FIrst time getting a drink package, any insider tips I should know about?

[wowzz]

3 hours ago, Hlitner said:

When we dine in the MDRs we like to enjoy wine with our dinner.  But in the past we have sometimes ordered wine (glass or bottles) only to have it show up at the table when we were well into eating our meal.  So now, we always tell our waiter we will not order dinner until after we get our wine 🙂

Fully understand your position vis a vis wine, but could you not just get a glass of wine from a bar and carry it into the MDR.  Then order another glass when seated.

Worked well on our last cruise on Sky.

[Hlitner]

1 hour ago, wowzz said:

Fully understand your position vis a vis wine, but could you not just get a glass of wine from a bar and carry it into the MDR.  Then order another glass when seated.

Worked well on our last cruise on Sky.

Yes that was possible, and we did it one evening.   I guess that is a classy (should I say "glassy") solution that the best way to get a glass of wine in the MDR is to bring it yourself.  On the other hand, DW and I usually prefer to look at the menu and even seek the advice of the waiter before we choose the appropriate wine.   I guess we could have also stopped at the International Cafe and picked up a nice dessert to take to the dining room.  Then again, we could have gone to the Seafood Bar (on deck 6) and purchased some decent Sushi to take into the MDR for a decent starter.  So now I would be carrying wine, a starter, and a dessert and I would need my own tray :).  

 

But to be very honest, when we have been on ships where they have a "Vines" we have sometimes taken a decent glass of wine (not available in the MDR) into dinner.  On the Enchantment there is no Vines and no other venue that sells decent wine by the glass.  At the bars you can usually (not always) find the same few wines by the glass that are offered in the MDRs .  Even if you order a glass of wine in the Crown Grill the waiter simply walks out of the restaurant to the nearby Crown Grill Bar and gets a glass from the bar tender.  Sadly, Princess uses a system which makes getting wine by the glass a bit of a pain for assistant waiters since they need to often go some distance to get to a bar.  We once asked why Princess does not simply keep a decent selection at stations near the waiter stations (Celebrity actually stocks the waiter stations) and have been told it is an "inventory issue."

 

The system was not too bad on the Enchanted because the ship was only operating with a 50% passenger capacity, so the assistant waiters had about half their normal passengers.  One cannot help but wonder how this all will work on a full ship where a majority have the Princess Plus package.  But I can project that it will be UGLY.  And even operating at about 50 - 60% capacity some of the best wines by the glass were out of stock long before the end of our cruise.  

 

There were other logistical issues.  DW often likes to enjoy a glass of Bailey's after dinner.  About 5 days into our 20 day voyage they ran out of Bailey's at our two favorite bars.  A few days later we spotted a half full bottle at one of the outdoor bars on the pool deck but this was not helpful in the evening.  Our favorite bar tender told us she had ordered (from the stock room) more Baileys and was told it should be available within 2 days when we docked at St Thomas.  The ship did not get any at St Thomas and then we were told it would be restocked when we returned to Port Everglades.  It was not restocked at Port Everglades and was not aboard during the next 10 days.  At one point they even ran out of Kahlua (used in many mixed drinks) and some bar tenders were substituting Tia Maria.  We give lots of credit to the bar tenders who did their best with substitute products.

 

Hank

 

Hank

[Papa Yoda]

We also like wine with dinner and do NOT like MDR glassware.  It has worked to ask waitstaff for "good" glasses, and if available they will go get them.  They may or may not make us give the Riedels   back if we want to carry them away for after dinner wine.  

[PRNole47]

First of all, they have a 15-drink maximum per 24 hr period (6am to 6am). Thereafter, further drinks are at the discretion of the management, and you'll then be charged full price. However, if you're a scotch drinker, like I am, and want that extra shot of scotch without it counting as another separate drink against that 15 max, order it this way: "name brand" (whatever brand you like in scotch) Rob Roy but leave out the vermouth, bitters, and the cherry." That way you'll get between 2 to 3 oz scotch instead of the 1 to 1.5 oz you would get had you ordered a single drink. The serving will count as "1" drink (not 2) and you'll be on your way. It's also a way to get that extra scotch pour without paying extra for the serving, if you don't have a drink package.  Perfectly legit and all bartenders across the industry are hip to the request.

Edited December 28, 2021 by PRNole47

[MissP22]

6 minutes ago, PRNole47 said:

First of all, they have a 15-drink maximum per 24 hr period (6am to 6am). Thereafter, further drinks are at the discretion of the management, and you'll then be charged full price. However, if you're a scotch drinker, like I am, and want that extra shot of scotch without it counting as another separate drink against that 15 max, order it this way: "name brand" (whatever brand you like in scotch) Rob Roy but leave out the vermouth, bitters, and the cherry." That way you'll get between 2 to 3 oz scotch instead of the 1 to 1.5 oz you would get had you ordered a single drink. The serving will count as "1" drink (not 2) and you'll be on your way. It's also a way to get that extra scotch pour without paying extra for the serving, if you don't have a drink package.  Perfectly legit and all bartenders across the industry are hip to the request.

