All Inclusive Drink Package available on Star Princess NOW

[Moviegirlnyorlando]

Do you have to pay for it the whole cruise or can you buy it for selective days ? We usually enjoy having several drinks on embaqrq and night one but barely feel like drinking more than like a glass of wine w dinner on day two but by day 3 might want to drink again. My husband and I have both found as we've gotten older we don't like hangovers and rarely feel like drinking the night after several drinks. I bet it's for the whole cruise and it wouldn't be worth it for us if it was, but if we could buy by the day it would be a good deal. Also Is this only on the star or is it bring offered on other boats too ?

[Pam in CA]

I'm assuming it's like the soda, soda and more, and unlimited brewed coffee packages: for the whole cruise.

Edited December 8, 2013 by Pam in CA

[Moviegirlnyorlando]

That's what I figured, I luau be a Bloody Mary a couple of nights before dinner, maybe a frozen drink by the pool but I'm mostly a wine drinker and tin it would be cheaper bringing own wine from total wine and party corckage fees ans just those few other drinks I like ala carte, I am thinking about the coffee package for myself only as I am the coffee drinker of our family and hear the free coffee on princess isn't too good, we will get my 13 year old the soda package, my 20 y/o drinks water and tea I think both of which are free. My husband drinks ice tea , water or beer.

[whataboutport]

How do you know that both people in the cabin have to get it? I haven't seen any details about the package anywhere. Do you have a link to that information?

 

And some people like to be out and about the ship, not drinking in their cabin, so to be able to buy drinks in bars or in the casino, or wine with dinner, would change the calculations regarding whether this is worth it or not, for each individual. And would have nothing to do with frozen, whipped, calorie bombs.

I don't know that both in the cabin have to get it. But if only one does, what keeps the two of them from sharing? I would think Princess would say both in the cabin have to get the same package. After all, they are offering this so they can make money, not for us to save money.

 

And yes, we were out and about with our drinks. Made them in the cabin to our liking and walked the ship with our drinks. Only our stateroom attendant made us feel weird about taking our cabin glasses out of our rooms. :rolleyes: But didn't keep us from bringing other glasses in and out.

 

Even if both in the cabin don't have to get the package, $350/pp vs $103/pp (what we paid for room service bottles). You'd have to drink at least 3x what we did to break even on the package, and that's NOT counting calorie bombs.

[whataboutport]

I don't want to burst your bubble but they're doing it to make money. :) They make more with a package than selling individual drinks.

Totally agree with you. I think Princess didn't offer this earlier only bc Princess clientele isn't known for being partiers like Carnival or RCCL or even X. The fact that their only offering this on limited sailings is to see if it's profitable for the line or not.

[Cauzneffct]

For those guests who find it too expensive or not for them, don't partake in it. Easy as that.

 

Absolutely. The package works for you, so you should buy it. I doubt it will work for me, so I won't. I'm just hoping that by presenting both sides of the issue we can stave off a few "PRINCESS drink PACKAGe : WASTe of MonEY!!!11" threads down the road.

[Iamcruzin]

I don't want to burst your bubble but they're doing it to make money. :) They make more with a package than selling individual drinks.

 

I agree. My only question is why isn't Princess selling packages fleet wide already when the other lines have been doing it for some time now?

My only guess is that they didn't think passengers would buy them.

 

If you read the Celebrity boards on this subject you will see that some order the more expensive premium package just so they can order whatever they want and know that it is covered in the package. Most of the cocktails are under the $8 dollar limit so unless you are only going to drink $12 Martini's it really doesn't pay to upgrade. What I also experienced is unless you specifically order your drink by brand such as a Grey Goose Martini as opposed to a Vodka Martini, they will pour the well brand vodka. Most passengers will just order a Screwdriver or Bloody Mary and will get the well brand and will be happy with that. By doing this they are getting passengers to pay for the premium plan and serving them the lower end alcohol. I experienced this first hand when I ordered my first Bloody Mary at breakfast. I had the classic plan which allowed me to order the brands that I normally drink at home so for the rest of the cruise I named my poison.

[Iamcruzin]

Totally agree with you. I think Princess didn't offer this earlier only bc Princess clientele isn't known for being partiers like Carnival or RCCL or even X. The fact that their only offering this on limited sailings is to see if it's profitable for the line or not.

I found the X crowd more sedate than the Princess crowd. On my sailing they gave the drink package away for free and yet the bars with the exception of the Martini bar were empty on most nights. With all of the Princess threads questioning whether or not they are enforcing the wine policy or asking how to smuggle alcohol on board leads me to believe that the Princess clientele are just as much a party crowd as any other line. The only difference is that they are trying to fleece the cruise line.

Edited December 8, 2013 by Iamcruzin

[welshgirl58]

Sign me up! They will be losing money with me! :).

 

I would gladly pay for this. My bar tab is always a lot more than the cruise. And no, I'm not falling down drunk on my cruises!!

 

 

 

I agree wholly!!!!!!!

[Iamcruzin]

Absolutely. The package works for you, so you should buy it. I doubt it will work for me, so I won't. I'm just hoping that by presenting both sides of the issue we can stave off a few "PRINCESS drink PACKAGe : WASTe of MonEY!!!11" threads down the road.

 

Oh come on. Now that the smoking threads, dress code threads and the I hate the Royal threads have pretty much disappeared we need some controversial topic to get us to our next cruise. :D

[miss honey]

Exactly Pam , they are doing it to make money. I bought the coffee card last month and did not come close to using up all of my punches. It was nice having it when I wanted it. With al the al- inclusive ships and land vacations It is nice seeing them staying up to pace.

[Cruise Junky]

Totally agree with you. I think Princess didn't offer this earlier only bc Princess clientele isn't known for being partiers like Carnival or RCCL or even X. The fact that their only offering this on limited sailings is to see if it's profitable for the line or not.

 

And HAL is known as a party line? They've had them for a while

[Pamster]

I don't know that both in the cabin have to get it. But if only one does, what keeps the two of them from sharing? I would think Princess would say both in the cabin have to get the same package. After all, they are offering this so they can make money, not for us to save money.

 

And yes, we were out and about with our drinks. Made them in the cabin to our liking and walked the ship with our drinks. Only our stateroom attendant made us feel weird about taking our cabin glasses out of our rooms. :rolleyes: But didn't keep us from bringing other glasses in and out.

 

Even if both in the cabin don't have to get the package, $350/pp vs $103/pp (what we paid for room service bottles). You'd have to drink at least 3x what we did to break even on the package, and that's NOT counting calorie bombs.

 

What keeps both of people in a cabin from using one card? Oh, I don't know, maybe honesty? If my husband drank we would both buy cards, he doesn't so there is no need for us to do that. However, I do know that not everyone shares the same sense of right/wrong, and would try to use the same card for both. Celebrity doesn't require that everyone in the cabin buy a card, so it must not be too big of a problem for an adult population. I don't think they let you buy more than one drink at a time with one card, so that would limit sharing, and the staff are supposed to keep an eye out for "sharing/cheating".

 

Basing the break even point for the package for me on what you pay to mix your drinks in your cabin - drinks that are not what I would drink - is not really a valid comparison. I wouldn't need to drink 3x's what you drink to outspend your $103/pp - drinking the same amount bought at the bars would probably be at least twice if not 3x's what you spend. And my idea of a relaxing cruise is not running back to the cabin each time I want a drink, but enjoying time in a bar or the casino, getting my drinks delivered to me.

 

That's fine, to each his own. You're right - not a good deal for you - better deal for me - just saying that it doesn't require excessive drinking or calorie bombs to save money with a package.

[tgmtgm]

I don't want to burst your bubble but they're doing it to make money. :) They make more with a package than selling individual drinks.

 

Of course they are doing it to make money. Since when does a cruiseline do/offer something to lose money? (other than past passenger perks- but let's not whack that hornet's nest!) All of the paid for options are designed to generate income onboard. Princess is not a charity, and I don't expect a handout. ;)

 

Tony

[tgmtgm]

What keeps both of people in a cabin from using one card? Oh, I don't know, maybe honesty? If my husband drank we would both buy cards, he doesn't so there is no need for us to do that. However, I do know that not everyone shares the same sense of right/wrong, and would try to use the same card for both. Celebrity doesn't require that everyone in the cabin buy a card, so it must not be too big of a problem for an adult population. I don't think they let you buy more than one drink at a time with one card, so that would limit sharing, and the staff are supposed to keep an eye out for "sharing/cheating".

