drinking package/just got this email

[sweetdarlin26]

To my knowledge, the alcoholic beverage package can only be purchased on board right now.

 

 

I probably should see if someone asked this before I asked but, here goes. What if you bought the reg. beverage pkg and you decide to add the Prem. pkg with they only charge you the difference?

[fishtaco]

They would charge you based on how many nights you are on the ship.

 

Thanks!

 

Den

[goodycruising]

Just a bit of a tangent here. One advantage I could see is when you are at a dining table in the evening and buy a bottle of wine it can be hard for us not to offer the others at the table a glass or two, particularly on our last cruise we tended to get into shouting backwards and forwards around the table a bit, as we got on very well with our new friends.

 

However, by the end of it we got off the ship and said to each other that we wouldn't get into that situation again, as you end up drinkng more and it never feels like everyone was putting themselves forward to the same extent. There was birthdays and anniversaries. It was fun, but if you have the package, you just get your own and you know you are not allowed to share! Easy! The bottles on that cruise were no better than house wines in general, so wouldn't miss buying it by the bottle.

 

On saying that I did just check our last bill and we spent an average of $55 per day for the two of us for coffees, some clothes from the shop, laundry, and mixed spirits/cocktails, beers as well as bottles of wine with dinner.

 

On top of that, we also had a couple of shore excursions, and put our gratuities on the seapass, which made a total of approx $105 per day for 2 people. Just a bit of an idea for those wondering about the packages, in our case, not worth it. We were prepared to just have what we wanted and pay off the card when we got home, so we weren't skimping at all.

 

For those concerned at the costs, you can also check your account on most ships TVs these days? Very handy for getting an idea of where the seapass is up to. Our first cruise we went to the desk every few days just to see where we were up to also. No need to worry or be shocked at the end. :)

[lampskies]

I probably should see if someone asked this before I asked but, here goes. What if you bought the reg. beverage pkg and you decide to add the Prem. pkg with they only charge you the difference?

 

 

Just got off the Independance today........only a 6 nighter and we did the drink package.....myself and DW in one room, my DDs (22/20) in another and my inlaws in another......my DW really doesn't drink much, myself and 22y/o DD.....well maybe we do. We checked in walked up the gangway any they were passing out flyers about the package......the servers selling the packages seemed confused......well, I purchased the 3 unlimited, 900 bucks including tips for the 6 nights......that's pop included. No need for my 20 y/o daughter To buy and we were encouraged not too......we chatted with a few people that tried to buy but got different answers as to who had to but in same rooms and who didn't........

 

One thing that was a constant was that those who were new cruisers and booked thru travel agents hat knew nothing of he package were REALLY MAD! And there were MANY! For us it was a deal and they were really relaxed about serving.....I could bring my DWs card to the bar and order whatever for her and I. Any questions, I'll be happy to answer

[Tannedprincess]

Royal Caribbean International® offers two convenient, all-inclusive beverage packages to keep you refreshed throughout your voyage. Pay just one flat price and enjoy a wide selection of beers, wines and spirits, plus non-alcoholic beverages, for the duration of your cruise. It’s the ultimate in convenience and value. Cheers!

CLASSIC PACKAGE*

$45 USD per person, per day Includes:

• All beers, $6.25 or less

• House wines by the glass

• Non-alcoholic cocktails

• Fountain soda and juices

PREMIUM PACKAGE* $55 USD per person, per day Includes:

• All well, call, and premium brand cocktails

• All beers

• Frozen cocktails

• House wines by the glass

• Non-alcoholic cocktails

• Fountain soda and juices

• Available on all sailings 4 nights or longer

• Must be purchased onboard, on the first day of your cruise

• Must be purchased by all guests in your stateroom, 21 years of age or older

• Package prices already include service charges. Any additional gratuity is at your discretion.

* Prices subject to change without notice. Packages 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 selection onboard, you must present your SeaPass card bearing the package sticker to your server. Does not include room service and in stateroom purchases, specialty coffee,

mini bar items, canned sodas, bottled water / juice and souvenir glassware. Package is subject to the terms of Royal Caribbean International’s Alcohol Policy. 12032090 • 12/13/12

Royal Caribbean offers even more packages to fit your thirst like

wine by the bottle, fountain soda, bottled water and juices, that

can be conveniently booked before your cruise. Ask your travel

agent for details.

 

PURCHASE YOUR PACKAGE ONBOARD, ON THE FIRST DAY OF YOUR CRUISE

 

Q. How can I purchase the all-inclusive package?

A. The beverage packages can be purchased onboard, on the first day of your cruise.

Ask at any bar for more information, or look out for a table setup promoting the packages once you board.

Q. Can I purchase the all-inclusive beverage packages for selected days?

A. No. The package must be purchased by all stateroom guests, 21 years of age or older, for the entire cruise length.

Q. What if my traveling companion doesn’t drink, do they still have to purchase an all-inclusive beverage package?

A. Yes, if they are in the same stateroom. The all-inclusive packages must be purchased by all stateroom guests, 21 years of age or older, for the entire cruise length. Guests with special circumstances and/or medical conditions should speak with Guest Services onboard.

