Premium Beverage Package

[ZimmCouple]

My husband and I keep going back and forth about whether to get this package for our cruise on Oasis in May. My one sticking point is trying to figure out if we both go up to the bar would we both be able to order 2 drinks? We have balcony 10329 which is the farthest aft cabin before the aqua suites and it would be nice to be able to bring a couple drinks each up to the room at night to partake of the aqua theater shows from our balcony.

 

Anyone have any idea if this is allowed?

[racnwdow]

You have to bring both of your cards with you. As long as they both have the alcohol package you can get two drinks with two cards.

[racnwdow]

[/Quote]We decided on day four to cancel the package for 2 reasons,1 we couldnt remember the first 4 days :D 2 the cocktails were rubbish! every one being made with pre mixed juice/mixers:mad: Not one bartender could mix a cocktail without fist reading RCI instruction manual lol basically the cocktails are frozen cocktails and the non frozen cocktails are the same frozen cocktail mix without crushed ice! Mojito,s and Margareta,s tasted like buffet lemonade with a splash of alcohol,yuk!

 

Den

 

And were you able to cancel? Did you get a partial refund?

Edited March 25, 2013 by racnwdow
forgot quote mark

[fwacruiser]

My family is cruising on the Allure June 30th and I'm strongly considering the premium package. I like beers and umbrella drinks by the pool and always enjoy a couple martinis in the evening. So many times, I've foregone drinks that I wanted just because I was being cheap. I think it'd be great to pay for the package ahead of time and order drinks whenever I want them without worrying about the bar tab on debarkation day. Will I get my money's worth? Who knows, but just being able to order without keeping a running total in my mind will be worth whatever extra it costs me.

 

We have two kids, and my wife and I are booked in separate rooms, each of us with one of the kids. That's nice, because she wouldn't come close to getting our money's worth on the drink package, so it's likely to just be me.

 

My question is in regard to drinks in the souvenir/commemorative glasses because I see that those aren't included (or you pay an upcharge for the glass). Does this include the plastic ones they serve poolside? If the bar staff is walking around with trays full of frozen drinks, can I snag one of those with the package, or do I literally have to walk to the bar or place an order with the bar staff every time I want to order a drink?

 

I'm looking to makes things easier, not more complicated...

[RoeC]

My husband and I keep going back and forth about whether to get this package for our cruise on Oasis in May. My one sticking point is trying to figure out if we both go up to the bar would we both be able to order 2 drinks? We have balcony 10329 which is the farthest aft cabin before the aqua suites and it would be nice to be able to bring a couple drinks each up to the room at night to partake of the aqua theater shows from our balcony.

 

Anyone have any idea if this is allowed?

 

We are going in July and keep going back and forth on if we are going to buy it. I would be really interested to know what you decide and how you think it was once you come back.

Have a great trip.

[chellecruise12]

Since you can only get 1 drink per card at a time, I guess you can hit up all the different bars on the way back to your room..If you drink beer I guess.. I think we will bring a small soft sided cooler to carry.. Will the bartender not open the beer if you request? We would also like to have some drinks on our balcony at night.. We are sailing on Allure in May & have purchased the package. I am cheap also & like the idea of trying new things & already having the package paid for..:)

[DZalumni]

We sail on the Freedom of the Seas April 21. Both of us got the unlimited package, three days at sea and one day on private island.

 

$55.00 per person, $385 for seven nights, not having to worry about the bar tab creeping up priceless.

 

Figure usually we split a bottle of wine at dinner $45 bucks plus drinking all day. Not sure if I'd do it for one day at sea, but four days of RCCL drink prices, I'd rather pre-pay and not worry about it.

[DevonianCruiser]

As I've just come back I thought I'd offer my take. We booked it, then after much consideration we cancelled it. We thought that we just wouldn't get our money's worth.

 

When we got on the ship we were glad we'd cancelled. It doesn't include bottled water or speciality coffee whereas I think you can get that with other companies. We had 4 days at sea out of 9 nights so in theory we could have benefited. Truth is we just wouldn't have drunk anywhere near enough. Days on shore you can't use it and when you're at sea there's times you just don't want to drink or can't take anymore. We had a bottle of wine 7 nights out of 9 and ordered whatever beers and cocktails we fancied.

