Soda (and more) package -- worth it for convenience?

[limoncello07]

Hi all: I've seen the (immensely helpful) beverage package evaluator and read many posts here describing what's included in the Soda & More package. For the other three people in my party, getting the package is a no-brainer based on their drinking habits. For me, I'm probably on the cusp of breaking even; however, I'm wondering whether there is a convenience factor to having the package sticker vs ordering individual drinks that might justify (to me) a small additional expense. Does my card get swiped in both cases? Or is individual ordering process likely to be more time consuming? (I saw at least one reference to "signing" for individual drinks . . . ). Many thanks in advance for your assistance!

[cherylandtk]

Unless you will be ordering several times per hour, I cannot see the speed of the process being of much convenience. With the package, you get a sticker on the card, no swiping, just flash the card and place your order. Without the package, they swipe your card when you order. Signatures are no longer required and there are no receipts to be handed out or wadded up. Time difference between those two is minimal.

[DrivesLikeMario]

One thing I like about the way Princess does this is that you just have to show your card. The bar staff, or waiter, doesn't have to handle your card, then give it back to you.

 

That's a great way to transmit Norovirus since they handle so many cards, touch so many things that are rarely ever cleaned (like menus), and come in contact with many more people than you might. It's like using the pens at check-in to sign the back of your Seapass card. WHAT? :eek::eek: Use a pen that hundreds may have used? I don't think so. Use your own and avoid the possibility of others' germs.

 

For that reason alone, it might be worth it to get the soda pkg. sticker if you're on the cusp of breaking even.

Edited July 8, 2016 by DrivesLikeMario

[moki'smommy]

We never had a card swiped on Princess. You literally show them the card with the sticker and they give you the beverage. For my daughter it is a "no brainer." While I would like to be able to get the "soda only" package, she still drinks more than the cost of individual sodas on the "soda and more," and should she desire a "more," so be it.

 

If you are close, I'd probably go for it. It is certainly easier than counting individual beverages.

 

That said, we'd never get value out of the AIBP. Soda or soda and more is "just right" for our crew.

[Pam in CA]

Whether it's worth it depends on what you drink. For me, the Soda & More is not worth it as I don't drink mocktails or any of the beverages other than soda. I was able to buy just the Soda card on my Royal cruise in April for just over $5/day including tip. It's about a $3/day difference for drinks I won't order or drink and if Princess does away with just the Soda card, I'll be upset and have to reconsider.

[freshair8]

I bought the soda and more package on my last 3 cruises, and would do it again in a heartbeat.

They put a sticker on your card, and very quickly all the bar staff learn who has the sticker and who doesn't and then they don't even ask to see your card.

 

I found that by having 1 drink per day and 1 hot chocolate......it paid for itself.... :):):):)

 

Will definitely buy this package again. The chocolate banana and tropical breeze were really good.

[riclop]

Hi all: I've seen the (immensely helpful) beverage package evaluator and read many posts here describing what's included in the Soda & More package. For the other three people in my party, getting the package is a no-brainer based on their drinking habits. For me, I'm probably on the cusp of breaking even; however, I'm wondering whether there is a convenience factor to having the package sticker vs ordering individual drinks that might justify (to me) a small additional expense. Does my card get swiped in both cases? Or is individual ordering process likely to be more time consuming? (I saw at least one reference to "signing" for individual drinks . . . ). Many thanks in advance for your assistance!

 

Yes it is , we get it ever time.

[MsSoCalCruiser]

It is more than worth it for me due to my the amount I drink. I also think it's nice to not have to keep track of what I'm spending. I wish it included bottled water.

 

I saw that hot chocolate is included but does anyone here know if it is made with milk or water?

 

I did find on the Personalizer where I could order 12 bottles of water for just under $7.00. Expensive but much less than I spent buying them individually on my Alaska trip.

[Lucky TGO]

If convenience is what your looking for get the package sticker.

Tony

[hansi]

One thing I like about the way Princess does this is that you just have to show your card. The bar staff, or waiter, doesn't have to handle your card, then give it back to you.

 

That's a great way to transmit Norovirus since they handle so many cards, touch so many things that are rarely ever cleaned (like menus), and come in contact with many more people than you might. It's like using the pens at check-in to sign the back of your Seapass card. WHAT? :eek::eek: Use a pen that hundreds may have used? I don't think so. Use your own and avoid the possibility of others' germs.

 

For that reason alone, it might be worth it to get the soda pkg. sticker if you're on the cusp of breaking even.

 

I have never, ever signed my card.

[caribill]

I saw that hot chocolate is included but does anyone here know if it is made with milk or water?

 

 

They normally make it with water, but you can ask to have it made with milk (either whole milk or skim).

