Drinks packages- WTH price changes???

[stanima]

When I first started looking at the drinks packages in June I did a screen capture of the page that showed my cost for the Classic package on our 8 day trip next month was $360- $45 per day (per person).

 

I did not bite the bullet, figuring I had time to decide. I was just looking at the drinks packages in the Pre-cruise planner section of the Booking Dashboard last night and lo and behold-now it is $320- or $40 per day.

 

Did they drop the price of the package? Does it get cheaper the closer we get to sailing? Is it cheaper again on board?

 

I was going to just buy beer a-la-carte, this changes my evaluation.

 

Anyone else noticed this?

 

Mark

[mspink98]

Yep, the price dropped by $5 and they changed some of the things included and excluded. If you're strictly a beer drinker, it's a better deal than it used to be.

[Clarea]

When I first started looking at the drinks packages in June I did a screen capture of the page that showed my cost for the Classic package on our 8 day trip next month was $360- $45 per day (per person).

 

I did not bite the bullet, figuring I had time to decide. I was just looking at the drinks packages in the Pre-cruise planner section of the Booking Dashboard last night and lo and behold-now it is $320- or $40 per day.

 

Did they drop the price of the package? Does it get cheaper the closer we get to sailing? Is it cheaper again on board?

 

I was going to just buy beer a-la-carte, this changes my evaluation.

 

Anyone else noticed this?

 

Mark

Royal has recently introduced new drink packages, with new prices:

 

http://www.royalcaribbean.co.uk/_images/Royal%20Alcohol%20Beverage%20FAQ%20All%20Ships%20Web%20Nov%2013_tcm16-27947.pdf

Edited November 28, 2013 by clarea

[Dan-P]

When I first started looking at the drinks packages in June I did a screen capture of the page that showed my cost for the Classic package on our 8 day trip next month was $360- $45 per day (per person).

 

I did not bite the bullet, figuring I had time to decide. I was just looking at the drinks packages in the Pre-cruise planner section of the Booking Dashboard last night and lo and behold-now it is $320- or $40 per day.

 

Did they drop the price of the package? Does it get cheaper the closer we get to sailing? Is it cheaper again on board?

 

I was going to just buy beer a-la-carte, this changes my evaluation.

 

Anyone else noticed this?

 

Mark

 

I don't currently have the link where I read it handy, but recall seeing that those that purchased the original $45 package will be refunded $5/person/day once onboard - and transitioned to the new $40 package. It will apparently be applied to your SeaPass card as a credit.

 

Probably wouldn't hurt to call RCI and talk with customer service though - just to be sure that is how it is going to work.

 

- Edited to add - it is in the link that Bob posted above. Page 4 in the "FAQ" section. Thanks Bob - you are THE man!

 

Dan.

Edited November 28, 2013 by Dan-P

[cruisenfever]

Effective November 15, 2013

 

The Royal Replenish Package ~ $20 per guest each day, includes:

 

• Premium coffee
  
• Premium tea
  
• Bottled water
  
• Sparkling water (375ml)
  
• Still water (500ml)
  
• Fresh squeezed orange juice
  
• Non-alcoholic cocktails
  
• Fountain soda with souvenir Coca-Cola cup
  

The Select Package ~ $40 per guest each day, includes:

 

• Beer
  
• Wine by the glass (up to $8 value)
  
• Non-alcoholic cocktails
  
• Fountain soda with souvenir Coca-Cola cup
  
• 20% discount on purchases of bottles of wine
  

The Premium Package ~ $55 per guest each day, includes:

 

• Call and premium cocktails (up to $10 value)
  
• Frozen cocktails
  
• Beers
  
• Premium wine by the glass (up to $12 value)
  
• Non-alcoholic cocktails
  
• Still bottled water (500ml)
  
• Fountain soda with souvenir Coca-Cola cup
  
• 20% discount on purchases of bottles of wine
  

The Ultimate Package ~ $65 per guest each day, includes:

 

• Premium coffee
  
• Premium tea
  
• Bottled water
  
• Sparkling water (375ml)
  
• Still water (500ml)
  
• Fresh squeezed orange juice
  
• Call and premium cocktails (up to $10 value)
  
• Frozen cocktails
  
• Beers
  
• Premium wine by the glass (up to $12 value)
  
• Non-alcoholic cocktails
  
• Fountain soda with souvenir Coca-Cola cup
  
• 20% discount on purchases of bottles of wine
  

The other major change to the unlimited alcohol packages is now any eligible guest in a stateroom may purchase a package. This is a change from the previous policy where all eligible guests in a stateroom had to purchase a package.

 

The new unnlimited beverage packages will be available for guests purchase starting today, November 15th on all ships, and pre-purchase online the first week of December at http://www.royalcaribbean.com/before...nhancements.do or by calling our pre-cruise planning specialists at 1-800-398-9819. Once available online, you can purchase them approximately 2 months before sail date.

All package prices include the 15% gratuity. Also the the basic soda package and water package stay intact.

 

Guests who have already bought a ‘Classic’ package prior to the changes in November/December 2013, will receive the new Select package once on board and a refund to their onboard account for the $5 per day difference in pricing.

 

Guests who have already bought a ‘Premium’ package prior to the changes in November/December 2013, will receive the new Premium package once on board. If they wish to upgrade to the new Ultimate package, this can be done at a cost added to their onboard account of the $10 per day difference in pricing.

Edited November 28, 2013 by cruisenfever

[Jax129]

I really like the new packages!!:)

[Amy from Delaware]

Anyone know what "premium tea" is?

[supergran]

None of the packages mention spirits?

[Clarea]

None of the packages mention spirits?

What do you mean by spirits? The Premium and Ultimate packages include cocktails up to $10 each.

[cruisenfever]

None of the packages mention spirits?

Here is the list of "spirits" from the RCI website http://www.royalcaribbean.com/customersupport/faq/details.do?pagename=frequently_asked_questions&pnav=5&pnav=2&faqSubjectName=Food+%26+Beverage&faqId=5478&faqSubjectId=336&faqType=faq

Edited November 28, 2013 by cruisenfever

[pmk515]

Anyone know what "premium tea" is?

 

I have never seen this question answered on here. It is one of life's great mysteries. Akin to "chicken/egg".

[ahecht]

Anyone know what "premium tea" is?

 

Like premium coffee, but tea-based (a chai latte, for example).

[Amy from Delaware]

Like premium coffee, but tea-based (a chai latte, for example).

 

Thank you. I've never even heard of a tea latte! I may just try one on board :)