Beverage package question

[gailikecruising]

I am considering the premium drink package but wondered how the waiters are tipped. Can you tip extra for good service? Do you really recieve the same service as when you just buy out right?

 

Thanks

 

My recent experience was that you got the same service and it depended largely on how busy the waiters and bar staff were. I found that at some bars, you actually got better service at the tables vs. the bars. I only tipped a few waiters and bartenders on the last days, who had provided incredible service and the somaliar. In fairness the best service was the walk-up stations, usually at the buffet area, they had beer, wine, and soda ready for you. Also, on port days the lower level of the ship waters and soda was readily available.

[ehrlichpuppy]

I am thinking of getting the premium non-alcohol package on our cruise in November on the Summit. We aren't big wine drinkers & don't drink enough alcoholic beverasges to make either alcohol package worthwhile. I know it includes the special coffees in Cova Cafe (or what ever it is called) Does it include drunken coffes (like Irish Coffee, etc) that are listed on the MDR menu for an upcharge ?

[sarahc78]

I am considering the premium drink package but wondered how the waiters are tipped. Can you tip extra for good service? Do you really recieve the same service as when you just buy out right?

 

Thanks

We had the beer package last year before they changed into the classic and premium alcohol packages. We foudn the service to be excellent w/ the package. We also tipped over because service was so good. They would often let us take 2 beers each back to our room while we got ready. We rarely had to ask for the another drink they were always right on top of it. I brought a bunch of $2 bills w/ us and they really enjoyed getting those. One of the waiters considered them good luck :)

[Lsimon]

I am thinking of getting the premium non-alcohol package on our cruise in November on the Summit. We aren't big wine drinkers & don't drink enough alcoholic beverasges to make either alcohol package worthwhile. I know it includes the special coffees in Cova Cafe (or what ever it is called) Does it include drunken coffes (like Irish Coffee, etc) that are listed on the MDR menu for an upcharge ?

 

Items not covered under the package are not available at an "upcharge". It is either included in the package or it is full price.

 

There has been a lot of confusion as to whether the specialty coffees with alcohol are included in the premium non-alcoholic package or not. The Celebrity website even has an FAQ that says they are (click here) but I know people that had the package and were refused these on board. I have a feeling this is a big disconnect between some marketing person who came up with the term "specialty coffee" and the ship staff who don't know what that term means.

[cherylroslyn]

Items not covered under the package are not available at an "upcharge". It is either included in the package or it is full price.

 

There has been a lot of confusion as to whether the specialty coffees with alcohol are included in the premium non-alcoholic package or not. The Celebrity website even has an FAQ that says they are (click here) but I know people that had the package and were refused these on board. I have a feeling this is a big disconnect between some marketing person who came up with the term "specialty coffee" and the ship staff who don't know what that term means.

Larry - I can see the confusion about the word "speacialty coffee". I however consider specialty coffees to be the frapachinos, cappachinos, lattes, machiatos, cafe au lait....things available in starbucks that are not just brewed coffee. I was going to answer "no" to the person who asked about whether an Irish coffee or a Bailey's and Coffee would be covered under the premium non-alcohol package simply because they contain alcohol. I wasnot aware about the confusion regarding the website.....I find the website so frustrating sometimes.....I can only imagine how difficult it is for newer cruiser. I actually look to you posts and your web pictures before I look to the Celebrity website....You, Kitkat (Kathy), and LoisR are my "Celebrity Website"...

[tomcruiser1234]

Thanks all for answer's

 

I wonder if they get any part of the 15 percent they charge on top of the listed price when you book online?

 

I it is nice to tip as you go on the ship. The service can really, really get nice. Some friends who went on our last Trans on Equinox tipped large amounts and were followed everywhere they went. It was kinda funny after awhile. That was there first Celebrity Cruise. :)

[HUNKY]

Does any one know how tips are distributed on the alcohol packages?

