Drink Package Questions - Explorer OTS

With the Black Friday style package for drinks and internet on a limited time offering I am in a bit of a panic, lol.

With cocktails and soft drinks and juices and a coffee or two I can make this work for me.

So my questions are more of a practical nature.

The soda cup I have to carry around just in case I feel like a cola drink is a pain.

Question: Can I order a coke and ice in a tall glass at the bar, with a drink package or MUST I get a straight soft drink / iced soft drink at the soda fountain and with the special soda cup with the micro chip in the base of it?

Question: I like a strong drink sometimes. Sure, a cocktail solves that problem. But what if I want to order a double or triple of something. Allowable? Thinking gin here while watching a movie :D.

Question: As the night wears on I am looking to tomorrow. So I like to mix things up and punctuate the alcohol with coke zero / sprite zero. Can I order, say, a tequila sunrise AND a coke zero at the bar? Or must I drag my tired old carcass to the bar individually each time?

Question: A little off topic: Do they have bar snacks like nuts? (Edit: Um in Australia there an old tradition in pubs and bars is for the barman / bar lady to put a small bowl of beer nuts or the like in front of a patron sitting at the bar. More so if a regular or likely to stay a while. These snacks are COMPLIMENTARY. In some establishments, especially more upmarket "RSL Clubs", they will even have warm spring rolls and such brought around to gamblers or people who are obviously there for a while. I know I can walk away from the bar on the ship to get a snack, just wondering if anything will be placed in front of me)

Appreciate any help with these questions. Thanks.

With the Black Friday style package for drinks and internet on a limited time offering I am in a bit of a panic, lol.

 

With cocktails and soft drinks and juices and a coffee or two I can make this work for me.

 

So my questions are more of a practical nature.

 

The soda cup I have to carry around just in case I feel like a cola drink is a pain.

 

Question: Can I order a coke and ice in a tall glass at the bar, with a drink package or MUST I get a straight soft drink / iced soft drink at the soda fountain and with the special soda cup with the micro chip in the base of it?

 

Question: I like a strong drink sometimes. Sure, a cocktail solves that problem. But what if I want to order a double or triple of something. Allowable? Thinking gin here while watching a movie :D.

 

Question: As the night wears on I am looking to tomorrow. So I like to mix things up and punctuate the alcohol with coke zero / sprite zero. Can I order, say, a tequila sunrise AND a coke zero at the bar? Or must I drag my tired old carcass to the bar individually each time?

 

Question: A little off topic: Do they have bar snacks like nuts?

 

Appreciate any help with these questions. Thanks.

You don't have to use the silly cup to get a soda. They will give you one in a glass with ice.

Find a friendly bartender and tip him or her. Your drinks will be stronger. Technically, doubles or triples are not available with the package.

The same would apply to ordering a cocktail and a soda at the same time. Perhaps you can wait a bit before ordering an additional beverage.

Sometimes they have a cracker/pretzel/nut mix at indoor bars. We've seen it mostly at Schooner Bar. You can ask.

:)

Well I am on a cruise so will have time on my hands. I think I must technically wait 5 minutes. Heck I think I can spare five minutes of my life. Horror of horrors I might talk to the bar staff or make a friend. :D

As you say a fat tip (at the outset so I'll be remembered!) could work but I tend to roam around and do things on a whim. But I don't know the Explorer. I might find that one bar I really like!

In other places I have noticed the bar staff pour a measure and when the measure cup is full tip it into my glass but... the bottle is still pouring.... so I get what you mean.

That soda cup will go straight into my bag as a souvenir to take home. Glad to hear I can order coke/Sprite/Fanta from the bar.

Yeah... I have already researched that the soda fountain has a big variety. No way could a bar have the same range. And I assume the fountains are 24/7 too. But I also assume the fountains are in the buffet area. I don't plan to eat much at the buffet.

If you want a soda like Fanta, you will have to use the fancy machine and the cup with the chip. I don't know where they are on Explorer, or if the ship even has them. My reply only applied to basic sodas, which are available at the bars. :)

Well I am on a cruise so will have time on my hands. I think I must technically wait 5 minutes. Heck I think I can spare five minutes of my life. Horror of horrors I might talk to the bar staff or make a friend. :D

 

As you say a fat tip (at the outset so I'll be remembered!) could work but I tend to roam around and do things on a whim. But I don't know the Explorer. I might find that one bar I really like!

 

In other places I have noticed the bar staff pour a measure and when the measure cup is full tip it into my glass but... the bottle is still pouring.... so I get what you mean.

 

That soda cup will go straight into my bag as a souvenir to take home. Glad to hear I can order coke/Sprite/Fanta from the bar.

 

Yeah... I have already researched that the soda fountain has a big variety. No way could a bar have the same range. And I assume the fountains are 24/7 too. But I also assume the fountains are in the buffet area. I don't plan to eat much at the buffet.

