Supervised programming for children and teens
Fitness center
Sports activities
Pools and outdoor amenities
Royal Caribbean's app
Perfect Day at CocoCay (on select sailings)
What’s Included in Your Royal Caribbean Cruise Fare?
Even though Royal Caribbean cruises aren’t technically all-inclusive, your cruise fare covers a ton of perks and amenities, including:
Your Stateroom
A comfortable room with daily housekeeping and turndown service
Included Dining Options
Main Dining Room – Multi-course meals in a sit-down restaurant
Windjammer Café – Buffet-style dining for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Sorrento’s Pizza – Fresh pizza slices are available all day
El Loco Fresh – Quick-service Mexican food
Café Promenade – 24-hour coffee and light snacks
Mini Bites & Dog House – Poolside snacks like hot dogs and finger foods
Vitality Café – Healthy meals and smoothies
Splashaway Café – Kid-friendly poolside dining
Room Service – Continental breakfast items are free; all other menu items have a fee
Onboard Entertainment & Activities
Broadway-style shows & live music
Game shows & trivia
Ice skating shows (on select ships)
AquaTheater performances (on Oasis-class ships)
Movies under the stars
Pools, Sports & Outdoor Activities
Pools & whirlpools
Fitness center & select fitness classes
Sports courts (basketball, mini-golf, rock climbing, etc.)
Jogging track
Kids & Teens Programs
Adventure Ocean® kids' club (ages 3-17)
Teen-only lounges & events
Splashaway Bay water play area (for younger kids)
Royal Caribbean App
Daily schedules & ship maps
Online reservations for dining & activities
Perfect Day at CocoCay (on select itineraries)
Beach chairs & umbrellas
Oasis Lagoon, the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean
Complimentary dining at select restaurants
What’s NOT Included in a Royal Caribbean Cruise?
While there’s plenty included in your cruise fare, some extras come with an additional charge, such as:
Extra Costs to Consider
Gratuities (daily service charges)
Casino gambling
Alcoholic beverages & specialty coffees
Soft drinks & bottled water
WiFi packages
Shore excursions
Spa treatments & salon services
Specialty dining restaurants
Private beach cabanas (on CocoCay & Labadee)
Photo packages & souvenirs
Arcade games & laser tag
Medical services
Drink Packages (Available for Purchase)
If you plan to drink more than a couple of specialty drinks per day, a drink package may be worth it. Royal Caribbean offers:
Deluxe Beverage Package – Includes alcoholic drinks, specialty coffee, juices, soda, and bottled water.
Refreshment Package – Includes non-alcoholic drinks, specialty coffee, juices, soda, and bottled water.
Classic Soda Package – Soft drinks only.
Pro Tip: Purchase your drink package before the cruise for the best price!
Are Royal Caribbean Cruises Worth It?
Absolutely! Even though they’re not fully all-inclusive, Royal Caribbean cruises offer incredible value compared to other vacation types. Whether you stick to what's included or splurge on extras, you’ll still get a vacation filled with entertainment, relaxation, and adventure.
Have questions about Royal Caribbean cruises? Drop them in the comments or reach out—we’d love to help!
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