Premium Beverage Package

[fluffybunny22]

1 hour ago, franktown said:

Only the first two passengers receive the Premium Drink Package.  The others receive the soda package.  Also minors (under 21) cannot receive the drink package.

The way it's priced out on the website it looks like we all have the PDP because the cost is over $700 each and it says PDP. I guess I'll print out the page from the website and argue with someone when I get on board.

[skynight]

1 hour ago, franktown said:

Only the first two passengers receive the Premium Drink Package.  The others receive the soda package.  Also minors (under 21) cannot receive the drink package.

If your booking is the best value package, not exactly.

Premier Beverage Package is only valid for guests 1 & 2 per stateroom who are 21 years or older. Guests who are under 21 years of age at the time of sailing can still book BSE, but will receive the Premier Coffee & Soda Package and will not receive any refund or otherwise for that portion of the Offer.

[franktown]

21 minutes ago, fluffybunny22 said:

The way it's priced out on the website it looks like we all have the PDP because the cost is over $700 each and it says PDP. I guess I'll print out the page from the website and argue with someone when I get on board.

You must be 21 to drink on the ship.

[Thrak]

1 hour ago, franktown said:

You must be 21 to drink on the ship.

 

Clarification: This is true for "most" cruises. However, there is an exception noted on the Princess web site for certain cruises.

 

The age for gambling on Princess ships is 18 years old. The age for drinking on Princess ships is 21 years old*. Guests under the age of 18 will not be permitted in the Casino or Night Club after 11:00 p.m.

*For cruises between Australia/New Zealand, China, Europe and Singapore ports, the drinking age will be 18 years old. For cruises between Japan ports, the drinking age will be 20 years old.

[fluffybunny22]

53 minutes ago, Thrak said:

 

Clarification: This is true for "most" cruises. However, there is an exception noted on the Princess web site for certain cruises.

 

The age for gambling on Princess ships is 18 years old. The age for drinking on Princess ships is 21 years old*. Guests under the age of 18 will not be permitted in the Casino or Night Club after 11:00 p.m.

*For cruises between Australia/New Zealand, China, Europe and Singapore ports, the drinking age will be 18 years old. For cruises between Japan ports, the drinking age will be 20 years old.

Because our cruise is in Europe could this be why it's showing all 3 of us have the PBP? I don't think my son has ever had anything to drink so it isn't a super big deal but if it's legal for him to drink and he has a package he can experiment and figure out what he does and doesn't like.

[dreaminofcruisin]

6 hours ago, fluffybunny22 said:

Because our cruise is in Europe could this be why it's showing all 3 of us have the PBP? I don't think my son has ever had anything to drink so it isn't a super big deal but if it's legal for him to drink and he has a package he can experiment and figure out what he does and doesn't like.

I think you are correct....that is why it is showing this. My 'best guess" is he will get the PBP.

 

The terms on the things included seem to keep changing. I have one booked for February 2022 with DH and adult DS (28) and we opted for the "Free" PBP, WiFi and Tips. Ours also includes ALL passengers. DS is the 3rd one in our cabin and he also has the PBP. I see that if I was booking right now, the 3rd passenger would get the Soda etc package. I think I have seen this change about 3 times in the past year. Thanks for pointing it out though....it's a good idea to look closely when booking. 

My DS had his first beer when we were on a Baltic cruise and we stopped at a place in Germany where the legal age was 16 I think. 😀

[caribill]

15 hours ago, franktown said:

Only the first two passengers receive the Premium Drink Package.  The others receive the soda package.  Also minors (under 21) cannot receive the drink package.

 

I think with Princess+ that if you are paying that extra $40/day for the 3rd/4th person, that person also gets the Premium Drink package since it is included in the Princess+ pricing and that minors would have the non-alcohol package.

 

However, it has been posted in other threads that if a minor is a 3rd/4th passenger, you can get the Princess Savers rate for that person and it would not include gratuities, Internet or any drink package.

[kool kruiser]

13 hours ago, fluffybunny22 said:

Because our cruise is in Europe could this be why it's showing all 3 of us have the PBP? I don't think my son has ever had anything to drink so it isn't a super big deal but if it's legal for him to drink and he has a package he can experiment and figure out what he does and doesn't like.

My understanding is that Princess do indeed impose the 18 years of age threshold on European cruises, to tie in with the lower drinking age in most, if not all, European countries.

