OU8MINE

I just bought and used the premium package last week on a 5 night Western Caribbean Cruise on the Vision of the Seas. The total price charged to my seapass account was $281.75/per person. I don't recall seeing any drinks that were over $10 or liquor that wasn't included. You can pretty much drink the top-shelf stuff to your hearts content. There were some wines over $12/glass but actually not many. As many have said if it's over the limit you will just be charged the difference in price. A few beers are excluded from the packages for whatever reason, they are nothing special, but there are plenty to choose from.

I debated whether the package was worth it or not for along time because neither of us are heavy drinkers but I'm glad we did it. We both tried many drinks we had never had before and likely would not have had we been paying individually. The same for some wines. If I got something I didn't like I would set it aside and order something else, no limits and nobody cares. Also, it was nice not to schlep bottled water to the port and hope it made it to the room, we got as much as we wanted at the bars for our room and on the way out the door at the ports. It was nice just to drink what and when we wanted and not have to think about the price, I know we at least hit the $55/day without ever overdoing it. You will still be presented a $0.00 receipt to sign most of the time because the bartenders are hoping for an extra tip, and occasionally I would give them one for good service - its a buck or two here and there - no big deal. If you think you'll drink 3-4 drinks or wine per day, plus some bottle water and maybe a coke go for it, you'll have a much better time not even thinking about it I promise, I never looked at the price of the drinks on the menu just what was in them - it really made the cruise fun.

Got 2 robes in our JS on the Vision last week. Cabin steward asked us if we wanted them unsolicited, I frankly forget that it was even an available perk. I assume they were made available because of the room category since I'm just Gold.

Just off the Vision on 10/18, the A/C in the cabin and in the common areas worked great and I like it cold, it was very hot and humid outside. However, if you're someone who likes feeling airflow while sleeping etc. than a small fan may not be a bad idea for you.

I'm just off a 5 night on the Vision of the Seas and here is my take on the ship's WiFi. DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY unless you are absolutely desperate to be connected. It is painfully slow and extremely limited. I bought an hour of access (60mins total to be used anytime) because I had to do a couple of important things for work. I never was able to get what I needed done because of the slow speed, most of my 60 mins was spent just trying to load simple emails etc. I might as well of tossed my money overboard. If you absolutely must have onboard wifi I would recommend an unlimited package because so much of your purchased time is wasted with data transfer and connectivity. This is not your at home internet, others have said think dial-up speeds - I'm not even sure it's that fast. You will have no ability to stream, face-time etc. and I can only imagine the number of minutes it would take to load a photo. Buyer beware. I recommend just finding free wifi in the ports, it was easy to do in Roatan and Cozumel, and do your catching up there. I knew when I purchased it it would be bad, but I didn't anticipate how bad.

I haven't been able to find any info about Champagne as it relates to the Premium or Ultimate Packages. I will be on the Vision on Monday and was wondering if the Premium Package includes Champagne at the Champagne Bar onboard - or any bar for that matter?

OP,

This shows the importance of judging each suggestion based on your needs. We do not take anything on this list.

You are absolutely correct, that's why I asked for replies, what's not such a good idea for you, may be a great suggestion for someone else.

What modern cell phone doesn't have alarm clock and flashlight/nightlight apps (not to mention a camera for anyone other than diehard photogs)?

Likewise, why all the paper binder recommendations for documents easily scanned and stored as PDFs in IBooks (or the android equivalent) and downloadable maps, neither of which need the internet?

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This is true, most smartphones can handle all of the above, however, some people are just more comfortable with good ole paper or prefer to leave the phone in the safe when on shore, to each his own.

Thanks for all the great replies, so far looking over the responses the following seem to be the 5 most popular, but keep keep the suggestions coming. There have been many other things I would not have thought of since it's been so long since I've cruised (like a highlighter for the schedule).

1. Some type of Clock/Alarm Clock for the room

2. Plug Extender/surge protector or extension cord

3. Flashlight, LED Light or Battery operated Candles

4. Plastic Bags: grocery and/or ziplock - or reusable

5. Water bottle/insulated mug

Another top mention and a good is clothes pins/safety pins.

Keep them coming folks this is practical, helpful information! If it hasn't been mentioned please post it.

Thanks! I believe I have this one.

 

There was another one I thought that had each type of drink listed and how many of those you needed to consume each day to breakeven per each package...

I think this is what your are looking for:

http://www.cruisewithgambee.com/royal-caribbean-drink-package/

Great looking unit, I'm going to grab one ASAP!

Just ordered one from Amazon, thanks for the tip Bob!!!

What specifically do you use the bottle for? Cabin, Sun Deck Excurisions? Is it just for water....? I want to know why it's worthwhile to drag a water bottle on board. Thanks!

Plus, the unit swivels, so it can be adjusted so it does not interfere with other outlets, etc. Look for the one with the higher power (2.1A) capabilty so you can charge tablets. I think it's about $20 on Amazon.

Great looking unit, I'm going to grab one ASAP!

I know there have likely been other similiar posts and FAQs that probably address this question, but I'm looking for a very SIMPLE and SHORT condensed list for responses from those that know.

This is for those experienced, multi-night, multi-ship cruisers out there: What is a list of 5 items or less you now bring on board every cruise because your cabin doesn't have it, you can't get it on board and you've found it to be extremely useful? I'm primarily interested in items for the cabin, ie. extension cord or multi plug. Thanks!!

Like many I've been reading and debating the drink packages. We are heading out on a 5 night on the Vision next week with 2 days at sea and 2 ports so there will be plenty of time on the ship for drinking. GF and I both drink lots of water and wanted to confirm water bottles are included in the Ultimate Package. Also, when I cruised on RC back in '06 (my last cruise) we gave the porter a case of water bottles at the port tapped up with our room tag on it and it was delivered with our luggage - is that no longer allowed? That was the recommended thing to do at the time, but its obviously been a while since I cruised.