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.

Q. Are the all-inclusive beverage packages available on all sailings?

A. The all-inclusive beverage packages are sold onboard all ships, on all sailings

4 nights or longer.

Q. What are some of the premium spirits available with the Premium Beverage Package?

A. Premium Spirits include 10 Cane Rum, Bacardi 8, Pyrat XO, Belvedere, Chopin, Sauza

Conmemorativo, Carlos 1, Bakers, Crown Royal Reserve, Grey Goose, Kettle One,

Tanqueray 10, Hendrick’s, Courvoisier V.S., Knob Creek, Glenfiddich, Macallan Elegancia

12 Year Old and The Glenlivet.

Q. Are gratuities included in the all-inclusive beverage packages purchase price?

A. A service charge of 15% has already been included in the purchase price. You will not

have to pay additional gratuities unless you desire to do so.

Q. Can I order multiple drinks at a time with the all-inclusive beverage packages

A. No. As this is a personal package, only one beverage per guest will be served.

Q. Can I buy a drink for my friend with the all-inclusive beverage package?

A. The all-inclusive beverage packages are for personal consumption. All additional drinks

ordered will be charged at current bar prices.

Q. How will the bar staff know I have purchased the all-inclusive beverage packages?

A. A sticker will be placed on your SeaPass card for identification. The bar staff will request

to see your SeaPass for verification prior to service, so keep it handy.

Q. Can I use the Coca-Cola Freestyle machines with the all inclusive beverage packages?

A. No. The Coca-Cola Freestyle machines require the Coca-Cola souvenir cup to operate.

Souvenir glassware is excluded from the all inclusive beverage packages.

 

Just a question- What soft drink is included in the package- i was under the impression that i could drink coke (and other soft drink)! :confused:

It says fountain soda! what is that?

[Clarea]

Just a question- What soft drink is included in the package- i was under the impression that i could drink coke (and other soft drink)! :confused:

It says fountain soda! what is that?

Fountain soda is dispensed by the "gun" at bars. It's Coke products: Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, and Diet Sprite.

[slyster]

I wonder why this can't be purchased ahead of time? Like the wine package? We try to pre-purchase things so that we spend less on the cruise. I'll pay for the wine package a couple of months before...perhaps a spa treatment a month before...anything to try and reduce the spending on the cruise. I wonder if they will eventually let you pre-purchase the drink package?

[lampskies]

I was told this package was still in the test stage......when we sailed in December it wasnt available. So prices and inclusions are subject to change. Basically the drink package is an upgrade from the origionally soda package. Any soda not included in the soda package is not included in the premium drink package.....aka canned pop, red bull etc.

[Tannedprincess]

Fountain soda is dispensed by the "gun" at bars. It's Coke products: Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, and Diet Sprite.

 

Thanks! Im new to RCI so I love learning about all these features which are not part of the other cruise ships i have been on!:)

[fishthegreat]

I'm still waiting an answer from RCCL about house wine. They don't want to answer. What kind of wine is house wine ? :confused::confused::confused::confused::confused:

[dcdiva]

Reports are that the wine selection consists of one or two white wines, two or three red wines and a sparkling wine. Specific label and selection seems to vary by ship/itinerary. Other posts now indicated that martinis may also be excluded from the package.

[Roadsofa]

I hope that some people can chime in on their experience regarding the Martini issue. Doesn't seem to make sense that you can have a glass 12 year old Scotch ora good Bourbon but can't get a martini with a basic Gin. Thought I had it all decided until that curve came.

 

Anyone know just what spirits are NOT included in the package. I have heard a lot about Patron being on that list. I do like an occasional shot of Patron with a Corona chasser.

 

Neil

[Let'sGo!]

I wonder why this can't be purchased ahead of time? Like the wine package? We try to pre-purchase things so that we spend less on the cruise. I'll pay for the wine package a couple of months before...perhaps a spa treatment a month before...anything to try and reduce the spending on the cruise. I wonder if they will eventually let you pre-purchase the drink package?

 

I too like to try to pay for things before we cruise. One way you might be able to get around this -- pre-pay for some OBC. We usually do that before our cruises. One year my company gave us $100 AmEx cards as bonuses. I called the TA and had several of them added to my account to show up as pre-paid OBC. It was nice knowing I wouldn't be facing a shocking bill at the end of the cruise!

 

Ann

[princess5750]

So red bull probably not included if I decide to get a Jag bomb or two after dinner??? We paid close to 9 bucks each for those on our last cruise sitting at the casino bar every night...figure DH and I had 2 or 3 each after dinner, one or two drinks with dinner and maybe a couple before dinner..at least one anyway....sure seems worth it to me! but now I just want to know if jagermeister is included?? What about all those after dinner shots? I already have all the glasses so haven't kept them in years....just pay for the liquor in them! lol

[dcdiva]

I was kind of stunned by the martini curve ball as well. I am sailing next week and our group arranged, and paid in advance, for a similar drink package before RCL rolled out this plan. We paid a bit more than the $55/day deal, and signed up for a package that is suppsed to include fountain soda and juice, all beer, well and premium brand drinks and specialty cocktails, along with wine up to $10 a glass. But now, I fear they will stick us with the same package as everyone else. Sure hoping I am wrong. Not having a martini might not ruin my whole vacation, but it would sure make me mad if we purchased one package and got stuck with one that has many more restrictions.

