Perks to choose from

[CruisingRagdoll]

Hi there, 

 

we will be cruising with celebrity cruises for the first time on a pacific coastal trip. And we have some questions regarding their perks offer. We can choose two of the following, obc 150USD for two, unlimited wifi, classic drinking package and prepaid gratuities. 

 

we know we will need wifi on board since we are bring our 1 year old and we probably have to enjoy some activities separately while the other looks after the baby and uses wifi. How fast is the unlimited wifi package? Is it fast enough for video chatting, mobile online gaming, or is it just enough for texting and surfing the web that sort of thing?

 

And for us who don’t regularly drink alcohol or soft drinks, (except bottled water), is it worth it to get the classic drinking package in the perks offer or Should we opt for the on board credit offer, and just spend it as we need. ( 7 night cruise)

 

and if we don’t get the drinking package, what are our free options?

 

Thanks in advance for any tips.

[twincheryl]

We don't drink either, and always get Wifi and OBC.  That way if you want an occasional fancy coffee/tea or a soda, you just pay for it.  

 

Wifi is inconsistent depending on what ship and where you are in the world (and where your cabin is).  Sometimes it's great.  Generally good enough for texting and checking email.  Not always good enough for streaming or uploading photos... seems to depend on how many people are online.  Sea days seem to be especially slow since everyone is onboard.

[davekathy]

20 minutes ago, CruisingRagdoll said:

Hi there, 

 

we will be cruising with celebrity cruises for the first time on a pacific coastal trip. And we have some questions regarding their perks offer. We can choose two of the following, obc 150USD for two, unlimited wifi, classic drinking package and prepaid gratuities. 

 

we know we will need wifi on board since we are bring our 1 year old and we probably have to enjoy some activities separately while the other looks after the baby and uses wifi. How fast is the unlimited wifi package? Is it fast enough for video chatting, mobile online gaming, or is it just enough for texting and surfing the web that sort of thing?

 

And for us who don’t regularly drink alcohol or soft drinks, (except bottled water), is it worth it to get the classic drinking package in the perks offer or Should we opt for the on board credit offer, and just spend it as we need. ( 7 night cruise)

 

and if we don’t get the drinking package, what are our free options?

 

Thanks in advance for any tips.

Welcome to CC. Have you compared the price of your cruise with and without the bundled perks? Drinks that are included in your cruise fare are, milk, tap water, coffee, tea, lemon aid and assorted juices. 

Edited October 2, 2019 by davekathy

[Mike981]

How long is your trip?

[davekathy]

28 minutes ago, Mike981 said:

How long is your trip?

Seven nights. 

[Muffinz]

you're probably best to take an I-pad or laptop with some downloaded videos / games.....

[CruisingRagdoll]

1 hour ago, davekathy said:

Welcome to CC. Have you compared the price of your cruise with and without the bundled perks? Drinks that are included in your cruise fare are, milk, tap water, coffee, tea, lemon aid and assorted juices. 

Yes, we did compare. Works out to about 400 dollars more, and we thought it’s worth it since the obc is 300 dollar alone, and we need wifi for sure. Sounds like there are enough basic drinks for us, so are these basic drinks available through out the day or just during eating hours? 

 

Thanks!

[CruisingRagdoll]

1 hour ago, twincheryl said:

We don't drink either, and always get Wifi and OBC.  That way if you want an occasional fancy coffee/tea or a soda, you just pay for it.  

 

Wifi is inconsistent depending on what ship and where you are in the world (and where your cabin is).  Sometimes it's great.  Generally good enough for texting and checking email.  Not always good enough for streaming or uploading photos... seems to depend on how many people are online.  Sea days seem to be especially slow since everyone is onboard.

Thanks for the reply. We will be on the celebrity eclipse.

[CruisingRagdoll]

31 minutes ago, Muffinz said:

you're probably best to take an I-pad or laptop with some downloaded videos / games.....

Lol we will probably do that, didn’t have high hopes, but still wish it can handle the occasional video calling and sending pictures! 

[jelayne]

Coffee, tea, cocoa, water & milks are available from early morning to late night in the Buffet.

At breakfast orange & apple juice are available on the buffet in addition to the above.  Come lunch & dinner the juices are replaced with fruit punch and lemonade.  The  MDR Offers the same  beverages.

[wrk2cruise]

They are available throughout the day in the Buffet.

[rimmit]

3 hours ago, CruisingRagdoll said:

Lol we will probably do that, didn’t have high hopes, but still wish it can handle the occasional video calling and sending pictures! 

 

That is a crap shoot.  Uploading is slooow,  but a picture or too it should be ok.  May just need a try or two.  Video calling is truly random.  Sometimes it works great other times not so much.  Using FaceTime audio is also random.  Crystal clear sometimes,  other times a big delay and an echo effect.

 

I would not bank on reliable streaming.  Preloading the laptop and iPad are the way to go.  Also making use of the free in room on demand movies as well.

 

Drinks are pretty pricey onboard.  So $300 might not get you very far based on how much you drink.  But you should be ok with just a couple a day.  Also factor in port days.  On port days the beverage package is largely negated.

[Langley Cruisers]

6 hours ago, CruisingRagdoll said:

We can choose two of the following, obc 150USD for two, unlimited wifi, classic drinking package and prepaid gratuities....

 

For the three of you, gratuities come up to $304.50 (3 x $14.50, x 7) for the 7 nights - hefty amount, and in my opinion, worth taking as one of the choices.

[snyniew]

9 hours ago, Langley Cruisers said:

 

For the three of you, gratuities come up to $304.50 (3 x $14.50, x 7) for the 7 nights - hefty amount, and in my opinion, worth taking as one of the choices.

Gratuities would only be for 2, they would still have to pay them for the 3rd person. So OBC & WIFI would be the better deal for them.

Edited October 3, 2019 by snyniew

[billslowsky]

13 hours ago, wrk2cruise said:

They are available throughout the day in the Buffet.

Depending on where you are in the ship, it's not always convenient.  And off-meal hours not every station is open, so it's available without charge, but not always at hand.

 

Soda - for less than a can - runs around $4.

[CulverCityCruisers]

Don't forget that you will be cruising the coast and when in port you can make calls and have free internet and calling because for all the ports you are in California, except for the onestop in Mexico, where you can get a calling plan from your wireless provider for about $5 a day

If you take the $300 obc it will pay all your tips and leave a bit of money for extras

[Langley Cruisers]

1 hour ago, snyniew said:

Gratuities would only be for 2, they would still have to pay them for the 3rd person...

Yes, thanks.