Mini Bar and Drink Packages

[summergirl10]

Starting to get very excited about our first ever cruise on the Equinox 21st Nov.As a newbie have a couple of queries. As we will probably not use the mini bar in the cabin Do we have to ask for it to be locked ? Or the items removed only (as It would be nice to keep water or soft drinks cool in it). Re the Drink Packages , as we both like an occasional alcoholic drink during the day as well as night still considering weather to sign up for one. The daily ££ rate quoted on the website here in UK does seem high.

Am I right in thinking you can wait to purchase a package while on board? And do they normally do any special offers ? As always thanks for your help

[Lsimon]

The mini bar can be left locked if you'd like. You can also ask your cabin steward to empty it, so you can put your own things in the cooler, but they normally just stash the items someplace in the cabin if you do that.

 

The drink packages are priced high - above the average cruiser's consumption when buying drinks by the glass. It is the same price on board as in advance and if you buy it after the first night of the cruise the price will be prorated for the remaining nights of the cruise.

 

I've never heard of drink package specials or discounts on board. There are occasional specials in advance and there is often a promotion that includes a classic alcoholic package for two as part of the cruise price on most cruises and for most cabin categories. There is currently such a promotion called 123GO! If you get the classic package, bought or as part of the promotion you can also upgrade it to the premium package on board by paying the normal cost difference of $11.50/day per person.

Edited November 11, 2014 by Lsimon

[summergirl10]

Thank you for your reply. Think we will probably just decide on drink package or not when on the ship. However would like to know at what point on the cruise do we settle up the final bill for drinks, speciality restaurant, s etc.and what happens on the morning of disembarkation re breakfast and additional drinks like coffee,s teas etc. Sorry for the banal questions but this is all very new to us.

[attilamom1217]

Thank you for your reply. Think we will probably just decide on drink package or not when on the ship. However would like to know at what point on the cruise do we settle up the final bill for drinks, speciality restaurant, s etc.and what happens on the morning of disembarkation re breakfast and additional drinks like coffee,s teas etc. Sorry for the banal questions but this is all very new to us.

 

The 123Go promo may not be available to passengers outside the U.S. Check with your Travel Agent.

 

You can monitor your bill throughout your cruise via the TV in your cabin. If there are discrepancies, go to Guest Services as soon as you notice them. Try not to wait for the last day as the lines can be long.

 

Basic coffee and tea are included in your fare - so no worries. It is the premium coffees such as lattes, espresso, cappucinos, etc that are extra.

 

The Main Dining Room and Buffet are generally open on Disembarkation Day - again no worries. They may close earlier than usual. The information will be on your daily or disembarkation information.

 

Enjoy your cruise.

[Lsimon]

Thank you for your reply. Think we will probably just decide on drink package or not when on the ship. However would like to know at what point on the cruise do we settle up the final bill for drinks, speciality restaurant, s etc.and what happens on the morning of disembarkation re breakfast and additional drinks like coffee,s teas etc. Sorry for the banal questions but this is all very new to us.

 

The normal procedure is to post a credit card at check-in which is charged for your final bill after you leave the ship, including any last morning charges. If you don't have a credit card to post then you can set up a cash account. You might have to put a deposit on that and pay it down if your account goes above some amount during the cruise. In any event will have to settle up before you leave the ship. They'll give you details when you check in at the pier. If you only have a debit card then set things up as a cash account and then use the card to make payments against that. Don't use a debit card to guarantee the account as it gets complicated with the authorization holds taking a while to reverse.

[summergirl10]

Okay Thank you both for your information. Think I understand how the system works now. We will be using a Credit Card so should all be pretty straightforward. Really starting to get excited now as we leave the UK on Wednesday for a couple of days of Sun and Sand (I hope) in FLL before boarding the ship

[chrismakris]

If you are not heavy drinkers maybe then you should get the premium non alcohol package instead.

 

Those bottles of water and pop and coffees do add up quickly at $2-5 per drink.

 

 

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[Sloop-JohnB]

FREE Beverages onboard include:

 

Tap Water* - Regular Teas & Coffees - Reconstituted Juices - Lemonade - Ice Tea - and Milk

 

* Water On the ship is primarily Desalinized Sea Water (made by the ship). For many it does not taste like water they are used to at home, and some report issues with residual sodium / salt (ie prone to swelling, especially in warmer climates). As it is the primary water source on the ship, everyone is exposed to it to some extent (brushing your teeth - used in cooking etc) and as the majority of Free Beverages include it... Many Pax choose to limit their exposure. Part of the reason Bottled Water Pkgs are so popular (not to mention convenient for trips ashore)

 

Beverages served aboard not on the list above all are charged for. Prices are comparable to Hotels & Resorts ashore (not supermarket, or local Pub prices by any means).

 

Alcohol items generally range from $ 6 to $ 13 per pour (plus 15% Grat).

 

Bottled Water at $ 4 to $ 8 a shot... Pop at $ 2 to $ 3 a can... And Premium Juices & Coffees at $ 3 to $ 5 each glass / cup can quickly add up.

 

So one truly does not have to be an alcohol drinker to realize the value in a Bevvy Pkg.

 

We also have noticed that when on a Sunny Cruise in warmer climates that we drink more in general... No doubt to keep hydrated in the hotter weather. (lol, ok we are on vacation, so we no doubt drink more alcohol as well :D )

 

But it is worthwhile doing the math...

 

Cause unless you intend to haul on your own Bottled Water, Pop & Juice things can & do add up.

 

We have found considering all the non-alcohol bevvys we drink in a day... That with just 2 or 3 alcohol drinks a day, it makes sense to go for an Alcohol Pkg over a Non-alcohol one. Then it is a matter of determine if you'd be better suited with a Classic or Premium Pkg

 

That all comes down to Brand Preferences

 

Here is the link to the Official Celebrity Beverage Pkg Lists as posted by CC Member CELEBRITY CRUISES Official Rep ... This can help you determine that element (the lists are attached as PDF Files in the opening post)

 

Official Celebrity Beverage Pkgs = http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2048745

 

As others have said you can buy a Bevvy Pkg before you go, or when you are on the ship, after you have had some time to judge your consumption & preferences

 

As stated, the Pkg will be prorated... You will be charged the daily rate for however NIGHTS are remaining on your cruise

 

Just be aware that Pkgs are not retroactive... So anything on your Ship Account / SeaPass Card will still remain there. And any items ordered thru Room Service or from the Mini Bar are not covered by the Bevvy Pkgs

 

Hope this helps,

 

Cheers!

Edited November 14, 2014 by Sloop-JohnB

[summergirl10]

Yes thank you a very comprehensive reply .Much appreciated