Outrageous Cost of Alcohol Package

[doppelganger2621]

3 minutes ago, Jimbo said:

That is very close to Southport, as far as North we went was Oak Island. We also checked out Surf City which is north of Wilmington which was nice too.

You were close to Myrtle Beach , we stayed a Myrtle Beach too for a week in the fall last year.

When I was growing up we always went to Myrtle but my family I have now—we’re just beach bums than don’t really need all the hustle and bustle of Myrtle. Ocean Isle is perfect—obviously similar to Myrtle in climate and everything, but great, quiet beach. Much less crowded. Everything you need is a five minute drive over the bridge and don’t have to spend your evening waiting in traffic or lines.
 

We usually do one night “out” and go to Wilmington instead. I always say Ocean Isle is for “reformed” Myrtle Beach goers haha

Edited May 29, 2022 by doppelganger2621

[Jimbo]

27 minutes ago, Jimbo said:

That is very close to Southport, as far as North we went was Oak Island. We also checked out Surf City which is north of Wilmington which was nice too.

You were close to Myrtle Beach , we stayed a Myrtle Beach too for a week in the fall last year.

Meant as far south as we went was Oak Island.

[Biker19]

33 minutes ago, goldfish65 said:

 

Is there any difference in service depending on if you have the drink package or not?

 

 

Don’t think so. 

[Jimbo]

26 minutes ago, doppelganger2621 said:

When I was growing up we always went to Myrtle but my family I have now—we’re just beach bums than don’t really need all the hustle and bustle of Myrtle. Ocean Isle is perfect—obviously similar to Myrtle in climate and everything, but great, quiet beach. Much less crowded. Everything you need is a five minute drive over the bridge and don’t have to spend your evening waiting in traffic or lines.
 

We usually do one night “out” and go to Wilmington instead. I always say Ocean Isle is for “reformed” Myrtle Beach goers haha

Yes, we didn't like the hustle and bustle of Myrtle Beach either and that was the fall, Can't imagine how congested it gets in the summer. Ocean Isle might be worth a  a check. We are looking to settle down eventually to a smaller house. Ocean Isle might be just the ticket, it would be close to my Brother-in law and Sister-in-Law who bought a condo just south of Myrtle Beach.

 

Thanks for the Info.

[S.A.M.J.R.]

3 hours ago, baelor said:

I am not so sure.  I imagine that at least some people have experience with all-inclusives.  Most of them have waited service in all outdoor areas.  A lot of patrons order about a drink an hour for most of the day and are completely fine.  Add in meals, coffee, etc., the package would more than pay for itself after half a day, let alone a whole day.

 

I am not so sure why people on this forum are so small-minded sometimes.  Unless you have actual statistical evidence about how people think and make decisions about X, it is really fallacious to make definitive claims about how others behave. 

 

You personally don't drink OJ at home, or you cannot imagine yourself having more than three cocktails a day?  Good for you; go have a cookie about it.  But that really has no bearing on what the thousands of other cruisers do or how they decide to vacation.  I know it is shocking, but people have *gasp* different preferences and priorities. 

Funny.  I get the same feeling from the "pro drink plan people".  Any question about "is it worth it?" and they come out of the woodwork with "Yes!  Definitely get it!" without finding out how much the questioner would actually take advantage of it. 

 

So the drink package works for you?  Good for you; go have a cookie about it.  

 

Personally, I don't want or need an alcoholic drink every hour.  One time I got the package, and I drank more than what I normally would have to make sure I got my money's worth.   The last couple days it was a struggle.  Sure, you can get coffee, juice, water, etc, but you can get that with the refreshment package also... a LOT cheaper.  So that's what we're doing, and I'll add in the alcohol a la carte.  

 

 

[brillohead]

8 minutes ago, S.A.M.J.R. said:

Funny.  I get the same feeling from the "pro drink plan people".  Any question about "is it worth it?" and they come out of the woodwork with "Yes!  Definitely get it!" without finding out how much the questioner would actually take advantage of it. 

Exactly.  It works for some people, it doesn't work for others.  JUST LIKE EVERY OTHER ASPECT OF CRUISING!

Some people will only cruise in a balcony room or a suite, others are totally fine with an inside.  Some don't care about the room at all, as long as they get to cruise. 

