WOW - bar drinks prices increased by up to 40%

[Denice and Annalise]

Hi jd07.

 

I had the Premium Drinks Package so no drinks gratuities went onto my account either. However, my dinner companions advised it had been added to their drinks charges on their account. I did confirm this by phone call today with RCL Rep. He was a young American man (call my have been transferred offshore) however, I was very clear in my question regarding Australia and he confirmed yes, it is additional to the menu price. I have emailed RCL and have again set out my question in relation to Australian cruises and if the drinks gratuities are built into the menu prices or if it is indeed added later. I will let you know when I get a reply.

 

Also, we were charged US $57 per day for the Premium Package. This was at end of February '16 just a couple of weeks ago.

 

D :)

Edited March 8, 2016 by Denice and Annalise

[Biker19]

Given the increase in drink prices, I wonder if there has been a corresponding increase in attempts to smuggle booze on board and how successful those attempts are?

 

The price increase is unlikely to have a bunch of folks get rum runners. Most people don't pay attention to pricing as they go along - just shocked at the end of the cruise when the charges come due. Most of them are first timers and have no reference in terms of prices. If someone is inclined to bring booze on board, the chances of getting caught (assuming some level of hiding) are quite small.:cool:

[Biker19]

He was a young American man (call my have been transferred offshore) however, I was very clear in my question regarding Australia and he confirmed yes, it is additional to the menu price. I have emailed RCL and have again set out my question in relation to Australian cruises and if the drinks gratuities are built into the menu prices or if it is indeed added later.

 

What some rep tells you and what happens on the ship could be two different things.:cool:

[Denice and Annalise]

True, that is why I emailed RCL :)

[Denice and Annalise]

Hi Paroo.

 

Below is a link.

 

The prices are not accurate as many have changed. The benefit of this list is that it lists all the cocktails they make not just the small list which is now on their drinks menus onboard (approx 8). Just print it off and take it with you and use it as a reference. We had no problems at all. All of the cocktails listed are included in the Premium and Ultimate Packages.

 

http://www.cruisemapper.com/wiki/708-royal-caribbean-alcohol-policy-drink-prices

 

:)

Edited March 8, 2016 by Denice and Annalise

[Biker19]

True, that is why I emailed RCL :)

 

Not sure that will get you any more correct answer than a phone rep.:cool:

[Denice and Annalise]

How can I get a copy of the RCI drink menu?

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app

 

 

http://www.cruisemapper.com/wiki/708-royal-caribbean-alcohol-policy-drink-prices#drink_packages

 

:)

[JohnSnowGOT]

Totally agree. I wasnt going to go there but since you did, Im sure it wont be long before they show up. :D

 

I have never paid 12.00 for Margarita or 7.00 for a beer ANYWHERE on land :rolleyes:

 

Obviously you have never been to Disney World

[Sonny]

Drink prices are way too high in my opinion, but someone has to pay for all the free drinks given to the Diamond Crown and Anchor members.

[JohnSnowGOT]

Not just drink prices are rising everything is going up...and not just with RCI..You'd think corporations would be enjoying the improved economy and lower energy costs.....nope corporate greed more more more:eek:

[ryano]

Obviously you have never been to Disney World

 

It's been about 30 years. If I go another 30 years without Disney I'm ok with it. No desire whatsoever

[yvrdave]

Right there with ya!

 

Especially since I'm Canadian. $10 drink plus 18% tip is over $15 CDN:eek::eek: No thanks:(

 

Move over - we're with you too! :eek:

[jd07]

At least the Aussie dollar is on the rise :)

[Ocean Boy]

Drink prices are way too high in my opinion, but someone has to pay for all the free drinks given to the Diamond Crown and Anchor members.

 

And when the Pinnacles board they all go back to living the good old days of prohibition?

[Ocean Boy]

Not just drink prices are rising everything is going up...and not just with RCI..You'd think corporations would be enjoying the improved economy and lower energy costs.....nope corporate greed more more more:eek:

 

Corporations are enjoying it especially the energy. They just are not passing any of that joy on to their customers. As for the ecomony, I'm not convinced that it is as rosey as the politicians would like us all to believe.

Edited March 10, 2016 by Ocean Boy

[Denice and Annalise]

Hi All.

 

As per previous posts.

