Difference between ultimate and premium packages

[fsjosh]

I don't understand the confusion, esp now that everything is clearly laid out in this thread. The only package that does NOT get water is The Select Package. If you want everything, get The Ultimate. It's only $6 more a day. I purchased that Premium Package bc I don't care about coffee or smoothies. I was charged $56, so I assumed that was the gratuities. From the documentation before I purchased, I was under the impression that I will not have to leave additional gratuity unless I wanted to for some reason.

 

Now, there's one item that even I am not sure about and would like to know:

 

Can you get Red Bull with either Premium or Ultimate???

 

The confusion, or at least some of it, is because if you go into your cruise planner on the website, the premium package does not specifically say it includes water. It's probably just an oversight, but since they just changed the pricing, it's natural to ask if they changed what all you get as well.

 

 

I saw on another thread that cans of Red Bull is included in the Replenish and therefore the ultimate package, but not the premium package. It sounds like it is handled the same to me as cans of soda. You can probably get a cup of red bull at bars, but wouldn't be able to get actual cans unless you have the replenish or ultimate packs.

[CP3o]

I had the replenish package for fun, doubted I would order enough to make it worth it since I don't even like soda. Had one OJ and one virgin drink the whole cruise and coffee and bottled water and seltzer with dinner but didn't breakeven, but didn't really care. I did see waits for drinks, not enough staff to quickly order and get a drink; long lines where get latte coffees. Diamond members waiting awhile to just get a soda with voucher. This was on Majesty. It did take FOREVER to get the virgin drink, maybe that's why I didn't bother or because I just ate too much and didn't need the calories. There was ONE bartender in Bolaroes boarding day so it wasn't a successful way to avoid the lines on hot pool deck.

 

For what it's worth, I think Ultimate package may be defined a little different in practice. I had friends that had many $12 margaritas and never had an upcharge from the $10 cocktail limit.

 

I also don't think the bar staff loved getting drinks on the package or using vouchers when pax weren't tipping. I tipped $1 for drink, voucher or package, but often just 50 cents for a bottled water since easy to hand it to me. A waiter in Schooner went out of his way to thank me for 50 cents like I'd not seen before. I think it could have been to try to signal the others around using their vouchers and packages that weren't adding anything. He had a handful of white paper receipts but maybe only my 50 cents extra that round.

 

At least one in our group wouldn't do it again, even though did relatively cheap "select" package, just b/c it seemed to take too long to get drinks and get a good value. And he did tip extra. Just fyi. If they don't staff more I think smugglers will start bringing liquor again, even if they were willing and interested in trying a package, and use the freestyle machines as mixers. Just to avoid waiting and lines.

[MattInFLL]

PRgymnast - Cans of Red Bull have only been available under the Ultimate Package when I have had the package. However, you can order a vodka and red bull, since that is $9, with the Premium.

 

My experience has been that with the Ultimate, you could order pretty much any drink you wanted, even if over $10. But Royal can be inconsistent.

 

My experience on Majesty was different than CP3o's. With the exception of the Spectrum night club and peak times around the pool bar, I found the bar service to be pretty efficient. But yes, I do generally tip extra.

[ewenix]

I personally think its stupid to try and fight a corporation over $50 when its clear what the pricing is supposed to be.

 

Royal Caribbean has full time lawyers on salary. They don't have to pay hourly anything. On the other hand, if you think you can find a lawyer who will take this case on over a $50 fee, I'm willing to bet he is going to ask for his fee up front.

 

If it was an issue that they thought they could win, they would file as a class action.

$50 for each passenger who purchased the package from that point in time would be a significant amount.

[MichaelCMTX]

Just get the Ultimate package. It's $6 a day more than the Premium - you're talking about less than $50 difference for a 7-day cruise that you're spending thousands on. Then you can have whatever you want.

 

That's kind of our logic for considering the package at all. We're paying how much for the whole trip, what's this extra bit? Also, as I've mentioned elsewhere, I'll be thrilled to have the drinks basically paid for before setting foot on board. No shocker on the Seapass Statement.

