Drink Package was best cruise deal ever!

[Kali4]

My husband and I are about to set sail on our first Celebrity cruise, actually it is his first cruise ever. I am so glad that I read this post or I would never have known about the premium drink package. As others have said we are not big drinkers, no time when you have three kids, but on vacation we like to enjoy ourselves. We both love trying new drinks and wines and this package gives us the chance to do that without the worry of how much money we are spending. After all we are going on this cruise to celebrate our Anniversary so we might as well enjoy ourselves:D

[bermudalover]

If I purchase a premium package for me, how do they control whether I drink it myself or give it to my husband? We aren't big drinkers but was wondering if one of us or both of us should get it. Edited February 3, 2012 by bermudalover

[Quinn_Inuit]

[quote name='bermudalover']If I purchase a premium package for me, how do they control whether I drink it myself or give it to my husband? We aren't big drinkers but was wondering if one of us or both of us should get it.[/quote]

Although my post count is yet low, I've read quite a bit here. Please allow me to paraphrase the next several posts.

Indignant Replier 1: You will totally get caught and that's an extremely unethical thing to do. How could you even ask that?

Greek Chorus: We agree! We agree!

You: I was just curious. I would never have actually done it.

Indignant Replier 2: Then why'd you ask? They have ways to monitor your consumption, you know.

Greek Chorus: We agree! We agree!

You: Like I said, I was just curious. Chill out!

Indignant Replier 1: You have the nerve to tell _me_ to chill out after you try to get away with that?

Greek Chorus: We agr...erm...Yeah! Yeah!

You and Everyone Else: Humph.


Now that we have that out of our system, can we move back onto the topic at hand and leave this poor poster alone? I think that works out best for everyone. Edited February 3, 2012 by Quinn_Inuit

[Sloop-JohnB]

[quote name='bermudalover']If I purchase a premium package for me, how do they control whether I drink it myself or give it to my husband? We aren't big drinkers but was wondering if one of us or both of us should get it.[/quote]

TO BERMUDA LOVER,

Ummm, they watch...

I don't know... how would you feel if I came into your home and went into your bar or fridge and just helped myself, and then promptly left the scene ???

--- --- ---

It is easy to know when someone is buying a drink... you have to present your Sea Card. One card for each person, and the cards have your photos imbedded into them.

Thinking that one can "get away" with just one package, is quite frankly... STEALING... Celebrity WILL NOT TOLERATE THIS. (Actually as per Celebrity's Alcohol Package they can drop you off at the next port of call PERMANENTLY if they so choose)

Not worth the risk.

Quite honestly, Celebrity has a very good system of handling drinking aboard, offering their Pax a lot of great options (bring 2 bottles of wine aboard at Embarkation - various Beverage Packages that meet a lot of needs from Non-Alcoholic to Alcoholic - Wine Packages - Dine & Wine Packages - Stateroom Bar Set-ups etc)... OR Pay as you go... all you have to do is find the one that fits your own needs.

As others have said in the past... if you can't afford to drink don't do so... the price of a basic cruise is not the "entire package"... there are extras to cruising (such as Alcohol and Gratuitites) ... don't "stiff" others who count on such things as THEIR PRIMARY INCOME... or break the rules just because you haven't done your homework before booking the trip.

Cheers!

EDIT - LOL to QUINN INUIT... we were posting at the same time... indeed you have about summed up the situation.
As they say... "We now return you to regular programming !! " Edited February 3, 2012 by Sloop-JohnB
EDIT to add EDIT NOTE

[gymjudge55]

Okay, now I am very nervous.....has anyone just had one person order the package and the other one not? My DH doesn't drink much at all, we were planning on using the OBC for anything he chooses (maybe one beer a day). I on the other hand drink on vacation.....a lot.....and one of my favorite ways to enjoy is to have drinks on the balcony in the afternoon, yes drinks, plural. My thought was to hit up 2 bars for 2 drinks on my way back to the cabin to sip on the balcony so I will not have to leave. Will that trigger something with Celebrity? Will they think I am supplying my husband? Should I bite the bullet and drink one, schlep back to the bar 20 minutes later? Ugh. Same with pre-breakfast mimosas, I usually want 2!

