HIA Elite beverage package question

[Shmoo here]

I've tried to look this up, but I can't find the answer.

 

We have HIA on our cruise, Elite beverage package.  Are gratuities included in that?  Or do we tip when we order a drink?

 

 

[seaoma]

Gratuities are included-18%

[Moriah]

Yes, you are not charged gratuities on your drinks when you have a drink package.

[Shmoo here]

36 minutes ago, seaoma said:

Gratuities are included-18%

 

33 minutes ago, Moriah said:

Yes, you are not charged gratuities on your drinks when you have a drink package.

OK, brain challenged me doesn't understand.

 

With the Elite package drinks up to $15 are covered.  Does that $15 dollars include gratuity?  So that the drink really has to be, like, $13 plus a couple of dollars for gratuity = $15?

 

 

[CruiserBruce]

3 minutes ago, Shmoo here said:

 

OK, brain challenged me doesn't understand.

 

With the Elite package drinks up to $15 are covered.  Does that $15 dollars include gratuity?  So that the drink really has to be, like, $13 plus a couple of dollars for gratuity = $15?

 

 

If you bought a $15 drink, the tip would be above the $15, and it would be covered. In other words, the drink plan includes tips, for any drink whose list price is $15.

[Shmoo here]

8 minutes ago, CruiserBruce said:

If you bought a $15 drink, the tip would be above the $15, and it would be covered. In other words, the drink plan includes tips, for any drink whose list price is $15.

Thank you!  It's the first time we've been able to book a cruise with included packages and I'm still figuring things out.

[Moriah]

1 minute ago, Shmoo here said:

Thank you!  It's the first time we've been able to book a cruise with included packages and I'm still figuring things out.

 

Ya, it's quite confusing.  But having a package really is freeing.  All you have to know is you can have up to 15 drinks, and "gratuities included" means you just don't have to pay the gratuity.  Hopefully the bar staff is actually getting the 18% that they would if you were paying individually for the drinks...

[PalmSprings]

1 hour ago, Shmoo here said:

We have HIA on our cruise, Elite beverage package.  Are gratuities included in that?  Or do we tip when we order a drink?

Often, you will be presented with a printed receipt showing your “purchase” paid by the package.  It will have a line where you can add on any additional gratuity, if you so choose.

 

We often add a small tip for the bartenders or servers on top of the 18% tip pool surcharge.  It’s an easy way to show appreciation for their hard work and friendliness.

[seaoma]

1 hour ago, Shmoo here said:

Thank you!  It's the first time we've been able to book a cruise with included packages and I'm still figuring things out.

 

The drink plans are freeing if you know the value for your drinking habits. We don't have to worry about Happy Hours and we can get good coffee and water without thinking about it. 

 

If you desire a drink that is over the allotted $15 cost of drinks in the Elite package, you will only pay the difference in price but they will add the 18% gratuity to that overage. Example: your drink is $18. You will pay $3 plus 18% for that particular drink.

[POA1]

Look at the menu price. If it's $15 or less, it's covered and the gratuity is covered. If you want something more expensive, you pay the difference plus 18% gratuity on the difference only.