 

And you can bet without a Premium package there'd be plenty of "I don't want OJ or Specialty Coffee on the Ultimate Package, I shouldn't have to pay for them. I wish there was a package with just..."

 

PRgymnast - Cans of Red Bull have only been available under the Ultimate Package when I have had the package. However, you can order a vodka and red bull, since that is $9, with the Premium.

 

It seems logical this would extend to the Red Bull and pineapple juice, which I grew quite fond of. Any experience?

[Evilgrin72]

That's kind of our logic for considering the package at all. We're paying how much for the whole trip, what's this extra bit? Also, as I've mentioned elsewhere, I'll be thrilled to have the drinks basically paid for before setting foot on board. No shocker on the Seapass Statement.

 

And you can bet without a Premium package there'd be plenty of "I don't want OJ or Specialty Coffee on the Ultimate Package, I shouldn't have to pay for them. I wish there was a package with just..."

 

 

 

It seems logical this would extend to the Red Bull and pineapple juice, which I grew quite fond of. Any experience?

 

I'm pretty sure that qualifies as a non-alcoholic cocktail, meaning it would be included in Royal Replenish, Select, Premium, and Ultimate.

[MattInFLL]

If it involves pouring a whole can of red bull, then it might only be under the Ultimate.

 

But I only have first hand knowledge of cans being sold outright and the vodka and red bull cocktail, which is a specific item on their drink menu for under $10.

[PRgymnast]

PRgymnast - Cans of Red Bull have only been available under the Ultimate Package when I have had the package. However, you can order a vodka and red bull, since that is $9, with the Premium.

 

My experience has been that with the Ultimate, you could order pretty much any drink you wanted, even if over $10. But Royal can be inconsistent.

 

My experience on Majesty was different than CP3o's. With the exception of the Spectrum night club and peak times around the pool bar, I found the bar service to be pretty efficient. But yes, I do generally tip extra.

 

Thanks, MattInFLL! That's exactly what I wanted to know!

[anchorsaway_cs]

I am having a similar issue deciding on a drink package for an upcoming cruise on Adventure.

I was looking at doing the Ultimate, but the following terms completely threw me off...

"Package does not include room service or in-stateroom purchases, mini bar items, Evian water, canned sodas, bottled juice and souvenir glassware, specialty beers as listed on bar menus, or super premium category beverages"

So there will still be items we will have to pay for?

[Clarea]

I am having a similar issue deciding on a drink package for an upcoming cruise on Adventure.

 

I was looking at doing the Ultimate, but the following terms completely threw me off...

 

"Package does not include room service or in-stateroom purchases, mini bar items, Evian water, canned sodas, bottled juice and souvenir glassware, specialty beers as listed on bar menus, or super premium category beverages"

 

So there will still be items we will have to pay for?

Yes, you would pay for glasses of wine that exceed $12, cocktails that exceed $10, and full price for a small number of beers that are totally excluded from all packages.

[LetsGetWet!]

Yes, you would pay for glasses of wine that exceed $12, cocktails that exceed $10, and full price for a small number of beers that are totally excluded from all packages.

In the cases of wine over $12 and cocktails over $10, you're only supposed to be charged the excess above those amounts, correct?

[Clarea]

In the cases of wine over $12 and cocktails over $10, you're only supposed to be charged the excess above those amounts, correct?

Yes, correct.

[hahiragal]

Does anyone know what beers are not included in the packages?

[Clarea]

Does anyone know what beers are not included in the packages?

Supposedly the beers marked with an asterisk in the menu linked below are not included. However, someone recently mentioned that they were able to get one or two of the "asterisked" beers, so this may vary a bit by ship.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=38675006&postcount=4

[hahiragal]

Thank you!!!

[anchorsaway_cs]

Yes, you would pay for glasses of wine that exceed $12, cocktails that exceed $10, and full price for a small number of beers that are totally excluded from all packages.

