Do we need to upgrade from classic package?

[wallie5446]

Wouldn't (shouldn't) the bartender tell you that this drink isn't covered when he sees your card with the Classic on it?:confused:

 

Well, I don't think that's right. If we choose not to upgrade (I know DH won't ... he doesn't drink/like martinis), we have to re-iterate EVERY TIME we order a drink that it's covered under the classic package.?:confused::(

 

No, because he does not know you have the Classic till he swipes your card, then it is to late, you have the drink made. Just never order anything other than the standard drink made with the cheap liquor and you will be okie dokie!:)

 

If you sign a chit, you know you will have a charge on your sea pass account.

Since your husband does not drink he has no problem-O!

 

This is very simple.

Edited September 6, 2015 by wallie5446

[Rob the Cruiser]

Wouldn't (shouldn't) the bartender tell you that this drink isn't covered when he sees your card with the Classic on it?:confused:

 

Maybe, maybe not. I always ask if the drink is covered on whichever package I have.

[barneyboy]

Mafig, the short answer to your question in no. Here is why. Under the packages the tips are pooled. So any theme the staff has the opportunity to make more tips & tips for themselves they do. We cruised with a group of 50 stateroom in April several in the group chose not to upgrade & still got charged for the more expensive drinks & no-one warned them.

 

 

 

The way I look at for $140 or $162.50 (if you pay before you go) that's a pretty cheap alcohol bill for 7 days (assuming you got classic free).

 

 

 

Versus having surprise at the end of the trip.

 

 

I thought it cost the same whether you upgraded beforehand or on board?

[wallie5446]

I thought it cost the same whether you upgraded beforehand or on board?

 

It now is, the $10.00 difference between the daily package cost plus the 18% grat = the $11.80 per day cost to upgrade.

[Pushka]

I actually think it's pretty silly that they still use stickers. They should be able to tell what package you have when they swipe your card. That would negate the need for stickers or new cards or anything like that. I just think it's funny that they rely on such an old way to do something when an easier solution can be easily programmed into a computer system.

 

 

They can but that happens after you have the drinks. Imagine potential issues if customers think the drink is covered when in reality it isn't. They dont want that mess to deal with.

[rockdoctor]

Yes and no. I upgrade for the wine. You can only get Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc on the premium pkg. DH on the other hand is ok with the classic wines. After going through a significant portion of the menu at the Martini Bar I am happiest with the Small Appletini (you can just have 2 if you want a larger one.). I would spend the first day or two touring the bars and trying what drinks are on the Classic Pkg and then deciding if you need to upgrade.

 

Great advice. We love Celebrity and know what us available at the bars and dinning rooms. I get the Premium Package for the wines, my wife is OK for the mixed drinks and coffees on the Classic Package.

[closecruiser]

If you are serious about your martinis it's well worth an extra $10 a day to upgrade. You get a much wider choice of spirits and premium bottled water too if you want it. The list of inclusives for each here:

 

https://secure.celebritycruises.com/celebrity/media/celebrity/shared_assets/pdf/Classic-Premium-Bev-Pckgs.pdf

 

Phil

 

So if I have the classic and upgrade it will be $70.00 to upgrade?

[wallie5446]

So if I have the classic and upgrade it will be $70.00 to upgrade?

 

How ever long your cruise is, it will be $10.00 per day plus the 18% grat which equals = $11.80 per day times the number of days how long your sailing is.

 

A 3 day cruise is $35.40

A 4 day cruise is $43.20

A 5 day cruise is $59.00

A 6 day cruise is $70.80

A 7 day cruise is $82.60

A 8 day cruise is $94.40

And on and on based on the number of days you sail.

[DZalumni]

Exactly! That's what I'd expect.

 

Problem is once you sign for it you pay the whole price for the drink, not the difference. So if you ordered a drink not on the classic menu & paid $10 for the drink, you would have been better off upgrading & not worrying about which drink will cost you & which one's won't.

 

And it's not the staff's responsibility to tell you that you chose a drink not on the classic menu, they don't know what package you have. It's your responsibility to know what the rules are for classic. The biggest pain is they don't pro-rate the drinks. If you order an non eligible drink you pay the full price.

Edited September 7, 2015 by DZalumni

[flames9]

Problem is once you sign for it you pay the whole price for the drink, not the difference. So if you ordered a drink not on the classic menu & paid $10 for the drink, you would have been better off upgrading & not worrying about which drink will cost you & which one's won't.

