Upgrading to premium beverage package question.

[RobinWyman75]

I got the free classic beverage package and want to upgrade to the premium but I have a few questions. Can I do this onboard? And I thought I read somewhere that they are honoring the lower price per day for the upgrade vs the new higher price if you purchase the package from the start on board. Can someone confirm this? Thanks!

[Algebralovr]

I was told you could upgrade on board, but I've heard different answers as to cost to do so. If you think you want to upgrade, I recommend doing it before hand, just in case.

[steveweese]

I've been told its about $5 a day more if you do it on board. I upgraded by phone it was easy

[2guysabz]

We did it onboard Celebrity Eclipse with no problem at all - $11.50 per day per person.

[Domino1]

I got the free classic beverage package and want to upgrade to the premium but I have a few questions. Can I do this onboard? And I thought I read somewhere that they are honoring the lower price per day for the upgrade vs the new higher price if you purchase the package from the start on board. Can someone confirm this? Thanks!

Hi, I asked the same question of my TA, they spoke to Celebrity and were advised that this could only be done once on board and that it would be an extra $14 pp! There seems to be a massive discrepancy between everyone else's experiences so please let me know how you get on!

[RobinWyman75]

Hi, I asked the same question of my TA, they spoke to Celebrity and were advised that this could only be done once on board and that it would be an extra $14 pp! There seems to be a massive discrepancy between everyone else's experiences so please let me know how you get on!

 

Ok so I just got off the phone with celebrity enhancement department. What I was told is that it is 11.50 per day whether you do it on board or prior. What he told me is you wouldn't be able to do only a few days you have to do the full cruise ie 7 days. But he asked me if I only wanted to do one person or both in cabin for upgrade so you can only upgrade one person if needed. I think were people are getting different answers is they r asking the regular reservation people, you have to ask for the enhancement department to get the real answer.

[stellarose]

We upgraded before boarding.

[wpgcycler]

Note that the cost of buying a package outright IS more expensive on board. No idea whether this applies to upgrading.

 

http://media.celebritycruises.com/celebrity/content/en_US/pdf/celebrity-cruises-beverage-packages-price-flyer.pdf

[RobinWyman75]

Note that the cost of buying a package outright IS more expensive on board. No idea whether this applies to upgrading.

 

http://media.celebritycruises.com/celebrity/content/en_US/pdf/celebrity-cruises-beverage-packages-price-flyer.pdf

 

I asked and it is more to buy outright on board but for upgrades definately 11.50 more per day no matter when u do it.

[Lsimon]

There has been some conflicting and contradictory information from different sources at Celebrity as to whether the upgrade will cost more on board or not. I have not read any actual reports of an actual on board experience that reported the higher price. In the following thread an official Celebrity representative posted here on Cruise Critic that the upgrade price is the same on board as it is in advance: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=40243642#post40243642

 

Based on the post by Celebrity Cruises I'd think the upgrade price on board will remain at the $10/day + gratuities ($11.50 total). But with all the conflicting information I don't think anyone will know for certain until we have a few solid reports of actual on board experience from those cruising after the recent on-board package price increase. With this in mind I'd recommend upgrading in advance if you are sure you want the upgrade.

Edited November 25, 2013 by Lsimon

[chamima]

I asked that question of Host Andy, who is currently on the Eclipse.

He reported that it's $10 + tip ($11.50 ) to upgrade on board.

Have to admit that I was still uncomfortable and have upgraded before our cruise. We'll just have to use our OBC for something else. :o

[Tiggertastic]

we did it onboard - celebrity uk said they cannot do it prior but USA can

 

We went to guest relations when we boarded - $11.50 a day inc gratuity and it was ok to just do 1 and we had to do it within so many days

 

After having 1 martini that I had to pay $12 for I went and upgraded mine too so that I could have a couple of martinis a day

 

That was the Eclipse on 31 August 2013

[ABC Cruisers]

We just got off the Reflection on Saturday and we saw a sign to upgrade for $11.50 per person, we had already done it before we cruised and it was stamped right on our key cards which I liked. I met a couple that he had the regular package and his wife had the premium upgrade, so it looks like just one person can upgrade if they would like.

[garardo]

We have the Premium Beverage package for our Alaska cruise. I am a Sommelier (wine guy). I really enjoy some of the up scale wines offered that cost more then the $12 limit offered with the package. My question is can I buy a $24 glass of wine and use the $12 from the package and pay the difference of $12.

[MyDogRudy]

We have the Premium Beverage package for our Alaska cruise. I am a Sommelier (wine guy). I really enjoy some of the up scale wines offered that cost more then the $12 limit offered with the package. My question is can I buy a $24 glass of wine and use the $12 from the package and pay the difference of $12.

