My Not-So-Thorough Premium Drink Package Review

[Paige6187]

I was on Explorer of the Seas 10/13 to Bermuda and had a difficult time deciding whether DBF and I should get the Premium Drink Package. I did the math and decided not to get the package until about two weeks before our trip. Then, DBF and I both decided that we would be happier not worrying about how much we were drinking on the cruise, and wound up both buying the package. One of the big things that made a difference for us was that the tipping was included in the $55.00 p/p price.

 

I had planned on doing a very thorough review and keeping all of my receipts so I could do a day-by-day count, but it didn't happen. For background, this was DBF's first cruise and my third. We are in our mid-late 20s and are social drinkers, but I would certainly not consider either one of us heavy drinkers.

 

I DID see people on our cruise get the drink package for only one person in the room by going to Guest Services and explaining why only one person in the room wanted the package. I specifically heard one guy just tell the customer service rep that his girlfriend "doesn't drink very much." I don't think he had any problem getting the package.

 

I know there were individual days where I certainly made the drink package worth it. I also know there were individual drinks where I did not drink enough to make the package worth it, but I'm guessing it probably evened out (or close to evened out) in the end. Even if it didn't, I ALWAYS had a drink when I wanted it without thinking about the cost. There were times that I thought to myself that I should grab a drink because I hadn't had one all day, but that only happened once or twice.

 

DBF and I always had at least two drinks at dinner: one cocktail and one of the after-dinner drinks. I have not been on an RCI cruise in over ten years and was unfamiliar with how cocktails were served over dinner. I had a concern that unless you brought in your cocktail you would only be able to get wine at dinner. However, there is a cocktail server that comes around during dinner. Most people probably already know that, but I didn't. Our cocktail server, Latoya was AWESOME! I gave her my WOW card at the end of the week. She was always friendly and made me a martini one night that was great when I wasn't sure what to order. After dinner is over, the cocktail server comes around with the after dinner drinks in souvenir glasses. I knew from reading the boards to ask for the after dinner drink in a non-souvenir glass, but after the first night, the server just gave us the drinks in the souvenir glasses and we left them on the table when we were finished.

 

As others have mentioned, you do have to sign each time you receive a drink. The total on it will be $0.00 and there will be a portion to add additional tip money if you desire. There was only one time we didn't have to sign, and it was in Studio B the night of The Quest. The bar was fairly slammed, and the bartender saw our premium cards and just told us it was fine and we were free to go with our drinks.

 

If you have any questions, feel free to let me know, and I'll try to answer as best I can.

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

 

Below is more of a day-by-day replay of drinks we got, but I don't remember it very accurately, so it's probably not helpful. Feel free to skip this part:

 

Both DBF and I drank heavily the first day after we got on the ship. There were definitely times where both of us were a bit tipsy, but I wouldn't ever say either one of us was drunk. We had several drinks a piece prior to sail-away, including two drinks that I ordered and did not like and did not drink. After sail-away we continued to drink into dinner and afterward.

 

BUT, the next day both of us were a bit hungover, so I think we ended up only having two-three drinks a piece that day (just dinner drinks and maybe another one throughout the day).

 

On day three, we sat in the solarium and sunned/read and I drank quite a bit. I had quite a few frozen drinks that day: pina coladas, creamsicles, mudslides . . . I know I had at least five drinks before dinner. I would never order those kind of drinks at home. I'm typically not a frozen drink person, but the pina coladas were especially good, so I had several throughout the cruise. I know I continued to drink through dinner, and probably had another one-two afterward as well.

 

Day four was the first day that we were in Bermuda, and it was a little dreary and cold. I do think DBF and I each had a mimosa before we went ashore. We didn't stay on land very long due to the weather, and I think that both of us took a nap onboard in the afternoon. Each had two drinks at dinner and probably one-two drinks afterward.

 

Day five DBF and I went scuba diving in the morning, so neither of us had any drinks before we left. Once we got back to the ship in the afternoon, I think we each had a drink, took a nap, and then two drinks a piece at dinner. Again, we probably got one more drink after dinner.

 

Day six we both had a mimosa before heading out in the morning. We were onshore until about 3:00 p.m. We came back to the ship, had two drinks at dinner, and then I ordered one or two Pineapple Mojitos in the casino.

 

Day seven was another big drinking day for me. I had two mimosas in the WJ, then I had screwdriver. I drank two champagne drinks in the Champagne Bar. Again, two drinks at dinner, and two drinks after dinner.

 

On the day you disembark, there are no bars open, so don't think (like I mistakenly thought) that you might be able to grab a drink or two on Sunday morning before you head off the ship.

[WWbytheSEA]

Hi Paige6187 - thanks for the review. didn't know about the cocktail server in the MDR.. good info.-- My wife and I plan to get this on upcoming Holiday cruise. Few questions.

 

1. Did you do any drinking on any private island stops? how was that?

2. If one wanted, could you tip with dollar bills instead of writing the gratuity on the receipt. not that I would tip every time I got a drink. but if the server decided to give me the souvenir cups without charging , I might be inclined to throw a buck or two their way.

