#bbfam

I got the drink package and loved having it. Made it a true no worries vacation - I got whatever I wanted whenever I wanted it... From speciality coffees to mimosas to beers to cocktails to wine or champagne with dinner and after-dinner coffee or dessert drinks. Totally worth it for me to just not think about the price and enjoy myself. YMMV

It seems like a lot until you think about the others - like you mention, the fresh squeezed OJ, specialty coffees, bottled water (I always like to have one with me, and a few in my room), a couple mimosas in the morning with breakfast, a couple afternoon cocktails on the pool deck, a couple glasses of wine with dinner, then after dinner shots or adult coffees...

For us, it is more about not hesitating to get what we want. For me, especially, if it is prepaid I will take advantage and order to my glutinous Christmas cruise-week desires. [emoji12] If I were paying by the drink, I'd be thinking about the cost and doing the math in my head constantly, and I'd go without often... Not having that second cocktail or trying a different bev of the day for fear I wouldn't like it and would waste my $12. But that's a "me" thing. And my husband knows it! So we purchased for both of us so it will truly be a time of treating ourselves. The price per day relative to what this whole vacay is costing (for 7 of us in 3 staterooms) is relatively minor, and worrying about $12 here and there would happen and be ridiculous, so boom. Ultimate. LOL

YMMV, as usual. But don't share and get burned. [emoji107] That would be NO fun, and talk about worrying...

If your wife drinks bevs from your package, you will lose it. No refund. That is cheating the system, and same as stealing.

Maybe buy Ultimate for you and just Refreshment for your wife, and pay per drink for her alcohol?

I would assume anything not labeled "adult only" includes everyone. However, I am hoping my teens (14 & 17) will at least meet us for dinner once in awhile. [emoji16][emoji106] Otherwise I know they plan to hang with the other teens. They have already been messaging one another via connections here on CC. Fun!!

We are sailing on Oasis next week, for Christmas. How fun for you to ring in the new year on the ocean! Enjoy!! [emoji322]

Thanks so much! I love your "3 things" list... The $2 bill thing is hilariously clever!

Leaving this Friday for Sat. 12/20 embarkation... Sooo excited and so many questions!

Welcome back!

Dining recommendations? Anything good in the MDR we have to order? What were your favorite meals and drinks?

Favorite spot to lounge onboard?

Best port experience? (Western, yes?)

Three things I must pack that I may not be thinking about?

Muchas gracias!

Julie

Thank you Cindy and reedprincess. This is helpful. We haven't cruised RCI, so we aren't familiar with the standard. When I read of the change from one MDR to three, I wasn't clear whether our previously made reservations would be split for us to experience each venue, we just pick an option from the three and show up at our MTD res time, or we'd be assigned to one location for the duration. Knowing it will be listed on the seapass card clarifies.

Julie

Thanks for the help. I will try that on the computer instead of my phone. :)

I'm super excited, but I too get nervous because I do NOT like crowds. So far I've learned -

* avoid Windjammer on embarkation day

* make reservations for shows before boarding (done!)

* avoid peak dining times

* treat yourself to specialty restaurants for a more chill dining experience

Any other tips?

What is a good plan for breakfast on port days? That sounds scary too. LOL

Julie - mom to newlyweds Tyler & DIL Michelle (23 and 25), Lauren (21), Jack (17) and Alicia (14) and wife to Derek (awesome funny guy - hub of 25 years in 2014!)

Hmm. That link gave me an error message.

Julie - mom to newlyweds Tyler & DIL Michelle (23 and 25), Lauren (21), Jack (17) and Alicia (14) and wife to Derek (awesome funny guy - hub of 25 years in 2014!)

It is very confusing with the transition. Not sure how my MTD reservations will work? Just show up at Silk on Deck 5?

Julie - mom to newlyweds Tyler & DIL Michelle (23 and 25), Lauren (21), Jack (17) and Alicia (14) and wife to Derek (awesome funny guy - hub of 25 years in 2014!)

I am so excited to "get my money's worth" next week! [emoji12][emoji106]

How does the Ultimate Beverage Pkg work when dining in specialty restaurants? And at 150 CP for the pairing option?

Thanks!

