Non-Alcoholic Drink Package Question

[Jillybean_1171]

So - I went to go book the Soda Package for our cruise on Allure departing Feb 5th and noticed another drink package - a Deluxe one that included juices, non-alcoholic drinks at the bar, etc.

 

It is significantly more than the Soda package.

 

My question is - I do drink a lot of bottled water (both spring and sparkling) ... would it be worth it to buy the Deluxe package? Is bottled water expensive on the ship? I know we can bring our own - but I honestly don't see ourselves doing that on an already busy day coming into town for the cruise ...

 

Your help is appreciated!

 

PS - this is for my DH and I. We aren't travelling with our kids but we aren't heavy drinkers so the alcohol package is out which is why we are looking at the alternatives. :)

[mollyeilis]

Yes I find the bottled water onboard to be expensive as all you can purchase is evian. The water included in the packages is also spring water, but not such a brand name. Generally Poland Springs etc.

 

Many people do just fine with shop water. I am it one of them but many many people just drink ship water.

 

But the no alcohol package also includes sparkling water and espresso based drinks. If you like those then consider the package.

 

On a recent cruise on Adventure a 16oz iced latte was 3.75 pre-gratuity. (All drinks have 18% grat charged) To give you an idea. The package also includes fresh squeezed OJ in the mornings (vs the from concentrate juice onboard all day).

 

There is value to the package if you want enough of those (plus soda and virgin drinks) each day!

 

And if just ones of you wants a package that can be done. Each person in the room can order the package that's right for them. Or not order one at all.

 

 

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[pmc4009]

My understanding is the Deluxe package includes alcohol drinks

[Clarea]

My understanding is the Deluxe package includes alcohol drinks

That is correct.

 

The OP wants the Refreshment package, which includes all the non-alcoholic options.

[schlimazel_traveler]

If I recall correctly, I paid about $18/day for this package, which was about $10/d more than the soda package. I do drink soda, so I would likely have gotten the soda package in any case.

 

However, I think I had trouble getting my "money's worth" out of this package. I found myself drinking more specialty coffee drinks and non-alcoholic mudslides than I should have. I am not actually sure what the menu price is for the virgin cocktails at the bar--the priciest coffee items are ~$5. I think I might have done fine purchasing my drinks a la carte.

 

If you do get the package, though, be sure to take advantage of the fresh squeezed orange juice at breakfast.

[njmomof2]

If I recall correctly, I paid about $18/day for this package, which was about $10/d more than the soda package. I do drink soda, so I would likely have gotten the soda package in any case.

 

However, I think I had trouble getting my "money's worth" out of this package. I found myself drinking more specialty coffee drinks and non-alcoholic mudslides than I should have. I am not actually sure what the menu price is for the virgin cocktails at the bar--the priciest coffee items are ~$5. I think I might have done fine purchasing my drinks a la carte.

 

If you do get the package, though, be sure to take advantage of the fresh squeezed orange juice at breakfast.

 

Unfortunately, for our cruise, the Refreshment package is still $26/day. My son had it previously on another cruise and drank the fresh squeezed OJ a lot. It started out at about $4, but by the end of the cruise, it was over $6 each time. He likes specialty coffees and non alcoholic frozen drinks, so I keep checking to see if the price goes down.

[schlimazel_traveler]

Unfortunately, for our cruise, the Refreshment package is still $26/day. My son had it previously on another cruise and drank the fresh squeezed OJ a lot. It started out at about $4, but by the end of the cruise, it was over $6 each time. He likes specialty coffees and non alcoholic frozen drinks, so I keep checking to see if the price goes down.

 

Do you remember the price of the NA frozen drinks?

[dmc6469]

I had that package last week and it was so worth it for me. The person I was with doesn’t drink so it really isn’t fun to drink alone. The entire week I just got a glass of wine with dinner and that was it for additional.

 

I definitely used a lot of the sodas for sure. Between getting quite a few refills, bottled water to take back to the room to have on hand in the fridge and the largest mocha every morning (including a few afternoon cups) I definitely had my money’s worth.

[RRLLAL]

Does anyone know the approx. cost for;

 

A cup of regular coffee

A bottle of water

A glass of any juice

A non alcoholic drink like a NA pina colada

 

Do you know if the ship has unsweetened iced tea and if so, is there a charge?

[Clarea]

Does anyone know the approx. cost for;

 

A cup of regular coffee

A bottle of water

A glass of any juice

A non alcoholic drink like a NA pina colada

 

Do you know if the ship has unsweetened iced tea and if so, is there a charge?

 

 

Regular coffee, hot tea, unsweet iced tea, lemonade, milk, and juices from concentrate (at breakfast) have no extra charge.

 

N/A forzen drinks are around $5.

[RRLLAL]

Regular coffee, hot tea, unsweet iced tea, lemonade, milk, and juices from concentrate (at breakfast) have no extra charge.