[capriccio]

5 hours ago, caribill said:

 

However, it has been posted in other threads that if a minor is a 3rd/4th passenger, you can get the Princess Savers rate for that person and it would not include gratuities, Internet or any drink package.

 

We recently booked a July 2022 cruise for the entire family (6 adults and 2 kids) and that was our experience.  We will pay the kids' gratuities separately and neither (7 1/2 and almost 3 at the time of the cruise) drink soda or use the internet.

Edited December 18, 2020 by capriccio

[PaperSniper4]

We'll have the Princess Plus fare on our next cruise which includes their Premium Beverage Package. Anyone know if one can order a "double" neat scotch using the package? We each expect to drink only two or three alcoholic beverages a day. We don't plan to drink in bars as we prefer to drink our pre-dinner drinks on our balcony. I figure I'll get a double scotch (or?) during the day as I go by the bar to stock a RumRummer I often take on ships for any excess I have if I've ordered a bottle onboard. That way I won't have to run down to a bar, then back to the cabin, just before dinner when we're getting dressed for the MDR.

 

Oh course, this all assumes we will be cruising in a year......😉

 

Doug

[skynight]

1 hour ago, PaperSniper4 said:

We'll have the Princess Plus fare on our next cruise which includes their Premium Beverage Package. Anyone know if one can order a "double" neat scotch using the package? .😉

 

Doug

Officially only one drink per person at a time. Some bartenders may allow a double, probably if you are sitting there. From the terms and conditions:

• Only one beverage is allowed per passenger per order (alcoholic or non-alcoholic).

Edited December 20, 2020 by skynight

[PaperSniper4]

1 hour ago, skynight said:

Officially only one drink per person at a time. Some bartenders may allow a double, probably if you are sitting there. From the terms and conditions:

• Only one beverage is allowed per passenger per order (alcoholic or non-alcoholic).

Thanks. I suppose it depends on if the bartender thinks a double is the same as two drinks, eh? If I am only getting something for myself, I could of course present both cards/medallions and ask for "two drinks, but put into one glass". 😉

Edited December 20, 2020 by PaperSniper4

[2 cruises a year]

On 11/26/2020 at 11:50 AM, 2 cruises a year said:

Past Performance Is No Guarantee of Future Results

That being said, my wife and I do put a dent into the limit on our drink package, but never come close to the limit.  Dollar for dollar, we break about even on the cost of drinks. So the bartenders do get to know us.  Plus, we do tip a little extra weekly.  We are retired and take one long cruise a year.  At the end of the night, I like to get what I call, and the bartenders quickly pick up on, my "balcony drink".  I order a double shot of a fine whisky, (Scotch usually, but maybe Bourbon, Tequila, Rum, whatever I'm in the mood for.  Sometimes even a beer, Grolsch usually) to take back to the stateroom and enjoy on the balcony as I watch the water go by before bed. And I may even ask the bartender for a recommendation.

I have NEVER, even on the first night had a problem getting a double.  "No" is not in the Princess vocabulary, you have to be really out of line to get a "No".

[Thrak]

12 hours ago, PaperSniper4 said:

We'll have the Princess Plus fare on our next cruise which includes their Premium Beverage Package. Anyone know if one can order a "double" neat scotch using the package?

 

I often drink Talisker 10 year old Scotch. My wife would never touch her lips to the stuff. She doesn't even like the smell. I have had zero problems getting doubles. I've had doubles on the package on maybe 4 cruises where the package was a perk. The bartenders know I'm not "sharing" drinks. They don't like to make two margaritas or martinis or things of that sort because those are items people order to "share" with others. When you are getting a double Scotch it all goes in one glass which is not likely to be a "shared" thing. When they give me a double they just chalk it up as two "chits" against my package. Bartenders are different but I've never had any issue with any of them serving me doubles when it's just straight liquor. The only issue I ever had was one person who put ice in my Scotch. Nope, nope, nope. Don't do that. I think it was the fault of a waiter rather than the bartender as it wasn't ordered directly from the bartender.

[2 cruises a year]

1 hour ago, Thrak said:

 

I often drink Talisker 10 year old Scotch. My wife would never touch her lips to the stuff. She doesn't even like the smell. I have had zero problems getting doubles. I've had doubles on the package on maybe 4 cruises where the package was a perk. The bartenders know I'm not "sharing" drinks. They don't like to make two margaritas or martinis or things of that sort because those are items people order to "share" with others. When you are getting a double Scotch it all goes in one glass which is not likely to be a "shared" thing. When they give me a double they just chalk it up as two "chits" against my package. Bartenders are different but I've never had any issue with any of them serving me doubles when it's just straight liquor. The only issue I ever had was one person who put ice in my Scotch. Nope, nope, nope. Don't do that. I think it was the fault of a waiter rather than the bartender as it wasn't ordered directly from the bartender.

