Drink Package was best cruise deal ever!

[kitkat9438]

I'm assuming this coffee included alcohol, correct?

Here is an excerpt from the price list posted in the sticky at the top of the Celebrity thread. These prices are from last year but I don't think they have gone up. You can see what coffee costs. I think the $8 coffee probably had alcohol in it. This list may have been amended and changed if you want to look through the thread.

 

===> Coffees and Teas (at Cafe al Bacio and/or the Lawn Club):

 

[ESPRESSO AND HOT CHOCOLATE:]

Ristretto or Espresso [half or single shot] 3.0

Espresso Doppio [double shot] 4.0

Espresso Macchiato [w. steamed milk] 3.0

Hot Chocolate 4.0

 

[ESPRESSO-BASED:]

Cappuccino 4.0

Caffe Latte 4.0

Caffe Americano 4.0

Caffe Mocha 4.0

White Chocolate Mocha 4.0

Caramel Macchiato 4.0

La Crème 5.0

Caffe Viennese 6.0

Espresso Ai Frutti Di Bosco 6.0

Espresso Crocante 6.0

Espresso Caraibico 6.0

Espresso Melba 6.0

Caffe Shakerato [iced] 5.0

Ice Bianco Espresso 5.0

Affogato [w choc syr over gelato] 5.0

Caffe Frappe w. Chocolate. Iglu 5.0

Caffe Frappe w. Vanilla Iglu 5.0

[For 0.5 more, add splash of almond, amaretto, caramel, cherry,

cinnamon, coconut, hazelnut, Irish crème, raspberry, vanilla]

 

[TEAS:]

Earl Gray 4.0

English Breakfast 4.0

Estate Darjeeling 4.0

Bombay Chai 4.0

Formosa Oolong 4.0

Vienna Cinnamon 4.0

Raspberry Nectar [caff-free] 4.0

Ginger [caffeine-free] 4.0

Citrus Mint [caffeine-free] 4.0

Chamomile Tisane [caffeine-free] 4.0

Jasmine Green [low caff] 4.0

African Solstice [caffeine-free] 4.0

Ceylon Organic [iced] 5.0

Pomegranate Blackberry [iced] 5.0

White Ginger Pear [iced] 5.0

Republic of Tea Darjeeling [uS] 6.0

Rep. of Tea Blackb. Sage [uS] 6.0

Rep. of Tea Passion Fruit [uS] 6.0

Rep. of Tea Ginger Peach [uS] 6.0

Rep. of Tea Raspb. Quince [uS] 6.0

Rep. of Tea Mango Ceylon [uS] 6.0

Arizona Premium Ice Tea 3.0

-------------------------------------

 

===> Other Non-Alcoholic Beverages:

 

[bEVERAGES FOUND IN BUFFET (SELF-DISPENSED) AND IN RESTAURANTS/DINING ROOMS (SERVED FOR NO EXTRA CHARGE), BUT NOT NECESSARILY AVAILABLE ALL DAY:]

Water (tap)

Ice Tea

Tea (hot, self-made with a teabag)

Coffee (regular or decaffeinated)

Milk (whole or skim)

Lemonade

Fruit Punch

Passaguava (Passionfruit/Guava) Juice [at AquaSpa Cafe]

Juices (some available in MDR, but not in buffet): Orange, Pineapple, Grapefruit, Prune, Apple, Tomato, V-8

 

[JUICES (FRESH-SQUEEZED AND/OR BOTTLED):]

Orange Juice 2.5

Pineapple Juice 2.5

Tomato Juice 2.5

Apple Juice 2.5

Grapefruit 2.5

Cranberry 2.5

 

[sOFT DRINKS:]

Coca Cola 2.0

Coke Zero 2.0

Diet Coke 2.0

Fanta Orange 2.0

Sprite 2.0

Diet Sprite 2.0

Barq's Root Beer 2.0

Ginger Ale 2.0 [brand unknown to me]

Tonic Water 2.0 [brand unknown to me]

 

[OTHER NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES:]

