Drinks Package if Spouse is Non-Drinker

[rukkian]

We were very lucky on our last two cruises that I was able to purchase the deluxe pkg for myself and DH didn't have to buy anything because he doesn't drink alcohol. He also doesn't drink specialty coffees (neither do I) nor sodas... So unfortunately for our upcoming cruise I called and I did purchase the deluxe pkg for myself and was informed that we also had to purchase the refreshment pkg for him (I may cancel, but they were on sale so I still need to crunch the numbers and can always cancel). Since he doesn't drink the specialty coffees or soda and always just drinks the coffee, tea and water that is "free" on the cruise, this will really come down to my figuring out if it is worth both of those (on sale) pkgs for this cruise. I drink wine (not mixed drinks) and I do enjoy the freshly squeezed OJ, but rccl's regular OJ is very good. I don't drink specialty coffee but I do drink a lot of water and I like the convenience of the bottled water. So as many of you have said, it comes down to convenience and figuring out if the two (on sale) pkgs are worth it in order for me to have a pkg that I will use for the wine that I prefer, fresh OJ and water.

Out of curiosity, can you go online and cancel his refreshment?

 

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Forums mobile app

[nealstuber]

The link to WebMD I provided also says:

 

"This medication may cause stomach bleeding. Daily use of alcohol while using this medicine will increase your risk for stomach bleeding and may also affect how this medication works."

 

 

 

I don't know about you, but I don't think increasing the risk of stomach bleeding or possibly altering the effectiveness of the anticoagulant by electing to drink alcohol is a good thing.

 

 

 

This site says, "Avoid drinking alcohol."

 

https://www.drugs.com/warfarin.html

 

 

 

This site says, "Avoid alcohol."

 

https://www.drugbank.ca/drugs/DB00682

 

 

 

 

 

This link on the FDA's web site is to the product information for Coumadin:

 

https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2010/009218s108lbl.pdf

 

See the section on "Information for patients" on page 20, and I quote, "Avoid alcohol consumption."

 

 

 

Anyway, let's not pretend it's perfectly fine and risk-free, and there's no information to suggest otherwise. It seems wise to adopt the conservative approach and simply not drink alcohol while taking an anticoagulant such as warfarin.

 

 

 

These warnings are not so different from what’s on the can of beer in my hand right now...

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[MicCanberra]

I am so glad everyone has the package issues sorted, buy a alcohol package for yourself, and a refreshment for the partner or pay as you go. with the diamond club access, I know what I would do - PAYG.

Failing this, you could take your money elsewhere (another line).

[alex_drew]

Out of curiosity, can you go online and cancel his refreshment?

 

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Forums mobile app

 

Rukkian, I actually don't know. I've had enough issues with rccl's IT that I would be worried that I would lose the sale price(s) that we currently have, so have not tried that.

[Kids-and-Chickens]

I like the speed of just having my card swiped -- not having to wait for a printout and then sign. And, I don't have to deal with the issue of whether to add extra tips for each drink.

 

We were on Allure over Christmas and had deluxe drink packages. We had to wait for a printout and sign a slip for EVERY drink order. The slip had a line for “tip” as well. So even with the package, you’re not getting out of signing or potentially getting guilted into the additional tip.

[Funbobby68]

Just called in and got a deluxe package for myself and a refreshment package for my wife .....was no big deal

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

[smplybcause]

I could see how PAYG would be annoying. I went with a friend on the cruise, I could have purchased the drink package still just for me but it didn't go on sale after I agreed to go and choose not to buy it. My friend doesn't drink much, but he is diamond and those free drinks at night pretty much cover what he normally drinks. Meanwhile, without the drink package I was weighing whether the drink was worth the price, was I getting close to what the drink package would have cost for that day, so I want to have a drink now or later because without the drink package I didn't want to get anywhere close to the cost of it or I'd feel stupid.

 

Did it ruin my cruise? No, but the second guessing and the math were annoying and did ding some of my enjoyment vs other cruises when I've had the drink package.

 

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

[Rala]

I never signed any receipts on my Recent Ovation Cruise. Much better than having to sign receipts for a zero amount.

 

OK,then that is a new thing or maybe it is just on the mega-ships which we have not sailed on as yet. Thanks for the update. :)

Edited January 11, 2018 by Rala
typo

[Jaffa5]

Hi there, I didn't read all the replies but I thought I'd throw my 2-pence in! I was 14weeks pregnant going on Navigator of the seas a few years ago and I got a doctors letter which I showed when my boyfriend was getting the drinks package on board and that was acceptable for them. He ended up getting the package for himself.

