kywildcatfanone

It's only a benefit is you drink alcohol, other than that, it's quite expensive, and even expensive then if you consider the drink costs themselves. But that is up to each individual. Cruise lines have learned that marketing of "packages" works, and it's a huge profit provider for them. I actually think that because of the drink package pricing and usage, that is keeping basic cruise fares lower, at least on Princess. Which is great to me because we go packageless and ultimately save around $400 per cruise at a minimum over what we would pay.

Yep, after sailing a few ships between 50 and 65% capacity, I hate sailing on ships now full.

Yes, sorry, I was referring soda and bottled water.

We started the tv, about a minute later left the cabin, walked to muster station and checked in. I think the medallion only has to be present at start of video.

Pro tip: turn your TV on when you get to your cabin and let the drill play while you unpack or go check in at your muster station

Yes, that is what we do now that package prices are ridiculously high. We bring our own on-board at embarkation and in ports as needed.

Soda, no issues I have ever seen or had.

Well, I did purchase the wifi "upgrade" and it went through, so I'll take it. Not saving much, but not as bad as full price. Still irked that the non alcoholic drink package isn't really discounted.

Question: I purchased basic wifi for a cruise in October on Equinox. The cheapest option for two devices was one person and two devices. I see now, that I can "upgrade to premium wifi", but the only option it is giving me is to add it for me and the wife, which the website is letting me do. I haven't purchased yet. Will that work? Also, why is the zero alcohol package only 5% off, when the others are 50%? Geez, coudn't it at least be 30% off?

Most consumers aren't educated, which was my point. Sorry, thought it was obvious.

It's marketing and it works!

Regal and Royal are my favorite ships because of the retreat pool area.

I think my biggest issue, which I haven't really articulated well in my comments here, is just the sheer cost. I understand that if Princess charges $10 for a $1 shot of Jim Beam, but because you are on a ship or at a bar, and not at home, the price doesn't seem too far out of line for what someone might pay. To me, that is a to each their own kind of thing. If you pay the package fee, and are okay with it, then it's okay with me that you do that. I don't really care, and in fact, it helps keep the cruise fare down for everyone, and therefore can add value to those who don't partake. If I were a drinker, I would probably view it differently. But I also rarely eat out without it being takeout because I want to avoid large required tips, and the exurbanite cost of even soft drinks or team. For me, I look at it this way, for a 7 day cruise, the cost for two of the plus package is $840. Tips cost about $210, wifi (with elite, which has doubled in price) is $140, so that is $350. I can buy a morning coffee in the IC, and bring soft drinks on board that I want (i.e. something different than just coke, diet coke and sprite - another beef I have with Princess, offer more options) for $15, so now I'm at $365, and can either hold onto or spend on other things the difference is $475, which can easily get me another cruise fare booked most times I'm booking anymore. Right or wrong, that is how I look at it. I do not mean to say that people paying for a package aren't getting their money's worth for them, that is for each person to decide. I just can't justify it myself, but everyone does vacation the way they want to do vacation and that is fine with me. Like I said, it sort of helps me if I really think about it.

Yeah, I see it all the time at ball games. People spending hundreds of dollars on beer. To each his own I guess. It's their money and not mine. I can't personally justify it. Some of the money I see spent is enough for another cruise. I'm sure Princess and the other cruise lines are very happy with it, as they should be. It's helping them make up for the year sitting idle.

I suspect they are making most all of the profits on the drink/plus packages and will continue to increase the price as long as the uptake is there. There is a lot of profit to be made, and it helps to keep the cruise price down to entice more bookings.

Retreat pool is adults only. But it's down in a hole and not a lot of seating. Adding cabins really messed up the retreat area on the newer ships.

I paid $29 in 2010. I think it got over $60 at one point.

I bought in 2010. Got more in OBC than I paid. Someday soon they will cut out the shareholder credit with people buying it so cheap.

We were overcharged every day for coffee on our last cruise. I went down twice to passenger services and asked them to correct. Could never get any from food and beverage to pick up, so refunded all the charges. I didn't want that, but he insisted. I check daily now.

No issue. If people do that, they get what they deserve.

Seeing as how they just raised prices earlier this year, I would think they would have to give it decent run time to see how the price increase impact sales. It seems Princess method is keep the cruise price as low as possible, and then charge more for everything else. If it's working, it's working. Everyone can choose what and what not to participate. Celebrity Cruises prices are even higher, so I'm sure once they feel comfortable they will initiate another increase. I suspect regular price increases are going to be the norm till they start seeing reduced bookings. Same with any other business. My take on that would be that th update on it was very satisfactory, in fact, so much so that significant increase could be made and their research would show most people would continue to pay, even at the increased prices. I suspect that is working overall. Same with the removal of benefits which seem to occur regularly now. I do wish they offered a coffee/soft drink/mocktail package for like $30 for those of use who aren't either big drinkers or drinkers at all. I would very much consider that, regardless of whether I could justify the price with a spreadsheet. I do think for many people, vacation is something they don't watch their spending that closely on because they choose not to, which is perfectly fine, and everyone's freedom to do.

What is my comment that big a deal with you? Do you not think 3/4 used to get a package? I don't understand the hostility in your comment?

I think it's higher quite honestly, or it was before the recent increases, but my TA has told me that in calls she has been on with Princess reps, that number has been mentioned, as well as her own bookings reflect that. Based upon the conversations on cruise critic, I think it's probably pretty accurate. It might have dropped based upon the recent price increases, but that was from a conversation I had with her last year.

I always get a better prices and OBC from my TA that I don't get booking directly with Princess.

You don't think they make huge profits on packages they offer in lieu of higher cruise prices? Have you bought the same thing in a grocery store, and then in a hotel or other business and the price was 3-10x? That's what I was talking about. Sorry for the confusion.