 

My understanding of the program is yes, if you have the premium package just pay the difference. And there is a substantial discount (I think 30%) if you wanted to purchase a bottle of wine (would make sense for wine over $12/glass or if not all in your party have the beverage program). All around good deal IMHO. Having only have had to pay the upgrade of $11.50/day due to 1-2-3 it is a steal of a deal for me! Can't wait to finally use it in 55 days...

[garardo]

My understanding of the program is yes, if you have the premium package just pay the difference. And there is a substantial discount (I think 30%) if you wanted to purchase a bottle of wine (would make sense for wine over $12/glass or if not all in your party have the beverage program). All around good deal IMHO. Having only have had to pay the upgrade of $11.50/day due to 1-2-3 it is a steal of a deal for me! Can't wait to finally use it in 55 days...

My plan is to enjoy 2-3 beverages during the day with a normal cost of shall we say $36 and enjoy a glass of RM Champagne with dinner at $24. Then order a nice $150 bottle of red to enjoy with dinner at a $45 discount. Maybe have a Grappa after dinner at $12. That equals overa $100 in savings per day and does not include coffee and bottled water. Can you give me more info on this 1-2-3 up grade. Always looking to save more $$$.I have not booked any packages yet with 7 months to wait.

[dcarter4]

Hey All,

 

Please take pity on me. I'm planning a destination wedding...and I just don't have the energy to look for the answer.....

 

We have about 25 nubies (first time cruisers) traveling with us to our destination wedding in the Bahama's. Some are cheap...some are not.

 

We are not.

 

We have been told by our Group Rep. to wait until we are onboard to select which package we buy. Our guests are asking for our advise, now??!!. Our wedding party is divided between the "Wine Snobs" and the "Bar Rag". I know what each group drinks...and value your thoughts:

 

"Wine Snobs": Will have a Rum punch as we leave port...but will spend most of the time at the Martini Bar (Grey Goose). They will then have a bottle of modest priced wine with dinner...then maybe hit the Winevino machine, while hitting the casino.

 

"Bar Rags": They will also have a drink, as we leave port (Jack 'n Coke) and MAY have a Martini (depending on price). They will then have a few more Jack 'n Cokes before dinner....MAYBE a glass of wine with dinner....then Jack 'n Cokes (or Gin n' Tonics) for the rest of the night.

 

Which package(s) do you recommend for each?

 

Thank you SO MUCH for your help!!!:p:p

 

Dwayne

Edited November 26, 2013 by dcarter4

[bighairtexan]

Premium for the "Wine snobs" and Classic for the "Bar rags".

[chamima]

Hey All,

 

Please take pity on me. I'm planning a destination wedding...and I just don't have the energy to look for the answer.....

 

We have about 25 nubies (first time cruisers) traveling with us to our destination wedding in the Bahama's. Some are cheap...some are not.

 

We are not.

 

We have been told by our Group Rep. to wait until we are onboard to select which package we buy. Our guests are asking for our advise, now??!!. Our wedding party is divided between the "Wine Snobs" and the "Bar Rag". I know what each group drinks...and value your thoughts:

 

"Wine Snobs": Will have a Rum punch as we leave port...but will spend most of the time at the Martini Bar (Grey Goose). They will then have a bottle of modest priced wine with dinner...then maybe hit the Winevino machine, while hitting the casino.

 

"Bar Rags": They will also have a drink, as we leave port (Jack 'n Coke) and MAY have a Martini (depending on price). They will then have a few more Jack 'n Cokes before dinner....MAYBE a glass of wine with dinner....then Jack 'n Cokes (or Gin n' Tonics) for the rest of the night.

 

Which package(s) do you recommend for each?

 

Thank you SO MUCH for your help!!!:p:p

 

Dwayne

 

Dwayne

For either package it is substantially less expensive to get it before you board. I'm too tired right now to look up the link on the Celebrity website but will do it in the morning if no one else does it for you by then

[wpgcycler]

See post #8 above.

[lovemylab]

It's also important to note the premium package doesn't include bottled wine or the wine in the dispensers. It covers wine by the glass up to $12. There is a discount on bottled wine.

[Lsimon]

...We have been told by our Group Rep. to wait until we are onboard to select which package we buy....

 

 

... Our guests are asking for our advise, now??!!....

 

"Wine Snobs": Will have a Rum punch as we leave port...but will spend most of the time at the Martini Bar (Grey Goose). They will then have a bottle of modest priced wine with dinner...then maybe hit the Winevino machine, while hitting the casino....

 

 

Wait until you are on board? The alcoholic beverage packages cost $5/pp/night more on board then when purchased in advance.