That is a good point about sharing, and not sharing.  Just don't order your double Talisker 10 year old and 2 straws. 😉

[Thrak]

3 hours ago, 2 cruises a year said:

That is a good point about sharing, and not sharing.  Just don't order your double Talisker 10 year old and 2 straws. 😉

 

Ewwww.... Straws....</shudder>

 

Actually, if I had a frozen drink or something I have to use a straw. I have issues with frozen stuff and even with ice cubes. Yes, I am weird. Fortunately, I drink my Scotch neat. Ice is sometimes okay with Bourbon or Rye. Oddly, even though I love Rye, I've never tried the John Jacob Rye that Princess stocks. If we ever get to cruise again I really need to give it a try. On one cruise on Emerald Princess Wheelhouse had the expanded Whiskey Adventure selections. I don't know if Princess still has that or if they have changed the name but the bar had a lot of items that were well above the normal pricing. One thing they did have that they don't normally have and which does actually fit within the package pricing limits was Bulleit Rye. I'm quite familiar with that one (😊) and drank it a few times on that cruise. It was a 28 day cruise with 18 sea days - the last 8 days were all sea days - so there was plenty of time to sample the wares.

[2 cruises a year]

18 minutes ago, Thrak said:

 

Ewwww.... Straws....</shudder>

 

Actually, if I had a frozen drink or something I have to use a straw. I have issues with frozen stuff and even with ice cubes. Yes, I am weird. Fortunately, I drink my Scotch neat. Ice is sometimes okay with Bourbon or Rye. Oddly, even though I love Rye, I've never tried the John Jacob Rye that Princess stocks. If we ever get to cruise again I really need to give it a try. On one cruise on Emerald Princess Wheelhouse had the expanded Whiskey Adventure selections. I don't know if Princess still has that or if they have changed the name but the bar had a lot of items that were well above the normal pricing. One thing they did have that they don't normally have and which does actually fit within the package pricing limits was Bulleit Rye. I'm quite familiar with that one (😊) and drank it a few times on that cruise. It was a 28 day cruise with 18 sea days - the last 8 days were all sea days - so there was plenty of time to sample the wares.

You must have missed my sarcasm about the straws.  I guess that it was a weak play on the old romantic "milkshake and two straws" line, as in "sharing".  NO straws for me either.  If I have a frozen drink, I ask for a bar stir spoon to deal with the frozen.

I was born in the tropics, I like ice in everything, so just one or two cubes in my whisky.  Whisky, like fine wine is best served at room temperature.  Room temperature being a room in a  castle,  65 degrees.  For me, the John Jacob is okay.  I'll have it in a Manhattan, my 5:00 cocktail drink, but not neat. Yes, the Bulliet is good. 

I've had the whisky tastings in the Wheel House a couple of times.  Fun. I think that it depends on the bartender.  Both times the bartender was from the UK.

My wife and I like long cruises also.  Repositionings and trans-oceans.  We may have drank in different bars together. 

[PaperSniper4]

10 hours ago, Thrak said:

 

I often drink Talisker 10 year old Scotch. My wife would never touch her lips to the stuff. She doesn't even like the smell. I have had zero problems getting doubles. I've had doubles on the package on maybe 4 cruises where the package was a perk. The bartenders know I'm not "sharing" drinks. They don't like to make two margaritas or martinis or things of that sort because those are items people order to "share" with others. When you are getting a double Scotch it all goes in one glass which is not likely to be a "shared" thing. When they give me a double they just chalk it up as two "chits" against my package. Bartenders are different but I've never had any issue with any of them serving me doubles when it's just straight liquor. The only issue I ever had was one person who put ice in my Scotch. Nope, nope, nope. Don't do that. I think it was the fault of a waiter rather than the bartender as it wasn't ordered directly from the bartender.

Thanks, Thrak, as usual you are a world of cruising information!

