ellenh

This was a terrific review! Thanks for taking the time and effort to post. I read it almost all in one sitting but had to return for the last page.

I can't seem to organize myself to do anything like this so I'm in awe of those who can!

I've been looking for the same information for my Transatlantic later this year (no included drinks package so either go without or buy a discounted package). Here is a very useful link someone posted on this forum several months ago:

https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipPCkmIcSVT6kv4cFNkFruEXDEZehl_QAf6BwTcH5khDDTauayItsay6sx7f0u3-gA?key=cW5JNk1NMHFfWnRRM3dwaHBZSENTc0ZERHloYkp3

If you keep scrolling down you'll find a "drinks" portion with various bar menus as well as descriptions of drinks packages. The "Standard Package" is in the middle of that row--between the descriptions of the Premium and Classic packages.

My best guess (and only a guess) is the package includes most of what is offered in the Elite lounge or available with the Elite coupons. That would be a few choices of house wine/beer and some standard (well brand) cocktails. This would be sufficient for me but YMMV.

Thanks for the responses. There is a lot of information out there regarding the Classic and Premium beverage packages but I was specifically asking about the "Standard" package which is normally $45/day but is discounted for my T/A to ~$31/day. I'm thinking it might be a good fit for my reasonably indifferent attitude toward brands of spirits. However, if the wines in that package are truly undrinkable then we are probably better off getting a wine package and forgetting all-you-can-drink beverage packages entirely.

My guess is that the Standard package includes the same list that is available in the Elite lounge--a few cocktails, well drinks and house wines.

I'm just wondering if anybody is on a ship now could ask a bartender what wines are included in the Standard (Not Classic or Premium) package. Probably a long shot but it's worth a try.

Thanks all!

I'm trying to choose between buying a Standard beverage package or going with Classic or Premium wine packages on my upcoming T/A. The beverage packages are discounted 30% (but not wine packages) which makes the choice a little more difficult.

I'm not a big spirits drinker (mostly wine or beer) but I do enjoy an occasional mojito or rum punch. If anyone has actually had the Standard package could you give me an idea of what wines are available? Is it strictly limited to "house" chardonnay/sauvignon blanc/merlot/cabernet or are there other choices (shiraz? carmenere?) Is there a sparkling wine/prosecco?

In terms of cocktails would I be able to get something simple like a cosmopolitan or mojito at any bar?

Thanks for your help. I know there are a lot of beverage package threads (and I did try searching) but there doesn't seem to be much input on what exactly I can get with the Standard package.

Does anyone know if this can be combined with the 10% Elite+ discount on drinks packages? In other words: -30% then -10% ?

A girl can dream...

Wow. That's a great upgrade--Enjoy your cruise!

On our last cruise (Connie this past May) we booked one of the last o/v cabins. There were no balcony cabins available at the time though there may have been CC or AQ. A couple of weeks before we sailed X called with an upsell offer to a balcony. It was quite expensive (I think I remember $800 p/p) so we declined and assumed that was the end of it. When we got to the pier to check in we found they had upgraded us to the balcony for free :) It does happen sometimes but I never count on it. Just enjoy your good luck!

I was able to switch from "Go Big" to "Go Best" on my upcoming Connie cruise but it was probably a little more convoluted than what you are looking to do. In my case prices dropped dramatically right after final payment date (I had booked several months earlier). I knew I couldn't get any refund on the price of my cabin but I thought (correctly) that I might be able to purchase an upgrade. I opted to go from a 2A to a CC class cabin. However, the "Go Big" price for the upgraded CC class was still less than what I had paid for my 2A cabin so the only way to "upgrade" (in Celebrity's eyes) was to upgrade both cabin and perks. So I was able to go from 2A "go Big" to C3 "Go Best" for way less than the standard upgrade for those packages (I think it was $240/person for a 12 day cruise).

I'm not sure this is typical or I just got lucky but it's worth asking!

Thanks Mike. I'll try it. I never realized that an airfare credit was an option. Great to know!

I just wanted to come back to thank you for the tip about using points for the airlines. I was able to redeem enough points for 2 round trip flights to Florida. Unfortunately there isn't a cruise connected to these flights but my in laws where happy that we are able to visit unexpectedly. I'm just happy that I was able to redeem these points before they expired.

 

Thanks again

Mike

Hi Mike,

Could you explain a little bit about how to use your points toward airfare? I have tons of points that are likely going to expire since I have no Princess cruise booked at the moment. I went to the Barclay site but couldn't find any useful info. Thanks!

--Ellen

Got info today for Oct 23rd cruise via, phone, text and email that no overnight for us in Istanbul...ship will leave 11pm on 23rd.

 

Also on our Roll Call, some have said they heard just a sea day added with a couple longer days in port for a couple other ports...but that part is just here say, have not heard that from Celebrity.

I checked the itinerary attached to my reservation today for the Oct. 23rd Constellation and, indeed, the Istanbul overnight is gone. We depart Istanbul 11 pm on the 23rd and have a sea day Oct 24th. I'm a little disappointed but not surprised. Fortunately we have a week in Turkey before we sail.

The calendar for the Oct 23rd Constellation still shows original itinerary--i.e. embarking in Istanbul with an overnight the first night.

Obviously out of my control but still keeping my fingers crossed that it doesn't change.

I'm loving your review. So glad you decided to share it!