Drinks package: in advance or onboard?

[cshim]

Hi,

 

Is there any difference between booking the drinks package onboard or in advance?

 

Thanks

[Reel Love]

If you book in advance you are ready to go from the very first drink as your sea pass card will already have your package identified on your card.  Not sure how it works if you purchase onboard as we have always purchased before the cruise.

[stevea36]

44 minutes ago, cshim said:

Hi,

 

Is there any difference between booking the drinks package onboard or in advance?

 

Thanks

 

Usually cheaper if you purchase in advance... look for sales in your cruise planner.   If you buy it now and the price in the planner goes down just cancel it and repurchase.

[Cruisin4ABruisen]

2 hours ago, Reel Love said:

Not sure how it works if you purchase onboard as we have always purchased before the cruise.

They add a sticker onto your seapass card.

[Jim_Iain]

Many are reporting a 50% off drink package sale on specific sailings.  

 

One consideration is also where you are sailing.   There are a number of European Med cruises with no non-EC stops.   On these cruises you are charged an additional 21% VAT if purchased on board but don't pay it if booked in advance. 

[keesar]

You sometimes can get it cheaper when buying in advance.  Other times, no.  Many people buy the Classic Package in advance and then see if they really need to upgrade to a Premium Package.  

 

If you do book on board, check to see if there are additional taxes.  That is dependent on your location.  We were charged an additional tax as we were within so many miles of Puerto Rico.  Hard to believe....

[cshim]

Thanks. It's for a TA so may wait to book onboard.