Premium Drink Package - FAQ's Help Needed

Hello all,

I am a new (been on 1) cruiser.

Going on RCI Freedom in September with 9...we want to marinate.

Thus, I have been interested in purchasing the Premium Drink Package, but it seems things are alllllll over the place....and this is not ordinary add on we are talking...$$$$$$$$....so I hope this thread would provide some clarity.

I have grabbed a hodgepodge of things I have seen/found interesting/confusing.

So if anyone has had an experience with the PBP please comment, let us know what is up, is it worth it?

Some general questions I have/have seen:

1. Are all beers included? If not, what is the price limit? What are the beers not included?

2. What cocktails are included? What are the Super Premium ones that seem to not be included?

3. What are the wines included? What are the wines not included and is there a price limit per glass?

4. Have you been cut off at any point?

5. What is the best way to make sure your service does not suffer because they know the gratuity is already included? (some posts have indicated this)

6. Do you or do you not have access to the fun machines? Some seem to have gotten cups with RFID's in their room, others not, others have to run to the bar every time for soda.

7. Doe the waiters tell you if something you get/request/is standard in a drink is top shelf?

8. Do you pay for a drink outright if it is top shelf or do you get a discount because you have the package?

Feel free to add to the discussion.....scroll down for my next post(s) which included info I scavenged with pics from other boards

There are several threads on the beverage packages, just review the current threads!

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FIRST, what the fine print says on the current Premium Package flyer: * Prices subject to change without notice. Packages include server gratuities, cannot be shared, are not transferable and must be purchased for all guests 21 years old or older sailing in the same stateroom. When ordering a beverage selection onboard, you must present your SeaPass card bearing the package sticker to your server. Package does not include room service or in-stateroom purchases, specialty coffee, mini bar items, canned sodas, bottled water / juice and souvenir glassware, specialty beers as listed on bar menus, or super premium category beverages.

Package is subject to the terms of Royal Caribbean International’s Alcohol Policy. ©2013 Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Ships registered in the Bahamas. 12032090 • 2/15/2013

Link to the current flyer: http://media.royalcaribbean.com/content/shared_assets/pdf/menus/beverage_package_flyer_faq.pdf

___________________________________________________________

Now....louhan88 seems to be the man...he got a response from someone at RCI Corporate of the image below....***HOWEVER***...there has been questions about whether each column represents a progressive scale...and are all those scales included?? http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=36973744&postcount=1

___________________________________________________________

Drink Menu .pdf:

http://www.cruise.co.uk/images/Cruise//cruise_gallery/1/royal%20cocktail%20menu_0.pdf

___________________________________________________________

Feedback from a co-worker who just returned from FOS http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=37281093&postcount=48

Feedback from Premium purchaser http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=37193771&postcount=3

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Champagne Info

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=37207592&postcount=12

Speicality Bars?? This guy says yeah...the .pdf say NO!

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=36437463&postcount=2

Bucket of Beer? NO! http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=37210099&postcount=15

Specialty Coffees? NO!

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=36919291&postcount=2

Are shots included: ????????????????????????????????????????????????????/

There are several threads on the beverage packages, just review the current threads!

 

###

They all have different information....no one knows what RCI is doing...

Hello all,

 

I am a new (been on 1) cruiser.

 

Going on RCI Freedom in September with 9...we want to marinate.

 

Thus, I have been interested in purchasing the Premium Drink Package, but it seems things are alllllll over the place....and this is not ordinary add on we are talking...$$$$$$$$....so I hope this thread would provide some clarity.

 

I have grabbed a hodgepodge of things I have seen/found interesting/confusing.

 

So if anyone has had an experience with the PBP please comment, let us know what is up, is it worth it?

 

Some general questions I have/have seen:

 

1. Are all beers included? If not, what is the price limit? What are the beers not included?

Beers up to $7. There seem to be people who are annoyed that a large something for $7.50 was not included. Solution: Don't order a large.

2. What cocktails are included? What are the Super Premium ones that seem to not be included?

No Patron. There is a type of each liquor up to which the package includes. No Chopin, for instance.

3. What are the wines included? What are the wines not included and is there a price limit per glass?

No price limit. The limit is that you can only get "house wines". These are not fine wines by any definition. :rolleyes:

4. Have you been cut off at any point?

5. What is the best way to make sure your service does not suffer because they know the gratuity is already included? (some posts have indicated this)

6. Do you or do you not have access to the fun machines? Some seem to have gotten cups with RFID's in their room, others not, others have to run to the bar every time for soda.

7. Do the waiters tell you if something you get/request/is standard in a drink is top shelf?

8. Do you pay for a drink outright if it is top shelf or do you get a discount because you have the package?

Feel free to add to the discussion.....scroll down for my next post(s) which included info I scavenged with pics from other boards

 

 

Specialty Bars?? This guy says yeah...the .pdf say NO!