 

Basing the break even point for the package for me on what you pay to mix your drinks in your cabin - drinks that are not what I would drink - is not really a valid comparison. I wouldn't need to drink 3x's what you drink to outspend your $103/pp - drinking the same amount bought at the bars would probably be at least twice if not 3x's what you spend. And my idea of a relaxing cruise is not running back to the cabin each time I want a drink, but enjoying time in a bar or the casino, getting my drinks delivered to me.

 

That's fine, to each his own. You're right - not a good deal for you - better deal for me - just saying that it doesn't require excessive drinking or calorie bombs to save money with a package.

 

LIKE!!! :D:D

 

Tony

[UpcountryTravelers]

To each his own. I like the convenience that a drink package provides. Do I get the best of the cruiseline every single day of a cruise? Probably not. But that's not the point. It gives the cruise a true all-inclusive feel, and I appreciate that.

 

For those guests who find it too expensive or not for them, don't partake in it. Easy as that.

 

Tony

 

There y'go. It is a convenience package, not a money-saving package. If it is worth the extra cost to you (and it IS an extra cost for most), then go for it. It's nice to have a choice.

 

Just don't try to sell it as a cost savings. For most people, it is not.

[caribill]

What keeps both of people in a cabin from using one card? Oh, I don't know, maybe honesty? If my husband drank we would both buy cards, he doesn't so there is no need for us to do that. However, I do know that not everyone shares the same sense of right/wrong, and would try to use the same card for both.

 

If it is like the soda card, it is not a card but a sticker placed on a person's cruise card.

 

If you are honest, you would not approach a bar with someone else's cruise card.

 

And if you are getting a drink at dinner, the waiter certainly will know if only one passenger has the sticker.

[Cruise Raider]

I was waiting for Princess to catch on to this. We had this package as a perk on Celebrity a couple of times. Although we had previously thought it was just way too expensive, we now think it is almost a necessity on any cruise. Yes, the price is high but this allowed us to not worry about any large bill at the end of the cruise.

This was a typical day and not at any one time were we even fuzzy, much less drunk (I am approximating the price as we were not charged):

 

Coffee drink from the specialty coffee bar downstairs - $5

Bloody Mary from the bar - $7

Mimosa at breakfast / brunch - made with fresh squeezed OJ - $5

Bottle of water x 2 for the room - $6

Beer or soda with lunch - $4

Tea after lunch at the coffee house - $4

Glass of wine or cocktail for sitting out on the balcony - $8

Club soda up on deck / by the pool - $4

 

We are already just about at the $44 per day charge and it is only 3 PM.....and not drunk at all.

 

Small martini before dinner - $8

Glass of wine with dinner - $8

Port wine after dinner - $7

 

Still not fall down silly or even feeling a little fuzzy and way over the $44 they charged. Still walking in a straight line.

 

Cocktail at the show - $8

Nightcap at the piano bar - $8

 

It adds up quickly and not every day was exactly the same but you can see how it adds up without all that much alcohol involved. I guess for some it might look like a lot - but it is our typical day on vacation. I love the option to just have the drink I want, whether it is bottled water, wine, beer, coffee, fresh squeezed OJ, or liquor. Once they scan your card at dinner, they just keep pouring your wine. You can drink it slowly and they refill it less often. But, even with the package, we didn't get drunk - saw others that did get a little out of hand but it certainly wasn't the majority. If you don't require the fancy coffees or wine with dinner, cold drinks at the pool or a cocktail during the shows, then it probably isn't worth it for you but for us, we'd probably spend that much anyway so nice it is just unlimited. It takes the worry out of that huge bill at the end of the cruise. Gone are the days of the $2 happy hour cocktails and decent coffee served for no charge.

[KruzPrincess]

OK, everyone, I talked to a couple bar people. There is only one bar where you could buy the package and I talked to the bartender there. He said it is ALL-INCLUSIVE up to $10. That includes bottled water, soda, etc. Also, and this is big, he said if there are two people in the cabin they both must purchase the package. I haven't taken the time to read all the posts on the thread today because of slow computers, but I hope this helps. If you read the Celebrity boards you know people love, love, love these packages. I personally would never get my money's worth, but some people will. Oh, and they said they believe it will go on...that this is not the only cruise it will be on.

 

Just want to remind everyone that they say it's only on the Star Princess right now. I doubt you will find info on the Princess site as it appears to be a trial.

Edited December 8, 2013 by KruzPrincess

[Cruise Junky]

OK, everyone, I talked to a couple bar people. There is only one bar where you could buy the package and I talked to the bartender there. He said it is ALL-INCLUSIVE up to $10. That includes bottled water, soda, etc. Also, and this is big, he said if there are two people in the cabin they both must purchase the package. I haven't taken the time to read all the posts on the thread today because of slow computers, but I hope this helps. If you read the Celebrity boards you know people love, love, love these packages. I personally would never get my money's worth, but some people will.

 

Thanks for the update. Totally lame that both have to buy it. That will turn a lot of people off. RCL just revised theirs to do away with that rule.

[Ellipooh]

Totally lame that both have to buy it. That will turn a lot of people off.

 

yep. That would put me out, or at least back to the S&M card. Too bad, since DH doesn't drink Princess could have made a profit off my purchase of a package.

 

But I do understand that the opportunity for abuse is just too obvious to leave it up to "on your honor." Again, it's too bad as I would have truly enjoyed the convenience.

[Cruise Junky]

yep. That would put me out, or at least back to the S&M card. Too bad, since DH doesn't drink Princess could have made a profit off my purchase of a package.

 

But I do understand that the opportunity for abuse is just too obvious to leave it up to "on your honor." Again, it's too bad as I would have truly enjoyed the convenience.

 

I agree. Lots of opportunity to cheat. We both drink so it would be fine but we know enough couples where one doesn't. They'll stick to Celebrity and RCL I guess.

[Pamster]

yep. That would put me out, or at least back to the S&M card. Too bad, since DH doesn't drink Princess could have made a profit off my purchase of a package.

 

But I do understand that the opportunity for abuse is just too obvious to leave it up to "on your honor." Again, it's too bad as I would have truly enjoyed the convenience.

 

I don't know that the opportunity for abuse is all that obvious - since Celebrity doesn't require that both passengers in one cabin buy the package - and RCL has reportedly done away with it. Sounds like that requirement makes it LESS profitable that just allowing one person/cabin to purchase it. We'll have to see what Princess decides.

[chamima]

I was waiting for Princess to catch on to this. We had this package as a perk on Celebrity a couple of times. Although we had previously thought it was just way too expensive, we now think it is almost a necessity on any cruise. Yes, the price is high but this allowed us to not worry about any large bill at the end of the cruise.

This was a typical day and not at any one time were we even fuzzy, much less drunk (I am approximating the price as we were not charged):

 

Coffee drink from the specialty coffee bar downstairs - $5

Bloody Mary from the bar - $7

Mimosa at breakfast / brunch - made with fresh squeezed OJ - $5

Bottle of water x 2 for the room - $6

Beer or soda with lunch - $4

Tea after lunch at the coffee house - $4

Glass of wine or cocktail for sitting out on the balcony - $8

Club soda up on deck / by the pool - $4

 

We are already just about at the $44 per day charge and it is only 3 PM.....and not drunk at all.

 

Small martini before dinner - $8

Glass of wine with dinner - $8

Port wine after dinner - $7

 

Still not fall down silly or even feeling a little fuzzy and way over the $44 they charged. Still walking in a straight line.

 

Cocktail at the show - $8

Nightcap at the piano bar - $8

 

I like Seabreezes out by the pool and would LOVE them with fresh squeezed oj.

We have the drink package for our next cruise on Celebrity and I just wondered if you happened to know which bars had the fresh squeezed?

[caribill]

Also, and this is big, he said if there are two people in the cabin they both must purchase the package.

 

If there are three or four adults in a cabin do all three or four have to buy it?