 

In addition to calling RCL, (who advised yes, an additional 18% gratuity would be added on top of menu prices for drinks onto your account), I emailed them to confirm if the 18% Gratuity is added to drink charges on RCL ships sailing out of Australia.

 

My question sent to RCL Australia:

 

"My query is in relation to RCL Australian Cruises. When you purchase a drink onboard from the bar menu, is this the all inclusive price or is there an additional 18% gratuity added onto your account on top of that menu price?"

 

 

They have replied:-

 

 

Dear Denice,

 

Thank you for contacting Royal Caribbean International. Wishing you all the

best on your daily activities.

 

In regards to your query, we kindly advise that 18% gratuity charge will be

added to all beverage charges.

 

Please feel free to direct any additional questions or concerns to us and

we will be happy to help.

 

 

Kind Regards,

 

xxxxxxxxxx , Reservations Specialist

 

__/7_/7_/7_/7_

___/ ===[]====[]=== \__

\ '.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.' l

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Royal Caribbean Cruises Australia • 1800 754

500 • reservations.au@rcclapac.com • Level 2, 80 Arthur Street, North

Sydney, NSW, 2060

Royal Caribbean International Ltd. | Celebrity Cruises | Azamara Club

Cruises

 

I removed the young Lady's name as I did not believe it necessary to include it here.

 

So, it would appear that yes, they do add it on cruises out of Australia as well.

 

Regards,

 

Denice

Edited March 10, 2016 by Denice and Annalise

[Jestocost]

Obviously you have never been to Disney World

 

Or an NFL game.

[Denice and Annalise]

RCL Drinks List.

 

Handy to have because on the last 2 RCL cruises over the past few months (Explorer and Legend), they only had about 8 cocktails listed on their drinks menus. Most of them I found were very boring too. I am not sure about drink menus on other RCL ships in the US or other locations. Would be good to have feedback if their drink menus are also very limited in the listing of cocktails now. :)

 

The prices listed are not necessarily accurate any longer (close though), however, the list is really handy to have as you can order any of these drinks on any RCL ship. All the cocktails we ordered from this list (and we ordered quite a variety as on one cruise alone we were at sea for 26 nights), were included in the Premium Drinks Package. So, if you are a cocktail lover, I highly recommend you print it off and take it with you for inspiration. If you have a drinks package that is costing you an arm and a leg, the least they can do is give you some variety.

 

http://www.cruisemapper.com/wiki/708...y-drink-prices

 

Hope this helps others as much as it helped us.

 

Happy cruising and have a cocktail for me!

 

D :)

Edited March 10, 2016 by Denice and Annalise

[LeesSummitCruiser1]

Obviously you have never been to Disney World

 

Or an NFL, NBA, or Major Concert event.

[Denice and Annalise]

RCL Drinks List.

 

Handy to have because on the last 2 RCL cruises over the past few months (Explorer and Legend), they only had about 8 cocktails listed on their drinks menus. Most of them I found were very boring too. I am not sure about drink menus on other RCL ships in the US or other locations. Would be good to have feedback if their drink menus are also very limited in the listing of cocktails now. :)

 

The prices listed are not necessarily accurate any longer (close though), however, the list is really handy to have as you can order any of these drinks on any RCL ship. All the cocktails we ordered from this list (and we ordered quite a variety as on one cruise alone we were at sea for 26 nights), were included in the Premium Drinks Package. So, if you are a cocktail lover, I highly recommend you print it off and take it with you for inspiration. If you have a drinks package that is costing you an arm and a leg, the least they can do is give you some variety.

 

http://www.cruisemapper.com/wiki/708...y-drink-prices

 

Hope this helps others as much as it helped us.

 

Happy cruising and have a cocktail for me!

 

D :)

 

 

 

OTHER LINK TO DRINKS MENU NOT WORKING - PLEASE US THIS ONE :):):)

 

http://www.cruisemapper.com/wiki/708-royal-caribbean-alcohol-policy-drink-prices#drink_packages

Edited March 10, 2016 by Denice and Annalise

[ryano]

Or an NFL game.

 

Or an NFL, NBA, or Major Concert event.

 

Ive been to all of the above but I simply dont imbibe at those places. I highly doubt Royal Caribbean raised their drink prices 40-50% overnight last year because sporting venues charge an outrageous for theirs :rolleyes: Besides, I dont remember the last football game i went to and stayed a whole week lol. I still stand by what I said. I do not frequent places on land that charge 14 dollars for a frozen drink or 7 dollars for a beer.

 

IMO and a lot of others, they raised their individual drink prices in order to make their drink packages look more attractive. Obviously its working. Good for Royal Caribbean but as for me, I will drink much less on the ship in the future than what I would have with reasonable drink prices of the past. I can also drink cheaper at the tourist traps like Margaritaville and Senor Frogs than on the ship now. I did that on the last cruise.

 

Im sorry that I had sticker shock last year when my normally $9.20 Lava Flow was suddenly $14.16 but Ive gotten well past that now. It is what it is. If you guys want to justify the outrageous drink prices all because sporting venues and concerts do the same, have at it. Its not an apples to apples comparison to me though.

Edited March 10, 2016 by ryano

[Sonny]

And when the Pinnacles board they all go back to living the good old days of prohibition?

 

When I was on board the Oasis last month there were only 4 Pinnacle and over 300 Diamond members. Pinnacle Members don't get any more complimentary drinks on their cards than the Diamond Members. My wife and I don't drink alcohol so I couldn't care less what the price of drinks are. Seems like you have some issues with Pinnacle Status.

[Jestocost]

Ive been to all of the above but I simply dont imbibe at those places. I highly doubt Royal Caribbean raised their drink prices 40-50% overnight last year because sporting venues charge an outrageous for theirs :rolleyes: Besides, I dont remember the last football game i went to and stayed a whole week lol. I still stand by what I said. I do not frequent places on land that charge 14 dollars for a frozen drink or 7 dollars for a beer.

 

IMO and a lot of others, they raised their individual drink prices in order to make their drink packages look more attractive. Obviously its working. Good for Royal Caribbean but as for me, I will drink much less on the ship in the future than what I would have with reasonable drink prices of the past. I can also drink cheaper at the tourist traps like Margaritaville and Senor Frogs than on the ship now. I did that on the last cruise.

 

Im sorry that I had sticker shock last year when my normally $9.20 Lava Flow was suddenly $14.16 but Ive gotten well past that now. It is what it is. If you guys want to justify the outrageous drink prices all because sporting venues and concerts do the same, have at it. Its not an apples to apples comparison to me though.

 

Um. Did we hit a sore spot?

[Big_G]

As for the ecomony, I'm not convinced that it is as rosey as the politicians would like us all to believe.

 

Given that all US market indices are down YTD and Royal is down 30 percent itself, I tend to agree.

[The_Big_M]

Hi All.

 

As per previous posts.

 

In addition to calling RCL, (who advised yes, an additional 18% gratuity would be added on top of menu prices for drinks onto your account), I emailed them to confirm if the 18% Gratuity is added to drink charges on RCL ships sailing out of Australia.

 

My question sent to RCL Australia:

 

"My query is in relation to RCL Australian Cruises. When you purchase a drink onboard from the bar menu, is this the all inclusive price or is there an additional 18% gratuity added onto your account on top of that menu price?"

 

 

They have replied:-

 

 

Dear Denice,

 

Thank you for contacting Royal Caribbean International. Wishing you all the

best on your daily activities.

 

In regards to your query, we kindly advise that 18% gratuity charge will be

added to all beverage charges.

 

Please feel free to direct any additional questions or concerns to us and

we will be happy to help.

 

 

Kind Regards,

 

xxxxxxxxxx , Reservations Specialist

 

__/7_/7_/7_/7_

___/ ===[]====[]=== \__

\ '.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.' l

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Royal Caribbean Cruises Australia • 1800 754

500 • reservations.au@rcclapac.com • Level 2, 80 Arthur Street, North

Sydney, NSW, 2060

Royal Caribbean International Ltd. | Celebrity Cruises | Azamara Club

Cruises

 

I removed the young Lady's name as I did not believe it necessary to include it here.

 

So, it would appear that yes, they do add it on cruises out of Australia as well.

 

Regards,

 

Denice

 

On sailings out of Australia it is still added on to the base price, but the price shown on menus includes it. I.e. if you're on an Australian sailing, the price you see is the price you pay for drinks, no extra gratuity is added.