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=36437463&postcount=2

Where does the .pdf say no? I see no such thing.

Where does the .pdf say no? I see no such thing.

My bad, I meant specialty restaurants...which makes sense...assuming this is an inclusive list.

Q. In which venues will the all-inclusive beverage packages be honored?

A. The beverage packages are honored at any of our bars or lounges, Windjammer Café, Main Dining Room, and our private destinations during normal business hours. Room service and minibar are not included.

My bad, I meant specialty restaurants...which makes sense...assuming this is an inclusive list.

 

Q. In which venues will the all-inclusive beverage packages be honored?

A. The beverage packages are honored at any of our bars or lounges, Windjammer Café, Main Dining Room, and our private destinations during normal business hours. Room service and minibar are not included.

I would be 100% sure that you can use your package in the specialty restaurants.

I would be 100% sure that you can use your package in the specialty restaurants.

We were able to use ours in Chops on Liberty.

interesting...I had read in some other forums today that specialities would not honor it.

Thanks for all the great info...I will compile it at some point and add everyone's thoughts....

Any reason why people were being cut off??

I got an email today from my Travel agent (TA), she contacted her friendly neighborhood RCI rep (my TA highlighted a couple of things):

****side note: my TA could not book it for me...have to wait until the preplanner is active.

Hello Susan:

We are unable to provide a specific list of brands that would be included in the Premium Beverage Package as availability of the brands may change from sailing to sailing. We kindly ask that the guests inquire once onboard as to the brands of alcoholic beverages available for their cruise vacation.

Additionally, we have also provided the following overview regarding the alcoholic beverages packages available on select four-night or longer sailings. Hope this helps.

The Classic Package, at $45.00 per guest per day, includes:

- All beers (can, bottle, and draft)

- House wine by the glass

- Fountain soda

- Non-alcoholic cocktails

The Premium Package, at $55.00 per guest per day, includes:

- All well, call, and premium cocktails

- Frozen drinks

- All beers (bottle, can, and draft)

- House wine by the glass

- Non-alcoholic cocktails

- Fountain soda and juices

- Shots of included alcohol brands; however, the ship reserves the right to restrict consumption, per the Guest Conduct Policy.

Please note that the following items are NOT INCLUDED in either package:

- Full bottles of wine

- Full bottles of liquor

- Minibar products

- Specialty coffees

p- Cans of soda

- Bottled water

- Freshly squeezed juices

- Use of the Coca-Cola® freestyle machine*

- Souvenir glassware*

- Room service or in-stateroom purchases

- Specialty beers as listed on bar menus

- Super premium category beverages

Packages are available for purchase prior to cruise at http://www.royalcaribbean.com/beforeyouboard/cruiseEnhancements.do, or by calling our pre-cruise planning specialists at 1-800-398-9819.

Additionally, guests may purchase either package on the day of embarkation, at any of our bars, lounges, or Guest Services. Prices are subject to change without notice and include a 15% gratuity. Package prices do not include Value Added Tax (VAT), which may be required on some European sailings. All guests over the age of 21 in a stateroom must purchase a package; they are not available on a per-person basis. Guests with medical or other needs should speak with Guest Services onboard if an exception is required. Multiple beverages may not be ordered at the same time. Neither package can be shared or transferred to another guest.

*The Coca-Cola® freestyle machine requires the souvenir cup provided with the purchase of our Unlimited Fountain Soda package; fountain sodas are provided in cups or glasses based on the venue. The drink of the day is available as part of the package, if served in a normal cup or glass.

Guests may purchase the souvenir glass, and drink, at current bar pricing.

Does anyone know the price of the bottled water packages on RCL please?

Does anyone know the price of the bottled water packages on RCL please?

The prices range from $28.45 for 8 bottles to $71.70 for 24 bottles. These are 1L bottles and they will add 15% to the above prices for gratuity.

Thank you Bob. Jeepers, that's expensive, I'm hoping they'll allow us to bring our water on board.

We just returned from a 7 day cruise on Oasis. We had the Premium package.

- We had no problem ordering any beer, even large beers were included. We couldn't order more than 1 per sea pass at a time. For example, the beer bag special wasn't included.

- Martinis are covered as long as they don't contain a super premium ingredient. For example, the cucumber fizz martini in the rising tide bar is not included because it contains Hendricks gin. You can ask them to make you one with a different gin that is included.

- Beware, if you like good wine you'll find that the house wine is not very drinkable. When ordering wine, if you don't want to pay in full out of pocket, make sure you specify "house" wine otherwise they'll pour something more expensive by default and it won't be included.

- We ended up spending over $250 more on top of the cost of the package. We ordered the wine pairing with our dinner at 150 Park ($75 each) and a bottle of wine ($99). We found the package was too limited on wine selection.

