anybody like/dislike the new beverage packages?

[Bet & Peg]

We're just back from the July 3rd Constellation Baltic cruise and we both had the Premium Beverage Package. I just did a quick check of my bill and, averaging the drink price at $10, it seems that my husband saved money while I was a little under. But I also know that a few times at Cafe a la Baico they didn't bother taking my card for special ice tea or coffee - we became "regulars" there and I questioned it but they said don't worry about it - my thought was that if it wasn't alcohol they had to account for them there was some lee-way.

 

Now, was it worth getting the package?? I would have to say yes, for us - and we were on very port intensive cruise. We like our wine - usually would get a bottle with dinner - this time had 2-3 glasses and never had a problem with a re-fill. By the second night the wine steward knew what we liked and was there ASAP. He usually came over regarding re-fills.

 

As I mentioned, I also had the opportunity to try different special ice teas & coffees. We were also "regulars" at the martini bar - best bartender on the ship!

 

But everyone has to decide for themselves!! And, yes, to an above comment - check the bill via TV. We had no problem with bar bills but did have one with the Enomatic Machine at Winecellers - taken care of after a quick visit to Guest Relations.

 

Have a great cruise!!!

[redjetz]

Hi all, I am on the Millenium in November and thinking about these packages but I also have a question or 2.

 

1st, is there a limit as to how much you can have in any one day?

2nd, are the packages available in all bars, ei the night club after midnight?

 

Thanks for any help.

 

No limits and the package can be used anywhere except room service or the mini bar in your cabin.

[leallison]

I'd definitely go through it to make that decision.

 

What I did was make up a spreadsheet of what I'm likely to drink, fresh juices in the morning, teas, wines with dinner (I like to pair courses), after-dinner liquors, and then threw in a few drinks I'd like to try. But don't concentrate just on the alcohol - are you likely to choose fresh-squeezed juices? Specialty coffees? If so, add it up.

 

I'm going on a 12-night port intensive Mediterranean cruise, but even with that, the premium package makes sense for me. I'll get my money's worth out of it.

 

But the best way to figure that out is to sit down and really look at what you're likely to drink while on the ship.

 

$48 works out to 4 drinks at $12 each. or 6 at $8 each. Even with being off the ship just about every day, I can hit that with no problem, throwing in a soda or two, specialty tea, wine pairings, etc. On sea days, I'll do more than that, again, easily.

 

And when I go down to Cellar Masters, there is a lot I'd like to try, that fits in the package.

 

It won't work for everyone, but if you know what you're likely to do, then you can make a reasonable guess as to whether it will work for you.

 

Okay, I took your advice and made a spreadsheet. My DH and I are average drinkers...and it looks like I would save $30.00 for each of us...but that would be the miminum of what we would drink. If we drank more the savings would much more. I guess it does like a good deal after all which I am surprised actually.

[alli]

I'd definitely go through it to make that decision.

 

What I did was make up a spreadsheet of what I'm likely to drink, fresh juices in the morning, teas, wines with dinner (I like to pair courses), after-dinner liquors, and then threw in a few drinks I'd like to try. But don't concentrate just on the alcohol - are you likely to choose fresh-squeezed juices? Specialty coffees? If so, add it up.

 

It won't work for everyone, but if you know what you're likely to do, then you can make a reasonable guess as to whether it will work for you.

 

Thank-you for this suggestion. At first look, the packages seemed so expensive, but when my husband and I sat down and looked at the spreadsheet, it turned out a package would work well for us.

 

It's funny how fast I forgot ( it's been 3 months since our last cuise) how quickly our bar bill can add up on a cruise!!

[cruise53]

We have done one cruise with the old package and are doing one in September with the new. I loved the old one and the new has even more perks.:D

[leallison]

Thank-you for this suggestion. At first look, the packages seemed so expensive, but when my husband and I sat down and looked at the spreadsheet, it turned out a package would work well for us.

 

It's funny how fast I forgot ( it's been 3 months since our last cuise) how quickly our bar bill can add up on a cruise!!

 

Yea, I made a spreadsheet too, and even added in the 15% and took account for Days at Sea and Days not at sea. It is a pretty good deal. Funny, did not think it would be.

