Typical drinks prices on board?

[RosemaryMN]

I'm planning for our cruise on Mariner in Jan, and discovered we are affected by the new rule that all adults in the room have to have the same drink package. Previously it was a no-brainer that my husband would get a package and I would just pay as I go, that worked perfectly for us last time. Now we are not so sure - he loved the convenience of the package and probably just broke even with it, but i don't drink soda or juice, prefer to use my own water bottle, and limit my alcohol quite strictly. One thing I do like is proper coffee, drip coffee is just not to my taste. (that's putting it diplomatically). I could MacGyver myself something I would enjoy, but I'd probably enjoy it more to just buy them at the cafe, so the package may end up making sense for me too, especially if I can catch it on sale.

Can anyone post a recent example of drinks pricing for comparison please?

[Clarea]

Beers; $6 to $8. Fancy cocktails (frozen mojito, grand margarita, etc.): around $12. Basic well mixed drink (gin & tonic): around $9.

[RosemaryMN]

Are prices the same for Asian sailings? I know alcohol is lot pricier in Singapore than the Caribbean.

[twoflyers]

From one Rosemary to another:

 

You may want to think about purchasing a "coffee card". You can find the details on the RCL website under beverage packages.

 

Happy Sailing

[RosemaryMN]

Thanks Rosemary, that does look like it might be a good way to go.

Stupid question from a non-tipping culture - do I tip cash each time I use the card? And do I calculate based on 18% of the menu price or the price of the card (wish they'd just include it in the darn price).?

[Clarea]

Thanks Rosemary, that does look like it might be a good way to go.

Stupid question from a non-tipping culture - do I tip cash each time I use the card? And do I calculate based on 18% of the menu price or the price of the card (wish they'd just include it in the darn price).?

The purchase of the card already includes the tip, so you don't have to add anything. However, if you feel like tipping more, one or two dollars per order would be fine.

[RosemaryMN]

Sorry to contradict you Bob, but the Royal website says it doesn't.

[11madmic]

how much does a shot cost?

[Capt_BJ]

"a shot" of bourbon is usually the same price as a bourbon and ginger ... the mixer cost is built in ... just like the ice ....

[11madmic]

I meant like a shot of well vodka or something, I have a refreshment package and thought maybe to just "add a shot" to my virgin cocktail

[aubreyc1988]

I'm planning for our cruise on Mariner in Jan, and discovered we are affected by the new rule that all adults in the room have to have the same drink package. Previously it was a no-brainer that my husband would get a package and I would just pay as I go, that worked perfectly for us last time. Now we are not so sure - he loved the convenience of the package and probably just broke even with it, but i don't drink soda or juice, prefer to use my own water bottle, and limit my alcohol quite strictly. One thing I do like is proper coffee, drip coffee is just not to my taste. (that's putting it diplomatically). I could MacGyver myself something I would enjoy, but I'd probably enjoy it more to just buy them at the cafe, so the package may end up making sense for me too, especially if I can catch it on sale.

Can anyone post a recent example of drinks pricing for comparison please?

 

If I were you, I'd pay as you go and get the coffee card (15 specialty drinks for 30.00 ish from cafe promenade, not Starbucks)

 

We are in the same boat as you, only reversed...my husband doesn't drink, but I do. And if sailing RCI, we will probably pay as we go. I will be doing the Drink of the Day(s), Long Island Iced Teas, any specials, and will purchase the coffee card to share with my husband :)

 

Drink of the days are usually 8.00 + 18% gratuity. If I get exceptional service, I will add a 1.00 per drink, but this is a personal preference. You will undoubtably get faster, better service if you tip 1.00 or so extra, but the service is usually pretty good anyhow. Also, sometimes on sea days they do 1.00 mimosas at 11-noon in the Casino :) Or Beer and a shot specials.

 

it really all depends on how much they want in the cruise planner for the package. For my 9 day cruise, they want 44.00 per day per person, which is a more than I paid for the cruise!!! And for my 4 day cruise, they want 245.00 total, which would mean I'd have to drink 4 12.00 drinks per day to break even, if I get 2 coffees each day.

 

Hope this helps.

[Clarea]

how much does a shot cost?

Around $9.

[11madmic]

Around $9.

so when you order a mixed drink say vodka and sprite, the sprite comes free? :P

[Clarea]

so when you order a mixed drink say vodka and sprite, the sprite comes free? :P

Yes, pretty much.

[sailor05]

I'm planning for our cruise on Mariner in Jan, and discovered we are affected by the new rule that all adults in the room have to have the same drink package. Previously it was a no-brainer that my husband would get a package and I would just pay as I go, that worked perfectly for us last time. Now we are not so sure - he loved the convenience of the package and probably just broke even with it, but i don't drink soda or juice, prefer to use my own water bottle, and limit my alcohol quite strictly. One thing I do like is proper coffee, drip coffee is just not to my taste. (that's putting it diplomatically). I could MacGyver myself something I would enjoy, but I'd probably enjoy it more to just buy them at the cafe, so the package may end up making sense for me too, especially if I can catch it on sale.

Can anyone post a recent example of drinks pricing for comparison please?

 

 

I'm in the same situation as I like to drink a bunch but my wife not so much. I'm hoping I can get a deal on one as some say they occasionally go on sale for $48 per day and actually some have seen it as low as $42 a day. I'm going to wait until Black Friday which is when a lot here say they've seen good sales on these packages. We are on a 9 day cruise so for 2 packages it's a lot to want to pay, however it seems like they've raised their drink prices I'd say in an effort to get more people to buy them.

[RosemaryMN]

We've ended up opting to both get the package. It came down to about US$40.60, so it seemed worth it. I probably won't save money this way, but DH probably will, and I don't have to deal with the hassle of tipping (the Aussie website auto-adds gratuities) and I can try a few different things without worrying about the cost. Thanks for the advice all.