Drinks Package?

[JamieLogical]

Apparently my Google skills are failing me. I cannot find any information on drink packages or pricing. Considering that is a VERY important factor in determining the total price of the cruise for me, I need this info before I can consider booking. Anyone have and details?

[AdoraBelle]

Some stuff is buried in the FAQ:

 

What's a voyage without a few choice cocktails? Your voyage includes our basic bevvies and, while we don't have traditional drink packages, our offerings are very reasonably priced.

 

https://help.virginvoyages.com/s/helpcategory

[JamieLogical]

1 minute ago, AdoraBelle said:

Some stuff is buried in the FAQ:

 

What's a voyage without a few choice cocktails? Your voyage includes our basic bevvies and, while we don't have traditional drink packages, our offerings are very reasonably priced.

 

https://help.virginvoyages.com/s/helpcategory

 

So paying per drink? Well that seals it for me. Good thing there are still lots of other cruise lines to choose from!

[jaapie]

I wonder if basic bevvies means just soda, coffee and juice, or if it includes any alcohol, for example wine with meals.

[fulhamgirly]

It's just water, juice, tea and coffee

[JamieLogical]

I really don't get the logic behind the decision not to offer drink packages. Given the demographic they are targeting, alcohol is a pretty big deal.

[twodjs]

Well, it's also a clever way to prevent sloppy drunks. It becomes more of a financial burden if guests are trying to reach the 15 drink maximum of other cruise line's packages. Less waste also with fewer half consumed adult beverages.

[Biker19]

1 hour ago, JamieLogical said:

I really don't get the logic behind the decision not to offer drink packages. Given the demographic they are targeting, alcohol is a pretty big deal.

Not sure you can assume the targeted demographic wants the packages as much as you do. If the math works, they'll eventually offer a package.

Edited February 14, 2019 by Biker19

[twodjs]

I do think Virgin's image is more upscale than "another booze cruise". You can spend way less than Virgin's prices if unlimited booze is that necessary for you to have a good time on a cruise. I agree with Biker 19 - if the math works (they will have a much better idea after the ship launches), they will eventually offer one. 

[JamieLogical]

I guess I thought I was their target demographic, but maybe I am way off the mark. I'm in my 30's, no children, disposable income, into more hipster/trendy/foodie kind of things... But all of the people I know, in my home town at least, that fit that same profile definitely appreciate alcohol, especially craft beer and interesting cocktails.

[AdoraBelle]

4 hours ago, jaapie said:

I wonder if basic bevvies means just soda, coffee and juice, or if it includes any alcohol, for example wine with meals.

 

"Staying hydrated is a must for well-being at sea (and we prefer our Sailors feel their best), so enjoy any Basic Bevvies on us including water (still and sparkling, of course), non-pressed juice, soda, sachet tea and drip coffee if you need a boost. Since WiFi is as essential as water to us, count that in, too. Unique entertainment experiences taking place in The Red Room? Yup, that's also included. Plus, we'll cover restaurant dining, tips and group fitness classes, too."

 

(I hope this means the Drag Brunch is covered ...)

Edited February 14, 2019 by AdoraBelle

[kgelner]

2 hours ago, fulhamgirly said:

It's just water, juice, tea and coffee

Also note that is non-pressed juice, as they have a juice pressing bar in the spa kind of area, will be extra (read that in the FAQ I believe).

[Biker19]

8 minutes ago, JamieLogical said:

 But all of the people I know, in my home town at least, that fit that same profile definitely appreciate alcohol, especially craft beer and interesting cocktails.

Curious, do you exclude every resort in your vacation planning that doesn't offer a drink package?

[eneq]

9 minutes ago, JamieLogical said:

I guess I thought I was their target demographic, but maybe I am way off the mark. I'm in my 30's, no children, disposable income, into more hipster/trendy/foodie kind of things... But all of the people I know, in my home town at least, that fit that same profile definitely appreciate alcohol, especially craft beer and interesting cocktails.

 

I agree. All of their marketing is geared towards a younger demographic. Plus, Branson has said it will be a "party ship."

[JamieLogical]

Just now, Biker19 said:

Curious, do you exclude every resort in your vacation planning that doesn't offer a drink package?

 

I haven't stayed in any resorts. Prior to discovering cruising last year, we took land-based vacations to places like New York City and New Orleans. To us, one of the advantages cruising has over those sorts of trips is the "all inclusive" nature of them. Thus far we have not been on any cruises that didn't include a drink package and I think we are unlikely to start.

[AdoraBelle]

I usually keep my mouth shut on the beverage topic, because I hate it when people tell me how to go on vacation. (“Blah blah you’re on vacation why do you need WiFi”.)  But ... just in case VV is monitoring social media, yeah, I don’t care about drinks packages. I’m here for the adults-only atmosphere and the cool looking cabins. And the drag brunch. I’ll also eat hipster food off things that aren’t really plates. Super unlikely to get a tattoo, though.

 

edit: I just realized there’s no casino, either. (Something I have no interest in.) I wonder if that’s why they’re going to try pay as you go on alcohol revenue. 

Edited February 15, 2019 by AdoraBelle

[timf2001]

9 minutes ago, AdoraBelle said:

edit: I just realized there’s no casino, either. (Something I have no interest in.) I wonder if that’s why they’re going to try pay as you go on alcohol revenue. 

 

There is definitely a casino.  It's shown on Deck 6.

[AdoraBelle]

6 minutes ago, timf2001 said:

 

There is definitely a casino.  It's shown on Deck 6.

 

Interesting. A lot of the initial press coverage said stuff like “There are no casinos, waterslides or tacky art auctions – instead, they have spacious spas that are free to use, two pools, free WiFi and one free shore excursion at every port.”

 

I guess they walked that back once the accountants got involved. 🙂

[crazycatlady11]

7 hours ago, eneq said:

 

I agree. All of their marketing is geared towards a younger demographic. Plus, Branson has said it will be a "party ship."

 

Well, I guess we'll be the outcasts on board, then. We're not part of "the younger demographic," but we love the concept of no kids, innovative restaurants (that hopefully won't serve dumbed-down meals, since they are going for an urban-food-scene vibe), an overnight in Cuba ... Heck, they had me at "drag queen brunch." And we'll be enjoying our share of craft beer and cool cocktails -- lack of a drink package isn't an issue for us. Hopefully the hip 30-something youngsters won't openly mock the old people in their midst.

[crazycatlady11]

1 hour ago, timf2001 said:

 

There is definitely a casino.  It's shown on Deck 6.

 

If you go by their Q and A, there is more than one casino:

 

Feelin' lucky? Hope you said "yes" because our casinos will have a mix of traditional, vintage, and modern games available. So make sure to wear your lucky knickers (but leave the rabbit's foot at home).

[twodjs]

Sorry, you're getting Viking Mixed up with Virgin. Completely different vibe, although both are adult only.

3 hours ago, AdoraBelle said:

 

Interesting. A lot of the initial press coverage said stuff like “There are no casinos, waterslides or tacky art auctions – instead, they have spacious spas that are free to use, two pools, free WiFi and one free shore excursion at every port.”

 

I guess they walked that back once the accountants got involved. 🙂

 

[SkaterJasp]

Well they may not offer a drink package... but during booking it says specialty dining, internet, and gratuities are all included... Plus they also include a lot more complementary beverages than other cruise lines, the big one being sodas.   They need to make some onboard revenue from somewhere and the casino, gift shops, "streaming" internet, and spa can only make so much... They know their demographic and they know they can make more money off of selling drinks individually. Plus we should at least wait to see the drink prices and their definition of "reasonable" before jumping to conclusion.

[resstation]

Answering the poster's question with facts about the ship and what has been seen in the FAQs on VV.com is great, but questioning, assuming, labeling... why? So we don't all prefer the same things on vacation. There is no right and wrong and the poster is trying to decide if this is the right cruise line for her by asking pertinent questions. Isn't that what this is for?  Some of you need to go to the doctor and get your knees checked from jumping to conclusions so readily.

I wouldn't mind drink packages, but I think they are trying to stay away from the vibe of other "party" cruise lines - trying to make their own mark on the cruise industry. Those who prefer a drink package would probably choose a different cruise because purchasing individual drinks can be spendy, even if they were "reasonable" in price. Although I do believe VV will definitely be a party cruise line from what I've seen and read so far.

[JamieLogical]

@resstation thanks for coming to my defense. I didn't feel attacked by the other posters. I fully understand that some people prioritize drink packages in their cruise choices and some people don't. I was surprised that Virgin is not going to offer any, because I felt that I was initially their target demographic, and I know it is a priority for us. They have clearly made a calculated decision that may or may not pay off for them. I was very much looking forwards to kid-free cruises with interesting food and entertainment. I was very happy about the inclusion of the "drag bunch". But for us, having to stress about a "drink budget", constantly think about every decision to buy a drink, paying close attention to drink menu prices, and potentially having to sign for every drink is just not our idea of fun. I would happily pay MORE up front to not have to think about every tiny decision on a vacation. That's one of the things we truly love about cruising. It allows us to truly relax.

 

Between the lack of drink packages and the short cruises, Virgin just isn't for us right now. Maybe down the line if they make some changes, we will reconsider. I hope that all of you who do decide to cruise with Virgin had a wonderful time and it meets all of your expectations!

[eneq]

9 hours ago, crazycatlady11 said:

 

Well, I guess we'll be the outcasts on board, then. We're not part of "the younger demographic," but we love the concept of no kids, innovative restaurants (that hopefully won't serve dumbed-down meals, since they are going for an urban-food-scene vibe), an overnight in Cuba ... Heck, they had me at "drag queen brunch." And we'll be enjoying our share of craft beer and cool cocktails -- lack of a drink package isn't an issue for us. Hopefully the hip 30-something youngsters won't openly mock the old people in their midst.

 

I highly doubt you'll be outcasts. Just because they are focusing their marketing towards the under-40 crowd doesn't mean it will be only be younger people on the ship. I'm sure there are plenty of people of all ages (other than those under 18 of course!) who will enjoy VV's atmosphere and offerings. 

Edited February 15, 2019 by eneq