[robsmom]

I had the premium non-alcoholic package and loved it. My husband and son had the soda package, but my husband said next time he will probably do the premium non-alcoholic as well. We ordered bottles of wine at dinner at paid out of pocket for that. On the package I got lattes from the coffee bar most nights and sea day mornings. I got bottles of water to take into each Port and usually brought one back at night because i like having water next to me in bed. During the day and at dinner I often had a diet coke. I did not drink too many smoothies because I was trying to watch the calories but the ones that I had were excellent. My husband's one complaint with the soda package was that the Eclipse did not have the soda bottles we rec'd previously. With the new packages he could only get a very small (8 ounce) glass of very watery fountain soda. He drinks quickly and needed lots of refills. I was able to get cans with the premium package and that is why he wants it next time.

[BKFlowerMound]

My wife and I selected the Premium package for the July 4 Solstice cruise. On prior cruises, we have never even spent $450 between the two of us on beverages. And here we were spending $784 on beverage packages.

 

It doesn't sound like the correct economic decision, but after talking about we realized that in the past we have never really ordered what we wanted. We had brought two bottles of wine on past cruises, cases of water, and stretched out bottles of wine at dinner to cover two nights. Instead of drinking fresh juices, sodas, smoothies, and espresso drinks, we drank the free drinks. We wanted to enjoy ourselves more. And we did. It's not just about the economics. We knew that we would spend less if we didn't order the packages, we also knew that we would enjoy ourselves less.

 

A couple of things that have been said above are not (or may not) be accurate:

 

1) Someone suggested that the Molecular Bar isn't covered. That's not true. Everything in the Molecular Bar is $12 and, thus, everything is covered. We had drinks there everynight. If you are on Solstice, say Hello to Kelby. Junior Merino (the Liquid Chef) was on our cruise and making drinks in the Molecular Bar for the first half of our cruise.

 

2) Someone suggested that the drinks in the Martini Bar are all above $12. Not true. The only thing that I can think of that is more than $12 is the Flight, which was $15. You can't get it. But it is 4 little versions of other Martini's. You can order each of them one at a time.

 

3) Someone suggested that they planned on drinking a lot in Cellar Masters. This I am not completely sure about but if they are planning on using the self-service wine dispensers, I don't think that those are covered by the package. Please verify with someone credible (in other words someone who has tried it).

 

4) What isn't covered. Not a lot isn't covered. There are a few Cognacs, Champagne's, Single Malts, etc., that are above $12 a glass. There are also a few dessert wines and (again I'm not sure) the self-service wine machines.

 

5) When walking by a bar, we would ask for a bottle of water. We always had bottled water in the room. When leaving the ship on a port day, they sell it right there. You flash your card, and they hand you a bottle. Nothing could be easier.

 

6) We worried about wine at dinner. That was easy too. The sommelier was nice. He looked at our cards the first day and then brought us our wines course by course as requested. It was nice to be able to get a wine that matched each course.

 

Please check out JG51's sticky at the top for the drink prices. It is an excellent resourse.

 

Have fun on your cruise!!!

[leallison]

I just thought of another question I have about drink packages. Do you get softdrinks/vitamin water....in cans/bottles? I was just wondering if you did so you could take them back to your room or off the ship if you wanted.

[leallison]

My wife and I selected the Premium package for the July 4 Solstice cruise. On prior cruises, we have never even spent $450 between the two of us on beverages. And here we were spending $784 on beverage packages.

 

It doesn't sound like the correct economic decision, but after talking about we realized that in the past we have never really ordered what we wanted. We had brought two bottles of wine on past cruises, cases of water, and stretched out bottles of wine at dinner to cover two nights. Instead of drinking fresh juices, sodas, smoothies, and espresso drinks, we drank the free drinks. We wanted to enjoy ourselves more. And we did. It's not just about the economics. We knew that we would spend less if we didn't order the packages, we also knew that we would enjoy ourselves less.

