Royal Caribbean Drink Package Change: What Happened to the Soda Cup?
If you’ve cruised with Royal Caribbean International before, you might remember the Coca-Cola souvenir cup that came with certain drink packages. That cup allowed guests to use the Coca-Cola Freestyle machines located around the ship for unlimited soda refills.
Recently, some cruisers started hearing that Royal Caribbean was “getting rid of the cup.” That’s not exactly true—but there has been a change.
Here’s what cruisers need to know.
What Changed With the Royal Caribbean Soda Cup?
As of March 2026, Royal Caribbean made an update to how the souvenir soda cup is included with drink packages.
Previously, guests who purchased these packages automatically received the Coca-Cola Freestyle souvenir cup:
Deluxe Beverage Package
Refreshment Package
Now, the souvenir cup is no longer automatically included with those two packages.
Instead, guests who want to use the Coca-Cola Freestyle machines must add the cup for an additional $4.99.
Can You Still Get Soda Without the Cup?
Yes.
Guests who purchase the Deluxe Beverage Package or Refreshment Package can still order soda at:
Bars
Lounges
Restaurants
Poolside drink stations
However, the self-serve Freestyle soda machines require the souvenir cup to activate.
Without the cup, the machine will not dispense drinks.
One Package Still Includes the Cup
The Classic Soda Package still includes the Coca-Cola souvenir cup.
This package is designed specifically for guests who want unlimited soda and plan to use the Freestyle machines throughout the ship.
What About Guests Who Already Purchased a Drink Package?
Some cruisers are grandfathered into the old policy.
If a guest purchased their beverage package before the policy change in March 2026, they may still receive the souvenir cup automatically.
If the drink package was purchased after the change, the cup becomes an optional add-on.
Why Did Royal Caribbean Make This Change?
Royal Caribbean has not provided an official explanation, but there are several likely reasons:
Many guests did not use the souvenir cups
Some guests shared cups with multiple people
Reducing unnecessary plastic
Generating additional onboard revenue
Regardless of the reason, the Freestyle machines themselves are still available on ships.
What This Means for Future Royal Caribbean Cruises
For most cruisers, this change is relatively minor. The ability to get soda with beverage packages hasn’t gone away—the souvenir cup is simply no longer automatically included with certain packages.
If you enjoy using the Freestyle machines throughout the ship, the $4.99 add-on is something to keep in mind when planning your cruise.
Final Thoughts
Cruise lines update policies and packages from time to time, which is why staying informed matters when planning a cruise.
If you're considering a cruise with Royal Caribbean International and want help understanding drink packages, cabins, itineraries, or onboard options, working with a travel advisor can make the process much easier.
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