Soda and More Pkg is gone...

[ceilidh1]

18 minutes ago, #1Nanna said:

 The “soda and more pkg” is still showing available on our cruise personalizer as well as the new “classic bev pkg”  for our Feb 2020 cruise on Sky Princess. I just purchased the soda and more package and it went through no problem and  is now listed in my reservations and purchases.  I am confused as to why it is offering both when the only difference I can see is the smoothies and of course  an additional over $3.50 a day...

Checked all my future bookings - it's gone from all of them! One in September doesn't even have the premier beverage package listed! May be some glitches going on with the switch over!

[Ep010835]

We have 11 upcoming cruises booked. I just checked each of them. 

The previous packages have vanished and have been replaced with the new bloodsucking packages. 

No more package purchases for us.  

[Ombud]

Agreed. People need to price it out to see if it makes sense. Sort of like the PBP which only makes sense if you're having 8+ alcohol drinks every day. What I really don't understand is the new Premier Coffee & Soda pkg at $23.59 per person, per day!!

[voljeep]

59 minutes ago, Ombud said:

Agreed. People need to price it out to see if it makes sense. Sort of like the PBP which only makes sense if you're having 8+ alcohol drinks every day. What I really don't understand is the new Premier Coffee & Soda pkg at $23.59 per person, per day!!

8 water(s) - the small Pelegrino ones = 25

3 pool beers = 20

2 Vines wines = 24

 

boom ...

[Potstech]

1 hour ago, Ombud said:

Agreed. People need to price it out to see if it makes sense. Sort of like the PBP which only makes sense if you're having 8+ alcohol drinks every day. What I really don't understand is the new Premier Coffee & Soda pkg at $23.59 per person, per day!!

$165.13 for a 7 day cruise. Not anywhere near worth it for us.

[Ombud]

1 hour ago, voljeep said:

8 water(s) - the small Pelegrino ones = 25

3 pool beers = 20

2 Vines wines = 24

 

boom ...

Beers & wine aren't included on the Premier Coffee & Soda Package and I can't drink 8 Pelegrinos EVERY day so I won't be buying
 

[voljeep]

all packages aren't for everybody ... that's why different ones are offered ... if one works, good - if not, noone is forced to buy  package to get a specific drink

[jagoffee]

On 5/29/2019 at 11:07 PM, mthomp5 said:

I checked my Cruise Personalizer for March 2020 cruise on the Sky.  Looks like the Unlimited Soda and More Package is back.  

I wonder if any other cruise line  has an equivalent Classic soda package for less money.

The previous Soda and more package (with the Gratuities) at $8.26 seemed like an amazing bargain with all that is included.  I do not think any other cruise line was less expensive.

Edited May 31, 2019 by jagoffee

[ceilidh1]

The other thing I consider when buying the packages (or not) is the itinerary! Pricing per day is only REALLY per day if you are going to be on the ship. A port intensive cruise where you are off the ship for the best part of most days means that you are not using that package to it's full extent. With the former soda package price per day, I could live with losing that $8 and change on port days. The new price...maybe not! The premier beverage package is way out of my price zone now (unless it's a repositioning where it is all sea days!)

[ceilidh1]

I also wonder if these changes are because Princess is looking to follow the NCL/Celebrity route and have "packages" folded into the cruise booking as a perk. Obviously, you are still paying as the price of the fare will be higher, but it looks as if they are "free" and psychologically you are tricked into thinking you got a deal!

[capriccio]

15 minutes ago, jagoffee said:

I wonder if any other cruise line  has an equivalent Classic soda package for less money.

The previous Soda and more package (with the Gratuities) at $8.26 seemed like an amazing bargain with all that is included.  I do not think any other cruise line was less expensive.

Certainly compared to MSC (it does include 'premium' coffee drinks):

 

Non-Alcoholic Package

Unlimited Soft Drinks & More!