[nealstuber]

OK,then that is a new thing or maybe it is just on the mega-ships which we have not sailed on as yet. Thanks for the update. :)

 

 

It’s not just on the Big Girls. I think they have the option to do it (or maybe they’re supposed to do it but nobody follows up on the no charge paperwork so they don’t ). On Liberty, some bar tenders/servers would do it others would not. So it pretty much seemed like a not so optional opportunity to extra tip. 99% of my drinks from the bar are beers, if I was paying as you go, it’s almost $2 to crack open a beer (and half the time I wish they wouldn’t because it’s for the balcony later) so I’m quite put off by the hint for more, subtle or not, package or not. At the casino or by the pool, I’m happy to tip a little extra and welcome the receipt as a means to do so.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[fishtaco]

Not sure if this has been posted before but if purchased on board you can simply buy just one package if the others preference is simply not to drink Alcohol. it is in RCI,s official statement and can be shown to sellers on board who say otherwise. Its just RCI cleaver wording to confuse.

 

So it seems the only type of perceived deception is that both or all guests of age must purchase it if buying on line as there is no way to opt out on line But RCI clearly states you can:p

 

 

"

• Currently, RCI requires all passengers booked in the same stateroom to buy the Deluxe (unlimited alcohol) package. This change was announced in Ocober 2017 and implemented for all cruise bookings for 2018 and beyond. The company's official statement says, quate, "each adult of legal drinking age assigned to the same stateroom must purchase this package". The only exclusions to this rule are pregnant women, recovering alcoholics and adults who don't consume alcohol due to personal preference, medical or religious reasons. IMPORTANT: This rule is for the "Deluxe Beverage Package" only and doesn't apply to other packages."
  

[Ourusualbeach]

Not sure if this has been posted before but if purchased on board you can simply buy just one package if the others preference is simply not to drink Alcohol. it is in RCI,s official statement and can be shown to sellers on board who say otherwise. Its just RCI cleaver wording to confuse.

 

So it seems the only type of perceived deception is that both or all guests of age must purchase it if buying on line as there is no way to opt out on line But RCI clearly states you can:p

 

 

"

• Currently, RCI requires all passengers booked in the same stateroom to buy the Deluxe (unlimited alcohol) package. This change was announced in Ocober 2017 and implemented for all cruise bookings for 2018 and beyond. The company's official statement says, quate, "each adult of legal drinking age assigned to the same stateroom must purchase this package". The only exclusions to this rule are pregnant women, recovering alcoholics and adults who don't consume alcohol due to personal preference, medical or religious reasons. IMPORTANT: This rule is for the "Deluxe Beverage Package" only and doesn't apply to other packages."
  

 

That sounds like someone who was writing about the packages on board Royal and not what Royal would write.

 

Also Royal changed their policy after the first week of implementing the everone must buy and what was written above is what happened in the first week and not what they changed it to.

 

There have also been reports from ships where people have seen bartenders check a list to ensure that all in the cabin are buying the package.

[Retired LEO]

That sounds like someone who was writing about the packages on board Royal and not what Royal would write.

 

Also Royal changed their policy after the first week of implementing the everone must buy and what was written above is what happened in the first week and not what they changed it to.

 

There have also been reports from ships where people have seen bartenders check a list to ensure that all in the cabin are buying the package.

 

They were certainly doing that on Majesty last week.

[fishtaco]

That sounds like someone who was writing about the packages on board Royal and not what Royal would write.

 

Also Royal changed their policy after the first week of implementing the everone must buy and what was written above is what happened in the first week and not what they changed it to.

 

There have also been reports from ships where people have seen bartenders check a list to ensure that all in the cabin are buying the package.

 

sounds like staff misinterpretation unless you can find a "more up to date" statement from RCI than the one I provided!

RCI do not just release statements to cruisers and if the Cruise industry author quoted RCI,s official statement as it was stated why would you not believe it?

 

If staff were really checking if all in a cabin had purchased the package how on earth did they get away without paying for it in the first instance? I have purchased it and on purchase all or none have to pay,you even have to sign a contract at the point of sale!