San Pellegrino Premium Water 2.5

Evian Premium Water 2.5

Perrier Premium Water 2.5

Evian/San Pellegrino (large) 4.0

O'Doul's Non-Alcoholic Beer 5.0

Buckler Non-Alcoholic Beer 6.0

Red Bull Energy Drink 5.0

Red Bull Light Energy Drink 5.0

__ [Next 1 at least at Oceanview Bar:]

Jungle Man 7.5

__ [Next 2 at least at Pool Bar & Lawn Club:]

Metromint Chocolate Water 3.5

Metromint Spearmint Water 3.5

__ [Next 3 at least at Oceanview & Pool Bars:]

Glaceau Vitaminwaters:

Power-C (Dragonfruit) 3.5

Energy (Tropical Citrus) 3.5

Revive (Fruit Punch) 3.5

__ [Next 3 at least at Passport Bar:]

Winter Solstice 4.0

Rainbow Punch 4.0

Raspberry Lemonade 4.0

__ [Next 4 at least at Pool Bar & Lawn Club:]

Hint Strawberry Water 3.5

Hint Tropical Punch Water 3.5

Hint Mango Water 3.5

Hint Watermelon Water 3.5

 

-------------------------------------

 

===> Wines and Liqueurs served by the glass:

[NOTE: An "m" after the price indicates that the wine was listed on a menu as available by the glass in the Main Dining Rooms. A wine that has no "m" should be available at one or more of the bars.]

 

[WHITE WINES:]

Paul Jaboulet, Viognier 5.5 m

Roux, Pouilly-Fuisse' 9.0 m

Michel Redde, Pouilly-Fume' 8.5 m

Barton, Sauternes 7.0 m

Selbach, Riesling 6.0 m

SA Prum, Riesling Essence 6.0

Pacific Rim, Riesling 9.0 m

Benziger, Chardonnay 9.0

St. Francis, Chardonnay 8.0 m

Celebrity, Chardonnay 9.0 m

Wente, Chardonnay 8.5

Il Borro, Chardonnay 9.5

Sothern Right, Sauvignon Blanc 6.5 m

Babich, Sauvignon Blanc 8.5

Southern Right, Sauvignon Blanc 6.5

Cakebread, Sauvignon Blanc 10

Fantinel, Pinot Grigio 7.0

Corte Giara, Pinot Grigio 7.0

Bollino, Pinot Grigio 7.5 m

 

[RED WINES:]

Antinori, Chianti Classico Riserva 9.5

Tenuta di Nozzole, Chianti Classico Riserva 8.5

Nickel & Nickel, Pinot Noir 11.5 m

Kendall Jackson, Pinot Noir 8.0

Grove Mill, Pinot Noir 11.0

Wente, Cabernet Sauvignon 7.5

Celebrity, Cabernet Sauvignon 9.0 m

Heritage, Cabernet Sauvignon 7.5

Pian de Nova, Cabernet Sauvignon 10.5

Heron's Nest, Cabernet Sauvignon/Pinotage 5.5 m

Bodegas Renacer, Malbec 6.0

Antinori, Sangiovesse 12.0

Calina, Carmenere 8.5

Marques de Concordia, Tempranillo 6.5

Il Borro, Super Tuscan 9.0 m

Fantinel, Merlot 7.0 m

Rutherford, Merlot 8.0 m

Superieur, Chateau Castera 8.5 m

Peter Lehmann, Shiraz 8.0 m

 

[DIGESTIFS:]

Fonseca, Port 7.0 m

Warre's 1982, Port 11.0

Dry Sack, Sherry 6.0

Harvey's Bristol Cream Sherry 6.0

Tio Pepe, Sherry 6.0

Courvoisier VS, Cognac 7.0

Courvoisier VSOP, Cognac 8.5

Carlos I, Brandy 7.0

Lepanto, Brandy 9.5

Armagnac Cles de Ducs VSOP 6

Armagnac Cles de Ducs XO 9.0

 

[sAKE:]

Hana Lychee Sake 7.0

Hana Fuji Apple Sake 7.0

Black and Gold 6.0

 

[ROSE'/BLUSH WINES:]

Colombo, Rose' de Provence 6.5 m

Beringer, White Zinfandel 5.5 m

Tenuta Guada al Tasso, Scalabrone 7.0

 

[sPARKLING WINES:]

Domaine Chandon, Brut 8.5

Celebrity, Brut 8.0

Domaine Carneros, Brut 9.0

Fantinel Prosecco, Spumante 7.0 m

Montesina, Spumante 10.5

 

[LIQUEURS:]

__ [at least at Michael's Club:]

Extase XO 12.0

Benedictine 6.0

Drambuie 6.0

Sambuca 7.0

Massenez Framboise 10.0

Massenez Kirsch 10.0

Massenez Poire 10.0

[The availability of at least some of the following seems likely, but is not certain to me at this time, and the prices are unknown to me: Frangelico ... Cointreau ... Curacao ... Grand Marnier ... Bailey's Irish Cream ... Amaretto ... Southern Comfort ... Anisette ... Ouzo ... Pernod ... Midori ... Limoncello.]