$29 per person / per day

 

Unlimited soft drinks and more!
Refresh yourself whenever you like with a choice of alcohol-free cocktails, sodas, energy drinks, bottled mineral water, flavored water, fruit juices, a wide range of premium coffee drinks, hot chocolate delights, organic tea and soft ice cream. The drinks included can be ordered in all onboard bars, as well as the self-service buffet and restaurants, excluding specialty restaurants. This package can be sold to ADULTS over 21 years and to MINORS 12-20 YEARS who are part of the group/family with an ADULT package.

 

Non-Alcoholic Package - for Children

Unlimited Soft Drinks & More!

$17 per person / per day

 

Unlimited soft drinks and more!
Give your kids the freedom to enjoy their choice of alcohol-free cocktails, sodas, energy drinks, bottled mineral water, flavored water, fruit juices, a wide range of premium coffee drinks, hot chocolate delights, organic tea and soft ice cream. These can be consumed in all onboard bars, as well as the self-service buffet and restaurants, excluding specialty restaurants. This offer is only available to CHILDREN AGED 3-11 YEARS who are part of a group/family purchasing an ADULT package.

[ceilidh1]

5 minutes ago, capriccio said:

Certainly compared to MSC (it does include 'premium' coffee drinks):

 

Non-Alcoholic Package

Unlimited Soft Drinks & More!

$29 per person / per day

 

Unlimited soft drinks and more!
Refresh yourself whenever you like with a choice of alcohol-free cocktails, sodas, energy drinks, bottled mineral water, flavored water, fruit juices, a wide range of premium coffee drinks, hot chocolate delights, organic tea and soft ice cream. The drinks included can be ordered in all onboard bars, as well as the self-service buffet and restaurants, excluding specialty restaurants. This package can be sold to ADULTS over 21 years and to MINORS 12-20 YEARS who are part of the group/family with an ADULT package.

 

Non-Alcoholic Package - for Children

Unlimited Soft Drinks & More!

$17 per person / per day

 

Unlimited soft drinks and more!
Give your kids the freedom to enjoy their choice of alcohol-free cocktails, sodas, energy drinks, bottled mineral water, flavored water, fruit juices, a wide range of premium coffee drinks, hot chocolate delights, organic tea and soft ice cream. These can be consumed in all onboard bars, as well as the self-service buffet and restaurants, excluding specialty restaurants. This offer is only available to CHILDREN AGED 3-11 YEARS who are part of a group/family purchasing an ADULT package.

WOW! I guess we have been lucky with the Princess pricing until now! I could never justify paying $17 a day for my kids to drink soda!

[c-boy]

34 minutes ago, jagoffee said:

I wonder if any other cruise line  has an equivalent Classic soda package for less money.

The previous Soda and more package (with the Gratuities) at $8.26 seemed like an amazing bargain with all that is included.  I do not think any other cruise line was less expensive.

P B P looks good to.

[capriccio]

Celebrity's packages:

 

Premium Non-Alcoholic Package-Starting from $22 p/night

 

In addition to the Classic Non-Alcoholic Package inclusions, refresh with premium bottled water from Evian, Perrier & San Pellegrino, specialty coffees & organic teas, non-alcoholic frozen drinks, Red Bull Energy Drink, coconut water and offerings from Vitamin Water.

 

Classic Non-Alcoholic Package-Starting from $18 p/night

 

In addition to enjoying your favorite Coca Cola selections, you may also enjoy juices, premium coffees and teas, and bottled water.

 

Soda Packages-Starting from $9 p/night

 

Our Soda Package features both fountain and canned soda for more variety and convenience. Selections include new, popular flavors such as Coke Zero, Barq's Root Beer, Sprite Zero, and Caffeine-Free Diet Coke.

 

Premium Bottled Water Package-Starting from $16 p/night

 

Quench your thirst with unlimited bottles of your favorite still or sparkling premium water, such as Evian, Aqua Panna, San Pellegrino & Perrier. Whether in a bar, lounge, or any restaurant, simply present your SeaPass® Card to order your favorite.

