Premier Drink Ordering

[W283386]

I have always had the standard drink package in the past.  On my next cruise I have the Premium package.  When ordering a drink will the bartenders upgrade the quality of the liquor or do you have to ask for a certain brand?  Also, not being a big drinker, what would be the best rum or vodka for mixed or tropical drinks?   

[CaroleSS]

A true "connoisseur" would never get a top shelf liquor and mix it....the good stuff you sip straight. 🤪

 

I think the Premium package should be used to get the more expensive drinks, those with a higher alcohol content or those that come with a top shelf liquor (like Petron). It also affords you the opportunity to try some of the more expensive wines.

 

We've always upgraded and have never been disappointed! Enjoy!

[davekathy]

14 minutes ago, W283386 said:

I have always had the standard drink package in the past.  On my next cruise I have the Premium package.  When ordering a drink will the bartenders upgrade the quality of the liquor or do you have to ask for a certain brand?  Also, not being a big drinker, what would be the best rum or vodka for mixed or tropical drinks?   

Your Seapass card will have the code for the PBP on it. The servers and bartenders will know what brands to select from to make your drink or wine selections. 

Edited March 7, 2021 by davekathy

[Ozzmund]

The bartenders will not automatically use a better liquor. You will need to ask. 

Example, ask for Grey Goose or Tito's when you order a vodka drink.

[jelayne]

Who knows which brands will be on which package when cruising restarts.  But previously Tito’s was on the Classic package.  For vodka I prefer Christiana or Grey Goose.   For Rum drinks Barcardi 8 is a good choice.  I don’t drink whiskey so no recommendations.

 

Ozzmund is correct quite often if you don’t specify the brand of liquor then the bartenders use whatever is handy.  The Martini and  World Class bars are probably the exception as they primarily premium package brands.

[LGW59]

48 minutes ago, Ozzmund said:

The bartenders will not automatically use a better liquor. You will need to ask. 

Example, ask for Grey Goose or Tito's when you order a vodka drink.

Or at the start of the cruise, go to the bar(s) you think you will use regularly, hand them a $20, you will be well taken care of

[jelayne]

I’ve never  had to hand out $ before hand and have always had great service on Celebrity.   Which we recognize mid cruise and at the end of the cruise.  

[Mike981]

Just to be clear with the liquid pharmacists, call your drink with your preferred booze.

 

I have never felt the need to prepay a tip for better service. I often tip after receiving a drink ($1-$5), it is meant as a thank you.

[cruzzzinma]

When you order, just say you have the premium package. They will us the premium liquors.

[LGW59]

14 minutes ago, Mike981 said:

Just to be clear with the liquid pharmacists, call your drink with your preferred booze.

 

I have never felt the need to prepay a tip for better service. I often tip after receiving a drink ($1-$5), it is meant as a thank you.

whatever works for each of us, no right and no wrong, unless one is cheap and does not tip at all.

[Iamcruzin]

1 hour ago, CaroleSS said:

A true "connoisseur" would never get a top shelf liquor and mix it....the good stuff you sip straight. 🤪

 

Amen. No need for premium liquor in an umbrella drink. 

[Mike981]

28 minutes ago, LGW59 said:

whatever works for each of us, no right and no wrong, unless one is cheap and does not tip at all.

Truer words could not have been spoken. I wish you only wonderful travel memories.

[keesar]

6 hours ago, W283386 said:

I have always had the standard drink package in the past.  On my next cruise I have the Premium package.  When ordering a drink will the bartenders upgrade the quality of the liquor or do you have to ask for a certain brand?  Also, not being a big drinker, what would be the best rum or vodka for mixed or tropical drinks?   

 

If you do not specify which particular liquor you wish, they will make the drink with whatever is handy.  I personally cannot tell the difference in. a mixed drink.  The main advantage of the Premium Package for me is ordering more expensive beers and wines.   You will also have more choices and won't incur the up charge. The Premium Package will get you branded waters i.e. Evian.

 

There is no need to tip in advance as I have found service to be outstanding.  You can always show your appreciation at the end of the cruise if you choose to do so.  

[Ommadawn]

8 hours ago, Ozzmund said:

The bartenders will not automatically use a better liquor. You will need to ask. 