Some people will only cruise on a small ship, others will only cruise on a big ship.  Some don't care about the ship at all, as long as they get to cruise. 

Some people will only cruise in a warm climate, others will only cruise in a cooler climate. Some don't care about the weather at all, as long as they get to cruise. 

Some people will only eat in the MDR, others will only eat in specialty restaurants, still others will only eat in the buffet.  Some don't care about the food at all, as long as they get to cruise. 

Some people unplug from the outside world on a cruise, others are connected via Voom at all times, still others only check in with occasional free wifi on a port day here and there.  
 

Even before I got my free D/D+ drinks, I never got the booze package, and I only rarely got the refreshment package (if there was a super cheap Black Friday deal) -- normally, I was fine with just the soda package.  Now that I get my five free D+ drinks, I wouldn't even consider getting even the refreshment package no matter how cheap it was (well, maybe if it was cheaper than the soda package).  But I have friends who are Pinnacle who still get the booze package, because even with their six free CAS drinks, they still drink enough on vacation that the package makes good financial sense to them.  

 

 

There is no one answer/situation that works for everyone.  The beauty of cruising is that you can choose the experience that works for you, and the people next door can choose the experience that works for them. 

 

I don't understand why so many people seem to feel the need to get judgmental over which experiences other people choose or don't choose.  Someone wearing shorts in the MDR doesn't change the way my food tastes.  Someone surfing through Facebook or Instagram or whatever doesn't change the temperature of the water in the pool or hot tub.  Someone drinking DBP cocktails or someone drinking cocktails they paid for individually or someone drinking free CAS cocktails or someone drinking a free iced tea doesn't change the way the drink in my glass tastes.  

 

 

[BND]

1 hour ago, neverlaysup said:

 

Celebrity might be the best value for those looking for the all inclusive experience.

 

Nope.  We had booked Celebrity 7 night Bermuda and switched to RCI 6 night Bermuda.  It was a LOT cheaper.  Summit we had a aqua suite which isn't really a suite.  On EN we have a JS.  Even losing our deposit, it was a lot cheaper on RCI plus we go out of Baltimore which is about an hour from our house.  Summit would require train and hotel plus transportation to the port.  You pay for those "all included" on Celebrity.  

Edited May 29, 2022 by BND

[lionheart]

On 5/28/2022 at 2:03 PM, 70SS350 said:

The price of everything is up. Not shocking.

Exactly inflation started last year to be noticeable and this year even worse 

who would had through trillions of dollars would cause inflation coupled with supply chain issues and red tape…

[VaTech8912]

On 5/28/2022 at 7:38 PM, BND said:

Those were usually offered the last few days of the cruise as an incentive to sell more alcohol.

Correct, normally on Wednesday of a cruise ending Sunday.  Worked great for us and many others

 

[Jimbo]

1 hour ago, brillohead said:

But I have friends who are Pinnacle who still get the booze package, because even with their six free CAS drinks, they still drink enough on vacation that the package makes good financial sense to them.  

 

 

 

Wow,  6 free drinks plus DBP ( All those drinks per day)...........Think they might be better off just setting up camp at their local bar at home or enjoying your favorite Beverages in your back yard.

 

Sure would save some money $$$$ and no Covid test needed to boot.

[brillohead]

37 minutes ago, Jimbo said:

Wow,  6 free drinks plus DBP ( All those drinks per day)...........Think they might be better off just setting up camp at their local bar at home or enjoying your favorite Beverages in your back yard.

 

Sure would save some money $$$$ and no Covid test needed to boot.

Everyone is allowed to vacation how they want.  Not the way I want to spend my money, but it works for them.

[Cruising89143]

Seems pretty simple. If the cost is too high then don’t buy it. It’s a choice. We happen to have it booked on our next four RCI cruises. Obviously it’s not for everyone. We like it. To each their own. 
 

[Cruising89143]

4 hours ago, neverlaysup said:

 

Celebrity might be the best value for those looking for the all inclusive experience.