 

I guess if you're both big drinkers its a brilliant package. For us it would be trying to get moneys worth and that clearly wouldn't happen.

[slab42]

Has anyone tried getting beer unopened with the package? I usually like to buy a bucket and keep some in the fridge in the room. I hope I can buy some singles and just bring them to the room and go back out for more.

 

Also, has anyone tried tipping the bartender and having him hold the card for a few minutes so he can ring out 6 beers over say 15 minutes or so and giving you a bucket to have in the hot tub or by the pool?

[Notaworryintheworld]

Can you buy the package on day 2 or does it have to be bought on day 1? We did Carnival's cheers program and could buy it on day 2 which saved us some money. Wondering if it's the same here, but hadn't seen any reference to it. Thanks!

[rrodriquez2]

The bartenders will let you take the cap with you on beers if you've gotten to know them. Generally I think they aren't supposed to do it.

 

The mixed frozen drinks are ice and premix as everyone else says. They're still pretty good.

 

It does include drinks at Labadee and the other destination they own.

 

It does not include the cups. You will have a hard time getting them to sell you the cups on a place like Labadee if you have the package for the difference.

 

You cannot tip extra with the package which I think is a negative.

 

They will let you use your SOs card or friends card to get a drink per card.

 

based on all the comments about wines being out across the various ships and our experience with higher end drinks being unavailable on the Indy I probably would not buy the package next time and would instead bring two very good bottles of wine on the ship and buy drinks day to day.

 

Assuming a wife and husband in a room for 7 days, $700 buys an awful lot of drinks. Probably more than most can drink I think.

Edited March 26, 2013 by rrodriquez2

[fishtaco]

My husband and I keep going back and forth about whether to get this package for our cruise on Oasis in May. My one sticking point is trying to figure out if we both go up to the bar would we both be able to order 2 drinks? We have balcony 10329 which is the farthest aft cabin before the aqua suites and it would be nice to be able to bring a couple drinks each up to the room at night to partake of the aqua theater shows from our balcony.

 

Anyone have any idea if this is allowed?

 

Very simple Answer NO, If you take both cards one person can get 2 drinks because the bartender usually just needs to sight the package stickers on the cards but you cannot get 2 drinks on one card!

 

If you bar hop you can do it no problem but not from the same bar because they also look at your cabin number:)

 

Den

[fishtaco]

[/Quote]We decided on day four to cancel the package for 2 reasons,1 we couldnt remember the first 4 days :D 2 the cocktails were rubbish! every one being made with pre mixed juice/mixers:mad: Not one bartender could mix a cocktail without fist reading RCI instruction manual lol basically the cocktails are frozen cocktails and the non frozen cocktails are the same frozen cocktail mix without crushed ice! Mojito,s and Margareta,s tasted like buffet lemonade with a splash of alcohol,yuk!

 

Den

 

And were you able to cancel? Did you get a partial refund?

 

We cancelled before 12noon on day 5 (time was unintentional) and we were refunded the full 10 remaining days because the packages start from 12 noon each day.

 

We were the first of 820 PI package buyers to cancel on this cruise and the beverage manager chuckled :p,to tell you the truth it wasnt the money at all but the $55per day value chase that had us drinking way more than we would do on a cruise!

 

many we spoke to wished they also cancelled but thought it would not be possible!

 

Even heavy drinkers forgot that you need a break and cannot keep drinking every day on a cruise.

 

We see way too many individuals eating a quick bite alone in the buffet not knowing where there partners were if not still asleep:D

 

Over 40,s/50,s were acting like teenagers and staying up until the night club closed and missing breakfast.

 

RCI know about "Drying out" days and add this to shore days and they are making a very handsome profit on packages no matter how much you think you can drink

 

Our daily spend after we cancelled worked out around $40 per day between us

 

Den

Edited March 26, 2013 by fishtaco

[fishtaco]

Has anyone tried getting beer unopened with the package? I usually like to buy a bucket and keep some in the fridge in the room. I hope I can buy some singles and just bring them to the room and go back out for more.

 

Also, has anyone tried tipping the bartender and having him hold the card for a few minutes so he can ring out 6 beers over say 15 minutes or so and giving you a bucket to have in the hot tub or by the pool?

