Royal Caribbean has drawn criticism from passengers after quietly removing the popular Coca-Cola souvenir cup from its two most expensive drink packages. The cup, which allows access to self-serve freestyle machines offering hundreds of soda flavours, will now cost a one-time fee of $4.99 for those purchasing the Refreshment or Deluxe Beverage packages for bookings made from March 15, 2026.
The change was not formally announced by the cruise line but was noticed by travellers reviewing their cruise planners, according to Royal Caribbean Blog. The souvenir cup remains included with the basic Classic Soda package, though each guest receives only one cup and must pay to replace it.
The Refreshment Package, priced between $29 and $42 per day, includes soda, premium coffees and teas, juices, bottled water, and mocktails. The Deluxe Beverage Package, costing $50 to $120 per day, adds cocktails, beer, and wine by the glass. The Classic Soda package, at $12 to $18 per day, includes unlimited fountain sodas and freestyle access with the cup.
Passengers have voiced their disapproval online, with one Reddit user calling the move “cheap” and another saying it made them “so angry.” Commenter kanid99 described the policy as “very nickel and dimey.” The backlash highlights growing frustration over what some see as an erosion of perks in premium packages.
