Question on changes to Signature Beverage Package

[TAD2005]

We just got off of a 21 day HAL cruise in December, 2016, and it was not included in the Explore-4 promotion, so we purchased the Signature Beverage Package (SBP) on board, the first day, for $44.95 per day plus 15% service charge. We found the package works well for us. We were handed a one-sheet form by the bartender in the atrium bar which described the standard SBP at $44.95 per day and the new Elite version for $54.95 per day, both plus the 15%. The Elite package increases the maximum drink price from the regular $8 to $15 per drink

While on board, we booked our next cruise with the Future Cruise Consultant for a 25 day Med/TA in October. This cruise was also not part of the Explore-4 promotion, so we intend to purchase the SBP as before.

Looking at the HAL website, where you can purchase specialty dinners, shore excursions, and wine packages, I noticed the SBP was also there. They show the SBP at $44.95 per day BUT only if purchased online, prior to the cruise. It's $49.95 a day if you wait to purchase it on board. Why is only the SBP purchased on board penalized by a $5 per day extra fee while all other purchases are the same cost purchased on line or on board ? $5 a day doesn't seem like much, but for 2 persons on a 25 day cruise, that is an extra $250.

When you purchase it on board, it goes against your ship account, and is finally paid at the end of the cruise like all other on board purchases. Has anyone who has recently purchased the SBP on board seen this $5 penalty ?