Riviera drinks package

[jeaniemat]

We are going on a cruise in May onboard Riviera. We are considering the house drinks package which includes drinks with lunch and dinner. Does anyone know if you can order drinks at the bar (say in waves) if you are eating there, or do all drinks have to be ordered through the waiters. Just wondering what the procedure is. Also are the wines the same for both packages and are they good wines.

 

Thank you

[LHT28]

The house Select package is wine & beer only during meals

The "wine by the glass" will be the same no matter what package or if you pay as you drink

There is a sample bar menu at

https://www.oceaniacruises.com/experience/value/beverage-packages/

 

The wait/bar staff will get drinks from the bar for you at WAVES or the Terrace

Edited December 4, 2015 by LHT28

[StanandJim]

No direct Bar Service whatsoever with the House Select Package, and the Wines are the same with either Package.

I would not call the included wines fine wines. Eminently serviceable is more like it ;)

[wristband]

"eminently serviceable" is an apt description. Standouts on the whites are a Macon burgundy that sells for $11.50 per glass and a Mountadon champagne that sells for $15 as I recall. The two best reds are a Rioja and a Simi cab. In other words, the list is limited in terms of "better" options for those who like wines.

 

Also, the math is $120 per day for a couple. That's a lot of booze to consume on a port-intensive schedule as you will be ashore most days through the afternoon. If you are on a cruise with a good number of sea days then perhaps the package makes financial sense.

 

We spent roughly the equivalent amount daily but had the freedom to choose much nicer wines and a variety of wines during our past several cruises. Personally, I don't like being limited by the package list but that may not be a concern for others.

[jeaniemat]

Thanks for the feedback, it's not easy to make a decision and we do have a port intensive cruise so I'm thinking that maybe take a bottle or two on board and order from the wine menu as neither of us are heavy drinkers, maybe a g&t and a couple of glasses of wine with dinner.

[Flatbush Flyer]

Thanks for the feedback, it's not easy to make a decision and we do have a port intensive cruise so I'm thinking that maybe take a bottle or two on board and order from the wine menu as neither of us are heavy drinkers, maybe a g&t and a couple of glasses of wine with dinner.

 

 

Figure 4 beverages per day (of the "better" wines-by-the-glass or "call" spirits), which include the 18% tip, to break even on the prestige package at $60/day.

[Hawaiidan]

ALL drink orders for beer and wine....no cocktails....or spirits... must be made through your waiter. From experience you will be lucky to get a swift refill of wine or a second beer. With port intensive...I'd play it by ear... Lunch and dinner are the only choice.... I think you would be better off bringing your own from the ports for your cabin , using the happy hour.

 

You can always buy it on board at any time during the cruise... however in Spain and Brazil your going to get hit with 10% vat unless you buy in advance

[jeaniemat]

Thanks do you know if the house select includes late harvest and fortified wines from the bar menu?

[ORV]

Just a point of order, since the OP is talking about the House package the cost per day is $40, which would be $80 for a couple. So, if you drink wine with lunch & dinner the break even point would be about 3 glasses a day, give or take a 1/2 glass.

[ronrick1943]

I think both packages are a good deal. Most people that drink will have at least 1 cocktail at dinner and a few classes of wine, maybe an after dinner drink or a nice port. Know if you include cocktail hour, lunch---it's a good deal.

[StanandJim]

Thanks do you know if the house select includes late harvest and fortified wines from the bar menu?

 

Yes it does, but once again, only during meals, i.e when you are seated in a restaurant or having a meal delivered to your cabin via room service.

[RJB]

Yes it does, but once again, only during meals, i.e when you are seated in a restaurant or having a meal delivered to your cabin via room service.

 

What is a meal from room service? Is it a burger a 5 p.m.? If that is he case I could order one every half hour and get a glass of wine or a beer with it. Somehow I don't think that would work, or would it?

[jeaniemat]

Ha ha great Idea though!!

[neepawa]

Here is the Oceania Room Service Menu, a lot more than burgers!!

 

http://www.1mpages.com/OceaniaInsignia/RoomServiceMenu.html

 

Cheers,

 

Don

Edited December 5, 2015 by neepawa

[StanandJim]

Here is the Oceania Room Service Menu, a lot more than burgers!!

 

http://www.1mpages.com/OceaniaInsignia/RoomServiceMenu.html

 

Cheers,

 

Don

 

That's true, the Room Service menu is fairly extensive but whatever one may order, and whenever one may order it, the House Select Package will only provide wine or beer during a single luncheon and a single dinner each day.

 

House Select

Unlimited Champagne, wine and beer with lunch and dinner

from $39.95 per day

 

 

[Mura]

As I have often said, I'm not inclined to the package. But if I were to order it -- I wouldn't consider the cheaper option. It's just too limited.

 

As I have often said, but I'll risk repeating myself. Two objections, just because of who we are as to taking the package. (Jim&Stan, you can stop reading now!)

 

DH really doesn't drink so it's definitely a no-no for him. And because of that we almost never go to the bars. I DO have wine with dinner.

 

My personal objection to taking the package is less because of the daily cost than that it limits me to wine by the glass and those wines are limited. So I prefer to buy a bottle from the list OR bring my own on board and pay the corkage fee if I'm taking the bottle to a restaurant.

 

You DO have to decide what will suit you. On a port intensive cruise many people (at least those who have posted) will find that the package really isn't cost effective. They MAY consider it easier! Some people just don't want to worry about signing a chit, etc.

 

If you are on a cruise that has a number of sea days, the package can be worth it, especially if you want a drink (wine, beer or other) at lunch, by the pool, and so on.

 

It's what suits you best. But for me, if you want a package, I'd dispense with the cheaper one just because of its limitations. If you think you'll want the package but will be going to a bar during the cruise -- spring for the more expensive one.

 

Just my opinion.

 

Mura

Mura

[wristband]

I agree with Mura on the premium package and Jim/Stan are helpful as always.

 

One small point: you don't have to decide to opt for either package until you are board. Why not wait until 2 days into the cruise before making a decision? That will enable you to see first hand the bar menu choices, speak to several wine stewards and bar tenders as to their thoughts and you will better gauge your drinking habits on board in light of the cruise itinerary.

 

Again, Mura is spot on with the premium package offering greater flexibility and variety rather then the less expensive package that is too restrictive for my taste.