 

-------------------------------------

 

===> Beer/Ale/Stout/Cider:

 

Coors Light 4.5

Beck's 5.0

Heineken 5.0

Heineken Light 5.0

Samuel Adams 5.0

Franziskaner 5.0

Dos Equis 5.0

Grolsch 6.0

Red Stripe 5.0

Murphy's Stout 6.0

Hoegaaden 6.0

Guinness Stout 6.0

Newcastle Brown Ale 6.0

Boddington's Ale 6.0

Leffe Blonde 5.0

Stella Artois 6.0

Peroni 6.5

Miller Lite 4.5

Budweiser 4.5

Bud Light 4.5

Michelob Light 4.5

Amstel Light 5.0

Corona 5.0

Corona Light 5.0

Stella Artois 6.0

Bohemia 6.0

Carlsberg 6.0

Sapporo Reserve 6.0

Dogfish Head Brown Ale 6.5

Dogfish Head 90 Min. Imperial 6.5

Kingfisher 6.5

Singha 6.5

Warsteiner 6.5

Smirnoff Ice Malt 5.0

Bacardi Ice Malt 5.0

Flying Dog Wheat Ale 6.5

Flying Dog Pale Ale 6.5

Magic Hat #9 Ale 6.5

Magic Hat Lucky Kat Ale 6.5

Brooklyn Brown Ale 6.5

Brooklyn Lager 6.5

Woodpecker Cider 6.5

Strongbow Cider 5.0

San Miguel 5.0

Tiger 5.0

Tsingtao 6.0

Kirin Ichiban 6.0

Hitachino Red Rice 8.0

Hitachino Classic Ale 8.0

Hitachino Ginger Ale 8.0

 

-------------------------------------

 

===> Martinis at Martini Bar and/or Ensemble Lounge:

 

[$10 EACH UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED:]

Sapphire Ginlet

Skinny Martini

Tropitini

Sunset Martini

Sapphire French75

Eurekatini

Decadence Express

Caipirtini

Classic Martini

Apple M.

Fresca M.

Peartini

Raspberry Lemonade M.

Lychee M.

Flirtini

Margaritatini

Almond Joy M

Paradise M

Blue Wave M

French M

Sapphire London Club

Jaliscotini

Banana Split M.

Cognac Blue M.

Twenty-Year Martini 11.0

Cosmopolitan

Summer Solstice M.

Pomegranate

Sapphire Collintini

Navy Martini 9.0

Dynasty M. [silk Harvest signature drink] 9.0

 

-------------------------------------

 

===> Miscellaneous Cocktails (i.e., Mixed Drinks):

 

[DAILY SPECIALS:]

Sunday - London Ice Tea 5.0

Monday - Yellow Jacket 5.0

Tuesday - Big Apple Martini 5.0

Wed'day - FullMoon Margarita 5.0

Thursday - Old Temptation 5.0

Friday - Metropolitan 5.0

Saturday - Red Sand 5.0

 

[MOLECULAR BAR SPECIALTIES:]

Coming Up Roses 12.0

Berry Patch 12.0

Cazarita 12.0

Dragonfly 12.0

Hawaiian Lava 12.0

South of the Rio 12.0

Tanned Russian 12.0

Watermelon Felon 12.0

Pisco Cocktail 12.0

Ginger Mojito 12.0

Autumn Breeze 12.0

Lucky Cat 12.0

 

[OTHER COCKTAILS LISTED ON MENUS:]

