Anyone else wondered how the "free" Classic drinks package will impact service?

[TLCOhio]

YES!! Lots of good, interesting and challenging questions on this thread. It will be fascinating to see how it all "works" during the coming months. We have some time to wait until Jan. 20, 2014, when we depart on the Solstice from Sydney to Auckland, NZ. We're glad to get this "free" package, but there will be people who always try to push the buttons above and beyond. BUT, most do act fairly reasonable. On our cruise of 14-days, down under, the audience will be older and it won't be like how some might or could behave on certain of the shorter, Carib cruises.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

 

Did a June 7-19, 2011, Celebrity Solstice cruise from Barcelona that had stops in Villefranche, ports near Pisa and Rome, Naples, Kotor, Venice and Dubrovnik. Enjoyed great weather and a wonderful trip. Dozens of wonderful visuals with key highlights, tips, comments, etc., on these postings. We are now at 115,717 views for this live/blog re-cap on our first sailing with Celebrity and much on wonderful Barcelona. Check these postings and added info at:

http://www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1426474

[Virga]

I've also been somewhat concerned, part because I not only need the bartender to be good (my normal desire) but I need the roaming waiters to be awesome so my dad doesn't have to get up from his wheelchair often to get drinks. I figure on tipping more or less like I do in a casino - $5-10 for the first round and $1-2 per drink after that, depending on the drink I order, the service I get, and the eye candy rating of the server/bartender.

 

I do hope my tipping cash doesn't ruin anyone else's trip :rolleyes:

[hcat]

Great riandei, I look forward to you reporting back.

 

Did you see librarylady's review on the Reflection? She says there is an Al Bacio annexe at the Ocean View (buffet outside area) bar. Wonder if this will happen on all S class ships? It would certainly help with some of those queues.

 

It's really not the same at least not on Silhouette......you can get the drinks there but it was just a bar as you enter the area..l.not a truly dedicated area unless they have upgraded it since last yr...or it is different on Reflection

 

we like to spend some afternoon time at Cafe baccio listening to music so hope we can still enjoy it... it is a refuge from the noise around the outdoor pool in the afternoon!

 

we have also taken the package although I do not drink alcohol, but thought some of the other extras might be good...overall I do think the package has led to a slight change in the demographics on the ship but have rarely seen anyone over really over the top

[u2cruiser]

It's really not the same at least not on Silhouette......you can get the drinks there but it was just a bar as you enter the area..l.not a truly dedicated area unless they have upgraded it since last yr...or it is different on Reflection

 

we like to spend some afternoon time at Cafe baccio listening to music so hope we can still enjoy it... it is a refuge from the noise around the outdoor pool in the afternoon!

 

we have also taken the package although I do not drink alcohol, but thought some of the other extras might be good...overall I do think the package has led to a slight change in the demographics on the ship but have rarely seen anyone over really over the top

 

As far as I can tell, this is not part of the indoor bar in the buffet, as on the other S class ships, but outside at the OV bar, where the outdoor seating is. librarylady kindly posted a link to some pics of it from Andreas Depping's site in her review.

It's called Il Secondo Bacio.

 

http://www.depping-design.de/test/displayimage.php?album=258&pid=8549#top_display_media

[cardinals218]

Not disagreeing about adding to the built in tip, just worried about the delivery method.

 

There are some things about cruising that I'd hate to see go.

 

We always cash tip over the bar. Even before drink packages (the 15% added on we feel should be 20%, but that is just my family's preference so we always add a little extra on a round). As a former bartender I like to make sure the person who is serving me gets the extra tip. Now I don't know how cash tips on handled, they may just end up into the tip pool for all I know. Even then, I just feel better tipping as I go.

[DebbieMacG]

I hope it doesn't turn into a booze cruise :( I am worried that with so many people getting these unlimited drinks packages for free some will drink to excess and not be able to handle it.

 

I'm from the UK and didn't qualify for the offer :( I wasn't overly bothered as I don't drink but would have liked the non alcoholic stuff and the OBC :)

[stormynow]

I share your concerns, as someone who will be on Infinity in June and because of timings with the booking with be on PAYD (Pay as you drink) - and no, my deal is still better than cancelling and rebooking so we will not be on on a package - I am concerned how it will impact on our enjoyment. I have seen threads on a British cruise forum that leads me to believe some of my fellow cruisers are not joining the trip to see the beauty of Iceland and Norway but for "the bevvy". I do hope these characters are in the minority when we get on board.

 

I will be approaching the whole adventure with a very open mind, not looking for reasons to convince myself the bar service is bad, and I suppose the converse might be true, because we are PAYD with a direct alignment between our purchases and the waiters tips maybe we will actually benefit

Hope all u concerned with " these characters" stay home. Stormy

[stormynow]

We always cash tip over the bar. Even before drink packages (the 15% added on we feel should be 20%, but that is just my family's preference so we always add a little extra on a round). As a former bartender I like to make sure the person who is serving me gets the extra tip. Now I don't know how cash tips on handled, they may just end up into the tip pool for all I know. Even then, I just feel better tipping as I go.