[upwarduk]

[quote name='gymjudge55']Okay, now I am very nervous.....has anyone just had one person order the package and the other one not? My DH doesn't drink much at all, we were planning on using the OBC for anything he chooses (maybe one beer a day). I on the other hand drink on vacation.....a lot.....and one of my favorite ways to enjoy is to have drinks on the balcony in the afternoon, yes drinks, plural. My thought was to hit up 2 bars for 2 drinks on my way back to the cabin to sip on the balcony so I will not have to leave. Will that trigger something with Celebrity? Will they think I am supplying my husband? Should I bite the bullet and drink one, schlep back to the bar 20 minutes later? Ugh. Same with pre-breakfast mimosas, I usually want 2![/QUOTE]

Ever heard of the bar in your room?
I am sure I have read on here that it can be set up for you, especially if you have the premium package, but we have never used it.

Certainly if you are Elite there are ( drinking) advantages, they have a 'Happy Hour.'
Aan also wine tasting ( 4 different wines)

[gymjudge55]

[quote name='upwarduk']Ever heard of the bar in your room?
I am sure I have read on here that it can be set up for you, especially if you have the premium package, but we have never used it.

Certainly if you are Elite there are ( drinking) advantages, they have a 'Happy Hour.'
Aan also wine tasting ( 4 different wines)[/quote]

I paid almost $400 for the premium package I am not going to pay another $80 for a bottle in my room. That would defeat the whole purpose of the package. My understanding is room service, bar set up and mini bar are not included.
I am not Elite, this is my first cruise. I am just trying to find out if I can do this. I promise I am drinking all of the drinks myself, but I would like to take two to my room. I am sure if DH had a package they would not even look at it, but he won't. Edited February 3, 2012 by gymjudge55

[SATCO]

Interesting Thread!
I am sure Celebrity are not going to miss out and make a loss on these packages; I guess it evens out over passengers and time.
My question, is the gratuity, I think 15%, added to "al la carte" drinking included in the price of the Drinks package or is 15% added to your account every time you are served a drink on one of the packages?
Going on Baltic and Russia Eclipse Cruise on 26 May.

[germanyboy]

[SIZE=4]15% added at time of purchase of package. Just show card and done.[/SIZE]

[hulamoon]

It is my understanding they only give you one drink at a time with the drink package. If you are going to drink multiple drinks in your room, I would cancel the package and get a bar set up.

[gymjudge55]

I was only planning one at a time. Just very close together so I can bring both to the room. I don't want a bar set up, I will want wine at dinner, martinis and drinks in the casino. My question is since my husband will not have one, if I fey them within minutes of each other will this cause anyone to get suspicious?

[sweetem]

[SIZE="5"]This is the Beverage PLAN

Jun 1 2012 Alaska 7 days[/SIZE]


[B][SIZE="3"]Excursion day 9am to 4pm[/SIZE][/B]

[SIZE="3"]7:00 Espresso Double shots....$4.00
7:15 San Pellegrino water.......$2.50
7:30 Breakfast...Pomegranate Blackberry (iced)...$5.00
8:15 Mojito...$6.00 x 2 = $12.00
9:00 Excursion depart...Evian water...$2.50
Excursion 7hrs.
16:00 Snack buffet...Mojito...$6.00
16:30 Martini bar...2 drinks...$20.00
17:30 little buzz, laydown b4 getting ready for Dinner
19:00 PreDinner drink....$10.00
20:00 Dinner...Red wine x 2 =$24.00
21:30 Feeling Gooood....Cigar time or Dancing
Cognac /Rum/Scotch.... $12.00 x 2 = $24.00
24:00 Get help getting back to the room need sleep got do it over again tomorrow.

