Drinks Package

[FiftyOnePlus]

With the prices they have at the minute, I don't see why you shouldn't enjoy your beers and cocktails and still not spend anywhere near that amount of money. You would need about 8 or 9 per day to get to that level. And even if you did, there must be days when you wouldn't or you are ashore.

Some people feel they would get value out of the drinks package........why does that bother you so much?

[jeanlyon]

Doesn't bother me at all, doesn't look like it's going to happen anyway.

[terrierjohn]

Some people feel they would get value out of the drinks package........why does that bother you so much?

The theory does not bother me at all, but the reality is that once a drinks package is introduced, to encourage it's uptake the cruise line will most likely decide to up their drink prices to make it appear more attractive.

We have had a free drinks package on Celebrity, which at the time would have cost about $100 between us, we never came anywhere near that level, but next cruise all the drink prices had increased by 10-15%.

[davecttr]

The theory does not bother me at all, but the reality is that once a drinks package is introduced, to encourage it's uptake the cruise line will most likely decide to up their drink prices to make it appear more attractive.

We have had a free drinks package on Celebrity, which at the time would have cost about $100 between us, we never came anywhere near that level, but next cruise all the drink prices had increased by 10-15%.

 

On my other cruise line Marella they have an extensive drinks package included in the fare on most ships and all from next summer. You can buy a premium package for £50 per week but many don't bother as the basic package is so good.

 

These packages have not resulted in increases in drinks prices. For example spirit prices vary from £2.50 to £3.00 for a 40ml measure and free mixer. This is for those who don't buy the premium package but opt to pay for the individual item.

 

the bottom line is it costs them so little to buy that booze they can give it away 'free' and still make a hefty profit, helped by all those who don't drink still paying for it!.

[terrierjohn]

On my other cruise line Marella they have an extensive drinks package included in the fare on most ships and all from next summer. You can buy a premium package for £50 per week but many don't bother as the basic package is so good.

 

These packages have not resulted in increases in drinks prices. For example spirit prices vary from £2.50 to £3.00 for a 40ml measure and free mixer. This is for those who don't buy the premium package but opt to pay for the individual item.

 

the bottom line is it costs them so little to buy that booze they can give it away 'free' and still make a hefty profit, helped by all those who don't drink still paying for it!.

Your last paragrapgh reinforces the point I have been making that, paid for or included drinks packages, it's those passengers who don't drink much who pay the highest price.

[the english lady]

If they keep the drinks package but never roll it into the price of the cruise. So it is always a paid for extra. Keep paid for single drinks the same price they are now. To me that would be the fairest way forward. Those it suits will buy it..Those it doesn't will payg. I guess I would be in cloud cuckoo land but to me that way keeps the most people happy. Any other scenario and you will get quite a few unhappy people for various reason.

[davecttr]

If they keep the drinks package but never roll it into the price of the cruise. So it is always a paid for extra. Keep paid for single drinks the same price they are now. To me that would be the fairest way forward. Those it suits will buy it..Those it doesn't will payg. I guess I would be in cloud cuckoo land but to me that way keeps the most people happy. Any other scenario and you will get quite a few unhappy people for various reason.

 

I looks brutal but if people don't want an included drinks package and that is the only option there are other cruise lines available!. Marella don't seem to have any problem filling their ships with happy passengers.

 

A lot of people nowadays prefer to know the cost of their holiday and have paid for it before they go. No nasty surprises and hidden extras.

 

There is confusion about all inclusive cruise holidays because they are not all inclusive. They are all inclusive in that you get accommodation , food, drink and entertainment, but not all food and drink or excursions. some passengers refuse to understand this. My reply is if you want real all inclusive cruise on a superior cruise line where everything is included, err, except the casino if it has one.

 

All inclusive will come to P&O eventually.

[P-L-B]

But surely you could equally say “It looks brutal but if people want an included drinks package and P&O decide not to offer one then the only option would be to consider other cruise lines that do!”

[davecttr]

But surely you could equally say “It looks brutal but if people want an included drinks package and P&O decide not to offer one then the only option would be to consider other cruise lines that do!”

Yes and many people do just that.

[P-L-B]

That’s fine by me, I guess that what’s called freedom of choice.