Although you CAN get soda at the bar, they will only have fountain sodas, or soda *from the gun*. That is just coke, Diet Coke, sprite, club soda & sometimes ginger ale.

For anything else you will need to use your cup at the freestyle machine.

I am quite okay with a limited range. Same in my home city, at a bar the "from the gun" option will have just normal coke, sprite, orange drink and a lemon drink. If I can get diet coke on the ship (gotta watch the weight!) then that's a great bonus.

What is the sale right now for drink packages? Are dining packages on sale as well?

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Sale is the alcohol plus Streaming Voom.

We love the internet so streaming package will give acceptable speed. The only reason I haven't jumped at this is the age old dilemma - can I get my dollar value for the drinks package.

At my age sustaining heavy alcohol consumption for a longish cruise is hard. I just now found that I can get drip filter decaff coffee at the Windjammer and maybe elsewhere. I only drink decaff coffee. So right now as I type this I am thinking I won't get good value. Decaff drip filter coffee is free.

Yeah I know. Drip filter. Us Aussies are used to much better than that (espresso machines are everywhere in my country). But I know drip filter and it is okay. When not paying extra for it then it starts to taste better!!!

Heck this is becoming really tough to call.

I really do love a nice cocktail. And as advised previously, bar staff can help out with the size of the measures...

There are FOUR people in my group I have to pay for as well...

Curse this darned Black Friday promotion.

Hi,

Would you mind telling me where I can get the discounted prices for the drinks and wifi packages. I have just looked at my Cruise planner, and I seem to still be getting the non-sale prices for wifi.

Thanks

Hi,

 

Would you mind telling me where I can get the discounted prices for the drinks and wifi packages. I have just looked at my Cruise planner, and I seem to still be getting the non-sale prices for wifi.

 

Thanks

Welcome to Cruise Critic! Unfortunately, the only place that discounted prices MAY show up is in your Cruise Planner. The only thing I can suggest is to keep checking periodically.

Thanks for that. Just saw that the deluxe package is on sale ($66AUD) although assume this will include the tips as well. There is no sale for the other drinks packages or wifi being on sale. Ohh well, I guess I will just have to keep watching.

Well I slept on it.

I decided that... the STREAMING package bundled with the Black Friday offer was excessive for my needs. I will wait a little longer for the return of the tiered speed internet offers. The next slower package was heaps cheaper. Hopefully not discontinued.

Likewise the top level drinks package in the bundle. Yes, I know that they only have one level now. But with drink cards likely on offer, nightly discounted standard cocktails and the fact my favourite coffee is free anyway AND the fact that One of the beers they stock is appealing to my taste and medical restrictions (Corona) AND the fact that a soda at the bar is only about USD $2 then I think I'll pass up the package.

Plus I suspect the boarding day counts as one of the days. I'll be too busy with the family exploring the new ship / unpacking / etc to be bothered drinking on the first day / night. Port days a bit iffy too.

Can anyone help me. I'm trying to decide if drink package is worth it to me. I've never cruised before and trying to find out a general idea of how much a Sosa is, a beer and a cocktail? Individual prices so I can try to figure out how much I'll drink.

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I haven't sailed on RC before. I have tried to diligently research.

My best estimate is soda $2, beer $8-$9 and cocktails around $12. Special non-Starbucks coffee is $3-$4.50.

Factor in that a variety of drip filter coffee and styles of tea are always free. Some basic sodas are always free. A fruit drink will be available for free at breakfast. Lemon squash is always free. Water is always free. "House" lemonade always free.

The package makes allowances for wine being more expensive per glass than (I think) $12 and you need to factor in the bottle discount but be mindful that the bottle is only for you so don't share it in the MDR. A whole bottle of flat champagne for you...

Thank you so much :)

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Well I slept on it.

 

I decided that... the STREAMING package bundled with the Black Friday offer was excessive for my needs. I will wait a little longer for the return of the tiered speed internet offers. The next slower package was heaps cheaper. Hopefully not discontinued.

 

Likewise the top level drinks package in the bundle. Yes, I know that they only have one level now. But with drink cards likely on offer, nightly discounted standard cocktails and the fact my favourite coffee is free anyway AND the fact that One of the beers they stock is appealing to my taste and medical restrictions (Corona) AND the fact that a soda at the bar is only about USD $2 then I think I'll pass up the package.

 

Plus I suspect the boarding day counts as one of the days. I'll be too busy with the family exploring the new ship / unpacking / etc to be bothered drinking on the first day / night. Port days a bit iffy too.

If you are unsure if another better deal Comes up, you coud always purchase now and then cancel when another (better) deal Comes up. Cruise planner purchases are usually fully refundable if cancelled. I´m not 100% sure if it´s the same in Australia, but think it is. So look into it and if desired buy the Internet now to lock in the deal and if the other one Comes up again yo cancel and re-book.

The package makes allowances for wine being more expensive per glass than (I think) $12 and you need to factor in the bottle discount but be mindful that the bottle is only for you so don't share it in the MDR. A whole bottle of flat champagne for you...