😁 I suppose that might even work for any of the drinks made with Bailys or Kahlua. 

[USCcruisecrazy]

Never did the Drink Package either, but the Princess Plus deal seemed too good not to take it.  So, with the drink package in hand I recommend mixing it up and trying different things during the day.  Like maybe a sea day that consists of:  Bloody Mary with breakfast, ice cold beer for lunch, a nice fruity drink like Mai Tai around the pool, a martini pre-dinner, a glass of wine or two at dinner, and night cap that fits under the bourbon or scotch umbrella.  Seems like a perfect way to enjoy a long day of vacay!!

[wowzz]

7 hours ago, USCcruisecrazy said:

Never did the Drink Package either, but the Princess Plus deal seemed too good not to take it.  So, with the drink package in hand I recommend mixing it up and trying different things during the day.  Like maybe a sea day that consists of:  Bloody Mary with breakfast, ice cold beer for lunch, a nice fruity drink like Mai Tai around the pool, a martini pre-dinner, a glass of wine or two at dinner, and night cap that fits under the bourbon or scotch umbrella.  Seems like a perfect way to enjoy a long day of vacay!!

But you are still well under the 15 alcoholic drinks a day limit.

I don't drink in the morning, but 3 beers before lunch, two white wines with lunch, 3 cocktails in the afternoon,  2 pre dinner wines, 3 red wines with dinner, and 2 beers before bed seems about right.

Obviously when I get home I can drink more.

You do need to pre-plan !

 

Edited December 28, 2021 by wowzz

[kywildcatfanone]

The alcoholic drink package bundle must be a huge money maker for Princess.

[Mike07]

Just now, kywildcatfanone said:

The alcoholic drink package bundle must be a huge money maker for Princess.

 

 

I'm with Gary Bembridge... when a cruise line pushes something heavily, it must make them a lot of money.

[Waynetor]

My gut tells me Princess wants to get most passengers used to booking this way and then start bumping up the price. 

[hobbyfarmer2]

On 12/3/2021 at 12:41 PM, Mackenzie1 said:

I’m on the Sky Princess now. They have two IPA’s, and one is Goose Island. There is no British Pub Lunch yet.

Goose Island is a decent IPA and while not a craft specialty it is unlikely to offend most IPA  lovers.

[caribill]

7 hours ago, kywildcatfanone said:

The alcoholic drink package bundle must be a huge money maker for Princess.

 

At a recent CCL Corp. stock analysts call they said: Onboard and other per diem income up significantly mainly from bundled packages.

[MissP22]

10 hours ago, kywildcatfanone said:

The alcoholic drink package bundle must be a huge money maker for Princess.

Considering that 15 drinks per day is a LOT of drinking for most people and that on port days most people will be off the ship, it makes the profit even higher for Princess. 

We'll be doing our best to get the most out of the package. 🤪

[kywildcatfanone]

3 hours ago, caribill said:

At a recent CCL Corp. stock analysts call they said: Onboard and other per diem income up significantly mainly from bundled packages.

I believe it. Just like restaurants, drinks are a huge money maker, and they sell more of the alcohol packages with the bundle, and likely only a few take advantage of the limits.  Not to mention the cost of the individual drinks themselves are minimal to Princess, so it's a win/win for the cruise line.  It's why you see them offered with every "sale" now.

[reedprincess]

On 12/27/2021 at 12:49 PM, Scottyren said:

Never heard of the free t-shirt program. How does it work? Do you have to ask for a stamp card to track things or something like that?

The t-shirt deal at Good Spirits at Sea Bar is a "secret" promotion, sort of like a secret handshake or prohibition type secret promo - available on all ships with a Good Spirits bar. It was not a one time thing or short term on any ship - it's ongoing.

You have to try all 11 GS drinks and collect the coaster with the recipe for each one - then turn them in for the free t-shirt. With the newer menu, it's basically try 11 of the drinks (different ones) and turn in coasters and get t-shirt. You do get to keep the recipe coasters too..

The problem on a lot of ships is like most everywhere right now - demand has outstripped supply..  a lot of ships this fall had large groups who went for the shirts together (20+ or more) and wiped out the supply of shirts aboard. And with it being a "secret" insider tip item, they don't stick hundreds or thousands of shirts, more like a hundred or so, tops, at any given time and when they're out, they're out til they get resupplied. 

Either way, t-shirt or no, it's a fun bar. And very different craft cocktails.  

The GS at Sea experience is only certain hours - usually around 7-8 and 9-10 or something similar each evening - that's when they do the little show, you can collect the cards, etc. The rest of the time, it's the normal regular atrium/piazza bar. On all ships with GS at Sea, it's the bar by the International Cafe.. there is no GS on Island or Diamond. Otherwise, I think it's on all the others 

Enjoy!

