kacurl Posted March 16, 2018 #26 Share Posted March 16, 2018 Oh sorry forgot to mention this was at happy hour. Both happy hours! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clarabella_Baby Posted March 16, 2018 #27 Share Posted March 16, 2018 (edited) Sparkling: Cantine Maschio Brut Prosecco Treviso, Italy - $6.25 - Crisp and stony, with floral, white peach and slivered almond notes riding the lively bead. 85 points WS Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Champagne Réserve France - $12.50 - This balanced Champagne is ripe and juicy, with crème de cassis and Honeycrisp apple fruit flavors accented by details of honey, smoke and biscuit. A fresh and creamy aperitif. 90 points WS Domaine Chandon Brut California Classic - $13.00 - Lively and crisp, with user-friendly flavors of tart apple, lemon and spicy vanilla. 89 points WS Veuve Clicquot Brut Champagne - $17.50 -Bright and lightly toasty, this elegant Champagne layers flavors of cassis, crushed hazelnut and lemon meringue pie on the creamy bead. 90 points W White Wine: Zonin Pinot Grigio Latisana del Friuli Albola - $6.25 - A simple white, with some apple and banana character. Medium-bodied, offering good acidity and a light finish. - 84 points WS La Terre White Zinfandel - $6.25 - No rating found. Ruffino Pinot Grigio - $11.00 - Intense, clean notes of meadow flowers, pears and pleasant hints of golden apple. The bouquet is fresh and fragrant, yet complex, showing refined notes of sage and mint, with a nice touch of minerality typical of Pinot Grigio - Mid 80s Gruber-Rosh1tz Riesling (Spelled wrong on list) - $8.50 - Subtle, fruitful Riesling which reveals its subtle charms rather slowly. The nose is shy but the palate shines with ripe, aromatic apricot fruit, accentuated by lemon freshness and centered around a concentrated core of fruit and zest. This is slender but generous, refreshing and lasting. - 88 points Winemag.com (I had to misspell this one because it trips that bad word filter.) Snoqualmie Select Riesling - $7.25 - Moderately sweet, offering apricot and pear flavors that remain ripe as the finish lingers. - 85-87 points Zonin Moscato - $8.50 - Excellent as dessert wine it matches perfectly with jam tarts fruit salads and pastry. Low alcohol 7% - 84 point avg Domaine Laroche Chablis - $13.50 - Lovely balance and expressive flavors of apple, peach and lemon highlight this juicy white. Leaves a mouthwatering impression on the stony finish. - 89 poiints WS Formation Monterrey Sauvignon Blanc - $9.75 - I can find nothing on this Formation's Sauv Blanc. It was fine though, probably 84-86 if I had to rate it. Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc - $12.25 - Lean, with grass, citrus zest and ruby grapefruit flavors that are juicy and vibrant. Toasted herb and floral details linger. - 87 points WS Santa Carolina Chardonnay - $6.25 - A fruity style, with Gala apple and pear tart flavors that are clean and direct. The spicy finish has some smoky notes. - 86 points WS Vina Santa Carolina Chardonnay - $6.50 - This was the Reserva di Familia. - Rich and well-crafted, with concentrated ripe pear, apple pastry and almond tart notes. The buttery finish is long and spicy, supported by fresh acidity. - 89 points WS Penfolds Chardonnay South Australia Koonunga Hill - $8.50 - Refreshing, with lime zest and tangerine flavors that have a spicy edge. Compact and intense. - 87 points WS Chateau Ste. Michelle, Mimi Chardonnay, Washington - $9.75 - A lightly oaked, elegant style, offering apple and pear fruit character with bright natural acidity. Refreshing yet complex.90 points, Wine Enthusiast Red Wine: Santa Carolina Merlot - $6.25 - There's plenty of freshness