Royal testing to bring back same drink package for all

[mickeychicky]

The only beverage time limit I know of is that for using the Freestyle machines.

 

 

Actually, just came off Majesty of the Seas and the bartender did tell someone next to me that he had to wait because he just ordered a drink. In the bartender's defense, he did walk away and came right back, so the bartender probably suspected he was sharing.

 

If you are sitting at the bar and have a shot, and you stay at the bar and order something else within 5 minutes then they really shouldn't question it and go ahead and serve you. But when you order, walk away, come back and order again all within 5 minutes - then I could see where they have the right to make you wait.

[Ocean Dancer]

So, maybe those cruising those sailings should boycott buying the drink package all together. Send a message....

 

A drink package for a 7 day cruise is like almost $500 (if you pre-purchase) then multiply that by the others people in your cabin (over 21) whether they drink or not. You are usually onshore 3 days on a day cruise, and you may or may not drink while onshore. So three days, if you choose to get off the boat, you aren't using the beverage package to its fullest. When I come back onboard from my shore excursions I rarely ever drink; I come back, I eat dinner and go to bed early because I'm exhausted. So there is what $150.00 from my drink package I am not using.

 

The other 4 days I am onboard, at sea, I am not going to drink $350 worth of alcohol. So, the drink package is just being wasted anyway. And then add on to that the other person/people in my cabin that probably don't drink at all.

 

If they end up keeping this ridiculous rule, then they might want to consider doing the "Free Ultimate Beverage Package" like NCL has done or has made it one of their "offers" on their sailings. Or come up with Single Cruiser Cabins so that those that don't want to buy the package aren't being forced to....they are just going to be alone in their own cabin.

 

Not everyone traveling together drinks, or maybe they are a recovering alcoholic that can't drink. I mean, that's kind of disrespectful on RCCL's part. BAD MOVE RCCL. I love ya, but this is a bad move.

It's NOT all alcohol with the package. If the package costs approx $60 with tip and you had:

Fresh squeezed OJ.........................................2 glasses @ $5 ea ...........................$10

Specialty Coffee..............................................2 cups @ $7 ea.................................$14

Water...............................................................3 bottles @ $3 ea..............................$ 9

Soda................................................................2 glasses @ $4 ea............................$ 8

Pool drinks.......................................................2 drinks @ 13 ea..............................$26

Wine at dinner..................................................2 glasses @ 11 ea............................$22

Theater drink....................................................1 glass @ 10 ea..............................$10

Club or Casino drinks.......................................2 drinks @ 12 ea..............................$24

...................................................................................................................................$123

 

This is an average day for us, we've only had 7 alcohol drinks, The package saved us about half.

The pool drinks would be the only ones we did not get that day, Is it worth it? Yes

All above prices are estimates

[nealstuber]

Wait...so why CAN'T I do this? This is actually 100% allowable and while the arbitrary 2 second time frame does seem short, you can order a new drink just as soon as the server comes back around to your table our your place at the bar. I've done this more times than I can count. Makes for a great way to bring a few beers or glasses of wine back to your room's balcony.

 

 

With the pools so overcrowded and the bar service there so poor, DW and I often retreat to the balcony. One trick we discovered last month was the Fosters 25oz beer. Our cabin was a lot closer to the promenade then the pool deck, so we hit a two bars there for a couple each.

 

But it's still a hassle. Probably next cruise we'll pay as we go get the bucket specials. Wish they would let you pack a six pack instead of a bottle of wine.

 

 

 

 

 

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[ramja96]

Wish they would let you pack a six pack instead of a bottle of wine.Forums

 

And what do you do for beer after you run out on day 1?😄

 

 

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[Geldhart]

Legitimate reasons why someone should not order a drink package when their cabin mate does.

 

1. Pregnant or trying to get pregnant. After all you might have succeeded last night in the hotel, or might on the cruise ship.

 

2. Recovering alcoholic who's at the stage where they can be on a cruise and also be with a partner who drinks.

 

3. Taking medication, or underlying medical conditions, that preclude alcoholic consumption.

 

4. Religious reasons. Its possible for two cabin mates to have different religions.

 

5. You are a personal or medical aide or sober buddy for someone in another cabin.

 

6. The Noodle Incident. [emoji16]

 

Many of these would be "Nunya business" as far as RCL wanting verification. After all, if I say I'm Mormon and my cabin mate is not, is the cruise line going to make me prove I'm Mormon? Is a lady going to bring the pee stick with her? Am I going to discuss my brother's alcoholism with the cruise line? And while with some medical situations it would be prudent to talk with the shops doctor, many others it's simply not needed - as long as you don't drink.

 

In the end, allowing excetions is a can of worms. Perhaps a middle ground is to allow a non drinker to get the non alcoholic package no questions asked if you cannot go with "1 person can buy"

 

 

 

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[Maxit]

This is in play as policy on most lines. As was the case with RCI up until around three years ago l suppose it will just revert back to what it was.

 

 

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[Ladysilver]

From an official source:

 

On July 7th, Royal Caribbean will be running a pilot program to test a change to the purchase of the Deluxe Beverage Package and Sip + Stream combo.

This pilot program will be for eight Harmony of the Seas sailings starting September 30, 2017 through November 18, 2017. Please see the specific dates below:

 

9/30/2017

10/7/2017

10/14/2017

10/21/2017

11/4/2017

11/11/2017

11/18/2017

 

Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe Beverage Package gives a guest nearly unlimited refreshment options at one set price; cocktails, beer, wine by the glass, soda, juice, and more. Since introducing the package, we have noted an increase in the amount of beverages that are being shared between those who have purchased the package and those who have not. Since the package price is intended to cover consumption by a single guest, we are revising our purchase policy and bringing it in line with industry standards.

 

As of July 7th, any guest cruising on select Harmony of the Seas sailings who wishes to purchase the Deluxe Beverage Package or Sip + Stream combo must do so along with all other guests 21 years of age or older who are booked in the same stateroom.

 

 

This would not work for us. My husband buys the alcohol drink package. I'm fine with not buying anything. They can't force me to. :p

[constable145]

And what do you do for beer after you run out on day 1?😄

 

 

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Same thing you do after you run out of wine on day 1.

 

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[traveler279]

This would not work for us. My husband buys the alcohol drink package. I'm fine with not buying anything. They can't force me to. :p

 

 

 

If this is implemented, Royal will quite happily not force you to buy anything.

 

However, if you share a stateroom, they will regretfully not sell your husband an alcohol package.

 

 

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[nealstuber]

And what do you do for beer after you run out on day 1?[emoji1]

 

 

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Do the bucket specials or with the money we saved on the 1st day, order room service.

 

Another quirk about RCCL vs others is you can't order beer from their gifts department - you can order wine and spirits - but not beer.

 

 

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[lampskies]

I just became Diamond after my cruise in March. What are the Diamond drinks? Do we get something each day? I couldn't find info on the Crown and Anchor Society page. Thanks for your input.

 

As a Diamond member drinks are free at the Diamond lounge between 5-830. They recently went to adding 3 or 4 dinks good anywhere at any price on the ship except at the dining room (don't know why that is) and at the shows. As I stated before, I had the drink package, we had 5:45 my time dining. We'd head to Vintages or Scooner Bar around 5, have a glass talk to Somalia about what goes with what we were going to order. We are polite please and thank you people and by day 2 typically have made friends with all stuff we've come in contact with. At either bar as we were on our way to dinner the "capped off" Her wine and usually in an extra large glass. When we got to our table there was another two waiting for us. We'd show our Diamond card between those times and they never scanned them. H did try to get a drink on first night at the dining room and that's when we're were told "it's not valid here" they just took my card and brought us 2 refills.

[lampskies]

So, maybe those cruising those sailings should boycott buying the drink package all together. Send a message....

 

A drink package for a 7 day cruise is like almost $500 (if you pre-purchase) then multiply that by the others people in your cabin (over 21) whether they drink or not. You are usually onshore 3 days on a day cruise, and you may or may not drink while onshore. So three days, if you choose to get off the boat, you aren't using the beverage package to its fullest. When I come back onboard from my shore excursions I rarely ever drink; I come back, I eat dinner and go to bed early because I'm exhausted. So there is what $150.00 from my drink package I am not using.

 

The other 4 days I am onboard, at sea, I am not going to drink $350 worth of alcohol. So, the drink package is just being wasted anyway. And then add on to that the other person/people in my cabin that probably don't drink at all.

