Drinks Package Info and Experience

[boxman266]

We were on the FOS last week and bought the Premium Drinks Package, which is known as PI on the ship.

 

We bought the package on Celebrity last year and thought it was great - we like the freedom it provides more than any money saving.

 

They were photocopied flyers at various points about the package when we boarded. The flyer was almost written to put you off buying the package with far more about what was not included than was. We asked 6 members of staff the same question and we got 12 different answers. One of the bar staff said the limit was $6.25 for a drink and even when I pointed out that this was for beer and not cocktails and that this meant that nearly all cocktails would not be included he still maintained this line.

 

In the end we went to guest relations explaining the situation and that we were about to spend a lot of money and we really should know what we were buying. He said that the package has just changed and went in the back and pulled out what he said was the latest info. This was a different flyer to what was being handed out to us, and when I pointed this out he shook his head and said we needed to talk with the beverage manager but he wasn't on duty for a number of hours. Total chaos and we gave up.

 

By this stage, this was about an hour of chasing around, we wanted a drink went to a bar and mentioned the package and our frustration to the barman. Then our luck changed and the barman said that standing next to us was the bar supervisor. He explained the package and said that there was a money limit to the drinks and we couldn't have any drinks that included a free glass. I then said the flyer doesn't read this way and pointed out a cocktail that he said was "out" but it included all drinks that were "in". He said that all the computers were programmed in Miami and that to prove his point he would ring in the cocktail and it would come up as excluded from the package. He duly did this, only to find that the cocktail was included in the package!

 

We all agreed then that as long as the drinks didn't contain a "off" spirit or was a Martini, as all Martini's were excluded, then it was in the package. Your could always substitute a drink that was in a cocktail such as Patron with another and the drink would come into the package. Finally he said we couldn't buy it at this buy but at the English pub along the way.

 

When we arrived at the pub and said we wanted the package the barman said yes, but he was unable to sell them. If I would have been on deck I'm sure at this point I would have been throwing myself overboard. However the supervisor had followed us, and told the bar man the stickers were in a draw (these are put on your sea card) and how to ring up the PI. He said if we had any issues with the bar staff we were to pay for the drink and see him to sort it. In return I suggested that some sort of training course be given to his staff.

 

All in all RCL made it as difficult as possible to spend $1540 with them.We bought 4 PI.

 

However, it all settled down and to be fair the bar staff were mainly happy to serve us and the range of drinks is wide, with many premium brands in such as Grey Goose and a whole range of Whiskey. Its really the very top end drinks, Patron and oddly Martinis that were not included. Fosters and S Adams are the beers that are out.

 

What was really bad in our view was unlike X they exclude water,coffee, nearly all wines bar two whites, two reds and house champagne and fresh juice. Its also doesn't include the coke machines with those horrid (I'm English) cups. By the way we noted as each day passed less and less coke cups were being carried, it appeared a pain in the backside to me. You can get fountain drinks and juices. My view is that each of these drinks is significantly less that what is included in the package, and given the expense it is "small time nickle and dimeing" for RCL to exclude them.

 

One last point is the tips and attitude of the staff. On X the bar staff really wanted to serve us with this package but on RCL we didnt sense that. In fact one bar lady in the theater said that she would serve us after others as she "had to make some money". This comment along with the fact that we wanted to claifry if our MDR drinks man got our tips led us to inquire as to the system they have for tips.

 

It appears that 15% of the $55 goes into a central pool that is then shared between all bar staff. Guest relations said the bar staff were very happy with this and wanted to sell more PI. However, I sensed sometimes that once the PI is bought they know that their cash is banked and that time spent serving PI was time when they were not earning tips, hence the comment. We also felt bad that the guy in the MDR who served us very well 7 nights got no more from us than a barman we never encountered. The upshot of this was that we tipped he $20 on top of the expensive package but we wouldn't have done this if the 15% on each drink had gone to him.

 

The PI can only be bought on the first day and we spoke to people who would have bought it had they known.

 

Overall we had fun with it, but my feeling is RCL don't want to sell this but feel they have to as other lines are offering it.

 

Sorry this is long but I think as there are so may threads on this, some people might find it of interest.

[39august]

Thank you for taking your time to explain all of this. I was afraid someone with knowledge, instead of speculation, would clarify that the wine included was very limited, and a poor wine at that. Too bad. If this was like X's package, with wine up to a certain price, I might buy it. Guess I'll keep buying drinks as I go and get what I actually want!

[akcruz]

I had heard before that martinis were included. You are saying that you know for sure that they are not? This could be the difference for us in purchasing the package or not.