Example, ask for Grey Goose or Tito's when you order a vodka drink.

Or Russian Standard. :)

[Manchester is blue]

8 hours ago, LGW59 said:

whatever works for each of us, no right and no wrong, unless one is cheap and does not tip at all.

There are people from around the world for whom tipping may be considered rude and offensive. A good example of this would be in Japan. If you were to offer a tip there you would be considered flash and perhaps big headed, as though flaunting your wealth. It is likely your tip would be returned and the server offended by you.

It is quite simply not correct to suggest people that do not offer tips, as might be customary for you, as “ cheap”.

In my own local pub here in England, if I were to offer up a £5 tip each time I was served a pint, I think I would be considered stupid.

Edited March 7, 2021 by Manchester is blue
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[emmas gran]

5 minutes ago, Manchester is blue said:

There are people from around the world for whom tipping may be considered rude and offensive. A good example of this would be in Japan. If you were to offer a tip there you would be considered flash and perhaps big headed, as though flaunting your wealth. It is likely your tip would be returned and the server offended by you.

It is quite simply not correct to suggest people that do not offer tips, as might be customary for you, as “ cheap”.

In my own local pub here in England, if I were to offer up a £5 tip each time I was served a pint, I think I would be considered stupid.

Please this about alcohol not tipping 

[Manchester is blue]

I’m thinking about a response that was made within this thread. I can rather think perfectly well without being told what to think thank you.

Edited March 7, 2021 by Manchester is blue

[highway180]

9 hours ago, LGW59 said:

Or at the start of the cruise, go to the bar(s) you think you will use regularly, hand them a $20, you will be well taken care of

Works every time!, Especially if you enjoy a certain beer / wine that may or may not be on the premium package. Not all bars carry the same drinks, so sometimes a little encouragement for them to make your favorite available is a nice touch. I do the same in Blu, and the sommellier always has a bottle of my favorite wine handy, and rarely lets the glass go empty.

[CILCIANRQTS]

1 hour ago, highway180 said:

Works every time!, Especially if you enjoy a certain beer / wine that may or may not be on the premium package. Not all bars carry the same drinks, so sometimes a little encouragement for them to make your favorite available is a nice touch. I do the same in Blu, and the sommellier always has a bottle of my favorite wine handy, and rarely lets the glass go empty.

 

Agree!

I’m a bourbon drinker, and with a tip up front I get the best bourbon on the ship, the bottle tucked away at the bottom of my preferred bar, regardless of what drink package I have.

And yes, there is no “need” to tip up front...🥃

[Grandma7]

If you have  the basic  package and then order a more expensive drink, do you pay the difference  or or have to pay the full price?

[CaroleSS]

29 minutes ago, Grandma7 said:

If you have  the basic  package and then order a more expensive drink, do you pay the difference  or or have to pay the full price?

You only have to pay the difference between the two.

 

just an FYI, there is an automatic 20% gratuity added to your drink package, 

[PTC DAWG]

11 hours ago, Iamcruzin said:

Amen. No need for premium liquor in an umbrella drink. 

Your head will tell you a different story the next morning, NEVER drink cheap booze.  :)

[PTC DAWG]

3 hours ago, Manchester is blue said:

There are people from around the world for whom tipping may be considered rude and offensive. A good example of this would be in Japan. If you were to offer a tip there you would be considered flash and perhaps big headed, as though flaunting your wealth. It is likely your tip would be returned and the server offended by you.

It is quite simply not correct to suggest people that do not offer tips, as might be customary for you, as “ cheap”.

In my own local pub here in England, if I were to offer up a £5 tip each time I was served a pint, I think I would be considered stupid.

We aren’t talking about traveling to Japan....

[Iamcruzin]

Just now, PTC DAWG said:

Your head will tell you a different story the next morning, NEVER drink cheap booze.  🙂

Or never drink umbrella drinks.  I made a mistake once and ordered a Vodka Martini.  They must have used rubbing alcohol. I took one sip and sent it back and ordered Grey Goose. I had the premium plan.  

[Manchester is blue]

4 hours ago, emmas gran said:

Please this about alcohol not tipping 

 

1 hour ago, PTC DAWG said:

We aren’t talking about traveling to Japan....

I never said that we were .