 

We enjoy the Celebrity AI package. We’re at the stage where we book suites. RCI lacks here unless you’re on a newer ship such as the Oasis or Quantum class to book Star class. I have checked my price on X versus RCI and on RCI when I add in the deluxe drink package, gratuities, internet, OBC that is included on X the prices that we receive on X are very close. At times X has been less expensive plus you get a dedicated suite dining room, lounge and a butler. We’re cruising RCI now due to the NV being placed on the west coast plus Casino Royale is sending offers almost weekly for this ship. Hard to pass up. Bottom line, book what you want or fits your wallet. No right or wrong answer. 

[baelor]

3 hours ago, S.A.M.J.R. said:

Funny.  I get the same feeling from the "pro drink plan people".  Any question about "is it worth it?" and they come out of the woodwork with "Yes!  Definitely get it!" without finding out how much the questioner would actually take advantage of it. 

Go ahead and quote those posts.  My post--and my comments--were directed at the users in this thread.  Read the OP one more time.  Then read my initial response, which expressly said that it is an individual decisions.  Guess who didn't?  The OP.

 

I could be wrong, but my anecdotal experience on this forum is that the presumptuousness and closed-mindedness are almost exclusively in one direction:  against getting the packages.  If you have proverbial receipts to the contrary, feel free to present.  My case starts with this very thread

[Pandamonia]

9 hours ago, Biker19 said:

Don’t think so. 

Yes there is.

 

Drinks packages have resulted in less bar staff, slow motion drink delivery in the MDR and half arsed drinks being made in some bars. 

 

Put it this way. If I paid 15$ for some of the drinks I got as part of my package id send it back. 

 

As soon as something becomes "free" in the barmans eyes then it gets treated pretty much like he's passing a can of coke out the fridge. 

 

Only exception might be the champagne bar which seem to care about quality. 

[Biker19]

1 hour ago, Pandamonia said:

Drinks packages have resulted in less bar staff, slow motion drink delivery in the MDR and half arsed drinks being made in some bars. 

One could have said that years before COVID when the drink package came out.  
 

Biker, who wonders if bartenders have drink package detectors as a customer walks up to the bar. 

[vjmatty]

7 hours ago, baelor said:

Go ahead and quote those posts.  My post--and my comments--were directed at the users in this thread.  Read the OP one more time.  Then read my initial response, which expressly said that it is an individual decisions.  Guess who didn't?  The OP.

 

I could be wrong, but my anecdotal experience on this forum is that the presumptuousness and closed-mindedness are almost exclusively in one direction:  against getting the packages.  If you have proverbial receipts to the contrary, feel free to present.  My case starts with this very thread

 

There is a difference between simply shooting down the DBP package for being expensive and being helpful by offering alternative suggestions, such as OBC which at the end can be refunded if not used, (unlike packages) or taking advantage of other cheaper, legal, non-smuggling ways to avoid the cost of the DBP.  That is what this website is for, giving people answers, advice, suggestions, etc.

 

I also don't think there is anything wrong with letting people know it is ok not to buy the package if they find it expensive.  That is why most people come here and say they won't buy it.  The higher the price goes, the more people are on the fence.  It's ok to help people get off the fence in one direction or the other.  Why begrudge only those recommending against it?  The website is called Cruise Critic for a reason.  Maybe the site should just disallow topics about the DBP since people are so sensitive to criticism of it, or take a "five-star reviews only" approach.  I think it is easier to just let members scroll on if they don't like a topic, but apparently that's just me.

[Pandamonia]

29 minutes ago, Biker19 said:

One could have said that years before COVID when the drink package came out.  
 

Biker, who wonders if bartenders have drink package detectors as a customer walks up to the bar. 

 

This is likely true but some voyages in Europe the drinks packages used to be included in the room price as all inclusive deals. Especially out of Southampton. So you didnt need to try and work out who was on the package, the staff would also remember quite quickly on other cruises if you had the package.

 

People need to remember that on a ship full of packages there are some people paying 72 USD to eat in Chops and others have Ultimate dining for much less per meal. Sometimes it feels like the meal wasnt worth the 20$ package value and id be kicking off if they wanted 72$ for it. 

 

Quite honestly Royals ships have become price it high stack em higher and give em what ever we can get away with business models. They are literally the Mcdonalds of cruise ships now and somehow the MDR puts out food less edible than a stepped on double cheese burger. 

[Biker19]

2 minutes ago, Pandamonia said:

id be kicking off if they wanted 72$ for it. 

Kicking off about what? That is the sticker price - pay it or don't buy the product.

 

Biker, who wonders how much the bean counters at RCI are liking the numbers.

[vjmatty]

1 hour ago, Biker19 said:

Kicking off about what? That is the sticker price - pay it or don't buy the product.

 

Biker, who wonders how much the bean counters at RCI are liking the numbers.

Kicking off about how much it cost AFTER having experienced the quality being mediocre, based on his post saying it wasn't worth $20.  The problem isn't just the price in a vacuum, it's not knowing if the quality is worth it. He is saying that looking back after seeing what the $72 would have actually paid for in that instance, he would not have been happy. There is no way to know that in advance, so "pay it or don't buy the product" is empty advice if the product ends up not being up to par.  Maybe you haven't experienced thoughts of "glad I didn't pay full price" when you've had a less than optimum experience....but many of us have. 
 

I don't mind a high price if I'm getting an experience that I find to be worth the money.  For example,  I don't remember what I paid to eat at the Jules Verne in the Eiffel Tower, but I do recall it was 2008 and the exchange rates were horrible against dollar. It is still an experience I will never forget and don't regret for a minute. Reasonable minds may differ. 

Edited May 30, 2022 by vjmatty
Autocorrect issues

[poocher]

21 hours ago, Booking It said:

We finally bit the bullet and paid $72/pp for my solo and cruise with the hubby. I watched every single day for it to at least go back to the $65/pp when we first booked, but no dice. It still works out well for us, as I drink at least 3 freshly squeezed orange juices each day, more Cokes than I care to admit, 7-8 bottled waters, speciality tea, and lots of cocktails. 
 

On our last cruise, his bar bill alone showed 133 drinks, sooo…. 🤣.

OMG our account showed 156 drinks for a week…..

 

for FOUR of us!

[BND]

21 hours ago, Booking It said:

We finally bit the bullet and paid $72/pp for my solo and cruise with the hubby. I watched every single day for it to at least go back to the $65/pp when we first booked, but no dice. It still works out well for us, as I drink at least 3 freshly squeezed orange juices each day, more Cokes than I care to admit, 7-8 bottled waters, speciality tea, and lots of cocktails. 
 

On our last cruise, his bar bill alone showed 133 drinks, sooo…. 🤣.

For a one week cruise that's 19 drinks a day, even if they're not all alcohol, that is a ton of liquid and if it's not water that's a huge amount of liquid calories.   

[vjmatty]

3 minutes ago, BND said:

For a one week cruise that's 19 drinks a day, even if they're not all alcohol, that is a ton of liquid and if it's not water that's a huge amount of liquid calories.   

I for one am impressed with the capacity and control of some people's bladders when reading these numbers.

[S.A.M.J.R.]

10 hours ago, baelor said:

Go ahead and quote those posts.  My post--and my comments--were directed at the users in this thread.  Read the OP one more time.  Then read my initial response, which expressly said that it is an individual decisions.  Guess who didn't?  The OP.

 

I could be wrong, but my anecdotal experience on this forum is that the presumptuousness and closed-mindedness are almost exclusively in one direction:  against getting the packages.  If you have proverbial receipts to the contrary, feel free to present.  My case starts with this very thread

Your anecdotal experience?  Of all of 6 weeks?  And why is YOUR "anecdotal experience" any more valid than mine?   I'll admit, as the drink packages have started to rise in price, many more people are either "on the fence" or deciding to forgo it.  But since I've been reading here (over a decade), many people have come out and said "just get the package".  So that's MY impression over the years.   

 

Personally, I found your post calling people "small minded" rude and insulting, and it read as you thought that because they disagreed with you.  If someone wants to get the drink package, not one person on here is saying they shouldn't.  They are saying it might not be worth it to THEM, but how is that any different than saying it is worth it to them?

 

[Tlbecker1]

On 5/28/2022 at 9:37 PM, little britain said:

I’m D+ and I rarely get through my 5 drinks a day ( and often take 2 out of the 3 bottles of wine home with me) so I wouldn’t even contemplate buying a drinks package 

We are D+ and also have a hard time getting close to the 5 drinks a day, especially when you get off the ship with long port times. 🙂