 

Will be very interesting to hear people's experience with the package on different ships. Thanks OP for posting your experience. All others are more than welcome as well.

 

Thanks!!

[MisterOJ2]

So, Sam Adams and Fosters is off limits, but you can have all the shots of Grey Goose or Knob Creek that you want?

 

That doesn't make a whole lot of sense...

[nednrom]

I had heard before that martinis were included. You are saying that you know for sure that they are not? This could be the difference for us in purchasing the package or not.

 

Will be very interesting to hear people's experience with the package on different ships. Thanks OP for posting your experience. All others are more than welcome as well.

 

Thanks!!

 

The Martinis were included on the Allure and I drank more than a few of them. The flyer that was given to us said "all cocktails" and didn't differentiate. I don't like any other vodka drinks so I wouldn't purchase it -- house wine only and no martinis plus no water -- might as well go for the beer package or none at all. the convenience factor is null and void.

[BILLSFAN83]

thanks for the information. I called RC a couple of days ago and it was a foggy explanation, but they did they hard to sell it to me on the spot over phone (cruise is in May).

 

Its too bad martinis aren't included, but with that being said... martinis are a low spot for Royal Caribbean, its a terrible list, and the fact that the "martini bar" doesn't have a list that is larger than other bars, its sad.

[nednrom]

We were on the FOS last week and bought the Premium Drinks Package, which is known as PI on the ship.

 

We bought the package on Celebrity last year and thought it was great - we like the freedom it provides more than any money saving.

 

They were photocopied flyers at various points about the package when we boarded. The flyer was almost written to put you off buying the package with far more about what was not included than was. We asked 6 members of staff the same question and we got 12 different answers. One of the bar staff said the limit was $6.25 for a drink and even when I pointed out that this was for beer and not cocktails and that this meant that nearly all cocktails would not be included he still maintained this line.

 

In the end we went to guest relations explaining the situation and that we were about to spend a lot of money and we really should know what we were buying. He said that the package has just changed and went in the back and pulled out what he said was the latest info. This was a different flyer to what was being handed out to us, and when I pointed this out he shook his head and said we needed to talk with the beverage manager but he wasn't on duty for a number of hours. Total chaos and we gave up.

 

By this stage, this was about an hour of chasing around, we wanted a drink went to a bar and mentioned the package and our frustration to the barman. Then our luck changed and the barman said that standing next to us was the bar supervisor. He explained the package and said that there was a money limit to the drinks and we couldn't have any drinks that included a free glass. I then said the flyer doesn't read this way and pointed out a cocktail that he said was "out" but it included all drinks that were "in". He said that all the computers were programmed in Miami and that to prove his point he would ring in the cocktail and it would come up as excluded from the package. He duly did this, only to find that the cocktail was included in the package!

 

We all agreed then that as long as the drinks didn't contain a "off" spirit or was a Martini, as all Martini's were excluded, then it was in the package. Your could always substitute a drink that was in a cocktail such as Patron with another and the drink would come into the package. Finally he said we couldn't buy it at this buy but at the English pub along the way.

 

When we arrived at the pub and said we wanted the package the barman said yes, but he was unable to sell them. If I would have been on deck I'm sure at this point I would have been throwing myself overboard. However the supervisor had followed us, and told the bar man the stickers were in a draw (these are put on your sea card) and how to ring up the PI. He said if we had any issues with the bar staff we were to pay for the drink and see him to sort it. In return I suggested that some sort of training course be given to his staff.

 

All in all RCL made it as difficult as possible to spend $1540 with them.We bought 4 PI.

 

However, it all settled down and to be fair the bar staff were mainly happy to serve us and the range of drinks is wide, with many premium brands in such as Grey Goose and a whole range of Whiskey. Its really the very top end drinks, Patron and oddly Martinis that were not included. Fosters and S Adams are the beers that are out.

 

What was really bad in our view was unlike X they exclude water,coffee, nearly all wines bar two whites, two reds and house champagne and fresh juice. Its also doesn't include the coke machines with those horrid (I'm English) cups. By the way we noted as each day passed less and less coke cups were being carried, it appeared a pain in the backside to me. You can get fountain drinks and juices. My view is that each of these drinks is significantly less that what is included in the package, and given the expense it is "small time nickle and dimeing" for RCL to exclude them.

 

One last point is the tips and attitude of the staff. On X the bar staff really wanted to serve us with this package but on RCL we didnt sense that. In fact one bar lady in the theater said that she would serve us after others as she "had to make some money". This comment along with the fact that we wanted to claifry if our MDR drinks man got our tips led us to inquire as to the system they have for tips.

 

It appears that 15% of the $55 goes into a central pool that is then shared between all bar staff. Guest relations said the bar staff were very happy with this and wanted to sell more PI. However, I sensed sometimes that once the PI is bought they know that their cash is banked and that time spent serving PI was time when they were not earning tips, hence the comment. We also felt bad that the guy in the MDR who served us very well 7 nights got no more from us than a barman we never encountered. The upshot of this was that we tipped he $20 on top of the expensive package but we wouldn't have done this if the 15% on each drink had gone to him.

 

The PI can only be bought on the first day and we spoke to people who would have bought it had they known.

 

Overall we had fun with it, but my feeling is RCL don't want to sell this but feel they have to as other lines are offering it.

 

Sorry this is long but I think as there are so may threads on this, some people might find it of interest.

 

It's either the ship or things have changed since December -- one of the bartenders came and found me at the aqua theater to inform me that he had gotten the bloody mary mix so he could now make me one -- earlier he had said that he didn't have any left and had to go get some. The server at the Champaigne bar said that she had a special martini for us and made us one -- obviously we tipped extra in those instances.

[nednrom]

thanks for the information. I called RC a couple of days ago and it was a foggy explanation, but they did they hard to sell it to me on the spot over phone (cruise is in May).

 

Its too bad martinis aren't included, but with that being said... martinis are a low spot for Royal Caribbean, its a terrible list, and the fact that the "martini bar" doesn't have a list that is larger than other bars, its sad.

 

I've had everything from a dirty martini to a French martini to a chocolate martini on the Allure. I'm not sure what kind of Martini you're looking for. If martinis are no longer included, we will not be purchasing the drink package again.

[Jan_In_Maine]

Love my appletini's ... hoping that they will be included, otherwise it wouldn't make much sense for us to get the package. Jan

[boxman266]

They told us it had just changed. Martini's are not included, or at least not last week

[boxman266]

So, Sam Adams and Fosters is off limits, but you can have all the shots of Grey Goose or Knob Creek that you want?

 

That doesn't make a whole lot of sense...

 

It didn't make sense to us too, but they were the rules last week

[janetz]

They must be "tweaking" the package....Too many people were drinking martini's? :D

[MisterOJ2]

And really, saying "no martinis" is also dumb.

 

Can I have some gin? Sure.

 

Add a splash of vermouth and an olive for garnish? NO!

[reney313]

It doesn't make sense to "exclude martini's". Just order a double vodka (or whatever liquor you want) straight up. Would they exclude that?

[JasYHZ]

Well, after reading the above posts and realizing that my "vacation required" martini's MAY or MAY NOT be included :eek: I got on a live chat with a RCCL agent (I know, I am taking his advice with a grain of salt). He said that "we have not been advised of any changes to the recently introduced packages" and I said that wouldn't a martini fall under the premium liquors? He agreed that it should.

 

So I'll just have to wait until I board the Enchantment on the 4th and track down the Bar Manager and get the concrete details!

 

Jason

[AllieMBee]

I'm on the fence about purchasing the drink package when we sail on the Oasis next month, leaning toward no. But if they exclude martini's, that will make the decision final for me! ;)

[Clarea]

I'm on the fence about purchasing the drink package when we sail on the Oasis next month, leaning toward no. But if they exclude martini's, that will make the decision final for me! ;)

I think it's highly unlikely that they will exclude a Martini. They serve Martini's in the Concierge and Diamond lounges, and those venues have more restrictive drink policies than the new drink package.

[AllieMBee]

True! :) Not sure I can drink 5-6 a day to make the package worth it, especially on port days, and toward the end of the week. Appreciate the opinions - thank you!

[boxman266]

Well it might be highly unlikely but last week martini's were excluded from the PI package. It was expressly stated in the flyer and was the one thing all the bar staff knew about.

[marci22]

Well it might be highly unlikely but last week martini's were excluded from the PI package. It was expressly stated in the flyer and was the one thing all the bar staff knew about.

 

It does seem odd, but weirdly enough, I was at an event recently (not on Royal) and the open bar excluded all martinis. I think it's just hard to ration alcohol when the drink is basically all alcohol (and also, people get drunk faster).

 

Regarding asking for multiple shots: they may not do that either as that is more than 1 drink in the allotted time period. At this same event I went to, they were not even allowed to pour shots. You had to get a mixed drink.

