O Life House Drink Package - Does it include champagne at lunch and dinner?

[terrydtx]

While sitting in a dining venue for a meal and with the House select beverage package, can you sit down before dinner and enjoy a wine or beer before ordering and can you linger after the meal enjoying more wine or ports? 

[pinotlover]

38 minutes ago, terrydtx said:

While sitting in a dining venue for a meal and with the House select beverage package, can you sit down before dinner and enjoy a wine or beer before ordering and can you linger after the meal enjoying more wine or ports? 

Yes, normally, within reason.

 

There have been instances where passengers were cut off from the package. A couple examples (1) People gathering at 6:30 on the Terrace veranda and wanting to drink until closing, and (2) Waves is not a four (4) + hour lunch. Should be self explanatory, but there are those that like to push the limits.

[Robjame]

On 2/2/2023 at 9:57 PM, LHT28 said:

Daily 5-6 pm   some exceptions apply  & 10:30-11:30 pm in Horizons

In a recent Riviera voyage, Horizons was a quieter and more relaxing place during these Happy Hour times. We found Casino and Main bars to be quite a bit busier with some guests becoming frustrated with the delivery time of ordered drinks. The bars became quite crowded as the time for the HH came to an end with people trying to get the last orders in before dinner or pay their bill.

This was our experience but you may find things different.

Without question the waiters remember those who give them $1 or $2 when they come around with drinks.

 

[Robjame]

On 2/4/2023 at 8:54 AM, terrydtx said:

While sitting in a dining venue for a meal and with the House select beverage package, can you sit down before dinner and enjoy a wine or beer before ordering and can you linger after the meal enjoying more wine or ports? 

The Oceania description of House Select that I have seen is:

“Unlimited Champagne, wine and beer with lunch and dinner”

 

I think that little word “with” gives Oceania a lot more restriction than any of us would care for. Your use of “before” or “after” would put you outside “with”, IMO.

 

We saw different attempts on board, to circumvent the intent of Oceania’s liberal liquor rules and I am certain we are all going to kill the goose that lays the golden egg. 

 

 

[pinotlover]

If you go to Waves for lunch at noon and order beer WiTH your lunch, they typically aren’t going to allow you to continuously order more beer, on the Package , until 4:00 as you dabble over the left over fries. Sorry if that offends some.

[Sthrngary]

Drink packages in general are some of the most asked questions on CruiseCritic.com for any brand.  As a guest new to Oceania, it was very important to me to have a working understanding of the options provided by Oceania.  This education of sorts is a hobby of mine prior to going on a new cruise brand.  Not just research on drink packages.  Also what other difference makes a brand over another.

 

If anything is true today it is, nothing stays the same.  All cruise brands are making adjustments with their policies of the past.  Rarely does that cruise brand openly and easily share those policy changes.  Whether it is an increase in gratuities or how much it cost to upgrade your drink package when you board the ship.  

 

I see the policy of having three perks and choosing one of the three somewhat complicated at first as a new guest.  I thought I had my selection correct with the House Select package and upgrading when I got on the ship.  The issue is that strategy would have worked until January 2023 when the upgrade amount went up.  I immediately changed my perk to the On-Board-Credit for $600.00 which I used to purchase the Premier Drink Package pre-cruise. 

 

Once I started to learn and read more from many contributors on this blog, it helped me make a decision.  What I needed was "Why" does Oceania make this so complicated.  I needed that answer for my own self.  It came to me.  It seems their research showed that the demographic of their brand like to drink but limit their drinking.  Why charge those folks who have an occasional drink all that money.  Money that can be spent on Spa Services, Excursions and the list goes on.  So give the client the choice of:

 

1. Wine and Beer At Dinner and Lunch:  If you chose this option, then understand what it means.  Read the fine print if you will.  If it is before dinner or lunch, it is not at lunch.  That is what I call a realistic expectation.  When I read questions on how to go outside of the intent of the package, I realize that someone might say it was no issue on the ship and then when someone is turned down, they are disappointed.  
2. Premier Wine, Beer and Spirits:  Want a a drink anytime, buy this package instead of looking for loop holes in the system.  This is all of our vacations, we simply need to purchase a plan that suits or lifestyle. 
3. Happy Hour:  I thought this idea was perfect for the right guest.  Two for one with drink that are reasonably priced compared to many of my Mainstream Cruise Bar experience.  Yet another well thought out option. 

 

Why post this comment? Because Oceania where I thought was initially confusing is actually quite smart.  They are attempting to cater to their guests by giving them what they want vs. charging them for a completely all inclusive experience.  A menu if you will vs. a pre-determined five course dinner event.  The best of both worlds at an investment that does not break the bank.  That is my take and I hope my thoughts are in some way helpful.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

 

 

[terrydtx]

12 minutes ago, Sthrngary said:

Drink packages in general are some of the most asked questions on CruiseCritic.com for any brand.  As a guest new to Oceania, it was very important to me to have a working understanding of the options provided by Oceania.  This education of sorts is a hobby of mine prior to going on a new cruise brand.  Not just research on drink packages.  Also what other difference makes a brand over another.