[billyelliot]

I'm still waiting an answer from RCCL about house wine. They don't want to answer. What kind of wine is house wine ? :confused::confused::confused::confused::confused:

 

I have emailed too..... They don't seem to : either want to tell you, or don't know! Such a lame excuse.

:confused:

[Moonlitherial]

I have emailed too..... They don't seem to : either want to tell you, or don't know! Such a lame excuse.

:confused:

 

It's going to be different depending on the local supplier and the RC contracts. The reason they don't want to give you a name is so you can't complain if they change suppliers. House wine is the cheapest one (or apparently up to 3) they've got.

 

I was kind of stunned by the martini curve ball as well. I am sailing next week and our group arranged, and paid in advance, for a similar drink package before RCL rolled out this plan. We paid a bit more than the $55/day deal, and signed up for a package that is suppsed to include fountain soda and juice, all beer, well and premium brand drinks and specialty cocktails, along with wine up to $10 a glass. But now, I fear they will stick us with the same package as everyone else. Sure hoping I am wrong. Not having a martini might not ruin my whole vacation, but it would sure make me mad if we purchased one package and got stuck with one that has many more restrictions.

 

 

I would be very interested in hearing from more of the recent cruisers on the martini issue. That would be a huge negative for me, it's about the only thing I drink and if I have to buy a package so my husband can get one I'd like to get at least half the value out of it.

[beachpro7]

For what it's worth I spoke to an agent on the phone last night for 30 minutes mostly about the drink package. We're cruising on the Liberty the 24th and he said they're not starting the drink package on that ship until the 19th. He told me that all beers were included and so were martinis. Also, all mixers even Red Bull are included. He said that Jaggermeister was on the list but not too many fancy tequilas. But alot of the better rums. He read a list of most everything including beers. One beer that wasn't on there was Samuel Adams. At least they have Red stripe so I'll live. He said that the beer and liqour list is subject to change and maybe different for our cruise. Anyway, I'm gonna get the drink package and try everything I can get my hands on. I'll report back what the real deal is. Happy cruising everyone!!!!!

[princess5750]

For what it's worth I spoke to an agent on the phone last night for 30 minutes mostly about the drink package. We're cruising on the Liberty the 24th and he said they're not starting the drink package on that ship until the 19th. He told me that all beers were included and so were martinis. Also, all mixers even Red Bull are included. He said that Jaggermeister was on the list but not too many fancy tequilas. But alot of the better rums. He read a list of most everything including beers. One beer that wasn't on there was Samuel Adams. At least they have Red stripe so I'll live. He said that the beer and liqour list is subject to change and maybe different for our cruise. Anyway, I'm gonna get the drink package and try everything I can get my hands on. I'll report back what the real deal is. Happy cruising everyone!!!!!

 

Jag and red bull would make me one happy camper! :D

[boxman266]

Last week on FOS the bar staff didn't know what was included and what was not until they checked on the till. What was out for sure, as even the flyer made clear was all Martinis, all fresh juice,all water,all coffee, drinks that need a souvenir cup (eg the coke),all beers over 6.25 named as Sam Adams and Foster Oil Tin, all red bull cocktails, Patron and all wine over 6.50 a glass. This left only 5 types of wine all were very poor.

On the other hand many drinks are inn including lots of top of the range liquors and some good beers. We all thought it was a fair deal bar the wine, juice and coffee which makes simply no sense.

We were told it had changed from before New Year and who knows it might have changed again. Trust me this was the position last week, I known I bought 4 packages and drank a lot of booze

[seaweaver1]

Are Cosmos covered in the premium package?

Thanks!

[lampskies]

I hope that some people can chime in on their experience regarding the Martini issue. Doesn't seem to make sense that you can have a glass 12 year old Scotch ora good Bourbon but can't get a martini with a basic Gin. Thought I had it all decided until that curve came.

 

Anyone know just what spirits are NOT included in the package. I have heard a lot about Patron being on that list. I do like an occasional shot of Patron with a Corona chasser.

 

Neil

 

Patron is definately not on the included list......

[lampskies]

So red bull probably not included if I decide to get a Jag bomb or two after dinner??? We paid close to 9 bucks each for those on our last cruise sitting at the casino bar every night...figure DH and I had 2 or 3 each after dinner, one or two drinks with dinner and maybe a couple before dinner..at least one anyway....sure seems worth it to me! but now I just want to know if jagermeister is included?? What about all those after dinner shots? I already have all the glasses so haven't kept them in years....just pay for the liquor in them! lol

 

I like a little absolute red bull after dinner at the blackjack table......absolute was free the red bull was 4.95 extra

[CruisinDawn]

Sorry if this has been answered but can one person in the cabin order the premium and another the classic? Hubby only drinks beer & soda.

 

BonVoyage

Dawna

[akcruz]

Are Cosmos covered in the premium package?

Thanks!

 

Cosmos are martinis so if martinis are truly excluded no :(