 

For instance, with the Classic package at $39 per night, the gratuity charged is $5.85. If I consume $60 worth of drinks the automatic tip would be $9.00

 

Does Celebrity make up the difference of $3.15, or are the servers shortchanged?

[jerseygirl3]

I am considering the premium drink package but wondered how the waiters are tipped. Can you tip extra for good service? Do you really recieve the same service as when you just buy out right?

 

Thanks

 

We had the premium alcohol package on Eclipse in February, and our service was outstanding. I, too, worried that they'd be slow to wait on you since you have a beverage card, but that wasn't the case at all. We tipped extra to a few of the bar staff in the Martini Bar because they were outstanding, and we also tipped extra for the Sommolier in the MDR because he made sure he paired our wines with dinner (and usually poured the most expensive wines) and our glasses were never empty.

 

We're booked on the Equinox TA next year and I we'll get the beverage package again, but for that cruise we'll just get it for the second week, since the first week is so port intensive.

 

Jo-Ann

[John73]

We had the premium alcohol package on Eclipse in February, and our service was outstanding. I, too, worried that they'd be slow to wait on you since you have a beverage card, but that wasn't the case at all. We tipped extra to a few of the bar staff in the Martini Bar because they were outstanding, and we also tipped extra for the Sommolier in the MDR because he made sure he paired our wines with dinner (and usually poured the most expensive wines) and our glasses were never empty.

 

We're booked on the Equinox TA next year and I we'll get the beverage package again, but for that cruise we'll just get it for the second week, since the first week is so port intensive.

 

Jo-Ann

 

I didn't think you had the option to only get it for a portion of the cruise. I thought it was all or nothing. Are you sure you can add it on after the first week?

[Gonzo70]

I didn't think you had the option to only get it for a portion of the cruise. I thought it was all or nothing. Are you sure you can add it on after the first week?

 

You can't pick and choose what days you want the package for, but you do not have to purchase it at the beginning of the cruise; Celebrity's policy is that it must be purchased no later than when there are two nights left on your cruise; once it is purchased it has to be for all the remaining nights of your cruise.

[ehrlichpuppy]

I am thinking of getting the premium non-alcohol package on our cruise in November on the Summit. We aren't big wine drinkers & don't drink enough alcoholic beverasges to make either alcohol package worthwhile. I know it includes the special coffees in Cova Cafe (or what ever it is called) Does it include drunken coffes (like Irish Coffee, etc) that are listed on the MDR menu for an upcharge ?

I'm sorry, i sometimes talk (& write) like the other person knows what I am thinking- when I said upcharge I was meaning the charge in the MDR if you don't have a package- I believe a price for the special coffees is listed on the menu & I was wondering if they would or would not be included on the nonalcohol premium package if it is something like an Irish coffee

[Lsimon]

I'm sorry, i sometimes talk (& write) like the other person knows what I am thinking- when I said upcharge I was meaning the charge in the MDR if you don't have a package- I believe a price for the special coffees is listed on the menu & I was wondering if they would or would not be included on the nonalcohol premium package if it is something like an Irish coffee

 

That's OK - if you look at the second part of my response, quoted below, there is some confusion on whether an Irish coffee would be included since it includes alcohol. The Celebrity FAQ says it is, although the thought that a non-alcoholic package would include alcoholic coffee drinks is confusing. However at least some peoples' on board experiance is that it is not included and has to be paid for in full seperately even if one has the package. If I were getting the package I'd probably make a copy of the FAQ and at least ask for one if I was interested as it never hurts to ask.

 

...

There has been a lot of confusion as to whether the specialty coffees with alcohol are included in the premium non-alcoholic package or not. The Celebrity website even has an FAQ that says they are (click here) but I know people that had the package and were refused these on board. I have a feeling this is a big disconnect between some marketing person who came up with the term "specialty coffee" and the ship staff who don't know what that term means.

