bucket of beer

[IrelandMaryD]

Hi,

 

I've seen reference to a bucket of beer several times and wonder how much it costs and how many bottles would you get typically. First time going on a cruise and haven't a clue :)

 

While I always wanted to go on a cruise I don't like the loss of control feeling not dealing in cash gives me - typical european attitude which I need to get over.

 

Can I give say $700 in cash to put on my seapass card and would this cover drinks for a 7 day cruise - typically talking about 6 to 7 drinks by two people per day -sounds a lot but were Irish.

 

I intend to book all excusions before hand and if I understand correctly I will pay for them immediately at time of booking.

 

Pity it's not all inclusive then I'd have no worries. I am going on the eastern caribbean FOS cruise and I can't wait.

[orville99]

Hi,

 

I've seen reference to a bucket of beer several times and wonder how much it costs and how many bottles would you get typically. First time going on a cruise and haven't a clue :)

A bucket holds six beers, and the cost is ~$32/bucket (including auto 15% tip). So, a bucket each for seven days (I'm irish as well, and that seems a wee bit scant to me) would run you around $460 US

 

While I always wanted to go on a cruise I don't like the loss of control feeling not dealing in cash gives me - typical european attitude which I need to get over.

 

Can I give say $700 in cash to put on my seapass card and would this cover drinks for a 7 day cruise - typically talking about 6 to 7 drinks by two people per day -sounds a lot but were Irish.

 

You can either put cash on your seapass card - go to guest services when you board - or you can link your reservation to your credit card. RCI charges an exchange fee (I think it's 3%, but don't quote me) for non-US funds, so depositing US funds would be best.

I intend to book all excusions before hand and if I understand correctly I will pay for them immediately at time of booking.

 

Excursions are paid for when booked, so they show up on your credit card statement as soon as you confirm them. They can be cancelled prior to your cruise (again, I think it's a week out, but not sure). Once you're on board, cancellation can be a problem.

 

Pity it's not all inclusive then I'd have no worries. I am going on the eastern caribbean FOS cruise and I can't wait.

Whatever you choose to do, you picked a great ship for your first cruise. You're going to love FOS:)

 

Hope this helps.

[PattyG12]

Last time I was on a ship (April on the Explorer) a bucket of beer was 5 beers for $20.00

[didiaust]

When you talk about a bucket of beer - do you get it all at once in a large container and if so if you are the only drinker doesn't it go flat and get hot. I enjoy a a beer ( what Aussie doesn't ) but it must be cold and still hold head

 

Di

[mstrc1]

When you talk about a bucket of beer - do you get it all at once in a large container and if so if you are the only drinker doesn't it go flat and get hot. I enjoy a a beer ( what Aussie doesn't ) but it must be cold and still hold head

 

Di

 

The bottles are packed in ice in the bucket.

[cruisinsince99]

you can ask them not to open them

just make sure you either get twist tops OR have a bottle opener on hand if not

no problem getting more ice from room service if you are a slow drinker

[didiaust]

Ah Ha! & Thank you!

 

So the buckets aren't put on the table in lounges but delivered to room. Don't actually want to drink in room.

 

Was just thinking that 3 of us drinkers could order buckets rather than individual

 

And can someone confirm if its 5 or 6 bottles and also what variety of beers can you get

 

Di

[portlandpete]

what is the cost for a bucket of beer?? 20 or 32?? 32 seems high!!

 

Thanks!!

[snudder]

May 9 2010 a bucket of beer was 5 for 20.00 If the beer got hot you could trade it in for cold ones. I didnt think that was good. But I dont drink beer so I didnt care. They have alot of choices, DH choose bottles as there was more in them than the cans. Hope this helps

[Texas2steppers]

Hi,

 

I've seen reference to a bucket of beer several times and wonder how much it costs and how many bottles would you get typically. First time going on a cruise and haven't a clue :)

 

While I always wanted to go on a cruise I don't like the loss of control feeling not dealing in cash gives me - typical european attitude which I need to get over.

 

Can I give say $700 in cash to put on my seapass card and would this cover drinks for a 7 day cruise - typically talking about 6 to 7 drinks by two people per day -sounds a lot but were Irish.

 

I intend to book all excusions before hand and if I understand correctly I will pay for them immediately at time of booking.

 

Pity it's not all inclusive then I'd have no worries. I am going on the eastern caribbean FOS cruise and I can't wait.

 

We just cruised in May 2010 and my DH (the beer drinker in the family) says you can get a bucket of beer with 4, 5 or 6 and a beer is around $5/each. He ordered his bucket of beer at poolside. It was very refreshing and C-O-L-D!!! Enjoy your cruise and your BEER!

[Swimfly]

When you talk about a bucket of beer - do you get it all at once in a large container and if so if you are the only drinker doesn't it go flat and get hot. I enjoy a a beer ( what Aussie doesn't ) but it must be cold and still hold head

 

Di

 

It looks like a gigantic snow cone w/beer tops sticking out. Request that they remain unopened. The first time we ordered a bucket we couldn't stop laughing. We'd never seen the crushed snow cone ice surrounding a bucket of beer before. We would buy several buckets/day and then place extras in the fridge in our room.

[orville99]

May 9 2010 a bucket of beer was 5 for 20.00 If the beer got hot you could trade it in for cold ones. I didnt think that was good. But I dont drink beer so I didnt care. They have alot of choices, DH choose bottles as there was more in them than the cans. Hope this helps

 

 

The regular price for a single beer ranges from $4.25 (domestic)- $4.75 (imports) before the 15% auto tip. sometimes, there is a special on a particular brand, or they're trying to move inventory of something that isn't selling well, but on our May, 2010 FOS the price of Beck's, Heineken, and similar was $4.75 + tip. Not sure what you were drinking at $4.00 a bottle, but I doubt is rose to an Irishman's standards for what constitutes beer:)

 

See the following thread, post #20 for the current bar menu pricing. BTW, this is from the Explorer in May

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1229558&highlight=drink+menu

[cruisinsince99]

Ah Ha! & Thank you!

