Upgrade drink package onboard?

[dbrown84]

Hello.

I'm just about ready to book my first MSC cruise.  I saw that they had free balcony upgrades until next week so I was going to book to potentially take advantage of that.  Now I see that they are also offering the free drinks, wifi, and OBC.  so I now have to decide which promo I'd rather take.  the question I have is if any has upgraded their drink package once onboard?  I want to see what it would cost to take the easy plus package offered with the promo, then upgrade it to the premium package.  And I'd rather do it onboard to use OBC to pay for it.

[mcoler181]

On 3/2/2024 at 9:28 PM, dbrown84 said:

Hello.

I'm just about ready to book my first MSC cruise.  I saw that they had free balcony upgrades until next week so I was going to book to potentially take advantage of that.  Now I see that they are also offering the free drinks, wifi, and OBC.  so I now have to decide which promo I'd rather take.  the question I have is if any has upgraded their drink package once onboard?  I want to see what it would cost to take the easy plus package offered with the promo, then upgrade it to the premium package.  And I'd rather do it onboard to use OBC to pay for it.

I'm not sure about doing it onboard but we had the option to do it on the online portal before boarding, worked out at $20 per day per person. I'm sure you must be able to do it on board but don't quote me on it. 

[Morgsmom]

Yes, you can do it onboard.  It'll be the difference between the two packages PLUS gratuity.  (If you book beforehand you avoid the grat part).  But if you have a lot of OBC to use up that might be the way to go.

[JamieLogical]

Have you looked closely at what the differences are between Easy Plus and Premium? Now that MSC lets you just pay the difference on drinks outside your package, I have found little need for the Premium package. I only occasionally get drinks that aren't covered by Easy Plus and certainly not enough to justify spending an extra $20/day for Premium. 

[mcoler181]

10 minutes ago, JamieLogical said:

Have you looked closely at what the differences are between Easy Plus and Premium? Now that MSC lets you just pay the difference on drinks outside your package, I have found little need for the Premium package. I only occasionally get drinks that aren't covered by Easy Plus and certainly not enough to justify spending an extra $20/day for Premium. 

That was the way I looked at it, I can live without premium spirits and don't drink cocktails so it was just a few wines over the $10 limit. 

[dbrown84]

7 hours ago, JamieLogical said:

Have you looked closely at what the differences are between Easy Plus and Premium? Now that MSC lets you just pay the difference on drinks outside your package, I have found little need for the Premium package. I only occasionally get drinks that aren't covered by Easy Plus and certainly not enough to justify spending an extra $20/day for Premium. 

you know, it funny.  After I posted my question, I did actually found some menus and was able to see the difference.  I'd mostly upgrade for the Macallan, but MSC charges $16 per shot (I'm used to the $50 price tag on NCL).  so you're right, it's not cut and dry.  the price for all the premium drinks are actually reasonable.    

[JamieLogical]

18 minutes ago, dbrown84 said:

you know, it funny.  After I posted my question, I did actually found some menus and was able to see the difference.  I'd mostly upgrade for the Macallan, but MSC charges $16 per shot (I'm used to the $50 price tag on NCL).  so you're right, it's not cut and dry.  the price for all the premium drinks are actually reasonable.    

 

Yeah, well NCL claims a shot of Bailey's in my coffee should cost $16. Oh and btw, the coffee isn't included either. MSC definitely has more realistic drink prices and the fact that specialty coffees and bottled water are included is quite refreshing.

[dbrown84]

well, it looks like I don't have to worry about this as casino bookings are not allowed to take advantage of the current offers.  at least that is what I was told by an agent today.  I'll probably call back and ask another agent just to see if I get the same answer

[Selion]

On 3/5/2024 at 11:29 AM, mcoler181 said:

I'm not sure about doing it onboard but we had the option to do it on the online portal before boarding, worked out at $20 per day per person. 

How long does the upgrade to appear on the booking?  Just upgraded to the Premium this afternoon, card is charged but it's not on the booking confirmation yet.

[JamieLogical]

40 minutes ago, Selion said:

How long does the upgrade to appear on the booking?  Just upgraded to the Premium this afternoon, card is charged but it's not on the booking confirmation yet.

 

It took a day or two to show up on my account. I was very concerned before that and called twice!

[Selion]

5 hours ago, JamieLogical said:

 

It took a day or two to show up on my account. I was very concerned before that and called twice!

Cool.  Thanks!  I'll wait until Monday before I start panic calling.