Like u, always tip every round and never have to wait & always get a good pour. Everyone worried about a booze cruise??? Stormy

[nbturfman]

There was a time when Cruise Critic was a a great place to find information and make your trip more enjoyable. Now there seems to be an air of complaining about everything including things that haven't even happened yet. For those who beleive things are so bad there are pleanty of options out there on other cruise lines that I would recommend for you because I sure dont want to listen to you on my upcoming cruise. No cruise line is perfect and if you go in looking to find issues you likely will. We go to relax and enjoy the great food, good service and have a relaxing good time. Give it a try you might like it!

[JSMM]

Seriously folks... Lighten up. We purchase the bev package when we sail and all it means is that we will have paid less for our cruise on the next one. We will drink the same amount we would have if we had to pay for our drinks seperately. I worry more about the complainers walking around the ship that turn a fun vacation into a crab session.

[riandei]

It's really not the same at least not on Silhouette......you can get the drinks there but it was just a bar as you enter the area..l.not a truly dedicated area unless they have upgraded it since last yr...or it is different on Reflection

 

we like to spend some afternoon time at Cafe baccio listening to music so hope we can still enjoy it... it is a refuge from the noise around the outdoor pool in the afternoon!

 

we have also taken the package although I do not drink alcohol, but thought some of the other extras might be good...overall I do think the package has led to a slight change in the demographics on the ship but have rarely seen anyone over really over the top

 

I agree its not the same....but in the morning...when all i need is a quick latte ...it works....nothing beats the experience of sitting at bacio with a nice iced tea or coffee drink and passing the time...people watching...chit chat...

 

2 weeks and counting

[acadian_dad]

Seriously folks... Lighten up. We purchase the bev package when we sail and all it means is that we will have paid less for our cruise on the next one. We will drink the same amount we would have if we had to pay for our drinks seperately. I worry more about the complainers walking around the ship that turn a fun vacation into a crab session.

 

+123 !

 

We're all gonna be on amazing trips to amazing places. None of use are going to be cooking or cleaning. It's all good !

 

I'm taking the drinks package and I don't expect to drink a whit more than I would have otherwise. Latte in the Am, beer in the afternoon, maybe a before dinner drink, wine with dinner and a maybe digestif afterwards - we're all on vacation after-all and nobody is driving. That adds up PAYD ... But I certainly wouldn't change my behavior depending on whether I have a package or not and I suspect the vast majority of X clientele wouldn't either.

 

Have fun out there everyone !

[DavidYYC]

We have the classic drink package deal on our t/a on the Equinox in April.

 

a beverage package makes no difference to my drinking habits, so I am not sure why people think this will be a problem? If I sign for a drink I drink the same amount as if I use the package.

 

...its to do with tolerance not how much can be consumed.

[3littlepigs]

How naive am I? :eek:

 

I was looking at it as a logistics issue for X. I hadn't even thought of the "booze cruise" mentality (guess I never associated that with Celebrity) when I put up the original post, just the staffing aspects and longer lines, particularly at the cafe where it takes time to make a coffee. On a package I would certainly have a couple of coffees a day (assuming they are any good) without a package I would grab a cup of hot water at the Ocean View and dunk my own tea bag instead. :)

 

I would also drink their bottled water and soft drink rather than bringing on my own and not bother with my 2 bottles of wine at embarkation.

 

Will be interesting to see what the reviews say in the future. My take on the promotion was that X were testing the water to see whether it was worthwhile making the included drinks package a permanent feature and charging a higher initial price. Would make a point of difference from some of the other similar mid-range cruise lines.

[uktog]

Hope all u concerned with " these characters" stay home. Stormy

 

No I will be on the cruise as planned, sorry to disappoint you.

[Lovemychoos]

Seriously folks... Lighten up. We purchase the bev package when we sail and all it means is that we will have paid less for our cruise on the next one. We will drink the same amount we would have if we had to pay for our drinks seperately. I worry more about the complainers walking around the ship that turn a fun vacation into a crab session.

 

I agree with you 100%, we didn't qualify for the deal as we are from the UK, but will still purchase the package on our cruise in April.

 

Lou

[swigso]

Maybe the Elites who complain about the

crowding at the Elite Cocktail Hours will now

Have something else to moan about,

From my point of view I cannot see it having

That much impact on service levels.

What I find could be a problem

is all those Elites who were on here,

stating how they would never make the package

stack up as they don't drink that much,and are Elite

so get their pre dinner drink in that lounge.

Find that the standard coffee is OK,

so never feel the need to pay for a specialty coffee,

All of a sudden have the package and cause mayhem at

the Bars demanding this and that because they are Elite.

I know I will get flamed but I m not trying to be argumentative

Just expressing an opinion, based on previous experiences.

And yes I know most Elites are very considerate and nice.

[happy cruzer]

There was a time when Cruise Critic was a a great place to find information and make your trip more enjoyable. Now there seems to be an air of complaining about everything including things that haven't even happened yet. For those who beleive things are so bad there are pleanty of options out there on other cruise lines that I would recommend for you because I sure dont want to listen to you on my upcoming cruise. No cruise line is perfect and if you go in looking to find issues you likely will. We go to relax and enjoy the great food, good service and have a relaxing good time. Give it a try you might like it!