 

N/A forzen drinks are around $5.

 

 

Thanks! Is that only at breakfast? What if I want a coffee at 10pm or if I want to get a cranberry juice at the casino? Do you now the cost for a bottle of water?

[cb at sea]

Ice water, regular coffee, regular tea (iced or hot) lemonade, milk and juice at breakfast are INCLUDED in your fare.

 

You can get coffee and tea at ANY eating venue, along with ice water, milk and juice at breakfast. Also avail. from room service!

 

Any bar will give you ice water whenever you ask.

 

Lemonade is avail in the buffet.

[Merion_Mom]

Thanks! Is that only at breakfast? What if I want a coffee at 10pm or if I want to get a cranberry juice at the casino? Do you now the cost for a bottle of water?

 

 

Since you will be on the Anthem:

 

Coffee is available close to 24/7 at the Cafe Promenade.

 

You will be charged for juice at a bar. I don't know the availability or the price.

 

Bottles of water aren't cheap - I have never bought one on board so I can't quote you a price. But you could carry on a couple of bottles and then refill as needed. When using the dispensers in the Windjammer, please fill a glass then fill your bottle.

 

:)

[Clarea]

Thanks! Is that only at breakfast? What if I want a coffee at 10pm or if I want to get a cranberry juice at the casino? Do you now the cost for a bottle of water?

 

The juices are usually only available at breakfast.

[RRLLAL]

Since you will be on the Anthem:

 

Coffee is available close to 24/7 at the Cafe Promenade.

 

You will be charged for juice at a bar. I don't know the availability or the price.

 

Bottles of water aren't cheap - I have never bought one on board so I can't quote you a price. But you could carry on a couple of bottles and then refill as needed. When using the dispensers in the Windjammer, please fill a glass then fill your bottle.

 

:)

 

is that coffee at the caf? free?

[Clarea]

is that coffee at the caf? free?

 

 

Regular coffee is free everywhere on the ship.

[RRLLAL]

Regular coffee is free everywhere on the ship.

 

thanks

[rukkian]

We had the deluxe package last month on Jewel, but I misplaced my card, so they gave me a replacement and forgot to put the DX icon on it. When I went to leave the ship in the morning, they had the bottles of water to take with, and I grabbed 2, they wanted $2 each for them, until I just had them use my wife's card until I could get my card corrected.

[TLex]

Regular coffee is free everywhere on the ship.

 

Bob, I had written a question to you on another drinks thread but I guessed you missed it because I never saw your response. I'm crushed: I think I must be the only poster in Cruise Critic who never got a nearly instantaneous answer from you!!! :D

 

 

Showing my age: years ago when there were still categories of wine packages (gold, platinum and diamond) and RCCL had just introduced the various drink packages (e.g., Ultimate, etc.) someone prepared a comprehensive spread sheet that set out, in detail, how much one would have to drink against then current drink prices to "break even" on the package costs.

 

Fast forward to 2017: do you know if that was ever updated (I remember seeing your posts on a thread about it) or if it's even "worth it" now that we're down to the two principal packages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)?

 

Thank you for any advice!

 

VR,

 

T Lex

[rukkian]

Most times it is around 4-6 drinks to break even, but it depends on what you drink. That changes, however if you were going to get the pop or the refreshment package. I had ordered the refreshment, and when the deluxe got to 35$, it was only 1-2 a day to break even, so I went for it.

 

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[Clarea]

Bob, I had written a question to you on another drinks thread but I guessed you missed it because I never saw your response. I'm crushed: I think I must be the only poster in Cruise Critic who never got a nearly instantaneous answer from you!!! :D

 

 

Showing my age: years ago when there were still categories of wine packages (gold, platinum and diamond) and RCCL had just introduced the various drink packages (e.g., Ultimate, etc.) someone prepared a comprehensive spread sheet that set out, in detail, how much one would have to drink against then current drink prices to "break even" on the package costs.

 

Fast forward to 2017: do you know if that was ever updated (I remember seeing your posts on a thread about it) or if it's even "worth it" now that we're down to the two principal packages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)?

 

Thank you for any advice!

 

VR,

 

T Lex

I remember the spreadsheet for the wine packages. Unfortunately the fleetwide wine packages havebeen gone for a while. Some ships still offer a wine package on board, but the prices and wines included are not published, so no spreadsheets on those.

 

I've not seen any spreadsheets on the drink package, but in general, around 4-5 cocktails per day is the breakeven point.

[TLex]

Bob, thank you and Rukkian very much!

 

And now I can count myself among those whom you have helped!! :D

 

VR,

 

T Lex

[Clarea]

Bob, thank you and Rukkian very much!

 

And now I can count myself among those whom you have helped!! :D

 

VR,

 

T Lex

You're welcome.:)

[rukkian]

Might be the first I have helped, still a cruise newbie

 

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[Swath]

The package is also Valid on Labadee