Wild Berry Mojito 7.5

Patron Silver Margaritas: each 8.5

_ Classic

_ Coyote

_ Peach

_ Mango

_ Strawberry

_ Watermelon

_ Green Apple

Pyrat Mojito 7.5

X Sangria 7.5

Three Breeze 7.0

Equinox 8.5

Pacific Navel 9.0

Sevilla 7.0

Cherry Caipiroska 7.0

Adelita 9.0

Taylor Made 9.0

Mojitos: each 6.0

_ Classic

_ Raspberry

_ Mango

_ Watermelon

PinaColada 6.0

Margaritas, frozen: each 6.0

_ Grapefruit

_ Raspberry

_ Strawberry

_ Watermelon

_ Peach

Lava Flow 6.0

Frozen Bellini 6.0

Mai Tai 7.5

Pink Coconut 7.5

Casino Royale 9.0

Hawaiian Blossom 9.0

Ritz Cocktail 9.0

Prosecco Punch 9.0

Eureka 7.0

Summer Solstice 7.0

Prestige Cocktail 7.0

Cuzco (in a souvenir glass) 12.0

Rose' Sangria 7.0? [pitcher: 28.0]

Mai Tai (delux w Pyrat XO rum) 9.0

Apple Nog 7.0

Sunset Breeze 9.0

Irish Coffee 7.0

Ocean Breeze (Murano signature drink) 9

Tru Blu (Blu signature drink) 9.0

Fragoli Toscano (Tuscan Grille signature drink) 9

[yvonneh]

The premium package sounds great. Can you tell me what the limitations are? Number of drinks? What about the Molecular bar? Martini bar? I read about the limit being $12...but is that anywhere on board?

OK, just saw the last post. WOW, that was helpful.

You can have drinks that are $12, just not more than that, correct?

Thank you!

Edited September 2, 2011 by yvonneh

[kitkat9438]

The premium package sounds great. Can you tell me what the limitations are? Number of drinks? What about the Molecular bar? Martini bar? I read about the limit being $12...but is that anywhere on board?

OK, just saw the last post. WOW, that was helpful.

You can have drinks that are $12, just not more than that, correct?

Thank you!

 

The only limitations are room service and the mini bar and anything over $12. I've read that any drinks over $12 you just pay the difference with the premium package, but I don't know that for sure yet. You can use the package anywhere around the ship. When we went to dinner, we would have San Pelligrino water at the table waiting on us after the first night, when you order wine, they bring out the bottle and sit it by the table, they can go get you a martini at dinner, etc. Just hand over your seapass card and that's all there is to it. Sometimes we didn't even have to do that after the first night when they got to know us. Also, if you have two packages, both of you don't have to go to the bar (such as the pool bar, etc.) to get the drinks, one person can go with both seapass cards and get the drinks. You can stop on your way off the ship and pick up water (or on the way back on). You can stop by the bar on the way back from port and get a drink for the cabin while you are getting ready. Have a drink in the theatre. At the pool, the pool butlers will come around taking your orders. It really is nice!

[lori450]

I'm not a big drinker, so a drink package wouldn't pay for me. But, we are staying in an AQ cabin. Is the free water only the ones delivered to the cabin or can I grab one on the way off the ship if I should them my seapass?

[Saintsfan007]

Thanks for all your valuable info. Up until this point, we've only sailed Royal, but have been wanting to try Celebrity soon. I do love the idea of the drink package, and would probably pay for it ahead of time, so as not to see it on my bill at the end of the cruise. I've had "sticker shock" in the past, and this would really solve that problem. Take care.

 

P.S. I'm so glad that streak of 100+ degrees days is over, and am looking forward to some cooler weather this weekend!!

[SuiteTraveler]

We bought the premium package in May and it was absolutely wonderful! I spent a lot of time at Cafe al Baccio sampling teas and my husband had many, many specialty coffees. Our wine steward paired wines with our meals, we went to the martini bar almost nightly. We got lots and lots of water, soda, and specialty waters. It was wonderful not to have to worry about an eccessive bill at the end of the cruise. I love this all-inclusive type deal - it is very relaxing to be able to get anything you want and not worry about it.

[wally8]

Has anyone tried the lessor Classic Package? Bob

[kitkat9438]

I'm not a big drinker, so a drink package wouldn't pay for me. But, we are staying in an AQ cabin. Is the free water only the ones delivered to the cabin or can I grab one on the way off the ship if I should them my seapass?

Lori, you can't grab water on the way off the ship. You will have two bottles of water waiting on you in your cabin. We put those in the refrigerator and when we returned to our cabin there were two more sitting on the desk. You can technically get as much as you want, just ask your room steward for extra. You have to pay for the water leaving the ship or having a package where you show them your seapass card.