 

Sounds like a complaint to me. It's a discussion board, get a grip.

[nbturfman]

Sounds like a complaint to me. It's a discussion board, get a grip.

 

 

It is a complaint no doubt! I also agree it is a discussion board which is why I will feel free to state my opinion at any time. You are entitled to your opinion no matter how misguided. Happy Cruising :D

[A Sixth?]

Maybe the Elites who complain about the

crowding at the Elite Cocktail Hours will now

Have something else to moan about,

From my point of view I cannot see it having

That much impact on service levels.

What I find could be a problem

is all those Elites who were on here,

stating how they would never make the package

stack up as they don't drink that much,and are Elite

so get their pre dinner drink in that lounge.

Find that the standard coffee is OK,

so never feel the need to pay for a specialty coffee,

All of a sudden have the package and cause mayhem at

the Bars demanding this and that because they are Elite.

I know I will get flamed but I m not trying to be argumentative

Just expressing an opinion, based on previous experiences.

And yes I know most Elites are very considerate and nice.

 

Talk about a post with a moaning tone. :p

 

Elite envy? :rolleyes:

 

Sounds like you need a vacation. May I suggest Cancun?

[spookwife]

How naive am I? :eek:

 

I was looking at it as a logistics issue for X. I hadn't even thought of the "booze cruise" mentality (guess I never associated that with Celebrity) when I put up the original post, just the staffing aspects and longer lines, particularly at the cafe where it takes time to make a coffee. On a package I would certainly have a couple of coffees a day (assuming they are any good) without a package I would grab a cup of hot water at the Ocean View and dunk my own tea bag instead. :)

 

I would also drink their bottled water and soft drink rather than bringing on my own and not bother with my 2 bottles of wine at embarkation.

 

 

 

exactly my concerns as well.

[uktog]

I worry more about the complainers walking around the ship that turn a fun vacation into a crab session.

 

I agree and my comments about concerns of the impact of the package purchase on the overall ambience of the cruise was not because I will be looking for a negative experience on board or a dislike of packages. On our next trip we will have the premium package as we did on an Eclipse cruise 18 months ago that sailed out of the UK. On that trip, because people had to pay for the package there was a good mix of those on board with and those onboard without and there were no issues regarding service or over indulgence

 

My concern I raised related to posts that already appear on a UK based cruise chat site and some comments made there by first time cruisers who have been tempted to the cruise because they can "drink away". Now I am not making any assertions about these posters, but there are some folks in the UK (and probably the world over) who will see it as a challenge to get their moneys worth. Couple that with the relatively competitive pricing of the cruise vs a mainland holiday and I am making an observation that Celebrity may or may not be attracting the right first time cruisers if they wish to preserve the ambience of the ships.

 

We will not know until we cruise if there are service or ambience issues but one thing is for sure, we will not let anything spoil our enjoyment of that cruise and we will find our work arounds for any issues we encounter

[Iamcruzin]

My concern isn’t how much more passengers will drink. I can’t see someone sailing in Europe which is where the 123go program is geared for, drinking all night and having to be up early to tour all day with a hangover. My concern is more about service. We booked under the gift card promotion and we are sailing in the Caribbean where passengers tend to drink more even if they pay by the drink. I was going to preorder the classic package before we sail but decided to wait until we board so I can see how the service is. It may be difficult to get any type of beverage even if you pay as you go. I guess we will have to wait for the reviews.

[JLSPOOL]

The typical Celebrity passenger doesn't strike me as a drunk.

 

jls

[kruzgal]

I agree and my comments about concerns of the impact of the package purchase on the overall ambience of the cruise was not because I will be looking for a negative experience on board or a dislike of packages. On our next trip we will have the premium package as we did on an Eclipse cruise 18 months ago that sailed out of the UK. On that trip, because people had to pay for the package there was a good mix of those on board with and those onboard without and there were no issues regarding service or over indulgence

 

My concern I raised related to posts that already appear on a UK based cruise chat site and some comments made there by first time cruisers who have been tempted to the cruise because they can "drink away". Now I am not making any assertions about these posters, but there are some folks in the UK (and probably the world over) who will see it as a challenge to get their moneys worth. Couple that with the relatively competitive pricing of the cruise vs a mainland holiday and I am making an observation that Celebrity may or may not be attracting the right first time cruisers if they wish to preserve the ambience of the ships.

 

We will not know until we cruise if there are service or ambience issues but one thing is for sure, we will not let anything spoil our enjoyment of that cruise and we will find our work arounds for any issues we encounter

 

 

To be honest I think you will be okay on your trip. A few years ago Celebrity used to do Mediterranean trips from Southampton during the school summer holidays but in recent years they have stopped, largely I think because of the behaviour on board. They now stick to the Baltics/Norway and Iceland during the peak times which attract a different type of UK cruises in our experience.