Royal Caribbean -New Alcoholic Beverage Packages

[Elizanessie]

What a great idea! I'm gonna try it.;)

 

 

The staff onboard can see the times that you buy the drinks and if there is anything abnormal they will stop the package.

[The Rowdys]

"For the American cruiser this would not be such a great deal as the consumption of alcohol in the US tends to be quite different. We Americans, who drink responsibly (typically those who are not very young adults or persons with an alcohol addiction), tend to drink on special occaisions or perhaps have a coctail or a glass of wine or beer before or with dinner. For us this package would be a VERY expensive way to have that drink."

"recently I was on celeberity. they had these packages but the payback was approx 15 drinks a day vs package deal price.you'd have to drink 15 drinks a day to make the package price pay back. "

 

not sure where statistics and math comes in on these comments. My husband and I both got the high-end pkg on a recent Celebrity cruise. our drinking went something like this (and these prices are JUST ESTIMATES from what I remember the drinks being)...

1) specialty coffee before or after breakfast $5,

2&3) bloody mary (or 2) at BINGO $7 ea.,

4) btld water at the gym $3-$5,

5) beer at lunch $5,

6) margarita at poolside $8,

7) beer at the casino before supper $5,

8) BBC at the theater $8,

9) beer or glass of wine at aft bar before we turn in for the night $5...

(shore excursion days-we dont go thru this much but we also get a couple LARGE bottles of water ($5 each) to put in our backpacks for the day).

the way I see it, that is $55 of drinks and not all of them contain alcohol...for $49 (which includes tips)... and I'm counting 9 drinks...not 15...I didnt even include my occasional mid-afternoon iced coffee from the Cafe`I think it was like $7.

I cant think of any more SPECIAL of an occasion than a cruise!!

you are correct-if you are only going to have 2 drinks... this is not for you!

We love being able to pay for this long before the cruise and just not having to think about it again!

Those with "alcohol addiction" problems are not going to let the absence of a package stand in their way... hence the addiction! some folks, like us, want to save a few dollars and a LOT of stress... its not viewed as an excuse to be stupid!

[Luckyme1]

On a recent vacation, with 2 other couples (we are all 49-52 years olds, and not heavy drinkers, but enjoy some indulgence) we opted for the Premium Package on the Celebrity Summit. The 6 of us discussed purchasing this beforehand, and one comment went something like this: "I'm not sure this would be a good idea, it's like being at a gourmet buffet all day, and continuously eating too much, but with liquor instead!" Plus the cost was fairly high at about $370 pp plus 15% gratuity.

 

As far as I'm concerned the flexability is part of the cruising fun. We had a prior sailing with Radison, which provided liquors and wine, and we loved it. So, my wife and I decided to purchase this package for all 6 of us as a gift to our friends who were not fully sold on the idea. But as a gift, it was well accepted, and set up the great week ahead.

 

So, off we went to have a great time, and that we did. We tried many premium liquors that we would not typically order, several wonderful wines, premium waters, sodas, champaigns, "Fu-Fu" cocktails, selections of great wines with dinner, coffee drinks, morning Bloody Mary's, and our favorite, the Martini's at the Martini Bar with an exceptional staff that learned our first names on day 1, remembered our favorites, and included a entertaining show along with the drinks. Even enjoyed several shots, which is not typical for us.

 

What we liked best is the fact that virtually anything we wanted was always available, and no thought was given to cost. In the end, we all likely broke even, or gained a little, but the real value was the flexability and freedom to choose, without a second thought. It was liberating, and made our vacation a blast. None of us were ever excessively intoxicated, but many times we were feeling "very relaxed" and had a great time all week. We noted several others on the ship with the drink packages, and no one we encountered were ever overly intoxicated.

 

That being said, we are responsible, professional people. We know when to stop, or at least to start drinking Perrier;). I could see where a package like this with younger cruisers out for a big party could definately be problematic.

 

For us, it was a great option.

[lolatsea]

It seems strange that everyone considers these packages for the alcohol value only. I have just purchased a classic package for my Celebrity cruise, and am looking forward to coffee, fresh juice (avoiding the free, nasty stuff provided)

Bottled water with dinner, and to take ashore. All this plus no signing for drinks,

who's round next, plus of course the joy of cocktails and wine, without ever having to say...... how much !!!! :D

[robinp]

It seems strange that everyone considers these packages for the alcohol value only. I have just purchased a classic package for my Celebrity cruise, and am looking forward to coffee, fresh juice (avoiding the free, nasty stuff provided)

Bottled water with dinner, and to take ashore. All this plus no signing for drinks,

who's round next, plus of course the joy of cocktails and wine, without ever having to say...... how much !!!! :D

 

The RCCL packages are different from the Celebrity packages - no coffee, water or fruit juice is included in any of the RCCL offerings. Alcohol and soda package (coke/sprite from the gun) only.

[kakrad]

Hi Everyone,

does anyone know if RCCL are going to offer these packages on Mariner of the Seas this year? we are sailing on 15th Sept on the Holy Land cruise.

First time cruisers.

[Elizanessie]

Hi Everyone,

does anyone know if RCCL are going to offer these packages on Mariner of the Seas this year? we are sailing on 15th Sept on the Holy Land cruise.

First time cruisers.

 

Sorry but no it is not offered on the Mariner of the Seas..only the Independence, Grandeur, Legend & Splendour.

[scotsgirl1]

I know this thread refers to alcohol packages, but can anyone tell me if a soft drinks package is available, and if so what is the cost? We sail, first time cruisers, on Indy in June! Are the prices quoted previously for the alcohol packages still applicable this year?

[Elizanessie]

I know this thread refers to alcohol packages, but can anyone tell me if a soft drinks package is available, and if so what is the cost? We sail, first time cruisers, on Indy in June! Are the prices quoted previously for the alcohol packages still applicable this year?

 

The fountain soda package entitles you to unlimited refills at any of the bars or lounges, Windjammer Café, Main Dining Room and the private destinations. A complimentary Coca-Cola® souvenir cup is included as part of every fountain soda package.

The cost of a fountain soda package is determined by the length of your stay, with an average daily cost of $6.50 for adults and $4.50 for children under 18.

The fountain soda package is sold for the entire length of the cruise vacation only. Only fountain soda is offered with the soda packages.

The mini bar sodas are not included in the package and carry a separate charge.

 

 

 

Beverage packages are only available to book on board on the following ships: Independence of the Seas, Grandeur of the Seas, Legend of the Seas and Splendour of the Seas. We will be evaluating this trial with a view to adjusting the packages to ensure the best guest experience, therefore they are subject to change or withdrawal at any time.

 

Make your holiday more relaxing and enjoyable by paying one set price for a wide variety of beverage choices

The available packages are as follows:

 

Beer Package*

In this package you can enjoy all beer brands on board, by draft, can or bottle up to a value of $7, house wines by the glass, soda fountain items and non-alcoholic frozen cocktails. Price is $45 per guest, per day.

 

Premium Package*

In this package you can enjoy all of the benefits of the beer package as well as our house and premium spirits; brand names include Absolut, Bombay Sapphire and Johnny Walker Black Label and all alcoholic frozen cocktails using the spirits available. Price is $55 per guest, per day.

 

*The above daily prices are inclusive of gratuities.

 

Please note, as of January 2012, we have made changes to the previous package offerings and the new packages are as listed on this page.

 

Packages are only available to book once you board the ship, they cannot be booked in advance of the cruise.

[Lotus Girl]

Sorry but no it is not offered on the Mariner of the Seas..only the Independence, Grandeur, Legend & Splendour.

 

 

Hi

 

Can I just check that it is available on Splendour? We are sailing Splendour in June and didn't realise that it was included. I thought it was just the first 3. Because I am not up to speed on it as I had no booking with Indie, Grandeur or Legend, can you tell me how to book this package as I've looked in to my booking packages and don't see it.

 

thanks

 

Karen

[LeeGrant]

It is only bookable onboard - and at this stage only on cruises in Europe.

 

It is also not available on short cruises i.e. 2 or 3 nights.

[Elizanessie]

Hi

 

Can I just check that it is available on Splendour? We are sailing Splendour in June and didn't realise that it was included. I thought it was just the first 3. Because I am not up to speed on it as I had no booking with Indie, Grandeur or Legend, can you tell me how to book this package as I've looked in to my booking packages and don't see it.

 

thanks

 

Karen

 

Hi Karen

 

It is only available to book onboard. The Splendour was added to the list at the start of this year.

 

More details on the PDF - http://www.royalcaribbean.co.uk/_images/Royal%20Alcohol%20Beverage%20FAQ%20GR%20LG%20%26%20SP%20Jan%2012_tcm16-11721.pdf

[Lotus Girl]

Hi Karen

 

It is only available to book onboard. The Splendour was added to the list at the start of this year.

 

More details on the PDF - http://www.royalcaribbean.co.uk/_images/Royal%20Alcohol%20Beverage%20FAQ%20GR%20LG%20%26%20SP%20Jan%2012_tcm16-11721.pdf

 

 

Many thanks Liz, much appreciated. I hadn't realised that Splendour was included from this year.

Now off to work it all out seeing as we'll be Diamond for the first time onboard Splendour and may just take advantage of the diamond lounge since there is now one I believe which would eliminate quite a bit of expense.

 

Kare

[nebula7]

We like wine with a meal (or beer with pizza) so that kind of offer/package would be much more interesting than being able to get rat****** all the time. I think it's asking for trouble.

 

Better still - why don't they all bring their prices down to a more reasonable level. I won't pay $30 for a bottle of wine I can buy in an Italian or French supermarket for 3 Euro! :p

[UK Cruiser2]

Having recently had a Med cruise on Grandeur we bought the premium package.For us it probably was worth it,another advantage is you don't have to sign any receipts/bills they just swipe your card and give it back to you.:)

[cruisegal50]

This package is good for the heavier drinkers, however, for those of us who just like to enjoy a few drinks a day, this is too expensive and not worth the price, plus the fact that each person in the cabin has to participate is understandable but at the same time not exactly fair if both people do not drink at the same pace. I think this program needs a little work:rolleyes:

[EJNutz]

This package is good for the heavier drinkers, however, for those of us who just like to enjoy a few drinks a day, this is too expensive and not worth the price, plus the fact that each person in the cabin has to participate is understandable but at the same time not exactly fair if both people do not drink at the same pace. I think this program needs a little work:rolleyes:

 

 

I quite agree with you. My wife does not drink as she is allergic to alcohol. I don't think I could maintain a week of drinking enough to warrant the cost, and I like a drink or two.

[Royals Carol]

How much is the average cost for a mixed/frozen drink on board? How about a shot, such as a B52? I am trying to figure out if the beverage package would be a deal for my husband and I. Thank you!