[Ombud]

36 minutes ago, jagoffee said:

I wonder if any other cruise line  has an equivalent Classic soda package for less money.

The previous Soda and more package (with the Gratuities) at $8.26 seemed like an amazing bargain with all that is included.  I do not think any other cruise line was less expensive.

Unfortunately your screenshot showing it still offered did not copy over

 

Its not on my next 4: Caribbean FL to Quebec 7/19, Royal to Cabo 10/19, Golden to NZ 11/19, or Grand 3/20. In fact NZ has only the PBP at 63pd (Old price). Grab it if you can .... you can always back out pre-cruise 

 

My concern is changing Coffee Program at $36 for 15 to only Premier Coffee & Soda at $23.59 pd! Besides water, I drink 1 glass wine, 2 large lattes & 1 cocoa a day so go through 2 Coffee Programs

Edited May 31, 2019 by Ombud

[capriccio]

HAL's packages:

 

EVIAN™ WATER PACKAGE

12 liter bottles of Evian natural spring water delivered to your stateroom for only $42 per guest* 6 liter bottles only $24 per guest*

 

QUENCH PACKAGE

(NON-ALCOHOLIC)

Only $17.95 per guest/per day* Quench your thirst with our nonalcoholic package which includes an unlimited variety of premium coffees such as espresso and cappuccino, juices, Coca-Cola™ products, our signature mocktails, Red Bull, and bottled waters 500ml and under.

 

COCA-COLA™ PACKAGE

Only $8.00 per guest/per day*

The Coca-Cola™ Package includes unlimited fountain sodas for $8.00 per person, per day. On the Koningsdam and Nieuw Statendam this package also includes the Coca-Cola™ Freestyle program with more than 100 unique Coca-Cola™ flavors available.

 

* Prices are per person per day. Please see your server or bartender for a full list of items included in each package.

A 15% service charge will be automatically applied to your purchase. Beverage packages must be purchased for the entire duration of the voyage.

All adults of legal drinking age for the respective itinerary that are booked in the same stateroom must also purchase the package.

The Signature and Elite packages have a daily limit of 15 alcoholic beverages, which includes all alcoholic beverages with a menu price of $15 or less (Elite Beverage Package), or $11 or less (Signature Beverage Package). The Quench Beverage Package includes unlimited non-alcoholic beverages and bottled waters 500ml and under.

[cabin4three]

I did see in the small print of whats included in the Premier coffee & Soda package

 

" includes Coke Freestyle machines where available (coming soon)."     Is the discrepancies  over what people are seeing on their cruise personaliser due to if ship is medallion ready?  I am making the assumption that the medallions will be used to "activate"  the coke machine.

 

 

 

"

[capriccio]

Royal Caribbean's:

 

REFRESHMENT PACKAGE 

Start your morning off with a cup of premium coffee or tea and freshly-squeezed juice. Stay hydrated for onboard thrills with bottled water or favorite fountain sodas to fill your Coca-Cola® souvenir cup. And refuel for evening adventure with non-alcoholic cocktails. Onboard pricing is currently $29.00/per day for 2019 sailings.

• Fountain soda and refills at any venue
• Coca-Cola Freestyle beverages*
• Coca-Cola souvenir cup
• Non-alcoholic cocktails (mocktails)
• Bottled still and sparkling water
• Premium coffees and teas
• Fresh-squeezed juices

CLASSIC SODA PACKAGE 

Quench your thirst all cruise long — and get all the fountain soda and Coca-Cola® Freestyle beverages you want on the go with your souvenir cup. For an unbeatable value, you can cool off with carbonated favorites throughout your entire adventure.. Onboard pricing is currently $12.99/per day for 2019 sailings.

• Fountain soda and refills at any venue
• Coca-Cola® Freestyle beverages*
• Coca-Cola® souvenir cup included

 

[capriccio]

Norwegian's:

 

Adult & Teen Soda Program (ages 13 & older)

$7.95 USDper person/day

 

Give the gift of endless fountain soda throughout their cruise.

