Beverage alcohol package

[Stags14]

I love to drink and always have a beer in my hand on vacation, but my wife does not drink.

 

$55/day to me is reasonable for a drink package, but in order for us to go for this RCI needs to be able to give the special to one person and not the other, no reason why they can't.

[UCF_Knight]

What are your thoughts on this? Is it worth it?

 

In a word: No.

 

You would have to drink a lot just to break even. I'm sure for very heavy drinkers it might make sense. Most people would be better off buying their drinks individually, though.

 

For me, personally, it REALLY wouldn't be worth it because my wife does not drink alcohol. It would be pointless for me to pay $110 per day just for a drink package for myself.

[BekkaW]

I love to drink and always have a beer in my hand on vacation, but my wife does not drink.

 

$55/day to me is reasonable for a drink package, but in order for us to go for this RCI needs to be able to give the special to one person and not the other, no reason why they can't.

 

The reason is because unfortunately some people abuse it, buying one package and 'sharing'. Obviously RCI would lose money on every package if this occurred frequently.

 

If your wife has a medical note stating she cannot drink RCI will allow you to only buy a package for yourself. I am considering this myself as alcohol makes my husband ill (not from a hangover, we think an allergy).

[Stags14]

The reason is because unfortunately some people abuse it, buying one package and 'sharing'. Obviously RCI would lose money on every package if this occurred frequently.

 

If your wife has a medical note stating she cannot drink RCI will allow you to only buy a package for yourself. I am considering this myself as alcohol makes my husband ill (not from a hangover, we think an allergy).

 

She just doesn't drink... does it have to be a medical condition? I can easily drink $55 worth of beer a day. $110 might be pushing it lol.

[Archaegeo]

Definitely not worth it on RCI, esp as it doesn't include the freestyle coke machines, bottled water, bottled juices, etc.

 

On Celebrity it includes all of that making it a decent value, drink 2-3 bottles of water a day, 1-2 specialty coffees, fresh squeezed OJ with breakfast, glass of wine at lunch and dinner, pre dinner cocktail and post entertainment, all without worrying about cost.

 

But RCI, I just cant see it being worth it unless you drink a ton normally, and drink a lot of fountain soda to boot.

[Frankmac]

I wish people would stop tell me that it isnt worth it! It may not be worth it for you but that does not mean it is not worth it for me. If me and my wife drink 6/7 drinks per day then it is worth it.

 

Also there is a post somewhere amongst the 100s of drinks packages, where as recently as last week, a contributor was able to buy the package for just himself, and his wife didnt have to

[Stags14]

I wish people would stop tell me that it isnt worth it! It may not be worth it for you but that does not mean it is not worth it for me. If me and my wife drink 6/7 drinks per day then it is worth it.

 

Also there is a post somewhere amongst the 100s of drinks packages, where as recently as last week, a contributor was able to buy the package for just himself, and his wife didnt have to

 

Won't find me saying that... I'm all over it if I can do it just for me, and not for my wife. I easily drink $55 a day.

[Archaegeo]

I wish people would stop tell me that it isnt worth it! It may not be worth it for you but that does not mean it is not worth it for me. If me and my wife drink 6/7 drinks per day then it is worth it.

 

Also there is a post somewhere amongst the 100s of drinks packages, where as recently as last week, a contributor was able to buy the package for just himself, and his wife didnt have to

 

Um, if you stop thinking the world revolves around you for a second, maybe I am answering the original poster who asked if it was worth it.

[akcruz]

I wish people would stop tell me that it isnt worth it! It may not be worth it for you but that does not mean it is not worth it for me. If me and my wife drink 6/7 drinks per day then it is worth it.

 

Also there is a post somewhere amongst the 100s of drinks packages, where as recently as last week, a contributor was able to buy the package for just himself, and his wife didnt have to

 

Cannot agree more. People can state if it is "worth it" only for them and give their reasons. Each of us needs to determine on our own if it is "worth it" to us. We are honestly still on the fence, leaning towards but nit there yet, and very much appreciate hearing the real experiences others have had to help us in our decision.

 

What really gets me are those that feel if you do buy the package you are a drunk. While we have a few glasses of wine at home on occasion, vacation is very different. What affects one person may not affect everyone else. I know this is cruise CRITIC, but such opinions really are not wanted, what I am looking for are the facts so I can make an informed decision for ME!!!