[kitkat9438]

Thanks for all your valuable info. Up until this point, we've only sailed Royal, but have been wanting to try Celebrity soon. I do love the idea of the drink package, and would probably pay for it ahead of time, so as not to see it on my bill at the end of the cruise. I've had "sticker shock" in the past, and this would really solve that problem. Take care.

 

P.S. I'm so glad that streak of 100+ degrees days is over, and am looking forward to some cooler weather this weekend!!

 

Hey there fellow Texan! I agree, glad the break in this horrid heat is over. Now we just need some rain!!

[madelinerose]

Here is an excerpt from the price list posted in the sticky at the top of the Celebrity thread.

 

Thanks, Kathy...aware of the sticky...assumed an $8 coffee must have liquor. ;)

Edited September 2, 2011 by madelinerose

[floralscent]

I must be missing the value in the beverage packages. I just looked on the Celebrity website and noticed that the cost for the 11 night Classic package is $556 per person + 15% gratuity! We do drink frozen drinks and beers at the pool daily, a drink before getting ready for dinner as well as wine with dinner and a few cocktails after dinner along with bottles of water for use in the cabin and in ports. Having said that, we have never spent $556 for the both of us on a 7 night cruise so I am wondering if I am missing something here since the total bill for an 11 night cruise with gratuity is $1,446 for the classic package. Someone please let me know if I am confused as I am trying to find the deal here. Thank you-

[CruiseImage]

Has anyone tried the lessor Classic Package? Bob

 

 

Hey Bob - this thread appears to mainly talk about the Prem package and not the Classic..

I'm a Classic package man - all day every day, both my wife and I take FULL advantage of this lower package, mainly coz I'm just a beer kinda guy and my wife loves he pink fizzy stuff and the odd martini in that wonderful Martini Bar.

 

I certainly get my moneys worth and the wife probably breaks even...

The best feeling for us from these packages is the FREEDOM !

No bills, don't have to worry about the limits and best of all, if you tend to use the same bar (as we do with the Martini Bar) once the staff have you folio number you never have to show it again - what is amazing is they never miss a drink when you bill is checked throughout the cruise or at the end.

 

The packages do however keep us away from the Elite gatherings in the late afternoon / early evening, as there's no need to rush to cram in 2 hours of FREE drinks.... quite easily spread it out through the day (and night ;))

 

The inclusion of coffee's is also a massive plus for us and we do use the cafe el baccio every mid/late morning, which is always a great meeting place - and those mini snacks are to die for...

anyway I'm going off course now.

 

DRINKS PACKAGE - every time for us, paid for way in advance of the cruise (6 months or so) so that bill is also out of the way before we set sail.

With all that behind you - just sit back and enjoy !!

 

Just wish RCCL would do the same on ALL ships and not just 3 :(

[Saintsfan007]

Hey there fellow Texan! I agree, glad the break in this horrid heat is over. Now we just need some rain!!

 

Yes, we are ready for the rain also, and hope some gets to the NW side of town. We've actually had it where it's raining in the back yard, and dry in the front yard before. Very crazy weather here sometimes.

 

I am new to the Celebrity boards, always just on the Royal ones. We're ready for a change, and Celebrity sounds like it will fit the bill for us. Wife doesn't really drink, so just getting the premium for me would be the way to go. I wish Royal would wake up, and offer it on ALL their ships. :D

[jagoffee]

whichever package we buy (probably premium non alcohol) we will definatly buy on board the morning of the 2nd day- it has been pointed out elsewhere that you pay the same amount for each day & since the day you board the ship is not a full day, you will lose money for that day

 

For us we did not "lose" money on the first day, but I am sure that it would depend on your habits on the first day. For instance if you go to bed early and just take it easy on the first day. I do wonder what time you can buy in on the second day. Early in the morning? I know for us the last morning was included in our package for OJ and premium coffee.

 

Has anyone tried the lessor Classic Package? Bob

 

We did the premium package and loved it. For us there is nothing like not having to sign for your drinks. The Celebrity Xpedition spoiled us with it's all inclusive.

If you do not care about more expensive wines, drink Martinis, or drink more premium beers then IMO the classic package would be fine. The $8 limit covers a lot.