So the buckets aren't put on the table in lounges but delivered to room. Don't actually want to drink in room.

Was just thinking that 3 of us drinkers could order buckets rather than individual

And can someone confirm if its 5 or 6 bottles and also what variety of beers can you get

Di

Well, I picked up the beers at the bar. I was suggesting the ice be ordered via room service if needed. A bucket of beers on your baclony if you have one is kinda nice and quiet if you have one.

And a bucket of beers amongst friends is always a good idea! :D

Enjoy!!

[orville99]

May 9 2010 a bucket of beer was 5 for 20.00 If the beer got hot you could trade it in for cold ones. I didnt think that was good. But I dont drink beer so I didnt care. They have alot of choices, DH choose bottles as there was more in them than the cans. Hope this helps

 

It probably would if any of us was discussing the price of beer on Princess Cruise line (according to your tagline, that's the ship you were on in May, 2010), but since this is a Royal Caribbean forum, and the question the OP asked was about beer prices on the Freedom of the Seas, your input, while interesting, is totally irrelevant to the discussion.

[cb at sea]

There's no price break on a bucket....so just order them as you need them...they won't get hot that way! (Most buckets 'o beer do get hot because the neck of the bottle is sticking out of the ice!) Many beers, however, especially at the pool, are served in cans...no glass around the pool!

[rxmurphy]

It probably would if any of us was discussing the price of beer on Princess Cruise line (according to your tagline, that's the ship you were on in May, 2010), but since this is a Royal Caribbean forum, and the question the OP asked was about beer prices on the Freedom of the Seas, your input, while interesting, is totally irrelevant to the discussion.

 

Good detective work...but the attitude? Not so much.

[Woe is me]

There's no price break on a bucket....so just order them as you need them...they won't get hot that way! (Most buckets 'o beer do get hot because the neck of the bottle is sticking out of the ice!) Many beers, however, especially at the pool, are served in cans...no glass around the pool!

 

Most of the beer is in the base of the bottle, not the neck, and the base is in the ice.:confused::confused::confused:

[Woe is me]

May 9 2010 a bucket of beer was 5 for 20.00 If the beer got hot you could trade it in for cold ones. I didnt think that was good. But I dont drink beer so I didnt care. They have alot of choices, DH choose bottles as there was more in them than the cans. Hope this helps

 

I thought a 12 oz can, had just as much beer as a 12 oz bottle.:confused::confused::confused:

[IrelandMaryD]

Thanks for all the replies it good to know its affordable for a bucket or two per day and that I can pay in cash.

 

I'm really looking forward to the FOS it looks amazing.

 

Thanks for the help.

[PrincesScuba]

Thanks for all the replies it good to know its affordable for a bucket or two per day and that I can pay in cash.

 

I'm really looking forward to the FOS it looks amazing.

 

Thanks for the help.

Just to be clear: You can put cash down on your SeaPass account when you first set up the account. (you will fill out your SetSail Pass online, and indicate that you'll be using cash. Then when you board your ship, you will go to the Guest Relations desk and put down your cash. Your expenses will be debited against this amount. If you get close to using it up, they'll call you down to give them more cash or a credit card).

 

You can't pay cash on board for specific items, i.e., at the bars. You can, however, use $US in the casino.

[Frankmac]

Ok Mary. Im Irish as well and I was on Freedom 6th to 13th June.( 1 bucket per day seems pretty low to me)

 

Buckets of beer were indeed in the region of $32.00 for 6 bottles. There was a saving of about 15cent or less per bottle over buying them individually.

 

Dont worry about the seacard system. You can check your bill every day on your stateroom TV.

 

Its your first cruise and you are starting on a fabulous ship. Only problem is the after that you cant get much better. Anyway hope you enjoy it and Im sure you will have a fantastic time.

 

If you want any info let me know

[orville99]

I thought a 12 oz can, had just as much beer as a 12 oz bottle.:confused::confused::confused:

 

On RCI beer comes in metric sizes. I believe both cans and bottles are 350ml ~11.5fl.oz for most brands.

[grod19]

Ok Mary. Im Irish as well and I was on Freedom 6th to 13th June.( 1 bucket per day seems pretty low to me)

 

Buckets of beer were indeed in the region of $32.00 for 6 bottles. There was a saving of about 15cent or less per bottle over buying them individually.

 

Dont worry about the seacard system. You can check your bill every day on your stateroom TV.

 

Its your first cruise and you are starting on a fabulous ship. Only problem is the after that you cant get much better. Anyway hope you enjoy it and Im sure you will have a fantastic time.

 

If you want any info let me know

 

If you do wish to use Cash I suggest you give them a credit card to hold your account, then go to the purser/guest relations and hand them the cash so you have a credit on your account, assuming $700 as you mentioned earlier. One the last FULL day of the cruise go to the purser desk early and "settle your account". By this I mean get your cash back or pay off the balance. The line will be significantly shorter at that time then it will be later in the day when 100's of people are lining up the settle. Spend the last day drinking and have the charges go to your credit card. Saves you alot of standing in line time.

 

As for buckets on the explorer in Jan and April there was no discount on the buckets. You could order any amount of beers in a bucket and they charged you the normal price. However it was nice to have a fresh one right next to you after you finished one.