Drinks package - are they worth it

[Croozengal]

Hey Louisa,

 

Like several others have mentioned, whether or not the drink package is right for you depends entirely on how much you drink. Someone that enjoys a glass or two of wine at dinner (and nothing really during the day), would not benefit from the package. My husband and I always get the package when we sail, because we do like to have some drinks by the pool during the day :tropical-drink::tropical-drink:, a couple at dinner :wine-glass::wine-glass:, and then if we are up late in the casino or catching some shows, we will have more :cocktail::cocktail:. So we do feel we get our monies worth! My husband enjoys specialty coffees in the morning as well, and small bottled waters from the bars are included so that helps keep us hydrated. The first time we took the plunge and bought the package, it was tough for me becuase I'm so frugal. LOL. But it is nice not to have to be laying in bed at night tallying up how much we had spent that day, or trying to keep up with receipts to make sure you don't accidentally get charged for someone else's drinks. I also felt comfortable branching out and trying new wines, different liquors or liqueurs that I wouldn't have if I hadn't had the package. I was always so budget minded that I would just order the well liquors, or cheapest wine and I really enjoyed trying other things and seeing the difference a little higher priced brand might taste. There is normally a good selection of wines under the "cap" for me to enjoy. Another plus is that if you branch out and try something new and find you just don't like it at all, you can just put it aside and order something else. Happy Cruising!

 

Robin

Edited July 28, 2017 by Croozengal
misspelled words :)

[Wayfairers]

As others have stated, only you really know if the package is worth it for you. When we look at the entire cruise, including port days, and add up what we expect to drink each day (even overestimating), we would spend less every time buying the drinks as we go. So, we've never bought a drink package. FYI: We are daily alcohol drinkers, sometimes having several drinks per day onboard.

 

I think it isn't really about saving money, it is about the reasons Croozengal discussed, and other reasons......not having to worry about receipts, trying new drinks and knowing if you don't like it you won't feel like you wasted your money if you don't drink it, not thinking about the cost of the drinks you have, knowing exactly what your expenses will be, etc.

 

 

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[Croozengal]

One more thing I forgot to add, we normally get offers for 20%-30% off the drink packages online prior to the cruise. The deals come and go so it's good to check your My Cruises account every now and then, if you are interested, so you can snag it when the discount shows up. The discount is really what pushed me over the edge in purchasing. haha. It pretty much adds another drink/drink and a half to your calculations, so knowing our personal consumption on vacation, it was a good deal for us. :D

[Punchy]

In true economic terms the drink package is never worth it. I can buy almost 2 cases of whiskey for the price of the drink package and have a hell of a party at home. Since, I won't be home and entrusting my time to RCCL, the drink package becomes worth it from a ease of pricing for my cruise. I hate having a bill for anything at the end of a vacation because I want it all done ahead of time. I do drink but probably won't break even or get ahead on the cost but the piece of mind that I don't have to question myself if I want that drink or not during vacation is worth the package for me.

[ptf2009]

If you don't qualify to go to the Diamond lounge where you get all the drinks (not deluxe drinks) you want for 3 hours as well as get 3 drinks uploaded on your sea pass card for the bars during the same time period, then it may be worth it to you. I don't drink (a half a glass of wine and I'm asleep) and I really wouldn't appreciate my DH drinking enough to make the package worthwhile. Plus I don't want the high calorie frozen drinks....worked way too hard to get in better shape!

[RCLFan]

In true economic terms the drink package is never worth it. I can buy almost 2 cases of whiskey for the price of the drink package and have a hell of a party at home. Since, I won't be home and entrusting my time to RCCL, the drink package becomes worth it from a ease of pricing for my cruise. I hate having a bill for anything at the end of a vacation because I want it all done ahead of time. I do drink but probably won't break even or get ahead on the cost but the piece of mind that I don't have to question myself if I want that drink or not during vacation is worth the package for me.

 

The question whether it's worth it or not is like asking CC Members whether the Food in the MDR is "good" or how's "this" entree at Chops, etc. That being said, I ask the same thing all the time, or read Reviews of Hotels, etc. to validate a decision I may already be predisposed making.

 

However, I like not seeing that Bill at the end of the Cruise as well; it's a psychological thing. We are hardly Drinkers, a Glass of wine, 2 - 3 times a week with dinner, and maybe something on the Weekend, lounging outdoor during the summer, but we've bought it the last 2 Cruises and again for the Upcoming cruise. Had I been smart, I would have kept a Log of what we actually consumed in June to make a more informed decision for our Sept Cruise. But, alas, I'm not that Smart, and honestly, I just don't care that much whether I "came ahead" or not. Seriously, I know I'm going to Drink when I'm cruising, I'm on vacation, so I really couldn't care less if I need to consume (on Avg) 5 - 6 Drinks per day ($10-$13) to stick it to the "Man".