- Service was not an issue. In several cases, the bartender saw the sticker on our sea passes and chose not to ring it up because they were busy. They'd just say "catch you next time" and let us go on our way.

- We are BIG drinkers. With that said, I found it difficult to drink enough to justify the cost of the package each day, especially only port days. The cost of drinks on the ship are not outrageous at all. Most are in the $6-7 range.

I don't plan to buy the package on our next cruise.

We bought a case of water at CVS for $4.99 prior to the cruise, taped a luggage tag to it and checked it with our luggage at the port. It was delivered to our room no problem!

We just returned from a 7 day cruise on Oasis. We had the Premium package.

 

- We had no problem ordering any beer, even large beers were included. We couldn't order more than 1 per sea pass at a time. For example, the beer bag special wasn't included.

 

- Martinis are covered as long as they don't contain a super premium ingredient. For example, the cucumber fizz martini in the rising tide bar is not included because it contains Hendricks gin. You can ask them to make you one with a different gin that is included.

 

- Beware, if you like good wine you'll find that the house wine is not very drinkable. When ordering wine, if you don't want to pay in full out of pocket, make sure you specify "house" wine otherwise they'll pour something more expensive by default and it won't be included.

 

- We ended up spending over $250 more on top of the cost of the package. We ordered the wine pairing with our dinner at 150 Park ($75 each) and a bottle of wine ($99). We found the package was too limited on wine selection.

 

- Service was not an issue. In several cases, the bartender saw the sticker on our sea passes and chose not to ring it up because they were busy. They'd just say "catch you next time" and let us go on our way.

 

- We are BIG drinkers. With that said, I found it difficult to drink enough to justify the cost of the package each day, especially only port days. The cost of drinks on the ship are not outrageous at all. Most are in the $6-7 range.

 

I don't plan to buy the package on our next cruise.

 

We bought a case of water at CVS for $4.99 prior to the cruise, taped a luggage tag to it and checked it with our luggage at the port. It was delivered to our room no problem!

Very relevant feedback, thanks for taking the time to post.:)

We just returned from a 7 day cruise on Oasis. We had the Premium package.

...

Great feedback! I can be a heavy drinker on occasion, but I've mostly determined that I really can't make it worth it for the entire cruise. If I could choose days, that might help.

We just returned from a 7 day cruise on Oasis. We had the Premium package.

 

- We had no problem ordering any beer, even large beers were included. We couldn't order more than 1 per sea pass at a time. For example, the beer bag special wasn't included.

 

- Martinis are covered as long as they don't contain a super premium ingredient. For example, the cucumber fizz martini in the rising tide bar is not included because it contains Hendricks gin. You can ask them to make you one with a different gin that is included.

 

- Beware, if you like good wine you'll find that the house wine is not very drinkable. When ordering wine, if you don't want to pay in full out of pocket, make sure you specify "house" wine otherwise they'll pour something more expensive by default and it won't be included.

 

- We ended up spending over $250 more on top of the cost of the package. We ordered the wine pairing with our dinner at 150 Park ($75 each) and a bottle of wine ($99). We found the package was too limited on wine selection.

 

- Service was not an issue. In several cases, the bartender saw the sticker on our sea passes and chose not to ring it up because they were busy. They'd just say "catch you next time" and let us go on our way.

 

- We are BIG drinkers. With that said, I found it difficult to drink enough to justify the cost of the package each day, especially only port days. The cost of drinks on the ship are not outrageous at all. Most are in the $6-7 range.

 

I don't plan to buy the package on our next cruise.

 

We bought a case of water at CVS for $4.99 prior to the cruise, taped a luggage tag to it and checked it with our luggage at the port. It was delivered to our room no problem!

KBun.... thanks for the very helpful info. I have been trying to find out for my husband about the beer's included in the premium package. Did you happen to order or know of anyone being able to get a chimay blue at the pub? We have looked at a menu and it is on the menu but it is a larger, much more expensive beer. My husband loves it and if he can get it , it would help with our decision. I love the martini type cocktails and fun drinks, so at the prices they charge I think it will be worth it.

Thanks also for the info on the water ....thats a huge help also. We are going on Oasis in mid April and trying to make a decision on this beverage package! It's very hard, but I think we might give it a try for convenience alone.

As long as you can use the premium package in the speciality restuarants as well as everywhere else, I think it's worth the price. Personally, I can motor through 9 drinks (including beer, wine at dinner or lunch and some soda or frozen drinks) in a day no problem - and I don't even think I would be hammered.

It's all in the pacing....

Thank you kbun0304 that was really helpful. Could you tell me what CVS is please? Novice Brit here:(

CVS is a chain drug store.

