DnD CruiserZ

We were torn between the nice large patio area on the deck 5 suite (and the close proximity to the Havana Pool Area) and the room layout of the Grand Suite. We ended up booking the Grand Suite because it offered a few more perks regarding embarkation day, the room layout and we looked at being a bit farther away from the potential noise of the Havana Pool Area as a perk. I am going to guess it wouldn't be too loud due to the restrictions but decided maybe next time. The lack of privacy on the patio was a concern as well but on the upside, it is just a short walk from the bar to your patio where there is room to have drinks and snacks with friends.

I have to admit, after reading through this topic, I am torn. It is a catch 22 situation alluded to by Eli_6 I know if we had to pay as we go, we would drink less than if we have the package. Not saying we will over indulge just because we "already paid for it" either. I do know, in the back of my mind, I will think about it on every purchase. My wife is not a big drinker and I am usually a whisky or bourbon drinker, neat or one ice cube. I also enjoy Guiness or other dark(ish) beers. We have tried to enjoy a nice glass of wine with dinner etc but just haven't found what we like. I guess one way to get your money's worth is to use the package and it's 15 drink a day limit to test/explore other beverages. I don't like waste but there is nothing saying you have to drink to excess and get drunk every day with 15 adult beverages. I know we can break even with fewer than the 15 drink limit so why not use the extra to try several different glasses of wine? Maybe revisit gin martinis instead of vodka? Scotch instead of Irish whisky? If ya don't like it, no harm, you don't have to finish it because it cost ya bux 12.50 or such. We had just about talked ourselves out of the package for our upcoming cruise but now we are leaning back towards getting it just for the experimental possibilities it will allow. Flights with full glasses! I don't know, we have until End of August to decide and I'm sure I'll waffle (mmm waffle's) between now and then.

One of the Grand Suites perks is access to the Havana Pool Area. The other suites do not get this perk.

What is this "mixed drink" you speak of? 😁

Haha, I resemble this remark! I don't plan naps, they just kinda happen organically. I also don't consider them a "waste of time that could be spent doing other things..." We all need x hours of sleep a day, more or less. If I happen to give up 10-90 minutes (ok, maybe sometimes it is more than just a nod off) of my daytime wakefulness, I figure those minutes will be returned later that evening!

85 days, 3 hours...

This is how we look at it. Peace of mind. Not that I am a penny pincher but we are very aware of all of our purchases. I would rather have everything paid for before we even leave for the cruise and not have to worry/think about it again until we get the bill for stuff we bought during the cruise.

And I'm sure your are aware but just in case, everybody over 21 in the cabin has to purchase the package. I may or may not have an issue with breaking even cost wise but my DW does not drink as much as I. You can drink just so many specialty coffee's and bottle water and may end up not "spending" the bux 60 each day. Of course, being the guy I am, I will be obligated to help her out to make it cost effective over all. It's tough duty but somebody has to do it.

Don't forget the obligatory 18% Gratuity they add to the package.

I found this while researching the very same question. Just gotta do the math... What is the price for individual drinks on board? Sample of beverage prices - prices and product availability are subject to change without notice. § Beer: starting at $6.50 (mostly 16-ounces) § Wine by the glass: starting at $9.50 § Mixed Drinks: $7.50 - $20.00 § Specialty Cocktails: starting at $10.50 (excluding souvenir glassware and premium selections) § Soft Drinks: $2.75 § Specialty Coffees: $2.50 - $4.25 § Energy Drinks: $4.95 § Water (San Benedetto bottled water and Coconut Water): $1.50 - $5.00

{hitching up pants, Barny Fife style} I'd like to say I planned it that way...

Congrats aml3679, time sure does fly. We are celebrating our 36th on the Panorama this September. We honeymooned in PV and will be in PV on the Actual Wedding Day, 36 years later!