 

So for our Sept Cruise, with 18%, our Per Day Cost is $54.28. If you do the Math it's pretty simple to figure out how much needs to be consumed. Obviously, the less time you're on the Ship will play a factor in consumption.

[S.A.M.J.R.]

For those who get the package strictly for the "no bill at the end", couldn't you take the money you'd spend on the drink package and deposit it (either via OBC or somehow) and then let that "pay" for your drinks through the week? I get that there's some value to not having to pay individually, but if you only drink 1-2 drinks a day...

[RCLFan]

For those who get the package strictly for the "no bill at the end", couldn't you take the money you'd spend on the drink package and deposit it (either via OBC or somehow) and then let that "pay" for your drinks through the week? I get that there's some value to not having to pay individually, but if you only drink 1-2 drinks a day...

 

I'm not aware of a method to "deposit" Money to OBC or "pre-purchase" OBC, short of TA Perks, or RCI Credit Card "perks".

 

And, if you're only consuming 1 - 2 Drinks per day, I see no Reason whatsoever to lay out $50 - $60 per Day to "avoid" a Bill at the End.

 

But you're correct, if I had enough OBC, I'd certainly consider using it for Drink Pkgs, especially now, since I could apply any OBC prior to the Cruise via "Planner".

[Leslaf]

hi all,

I am travelling on the independence of the seas in October 2017. Is the deluxe drinks package worth it? It says drinks up to $12, are there plenty of cocktails in this price range. Views appreciated.

Many thanks

Louisa

 

We are sailing soon and I did a bit of research. IMO it'll be worth it for us because we like to have a specialty coffee in the morning and afternoon as well as soda perhaps for lunch. These things are included in the drink package as well as adult beverages and if we purchased that all separately then it would be well over the drink package price per day.

[sredish]

It's worth it because they've jacked up the cost of drinks on board so much. If you drink more than four drinks a day it makes itself worth it. Have a specialty coffee in the morning, a drink or two by the pool, a soda at lunch, and a glass of wine or two with dinner and you're way over the day cost of the package right there.

 

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[icsys]

If what I have read on the Celebrity boards is correct, the drinks packages could become 'less' worth it if RCI follows suit

[eatdrinkfly]

My friends and I bought the Deluxe package for our upcoming Allure sailing and they included the VOOM internet for $56 USD/day.

I'm very happy to have drinks + internet for that rate.

I believe i'll get my "money's worth" out of the package, but I also fall into the camp of people that don't like the giant end of cruise bill.

usually on my cruises I end up with about $50 in internet costs anyways.

As well, for this specific cruise, we're not planning on getting off the ship much (or perhaps at all), so we'll definitely make use of it.

[mcatmcat]

The more port intensive the cruise is the less interested I am in the drink packages. You need to drink a lot just to break even. The drink packages are not for me.

 

 

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[sgmn]

I'm not aware of a method to "deposit" Money to OBC or "pre-purchase" OBC, short of TA Perks, or RCI Credit Card "perks".

 

And, if you're only consuming 1 - 2 Drinks per day, I see no Reason whatsoever to lay out $50 - $60 per Day to "avoid" a Bill at the End.

 

But you're correct, if I had enough OBC, I'd certainly consider using it for Drink Pkgs, especially now, since I could apply any OBC prior to the Cruise via "Planner".

I've just bought some OBC for our next cruise - just phoned RC, gave my booking number and asked for $400 worth to be added to my account. As I'm in the UK sometimes they give me a good rate, but not this time....but I like to have my account in credit before the start of my cruise, sometimes I even get to 'cash out' at the end.

[trihawks1]

My daughter was on Oasis Dec. 2015 and she had a hard time finding wine she liked that she didn't have to pay extra for...it was a couple extra $ but still...so check out the wines that are $12/13 and under just FYI...and things may have changed bc she had just the beer/wine package and not the full package that they now have available.

 

 

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[princesszjackie]

I've had this debate with myself numerous times and I've found on Royal Caribbean that it is absolutely worth it. Just being able to order a drink whenever you want rather than arguing with yourself over the $12 bloody mary, makes it worth it :) I say go for it! You can even buy the package and split it with someone!