KBun.... thanks for the very helpful info. I have been trying to find out for my husband about the beer's included in the premium package. Did you happen to order or know of anyone being able to get a chimay blue at the pub? We have looked at a menu and it is on the menu but it is a larger, much more expensive beer. My husband loves it and if he can get it , it would help with our decision. I love the martini type cocktails and fun drinks, so at the prices they charge I think it will be worth it.

 

Thanks also for the info on the water ....thats a huge help also. We are going on Oasis in mid April and trying to make a decision on this beverage package! It's very hard, but I think we might give it a try for convenience alone.

Sorry, but not sure about chimay blue at the pub. We were drinking Hoegaarden in the pub - it was a 20 oz pour and was included. I didn't overhear anyone having a problem with ordering beer.

Also, I forgot to mention that we were able to use the package in all specialty restaurants we tried. This included: Giovanni's Table, Chops, 150 Park, Solarium Bistro and Izummi. The bottled Saki in Izzumi was also covered - we were surprised by this and expected to have to pay out of pocket ($13 for a bottle of sparkling saki).

Waiter service in the casino was also no problem - the server takes your sea pass with them to the bar though, so you're not racking up casino points during the time it takes you to order your drink and have it served to you.

Although I felt compelled to drink more to cover more than the expense of the package each day, it was super convenient to have. This alone *might* make me rethink getting it again. You never have to sign a slip with the package.

We just returned from a 7 day cruise on Oasis. We had the Premium package.

 

- We had no problem ordering any beer, even large beers were included. We couldn't order more than 1 per sea pass at a time. For example, the beer bag special wasn't included.

 

- Martinis are covered as long as they don't contain a super premium ingredient. For example, the cucumber fizz martini in the rising tide bar is not included because it contains Hendricks gin. You can ask them to make you one with a different gin that is included.

 

- Beware, if you like good wine you'll find that the house wine is not very drinkable. When ordering wine, if you don't want to pay in full out of pocket, make sure you specify "house" wine otherwise they'll pour something more expensive by default and it won't be included.

 

- We ended up spending over $250 more on top of the cost of the package. We ordered the wine pairing with our dinner at 150 Park ($75 each) and a bottle of wine ($99). We found the package was too limited on wine selection.

 

- Service was not an issue. In several cases, the bartender saw the sticker on our sea passes and chose not to ring it up because they were busy. They'd just say "catch you next time" and let us go on our way.

 

- We are BIG drinkers. With that said, I found it difficult to drink enough to justify the cost of the package each day, especially only port days. The cost of drinks on the ship are not outrageous at all. Most are in the $6-7 range.

 

I don't plan to buy the package on our next cruise.

 

We bought a case of water at CVS for $4.99 prior to the cruise, taped a luggage tag to it and checked it with our luggage at the port. It was delivered to our room no problem!

I found most of the above to be true on Enchantment as well, except for the martini information. We were told we could order premium ingredients/liquors (such as Hendricks....we had several Hendricks and tonics!) but the specialty cocktails (such as a top shelf margarita) we could not order because of the "mixers". Now I have been a bartender all of my life, and a little "mixer" and triple sec or even cointreau doesn't cost all that much. We were told we could order a margarita only made with quervo gold, but could order all the shots of patron we wanted.

We would order the package again in a heartbeat! As I said on another thread, if they run out of a certain liquor they will upgrade. They ran out of grey goose at the Schooner Bar on our last day at sea and they switched us to Chopin!

KBun.... thanks for the very helpful info. I have been trying to find out for my husband about the beer's included in the premium package. Did you happen to order or know of anyone being able to get a chimay blue at the pub? We have looked at a menu and it is on the menu but it is a larger, much more expensive beer. My husband loves it and if he can get it , it would help with our decision. I love the martini type cocktails and fun drinks, so at the prices they charge I think it will be worth it.

 

Thanks also for the info on the water ....thats a huge help also. We are going on Oasis in mid April and trying to make a decision on this beverage package! It's very hard, but I think we might give it a try for convenience alone.

No way in the world would you get Chimay Blue on either of the packages unless the bar tender makes a huge mistake:)

The original RCI flyer stated "All Beers" for the premium package it has now been amended to just "Beer"

The Classic package used to say "Beers to $6.25" it now says "Beers"

The two packages seen to have been brought into line with "Beer" which has been reported from the start that even with the Premium package guest were only allowed beer to $6.25 same as the Classic package.

There has been exceptions as the packages are quite new to staff as well!

Chimay is a speciality beer:)

Den

interesting...I had read in some other forums today that specialities would not honor it.

 

Thanks for all the great info...I will compile it at some point and add everyone's thoughts....

 

Any reason why people were being cut off??

It is honoured in Speciality as the drinks actually come from one of the bars.

I guess they got cut off because they were either hammered or becoming unruly/abusive or they were cheating the package! :rolleyes: