Atlas by Shumba Travel · Ask Atlas
Do I need my soda cup to get soda?
No. The souvenir cup is the key to one particular kingdom: the Coca-Cola Freestyle machines. Each cup contains an RFID chip that activates the machine, so an ordinary cup, last cruise's cup, or your emotionally significant travel tumbler will not persuade it to dispense Cherry Vanilla Coke. At staffed locations such as bars, lounges, the Windjammer, and the Main Dining Room, you can get fountain soda without carrying the souvenir cup. Your beverage package is connected to your SeaPass account, so the crew can verify it there. The Classic Soda Package includes a Freestyle cup. As of March 15, 2026, the Refreshment and Deluxe Beverage Packages still include fountain soda at staffed venues, but no longer include the Freestyle cup. Guests with either package can purchase one onboard for $4.99 if access to the Freestyle machines matters to them. Freestyle cups work only on the sailing for which they were issued. Your previous cup may have fond memories, but it has retired from active soda duty.
- You only need the special cup to use a Coca-Cola Freestyle machine.
- Bars, lounges, the Windjammer, and the Main Dining Room can serve fountain soda without the cup.
- The Classic Soda Package includes a Freestyle cup.
- Refreshment and Deluxe Package guests can buy a Freestyle cup onboard for $4.99.
- Each RFID-enabled cup works only during the sailing for which it was issued.
Source: Royal Caribbean, Royal Caribbean
Last verified 2026-07-16