In 2010, Royal Caribbean and Starbucks signed a licensing agreement to open Starbucks locations on select cruise ships. It's become a popular way to enjoy made-to-order espresso beverages and Frappuccino blended beverages ever since.
Many cruisers are happy to discover there's a Starbucks on their ship, and it adds a new option for coffee beyond what Royal Caribbean offers.
Not all Royal Caribbean ships have a Starbucks location onboard, but many do (especially the newer ships).
However, it can be somewhat confusing how it all works given that Starbucks is not included in your cruise fare and the rules about how you can use your Starbucks Rewards are different than on land.
Here's what you need to know about the Starbucks and Royal Caribbean partnership, including how to redeem free Starbucks Rewards drinks.
Is Starbucks coffee included in the price of my cruise?
No, there is an extra charge for any food or drink you order at a Starbucks kiosk.
Royal Caribbean drink packages do not include Starbucks drinks ordered from the licensed kiosk. Similarly, the coffee punch card does not work at Starbucks kiosks either.
There is one exception, and that is if you are a Star Class guest. Star Class guests get complimentary drinks at a Starbucks kiosk.
There is complimentary coffee available at many other venues around the ship.
How do I pay my Starbucks food or drinks?
You'll need to use your SeaPass card to pay for any item you order at a Starbucks kiosk.
Alternatively, you could use your Starbucks app to pay for an order. You cannot redeem Starbucks Rewards onboard to pay for items purchased onboard.
You don't need to have a WiFi package to use your app to pay. Starbucks has its own internet connection to verify the funds available on your card. They will let you know if/when your account is empty.
Even if you have WiFi, you cannot use the mobile order (order ahead) functionality while on any ship.
Can I receive and redeem my Starbucks benefits on a Royal Caribbean ship?
You are indeed able to use your Starbucks card for purchases, and you will gain stars for those purchases. However, you cannot claim rewards for the stars you've accumulated, including the free birthday drink.
This is commonly how licensed Starbucks locations operate, such as a Starbucks found in a supermarket or highway rest stop.
Can I use a Starbucks gift cards as payment onboard?
Yes, you can use a physical Starbucks gift card or a digital one in your Starbucks app to pay for food or beverages.
Is the Starbucks menu onboard the same as a Starbucks at home?
Mostly, yes. Starbucks kiosks on a Royal Caribbean ship get re-supplied every voyage, and you will find the same seasonal beverages offered, such as Holiday red cups, Pumpkin Spice Lattes, and the like.
They serve all the standard stuff, such as brewed coffees, refreshers, lattes, macchiatos, and Frappuccino's.
One notable exception is Starbucks locations on Royal Caribbean ships do not offer coffee beans for sale.
How is the Starbucks served at Cafe Promenade/Cafe Latte-tudes different than the coffee at a Starbucks kiosk?
It can be confusing to distinguish between the two, but Royal Caribbean also serves Starbucks brewed coffees, lattes, and Frappuccinos at Cafe Promenade or Cafe Latte-tudes and this is different from the kiosk.
The Starbucks drinks served at Cafe Promenade or Cafe Latte-tudes still cost extra, but they are included with a Royal Caribbean drink package. Likewise, Diamond drink vouchers also can be redeemed for drinks here.
You can use your SeaPass card to pay for drinks here, but not your Starbucks app.
One other distinguishing factor about the Starbucks drinks at Cafe Promenade is you can have them with a shot of alcohol added to it.
Which Royal Caribbean ships have a Starbucks kiosk?
These are the ships with a Starbucks kiosk:
- Oasis of the Seas
- Allure of the Seas
- Harmony of the Seas
- Symphony of the Seas
- Wonder of the Seas
- Utopia of the Seas
- Icon of the Seas
- Mariner of the Seas
- Navigator of the Seas
- Odyssey of the Seas
Are there 'Been There' mugs for Royal Caribbean ships?
Yes! Each of the 10 Royal Caribbean ships that have a Starbucks kiosk sell a mug that represents signature features onboard.
The price for a mug is $16.95.
If I want regular coffee, can I get it onboard without paying?
Yes, there's complimentary coffee served at a variety of locations on any Royal Caribbean ship.
Youu'll find coffee served every day at Cafe Promenade/Cafe Latte-tudes/Cafe @ Two70, dining rooms, Windjammer, specialty restaurants, and select bars and lounges.
