nyccruiser21

Just off the Summit (12/26-1/3), wanted to report back on my experience with the Premium Nonalcoholic package. I had asked a few weeks back regarding the availability of soy milk onboard, as I wanted to enjoy my daily soy cappuccinos (the main reason I bought the package). Sadly, I never got a cappuccino because the coffee bar (Cova) never ONCE had soy milk available. The only way to get soy milk was to go to the buffet and find an English-speaking staff member (surprisingly few of those onboard) to understand what the hell I was even asking for, and then wait about 15 minutes for them to bring me a glass of cold soy milk. Bonus points, though, because it was vanilla flavored.

I had to then proceed to the cova bar and ask them for espresso. I made my own latte every day of the cruise, but MAN was it a hassle! I discovered about halfway through that in the buffet area where they make smoothies, they can also make espresso, but almost half the time they were out of espresso or the machine was "broken". Once, when one staff member made that claim to me, his manager heard him and demanded that he go upstairs to get me espresso from Cova. I said it was OK, since clearly the staff member did not want to help me and I didn't want to deal with his being upset, but he obeyed his manager and they brought me espresso and soy milk to my table in the buffet.

It was just as hard and took just as long in the dining room at dinner if I ever wanted an after dinner make-my-own latte. Bottom line, don't get this package if you're lactose-intolerant and enjoy your coffee drinks! I should also mention that the staff at Cova during my trip were particularly surly and EXTREMELY slow. Not sure if that's the case on every boat or every sailing, but don't expect quick service or even service with a smile. I also watched numerous times as the baristas messed up other people's orders.

I want to make it clear that I'm not complaining about all of this, I just want people to be able to make an educated decision regarding their drink package purchase.

You will have no problems. They have soy milk on boared and also splenda and equal everywhere

We saw Splenda all over the ship, but it's possible they could run out in some venues by the end of the week and only have the pink and blue stuff, so it couldn't hurt to pack some of your own.

Thank you guys so much! I feel much better about my beverage package purchase now :) Only a week and a half of freezing cold weather left before paradise!

I'm sailing on the Summit (Southern Caribbean 12/26/10) and bought the premium non-alcoholic drink package because I drink a lot of coffee and cappuccinos. I realized that I didn't call Celebrity to check first to see if they offer soy milk as an option because I'm lactose-intolerant, and would likely not get a good value out of the beverage package if I can't have daily cappuccinos. Anyone know if they have soy milk aboard? Seems like they should, but would like to know for sure!

Also...anyone know if they have Splenda in the coffee bar/on the table in any of the dining areas/cafes/restaurants? Or should I just bring my own? I realize I'm pretty picky when it comes to my coffee...but I just want to make sure I'm fully awake and alert so I can enjoy my cruise as much as possible!