Cost $110.00[/SIZE]

[jveevers]

[quote name='gymjudge55']I was only planning one at a time. Just very close together so I can bring both to the room. I don't want a bar set up, I will want wine at dinner, martinis and drinks in the casino. My question is since my husband will not have one, if I fey them within minutes of each other will this cause anyone to get suspicious?[/quote]

Get a drink, go around the corner, pass it to husband who takes it to your cabin, go back around the corner and get another. Nothing dishonest, you will be drinking both.
Of course the above could also happen and you have 1 drink each. But most of us are honest.

[potterduck]

[quote name='sweetem'][SIZE="5"]This is the Beverage PLAN

Jun 1 2012 Alaska 7 days[/SIZE]


[B][SIZE="3"]Excursion day 9am to 4pm[/SIZE][/B]

[SIZE="3"]7:00 Espresso Double shots....$4.00
7:15 San Pellegrino water.......$2.50
7:30 Breakfast...Pomegranate Blackberry (iced)...$5.00
8:15 Mojito...$6.00 x 2 = $12.00
9:00 Excursion depart...Evian water...$2.50
Excursion 7hrs.
16:00 Snack buffet...Mojito...$6.00
16:30 Martini bar...2 drinks...$20.00
17:30 little buzz, laydown b4 getting ready for Dinner
19:00 PreDinner drink....$10.00
20:00 Dinner...Red wine x 2 =$24.00
21:30 Feeling Gooood....Cigar time or Dancing
Cognac /Rum/Scotch.... $12.00 x 2 = $24.00
24:00 Get help getting back to the room need sleep got do it over again tomorrow.

Cost $110.00[/SIZE][/QUOTE]

I'm liking the look of this plan :D

[1 HappyCruiser]

[quote name='bermudalover']If I purchase a premium package for me, how do they control whether I drink it myself or give it to my husband? We aren't big drinkers but was wondering if one of us or both of us should get it.[/quote]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS]Just be a little discrete when ordering & consuming your drinks & you'll be fine. It's only the people who sit in a lounge at a show & try to pull it off that might be caught. [/FONT]

[Crazy Cruzer]

[quote name='1 HappyCruiser'][FONT=Comic Sans MS]Just be a little discrete when ordering & consuming your drinks & you'll be fine. It's only the people who sit in a lounge at a show & try to pull it off that might be caught. [/FONT][/QUOTE]

I agree, discretion is always a good idea for a thief when you're stealing and don't want to be caught!

[1 HappyCruiser]

[quote name='Crazy Cruzer']I agree, discretion is always a good idea for a thief when you're stealing and don't want to be caught![/quote]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS]A drunk & happy thief. [/FONT]:D

[librarylady19]

[quote name='jveevers']Get a drink, go around the corner, pass it to husband who takes it to your cabin, go back around the corner and get another. Nothing dishonest, you will be drinking both.
Of course the above could also happen and you have 1 drink each. But most of us are honest.[/QUOTE]

I do think you will cause suspicion, as the computer system tracks exactly how often you order drinks. One of the priceless benefits of the package IMO, is that it allows you to relax and enjoy a variety of beverages. Your plan sounds rather stressful! Edited February 4, 2012 by librarylady19

[vermonter16]

It sucks that people even attempt to cheat the system. That's exactly what can wind up ruining it for everybody. You don't pay your fair share because for whatever reason you don't think you have to means that eventually they could raise the prices on the folks who are honest.

[phoenix_dream]

As fairly modest drinkers (of primarily beer and wine), and Elite passengers, the drink packages just don't make sense for us. We bring our own soda onboard, and carry refillable water bottles to handle our day time needs. We can usually replenish our supply of soda in ports, for much less than the cost on X. You can also almost always buy the same bottled water for half the price on shore if that is your thing (at least in the Caribbean or Alaska - have not cruised elsewhere). And in many ports, an afternoon drink or two at the local bar is often far cheaper than onboard.