3. Any drinking in specialty restaurants that you did?

4. Any straight soda you consumed either before/during or after drinking that would have added to your total had you not had the package.

 

thanks

[Merion_Mom]

Hi Paige6187 - thanks for the review. didn't know about the cocktail server in the MDR.. good info.-- My wife and I plan to get this on upcoming Holiday cruise. Few questions.

 

1. Did you do any drinking on any private island stops? how was that?

2. If one wanted, could you tip with dollar bills instead of writing the gratuity on the receipt. not that I would tip every time I got a drink. but if the server decided to give me the souvenir cups without charging , I might be inclined to throw a buck or two their way.

3. Any drinking in specialty restaurants that you did?

4. Any straight soda you consumed either before/during or after drinking that would have added to your total had you not had the package.

 

thanks

 

 

I can answer #2:

 

You can always tip in cash. I do. So easy for the server to slip into a pocket. :)

[Cruising89143]

We chose not to purchase the package in June on RCI. Compared to sister line Celebrity it's just not a good deal IMHO. The price on Celebrity is $54.00 per day for the Premium package. On Celebrity in addition to the alcohol it includes all bottled water, specialty coffee and juices. That makes it worth it IMHO.

[beautiful.thing]

When we had the package in April I always gave the bartenders/server an additional dollar bill with the signed receipt. I figure they would always prefer cash over a tip on the card.

[LuvWilliam]

We chose not to purchase the package in June on RCI. Compared to sister line Celebrity it's just not a good deal IMHO. The price on Celebrity is $54.00 per day for the Premium package. On Celebrity in addition to the alcohol it includes all bottled water, specialty coffee and juices. That makes it worth it IMHO.

 

I didn't know this- I have to say that if the package included bottled water, I would even pay the $55/day. If DH and I aren't drinking alcohol, we are drinking water and those Evian bottles add up quickly!

[Paige6187]

Hi Paige6187 - thanks for the review. didn't know about the cocktail server in the MDR.. good info.-- My wife and I plan to get this on upcoming Holiday cruise. Few questions.

 

1. Did you do any drinking on any private island stops? how was that?

2. If one wanted, could you tip with dollar bills instead of writing the gratuity on the receipt. not that I would tip every time I got a drink. but if the server decided to give me the souvenir cups without charging , I might be inclined to throw a buck or two their way.

3. Any drinking in specialty restaurants that you did?

4. Any straight soda you consumed either before/during or after drinking that would have added to your total had you not had the package.

 

thanks

 

WWbytheSEA:

 

1. No. We only stopped at Bermuda. I was actually going to mention something about how I don't know if I would get the package again if I was on a port heavy cruise. We are doing Western Carib. next October, so I haven't decided if I'd get the package on that. It would be nice on Labadee to have it and drink, but if you're going to be off the ship three other days in port, not sure what I would do.

 

2. Agreed with previous comment with this. We did give our MDR cocktail server an additional cash tip at the end of the cruise.

 

3. We did not do any specialty dining drinking. Only ate in the free places :)

 

4. I did have a couple Diet Cokes through the week, but honestly I think I only had two. If you are a big soda drinker, it would definitely be a perk!

[Koohiichan]

Thanks for sharing your experience, why you chose to get it and how it turned out, etc.

 

I think I would be more inclined to get it if it included all other drinks, like Celebrity. Also, if I were going on a trip with a group of friends, all adults, especially a shorter cruise. Right now, as a family cruiser with a dd and dh (who doesn't drink) it just isn't worth it to me. I'm pretty good to go with my two bottles of wine. ; )

 

BTW: I just wanted to point out that when you purchase each drink individually they do add on the tip so it really isn't any different.

 

Cheers,

 

Koohiichan

[Paige6187]

Thanks for sharing your experience, why you chose to get it and how it turned out, etc.

 

I think I would be more inclined to get it if it included all other drinks, like Celebrity. Also, if I were going on a trip with a group of friends, all adults, especially a shorter cruise. Right now, as a family cruiser with a dd and dh (who doesn't drink) it just isn't worth it to me. I'm pretty good to go with my two bottles of wine. ; )

 

BTW: I just wanted to point out that when you purchase each drink individually they do add on the tip so it really isn't any different.

 

Cheers,

 

Koohiichan

 

Is the price listed in the menu inclusive of the tip, though? Or, does your drink end up being the price listed, say $4.00 plus a 15% tip, ($4.60)?

 

I just wonder because when I was doing my initial calculation I was just thinking $55.00 divided by the cost of a drink, and that didn't account for the tip that was included in the $55.00. So, if the tip is an additional amount to the cost of the drink listed in menus, I figure that for the premium package you are only actually paying $46.75 or so in the cost of drink and the remainder is tip money.

 

But, if the cost of the drink on the menu includes the tip, then my initial calculations would have been correct.

[Ocean Boy]

Is the price listed in the menu inclusive of the tip, though? Or, does your drink end up being the price listed, say $4.00 plus a 15% tip, ($4.60)?

 

I just wonder because when I was doing my initial calculation I was just thinking $55.00 divided by the cost of a drink, and that didn't account for the tip that was included in the $55.00. So, if the tip is an additional amount to the cost of the drink listed in menus, I figure that for the premium package you are only actually paying $46.75 or so in the cost of drink and the remainder is tip money.

 

But, if the cost of the drink on the menu includes the tip, then my initial calculations would have been correct.

 

Menu pricing does not include tips. Add 15% to posted prices.

[sgttami]

I haven't been on Explorer since '07 and alcohol packages weren't available then.

 

I'm going in April and was looking into this myself..and will be delighted to pay $55 a day for the package. I was only hoping to not have to sign those slips every time but I'm guessing that it's the cruise lines way of knowing if your package was a profit or loss for them!!

 

Either way, it's worth it to me and from past cruise bar bills, this might be the cheapest one yet!!!!

 

Thanks again....

[Cruzn Fool]

. I was only hoping to not have to sign those slips every time but I'm guessing that it's the cruise lines way of knowing if your package was a profit or loss for them!!

 

Each ship seems to make its own decision on if you have to sign the receipts or not but it has nothing to do with it being a profit for loss from them because all ships at least scan your card to track the consumption. It is just that some don't print out the receipt and make you sign it. My speculation is they want you to have the opportunity to add an additional tip when signing it but that's just my opinion, nothing factual.

[Frankmac]

The $55 per day package includes the tip .Fact.

 

The Celebrity $54 per day does NOT include the tip.

[gerig]

I was informed when you tip on the receipt it is shared among staff. If you tip cash, the server can keep the cash and not share. I always bring lots of singles for extra tipping. The cruise staff work so hard and such long hours and I don't think the per day tipping or beverage tipping is adequate.

[Cruising89143]

The $55 per day package includes the tip .Fact.

 

The Celebrity $54 per day does NOT include the tip.

 

With the gratuity added it's still a much better deal on X. it's $62.10 a day. When you add in the water, juices and specialty coffees it's comes out ahead.

[Koohiichan]

Oh. I get it now. I thought you meant that you avoided the trouble of having to leave a tip b/c it was already included, but you were thinking of cost per drink. Good point.

 

 

Is the price listed in the menu inclusive of the tip, though? Or, does your drink end up being the price listed, say $4.00 plus a 15% tip, ($4.60)?

 

I just wonder because when I was doing my initial calculation I was just thinking $55.00 divided by the cost of a drink, and that didn't account for the tip that was included in the $55.00. So, if the tip is an additional amount to the cost of the drink listed in menus, I figure that for the premium package you are only actually paying $46.75 or so in the cost of drink and the remainder is tip money.

 

But, if the cost of the drink on the menu includes the tip, then my initial calculations would have been correct.

[Miryam1234]

Signing seems to vary as on Navigator last week, which was of course a Med cruise, we did not sign a single receipt. In fact the only time we were given a receipt to sign was the time when the bartender did not notice at first that we wad the package. He presented the slip with full drink price and corrected it to zero balance after we pointed out that we had the package.

 

For us the package was a good eeal as we would have gotten the soft drink package and wine to begin with. Difference between adding the liqour was not bad at all, for us. We did drink much more than what we would have done without the package. But we were never really drunk nor hungover, so I think we found a balance there. We did have lots of sodas which helped of course with balance, too.

[AdamsND04]

Paige! Hope you had a great cruise!

 

We ended up deciding to get the package as well and had a similar experience.

 

Drinking Heavily the 1st day, recovering the 2nd day and day 6 drank heavily and recovered the last day of the cruise. We broke even.

 

We most likely won't get the package unless we are going with a group of friends as they made the drinks super strong at least the vodka tonic's I usually drink.

[Paige6187]

Paige! Hope you had a great cruise!

 

We ended up deciding to get the package as well and had a similar experience.

 

Drinking Heavily the 1st day, recovering the 2nd day and day 6 drank heavily and recovered the last day of the cruise. We broke even.

 

We most likely won't get the package unless we are going with a group of friends as they made the drinks super strong at least the vodka tonic's I usually drink.

 

Hey Dan! We had a great time--I hope you did as well!

 

I found that most of the drinks I had were very strong. I had a long island at the Adult Comedy show and I could not finish it because it was so strong.

 

I got really addicted to pineapple mojitos, though. SO good! I'm pretty sure the bartenders hated me by the end of the week though :(

[dacsmom]

Thanks for your review of the premium drink package. I find it worth the price and will buy it again. I like the idea of not being surprised at the end of the cruise with a high bar bill.

[don't-use-real-name]

Is wine (by the glass) in the MD part of the beverage package ?

[newcastlemam]

I haven't been on Explorer since '07 and alcohol packages weren't available then.

 

I'm going in April and was looking into this myself..and will be delighted to pay $55 a day for the package. I was only hoping to not have to sign those slips every time but I'm guessing that it's the cruise lines way of knowing if your package was a profit or loss for them!!

 

Either way, it's worth it to me and from past cruise bar bills, this might be the cheapest one yet!!!!

 

Thanks again....

 

I had the drinks package on Indy in September and never had to sign a receipt in the whole 2 weeks xx

[newcastlemam]

Is wine (by the glass) in the MD part of the beverage package ?

 

Yes house wine by the glass is xx