 

I must be missing the value in the beverage packages. I just looked on the Celebrity website and noticed that the cost for the 11 night Classic package is $556 per person + 15% gratuity! We do drink frozen drinks and beers at the pool daily, a drink before getting ready for dinner as well as wine with dinner and a few cocktails after dinner along with bottles of water for use in the cabin and in ports. Having said that, we have never spent $556 for the both of us on a 7 night cruise so I am wondering if I am missing something here since the total bill for an 11 night cruise with gratuity is $1,446 for the classic package. Someone please let me know if I am confused as I am trying to find the deal here. Thank you-

 

Of course it would depend on your indiviual habits. Reference post number 1 on this thread that is an excellent example of what you might be missing and/or confirm that your preference do not justify the package. The packages are not a good buy for everyone or perhaps not even for a majority. I can assure you that it is a good deal for some of us and to me the convenience is "priceless". But I do not think that anyone that does not purchase a package should feel that they are "missing" something.

[maidncruze]

Peter,

 

We must of cross paths at some point! I think I tried all of the Martini's on the list. Also the molecule bar was interesting.

 

Did Brian make you the drink that required him to wear protective eye wear and gloves??

 

Frank

[Poppet1964]

I must be missing the value in the beverage packages. I just looked on the Celebrity website and noticed that the cost for the 11 night Classic package is $556 per person + 15% gratuity! We do drink frozen drinks and beers at the pool daily, a drink before getting ready for dinner as well as wine with dinner and a few cocktails after dinner along with bottles of water for use in the cabin and in ports. Having said that, we have never spent $556 for the both of us on a 7 night cruise so I am wondering if I am missing something here since the total bill for an 11 night cruise with gratuity is $1,446 for the classic package. Someone please let me know if I am confused as I am trying to find the deal here. Thank you-

 

Why can't I find the prices for the packages anywhere on the Celebrity site? is it because my cruise is more than 1 year away? Does anyone have the package prices?

[Milo_27]

I love a beer when on holiday and the Premium Package worked really well for us. I probably drank enough to get my money's worth on both our packages !!!!

 

My wife only drinks water during the day but still got her moneys worth with pre / post dinner drinks and a few glasses of wine with her meal. It was nice to try a few different cocktails / drinks knowing you hadn't wasted your money if you didnt like it as well as not having a bill to settle at the end of the trip. Although I must admit I was slightly horrified when getting my print out / bill on the last night that during 1 sea day / evening I had gone through 15 beers, 3 Guiness, 3 Boddingtons and 4 glasses of Merlot !!!!!!

 

Good job I was in the gym everyday of the cruise !!!

 

Just payed for the premium package on our November Silhouette cruise with the added bonus of the additional beer selection in Michaels Club.

[Moomintroll]

...Although I must admit I was slightly horrified when getting my print out / bill on the last night that during 1 sea day / evening I had gone through 15 beers, 3 Guiness, 3 Boddingtons and 4 glasses of Merlot !!!!!!

 

Love it!

[alli]

We opted for the premium drink package last spring on our Century cruise and while it worked well for us, it may have worked a little too well and led to a bit of over indulgence in the evenings( I blame the waiter in the main dining room who kept on topping off our wine glasses like there was no tomorrow).

We're getting old and just can't handle the alcohol like we used to. I must say it was great for water and coffee drinks from the Cova Cafe during the day. Afer much discussion we opted to skip the package on our upcoming Millie shortie and this morning we upgraded to a balcony. Now I'm looking into the non-alcohol premium package, LOL!!

 

Now if we were still in our thirties or forties....it would be a no-brainer to purchase a package!!

[craftymom914]

Why can't I find the prices for the packages anywhere on the Celebrity site? is it because my cruise is more than 1 year away? Does anyone have the package prices?

 

Poppet1964: Check this out: http://www.celebritycruises.com/onboard/tabLanding.do?pagename=onboard_beverage_packages

[jimmythegreek]

I can see the prices but for the life of me I can't figure out how to book them? Any hints.....deposit in, cruise "booked", final payment not made, but thought I could order now for next summer? Any ideas?

[Kwaj girl]

You can try logging in like you're preregistering for your cruise - just need your booking number/ship/sailing date. That should do it.