 

A couple of things that have been said above are not (or may not) be accurate:

 

1) Someone suggested that the Molecular Bar isn't covered. That's not true. Everything in the Molecular Bar is $12 and, thus, everything is covered. We had drinks there everynight. If you are on Solstice, say Hello to Kelby. Junior Merino (the Liquid Chef) was on our cruise and making drinks in the Molecular Bar for the first half of our cruise.

 

2) Someone suggested that the drinks in the Martini Bar are all above $12. Not true. The only thing that I can think of that is more than $12 is the Flight, which was $15. You can't get it. But it is 4 little versions of other Martini's. You can order each of them one at a time.

 

3) Someone suggested that they planned on drinking a lot in Cellar Masters. This I am not completely sure about but if they are planning on using the self-service wine dispensers, I don't think that those are covered by the package. Please verify with someone credible (in other words someone who has tried it).

 

4) What isn't covered. Not a lot isn't covered. There are a few Cognacs, Champagne's, Single Malts, etc., that are above $12 a glass. There are also a few dessert wines and (again I'm not sure) the self-service wine machines.

 

5) When walking by a bar, we would ask for a bottle of water. We always had bottled water in the room. When leaving the ship on a port day, they sell it right there. You flash your card, and they hand you a bottle. Nothing could be easier.

 

6) We worried about wine at dinner. That was easy too. The sommelier was nice. He looked at our cards the first day and then brought us our wines course by course as requested. It was nice to be able to get a wine that matched each course.

 

Please check out JG51's sticky at the top for the drink prices. It is an excellent resourse.

 

Have fun on your cruise!!!

 

My husband and I spent less than $500 on our last cruise on drinks between the two of us...but just like you we did not get what we actually wanted. We drank all the free stuff too.

[Jobeth66]

:) I'm an analyst - it's more than what I do, it's who I am. I tear things apart 15 ways to make sure I'm not missing anything.

 

I'm going to be in AQ, so I'll get the iced tea & water and smoothies - but even still, I'm not going to lose any money on this package.

 

My question is still for my husband. He's not a wine drinker, so he'll be looking for beers - most of which will come in on the Classic package. He is however a vodka drinker, and he likes *good* vodkas.

 

So I'm waffling on which package for him.

[leallison]

:) I'm an analyst - it's more than what I do, it's who I am. I tear things apart 15 ways to make sure I'm not missing anything.

 

I'm going to be in AQ, so I'll get the iced tea & water and smoothies - but even still, I'm not going to lose any money on this package.

 

My question is still for my husband. He's not a wine drinker, so he'll be looking for beers - most of which will come in on the Classic package. He is however a vodka drinker, and he likes *good* vodkas.

 

So I'm waffling on which package for him.

 

i do the same thing! I am not an analyst but am a business owner and I analyze things to death :) LOL.

I am not sure about my husbands package either. He likes beer more than anything but he will also have wine with dinner.

[FinelyCruising]

I was curious if anybody knows if after dinner digesif liquors are included in the premium package?

 

If you are asking about Grappa, it is outside the price point of the packages.

[leallison]

Do you think it is best to buy the drink packages before you go or when you are boarding?

[Bet & Peg]

a few comments....

 

"Good" Vodka - I know there are many really expensive ones - but my DH was drinking martinis with Grey goose and they were covered by the Premium Package.

 

Cellar Masters Enomatic Machines (self-service wine dispensers) are NOT covered with the package - or at least not on the Constellation. We were told to use our Xcard. Their regular bar may have wines that are covered, we never drank there.

 

We ate in Ocean Liners one evening - my DH pick out a bottle of wine - we knew it wasn't covered. But earlier in the day I asked if drinks (like a glass of champagne) would be covered by our card. Maitre'd said they'd be happy to get us drinks from the bar with the card. Turned out we had cocktails at the Martini Bar instead but it was good to know!

 

We both had packages and will do so again. It made it very easy to order drinks (both alcoholic or not) and not have to stop and think about the price. I usually drink ice tea - it was nice to treat myself to a special one and not even think of having to pay! Same with the water - got it for every port (we weren't on an AquaSpa ship).

[Lois R]

Do you think it is best to buy the drink packages before you go or when you are boarding?