 

My wife is the same with scotch/bourbon/martinis. She is a devoted wine drinker. She will have the occasionally margarita and some other "fancy-poo" drink. <g> Hopefully your experience with doubles and the bartenders will continue for both of us! Not a big thing if not, I will just have my wife's card/medallion along, and the second time they see what I am doing they will figure it's easier to put two shots in one glass. We will wine in the cabin, so she will rarely use the drink package.

 

BTW, I have not tried Talisker. That's in my notes for our next cruise; I will try that if it's available! Hopefully it will be. From what I just read at whiskeyreviewer.com it sounds like something I'd like. I'm a big fan of Oban, Glenlivet, and Macallan whiskies. I am normally a gin martini person, but on cruises I often switch to scotch, micro-bottles delivered to the cabin for convenience. But the thought of JWR makes me again think I might try smuggling some decent stuff on board!😲

 

Doug

[Ombud]

On 11/26/2020 at 10:39 PM, Thrak said:

Hoping our 26 day B2B2B Southern Australia/New Zealand/Tasmania in  early 2022 (with Princess Plus) will actually happen.

 

I love Tasmania! Port Arthur is my favorite stop of all time! If you're lucky enough to include it, I have a suggestion.  Once you get off the tender, walk right not left. I understand that everything seems to be to the left (buildings). But after walking about a mile or 2 along the coast to the right, I was surrounded by wildlife. Ran into a few animals that I'd never seen before and heard even more. They keep their distance but I could see them in the underbrush. It's incredibly safe, not even I could get lost. Walking out --- water to my right. Walking back  --- water to my left. 

[nogbert]

HI first time cruising with Princess ,the Princess plus is £35 /day x2 fine for me 

but the wife do's not drink is it worth getting the package ? ,also are there water fountains on board  ?or do we have to buy drinking water   thanks Chris  

[Tedferg]

Speaking of doubles, I had an interesting experience on Princess once. We did not have any beverage package and I went for a drink before dinner while DW finished getting ready. Not wanting the bulk of a beer before dinner I ordered a Scotch. The waiter asked if I wanted a Double. I said, 'No thanks I will be going in to dinner soon'. He said, 'Would you like a double for the price of a single', I had a moment's embarrassment thinking I might look cheap 🙂 but said 'Yes'. He ordered a Rob Roy but hold the Vermouth, so the bartender put an extra shot of Scotch to replace the Vermouth !

[jennybenny]

38 minutes ago, nogbert said:

HI first time cruising with Princess ,the Princess plus is £35 /day x2 fine for me 

but the wife do's not drink is it worth getting the package ? ,also are there water fountains on board  ?or do we have to buy drinking water   thanks Chris  

That includes gratuities, WIFI and drinks. Does your wife drink coffee? Coffee and fountain sodas are included, as well as small bottles of sparking water.   

[skynight]

53 minutes ago, nogbert said:

HI first time cruising with Princess ,the Princess plus is £35 /day x2 fine for me 

but the wife do's not drink is it worth getting the package ? ,also are there water fountains on board  ?or do we have to buy drinking water   thanks Chris  

Probably yes it is worth it to get the package. I'll give you the breakdown in US$, you will have to convert. The plus package is $40/pp/day which includes the daily hotel gratuity of around $15/pp/day. The gratuity varies by cabin category. This leaves the additional expense of $25/pp/day. Wifi is around $10/day if you require it or if you don't already receive it as a loyalty benefit. You may only require one wifi package. Two alcoholic drinks per day plus a few specialty coffees will cover the $25. Bottled water is included. No water fountains on board. You can also bring a water bottle and refill in your cabin. 

[Tedferg]

1 hour ago, nogbert said:

HI first time cruising with Princess ,the Princess plus is £35 /day x2 fine for me 

but the wife do's not drink is it worth getting the package ? ,also are there water fountains on board  ?or do we have to buy drinking water   thanks Chris  

Does your wife drink zero drinks ? Mine will have a fruity cocktail before dinner and a glass of wine with dinner, add in bottled water and specialty coffee and it makes the package worth it. Actually this was before Gratuities was include, so now it is a no brainer. Don't remember water fountains but with Neuro Virus etc. I would not use a fountain. Plus as someone else said, tap water on a ship is as pure as bottled water.

Edited January 25, 2021 by Tedferg

[capriccio]

5 minutes ago, jennybenny said:

That includes gratuities, WIFI and drinks. Does your wife drink coffee? Coffee and fountain sodas are included, as well as small bottles of sparking water.   

Mocktails (non alcoholic cocktails) are also included.