[TLCOhio]

I must be missing the value in the beverage packages. I just looked on the Celebrity website and noticed that the cost for the 11 night Classic package is $556 per person + 15% gratuity! We do drink frozen drinks and beers at the pool daily, a drink before getting ready for dinner as well as wine with dinner and a few cocktails after dinner along with bottles of water for use in the cabin and in ports. Having said that, we have never spent $556 for the both of us on a 7 night cruise so I am wondering if I am missing something here since the total bill for an 11 night cruise with gratuity is $1,446 for the classic package. Someone please let me know if I am confused as I am trying to find the deal here. Thank you-

 

Your summary kind of capture my "analysis" for the cost of the package versus buying individually. To help those in testing which option works for them, here are some added per drink pricing costs from our mid June cruise on the Solstice. If your cruise, as ours was, had lots of long and intense port days, then you might not get as many drinks done on all of the days of your cruise to make the numbers work best. We found that the free ice tea, fruit punch, etc., worked well, kept us happy and my wallet better focused on other priorities/needs.

 

These are the detailed specifics from our mid-June 2011 cruise on the Solstice from a menu/pricing card that I borrowed from the Sunset/Oceanview area:

 

BEERS: At $4.50 each (plus the added 15% service charge), it is Bud Light, Budweiser, Coors Light and Miller Lite; at $5.00 (which goes to $5.75 with tip), there is Amstel Light, Beck’s, Corona, Corona Light, Leffe Blonde, Heineken, Heineken Light, O’Doul’s (NA), Red Stripe and Samuel Adams; at $6.00 (which goes to $6.90 with tip), it is Bohemia, Grolsch, Guinness, Stella Artois, Newcastle Brown Ale and Peroni.

 

RED WINES: At $5.50 each, Cabernet Sauvignon/Pinotage “Basket Pressed” Heron’s Nest, Stellenbosch; at $6.50 each, Tempranillo, Marques de la Concordia, Crianza, Rioja; at $7.50 each Cabernet Sauvignon “Heritage” Wente Estates, Livermore; at $8.00 each, Merlot, Rutherford Ranch, Napa Valley and Shiraz “The Barossa” Peter Lehmann, Barossa Valley; at $8.50 each, Chianti Classico Riserva Tenuta di Nozzole, Tuscany and Pinot Noir, Kendall Jackson, “Vintner’s Reserve”.

 

WHITE WINES: At $5.50 each, Viognier, Maison Paul Jaboulet Aine, Rhone Valley; at $6.00 each, Riesling “Kabinett” Selbach-Oster, Mosel; at $6.50 each, Sauvignon Blanc, Southern Right, Walker Bay; at $7.50 each, Pino Grigio, Bollini, Trentino; at $8.00 each, Chardonnay, St. Francis, Sonoma; at $8.50 each, Pouilly Fume “La Moynerie” Michel Redde, Loire Valley.

 

ROSE-BLUSH: At $5.50 each, White Zinfandel, Beringer, North Coast; at $6.50 each, Rose de Provence, Jean-Lux Colombo.

 

The $8 glass of wine goes to $9.20 with tip added. A $6.50 wine goes to $7.48 with tip.

 

NON-ALCOHOLIC: At $2.50 each, it is Evian, Pellegrino and Perrier smaller-sized; at $3.00 each, they offer Arizona Premium Iced Tea, Green Tea, Lemon Tea, Peach Tea and Diet Lemon; at $4.00 each, they had Strawberry Banana Soda, Peach Sangria, large Evian and Pellegrino, Sparkling Mint Lemonade and Watermelon Tropic; at $5.00 each, it is Red Bull, regular and sugar-free. They also offer various Coca-Cola soft drinks, but those prices were not listed on this card.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Recently back from a June 7-19 Solstice cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Enjoyed great weather and a wonderful trip. Dozens of wonderful visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc., on these postings. We are now at 36,339 views for this live/blog re-cap on our first sailing with Celebrity and much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

[yvonneh]

I think I read on here somewhere that the drink packages went up $60 Sept 1st. What do you think the chances of them raising the price again this year?

Just trying to figure out if I need to buy it now.

Thanks!

[TomMMD]

I think I read on here somewhere that the drink packages went up $60 Sept 1st. What do you think the chances of them raising the price again this year?

Just trying to figure out if I need to buy it now.

Thanks!

 

I just looked on "my reservations" and I don't see any change in price, so far.