 

Great question:) I have never purchased a package before but I am

sailing on Solstice next month and will be receiving 200.00 obc.....

I think I am going to get a package after I board:D and that credit?

It will cover almost the whole thing:D

I don't usually have a very big bar bill but it is (usually)the only thing

I spend my money on. I don't do the Spa too often, I don't buy the

photos, I don't buy souveniers.....geee.....I drink on a cruise;)

I still have time to decide but I am definitely thinking of getting

a package this time.

[FinelyCruising]

Do you think it is best to buy the drink packages before you go or when you are boarding?

 

If we decide to buy, and I don't feel compelled at this point to do so because I am so bottle wine with dinner oriented, I will purchase on board to absorb credits that we have waiting for us.

 

If I had no credits waiting for me and I was sure I wanted it, I'd buy it today and have it paid for before I even get on the ship. Only things left then are a couple of massages.

[Jobeth66]

In re: Cellar Masters, the machines are NOT covered, but wine by the glass at the bar is. And I'm ok with that. There are a LOT of wines that will not meet the package, but there are a lot that are. I'm ok with that too. :)

 

I do have some OBC from my TA ($400) but I will probably buy this in advance anyway. One thing I love is coming back from vacation having all the bills paid for. No post-vacation credit-card surprise. It makes the vacation that much more relaxing for me.

 

I can use the OBC in the casino. :)

[Clamqueen]

My husband and I will be doing a 14 day cruise in November. We've already decided to purchase the premium packages for both of us. We are not HUGE drinkers but the convenience of just using your card and not having a bill at the end make it seem worthwhile. We'll probably come out ahead on the amount of bottled water we drink! Thanks for asking the question and for everyone's response.

[leallison]

My husband and I will be doing a 14 day cruise in November. We've already decided to purchase the premium packages for both of us. We are not HUGE drinkers but the convenience of just using your card and not having a bill at the end make it seem worthwhile. We'll probably come out ahead on the amount of bottled water we drink! Thanks for asking the question and for everyone's response.

 

You are welcome! I have noticed that there are lots of threads about the drink packages with prices of drinks and that sort of thing , but I wanted just to get everyone's simple opinion of if they thought it was worth it or not. It seems that those who have gotten the premium package really love it so I think we may do that.

[Jobeth66]

Oh - and someone asked about buying the package midway through a 15-day. The answer is yes. As long as there are ore than 2 days left in your cruise, you can buy the package for the balance of your cruise. So on a 15-day, you can purchase up to day 12, and you'll be charged for the remaining days. You won't have any problem buying on day 7 or 8.

[CRUZERWANNABE]

BKFlowermound, I think you hit the nail on the head. I am not much of a drinker, but on vacation I like to enjoy myself and so does my husband. In the past we have always been careful about what we spend on drinks, knowing that it adds up quickly, thus not always having what or how much we want. The package allows you to know ahead of time the cost for your drinks and it takes the stress of how much your spending away. i for one am looking forward to buying the packages on our upcoming trip.

 

Carol

[leallison]

I guess that is the point....it is a VACATION and you should not have to be stressed about what you can/cannot afford on vacation. It is also just plain old convenience. I thought about getting the soda package, bringing bottled water and sodas on board myself, and maybe two bottles of wine....but so much trouble!

[Raycruise2010]

From what I've been reading, the answer is Yes, there are things not included. Everything at the Molecular bar is over the $12 limit. Room Service and the Mini Bar are not included. There are many wines, especially in the Specialty restaurants, that are over the limit. There are other high end drinks that are over the limit. And the wine pairings in the Murano restaurant are over the limit. That having been said, there is a tremendous selection of things that are included.

 

Let me include this link from another posting which is essentially a list of the bar menues that another Cruise Critic put together early in 2010. I think it's very helpful.

http://schplinky.smugmug.com/Solstice-2010/Bar-Menus/12454637_Aaaum#891894624_SCNbe

 

Is this about the same on Millenium??

[Clamqueen]

One quick question. I've heard that if you buy it on board the sticker is larger and more visible so chances of getting a charge to your account are less. Any thoughts on buying before your cruise or once you are on board?