Nacho1229

No driver/ tour guide for the day was someone different (He got his own tip at the end). We got to each stop and one of the sales people gave us a little background/ taught about the harvest and whole process with the tasting. About 20-30 minutes. I think if you walked in off the street they would have changed $5-10 for it but was "included" for us. 

This is after the fact but curious for next time.  We took an excursion that included Tequila tasting and Chocolate tasting stops. Both had a guide that was very friendly and informative. There were obvious Tip jars out but the point was definitely trying to get you to buy the product. We did.. Spent over $100 on Tequila and about $35 on chocolate. It was a private tour so there were only 2 of us if that makes a difference. 

I feel like if we didn't buy anything, I would have left a tip for their time. Since we did spend money in the shop, we didn't leave an extra tip. 

Wondering what the rest of you think the "right move" would be. 

The SBP just doesn't work for me for 2 reasons: 1- they require both parties in cabin to sign up and my travel buddy MIGHT have 2 max if its a really crazy day and 2- I'm a snob. In addition to getting vodka for the room, I bring about 9 bottles of my preferred wines from home. Even after corkage added on, they are still half the cost of the mid-quality options on the ship and twice as enjoyable. So that's what I'm drinking at dinner.

I'm not running back to the room for every drink, I make a large one in an insulated cup that I bring from home to take to the pool in the afternoon and have one in the room while getting ready for dinner. I also chat up my cabin steward on the first day and let him know how appreciative I am for the constant replenishment of ice :) Then after dinner if I decide to freshen up I might make one more but I do end up ordering a couple from the bar over the course of the day.

Another alternative is to order an entire bottle of Absolut (or several) and have it waiting for you in your room on arrival for $43.75 (less than the daily SBP price) and you can bring on any non alcoholic mixers that you like. Slight inconvenience of having to go back to your room but if you plan ahead and bring an extra large "water bottle" to carry to Lido deck very do-able!

Unless you're getting it included in your booking, beverage package is never worth the $$. Better options are to bring your own wine with you and pay the fee and/or order full bottles of liquor to be delivered to your room. Our last cruise we stopped at the Wine shop on the way to pier and brought 9 bottles (7 days, 2 people) and had a bottle of vodka I pre ordered before sailing waiting in the room for us. Still bought a couple of drinks most nights but GREATLY decreased the costs over previous sailings. You can probably guess I'm an all-day drinker on Vacation

I was excited to find this thread since I have just booked the same cruise for this years New Years sailing! But disappointed you never finished the postings.

My specific question is how NYE fits into the Gala night schedule?

Is it considered a gala night at all? If so does it mean there are 3 or is one rescheduled? (Which?)

I'm hoping night 2, the first sea day stays a gala because I'm celebrating my birthday that night! This year we'll be in port at San Juan on 12/31. (Definitely the stop I'm least excited about on the itinerary, so no worries being back in time to freshen up.. After a nap!)

I know there are ways around not getting dressy but I like to do it .. Mom, not so much. ;-)