 

hi all,

I am travelling on the independence of the seas in October 2017. Is the deluxe drinks package worth it? It says drinks up to $12, are there plenty of cocktails in this price range. Views appreciated.

Many thanks

Louisa

[rukkian]

I've had this debate with myself numerous times and I've found on Royal Caribbean that it is absolutely worth it. Just being able to order a drink whenever you want rather than arguing with yourself over the $12 bloody mary, makes it worth it :) I say go for it! You can even buy the package and split it with someone!

While you may be able to get away with splitting it, that is actually stealing.

 

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[Grandma Dazzles]

I've had this debate with myself numerous times and I've found on Royal Caribbean that it is absolutely worth it. Just being able to order a drink whenever you want rather than arguing with yourself over the $12 bloody mary, makes it worth it :) I say go for it! You can even buy the package and split it with someone!

 

You cannot buy a package and split it with someone. Sharing is not allowed. If caught, and bartenders/staff are pretty good and watchful, your package is canceled and all drinks you have had are billed to your account .

[Grandma Dazzles]

Just checked and it is possible for only one of us to get the package. Having said this, is it possible to drink share? Could I use his card to get myself a lemonade for example? I know one card =one drink.

 

No sharing. Seapass card when swiped brings up identification. If you try to share package will be canceled and you will be billed for drinks consumed.

 

Lemonade is free in Windjammer at lunchtime. Flavored waters/ice water/iced tea also no charge at different locations.

[Grandma Dazzles]

One other comment, is tea/coffee free in all the bars? My Nan is nearly 90 - and only drinks tea and soft drinks. Contemplating whether a drinks package for her is the best way forward or for her to pay as she goes

Tea/coffee are not available in bars. She could get a glass of iced waterin any bar; but for tea/coffee would have to be a food serving location.

 

Can of soda is around $4.

[Kmangel]

My husband and I are not big drinkers, of either alcohol nor speciality coffees and we never drink sodas, so we purchased both a coffee card and a drink card that allowed us to save a little bit on drinks plus we could share the cards with each other. Worked perfectly for us. There is just no way we could have even broke even with a drink package. With our wine that we brought on board we did take the bottles to the dining room and paid the corkage fee, but we soon discovered we could have saved money just pouring our wine in our stateroom and carrying the glasses of wine into the dining room ourselves. I found one bottle of wine lasted me about five nights since I only wanted one glass of wine per night. Fortunately our cabin was not a long walk to the dining room so we didn't spill a drop!

[S.A.M.J.R.]

My husband and I are not big drinkers, of either alcohol nor speciality coffees and we never drink sodas, so we purchased both a coffee card and a drink card that allowed us to save a little bit on drinks plus we could share the cards with each other. Worked perfectly for us. There is just no way we could have even broke even with a drink package. With our wine that we brought on board we did take the bottles to the dining room and paid the corkage fee, but we soon discovered we could have saved money just pouring our wine in our stateroom and carrying the glasses of wine into the dining room ourselves. I found one bottle of wine lasted me about five nights since I only wanted one glass of wine per night. Fortunately our cabin was not a long walk to the dining room so we didn't spill a drop!

If you look at the rules, you're not allowed to share with each other. You're fortunate you weren't caught.

[Grandma Dazzles]

My husband and I are not big drinkers, of either alcohol nor speciality coffees and we never drink sodas, so we purchased both a coffee card and a drink card that allowed us to save a little bit on drinks plus we could share the cards with each other. Worked perfectly for us. There is just no way we could have even broke even with a drink package. With our wine that we brought on board we did take the bottles to the dining room and paid the corkage fee, but we soon discovered we could have saved money just pouring our wine in our stateroom and carrying the glasses of wine into the dining room ourselves. I found one bottle of wine lasted me about five nights since I only wanted one glass of wine per night. Fortunately our cabin was not a long walk to the dining room so we didn't spill a drop!

 

Drink cards are not offered on every ship, or every sailing.

[Punchy]

For those who get the package strictly for the "no bill at the end", couldn't you take the money you'd spend on the drink package and deposit it (either via OBC or somehow) and then let that "pay" for your drinks through the week? I get that there's some value to not having to pay individually, but if you only drink 1-2 drinks a day...

 

Done that method as well. It works but then you have a running calculator in your head if you are at your limit or not.

[BekkaW]

If you look at the rules, you're not allowed to share with each other. You're fortunate you weren't caught.

 

The cards are different to packages. They are a pre-purchase of 10 or 15 drinks at a reduced rate and you are allowed to share them