[hansi]

It is more than worth it for me due to my the amount I drink. I also think it's nice to not have to keep track of what I'm spending. I wish it included bottled water.

 

I saw that hot chocolate is included but does anyone here know if it is made with milk or water?

 

I did find on the Personalizer where I could order 12 bottles of water for just under $7.00. Expensive but much less than I spent buying them individually on my Alaska trip.

 

It can be made with whatever you ask for. Milk or water. You can get free water at the HC!

[GUT2407]

Hi all: I've seen the (immensely helpful) beverage package evaluator and read many posts here describing what's included in the Soda & More package. For the other three people in my party, getting the package is a no-brainer based on their drinking habits. For me, I'm probably on the cusp of breaking even; however, I'm wondering whether there is a convenience factor to having the package sticker vs ordering individual drinks that might justify (to me) a small additional expense. Does my card get swiped in both cases? Or is individual ordering process likely to be more time consuming? (I saw at least one reference to "signing" for individual drinks . . . ). Many thanks in advance for your assistance!

 

Last year they didn't swipe my card once, when I was using soda and more.

[Elitein85days]

I have never, ever signed my card.

 

The casino will make you sign your card if you use it to get money at the table. They've made me do that on every cruise. I've never had to sign it for anything else though.

Edited July 9, 2016 by Elitein85days

[limoncello07]

Thanks to all for the clarifications and suggestions -- very helpful! Decisions, decisions . . . :) At least this one won't break the bank either way.

[KandMB]

Does the 'soda and more' include coffee as well as hot chocolate?

[JohnS43]

Whether it's worth it depends on what you drink. For me, the Soda & More is not worth it as I don't drink mocktails or any of the beverages other than soda. I was able to buy just the Soda card on my Royal cruise in April for just over $5/day including tip. It's about a $3/day difference for drinks I won't order or drink and if Princess does away with just the Soda card, I'll be upset and have to reconsider.

 

I'm on the Emerald in a couple of weeks and I don't see a "Soda Only" option-- only the Soda and More or the Unlimited Everything. So maybe they have done away with it?

 

I had the Soda and More package on the Crown a few months back but I'm going to pass this time as I'm in a suite and will convert my mini-bar setup to soft drinks, which should last me for at least half the time. I also ordered two 12-packs of bottled water.

[jaynak]

Whether it's worth it depends on what you drink. For me, the Soda & More is not worth it as I don't drink mocktails or any of the beverages other than soda. I was able to buy just the Soda card on my Royal cruise in April for just over $5/day including tip. It's about a $3/day difference for drinks I won't order or drink and if Princess does away with just the Soda card, I'll be upset and have to reconsider.

 

Like you Pam, the Soda n More isn't worth it to me as I ONLY drink soda water - no hot choc, juice etc. HOWEVER, I'm not seeing the "Soda only" as an option on the personalizer and it wasn't an option on our last three cruises. Can you please chime in here and let me know where I should be looking?

 

Incidentally, on our last cruises I did buy the soda and more packages for the sake of convenience - but obviously I'd prefer not to have to pay for the "and more" part!

[GUT2407]

Some report being able to buy the Soda only on the ship. I know I had no luck on Diamond last October, but as I say others report better luck.

[moki'smommy]

Some report being able to buy the Soda only on the ship. I know I had no luck on Diamond last October, but as I say others report better luck.

 

Strange--Soda only was available on line for our December 2015 cruise on the Caribbean Princess.

 

I'm crossing fingers (but not really expecting it) for our upcoming Diamond cruise.

 

Soda and more doesn't include the fresh brewed coffee. The standard coffee (from concentrate) is included with cruise fare, no plan needed.

[cruzsnooze]

Only when you are on board can you buy the soda only package. Princess has found a way to get people to pay before they cruise with the "more" package. Diabetics and those of us who don't care to consume an extra 1000 calories a day only want the diet coke / soda package.

[GUT2407]

Only when you are on board can you buy the soda only package. Princess has found a way to get people to pay before they cruise with the "more" package. Diabetics and those of us who don't care to consume an extra 1000 calories a day only want the diet coke / soda package.

 

Couldn't even get it on board on Diamond in October.

[Pam in CA]

I'm on the Emerald in a couple of weeks and I don't see a "Soda Only" option-- only the Soda and More or the Unlimited Everything. So maybe they have done away with it?.

It's not available for pre-order but you can buy it on the ship. I bought it on the Royal in April.

[cruzsnooze]

Couldn't even get it on board on Diamond in October.

 

It will backfire because people, myself included will bring on our diet coke depriving them of any revenue . If they ban bringing on soda I will bring boxes of Crystal Light Sticks to use instead of paying for a package I don't want.

[Colo Cruiser]

Couldn't even get it on board on Diamond in October.

 

 

Being phased out.