[startedwithamouse]

Crooners makes the best martinis!

[wowzz]

11 hours ago, kywildcatfanone said:

I believe it. Just like restaurants, drinks are a huge money maker, and they sell more of the alcohol packages with the bundle, and likely only a few take advantage of the limits.  Not to mention the cost of the individual drinks themselves are minimal to Princess, so it's a win/win for the cruise line.  It's why you see them offered with every "sale" now.

I agree, but the profit/loss balance is pretty tight. Once you remove the autotips,  the drink element of the package is around $25pppd. Even with significant markups,  I reckon that equates to around 10 drinks a day. Many  will easily drink more than that.  Plus you need to factor  in lost  revenue from internet access.

But, what it does do, is generate additional cash flow when finances are tight.

[Mike07]

Yes, I've calculated the cost of an individual shot... even for the pricier stuff on Princess... and at $8 for buffalo trace or Maker's mark or Patron or Kahlua or Frangelico... even if somebody does 15 shots of those a day, they are making money hands over fist with the regular PBP and still doing well with the Princess Plus rate.

 

I'm not sure what Princess pays per bottle and what taxes they do and don't have to pay, but maybe if you're drinking the most expensive stuff (to Princesses liquor supplier), Princess is still likely turning a profit if you're doing 15 of those a day.

[caribill]

6 minutes ago, wowzz said:

I agree, but the profit/loss balance is pretty tight. Once you remove the autotips,  the drink element of the package is around $25pppd. Even with significant markups,  I reckon that equates to around 10 drinks a day. Many  will easily drink more than that.  Plus you need to factor  in lost  revenue from internet access.

But, what it does do, is generate additional cash flow when finances are tight.

 

Remember that all the alcohol beverages they buy are without paying any state or federal taxes.

 

They might be making more money with the sale of an alcoholic beverage than with the sale of a can of Coke.

 

(Maybe that is why canned soda is not included in the beverage package.)

[wowzz]

I stand corrected in my grasp of drink economics !

If nothing else,  it makes me more angry than ever when you see the drink prices on other lines - Yes Cunard,  I'm talking about you !

[Mike07]

52 minutes ago, caribill said:

 

Remember that all the alcohol beverages they buy are without paying any state or federal taxes.

 

They might be making more money with the sale of an alcoholic beverage than with the sale of a can of Coke.

 

(Maybe that is why canned soda is not included in the beverage package.)

 

 

I honestly have no idea what they're paying without state/federal taxes (though they do serve on embarkation days in cruise ports, but don't run the casinos... at least in America), but even on the Princess Plus at $40 - $15 (gratuities) - $10 (internet) = $15... most of the expensive liquors are maybe at most $1 to $1.25 for a shot with state/federal taxes in my area. =

[USCcruisecrazy]

On 12/29/2021 at 6:09 AM, MissP22 said:

Considering that 15 drinks per day is a LOT of drinking for most people and that on port days most people will be off the ship, it makes the profit even higher for Princess. 

We'll be doing our best to get the most out of the package. 🤪

When we did the math considering the daily gratuities are included, the Wi-Fi is included and a small on board credit, it only takes a few drinks a day to break even.  So, yeah, the cruise line makes more if you drink less than the 15 maximum.  However, in my pocket, I take less out by using the package.  I'm okay with them profiting...that's why they are in business. 🙂  

[MissP22]

1 hour ago, USCcruisecrazy said:

When we did the math considering the daily gratuities are included, the Wi-Fi is included and a small on board credit, it only takes a few drinks a day to break even.  So, yeah, the cruise line makes more if you drink less than the 15 maximum.  However, in my pocket, I take less out by using the package.  I'm okay with them profiting...that's why they are in business. 🙂  

I'm not sure that only a few drinks a day will make us even or ahead but I can see that I'll have a tough time getting to 15 drinks a day although my husband might not. He can finish my drinks if he can stay awake. 🤪

[caribill]

3 hours ago, MissP22 said:

I'm not sure that only a few drinks a day will make us even or ahead but I can see that I'll have a tough time getting to 15 drinks a day although my husband might not. He can finish my drinks if he can stay awake. 🤪

Although the alcohol beverages are limited to 15/day, the non-alcohol beverages have no such limit. Some people can get their money's worth without ever getting one alcohol beverage.

[caribill]

4 hours ago, USCcruisecrazy said:

When we did the math considering the daily gratuities are included, the Wi-Fi is included and a small on board credit, it only takes a few drinks a day to break even.  So, yeah, the cruise line makes more if you drink less than the 15 maximum.  However, in my pocket, I take less out by using the package.  I'm okay with them profiting...that's why they are in business. 🙂  

 

In our case, one WIFI package is all we need. This the break even point is different when forced to pay for a 2nd unneeded WIFI package with Princess+