Julie

Julie - mom to newlyweds Tyler & DIL Michelle (23 and 25), Lauren (21), Jack (17) and Alicia (14) and wife to Derek (awesome funny guy - hub of 25 years in 2014!)

Apparently we need to peruse the Ports of Call area for the scoop! HTH!! [emoji106]

Julie - mom to newlyweds Tyler & DIL Michelle (23 and 25), Lauren (21), Jack (17) and Alicia (14) and wife to Derek (awesome funny guy - hub of 25 years in 2014!)

No answers?

Julie - mom to newlyweds Tyler & DIL Michelle (23 and 25), Lauren (21), Jack (17) and Alicia (14) and wife to Derek (awesome funny guy - hub of 25 years in 2014!)

Following...

No idea what we should do on Christmas Day in Cozumel. Have read so many posts, and still cannot decide - esp with the unknown holiday closure factor.

Julie - mom to newlyweds Tyler & DIL Michelle (23 and 25), Lauren (21), Jack (17) and Alicia (14) and wife to Derek (awesome funny guy - hub of 25 years in 2014!)

Amazing Race sounds interesting. Link? Thanks!!

Julie - mom to newlyweds Tyler & DIL Michelle (23 and 25), Lauren (21), Jack (17) and Alicia (14) and wife to Derek (awesome funny guy - hub of 25 years in 2014!)

Following. Will be in Cozumel on Christmas Day and not sure what to do / concerned about what will be open and available on a holiday.

Julie - mom to newlyweds Tyler & DIL Michelle (23 and 25), Lauren (21), Jack (17) and Alicia (14) and wife to Derek (awesome funny guy - hub of 25 years in 2014!)

I have same questions for 12/20 western Caribbean itinerary. We haven't booked anything because I don't want it to be a bust. [emoji53]

Julie - mom to newlyweds Tyler & DIL Michelle (23 and 25), Lauren (21), Jack (17) and Alicia (14) and wife to Derek (awesome funny guy - hub of 25 years in 2014!)

Wait, really? Two to three hours for dinner?

Julie - mom to newlyweds Tyler & DIL Michelle (23 and 25), Lauren (21), Jack (17) and Alicia (14) and wife to Derek (awesome funny guy - hub of 25 years in 2014!)

I bought the Ultimate package for my husband and I and our eldest daughter. (We are sailing Oasis, Dec 20.) It seems that includes most any drink up to $10 or $12 (I've read both on different sites), and premium coffee treats (lattes, cappuccinos, etc) from any location *other than* one particular Starbucks kiosk on the ship. I wish Ultimate truly meant EVERYthing, as it's kinda confusing, but we felt it would be worth it not to worry about the cost of 90% of our beverage choices while onboard, and even got the younger kiddos (14 and 17) the Royal Replenishment package so they can enjoy everything from mochas to foo-foo mocktails poolside. :) It's a vacay - time to treat everyone to the fun stuff! (Yah, I know... Cha-CHING. But for us this is possibly a once in a lifetime op to have our whole fam of 7 all together before everyone starts their own families.)

OH MY GOODNESS! Reading this thread is getting me sooooo excited! I want my whole family to read it and join me in anxious anticipation for our first RC sailing coming up Dec 20. Yes, instead of flying everyone home for Christmas, we're doing Christmas in the Caribbean on the Oasis. Cannot wait... To see my family all together (we have two adult children living far from home - one now married in CA and one in law school in Chicago) - plus two teens at home here in CO. It has been a dream of mine to get everyone together for a vacay, and as I read through these descriptions I am busting with gratitude that we will all experience such blessings as one big spread out and growing fam! :) WOOHOO!!!!!!!

OH, and thanks especially for the pictures and fun little details. That shot of the Solarium is stunning, and now I look forward to hearing my Sea Pass "boonk" for the first time. LOL!

We got a similar message re: our upcoming Oasis sailing:

This is an important message regarding your upcoming cruise.

Hello, this is Royal Caribbean International. We are contacting you regarding a change to the upcoming sailings of the Oasis of the Seas.

Please be advised that the Caribbean and Transatlantic sailings departing between November 15, 2014 and April 30, 2016 will depart from Fort Lauderdale, Florida at 4:30 PM. All passengers must be checked in by 3:30 PM.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, and look forward to welcoming you onboard the Oasis of the Seas.