MSC Divina Drink Packages

[DDSLovesAtSeaDays]

I am sailing on MSC Divina on 11/25 - Aurea experience. I know this will include a "classic" package, but, am I able to pay difference to upgrade to "deluxe"?

 

Also, does anyone know if Yacht Club comes with "deluxe"?

 

 

We've called MSC and gotten different answers.

 

 

Thanks!

[Beamafar]

I am sailing on MSC Divina on 11/25 - Aurea experience. I know this will include a "classic" package, but, am I able to pay difference to upgrade to "deluxe"?

 

 

Also, does anyone know if Yacht Club comes with "deluxe"?

 

 

We've called MSC and gotten different answers.

 

 

Thanks!

 

MSC has only recently introduced the facility to upgrade on an Aurea booking. I confirmed this for myself this week when Sidari had mentioned on another thread a couple of weeks back that he was able to upgrade his package on an Aurea booking for Seaside. I have an Aurea booking on Divina for 2019 and was able to upgrade to the premium package this week. I tried doing this on an Aurea booking for last October and it wasn't possible. The small difference in price between the two packages was well worth it for us.

 

Since April 1st last, the deluxe (premium) package is included for Yacht Club guests for use around the ship. Again, I speak from personal experience. I was in Yacht Club on Meraviglia last month and enjoyed very much having the deluxe package!

[DDSLovesAtSeaDays]

MSC has only recently introduced the facility to upgrade on an Aurea booking. I confirmed this for myself this week when Sidari had mentioned on another thread a couple of weeks back that he was able to upgrade his package on an Aurea booking for Seaside. I have an Aurea booking on Divina for 2019 and was able to upgrade to the premium package this week. I tried doing this on an Aurea booking for last October and it wasn't possible. The small difference in price between the two packages was well worth it for us.

 

Since April 1st last, the deluxe (premium) package is included for Yacht Club guests for use around the ship. Again, I speak from personal experience. I was in Yacht Club on Meraviglia last month and enjoyed very much having the deluxe package!

 

Thanks so much! Can Aurea passengers upgrade on board?

[Beamafar]

Thanks so much! Can Aurea passengers upgrade on board?

 

Yes, but you pay an extra 15% service charge.

[GadgetRick]

I've got to say their drink packages are extensive but incredibly-confusing. Would like to see them pair them down a bit to make things a little more understandable. We leave this Saturday on Divina and trying to decide which package to get. We're Fantastica so I know we get some drink vouchers but just not sure if we need an additional package.

[wetwash]

I've got to say their drink packages are extensive but incredibly-confusing. Would like to see them pair them down a bit to make things a little more understandable. We leave this Saturday on Divina and trying to decide which package to get. We're Fantastica so I know we get some drink vouchers but just not sure if we need an additional package.

 

If you're going to drink more than 12 each of non-premium alcohol in it maybe worth getting an 18 package to share ... you can always buy it on the board but you pay the extra 15%. And if you're mostly beer drinker than it doesn't make much difference as most beers come to less than a dollar more than the voucher… don't use the alcoholic vouchers for soft drinks or coffees etc unless you have extra to get rid of as it's not much of a savings (if any). Also if you drink a lot of bottled water it it might be worth buying the package and you can pick up water at any bar…And if is anything premium then you have to pay per drink. It's confusing ahead of time but once you're on the ship it's fairly easy. We did have a problem picking up our vouchers in the casino the first day but it was sorted out with not too much aggravation so all was well!

Hope This helps, have a great trip!

[GadgetRick]

If you're going to drink more than 12 each of non-premium alcohol in it maybe worth getting an 18 package to share ... you can always buy it on the board but you pay the extra 15%. And if you're mostly beer drinker than it doesn't make much difference as most beers come to less than a dollar more than the voucher… don't use the alcoholic vouchers for soft drinks or coffees etc unless you have extra to get rid of as it's not much of a savings (if any). Also if you drink a lot of bottled water it it might be worth buying the package and you can pick up water at any bar…And if is anything premium then you have to pay per drink. It's confusing ahead of time but once you're on the ship it's fairly easy. We did have a problem picking up our vouchers in the casino the first day but it was sorted out with not too much aggravation so all was well!

Hope This helps, have a great trip!

Thanks, very helpful.

 

Personally, I really don't drink a lot of alcohol. I enjoy a nice glass of wine or a martini from time to time. But maybe 1 a day (if that), while on vacation. I'll drink a soda or two as well. Regular water is fine for me.

 

My wife enjoys a few glasses of wine each day on vacation so she'll benefit.

 

I'm thinking, between the 24 vouchers my wife and I get combined and the ones our kids get--they don't drink a lot of what they'll need to pay for--we should have it covered. If we have to buy a few drinks later in the week, I don't think it'll kill us.

[cbelc]

I used my drink voucher for gelato in the afternoon and a mixed drink after dinner. It worked fine for a lightweight.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

[wetwash]

Thanks, very helpful.

 

Personally, I really don't drink a lot of alcohol. I enjoy a nice glass of wine or a martini from time to time. But maybe 1 a day (if that), while on vacation. I'll drink a soda or two as well. Regular water is fine for me.

 

My wife enjoys a few glasses of wine each day on vacation so she'll benefit.

 

I'm thinking, between the 24 vouchers my wife and I get combined and the ones our kids get--they don't drink a lot of what they'll need to pay for--we should have it covered. If we have to buy a few drinks later in the week, I don't think it'll kill us.

 

 

You should be fine then and can always buy a package while on board if you change your mind! Have a great cruise!

[CruisnDeb]

MSC has only recently introduced the facility to upgrade on an Aurea booking. I confirmed this for myself this week when Sidari had mentioned on another thread a couple of weeks back that he was able to upgrade his package on an Aurea booking for Seaside. I have an Aurea booking on Divina for 2019 and was able to upgrade to the premium package this week. I tried doing this on an Aurea booking for last October and it wasn't possible. The small difference in price between the two packages was well worth it for us.

 

Since April 1st last, the deluxe (premium) package is included for Yacht Club guests for use around the ship. Again, I speak from personal experience. I was in Yacht Club on Meraviglia last month and enjoyed very much having the deluxe package!

 

Bea were you able to upgrade online or did you have to call? I have the Aurea experience in November but I can't find an option to upgrade to the Deluxe drink package online.

[Morgsmom]

I'm trying to upgrade from the Mealtime Drinks package to a more inclusive one; also can't get a straight answer from MSC or my TA.:confused:

[Beamafar]

Bea were you able to upgrade online or did you have to call? I have the Aurea experience in November but I can't find an option to upgrade to the Deluxe drink package online.

 

I emailed them last Thursday, Debbie. I booked directly through MSC. If you've booked thru' an agent, you'd have to do it thru' them.

 

I'm waiting to get confirmation, though, as the Aurea package disappeared on their system after the staff member added the upgrade.

 

On a side note: Skier52 (Pete) posted photos of the drinks package prices for 2018/19 from the UK brochure which made for interesting reading. MSC are re-structuring the drinks package prices from April 2018 (I'm assuming this as MSC's year for brochure purposes always seems to commence then ahead of the Summer season). There will be a 2-tier pricing system based on the length of the cruise e.g. less than 9 nights, the per diem price will be more than for a 9 night or longer cruise.

 

I'm being charged €7 pppd for the upgrade. However, thanks to Pete's ever-eagle eye, I checked out the Ireland brochure prices and the difference there is only €5.50 between the basic and deluxe package.

 

With the 2 tier pricing system, the price for <9 nights is €43 for basic; €50 for deluxe = a difference of €7. For 9+ nights the prices are €34.50 and €40 respectively; a difference of €5.50. My cruise is 31 nights, so I should only be paying the €5.50 difference. I emailed on Friday to point this out - I'm awaiting a response!

 

I don't see the 2018/19 brochure on the US website so you won't be able to access this new pricing system, yet.

[CruisnDeb]

I emailed them last Thursday, Debbie. I booked directly through MSC. If you've booked thru' an agent, you'd have to do it thru' them.

 

I'm waiting to get confirmation, though, as the Aurea package disappeared on their system after the staff member added the upgrade.

 

On a side note: Skier52 (Pete) posted photos of the drinks package prices for 2018/19 from the UK brochure which made for interesting reading. MSC are re-structuring the drinks package prices from April 2018 (I'm assuming this as MSC's year for brochure purposes always seems to commence then ahead of the Summer season). There will be a 2-tier pricing system based on the length of the cruise e.g. less than 9 nights, the per diem price will be more than for a 9 night or longer cruise.

 

I'm being charged €7 pppd for the upgrade. However, thanks to Pete's ever-eagle eye, I checked out the Ireland brochure prices and the difference there is only €5.50 between the basic and deluxe package.

 

With the 2 tier pricing system, the price for <9 nights is €43 for basic; €50 for deluxe = a difference of €7. For 9+ nights the prices are €34.50 and €40 respectively; a difference of €5.50. My cruise is 31 nights, so I should only be paying the €5.50 difference. I emailed on Friday to point this out - I'm awaiting a response!

 

I don't see the 2018/19 brochure on the US website so you won't be able to access this new pricing system, yet.

 

Thanks for the info Bea.

[Beamafar]

Thanks for the info Bea.

 

A lot more than you needed, Debbie, as you're sailing in November so the 2-tier price system info is irrelevant in your case! :o

[CruisnDeb]

A lot more than you needed, Debbie, as you're sailing in November so the 2-tier price system info is irrelevant in your case! :o

 

I don't mind more information. Helps me be prepared for the next cruise :)

[Beamafar]

I don't mind more information. Helps me be prepared for the next cruise :)

 

Yep ............... forewarned is fore-armed, eh? ;p

[DDSLovesAtSeaDays]

Just an FYI...Sent email yesterday before posting this thread. Very disappointed in response and may consider canceling altogether. Not good first experience with MSC...

 

"Hello Don,

 

Thank you for reaching out to us with your questions.

 

Unfortunately, Aurea guests will need to pay the full price to upgrade to the Deluxe Drink Package, not just difference in price. MSC Yacht Club does include the Deluxe Drink Package.

 

We look forward to welcoming you on board.

 

Best Regards,

MSC Cruises USA"

[Beamafar]

That's similar to the response I got last year for my October '16 booking. I upgraded as soon as I embarked and incurred the 15% service charge. It was €864 to upgrade PLUS an extra €129.60 just for the service charge! I imagine MSC received a number of complaints as to why they allowed upgrades onboard but not before sailing.

 

I'm now being allowed to upgrade the package on my 2019 Aurea booking. After reading Sidari's post where he stated that he'd been able to upgrade his Aurea package, I contacted MSC and got the same result.

 

The UK's operating system is geared for upgrading Aurea bookings. I have a copy of the grid they use in an email. As it has all our personal information showing, I can't post it here.