ldubs

I heard that in the Navy they eat gravy . . . .

Oops, should have quoted the person you quoted. My mistake. I, and I think most, understand how to do the math to justify the package. After all, it is not rocket science. Some days it would pay off for us but most days it would not. It simply doesn't pen out for the two of us over the length of a cruise. If I want something, I buy it without a seconds thought. But, I'm not going to buy something I don't care about to justify having a package. If I ever got to the point a package is a better deal, I'll buy the package.

Caught my attention when you mentioned the Mall type ship design. I don't like the interior boulevard designs for that same reason. And, it is one of the reasons I have enjoyed the Princess ship layouts. I think there are some older RCI ships that are better, but they are older. Some of the Celebrity ships have great layouts, IMO. We enjoy Millennium and Silhouette. As far as what was, I think it gone on the mainstream lines and not likely to return as part of basic fares. Instead, it has been (or will be) replaced by the ship-within-ship approach or extra pay venues. Speaking only for myself, even considering cut backs, we still find the service is more than we need or want. We do recognize the quality of included dining is not near what it used to be. Again speaking for myself, I enjoy just about everything on mainstream lines and will continue to use them. I think to truly get back to the higher level or service and quality that "was" might need a move up to a luxury line.

We used to bring water and sometimes soda. These days we bring the reusable water. bottle. If I want a soda, I just pay the $3.50 or whatever it is.

The free drink perk on RCI is available throughout the day from any bar or dining venue. On Celebrity, which we haven't been on for a few years, it was limited to the happy hour. Like 5 to 7 pm or something like that. The old days of having to go the a specific lounge are gone, which I think is a good thing. I might have a soda during the day. Maybe two if I'm adventuresome. I must lead a pretty boring life. Lol.

Oops - delete

I think a lot of that happens on both sides of this issue, which doesn't even qualify as a real "issue". Lol.

I'm a little confused. I, and I think a lot of others, would never spend $35 per day on soda pop. Seems that conclusions are being drawn by both sides to support their choice of choice. I guess my thought is it is just a package. No need to put so much effort into drawing a line in the sand.

Yes, RCI and Celebrity for us.

Nope, never bought a drink package. Get freebies on some other lines. Honestly they are more than I want, so give many away if I'm traveling with someone I know.

Am I understanding that in NZ, you can bring a disposable plastic bottle full of water but not a reusable plastic bottle full of water?

With the exception of the packages, which we don' use, I think your description is pretty good. For us, all things considered, it has been cyclical over the years. For a while it was Princess. Then for some years (prior to the pandemic) it was Celebrity. These days, it seems Princess has bounced back. Or, we have bounced back to Princess. I enjoy both lines and, while we have not been on Edge class, we enjoy the ships on both lines.

This makes an incredible amount of sense to me. If I had a severe food allergy, I would definitely make the effort to discuss it further once on board.

Thinking back to the basics I've neglected to pack for various business trips is kind of embarrassing. Additionally, it is always fun when one packs for an overnighter that turns into a two day meeting.

Aw, bummer! Thx.

I think it is also how people are wired. On one end are those who like to get down into the weeds. On the other end are those concerned with just the big picture. Whatever the approach one takes, if it makes you happy, then it is good.

You know, it might also depend on when a "package day" starts. If it starts at one minute after midnight, then one could get a jump on the drink count! Have a few before turning in, then a few more after the excursion. Sadly, one loses out while sleeping (just kidding). 🙂

Well, my thinking is if you will enjoy the added cruise and gain the laundry bene for your longer itinerary, then go for it!

Yikes, I would also be a little wary. It has never happened to us in the way you describe. I think it is good of you to double check. Especially if they are not offering an explanation. Whatever happens, enjoy!

Good point as long as it is something desired as opposed to something needed to hit a number. I suspect not too many would fall into the latter category. Particularly with the original intent of this thread which was more about convenience and treating oneself over straight accounting justification.

I understand the convenience issue and I think there are several good points made in favor of the packages. I think you are wrong to jump to the conclusion those without a package have mental anguish over purchases. We don't do the packages. We buy what we want when we want without a need for ledger entries. We don't consider ourselves bare bones but I suspect our on-board spending might be less than many. It is not something I would ever ask someone about. I certainly have no issues with anyone having the package and don't need them to justify it to me.

Other than obvious clothing, toiletries, meds, my initial thought was not too many things really stand out that I would not leave home without. Charge cords for electronics. The reusable water bottle which has replaced disposable plastic water bottles. My Kindle reader. Sun glasses. When lengthy flights are involved, a noise cancelling headset. Also seems we always keep a list of key addresses & contact info (helpful if I don't speak the language). Though that is typically on the iPhone.

Same here (see post #10). The off menu items offered are almost always initiated by the staff. In our case, with me as an exception, it is driven by a shared nationality/language with the crew involved.

Excellent responses from those that know the history and impacts of these reg's. From my perspective, eliminating PVSA would be similar to allowing a business on American soil to pay substandard wages and ignore our labor laws.

Post #40 explains my thoughts on the subject.