 

If they end up keeping this ridiculous rule, then they might want to consider doing the "Free Ultimate Beverage Package" like NCL has done or has made it one of their "offers" on their sailings. Or come up with Single Cruiser Cabins so that those that don't want to buy the package aren't being forced to....they are just going to be alone in their own cabin.

 

Not everyone traveling together drinks, or maybe they are a recovering alcoholic that can't drink. I mean, that's kind of disrespectful on RCCL's part. BAD MOVE RCCL. I love ya, but this is a bad move.

 

7 day drink package prepaid with unlimited wifi (I never got wifi before but we had a family member having bypass while we were sailing.....and I loved it!) was 433 that included the gratuity. It's 379 without the wifi.

[Ocean Boy]

As a Diamond member drinks are free at the Diamond lounge between 5-830. They recently went to adding 3 or 4 dinks good anywhere at any price on the ship except at the dining room (don't know why that is) and at the shows. As I stated before, I had the drink package, we had 5:45 my time dining. We'd head to Vintages or Scooner Bar around 5, have a glass talk to Somalia about what goes with what we were going to order. We are polite please and thank you people and by day 2 typically have made friends with all stuff we've come in contact with. At either bar as we were on our way to dinner the "capped off" Her wine and usually in an extra large glass. When we got to our table there was another two waiting for us. We'd show our Diamond card between those times and they never scanned them. H did try to get a drink on first night at the dining room and that's when we're were told "it's not valid here" they just took my card and brought us 2 refills.

The menu options for the C&A evening drinks is somewhat limited. It serves me well but you make it sound like you can get anything you want and at any menu price.

[lampskies]

Do the bucket specials or with the money we saved on the 1st day, order room service.

 

Another quirk about RCCL vs others is you can't order beer from their gifts department - you can order wine and spirits - but not beer.

 

 

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I'm pretty much Miller lite and wine drinker, but sailing I like a fresh squeezed Mimosas or two with and added splash of orange patron....and and ocasional Bloody Mary. These 16oz twist off cans are the best! If I'm 1/2 into one I'll grab another ask not to open then throw into the room fridge. On our port days we are beach bums! We usually get off as soon as possible and hit a beach for a few hours. I've usually "hoarded 3 or 4" and some waters. We bring a small collapsible cooler pack the water and beers with some ice and put in beach bag. Most of the Caribbean beaches are 3-4 bucks per 9oz beer. Majo beach is 6-8. So even on our sailing that have almost a stop a day it works for us! H still purchased the soda package because it was the right thing to do!

[lampskies]

The menu options for the C&A evening drinks is somewhat limited. It serves me well but you make it sound like you can get anything you want and at any menu price.

I wasn't refused anything....She even ordered a triple Johnny walker and they just poured in large tumbler.....don't usually order but we got a couple Cuban cigars and wanted to share a "sipper". I know the drink list a diamond lounge is "limited"

[Biker19]

They recently went to adding 3 or 4 drinks good anywhere at any price on the ship except at the dining room (don't know why that is) and at the shows.

It's 3 drinks and some have reported that it was usable in the Harmony MDR.

[lampskies]

It's NOT all alcohol with the package. If the package costs approx $60 with tip and you had:

Fresh squeezed OJ.........................................2 glasses @ $5 ea ...........................$10

Specialty Coffee..............................................2 cups @ $7 ea.................................$14

Water...............................................................3 bottles @ $3 ea..............................$ 9

Soda................................................................2 glasses @ $4 ea............................$ 8

Pool drinks.......................................................2 drinks @ 13 ea..............................$26

Wine at dinner..................................................2 glasses @ 11 ea............................$22

Theater drink....................................................1 glass @ 10 ea..............................$10

Club or Casino drinks.......................................2 drinks @ 12 ea..............................$24

...................................................................................................................................$123

 

This is an average day for us, we've only had 7 alcohol drinks, The package saved us about half.

The pool drinks would be the only ones we did not get that day, Is it worth it? Yes

All above prices are estimates

 

Just me.....