[PatC]

We had the premium package and all specialty coffees, including Irish coffee, are included in the premium package. I would imagine in the Classic also since it was around $6 each. We were given whatever we asked for in the MDR on our packages.

 

Hope this helps.

 

Pat C

[caladezi]

We had the premium package and all specialty coffees, including Irish coffee, are included in the premium package. I would imagine in the Classic also since it was around $6 each. We were given whatever we asked for in the MDR on our packages.

 

Hope this helps.

 

Pat C

 

Did you have the premium alcohol package? What is being asked is if the non-alcohol package includes alcohol infused coffee.

[Hart10]

Does any one have the pricing on the drink packages:confused: We never cruised with X before, however heard great things about the service and ships.

 

Thanks

[ehrlichpuppy]

the FAQ link that was posted is a little confusing as well as to which coffees are & are not included on the non alcohol package. I just sent an email to the Captains club asking for clarification. I would love to to have something in writing that I could take with me. Of course, I highly doubt that they will make it any clearer. If I hear from them I will post what they say, but I think I will follow the earlier advice & wait untill we are on the ship to sign up for it

[SusieV]

Does any one know how tips are distributed on the alcohol packages?

 

For instance, with the Classic package at $39 per night, the gratuity charged is $5.85. If I consume $60 worth of drinks the automatic tip would be $9.00

 

Does Celebrity make up the difference of $3.15, or are the servers shortchanged?

 

This I'd like to know, too. I was always considerably over the package cost and I'd hate to think the servers weren't given their fair share. I did tip extra to the staff who regularly took care of me (casino & Cafe al Bacio).

[jodie84124]

After reading countless posts (Thankyou ALL!): Husband normally only drinks Coke Zero, water, OJ and Bailey's and occas. rum and Coke. I like white wine, coffee OJ water and occas Bailey's and beer. For me: Premium Drinks so I can experiment plus specialty coffees. For him: Classic Drinks plus Baileys in the room. He mostly enjoys it at night before retiring. Plus I'll bring a couple of bottles on with us for the room for me. We think this will make it all fun and easy.

 

Too many choices! Jodie

[lladybug01]

I love my wine and vodka, but I cannot justify spending $1200.00 plus on booze for two people. Am I the only person who thinks this is just too damn much money. I will not be buying a package this time. We bought a nice wine package on Royal Carribean, had a bottle every evening and that was enough. Too bad Celebrity doesn't offer the same. I guess I will limit my drinking to the wine I bring onboard. It's probably time for me to dry out anyway!! (just kidding)

[lladybug01]

Duplicate post

[JetCruister]

I love my wine and vodka, but I cannot justify spending $1200.00 plus on booze for two people. Am I the only person who thinks this is just too damn much money. I will not be buying a package this time. We bought a nice wine package on Royal Carribean, had a bottle every evening and that was enough. Too bad Celebrity doesn't offer the same. I guess I will limit my drinking to the wine I bring onboard. It's probably time for me to dry out anyway!! (just kidding)

 

That is what we thought too! But after thinking about it, we figured that if we have a martini before dinner, 2-3 glasses of wine with dinner, after dinner drink each, that takes us to almost the $50.00 per day price the the premium package...and that is without the tip! This does not include the speciality coffees, teas, water, juice, soda and if we wanted to drink more! :) After all, we are on vacation! We have in the past purchased the wine package, but we still had before dinner drinks and after dinner drinks, so we really were not saving any money. Now we don't have to worry about it, since it is all paid for! We purchased our already and we don't leave until November 2011. Have a great trip!!