to the juicy red plum, dark cherry and black olive flavors, accented by appealing green herbal notes. Finishes with hints of dried mint and chocolate. - 88 points WS Santa Carolina Cabernet Sauvignon - $6.25 - Zesty, with dried green herbal notes to the fresh red plum and berry flavors. Olive and mineral accents show on the finish. - 88 points WS Luigi Bosca La Linda Malbec - $8.50 - A zesty style, redolent of cherry and licorice flavors, with notes of pepper in the mix. The juicy finish has some paprika details. - 87 points WS Greystone Cellars Merlot - $9.25 - Jammy and soft, with simple cherry and cola flavors. - 84 points Batasiolo Barbera D'asti - $9.75 - High-toned boysenberry and raspberry flavors, with bright acidity and slightly chewy tannins. Moderate length. - WS 84 points Meridian Pinot Noir - $9.75 - Fresh, with snappy cranberry and wild berry flavors that are pleasant and easy-drinking. - 85 points Casa Lapostolle Cabernet Sauvignon - $9.75 - A crunchy red, showing good cut to the dried berry and cherry flavors, with plenty of savory details. Dried green herb hints show on the finish. - 86 points WS Light Horse Jamieson Ranch Pinot Noir - $9.75 - Smoky, oaky aroma leads to meaty flavors with notes of rhubarb and red cherries. The texture is on the soft side and the body is medium. On the finish those oaky notes meld with the fruit for a soft finale. - 88 points Wine Enthusast Line 39 Lake County Cabernet Sauvignon - $9.75 - Big and brawny, this has bold, ripe fruit aromas and flavors that are shaded by thyme and dill, and backed by very firm tannins and good acidity. The mouthfeel is full and astringent, and the mouth-puckering tannins last on the finish. - 86 points Wine Enthusiast Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot - $12.25 - Broad and generous, with expressive cedar, blueberry and cream flavors that glide over polished tannins into the long, precise finish. - 87 points WS Niebaum Coppola Claret - $13.50 - Seriously tasty and full-bodied, this inky-colored wine is packed with ripe fruit, fine tannins and firm texture, and needs a juicy steak or tender roast as a table mate. A core of black cherry and black plum is shaded by spicy oak. - 88 points Wine Enthusiast Peter Lehmann Portrait Shiraz - $14.75 - Bursting with blueberry and plum flavors, this offers chocolate and Earl Grey tea accents. Velvety and smooth on the long finish - 88 points WS Penfolds Koonunga Hill Cabernet Sauvignon - $9.75 - There's a brambly fresh herb detail to the berry and plum flavors, with impressive minerality, chewy tannins and notes of fresh earth. 88 points WS. Holy! The basic Beverage package really limits the wines you can purchase on it. Especiall the reds...MY FAVORITE! ~sad~ There is no option on-line in my booking for me to purchase the upgraded Elite Beverage Package. How much more is it? And can I upgrade on-board if I purchase the basic package on-line? Or perhaps my ship just doesn't offer the upgraded package? I'm booked for a Costal on the Zaandam in May. Thanks! Edited March 16, 2018 by Clarabella_Baby Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clarabella_Baby Posted March 16, 2018 #28 Share Posted March 16, 2018 We upgraded to the Elite Beverage Package to open up our wine choices - and to add real Champagne. Does the Elite package allow you to order ANY of the glasses champagnes? Even the $17.50 one? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare POA1 Posted March 16, 2018 #29 Share Posted March 16, 2018 Does the Elite package allow you to order ANY of the glasses champagnes? Even the $17.50 one?Nope. Only up to $15. The Nicholas Feuillatte is just as good as the Veuve Clicqout. (I'll ask you to trust me on this.) The Nicholas Feuillatte Blue Label has a little more balance IMHO, but the Veuve is a bit brighter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare POA1 Posted March 16, 2018 #30 Share Posted March 16, 2018 Holy! The basic Beverage package really limits the wines you can purchase on it. Especiall the reds...MY FAVORITE! ~sad~ There is no option on-line in my booking for me to purchase the upgraded Elite Beverage Package. How much more is it? And can I upgrade on-board if I purchase the basic package on-line? Or perhaps my ship just doesn't offer the upgraded package? I'm booked for a Costal on the Zaandam in May. Thanks! It was $11.50 pp / day for us. That's the difference of $10 +15% service charge. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irish Eyes Are Sailing Posted March 16, 2018 #31 Share Posted March 16, 2018 It was $11.50 pp / day for us. That's the difference of $10 +15% service charge. Another question POA1: Can you get a vodka (Absolut) martini on the Signature Beverage Package or do I have to have the upgraded package? In other words, is there a vodka martini for $9? Thanks! and PS Happy St. Patrick's Day!:cocktail: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irish Eyes Are Sailing Posted March 16, 2018 #32 Share Posted March 16, 2018 If POA1 is not available does anyone else know the answer? Please excuse me if it has been asked before....thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CM1984 Posted March 16, 2018 #33 Share Posted March 16, 2018 Is bottled water included in the Signature package? I did not see anyone respond to this yet. Our TA said bottled water is included, but I would like to find out from someone here if it is! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare kazu Posted March 16, 2018 #34 Share Posted March 16, 2018 Another question POA1:Can you get a vodka (Absolut) martini on the Signature Beverage Package or do I have to have the upgraded package? In other words, is there a vodka martini for $9? Thanks! and PS Happy St. Patrick's Day!:cocktail: You can get martinis on the package for sure. I'm pretty sure Absolut was listed in the $9 and under but I don't want to swear to it. But the martinis we had last cruise were quite good and I'm kind of fussy ;) I did not see anyone respond to this yet. Our TA said bottled water is included, but I would like to find out from someone here if it is! Yes, bottled water is included. Not the one in your room though. You need to go to a bar to get it or another public place where they can scan your card. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irish Eyes Are Sailing Posted March 17, 2018 #35 Share Posted March 17, 2018 You can get martinis on the package for sure. I'm pretty sure Absolut was listed in the $9 and under but I don't want to swear to it. But the martinis we had last cruise were quite good and I'm kind of fussy ;) Yes, bottled water is included. Not the one in your room though. You need to go to a bar to get it or another public place where they can scan your card. Thank you so much Kazu/Jackie! You always come thru with a kind and informative answer to our questions!:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kacurl Posted March 17, 2018 #36 Share Posted March 17, 2018 Yes Absolut is included Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irish Eyes Are Sailing Posted March 17, 2018 #37 Share Posted March 17, 2018 Yes Absolut is included Thank You!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare POA1 Posted March 17, 2018 #38 Share Posted March 17, 2018 Pretty much any vodka other than Ciroc if I recall correctly. Gimme a minute and I'll post the list. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare POA1 Posted March 17, 2018 #39 Share Posted March 17, 2018 This is research from last year. We aren't planning to sail until later this year. I'll update it then, but this should suffice. It's compiled from Roger Jett's Fall 2017 scans. Non-Alcoholic - HAL Price - HAL SBP - HAL EBP Mineral Water 1.5L - $3.95 - Yes - Yes Mineral Water 0.5L - $1.95 - Yes - Yes San Pelligrino 1.0L - $4.50 - Yes - Yes Perrier 750ml - $3.25 - Yes - Yes Juices - All - $2.75 - Yes - Yes Soda - All - $2.25 - Yes - Yes Red Bull - $4.50 - Yes - Yes Red Bull Sugar Free - $4.50 - Yes - Yes Please note that both plans include mocktails and smoothies. WINE - HAL Price - HAL SBP # - HAL EBP # House Sparkling - $6.50 - 1 - 1 Prosecco - $6.75 - 1 - 1 Other Sparkling - $9.50 - 0 - 1 Champagne - $12.50 - 0 - 1 Pinot Grigio - $6.50-$11.00 - 1 - 2 Chablis - $13.50 - 0 - 1 Chardonnay - $6.50-$9.75 - 2 - 4 Riesling - $7.25-8.50 - 2 - 2 Moscato - $8.50 - 1 - 1 Sauv Blanc - $8.50-$9.75 - 1 - 2 Barbera - $9.75 - 0 - 1 Claret - $13.50 - 0 - 1 Malbec - $8.50 - 1 - 1 Merlot - $6.50-$12.25 - 1 - 2 Cabernet Sauv - $6.50-$9.75 - 3 - 5 Shiraz/Syrah - $7.25-$14.75 - 2 - 3 Pinot Noir - $9.75 - 0 - 2 Zinfandel - $6.50 - 1 - 1 White Zin - $6.50 - 1 - 1 Dessert Wine - $7.95 - 1 - 1 Number Wines Available - - 19 - 34 BEER 12 oz - HAL Price - HAL SBP - HAL EBP Amstel Light - $5.95 - Yes - Yes Beck's - $5.95 - Yes - Yes Blue Moon - $5.95 - Yes - Yes Corona - $5.95 - Yes - Yes Guinness Stout - $6.25 - Yes - Yes Heineken - $5.95 - Yes - Yes Molson - $5.95 - Yes - Yes Sam Adams Boston Lager - $5.95 - Yes - Yes Stella Artois - $5.95 - Yes - Yes BEER 16 oz - HAL Price - HAL SBP - HAL EBP Boddington's - $6.25 - Yes - Yes Bud - $6.25 - Yes - Yes Bud Light - $6.25 - Yes - Yes Bud Light Lime - $6.25 - Yes - Yes Coors Light - $6.25 - Yes - Yes Grolsch - $7.25 - Yes - Yes Michelob Ultra - $6.25 - Yes - Yes Miller Genuine Draft - $6.25 - Yes - Yes Miller Lite - $6.25 - Yes - Yes CIDERS/OTHER - HAL Price - HAL SBP - HAL EBP Crispin Cider - $5.75 - Yes - Yes NA Beer - $4.25 - Yes - Yes Rekordling Pear - $6.50 - Yes - Yes Rekordling Strawberry/Lime - $6.50 - Yes - Yes Smirnoff Ice - $5.25 - Yes - Yes Strongbow Cider - $5.75 - Yes - Yes VODKA - HAL Price - HAL SBP - HAL EBP Absolut - $7.25 - Yes - Yes Absolut Citron - $7.25 - Yes - Yes Absolut Mandarin - $7.25 - Yes - Yes Absolut Vanilla - $7.25 - Yes - Yes Belvedere - $9.95 - Excluded - Yes Chopin - $9.95 - Excluded - Yes Finlandia - $6.25 - Yes - Yes Grey Goose - $7.95 - Yes - Yes Grey Goose Citron - $7.95 - Yes - Yes Grey Goose 'Orange - $7.95 - Yes - Yes Grey Goose La Poire - $7.95 - Yes - Yes Ketel One - $7.50 - Yes - Yes New Amsterdam - $6.95 - Yes - Yes Skyy - $6.75 - Yes - Yes Skyy Pineapple - $6.75 - Yes - Yes Smirnoff - $6.75 - Yes - Yes Stolichnaya - $6.75 - Yes - Yes Tito's - $6.75 - Yes - Yes Vox - $6.95 - Yes - Yes RUM - HAL Price - HAL SBP - HAL EBP Appleton - $7.25 - Yes - Yes Bacardi - $7.00 - Yes - Yes Bacardi 8 - $7.00 - Yes - Yes Bacardi Gold - $7.00 - Yes - Yes Bacardi Limon - $7.00 - Yes - Yes Bacardi Oakheart - $7.00 - Yes - Yes Bacardi Razz - $7.00 - Yes - Yes Brugal - $6.75 - Yes - Yes Captain Morgan - $6.75 - Yes - Yes Cruzan - $6.75 - Yes - Yes Gosling's Black Seal - $7.25 - Yes - Yes Malibu - $6.75 - Yes - Yes Myer's Dark - $6.75 - Yes - Yes Pyrat XO - $6.75 - Yes - Yes BOURBON - HAL Price - HAL SBP - HAL EBP Buffalo Trace - $6.75 - Yes - Yes Jack Daniels - $7.50 - Yes - Yes Jack Daniels Honey - $7.50 - Yes - Yes Jim Beam - $6.75 - Yes - Yes Jim Beam Red Stag - $6.75 - Yes - Yes Knob Creek - $7.95 - Yes - Yes Maker's Mark - $7.95 - Yes - Yes << Only thing that matters. Seriously. ;) Tatoosh - $7.95 - Yes - Yes Wild Turkey 101 - $6.75 - Yes - Yes RYE/IRISH WHISKY - HAL Price - HAL SBP - HAL EBP Canadian Club - $6.75 - Yes - Yes Crown Royal - $7.00 - Yes - Yes Jameson Irish - $6.75 - Yes - Yes Seagram's 7 Crown - $6.75 - Yes - Yes Seagram's VO - $6.75 - Yes - Yes Tatoosh Rye - $7.95 - Yes - Yes SCOTCH - HAL Price - HAL SBP - HAL EBP Aberfeldy - $7.75 - Yes - Yes Ballentine's - $6.75 - Yes - Yes Chivas Regal - $7.25 - Yes - Yes Cutty Sark - $6.75 - Yes - Yes Dalmore - $10.25 - Excluded - Yes Dewar's 12 Year Old - $7.25 - Yes - Yes Dewar's White - $7.00 - Yes - Yes Glen Deveron - $8.50 - Yes - Yes Glenfiddich - $10.25 - Excluded - Yes Glenlivet - $8.95 - Yes - Yes Glenmorangie - $9.95 - Excluded - Yes Highland Park - $11.95 - Excluded - Yes J&B - $6.75 - Yes - Yes Johnnie Walker - Black - $7.75 - Yes - Yes Johnnie Walker - Red - $7.00 - Yes - Yes Laphroaig - $8.95 - Yes - Yes Macallan Select Oak - $11.95 - Excluded - Yes GIN - HAL Price - HAL SBP - HAL EBP Bols Dutch Jenever - $6.75 - Yes - Yes Bombay - $6.75 - Yes - Yes Bombay Sapphire - $7.50 - Yes - Yes Hendricks - $8.00 - Yes - Yes Tanqueray - $7.50 - Yes - Yes Tanqueray 10 - $7.50 - Yes - Yes TEQUILA - HAL Price - HAL SBP - HAL EBP Cabo Wabo Blanco - $9.95 - Excluded - Yes Cazadores Anejo - $9.95 - Excluded - Yes El Jimador Silver - $7.75 - Yes - Yes Herradura Reposado - $9.95 - Excluded - Yes Herradura Silver - $9.75 - Excluded - Yes Jose Cuervo 1800 - $7.75 - Yes - Yes Jose Cuervo Gold - $6.95 - Yes - Yes Patron Anejo - $13.95 - Excluded - Yes Patron Reposado - $11.95 - Excluded - Yes Patron Silver - $9.95 - Excluded - Yes APERITIF - HAL Price - HAL SBP - HAL EBP Aperol - $6.50 - Yes - Yes Campari - $6.50 - Yes - Yes Dubonnet - $6.00 - Yes - Yes Pernod - $6.25 - Yes - Yes Vermouth - $6.00 - Yes - Yes COGNAC/ARMAGNAC - HAL Price - HAL SBP - HAL EBP Armagnac - $8.95 - Yes - Yes Courvoisier Napoleon - $10.95 - Excluded - Yes Courvoisier VS - $7.50 - Yes - Yes Courvoisier VSOP - $8.50 - Yes - Yes Hennessey VS - $7.95 - Yes - Yes Hennessey VSOP - $9.95 - Excluded - Yes Hennessey XO - $19.95 - Excluded - Excluded Remy Martin VSOP - $10.95 - Excluded - Yes Remy Martin XO - $18.95 - Excluded - Excluded DIGESTIF - HAL Price - HAL SBP - HAL EBP Aquavit - $5.95 - Yes - Yes Grappa di Alexander - $6.75 - Yes - Yes Grappa di Cabernet - $6.50 - Yes - Yes Grappa di Prosecco - $6.25 - Yes - Yes Limoncello - $6.50 - Yes - Yes Villa Massa Limoncello PGI - $7.00 - Yes - Yes LIQUEUR - HAL Price - HAL SBP - HAL EBP Amaretto Disaronno - $6.75 - Yes - Yes Baileys Irish Cream - $6.95 - Yes - Yes Chambord - $6.25 - Yes - Yes Cointreau - $6.75 - Yes - Yes Crème de Menthe - $6.25 - Yes - Yes D.O.M. Benedictine - $6.50 - Yes - Yes Drambuie - $6.95 - Yes - Yes Frangelico - $6.75 - Yes - Yes Galliano - $6.25 - Yes - Yes Grand Marnier - $6.95 - Yes - Yes Jagermeister - $6.75 - Yes - Yes Kahlua - $6.75 - Yes - Yes Patron Cafe XO - $11.95 - Excluded - Yes Patron Citronage - $6.25 - Yes - Yes Sambuca - $6.95 - Yes - Yes Southern Comfort - $6.95 - Yes - Yes Tia Maria - $6.75 - Yes - Yes PORT/SHERRY - HAL Price - HAL SBP - HAL EBP Dow's LBV - $7.95 - Yes - Yes Harvey's Bristol Cream Sherry - $6.00 - Yes - Yes Graham's Six Grapes - $9.95 - Excluded - Yes Sandeman - $6.50 - Yes - Yes Smith Woodhouse Reserve LBV - $6.50 - Yes - Yes Tio Pepe Sherry - $6.25 - Yes - Yes Warre's Otima - $6.50 - Yes - Yes Warre's Warrior Tawny - $9.95 - Excluded - Yes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irish Eyes Are Sailing Posted March 17, 2018 #40 Share Posted March 17, 2018 Pretty much any vodka other than Ciroc if I recall correctly. Gimme a minute and I'll post the list. Thanks, you are most helpful! Now I know why your "site" is "Institute of Cheer"! Our resident Liquor/Beer/Wine Expert! We appreciate the knowledge and your sharing of it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare POA1 Posted March 17, 2018 #41 Share Posted March 17, 2018 Pretty much any vodka other than Ciroc if I recall correctly. Gimme a minute and I'll post the list. Don't know where I got Ciroc. It's not even on the list. I may have gotten confused with NCL - Where the $7.95 Maker's Mark on HAL is $16.95. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irish Eyes Are Sailing Posted March 17, 2018 #42 Share Posted March 17, 2018 "Maker's Mark - $7.95 - Yes - Yes << Only thing that matters. Seriously. ;)" POA1 quote Obviously a Bourbon Man like my DH!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irish Eyes Are Sailing Posted March 17, 2018 #43 Share Posted March 17, 2018 Don't know where I got Ciroc. It's not even on the list. I may have gotten confused with NCL - Where the $7.95 Maker's Mark on HAL is $16.95. Yes, I noticed that. HAL is most generous with their liquor prices. Going on Celebrity in November and I had to upgrade the drink package on them to get what we want. HAL's SBP seems to be sufficient unless you are a wine expert (which I am not) or fussy with your wine. I'm not a big wine person other than a glass with dinner. Just give me my vodka, a glass with ice and a little seltzer (or a full blown vodka martini) and I am good to go. With DH it is bourbon and nothing else! Thank you very much. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare HBCcruiser Posted March 24, 2018 #44 Share Posted March 24, 2018 The HAL beverage packages are a bit confusing for me. I am used to unlimited beverage packages that include almost all drinks as many as you want. With the elite beverage package I am limited to 15 drinks total, no matter what type, right? Do folks ever buy the quench or soda package along with the elite or signature package? Thanks for any insight! Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TAD2005 Posted March 27, 2018 #45 Share Posted March 27, 2018 The HAL beverage packages are a bit confusing for me. I am used to unlimited beverage packages that include almost all drinks as many as you want. With the elite beverage package I am limited to 15 drinks total, no matter what type, right? Do folks ever buy the quench or soda package along with the elite or signature package? Thanks for any insight! Sent from my iPad using Forums You could buy both the SBP and a quench or soda package, but why would you do that ? The SBP is not just for alcohol, it covers anything wet you can drink, even bottles of water. On cruise lines that allow unlimited drinks, you are usually paying for it in a much higher drink package price. Unless you drink doubles, you will be hard pressed to exceed the 15 drink limit. We just got off a 14 day HAL cruise and the SBP cost us $723 per person. Checking my cabin folio printout on the last night, my beverage tab would have been $1247 for the 14 days if I was paying as I go. I have always found the SBP to pay for itself. People sometime say "I'll never drink 15 drinks, so the package is not worth the money". Do the math, the package costs $51.70 per day, and the average $7.95 or $8.50 cocktail will increase to $9.14 or $9.77 after the 15% service charge is added if you are paying as you go. The break-even point is 5.6 drinks, and after that, you are drinking free. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare dogo88 Posted March 28, 2018 #46 Share Posted March 28, 2018 You could buy both the SBP and a quench or soda package, but why would you do that ? The SBP is not just for alcohol, it covers anything wet you can drink, even bottles of water. On cruise lines that allow unlimited drinks, you are usually paying for it in a much higher drink package price. Unless you drink doubles, you will be hard pressed to exceed the 15 drink limit. We just got off a 14 day HAL cruise and the SBP cost us $723 per person. Checking my cabin folio printout on the last night, my beverage tab would have been $1247 for the 14 days if I was paying as I go. I have always found the SBP to pay for itself. People sometime say "I'll never drink 15 drinks, so the package is not worth the money". Do the math, the package costs $51.70 per day, and the average $7.95 or $8.50 cocktail will increase to $9.14 or $9.77 after the 15% service charge is added if you are paying as you go. The break-even point is 5.6 drinks, and after that, you are drinking free. Spot on. People seem to get hung up on either the 15 drink limit or the break even point of 5-6 drinks. 15 drinks is hard to beat. Never did it. But if you do you just pay for those past the 15. The 5-6 drink break even point is another issue where many think it only alcoholic drinks. It's alcoholic drinks, non-alcoholic drinks, soda, water and specialty coffees. We always get the package either as part of a promotion or we pay for it. No receipts to keep or manage. Not list to peruse at the end of the cruise. No bill to question the drink charge. Got to love the comments from folks who have never bought the package or don't drink explaining it's not a good deal. If you don't drink much or are happy with drinking the water from your sink or Lido, which are fine to drink, then the package is not for you. TAD2005 did the numbers and it is a savings as long as you take advantage of it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teamflames Posted March 28, 2018 #47 Share Posted March 28, 2018 Also. Is there a limit on how many alcoholic and/or nonalcoholic (I.e., sodas) that you get with the Signature package? On our Xmas cruise on Noordam, the bar tenders told us the 15 drink limit is alcoholic drinks only. Guest services denied this and said it is 15 drinks of any kind. We tested it, were charged for drinks over 15, quoted the bar tenders who were happy to be quoted and the charges were refunded. So I guess check when you are onboard. Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EeyoreFan1967 Posted March 28, 2018 #48 Share Posted March 28, 2018 We just purchased the SBP for our family of 4 for our late May cruise. I can't imagine going over the 15 drink/day limit because I just don't think we will have enough waking hours in the day to drink that much. Anyway, we are not too concerned about getting our money's worth or breaking even. We are looking forward to the convenience of having what we want, when we want it. Since we are not too selective about wine or liquor brands, we think it will work out great for us! Look for our review in June! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AtlantaCruiser72 Posted March 28, 2018 #49 Share Posted March 28, 2018 I will be traveling with me mum next summer to Alaska and we hope to snag Explore4 to get the SBP as an included perk when it comes out. Question - if only I were to want to upgrade to the Elite once onboard would that be permitted, or will both of us be required to do so? I find the wine selections by the glass quite limited for my taste on the SBP, so would want to get the Elite. Mum would be pleased with the choices under the SBP. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Osh Posted March 28, 2018 #50 Share Posted March 28, 2018 Google roger jett to see some pdf files of HAL beverage lists etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now