 

You have to remember, Royal is cheap. Cheapcheap. They're not going to give you more alcohol than you paid for, in any case.

[MisterOJ2]

If they change it to be just mixed drinks, then I won't be buying the package when I sail at the end of March.

 

But, if they are still offering their good bourbon (I read somewhere that it was Knob Creek?) and I can get it neat, then I probably will buy the package.

[akcruz]

Well it might be highly unlikely but last week martini's were excluded from the PI package. It was expressly stated in the flyer and was the one thing all the bar staff knew about.

 

Thanks for responding. If they continue with this then the drinks package is definitely out for us. Not that we would drink martinis all day long but like to try different ones after dinner (usually only 1 a night :cool:) when on vacation, and I need to pay for those the package is no longer worth it.

 

Appreciate anyone else sailing soon to see how this is handled on your ship/sailing.

[marci22]

I think it's highly unlikely that they will exclude a Martini. They serve Martini's in the Concierge and Diamond lounges, and those venues have more restrictive drink policies than the new drink package.

 

There are a lot fewer D/D+ members than general public who will be buying the packages, and the booze in the CL is the cheapest brand available. So yes, I can see them excluding maritinis for the package.

[Bead Pirate]

When we were on the Vison for a 10 night holiday cruise we noticed a couple of intresting new "behaviors"...

 

Drinks were served in smaller glasses than we normally recieve (8 ounces v. the usual 10 ounces) at the pool bars.

 

Noticed on several occasions that a "sidebar" meeting was being held each evening (around 10 PM) where the bar manager would walk through the bars (casino included) and have a conversation with the bar tender. This was always followed by the bar manager quietly taking a person or two aside and informing them that" they had had enough for the day" (Yes I actually strained to hear a conversation just to find out what was going on). That was followed by the person(s) being served water or coke the balance of the night (or at least until we left)

 

It was intresting that these folks (in every case that we wittnessed) where particpants in the PI program. No one seemed to be out of line judging by the behavior. It made me wonder if there is a "tag" on the program particpants that identifies them in the system apart from those who are not in the program and that they are being "hyper managed".

 

We did not buy the package as the exceptions were vey limiting (i.e excluding beverages that we normally drink) but we do spend our fair share of time at the bar in the evenings. I will agree that the folks who are paying (and tipping) ala carte were getting the prompt service by comparision.

 

I would be curious to see if this trend continues with future cruisers or if was just an over energentic bar manager (this was the first cruise for the PI program on the Vision). We are on the Liberty in two weeks so I will follow up with observations from that cruise...

 

Good thread by the way, it is hard to make a value judgement about the program cost until they get the program defined and administered in a consistent manner. What you normally drink is also going to play a big part in the evaluation...

[beachpearl]

When we were on the Vison for a 10 night holiday cruise we noticed a couple of intresting new "behaviors"...

 

Drinks were served in smaller glasses than we normally recieve (8 ounces v. the usual 10 ounces) at the pool bars.

 

Noticed on several occasions that a "sidebar" meeting was being held each evening (around 10 PM) where the bar manager would walk through the bars (casino included) and have a conversation with the bar tender. This was always followed by the bar manager quietly taking a person or two aside and informing them that" they had had enough for the day" (Yes I actually strained to hear a conversation just to find out what was going on). That was followed by the person(s) being served water or coke the balance of the night (or at least until we left)

 

It was intresting that these folks (in every case that we wittnessed) where particpants in the PI program. No one seemed to be out of line judging by the behavior. It made me wonder if there is a "tag" on the program particpants that identifies them in the system apart from those who are not in the program and that they are being "hyper managed".

 

We did not buy the package as the exceptions were vey limiting (i.e excluding beverages that we normally drink) but we do spend our fair share of time at the bar in the evenings. I will agree that the folks who are paying (and tipping) ala carte were getting the prompt service by comparision.

 

I would be curious to see if this trend continues with future cruisers or if was just an over energentic bar manager (this was the first cruise for the PI program on the Vision). We are on the Liberty in two weeks so I will follow up with observations from that cruise...

 

Good thread by the way, it is hard to make a value judgement about the program cost until they get the program defined and administered in a consistent manner. What you normally drink is also going to play a big part in the evaluation...

 

Condidering a RCL crusie was am potentialy interested in the PI but these petty behaviors are a turn-off. Then they wonder why people smuggle liquor on board.

Also, I think it's unfair that both people in a cabin have to purachse it. My mother would be coming with me on the cruise and she is a diabetic and can not drink. I doubt they would make any provision for this. :mad: