Beverage Packages.. Not worth the $ IMHO

[Evilgrin72]

Share a steak, no that's like the apple and oranges comparison. However, how about you go to Hometown Buffet and only one pays and then goes back for multiple plates to share with the table mate? Now that is stealing. That's more of a comparison.

 

Bottom line for some people it's worth it for others it's not. Do your research and make your choice. Nobody to blame but yourself.

 

Oh and I do leave the house with the intent to speed because those speed limit signs apply to you, not me.

 

I guess I should have finished reading the thread before responding.

[Evilgrin72]

How about this scenario?

 

I buy the $55 package but discover that today I have only used $47 worth.

 

If I get an $8 drink and give it to my wife am I within my rights, or am I a criminal?

 

"Criminal."

 

Unless you expect them to cut you off at $55 tomorrow, of course. :D

[Havingfun2010]

Would you go to a steakhouse, and order a 64 oz steak, knowing you will only eat 8 oz's? Most likely not. The drink package is the same. You buy it, if you know, you will break even, or exceed the cost. If you know you won't, than you don't order it.

 

As far as service, the bartenders never knew I had it, until after I ordered a drink, and I gave the a card. Service was either good or slow, based on the bar, but it was not because of the drink package.

[helen haywood]

OK, I don't want to be a criminal! I have purchased the drink package; my husband has not. May I give him my card to get a drink for me when I'm dressing or must I always be the one to get a drink?

[Frankmac]

"Criminal."

 

Unless you expect them to cut you off at $55 tomorrow, of course. :D

 

Ah but tomorrow is another day Evilgrin72. If I pay my $55 today surely I am entitled to $55 worth of drinks and it would be my business what I do with them.

[Evilgrin72]

Ah but tomorrow is another day Evilgrin72. If I pay my $55 today surely I am entitled to $55 worth of drinks and it would be my business what I do with them.

 

Sure...but on those merits, you're entitled to $55 tomorrow too. What if you have 11 Guinness by dinner time, as I often do? Now, if you want some wine with dinner or a scotch afterward... sorry. You're entitled to $55 worth of drinks, and you've exhausted it. I shudder to think of such a horrific scenario.

 

You're not paying for $55 worth of drinks a day, you're paying for all YOU care to drink. Keeping other passengers lubed up isn't part of the deal.

[Finbar127]

What if you have 11 Guinness by dinner time, as I often do?

 

11 pints by dinner? Now that is what I call drinking! If I did that I would be useless for at least a week. :eek:

[Frankmac]

Sure...but on those merits, you're entitled to $55 tomorrow too. What if you have 11 Guinness by dinner time, as I often do? Now, if you want some wine with dinner or a scotch afterward... sorry. You're entitled to $55 worth of drinks, and you've exhausted it. I shudder to think of such a horrific scenario.

 

You're not paying for $55 worth of drinks a day, you're paying for all YOU care to drink. Keeping other passengers lubed up isn't part of the deal.

 

Sorry but I'm not having that.

 

If I buy the package I am entitled to a minimum of $55 worth of drink per day because I have paid $55 for it.

 

Obviously on a day where I drink over that minimum, which, as you point out, is my right, I have no right to get drinks for another party. However on a day when I am below the minimum I believe I have the right to if I wish. Only up as far as the $55 though.

 

I think thats reasonable

[AlexanderBeetle]

And after going back and reading, I see where the disconnect is. Those of you who view it as criminal believe that because you view the rule breaking as 'stealing'. I don't see it as stealing. I just don't. I'm sorry, I disagree. If my disagreeing means I have a lot of 'chutzpah' then so be it.

 

Seems to me whether any one of us sees it as stealing or not is irrelevant. How RCI views it is different. It is, afterall, their program, their property and their rules.

[akcruz]

Sorry but I'm not having that.

 

If I buy the package I am entitled to a minimum of $55 worth of drink per day because I have paid $55 for it.

 

Obviously on a day where I drink over that minimum, which, as you point out, is my right, I have no right to get drinks for another party. However on a day when I am below the minimum I believe I have the right to if I wish. Only up as far as the $55 though.

 

I think thats reasonable

 

So then, why do the package specifically state "Price shown is per person, per day" Not to cover drinks for a party up to the advertised price??

 

If you don't think you will hit the $55 yourself averaged out over the course of the cruise, don't buy the package. Simple as that.

 

As was stated earlier if everyone thinks as you do the package prices will either be raised, the limitation where all in the cabin need to buy it reinstated, or taken away all together.

 

Honestly not sure why I try on this board, people either don't get it, or are just trying to rile everyone else up. Do what you want, most will anyway, just don't complain when things are taken away!

Edited September 5, 2014 by akcruz

[Frankmac]

So then, why do the package specifically state "Price shown is per person, per day" Not to cover drinks for a party up to the advertised price??

 

If you don't think you will hit the $55 yourself averaged out over the course of the cruise, don't buy the package. Simple as that.

 

As was stated earlier if everyone thinks as you do the package prices will either be raised, the limitation where all in the cabin need to buy it reinstated, or taken away all together.

 

Honestly not sure why I try on this board, people either don't get it, or are just trying to rile everyone else up. Do what you want, most will anyway, just don't complain when things are taken away!

 

Yes I will do what I want, but I will only share if I have not used up my daily entitlement. That's the way I see it.

[onyourtoes]

The drink package isn't "worth it" for a lot of people. Certainly not for me. I don't drink soda, am perfectly happy with plain water, iced tea or lemonade during the day, two cosmos in the CL or DL or from the vouchers and a glass of wine to take to dinner. Don't care for coffee and might want one after dinner drink. But I know that going in. I know what I drink and know what prices are. It's called doing your homework.

 

Sorry it didn't work out for you but it's something you could have researched prior to purchasing.

 

I know what you mean. I do drink, but not enough where the drink package would be worth it to me. Whenever I come back from a cruise I always total up what was spent at the bar for that week (be it 7 days, or 4) and my bar tab is always well below what the drink package is for that day. Couple that with being a Diamond member and can drink for free in the DL, it would be a waste of money for me. But if you are one of those crazy party animals who drinks more than $65 a day - have at it. Happy and safe cruising to you all.

 

P.S. Now if they had a casino package, then that would be worth it for me ;) It's funny how much money you lose gambling trying to make up for money you lost gambling - LOL.

[yj2cute]

Yes I will do what I want, but I will only share if I have not used up my daily entitlement. That's the way I see it.

 

I don't understand how you feel "the way you see it" as being a justification for breaking the rules? It's clearly stated there will be NO SHARING of the drink package. If you won't use up your daily entitlement, then simply don't buy the package. Your type of thinking is going to ruin it for all the others who are happy that RCCL changed the policy and are following the rules. I don't even purchase the package but feel it's wrong for folks like you to make up their own version of the rules and put the program at risk for everyone else.

 

Just another example of the "me" mentality that shows a complete lack of consideration for others.

Edited September 5, 2014 by yj2cute

[Bowman26]

I got the Premium drink package and it easily paid for itself. With the package the 15% gratuity is included with every drink and you don't have to sign the ticket. I loved not having to sign tickets and getting anything I wanted. I brought a stack of $1's with me and tipped them cash when I got good service. After the first two days I figured out where to go for the best made drinks and service and stuck with those continuing to tip every other drink or so a extra buck. Lets just say I had several on speed dial by the end of the week ;) No I never got drunk but I had a great time!

 

If you are one to enjoy a variety of drinks and plan on drinking most of the day and night (like I did :rolleyes:) it isn't a bad deal IMO. Figure a bottle of water is $5 plus tip. I'll drink 4-5 of these a day easily. A half dozen or so fruity drinks during the day at around $8 plus tip. Beer or Martinis in the evening. Some Specialty Martinis are over $12 with the tip.

 

So 25 a day for water +48 a day for fruity drinks +60-75 for Evening and Late night drinks = roughly $150 a day PLUS 15% so $177 a day. Oh and I didn't even include the soft drinks I had here and there in this calculation.

 

As mentioned above I never got drunk. You are on a boat to relax and have a good time all day and all night. You can drink a LOT more then you realize when you have nothing else to do in a party atmosphere for a week lol.

 

I've seen the sticker shock some people who don't drink much normally have at the end of the cruise :eek:

 

Do the math and be realistic with yourself when deciding is all I can say. And if you get it download the drink list to your phone and get creative! Try things you never would risk spending $12 on just to try. Live it up but don't get hammered and pace yourself with lots of water all day and night. If you get stupid drunk on day one or two you might not feel like drinking more the rest of the trip and that would be a waste then. I'm 6'4" and 225 lbs so I can drink 1-2 drinks a hour and never get more than a nice buzz. Plus those drinks just taste so good!

Edited September 5, 2014 by Bowman26

[WonderousBlue]

just following

[dacsmom]

I know what you mean. I do drink, but not enough where the drink package would be worth it to me. Whenever I come back from a cruise I always total up what was spent at the bar for that week (be it 7 days, or 4) and my bar tab is always well below what the drink package is for that day. Couple that with being a Diamond member and can drink for free in the DL, it would be a waste of money for me. But if you are one of those crazy party animals who drinks more than $65 a day - have at it. Happy and safe cruising to you all.

 

P.S. Now if they had a casino package, then that would be worth it for me ;) It's funny how much money you lose gambling trying to make up for money you lost gambling - LOL.

 

I am not a crazy party animal but I do at least break even on the ultimate drink package. I tend to indulge in a lot of frilly coffee drinks and water in addition to 2 fresh squeezed OJ's each morning. Add that to drinks during a show and the drink package really works out well for me. For some it is not worth the price, but for others it is, it is strictly a personal preference. I do think people should do the math before they purchase a package. There are some people who never even come close to breaking even and they do not realize it until after the cruise, and regret buying a drink package.

Edited September 5, 2014 by dacsmom

[gerif]

Would you go to a steakhouse, and order a 64 oz steak, knowing you will only eat 8 oz's? Most likely not. The drink package is the same. You buy it, if you know, you will break even, or exceed the cost. If you know you won't, than you don't order it.

 

As far as service, the bartenders never knew I had it, until after I ordered a drink, and I gave the a card. Service was either good or slow, based on the bar, but it was not because of the drink package.

 

Well, I would! Maybe not 64 oz., but I usually get a larger steak than I know I can eat - sure makes my cats happy when I get home although people might think I'm strange when I cut up my leftovers into tiny pieces. But, the thing is I've paid for the entire steak and can do with it what I wish. If I'm at an all you can eat buffet, I can't get a big piece of prime rib and ask for a to go container.

[gerif]

Yes I will do what I want, but I will only share if I have not used up my daily entitlement. That's the way I see it.

 

And I see it that you are stealing, but I guess we all have our own moral values. Don't come whining here if you get caught.

[dacsmom]

OK, I don't want to be a criminal! I have purchased the drink package; my husband has not. May I give him my card to get a drink for me when I'm dressing or must I always be the one to get a drink?

 

This is a completely different scenario and yes, he can get your drink for you. That has nothing to do with sharing a package, he is simply being a gracious husband.

[AlexanderBeetle]

Yes I will do what I want, but I will only share if I have not used up my daily entitlement. That's the way I see it.

 

Maybe check with Royal first to see if it's the way they see it... Give them a call. Their opinion is really the only one that matters!

[beerman2]

There's that word again ENTITLED! Once again that me first attitude.

 

If you want to use that word(entitled ) then without a doubt RCI is entitled to take the drink package away and you forfeit the rest of your monies .

 

 

 

 

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[kahcarre]

This is a completely different scenario and yes, he can get your drink for you. That has nothing to do with sharing a package, he is simply being a gracious husband.

 

I would be careful - even though you are using the package as intended (the person who has the package on their card is the one drinking the drinks) you may get flagged if he repeatedly gets drinks on your card. It may help if he chats with the bartender to state why he is getting you a drink :)

[dacsmom]

I would be careful - even though you are using the package as intended (the person who has the package on their card is the one drinking the drinks) you may get flagged if he repeatedly gets drinks on your card. It may help if he chats with the bartender to state why he is getting you a drink :)

 

That is a good idea, it never hurts to ask. I just based my answer on personal experience.

[Loujul]

We chose not to get any drink package on our recent cruise to Bermuda, but some of our friends did. We traveled with 7 couples. One couple only got the soda package and they complained it was annoying carrying around cups all day. Others chose the premium and some in between. None were happy with their choices. I did notice that finding a server at any of the venues difficult, especially in the casino. Now I'm wondering if they were absent on purpose. Hmmmm.

[readytolose]

I would be careful - even though you are using the package as intended (the person who has the package on their card is the one drinking the drinks) you may get flagged if he repeatedly gets drinks on your card. It may help if he chats with the bartender to state why he is getting you a drink :)

 

I would think if they both had a package or if he was also purchasing a drink for himself that it wouldn't be a problem. I can see Royal not allowing it if he is just getting the one drink for her, since I'm sure they have heard that line a million times! But it's for my wife........

 

Maybe make friends with a bartender early on and show that you aren't trying to get around the rules and you might have better luck.