[Archaegeo]

Don't think anyone who does it is a drunk, but assuming $7 avg for a drink on board, you have to consume 8 drinks a day to make it worth it for the premium package.

 

Now, you can say, and I do on X, that the value also comes in being able to walk away from a drink, or try things and not finish them if I don't like them.

 

I am just saying, that since it doesn't include canned soda, bottled water, flavored water, specialty coffees, or fresh squeezed OJ, it doesn't seem worth it to me unless you know you will drink that much each day.

[shelbylook]

I'm in the same boat (pun intended) as many others. I'm the drinker on vacation. The DH used to be but it's just not his thing anymore. That's not to say he "won't" drink but for us to both have to purchase the pkg, it just wouldn't be cost effective. He might have an occasional beer but I wouldn't want to get a dr. statement for him saying he can't drink. He can, he just chooses not to (for the most part).

 

I'm hoping by the time we sail next March, the rules will be modified and not everyone in the cabin over the age of 21 will have to purchase the pkg. If that were the case, I'd love to order it ahead of time and have it paid for before the cruise even starts. What a shock to our final seapass bill that would be! :eek:

 

Cathy

[akcruz]

Don't think anyone who does it is a drunk, but assuming $7 avg for a drink on board, you have to consume 8 drinks a day to make it worth it for the premium package.

 

Now, you can say, and I do on X, that the value also comes in being able to walk away from a drink, or try things and not finish them if I don't like them.

 

I am just saying, that since it doesn't include canned soda, bottled water, flavored water, specialty coffees, or fresh squeezed OJ, it doesn't seem worth it to me unless you know you will drink that much each day.

 

and that is where I disagree. I am figuring 5 - 6 alcoholic drinks in a day along with a few fountain sodas and I am good. I do not drink specialty coffees, like mine straight up and black, I am fine with fountain soda, and bring my re-usable mug for water I can get around the ship. Do not drink the fresh squeezed orange juice either. The one thing you do need to remember is that tips are already included in the RC package while they are not on Celebrity which brings the per drink price down.

 

You obviously have an issue with the package as it stands and if so complain to Royal and do not buy it. Complaining on here and telling everyone else do not buy it because I do not like it is not going to get you anywhere. We all have heard your OPINION loud and clear.

[Archaegeo]

I am offering my opinion just as you,are,offering yours, yet by telling me not to, somehow yours is more valid than mine??

 

We each have a different opinion on the worth of their program, by each of us sharing it, others can get information for both sides and make a more informed decision.

[akcruz]

I am offering my opinion just as you,are,offering yours, yet by telling me not to, somehow yours is more valid than mine??

 

We each have a different opinion on the worth of their program, by each of us sharing it, others can get information for both sides and make a more informed decision.

 

No if you read my posts I have not yet decided if we will be buying it yet or not. Trying to give and get information so I, as well as others, can make an informed decision. When I see what I think is incorrect information, from reading many other posts on the subject, I add the information I have. I have yet to tell anyone if the package is worth it or not, unlike your posts.

[UCF_Knight]

No if you read my posts I have not yet decided if we will be buying it yet or not. Trying to give and get information so I, as well as others, can make an informed decision. When I see what I think is incorrect information, from reading many other posts on the subject, I add the information I have. I have yet to tell anyone if the package is worth it or not, unlike your posts.

 

If you don't want to hear opinions on if people think it is worth it or not, you probably shouldn't read posts in a thread where the OP's full post was:

" What are your thoughts on this? Is it worth it?"

[wannacruisemore]

Definitely not worth it on RCI, esp as it doesn't include the freestyle coke machines, bottled water, bottled juices, etc.

 

On Celebrity it includes all of that making it a decent value, drink 2-3 bottles of water a day, 1-2 specialty coffees, fresh squeezed OJ with breakfast, glass of wine at lunch and dinner, pre dinner cocktail and post entertainment, all without worrying about cost.

 

But RCI, I just cant see it being worth it unless you drink a ton normally, and drink a lot of fountain soda to boot.

Nicely said!! Totally agree

[BekkaW]

She just doesn't drink... does it have to be a medical condition? I can easily drink $55 worth of beer a day. $110 might be pushing it lol.

 

Some people have reported being allowed to buy just one package, but I believe the official policy is that there has to be a serious reason (medical or religious I think).

 

It never hurts to ask :) but don't be surprised if they say no without the medical note.

 

Edit to add: I think you have more luck asking on board - if you try to purchase in advance they definitely make you buy 2 packages

[sailnsee]

Just returned from 14 dat ta...had the p.drink pkg.....it was free!i enjoyed it ,trying new drinks and mimosa for breakfasts...still,didnt come close to $55per day.i was never denied a brand and even got double baileys after tipping a casino bartender,but would I pay for it on a longer cruise,NO,especially since I tend to drink more at the beginning of the cruise and taper off....if you can get it free go for it or if you are a heavy drinker or on a shorter party cruise...

[Frankmac]

Nicely said!! Totally agree

 

So you obviously agree that it is not worth it for the OP as well

 

Can you not see that there is no definitive answer to the question that was asked.

[gingerpeaches]

My question as to purchase or not was answered quite quickly when I saw the price of the wine on board . Generally my wife and I will drink a bottle of wine with dinner , the cheapest being $35 plus grat. , if I add a beer to start , then I have already covered the cost of the package for one of us . The benefit is then obtained for the rest of the day . I also prefer to have all costs covered prior to departure , last year at Club Med our total cost at the the end of a week was $35 for a photo .

 

Both drinks packages offer house wines by the glass. You cannot get a bottle of wine on your package. If you order a $35 bottle of wine, they will charge $35 to your seapass. Comments I have read on the house wine range from "okay" to "undrinkable".

 

My husband and I have purchased the premium package for our next cruise. He enjoys a few beers during the day and the fact that fountain sodas are included meant that he didn't need to purchase the soda package, as he usually does. I like aperitifs before dinner, wine with dinner, and a digestif after dinner. I don't think we'll drink $55 worth of booze per day, and I don't care if we do or not. We bought it because our holiday is now all-inclusive, and we don't have to worry about how much we are spending on board, because it's already paid for.

[rxvan1959]

We were really conflicted about buying the premium alcohol package before we went on our 7 day western Caribbean cruise. I believe it was $385 a person. We decided not to get it, and just see what our bar bill was, and learn for next time. Am I glad we didn't do it. We would of prepaid $770 for the premium package. Our total bar bill for the 7 days was around $400. I guess if your real partiers, staying up late it would be worth it. Remember the days your off the island you will pay out of pocket. I think people figure they are on vacation and will drink a lot, but in reality, most people do not drink all day long for 7 days straight. Just our experience.:eek:

[UCF_Knight]

We were really conflicted about buying the premium alcohol package before we went on our 7 day western Caribbean cruise. I believe it was $385 a person. We decided not to get it, and just see what our bar bill was, and learn for next time. Am I glad we didn't do it. We would of prepaid $770 for the premium package. Our total bar bill for the 7 days was around $400. I guess if your real partiers, staying up late it would be worth it. Remember the days your off the island you will pay out of pocket. I think people figure they are on vacation and will drink a lot, but in reality, most people do not drink all day long for 7 days straight. Just our experience.:eek:

 

I bet for about 95% of the people on the ship, this would be their experience as well. For almost all RCI cruisers, the premium drink package will not save them money.

 

If you are in the 5% who knows they are going to order 7+ drinks per day every day for each adult in your cabin, then the package is worth it for you.

[SConnolly]

I bet for about 95% of the people on the ship, this would be their experience as well. For almost all RCI cruisers, the premium drink package will not save them money.

 

If you are in the 5% who knows they are going to order 7+ drinks per day every day for each adult in your cabin, then the package is worth it for you.

 

Or depending upon what your choice of beverage is it may only be 5 drinks per day.

[mgoblue19]

I bet for about 95% of the people on the ship, this would be their experience as well. For almost all RCI cruisers, the premium drink package will not save them money.

 

If you are in the 5% who knows they are going to order 7+ drinks per day every day for each adult in your cabin, then the package is worth it for you.

 

 

I agree. My wife and I aren't big drinkers (a beer here or there, etc), so we never considered it. One of the random people at our MDR table got it though (which had me analyzing).

 

He liked never having to worry about the prices of drinks and whatnot, but still can't justify it. There's no way I could sustain the amount of drinking needed to make this pay off (and it's probably not healthy over a week either).

 

I'll continue just getting the few drinks I want and enjoying the cruise. I'd rather waste money on excursions vs. alcohol, but that's just us.

 

I do find the Pop (or Soda) package to be great though. I'll have 2-4 Cokes during a day, which pays it off all ready. Plus you get the nifty RC coke cup.

[luvseaair]

As the soda package is included in both the classic & premium drinks package will purchasers receive a RCL soda cup? :D