Includes: Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Sierra Mist, Mt. Dew, Ginger Ale, Tonic water, Club Soda. The entire cruise must be purchased. Non-Refundable.

Prepaid @ $7.95 USD per person per day x Cruise Days plus 20% gratuity and beverage service charge.

A 20% gratuity and beverage service charge will be added at checkout.

 

Children's Soda Program (ages 12 and under)

$5.95USDper person/day

 

Give the gift of endless fountain soda throughout their cruise.

Includes: Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Sierra Mist, Mt. Dew, Ginger Ale, Tonic water, Club Soda. The entire cruise must be purchased. Non-Refundable.

Prepaid @ $5.95 USD per person per day x Cruise Days plus 20% gratuity and beverage service charge.

A 20% gratuity and beverage service charge will be added at checkout.

 

[Ombud]

Non-refundable  ... prepaid? At least on Princess you can cancel out up to 3 days b4 embarkation day! (I did with 1 phone call)

[PoohUnderstands]

On 5/29/2019 at 7:11 PM, Coral said:

Me too! And this is just a stupid change. It just screams "greedy". 

One must compare also.  Even with these price increases the similar packages on say, RCCL and Celebrity are more.  Again, price singularly and do the math to see of any package will save you money and go by that.  I have only seen on these threads people complaining about cost of package when I think the cost of an individual coke up to a mixed drink on ANY cruise line is sooooooo expensive.  That's why when I was pinching pennies I just drank, water, coffee, tea, and lemonade on my cruises!!

 

Pooh

[ceilidh1]

I was just reading a recent review for Royal Princess and it was mentioned that drinks ordered using the medallion are not covered under the drink packages. Can anyone confirm this?

[Coral]

5 hours ago, PoohUnderstands said:

One must compare also.  Even with these price increases the similar packages on say, RCCL and Celebrity are more.  Again, price singularly and do the math to see of any package will save you money and go by that.  I have only seen on these threads people complaining about cost of package when I think the cost of an individual coke up to a mixed drink on ANY cruise line is sooooooo expensive.  That's why when I was pinching pennies I just drank, water, coffee, tea, and lemonade on my cruises!!

 

Pooh

Honestly - I usually just drink water. When I cruise, I do splurge on a few mocktails and when cold, I do drink hot chocolate. I usually cruise in cooler climates. I liked not having individual charges so bought the packages previously. It probably didn't save me money previously and definitely won't now. I did it because it was simple. I won't buy a package again.

[Bignickpsu]

Does anyone know if hot chocolate is officially no longer included?  There are no terms for the soda package yet.  I only ask because the wording of new coffee and soda package groups specialty coffee and tea in one phrase and all of the sodas, juices, mocktails and hot chocolate in another.

 

Also, someone mentioned hot chocolate being complimentary in the buffet. Is that true in the MDR?  I wasn't sure if the paid hot chocolate referred only to IC.

Edited June 1, 2019 by Bignickpsu

[JimmyVWine]

2 hours ago, Coral said:

 I liked not having individual charges so bought the packages previously. It probably didn't save me money previously...

This exactly what they are counting on. When convenience and a simplified final billing statement mean more than total cost, the cruise line wins. If a guest can tolerate a multi-page final statement that lists 3 beverages a day, they will most likely come out ahead.  Just remember that while you as an individual might run some rudimentary estimates and comparisons to try to weigh overall value, the cruise line has absolutely run those numbers and looked at the big data. NO cruise line had EVER offered an all-inclusive daily beverage package, (alcohol or not), with the intention of saving the customers money. They are ALL offered with the promise that the business will make more money than if the package was not offered. It’s just like gambling in a casino. Each gambler knows that in the long run, the house will make money, but each believes that THEY will be the exception to the rule and come out ahead. Same with drink packages.