 

And it's not the staff's responsibility to tell you that you chose a drink not on the classic menu, they don't know what package you have. It's your responsibility to know what the rules are for classic. The biggest pain is they don't pro-rate the drinks. If you order an non eligible drink you pay the full price.

 

Actually, on my card it did have the promotion on it. I am very good to the staff, as I know they work very hard....but it is not up to me to train them on what the abbreviation on my card stands for....that is up to the officers.....so if I ordered a rum/coke on my classic package, and they tried to charge me for a premium package, I would say no thank you, as it clearly states on my card that I have the classic package. I never once had that problem on our August British Isle cruise...and I drank a lot of rum/cokes!

[jcpc]

On all my previous cruises, the bartenders at the Martini Bar would make the 4 martinis listed by cle-guy in the smaller glasses. However last week the bartenders refused to make the smaller martinis at the Martini Bar stating that was their orders from the Company. They indicated that the home office has instructed them that they want the Martini Bar to become more of a Specialty Bar, hence only the big martinis can be made (this was reinforced by the bar manager). One of my friends who had the Classic package was forced to walk to the Casino Bar for a small Cosmo.

 

Made absolutely no sense to any of us as you can get any other kind of drink at the Martini Bar so there is nothing "specialty" about this bar at all. This was apparent by the group of approximately 15 young people in their early twenties hanging around at the Martini Bar every night from about 7 pm to 11 pm every night hooting and hollering and blocking the walkway who were all drinking mixed drinks NOT martinis. Makes no sense to me, but no small martinis seems to be the rule on Summit now.

[Got2Cruise]

No, because he does not know you have the Classic till he swipes your card, then it is to late, you have the drink made. Just never order anything other than the standard drink made with the cheap liquor and you will be okie dokie!:)

 

If you sign a chit, you know you will have a charge on your sea pass account.

Since your husband does not drink he has no problem-O!

 

This is very simple.

 

 

First off, your card says "call" right on the card. Secondly, you make it seem like the liquor for the classic is some no name cheapo stuff. Not true. The drinks we ordered, piña colada, mud slides, rum swizzles, they're going to use the same booze no matter which package or if you pay. At martini bar on Summit they made us drinks using flavored Absolute. I can live with that.

 

Finally, what's the big deal of asking if a drink is included before ordering it. Most folks stick to a few of their favorites the entire cruise, so once you know what to order, you're good. Same with wine at dinner. First night we told the wine sommelier we were on classic plan. We told him our preferences. Each night he would come over with our Pinot, Chardonnay, Rose, that were covered.

[wallie5446]

Well, I don't think that's right. If we choose not to upgrade (I know DH won't ... he doesn't drink/like martinis), we have to re-iterate EVERY TIME we order a drink that it's covered under the classic package.?:confused::(

 

Finally, what's the big deal of asking if a drink is included before ordering it.

 

Here is the comment I responded to, they said they did not want to 're-iterate' each time. I too do not see where it would be any problem. We are on the same page on this one.

[mafig]

Here is the comment I responded to, they said they did not want to 're-iterate' each time. I too do not see where it would be any problem. We are on the same page on this one.

 

I'm the "they". I guess I thought that since my card said "call" that I would not have to say "I have the classic" after I order a gin and tonic. However, since that's what I have to do, that's what I'll do.:)

[soxfan2013]

The numerous drinks on the martini bar list are great. One or two per day...and well worth it. Then, there's the fact that so many of the otgher items are better; the ability to UG wine and just pay the difference vs. your $13 allowance.

 

The drink packages are very expensive to start, but to UG from the Classic to the Premium...seems very easy to justify and get more than your more than your money's worth.

[shrekaus]

I have looked at the list available on Classic package and very happy with what is on it, we really don't drink cocktails.

However a couple of queries - does premium tea/coffee include hot chocolate?

Under aperitifs I don't see Vermouth (Martini/Cinzano) listed on either classic or premium, as Drambuie, Campari and Contreau are listed on classic and they are twice the price of Vermouth would I be correct to assume it would be included in Classic?

Thanks.

[KidCruze]

shrekaus, We had the classic beverage package in January. My wife ordered hot chocolate several times while dining in Blu, and we were never charged.