 

What happened in the first weeks was a crossover where one was allowed to buy pre October 2017 and the new rule was not enforced on them.

 

How many changes and statements to changes have been made in the timeframe of 11 weeks? where are they on CC?

 

Too much hear say urban myths from unofficial nonsence.

Give me a more recent RCI statement from any source other than a CC expert!

[fishtaco]

They were certainly doing that on Majesty last week.

 

How do you know this? was an inquiry or check made of your stateroom guests?

 

Are you sure they wernt checking on package sharing between cabins?

[fishtaco]

Cognitive dissonance follows many to the grave! Me I forever learn from standing corrected . Humble pie is just pie and what pie isnt good for all :)

 

Mmm goolgle search come up with the answer yet?

[Retired LEO]

How do you know this? was an inquiry or check made of your stateroom guests?

 

Are you sure they wernt checking on package sharing between cabins?

 

I just made it up.

[boscobeans]

sounds like staff misinterpretation unless you can find a "more up to date" statement from RCI than the one I provided!

Too much hear say urban myths from unofficial nonsence.

Give me a more recent RCI statement from any source other than a CC expert!

 

"Onboard, the all-inclusive packages are available for purchase throughout the voyage with at least 4 days remaining. Must be purchased for the duration of the cruise; prorated price based on date of purchase. Any guest wishing to purchase an alcoholic beverage package must do so for all guests of legal drinking age in the same stateroom, for sailings on or after December 31st, 2017." This does not say that you can buy one ALCOHOL and one NON ALCOHOL, it is pretty clear...

 

This as an official statement from ROYAL CARIBBEAN in THEIR Q & A section under Beverage packages.

 

I called and emailed RCCL and Crown and Anchor and received a phoe call response from someone identifying herself as a corporate representative was told in plain and simple language that this is the policy for pre cruise purchase as well as on board purchases.

 

It seems there are plenty of posts contradicting the information I received only a week or so ago. Whatever, it is nothing new to anyone dealing with any cruise line, that is getting wrong information depending on who happens to answer the phone or respond bu email.

 

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/beverage-drink-package-products

 

bosco

[Milwaukee Eight]

"Onboard, the all-inclusive packages are available for purchase throughout the voyage with at least 4 days remaining. Must be purchased for the duration of the cruise; prorated price based on date of purchase. Any guest wishing to purchase an alcoholic beverage package must do so for all guests of legal drinking age in the same stateroom, for sailings on or after December 31st, 2017." This does not say that you can buy one ALCOHOL and one NON ALCOHOL, it is pretty clear...

 

 

 

This as an official statement from ROYAL CARIBBEAN in THEIR Q & A section under Beverage packages.

 

 

 

I called and emailed RCCL and Crown and Anchor and received a phoe call response from someone identifying herself as a corporate representative was told in plain and simple language that this is the policy for pre cruise purchase as well as on board purchases.

 

 

 

It seems there are plenty of posts contradicting the information I received only a week or so ago. Whatever, it is nothing new to anyone dealing with any cruise line, that is getting wrong information depending on who happens to answer the phone or respond bu email.

 

 

 

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/beverage-drink-package-products

 

 

 

bosco

 

 

 

Consistently inconsistent. Today is today and tomorrow it will change.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[boscobeans]

Consistently inconsistent. Today is today and tomorrow it will change.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

Spot on.

 

bosco

[Laurin612]

Soooo....I have a similar issue as the OP, but I am being told I have to buy THREE Deluxe packages!

 

The Deluxe beverage package for my cruise just went on sale for 25% off. I just went to book it for my husband and it said on the Cruise Planner that all adults in the stateroom must book the same package. The cruise leaves out of Amsterdam, so the drinking age is apparently 18. My daughter is 19--and it says that she and I both have to purchase a Deluxe package, too, if we are going to purchase one for my husband. This must be fairly new, because the last RC cruise we went on was in 2015 on Adventure of the Seas and I had gotten the Refreshment package, soda packages for the kids and a beer and wine package (that no longer exists, apparently) for my husband.

 

 

My daughter and I both take a medication that has definite drug interactions with alcohol (and there is even a warning sticker on the bottle from the pharmacy), so I had already purchased a (discounted) Refreshment package for myself and my daughter and a soda package for my son. We were waiting for the Deluxe package to be discounted before purchasing one for my husband.

 

 

I know people will say to just "pay as you go," but at around $8 a beer, if we did that we would be paying more than the $42 per day (plus gratuity). I also know it won't ruin his cruise if he can't have the package, but I can tell you he would seriously limit his drinking since he'd essentially be paying concert/stadium prices for beers! :)

 

I would be able to provide doctor's notes for both myself and my daughter. I will call RC today, but I was just wondering if anyone else had this issue (or had success) in dealing with having to purchase 3 packages with only one drinker in the room.

[rukkian]

Soooo....I have a similar issue as the OP, but I am being told I have to buy THREE Deluxe packages!

 

The Deluxe beverage package for my cruise just went on sale for 25% off. I just went to book it for my husband and it said on the Cruise Planner that all adults in the stateroom must book the same package. The cruise leaves out of Amsterdam, so the drinking age is apparently 18. My daughter is 19--and it says that she and I both have to purchase a Deluxe package, too, if we are going to purchase one for my husband. This must be fairly new, because the last RC cruise we went on was in 2015 on Adventure of the Seas and I had gotten the Refreshment package, soda packages for the kids and a beer and wine package (that no longer exists, apparently) for my husband.

 

 

My daughter and I both take a medication that has definite drug interactions with alcohol (and there is even a warning sticker on the bottle from the pharmacy), so I had already purchased a (discounted) Refreshment package for myself and my daughter and a soda package for my son. We were waiting for the Deluxe package to be discounted before purchasing one for my husband.

 

 

I know people will say to just "pay as you go," but at around $8 a beer, if we did that we would be paying more than the $42 per day (plus gratuity). I also know it won't ruin his cruise if he can't have the package, but I can tell you he would seriously limit his drinking since he'd essentially be paying concert/stadium prices for beers! :)

 

I would be able to provide doctor's notes for both myself and my daughter. I will call RC today, but I was just wondering if anyone else had this issue (or had success) in dealing with having to purchase 3 packages with only one drinker in the room.

 

All you have to do is call in to purchase for you husband. You will be fine.

[celebrityxxo]

Soooo....I have a similar issue as the OP, but I am being told I have to buy THREE Deluxe packages!

 

The Deluxe beverage package for my cruise just went on sale for 25% off. I just went to book it for my husband and it said on the Cruise Planner that all adults in the stateroom must book the same package. The cruise leaves out of Amsterdam, so the drinking age is apparently 18. My daughter is 19--and it says that she and I both have to purchase a Deluxe package, too, if we are going to purchase one for my husband. This must be fairly new, because the last RC cruise we went on was in 2015 on Adventure of the Seas and I had gotten the Refreshment package, soda packages for the kids and a beer and wine package (that no longer exists, apparently) for my husband.

 

 

My daughter and I both take a medication that has definite drug interactions with alcohol (and there is even a warning sticker on the bottle from the pharmacy), so I had already purchased a (discounted) Refreshment package for myself and my daughter and a soda package for my son. We were waiting for the Deluxe package to be discounted before purchasing one for my husband.

 

 

I know people will say to just "pay as you go," but at around $8 a beer, if we did that we would be paying more than the $42 per day (plus gratuity). I also know it won't ruin his cruise if he can't have the package, but I can tell you he would seriously limit his drinking since he'd essentially be paying concert/stadium prices for beers! :)

 

I would be able to provide doctor's notes for both myself and my daughter. I will call RC today, but I was just wondering if anyone else had this issue (or had success) in dealing with having to purchase 3 packages with only one drinker in the room.

Really no other pkg for beer & wine.?.odd usually 2-3 levels. also wine pkgs by the bottles can purchase b4 or upon boarding...a bucket of beer( 5)..is 22.00 average. . But sounds like he should pay as he goes .. cant make everyone happy .. dont 4get take 1 bottle of wine each over 21 on board w you ,that should help. .just make sure its in carryon.

 

Sent from my SM-T330NU using Forums mobile app

[Clarea]

Really no other pkg for beer & wine.?.odd usually 2-3 levels. ...

Royal used to have 3 levels of alcoholic drink packages, but they condensed them down to one Deluxe level a couiple of years ago.

[LizzyDragon]

Really no other pkg for beer & wine.?.odd usually 2-3 levels.

 

Yep. This changed a few years ago. The requirement for everyone of drinking age in a room to buy a drink package is new this year. Royal is allowing non-drinkers to buy the refreshment instead, but this has to be done over the phone. It can't be done through the website.