You can share any bottle of wine you buy in the MDR.

We are on Explorer now and have the drink package. Different bartenders do impose different rules/guidelines. For example, a bartender in Windjammer told us we could order two drinks per person at a time, while a stickler at the pool bar said he needed to "see" both people if one went to the bar with two sea pass cards to order one drink each.

On our sailing, my husband was able to get a double at The Tavern. We have found the bartenders in Dizzy's Lounge make very strong drinks, including a great dirty martini and caipirinha.

The package includes bottled water, which has been very helpful when in port.

Many of the mixed cocktails and frozen drinks are in the $11-12.00 range. A drink of the day is available for $8.50 and there is a one hour period each sea day when $2 mimosas are available in the casino - two drinks maximum posted.

The pub has peanuts for snacks.

Are they still offering drink packages mid week? We tend to not drink much on embarkation day as it's a half day and busy getting settled in. Day 2 and 3 we are usually drinking the wine we brought on board. By Day 4 we will also be done with 2 of our 3 ports so purchasing the package mid wk might work for us. I know this was offered on our last cruise, but that has been some time ago. If so, does anyone remember the price?

You can share any bottle of wine you buy in the MDR.

I had no idea. And on the drink package. This changes things somewhat as we will be in the MDR every night except on occasions when in a specialty restaurant. I realise it is only a percent discount and not the full cost of the bottle.

The package includes bottled water, which has been very helpful when in port.

Well that helps with my calculations. I drink a lot of water on port days.

A drink of the day is available for $8.50.

A reason to give the drink package a miss!

There is a one hour period each sea day when $2 mimosas are available in the casino - two drinks maximum posted.

Ditto. Hey... I had to look "mimosa" up in the dictionary. Champagne and orange juice!!!

The pub has peanuts for snacks.

Good to know.

If you are unsure if another better deal Comes up, you coud always purchase now and then cancel when another (better) deal Comes up. Cruise planner purchases are usually fully refundable if cancelled. I´m not 100% sure if it´s the same in Australia, but think it is. So look into it and if desired buy the Internet now to lock in the deal and if the other one Comes up again yo cancel and re-book.

Good to know. Will check the T&Cs

If you want a soda like Fanta, you will have to use the fancy machine and the cup with the chip. I don't know where they are on Explorer, or if the ship even has them. My reply only applied to basic sodas, which are available at the bars. :)

The drink machine that I was aware of was on the shopping deck, right next to the Cafe Promenade (which is also the Starbucks/Ben & Jerry's location).

I haven't sailed on RC before. I have tried to diligently research.

 

My best estimate is soda $2, beer $8-$9 and cocktails around $12. Special non-Starbucks coffee is $3-$4.50.

 

Factor in that a variety of drip filter coffee and styles of tea are always free. Some basic sodas are always free. A fruit drink will be available for free at breakfast. Lemon squash is always free. Water is always free. "House" lemonade always free.

 

The package makes allowances for wine being more expensive per glass than (I think) $12 and you need to factor in the bottle discount but be mindful that the bottle is only for you so don't share it in the MDR. A whole bottle of flat champagne for you...

I was on Explorer in late September, when she was still roaming the Pacific Northwest. The prices you quote are fairly accurate for US dollars. You can also get wine by the glass with the drink package, although there were only 5 or 6 wines below the price threshold of the drink package. If you buy a bottle of wine, you only get a discount.

There are NOT basic sodas that are free. Also, the "free" juice is watered down orange beverage. Your drink package can get you fresh squeezed OJ, which is really nice.

We are on Explorer now and have the drink package. Different bartenders do impose different rules/guidelines. For example, a bartender in Windjammer told us we could order two drinks per person at a time, while a stickler at the pool bar said he needed to "see" both people if one went to the bar with two sea pass cards to order one drink each.

 

On our sailing, my husband was able to get a double at The Tavern. We have found the bartenders in Dizzy's Lounge make very strong drinks, including a great dirty martini and caipirinha.

 

The package includes bottled water, which has been very helpful when in port.

 

Many of the mixed cocktails and frozen drinks are in the $11-12.00 range. A drink of the day is available for $8.50 and there is a one hour period each sea day when $2 mimosas are available in the casino - two drinks maximum posted.

 

The pub has peanuts for snacks.

Thank you great help for me to decide about the drink package, especially when you need to add the 18% gratuity to the prices you quoted. Happy cruising Pete :cool::cool::cool:

I'm not finding on RCL site. Use to be drink package was charged to each person in cabin even if only one was drinking. Still true?

I'm not finding on RCL site. Use to be drink package was charged to each person in cabin even if only one was drinking. Still true?

It was true when the drink packages first came out. Some time later, Royal discontinued that policy and no longer required all guests in a stateroom to buy a package. Just recently they announced a trial on specific Harmony cruises going back to requiring all guests in a stateroom to purchase a package.