 

If anything is true today it is, nothing stays the same.  All cruise brands are making adjustments with their policies of the past.  Rarely does that cruise brand openly and easily share those policy changes.  Whether it is an increase in gratuities or how much it cost to upgrade your drink package when you board the ship.  

 

I see the policy of having three perks and choosing one of the three somewhat complicated at first as a new guest.  I thought I had my selection correct with the House Select package and upgrading when I got on the ship.  The issue is that strategy would have worked until January 2023 when the upgrade amount went up.  I immediately changed my perk to the On-Board-Credit for $600.00 which I used to purchase the Premier Drink Package pre-cruise. 

 

Once I started to learn and read more from many contributors on this blog, it helped me make a decision.  What I needed was "Why" does Oceania make this so complicated.  I needed that answer for my own self.  It came to me.  It seems their research showed that the demographic of their brand like to drink but limit their drinking.  Why charge those folks who have an occasional drink all that money.  Money that can be spent on Spa Services, Excursions and the list goes on.  So give the client the choice of:

 

1. Wine and Beer At Dinner and Lunch:  If you chose this option, then understand what it means.  Read the fine print if you will.  If it is before dinner or lunch, it is not at lunch.  That is what I call a realistic expectation.  When I read questions on how to go outside of the intent of the package, I realize that someone might say it was no issue on the ship and then when someone is turned down, they are disappointed.  
2. Premier Wine, Beer and Spirits:  Want a a drink anytime, buy this package instead of looking for loop holes in the system.  This is all of our vacations, we simply need to purchase a plan that suits or lifestyle. 
3. Happy Hour:  I thought this idea was perfect for the right guest.  Two for one with drink that are reasonably priced compared to many of my Mainstream Cruise Bar experience.  Yet another well thought out option. 

 

Why post this comment? Because Oceania where I thought was initially confusing is actually quite smart.  They are attempting to cater to their guests by giving them what they want vs. charging them for a completely all inclusive experience.  A menu if you will vs. a pre-determined five course dinner event.  The best of both worlds at an investment that does not break the bank.  That is my take and I hope my thoughts are in some way helpful.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

 

 

We went through the same questions and investigations about the O Life promos. The $800 OBC wouldn't even come close to covering the cost of the basic beer and wine for our 18 day cruise in 2025. The beverage package cost for our cruise is $1080 total. Adding the premium package would add another $540pp to the cost. Not sure yet which direction we will go, we can drink a lot of martinis for $540 each. Thinking about keeping the beer and wine package and buying by the drink outside of the meals.

 

Here is what the beverage packages would cost for our cruise:

 

View and Shop Beverage Package

Our beverage packages enhance your onboard experience while offering excellent value and the luxury of convenience. In addition, receive a 20% discount on any of our exclusive wine pairing dinners in La Reserve on board with the purchase of a beverage package.

HOUSE SELECT-WINE BY GLASS & BEER W/MEAL

Unlimited champagne, wine and beer with lunch and dinner.

$539.10 per guest
($29.95 per guest, per day
Gratuity Included)

PRESTIGE SELECT - WINE, BEER & SPIRITS

Unlimited premium spirits, champagne, wine and beer wherever and whenever you wish.

$1,079.10 per guest
($59.95 per guest, per day
Gratuity Included)

PREPAID GRATUITIES

[shepherd really]

7 minutes ago, pinotlover said:

To me, the greatest offense is the Terrace. If you’ve been here long enough you’d heard my rants in “ The Terrace is for Teatotallers!” How horrible the beverage service is at that venue. Unlimited beer and wine??!! One was often lucky at dinner if they were served once. We are not buffets fans, and the horrible alcohol beverage service seals the deal on not dining there. Unlimited!!🤬

On Sirena last month I noticed a bartender staffing the bar in Terrace on the port side forward.  The drink service seemed acceptable at lunch, I only had two dinners there and didn't order drinks either night so I couldn't say how the beverage service was in the evening.    

[ORV]

7 minutes ago, shepherd really said:

On Sirena last month I noticed a bartender staffing the bar in Terrace on the port side forward.  The drink service seemed acceptable at lunch, I only had two dinners there and didn't order drinks either night so I couldn't say how the beverage service was in the evening.    

I was just getting ready to ask if you tested staying in there the whole time ordering beer or wine and how it worked out? Frankly I think more than a few here are making mountains out of mole hills. Looking for problems that don't exist. It's not rocket science. Buy a drink package, order a drink, drink the drink. Or don't, order a drink, pay for it, drink it. Or don't drink at all. It's a vacation, it shouldn't be work. I don't get the big deal that some people are always feeling they're being cheated. 