2 Mimosas fresh squeezed w orange patron mixer.......2@12 at windjammer.......24

 

1 Bloody Mary after for walk around ship after breakfast.....1@12........................12

 

Pool bar @10 getting some sun! 2 Miller liters an hour till 2. 2x4@6 ....................48

 

A couple hours at the black jack table or mini golf, flow riding. Just 2@6.......12

 

Wine tasting @5 2 glasses and one "to go" .........3@12..............36

 

1 at dinner"................1@12...........................................................12

 

See a show, water show etc. either a wine or two of a couple liters 2@6or 12 12-24

 

One more wine for enjoying our balcony! 1@12..................12

 

That's 180 on a sea day, take out the 48 and half for lites rather than wine.....that's still 120 of the 46 it costs. Sounds like a lot but that's 19 drinks from 7am to midnight! Over 17 hours just over 1 drink an hour! Now add in the 5-6 waters....ok maybe I'm a "feenom". So as I said if someone was going to be accused of "sharing" it would be me. Lol. And in right on with Carnivals 15 drink limit! I'm guessing that is their "profit margin"......our drink of choice is 12 a glass, (reisling) I can purchase at local "Meyers" for under 9 bucks a bottle.....that's 39 profit per bottle! A 24 pack of 16oz liters I can buy for 14.99 that's 62 cents a can 10 gets me to the 6 bucks charged! And the volume RCCL purchases in I'll bet they can buy for less than me! So I'm at 10-12 millers a day.....6-8 Bucks REAL cost let's call it 8 wines, 2 bottles 18 bucks. 2 shots of patron and 1 vodka....those don't cost a buck total at the price of liquor in the Caribbean. I can't get to 30 bucks total cost even for me!

Edited July 17, 2017 by lampskies

[Sascol]

Just me.....

2 Mimosas fresh squeezed w orange patron mixer.......2@12 at windjammer.......24

 

1 Bloody Mary after for walk around ship after breakfast.....1@12........................12

 

Pool bar @10 getting some sun! 2 Miller liters an hour till 2. 2x4@6 ....................48

 

A couple hours at the black jack table or mini golf, flow riding. Just 2@6.......12

 

Wine tasting @5 2 glasses and one "to go" .........3@12..............36

 

1 at dinner"................1@12...........................................................12

 

See a show, water show etc. either a wine or two of a couple liters 2@6or 12 12-24

 

One more wine for enjoying our balcony! 1@12..................12

 

That's 180 on a sea day, take out the 48 and half for lites rather than wine

 

I'd be unconscious after your 3rd line.

[lampskies]

It's 3 drinks and some have reported that it was usable in the Harmony MDR.

 

It was unusable in MDR and shows on Harmony in May....only if ordered in MDR. If charged/ordered in Vintages/Scooner bar and delivered to MDR and was sitting there upon arrival it was ok

[lampskies]

I'd be unconscious after your 3rd line.

 

Lol.....just over 1 drink an hour. Gotta keep hydrated!

[reallyitsmema]

The menu options for the C&A evening drinks is somewhat limited. It serves me well but you make it sound like you can get anything you want and at any menu price.

 

Correct, the diamond drink hour menu is around here somewhere. Lampskies had a premium package so he was getting drinks on that, not using his diamond benefits while in the Schooner bar.

[lampskies]

Correct, the diamond drink hour menu is around here somewhere. Lampskies had a premium package so he was getting drinks on that, not using his diamond benefits while in the Schooner bar.

 

My drinks at Schooner and Vintages were on my package.....we only purchased 1 package. Hers were on her Diamond perk....pre loaded drinks every day....

[Cauzneffct]

I'd be unconscious after your 3rd line.

 

Yeah, that certainly is not something I could do day in and day out, particularly on port days.

[Ladysilver]

If this is implemented, Royal will quite happily not force you to buy anything.

 

However, if you share a stateroom, they will regretfully not sell your husband an alcohol package.

 

 

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I'm sorry but that just seems so wrong.

[lampskies]

Just talked to my connection in Miami yesterday and I was told yes, they are implementing on those sailings but, I said H takes some meds and really can only have a glass or two of wine thus we can just bring our two carry on and she will be good. They said no problem when you payoff sailing just do it thru c&a and tell them of our conversation. I've notated the reason for only wanting to purchase one package. No Dr note needed. Don't book just yet if you have a status.....Emrald, Diamond, D+ etc. you might see a BOGO for diamond and Buy one get second at 50% off for Emrald and platinum....thus not hurting their loyal customers....