[Lsimon]

I love my wine and vodka, but I cannot justify spending $1200.00 plus on booze for two people. Am I the only person who thinks this is just too damn much money. I will not be buying a package this time. We bought a nice wine package on Royal Carribean, had a bottle every evening and that was enough. Too bad Celebrity doesn't offer the same. I guess I will limit my drinking to the wine I bring onboard. It's probably time for me to dry out anyway!! (just kidding)

 

Not at all - the beverage packages are targeted at three groups of people: (1) those that consume above average quantities of the included beverages; (2) those that really want a pre-paid all inclusive experiance and are willing to pay extra for that and (3) those that don't usually drink that quantity of beverages but think they'll make out if they buy the package and push their consumption. Clearly groups 2 and 3 are the real profit targets as the package encourages them to increase their beverage expenditure up to the cost of the package. I'd guess the Cruiseline doesn't care if you beat the package cost as long as you increase your total dollar expenditure since the beverages are high gross profit items for them.

 

Personally, as appealing as the packages are, I've run the numbers on several on board bills on past cruises and the packages never make sense for us economically. We've even taken the approach of purchasing as if we had the NA package just to see how close we came and came very close but not over. At that even includes drinking large quantities of bottled water daily.

 

Also, for us the packages would be less convenient and not more convenient as we do make purchases through room service and the mini bar (neither of which are included). We also enjoy the wide variety of wine available by the bottle and do occasionally purchase a glass of wine or a whisky that are above the $12/glass limit.

 

I still like the concept of the package and continue to study them but after all the analysis (yes I'm a financial guy) they just don't make sense for us.

[sczcardfan]

I love my wine and vodka, but I cannot justify spending $1200.00 plus on booze for two people. Am I the only person who thinks this is just too damn much money. I will not be buying a package this time. We bought a nice wine package on Royal Carribean, had a bottle every evening and that was enough. Too bad Celebrity doesn't offer the same. I guess I will limit my drinking to the wine I bring onboard. It's probably time for me to dry out anyway!! (just kidding)

 

Well I don't know exactly what wine package Royal Carribean offers (so I can't compare them), but to be accurate in addition to the various drink packages being discussed Celebrity does offer wine packages: http://www.celebritycruises.com/onboard/tabLanding.do?pagename=onboard_beverage_packages&cS=SIDENAV#onboard_beverage_packages_wine_tab/onboard/asrPanel.do%3Fpagename%3Donboard_beverage_packages_wine

 

Personally, whether I buy a drink package or pay for my drinks individually I'm going to end up spending an absurd amount of money on drinks on my vacation...but I know it's gonna happen so I just go ahead and budget it.

[2blueyam]

One factor for me is that I don't react well to getting dehydrated, so I got the Premium NA package to be sure that I drink plenty of bottled / Vitamin water without worrying about the cost. I also like smoothies and fresh juice, so I am all set there as well. I think we will consume enough to cover the package cost, but even if we don't it will be worth it.

 

On the other hand, not getting canned cokes and ginger ale from room service and the mini-bar and having to run to a bar to get them will be a bit of a pain.

 

My DW and I just don't drink that much alcohol anymore, but when we do drink we like to have choices. Being able to purchase any of the bottle only wines with dinner will be a plus for us as well. In the end I just couldn't justify the cost difference between the Premium NA package and the Premium alcohol package. We will see after this cruise how it turns out since this is my first time on Celebrity.

[Jo and Rob]

Items not covered under the package are not available at an "upcharge". It is either included in the package or it is full price.

 

There has been a lot of confusion as to whether the specialty coffees with alcohol are included in the premium non-alcoholic package or not. The Celebrity website even has an FAQ that says they are (click here) but I know people that had the package and were refused these on board. I have a feeling this is a big disconnect between some marketing person who came up with the term "specialty coffee" and the ship staff who don't know what that term means.

 

This is what the site says:

 

What is the difference between the Premium Coffee's (Classic/ Premium Nonalcoholic Package) and the Specialty Coffee's (Classic /Premium Package?

Subject: Beverage Packages

 

Premium coffee's (e.g. espresso's, latte's and capuccino's) are served in our coffee lounge's such as the Cova Bar and Café al Bacio, specialty coffee's include coffee with alcohol and are served in any bar or lounge.

 

This suggests that the Premium non-alcoholic package only includes premium coffees and not speciality coffees.