We carry-on the two bottles of wine allowable, which takes care of the drink in the late afternoon or while dressing for dinner. As a part of our status, we also get a coupon for a reduced price on wine in the MDR (can't remember the exact deal, but it helps). We have also had luck converting our barely drinkable free bottle of champagne in our cabin to a reasonably priced bottle of wine in the MDR (although I hear the ability to do this varies by cruise). Then of course we are lucky in that we attend the Elite event for about an hour the nights it is offered. As late diners, we stretch the rules just a bit and always order a full drink right at the end. We have never had an issue walking out with it after the timeframe ends (and sometimes people do it during the event - it all depends on how strict the Captains Club host/hostess is on that particular ship). Because of our status, we can also go to the breakfast event in the mornings and get smoothies or specialty coffees (although I confess I have not been impressed with either in the couple times I tried - maybe I just hit them on a bad day).

My point is not to rub it in :). My only point is that for Elite passengers who are somewhat light drinkers and are willing to put in just a bit of effort (ie, the carrying onboard of soda or bottled water), the packages may not make financial sense. But of course there are other perks as mentioned (refill of melting frozen drinks, chance to try drinks you might not otherwise want to risk spending money on, etc.). Just food for thought for Elite travelers before you may decide to go for it. Our approach, while not for everyone, saves us literally hundreds of dollars versus buying a package.

[1 HappyCruiser]

[quote name='librarylady19']I do think you will cause suspicion, as the computer system tracks exactly how often you order drinks. One of the priceless benefits of the package IMO, is that it allows you to relax and enjoy a variety of beverages. Your plan sounds rather stressful![/quote]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS]Of course ordering two drinks in rapid succession will bring scrutiny, so simply order them 20 minutes or so apart. Both people don't have to have a drink at the exact time. [/FONT]

[2cruiseagain]

[quote name='gymjudge55']I was only planning one at a time. Just very close together so I can bring both to the room. I don't want a bar set up, I will want wine at dinner, martinis and drinks in the casino. My question is since my husband will not have one, if I fey them within minutes of each other will this cause anyone to get suspicious?[/quote]

A healthy tip to a friendly bartender at the nearest bar, and a little honesty, might get you your two drinks at once.

Also, fresh squeezed orange juice and a separate full glass of champaign, would make two Mimosas better than you could get at the bar anyway!:D

[whineconnoiseur]

Just throwing something else out there. We are primarily wine drinkers.

We just got back from the Eclipse, where they have the automatic wine dispenser machines open 24 hours (but staffed less).

We bought, a 3 bottle wine package for dinner at $99, and spent about $150 (but got like $175 or so) in prepaid credits for the machines. We also brought on our bottles of wine for the room.

We were really happy with the variety and quality of wine available in CellarMasters. There are 3 pour sizes (and prices) per bottle, so it was nice to be able to try something without a full commitment. We found a variety of price ranges--and the wines changed throughout the week.

We still bought a few beers at the pool etc but did much better than having bought a package. It just all depends on how/ what you drink. Edited February 5, 2012 by whineconnoiseur

[Quinn_Inuit]

Very interesting idea, thanks! Do they have that wine package on the Solstice?

[testing...123]

[quote name='Crazy Cruzer']I agree, discretion is always a good idea for a thief when you're stealing and don't want to be caught![/quote]

So typical... the poster clearly is not intending to have her husband drink the beverage - she justs wants two in her room so she doesn't have to run back to the bar. Probably not following "policy" but also not a thief in my mind.

Her question is about whether or not this will cause suspicion because her husband doesn't have the package. It probably will but just because you do something that looks suspicious doesn't make you a thief.

My suggestion is to avoid it and either ask for another drinik with the current one in hand or wait until you are finished and run back to the bar.