[Robjame]

1 hour ago, terrydtx said:

we can drink a lot of martinis for $540 each.

IMO you are going about the decision-making correctly.

The $30 per day per passenger to increase to Prestige Beverage Package will buy you about 2 classic martinis (remembering that the 20% gratuitity is included in your package).

Now factor in these things:

‘Do you plan on any La Reserve dinners?

Do you like your martini made with Grey Goose (+$3) or is Smirnoff fine?

Do you prefer doubles?

 

People are still considering OBC as their OLife. Choice. You don’t have to take any OLife. The cost of OLife will equal what Oceania is allowing you for OBC. (Unless this has changed) So why do it?

[LHT28]

Off topic  more or less

 

My big wish for years has been  that Oceania  cut the  crap

 2 for 1 fares

FREE  airfare

Neither are true

 

Cut the O life perk  to just the  excursion deal or the Beverage deal

or just cut the O life  crap altogether

 

Offer a Beverage package  with drinks all day for those that want it

 

It is  a vacation  one should not have  to give themselves  a headache  trying figure out  there "FREE"  or not so free items  to cruise on Oceania

JMO

[Sthrngary]

7 minutes ago, Robjame said:

Do you like your martini made with Grey Goose (+$3) or is Smirnoff fine?

@Robjame Thank you for your post and the research you did.  Please elaborate on your "+$3 for Grey Goose".  It would seem you are saying,

 

1. if you have the full Prestige Beer, Wine and Spirits Package, and you want a Grey Goose Martini it will cost an additional $3.00. 
2. OR you might mean, if you purchase a martini, and want Grey Goose Vodka, it will cost $3.00 more then Smirnoff.    

 

Up to this this point my understanding was if one purchased the Prestige Drink Program, Grey Goose premium spirits were part of the plan.  I understand if something like Tequila 1942 is extra.  If you could clarify, It would be appreciated.

 

Cruise well and enjoy every moment. 

[LHT28]

1 minute ago, Sthrngary said:

@Robjame Thank you for your post and the research you did.  Please elaborate on your "+$3 for Grey Goose".  It would seem you are saying,

 

1. if you have the full Prestige Beer, Wine and Spirits Package, and you want a Grey Goose Martini it will cost an additional $3.00. 
2. OR you might mean, if you purchase a martini, and want Grey Goose Vodka, it will cost $3.00 more then Smirnoff.    

 

 

If you have the package  it is no extra charge 

[Robjame]

As Lynn says, the choice of brand of spirit is free with Prestige. I can taste the difference between Smirnoff (the well vodka) and Grey Goose. So my double Grey Goose and tonic would cost me (if I were paying by the drink) $7.20 more. (2 x $3 plus 20% gratuity)

 

 

[TheBez]

24 minutes ago, Robjame said:

As Lynn says, the choice of brand of spirit is free with Prestige. I can taste the difference between Smirnoff (the well vodka) and Grey Goose. So my double Grey Goose and tonic would cost me (if I were paying by the drink) $7.20 more. (2 x $3 plus 20% gratuity)

 

 

Good day!  I have had a lot of fun reading these so-called problems all of these cruisers have been complaining about!  Why not just suck it up and pay the pied piper?  It seems to me that some of these people might be better off sailing on Carnival so they could fight it out!  Please people, don't be a Chester Cheapskate!!!  Just love the fact that you get to cruise!!

 

Thebez

[WESTEAST]

2 hours ago, shepherd really said:

On Sirena last month I noticed a bartender staffing the bar in Terrace on the port side forward.  The drink service seemed acceptable at lunch, I only had two dinners there and didn't order drinks either night so I couldn't say how the beverage service was in the evening.    

We were onboard Regatta last September and had absolutely no problem in receiving our wine/beer and refills at the Terrace for lunch or dinner or in the GDR.  Service was excellent.

[Robjame]

19 hours ago, shepherd really said:

The drink service seemed acceptable at lunch

Ditto on Riviera at lunch.

 

‘’Suggestion: when the wait staff come to give you water (usually directly after you sit down), ask them to send the sommelier to your table. The sommelier will get you any cocktail usually available, or wine or beer. Have ordered draft Heineken (available from Waves/Pool bar). 
Do you know about I-95?
 

[DCGuy64]

On 2/6/2023 at 8:21 AM, Robjame said:

Ditto on Riviera at lunch.

 

‘’Suggestion: when the wait staff come to give you water (usually directly after you sit down), ask them to send the sommelier to your table. The sommelier will get you any cocktail usually available, or wine or beer. Have ordered draft Heineken (available from Waves/Pool bar). 
Do you know about I-95?
 

Oh that's a good idea.