 

Advice now? Are your guest big drinkers? The beverage packages are expensive and at full price they are really best only for those who will drink above average quantities of the included beverages or those who are willing to pay extra for an all inclusive beverage experience if the included beverages meet their needs. Most passengers do not buy the beverage packages but just buy their drinks by the glass. I used to advise waiting until one was on board to decide if a package was right for them although now that they packages cost more on board than in advance that advice might not be the best.

 

Wine snobs? The packages are not good for wine snobs. The unlimited beverage packages only include wines sold by the glass and do not include wine sold by the bottle nor the wines from the enomatic wine dispensers in Cellarmasters Wine Bar. The selection of wines by the glass is limited and pales in comparison to the much broader selection of wines sold by the bottle. Here is a link to the Main Dining Room wine list: Click Here

You'll see that the wines available under the Classic package are pretty much limited to one each of a few common wine varieties and include only some inexpensive basic wines. The wines available under the Premium package go beyond that and do include some nicer wines but is still pretty limited and do not include any higher end wines which might appeal to "wine snobs". On the other hand the list of wines available by the bottle is very nice and includes a good variety of wines that cover a broad range of prices and qualities. And a benefit of ordering wine by the bottle on cruises is that any wine left unfinished after dining can be saved for the following evening or sent to a lounge or your cabin for you to finish later.

Edited November 26, 2013 by Lsimon

[chamima]

Wait until you are on board? The alcoholic beverage packages cost $5/pp/night more on board then when purchased in advance.

 

Advice now? Are your guest big drinkers? The beverage packages are expensive and at full price they are really best only for those who will drink above average quantities of the included beverages or those who are willing to pay extra for an all inclusive beverage experience if the included beverages meet their needs. Most passengers do not buy the beverage packages but just buy their drinks by the glass. I used to advise waiting until one was on board to decide if a package was right for them although now that they packages cost more on board than in advance that advice might not be the best.

 

Wine snobs? The packages are not good for wine snobs. The unlimited beverage packages only include wines sold by the glass and do not include wine sold by the bottle nor the wines from the enomatic wine dispensers in Cellarmasters Wine Bar. The selection of wines by the glass is limited and pales in comparison to the much broader selection of wines sold by the bottle. Here is a link to the Main Dining Room wine list: Click Here

You'll see that the wines available under the Classic package are pretty much limited to one each of a few common wine varieties and include only some inexpensive basic wines. The wines available under the Premium package go beyond that and do include some nicer wines but is still pretty limited and do not include any higher end wines which might appeal to "wine snobs". On the other hand the list of wines available by the bottle is very nice and includes a good variety of wines that cover a broad range of prices and qualities. And a benefit of ordering wine by the bottle on cruises is that any wine left unfinished after dining can be saved for the following evening or sent to a lounge or your cabin for you to finish later.

Quote from OP

""Wine Snobs": Will have a Rum punch as we leave port...but will spend most of the time at the Martini Bar (Grey Goose). They will then have a bottle of modest priced wine with dinner...then maybe hit the Winevino machine, while hitting the casino...."

 

It sounds like the wine snobs will also be at the Martini Bar which IS included in the premium package. Also, the premium package includes a 30% discount on bottled wines.

[dcarter4]

Hey All!

 

Thanks for the responses, so far!!

 

I originally responded...before I saw there was a page 2?!!

 

OK....please let me know if i've got this straight......

 

The "Bar Rags" and the "Wine Snobs" can drink a lot!

 

You are saying...that the Classic Package will give the "Bar Rags" all the Jack and Coke they can drink? (Jack being Jack Daniels brand name)?

 

They can get that brand in the Classic Package...no need for the Premium?

 

...and the "Wine Snobs" can drink all the Grey Goose Martinis they can take...on the Premium package...AND have a choice of some wine by the glass (no...it won't be Opus One)...AND get 30% off any bottle of wine they want....with the Premium Package?

 

If this is correct....then I think we have a winner!!!

 

I will await your responses...in the meantime..if you want a good read...and a few laughs...

 

I am writing a "diary" on this forum...from a guys point of view...about the task of trying to pull-off a Destination Wedding to the Bahama's...in less than 6 months:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1930867

 

Please enjoy...and thanks again for your help!!

 

Dwayne

 

 

TIA!

 

Dwayne

Edited November 27, 2013 by dcarter4

[dcarter4]

Hey All,

 

I just looked at the Wine List posted by Lsimon (thanks!!)...

 

I see MANY "Wine By The Glass" the WS's would enjoy...and many bottles too!

 

At 30% off...I think the only wine not covered..would be the enomatic wine dispensers in Cellarmasters Wine Bar....which is fun to do...but they will be fine.

 

I have to remember my audience. Some of you really ARE Wine Snobs...who wouldn't brush your teeth with a NV bottle of Champagne!!:D

 

My Wine Snobs will be just fine with the Premium selection!:D

 

Thanks again!!

 

Dwayne