All Inclusive Option?

[msears101]

Anyone else see this - https://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/20783-windstar-launches-new-all-inclusive-package.html

 

Apparently there is an all inclusive option for $89pp/day unlimited wifi and drinks.

 

I could not find it on Windstar's website.

[milepig]

Not a good deal for us since we don't get the internet package and rely on land-based service for connecting to the world.

 

I find their use of "All Inclusive" to be not quite descriptive - as other things, like excursions, that ARE included by some cruise lines are not on WS.

[Host Jazzbeau]

20 minutes ago, milepig said:

Not a good deal for us since we don't get the internet package and rely on land-based service for connecting to the world.

 

I find their use of "All Inclusive" to be not quite descriptive - as other things, like excursions, that ARE included by some cruise lines are not on WS.

 

There is no industry standard for 'all inclusive.'  Including shore excursions is actually fairly rare [except on Expedition cruises]  Photos, casino and spa are never included [or so rarely that it hasn't hit my radar.]  

 

Alcohol and gratuities are the basic things that should be included for this category, and more and more unlimited internet is expected.  Even though DW doesn't drink alcohol at all and I would never make a 'package' pay off, we do feel that this aspect of 'all-inclusive' is worthwhile because of the way it changes the social dynamic on a luxury line [as opposed to, say, Carnival – where unlimited alcohol would be an internet video waiting to happen ].  Included gratuities is also valuable because of the way it changes the behavior of the staff [at least those who would be obnoxious tip-grubbers].  Beyond that, you can pay for everything else any way you like without it really changing your cruise experience. 

[minidonuts85]

Here's the link for it on the WS site. We got an email about it before our December cruise on the Surf but it had to be purchased in advance. We passed since we couldn't use our OBC but it looks like they're allowing it to be purchased on board now.

 

I find the article interesting because I understood the newly revised Captains Exclusive Beverage Package does not inlclude ALL wines by the glass as the article states but rather a selection of wines designated under the plan. 

 

https://www.windstarcruises.com/why-windstar/services/

Edited May 1, 2019 by minidonuts85

[milepig]

32 minutes ago, minidonuts85 said:

Here's the link for it on the WS site. We got an email about it before our December cruise on the Surf but it had to be purchased in advance. We passed since we couldn't use our OBC but it looks like they're allowing it to be purchased on board now.

 

I find the article interesting because I understood the newly revised Captains Exclusive Beverage Package does not inlclude ALL wines by the glass as the article states but rather a selection of wines designated under the plan. 

 

https://www.windstarcruises.com/why-windstar/services/

 

The Captain’s package has never included all wines. Just those under a certain price point. 

 

I’d missed the part about laundry and tips. That brings it closer to being a value, but without Internet a la carte is still a better option. 

Edited May 1, 2019 by milepig

[minidonuts85]

1 hour ago, milepig said:

 

The Captain’s package has never included all wines. Just those under a certain price point. 

 

I’d missed the part about laundry and tips. That brings it closer to being a value, but without Internet a la carte is still a better option. 

 

You are correct and poor wording on my part. In either case, all wines by the glass are not included in the Captains package as the article claims.

[milepig]

2 minutes ago, minidonuts85 said:

 

You are correct and poor wording on my part. In either case, all wines by the glass are not included in the Captains package as the article claims.

 

Right you are. 

[Strenz]

I have no desire  for « all inclusive » we drink very little, with husband it is a health issue, no desire for WIFI,  and we research our own tours. I love, love the laundry and I am happy to tip plus because the service has always been fabulous. I would hate to have to pay for others plus our interests are so different and we get such pleasure doing our own research. I say WS keep it simple and we like it as it is. Happy Sailing

[CruiseOrLand]

It's a slight minus that you have to sign paper checks even if there is no payment required.

[milepig]

2 hours ago, CruiseOrLand said:

It's a slight minus that you have to sign paper checks even if there is no payment required.

 

You mean the chits you sign when purchasing drinks on board? With the plan you do that the first day or so and then they go away.

[minidonuts85]

Same here. We had the slip to sign on our first round and never agin after that. Just confirmed our cabin number if it was someone we hadn't ordered from regularly.  

[CruiseOrLand]

On May 3, 2019 at 9:57 AM, milepig said:

 

You mean the chits you sign when purchasing drinks on board? With the plan you do that the first day or so and then they go away.

I wonder if this varies from ship to ship? I'm sure I saw Unlimited Beverage customers signing for drinks on Star Legend in Asia, October 2018. 

 

Edited May 6, 2019 by CruiseOrLand
Typo error

[wripro]

6 hours ago, CruiseOrLand said:

I wonder if this varies from ship to ship? I'm sure I saw Unlimited Beverage customers signing for drinks on Star Legend in Asia, October 2018. 

 

Was just on the Star Pride. Never had to sign one chit with package. They servers not on;y knew I had the package they knew what I like to drink and had it ready for me when I sat down.

[Cometman]

I have never seen this before. We booked a 15 day cruise for October, so we received the free laundry, and at the time of booking they were offering free gratuities, so that base is covered- we normally do buy the alcohol package- it is less of a hassle.

 

We probably would do this if we were not on a 14 day or longer cruise. (without the perks)

 

Tim

[elklemi]

Is the $89 per day total price or is there a tax or tip applied to the $89 price, and I assume both in cabin need to purchase this package.

[msears101]

10 hours ago, elklemi said:

Is the $89 per day total price or is there a tax or tip applied to the $89 price, and I assume both in cabin need to purchase this package.

It is $89 per day per person no extra taxes or fees.  

 

They add 15 % to the drink package, but not the all inclusive.  My wife looked into it.  She is pretty thorough.  According to her math  it works out that internet is free and you save an extra .35 cents, compared to doingit separately.  Note the internet is notoriously bad, and not worth much more than free.  She is considering getting it.  She is boss with that stuff.  We can only get our money worth if we drink six drinks per day, which means we need to spend more time on the boat.  You need to choose it 7 days in advance.