 

I took many un opened beers to my cabin,just ask them to leave the cap on,its no odds to the bar tender.

 

They dont need to hold your card! once used and recognised by bartender you only have to flash the sticker,they will not just give you 6 beers and keep your card! they have been schooled in how it works.

 

In the night club most were sharing their cards with non package buyers and staff could not have cared less!

 

Unless you are an alcoholic or young and out to binge drink the entire cruise

"This package is not worth the money" this from my personal experience,the others just cant remember if its worth it lol

 

Den

[fishtaco]

Can you buy the package on day 2 or does it have to be bought on day 1? We did Carnival's cheers program and could buy it on day 2 which saved us some money. Wondering if it's the same here, but hadn't seen any reference to it. Thanks!

 

Why not? I cancelled it after 4 nights and many young cruisers i spoke to in the night club purchased it on day 3,4,5!

 

RCI just wants your money up front! many couples were purchasing just one package first day! staff just dont care about company policy or what is in RCI T&C,s a sale is a sale and a 15% Grat is a 15% grat to them no matter what day you buy it:)

 

Den

[Mim Lloyd]

Is it right that mimosas ordered as part of a room service breakfast are not included in the Premium package? If not, and I breakfast in the Windjammer, where do I get one? Is there a bar open nearby early in the morning?

[KillaFee]

Quick question! Do you have to purchase the package for the entire duration of your cruise? We are thinking of the 9 night caribbean on the Explorer. Also, is it true that mimosas ARE included?

 

One more thing...I did not see a beer list for the Irish Pub on board. What types of beer do they offer?

 

THANKS!!!!

 

Laura

[AACJ]

I found a list of wines from a link in this thread. Can anyone tell me if they found that RCI considers these their "house wines"? The numbers are price for glass/bottle. If these are the house wines, we will just have to buy a bottle of each on dry land and try each of them.

 

White wines:

Champagne (Sparkling)

Chateaux St Michelle

Pinot Grigio

Danzante , Venezie Italy – 9/33

Chardonnay

Aussieres Blanc Barons de Rothschild France – 9/35

Castle Rock - Central Coast California – 7/27

Clos du Bois – North Coast CA – 9/39

Hess “Suskol Vineyard” – Napa – 9/42

Sauvignon Blanc

Clos du Bois – North Coast CA – 9/39

Red Wines:

Pinot Noir

Castle Rock – Monterey CA – 9/36

Merlot

Clos du Bois – Sonoma CA – 9/39

Shiraz

Peter Lehmann “Weinghbridge” – South Austrailia – 7/29

 

Cabernet Sauvignon

Clos du Bois - North Coast CA – 9/39

Aussieres Rouge Barons de Rothschild – France – 9/35

Hess Collection – Mt Veeder CA – 9/42

[sgt1010]

The bartenders will let you take the cap with you on beers if you've gotten to know them. Generally I think they aren't supposed to do it.

 

The mixed frozen drinks are ice and premix as everyone else says. They're still pretty good.

 

It does include drinks at Labadee and the other destination they own.

 

It does not include the cups. You will have a hard time getting them to sell you the cups on a place like Labadee if you have the package for the difference.

 

You cannot tip extra with the package which I think is a negative.

They will let you use your SOs card or friends card to get a drink per card.

 

based on all the comments about wines being out across the various ships and our experience with higher end drinks being unavailable on the Indy I probably would not buy the package next time and would instead bring two very good bottles of wine on the ship and buy drinks day to day.

 

Assuming a wife and husband in a room for 7 days, $700 buys an awful lot of drinks. Probably more than most can drink I think.

 

It is true that you do not get a receipt to add a tip but what stops you from giving the bartender a cash tip? I purchased the package for a 9 day on the Enchantment and got way more than my monies worth and also took very good care of the bartenders at the R Bar where we spent most of our time.

[akcruz]

Is it right that mimosas ordered as part of a room service breakfast are not included in the Premium package? If not, and I breakfast in the Windjammer, where do I get one? Is there a bar open nearby early in the morning?

 

Anything from room service is excluded from the package. There is always at least one bar open, or just ask the servers (walking around in the WJ) and they can point you to where to go or get it for you. I know they bring wine and other cocktails during lunch and dinner. Someone else can probably add here.

 

Quick question! Do you have to purchase the package for the entire duration of your cruise? We are thinking of the 9 night caribbean on the Explorer. Also, is it true that mimosas ARE included?

 

One more thing...I did not see a beer list for the Irish Pub on board. What types of beer do they offer?

 

THANKS!!!!

 

Laura

 

From what I have heard you need to purchase on the 1st day and it is for the entire length of the cruise. There have been some reports of people cancelling part way through, but I am not sure how open they are to that. Yes, Mimosas are included.

[Frankmac]

I found a list of wines from a link in this thread. Can anyone tell me if they found that RCI considers these their "house wines"? The numbers are price for glass/bottle. If these are the house wines, we will just have to buy a bottle of each on dry land and try each of them.

 

White wines:

 

Champagne (Sparkling)

Chateaux St Michelle

 

Pinot Grigio

Danzante , Venezie Italy – 9/33

 

Chardonnay

Aussieres Blanc Barons de Rothschild France – 9/35

Castle Rock - Central Coast California – 7/27

Clos du Bois – North Coast CA – 9/39

Hess “Suskol Vineyard” – Napa – 9/42

 

Sauvignon Blanc

Clos du Bois – North Coast CA – 9/39

 

Red Wines:

 

Pinot Noir

Castle Rock – Monterey CA – 9/36

 

Merlot

Clos du Bois – Sonoma CA – 9/39

 

Shiraz

Peter Lehmann “Weinghbridge” – South Austrailia – 7/29

 

 

Cabernet Sauvignon

Clos du Bois - North Coast CA – 9/39

Aussieres Rouge Barons de Rothschild – France – 9/35

Hess Collection – Mt Veeder CA – 9/42

 

As far as Im aware they are NOT the house wines but ARE the wines available on the wine package

[AACJ]

As far as Im aware they are NOT the house wines but ARE the wines available on the wine package

 

Really...this would be BARELY an acceptable wine list for their package..

[cindyfrag]

Is it right that mimosas ordered as part of a room service breakfast are not included in the Premium package? If not, and I breakfast in the Windjammer, where do I get one? Is there a bar open nearby early in the morning?

 

A poster on another thread posted the Compass from their March 10, 2013 sailing on the Mariner.

 

It states "For an early drink the Cafe' Promenade Bar and Plaza Bar open at 6:00 am and the Casino Bar and Pool Bar open at 9:00 a.m. The Dragon's Lair and Casino Bar remains open later than the other bars."

[bluegirlum]

It is true that you do not get a receipt to add a tip but what stops you from giving the bartender a cash tip? I purchased the package for a 9 day on the Enchantment and got way more than my monies worth and also took very good care of the bartenders at the R Bar where we spent most of our time.

 

Interesting that you say you didn't get a receipt each time. When I was on Liberty a month ago, my friends had the package, and they signed something after each drink. I thought it was just in the Pub but it was also in the pool bar.

 

Also, one got a drink at the wine bar, then tried to get another one in the pub ten minutes later, and they said it was "too soon" to get another one. How would they know when he got the first drink unless they were swiping the cards?

[rrodriquez2]

I wouldn't buy the package if I had to do it over again.

 

#1 people are right. No matter how much you can drink $55 a day or $110 per couple is a LOT for 7 days.

 

#2 for us water was not included. We were told randomly all week some drinks weren't included yet others were drink CR Black and that was? Very odd. It seemed totally inconsistent and after finding 5 or so drinks I knew were included I never varied from those because I was tired of hearing a drink wasn't covered.

 

#3 at Labadee the people going around with the drinks won't serve you, you have to go to the bar where you get a dentist cup sized drink which melts in a flash. We tried buying the premium cups but they wouldn't sell them until the end of the day.

 

#4 It doesn't include the better coffees or soda from what we saw.

 

 

I wouldn't do it again. I'd rather spend $100 more and not feel like I was going before a jury every time I ordered a drink. They may work out the kinks it in but as a person that likes to toss them back I really saw no benefit in retrospect and too much confusion to make it something I'd do again.