 

 

Thank you! I guess that isn't too terrible when you think about it, I am not even a beer drinker myself to begin with. I guess I also shouldn't expect a glass of Dom Perignon or Johnny Walker to just appear haha.. although it would be nice :D

[anchorsaway_cs]

Supposedly the beers marked with an asterisk in the menu linked below are not included. However, someone recently mentioned that they were able to get one or two of the "asterisked" beers, so this may vary a bit by ship.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=38675006&postcount=4

 

 

Thanks so much for this post!

[Cruisingdean]

Thanks for all the input. On a previous cruise I was not able to get shots of patron tequila. I don't believe they are more than $12.00, any experience with this? Are they now included, is there a difference we would pay to have them?

[msmarvel]

Foster's Oil can has an asterisk next to it? Oh, the Aussies must be laughing at that since they consider it crap beer. It would be like us sending over PBR and getting them to fall for the marketing that it's actually a premium beer. Foster's is the beer equivalent of Yellow Tail (they laugh at us for drinking that too).

 

But it's the Premium package that has the $12 wine and cocktail limit. The ultimate has no limits on the description, but I could see the $19.95 Chimay being excluded from that package.

[Clarea]

Foster's Oil can has an asterisk next to it? Oh, the Aussies must be laughing at that since they consider it crap beer. It would be like us sending over PBR and getting them to fall for the marketing that it's actually a premium beer. Foster's is the beer equivalent of Yellow Tail (they laugh at us for drinking that too).

 

But it's the Premium package that has the $12 wine and cocktail limit. The ultimate has no limits on the description, but I could see the $19.95 Chimay being excluded from that package.

The Premium and Ultimate packages have the same limits for alcoholic drinks. If you are seeing a difference on Royal's website, it's probably an omission or error.

[msmarvel]

I'm sailing over NYE, and see they added this for the holidays. Anyone know what the abbreviations are? When you click "Learn More" it just takes you to the standard page with the all the packages briefly disguised.

 

Ultimate Package

Celebrate the holiday season with some bubbles. As an added-value to our guests, the Ultimate Beverage Package will now include a complimentary limited edition Domaine Chandon Blanc de Noirs holiday bottle (one per stateroom) and bottomless Moet & Chandon champagne by the glass. Time Frame: November 2014 - January 2015 Available on: LG, GR, VI, EX, AD, NV, BR, JW, FR, LB, ID, OA, AL, QN

[Clarea]

I'm sailing over NYE, and see they added this for the holidays. Anyone know what the abbreviations are? When you click "Learn More" it just takes you to the standard page with the all the packages briefly disguised.

 

Ultimate Package

Celebrate the holiday season with some bubbles. As an added-value to our guests, the Ultimate Beverage Package will now include a complimentary limited edition Domaine Chandon Blanc de Noirs holiday bottle (one per stateroom) and bottomless Moet & Chandon champagne by the glass. Time Frame: November 2014 - January 2015 Available on: LG, GR, VI, EX, AD, NV, BR, JW, FR, LB, ID, OA, AL, QN

Legend, Grandeur, Vision, Explorer, Adventure, Navigator, Brilliance, Jewel, Freedom, Liberty, Independence, Oasis, Allure, Quantum.

[pinkmama100]

who hoo for the extra bonus in the drink pacakge

Edited November 3, 2014 by pinkmama100

[Clarea]

can you post a link to the drink package that is included the wine and champagne? I can't locate it. We are sailing during Thanksgiving so I want to see if its included because we are buying the drink package

Here are the beverage packages:

 

http://media.royalcaribbean.com/content/royal/en_US/pdf/beverage_packages.pdf

 

The Select package includes wine/champagne up to $8 per glass. The premium package includes wine/champagne up to $12 per glass.

 

Note that the prices listed in the PDF file are not current. They are now $19, $35, $49, and $55 plus 15%.

[kimkatmom]

We are set to sail on Vision in April And trying to figure out the drink packages. Are drinks included in the dining room at dinner and in the casino when gambling? What about the after dinner shots they walk around in the dining room. Does anyone know if Vision has the freestyle machines? We are going on a 7 night western Caribbean with 4 stops so not sure if it is worth it. Do they charge you for 7 or 8 days considering the 8th day is leaving the ship.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks