Drink Package was best cruise deal ever!

[flames9]

I have read this thread and all seem to refer to the premium package . I am wondering why the classic,package is not referred to.:confused:

 

Each their own!! We have stuck with the classic pkg....I only care for a cold beer and plain old rum/coke!! And once one gets on-board--u can always upgrade...so for me--I see no reason just to throw more $$$ at Celebrity.

[foxjim1]

Let me start by saying we are not big drinkers per say, however on a cruise, we do like to enjoy ourselves, after all it is a carribbean vacation! We were on the Connie last January and purchased the Premium Drink package prior to boarding. Initially we were concerned that with so many port days we might not get our money's worth.

 

Not only did we get our money's worth and more, there were other perks that we didn't anticipate. Aside from no slips to sign etc, often around the pool when a frozen drink started melting often the staff would ask if they could just make a new one. We tried many different types of drinks esp Martinis that we might not have bought otherwise. If we tried a new drink and didn't like it it was replaced with another drink of our choice without question.

 

In order to show you why we felt this was a great deal I will describe a typical day. Disclaimer... based on this, some may think that we are heavy drinkers...if that is the case , while we appreciate your perspective and opinion please do not comment on our consumption ( this is our first post and we have seen some petty unnecessary replies). The purpose of this information is not to expose our consumption for review and/or public scrutiny, but to demonstrate to those who like to let their hair down a little and are wondering from a ecocnmic standpoint is it worth purchasing a package.

 

0830-Latte with one and half shots of Bailys..........$10.00

1100-large water...............................................$ 3.50

1230- Frozen drink..............................................$6.50

1430- Beer........................................................$5.00

1600- Frozen drink..............................................$6.50

1800- Glass of wine while dressing for dinner............$10.00

1930- Martini and dancing prior to dinner.................$12.00

2030- Dinner ( 4 different types of wine by the glass as suggested with each course by sommommlier-not all entirely consumed)..$ 40.00

2215- Specialty Coffee..........................................$ 8.00

2300- Dancing/Bar/Show/Casino Cocktail.............................$10.00

2400- Nightcap.(wearever..maybe brought back to balcony) $10.00

 

Total...$121.50 ( Drink prices are approx by memory-please don't bust me for not remembering exact price..probably cause I drank too much..Ha ha)

 

Cost per day...$55.00

Remenber this is for one person double the savings when we each bought one!

 

Only difference on port days was that we had two beers when back on ship as compared to 3 poolside drinks. Many nights we actually stayed out dancing etc later and maybe had another one...or if really hot day at the pool and having fun with poolside neighbors maybe snuck in an extra beer!

 

If you think this might come even close to a typical carribbean vacation day for you, then you can see what a true value it is. The other convieniences were no slips to sign, bar servers, waiters and sommoliers knowing your preferences and offering drink suggestions and special cocktails that we had never tried before. We told our assit waiter the first night about the specialty coffee and we had it served with our dessert every night...no hassles. It really added to the vacation atmosphere that we enjoy!

 

Hope this helps!

Any comments regarding the standard drink package verus the premium drink package would be appreciated. Sailing summit Feb 14

Edited May 15, 2013 by foxjim1

[librarylady19]

Welcome to Cruise Critic! For future reference, you really don't need to quote a thread, unless your question requires the quote for context. This is especially true for long posts and those with photos as they require loading time.

 

To address your question, the primary differences are

1) the variety of drinks is limited in the classic package, especially wine and beer and martinis would not be included.

 

2) the premium package allows you to pay the difference over the $12/drink limit, the classic does not.

 

use the search features and you will find many, many discussions of the pros and cons of the drink packages.

Edited May 15, 2013 by librarylady19

[Iamcruzin]

Any comments regarding the standard drink package verus the premium drink package would be appreciated. Sailing summit Feb 14

I purchased the classic package and if you are not fussy about the brand liquor you drink they offer plenty of mixed drinks that fall in the $8 category. We drink inexpensive wine at home so the offerings at $8 were fine for us. If you drink your scotch neat or classic vodka martini's you may have an issue as the lower shelf brands may not be to your liking. If you plan on drinking the more expensive martini's in the martini bar you may also have an issue with the classic package. I don't really think it matters what brand they use in the frozen drinks because the mix is so sweet to begin with. Sparkling water is not included in the classic package. All in all I had no problem choosing drinks with the classic package and on only one occasion I ordered Evian water, something not included, the bartender informed me that it wasn't included. The only reason I wanted the Evian was because the bottle was smaller than the classic brand water. Those who choose the premium package do it for convenience of not having to worry if the beverage is covered or not or they spend a lot of time at the Martini bar. If you do purchase the premium package and you order a Vodka Martini be sure to order it as a Grey Goose or equivalent martini. If you don't you may get Absolute which is part of the classic package. To me the premium package would be more of a problem because I would be looking for the beer and wine above $5 and $8 when I would be fine with the ones offered under the classic package and I don't drink those dessert Martini's they serve for $12 either.

Edited May 15, 2013 by Iamcruzin

[stratixman]

If you sail an S class ship then 1 drink a day at the molecular bar is enough to justify the the upgrade price to the premium package.

[durberville]

I purchased the classic package and if you are not fussy about the brand liquor you drink they offer plenty of mixed drinks that fall in the $8 category. We drink inexpensive wine at home so the offerings at $8 were fine for us. If you drink your scotch neat or classic vodka martini's you may have an issue as the lower shelf brands may not be to your liking. If you plan on drinking the more expensive martini's in the martini bar you may also have an issue with the classic package. I don't really think it matters what brand they use in the frozen drinks because the mix is so sweet to begin with. Sparkling water is not included in the classic package. All in all I had no problem choosing drinks with the classic package and on only one occasion I ordered Evian water, something not included, the bartender informed me that it wasn't included. The only reason I wanted the Evian was because the bottle was smaller than the classic brand water. Those who choose the premium package do it for convenience of not having to worry if the beverage is covered or not or they spend a lot of time at the Martini bar. If you do purchase the premium package and you order a Vodka Martini be sure to order it as a Grey Goose or equivalent martini. If you don't you may get Absolute which is part of the classic package. To me the premium package would be more of a problem because I would be looking for the beer and wine above $5 and $8 when I would be fine with the ones offered under the classic package and I don't drink those dessert Martini's they serve for $12 either.

 

Thank you for taking the time to write this...it has helped me make up my mind about sticking with the Classic Package. I'm a gin and tonic girl - Tanqueray and tonic will be just lovely....and I really don't like sweet mixed drinks - so all those "dessert martinis" as you describe them wouldn't be my cuppa anyway. My husband drinks Heineken or Corona beer so he'll be happy too.

 

It's nice to get another perspective since most of the comments on this subject suggest that everyone should upgrade to Premium and there is little choice under the Classic Package...

[Flo71]

Thank you for taking the time to write this...it has helped me make up my mind about sticking with the Classic Package. I'm a gin and tonic girl - Tanqueray and tonic will be just lovely....and I really don't like sweet mixed drinks - so all those "dessert martinis" as you describe them wouldn't be my cuppa anyway. My husband drinks Heineken or Corona beer so he'll be happy too.

 

It's nice to get another perspective since most of the comments on this subject suggest that everyone should upgrade to Premium and there is little choice under the Classic Package...

 

I'll be sticking with the classic package too, neither of us drink much. Hubby will be happy with the same selection as your husband and I'm just happy that we don't have to worry about ordering soft drinks, coffees, water as we need it.

[lawra09]

Welcome to Cruise Critic! For future reference, you really don't need to quote a thread, unless your question requires the quote for context. This is especially true for long posts and those with photos as they require loading time.

 

To address your question, the primary differences are

1) the variety of drinks is limited in the classic package, especially wine and beer and martinis would not be included.

 

2) the premium package allows you to pay the difference over the $12/drink limit, the classic does not.

 

use the search features and you will find many, many discussions of the pros and cons of the drink packages.

 

You can still order any martini on the classic pkg - they just bring them in a smaller glass. So you just have an extra one.

[missgoatlady]

Thank you for taking the time to write this...it has helped me make up my mind about sticking with the Classic Package. I'm a gin and tonic girl - Tanqueray and tonic will be just lovely....and I really don't like sweet mixed drinks - so all those "dessert martinis" as you describe them wouldn't be my cuppa anyway. My husband drinks Heineken or Corona beer so he'll be happy too.

 

It's nice to get another perspective since most of the comments on this subject suggest that everyone should upgrade to Premium and there is little choice under the Classic Package...

 

I agree with your sentiments, give me a good G&T and I am happy. If I had to choose my gin it would be Tanqueray so getting that in the Classic Package is a real bonus. I've never tried any sweet mixed drinks either. Shame we're not on the same cruise otherwise we could meet up over our favourite tipple!!

[Ex-Airbalancer]

You can still order any martini on the classic pkg - they just bring them in a smaller glass. So you just have an extra one.

 

Depends on the bartender , some will make only a couple of small martinis some will make everything

 

 

Sent from my iPhone

[Lsimon]

You can still order any martini on the classic pkg - they just bring them in a smaller glass. So you just have an extra one.

 

Depends on the bartender , some will make only a couple of small martinis some will make everything

 

Also, the drinks on the classic package don't include the top shelf premium spirits used, or available for, the normal martinis bar martinis.

Edited May 19, 2013 by Lsimon

[atlantic cruiser]

I got the 123 go program and was able to upgrade and pay ahead with credit card. It this not the norm. The rep. never suggested a daily tab on shipboard account. Thanks,

[flames9]

I got the 123 go program and was able to upgrade and pay ahead with credit card. It this not the norm. The rep. never suggested a daily tab on shipboard account. Thanks,

 

Yes one can upgrade ahead of time......But if one is not sure it is worthwhile to upgrade..then why not just wait, and do it onboard, no reason to just throw $$ away.

[tmlove17]

Hi everyone--

 

I want to clear something up. If you have the 1,2,3 Go! package with the Classic Alcohol Package and want to upgrade to premium and you try to call Celebrity to upgrade ahead of time (I know-- some of us like things to be all set when we arrive), they will tell you they 1) can't do it 2) you need to cancel, and blah blah blah. All untrue.

 

As much as you might be pained to have to delay this upgrade on board, it's worth it because there is absolutely no problem to do it on board. It is $10 extra dollars a day AND it can be pro-rated. For instance, we boarded on a Sunday and I wanted to see if I could be satisfied with the drink offerings on my Classic Alcohol package the first day. Well, I tried some of the things and really wanted Chianti ($9) and drinks at the Molecular Bar ($12). So, after the first day, I went to a bartender and upgraded my package. I had a $60 charge on my account because there were 6 days left of the cruise. My Classic was not cancelled and they just swiped my card and gave me a sticker to upgrade.

 

So, my advice: If you have a Classic Alcohol package as a result of the 1,2,3 Go! promotion and you want to upgrade to Premium, do it on board. If you're not sure if you want to upgrade or not, give it a day or so on boar, see if it has what you like, and then upgrade later on during your trip if you want to.

[atlantic cruiser]

I was able to prepay for the upgrade with my credit card over the phone to celebrity. No problem at all. Must be very conflicting information been given out at celebrity.

[eel]

Hi everyone--

............................

As much as you might be pained to have to delay this upgrade on board, it's worth it because there is absolutely no problem to do it on board. It is $10 extra dollars a day AND it can be pro-rated. For instance, we boarded on a Sunday and I wanted to see if I could be satisfied with the drink offerings on my Classic Alcohol package the first day. Well, I tried some of the things and really wanted Chianti ($9) and drinks at the Molecular Bar ($12). So, after the first day, I went to a bartender and upgraded my package. I had a $60 charge on my account because there were 6 days left of the cruise. My Classic was not cancelled and they just swiped my card and gave me a sticker to upgrade.

 

So, my advice: If you have a Classic Alcohol package as a result of the 1,2,3 Go! promotion and you want to upgrade to Premium, do it on board. If you're not sure if you want to upgrade or not, give it a day or so on boar, see if it has what you like, and then upgrade later on during your trip if you want to.

 

Great advice! I am hoping that Celebrity will not change this policy. On the transpacific cruises I have booked the first few days are fairly port intensive and then there is a long stretch of sea days. So I am thinking to try the classic for a few days and upgrade when we have a string of sea days and will have more time to enjoy the beverages.

[birdiejon]

Repeat it all over again the next day

 

My wife is similar but she likes more of the fancy frozen drinks.

 

 

I am like you and I always say if my cocktail bill didn't equal

my cruise cost I didn't have fun. life is to short to drink cheap wine or

vodka or whatever.

[laryco]

Just returned from an 11 day cruise on the Reflexion (fantastic)... We considered the drink package and the 123 go was not available...about $1300 for the premium package....we went without it and ended up spending about $750 ....I felt the drink prices were very reasonable and had wine at Blu each night...hit the Molecular bar and they made a very interesting drink...the room fridge was also reasonable

[ocean waves]

we are sailing on the summit in 3 weeks and not to sure about the drink pkg. as far as I remember 2 yrs ago you can only get one beer at a time and then have to wait a bit to get another. I like to sip on a few beers while sitting on the balcony so if I get the one beer do I have to wait a certain time period and make a dash to get another one. doesn't sound too relaxing. without the drink pkg you can order more than one beer, drink and not have to worry. any input would be great. thanks.

[laryco]

we are sailing on the summit in 3 weeks and not to sure about the drink pkg. as far as I remember 2 yrs ago you can only get one beer at a time and then have to wait a bit to get another. I like to sip on a few beers while sitting on the balcony so if I get the one beer do I have to wait a certain time period and make a dash to get another one. doesn't sound too relaxing. without the drink pkg you can order more than one beer, drink and not have to worry. any input would be great. thanks.

 

Do you have a room fridge?....if so you can drink the beers in there....same price as on deck

[martiniren]

You can still order any martini on the classic pkg - they just bring them in a smaller glass. So you just have an extra one.

 

The Martini Bar bartender on the Century (March 19 - April 3) would not accept my Classic Package for a 'smaller' martini - I had to buy a regular size martini (until I upgraded to the Premium Package on Day 3). :)

 

This is contrary to my previous experiences in the Martini Bar on Century, Equinox, Millennium and Summit.

[Kaduka1]

Thought about this once but the wife doesn't drink alcohol and on the RCCL website it says it doesn't include room service or specialty coffees. Not sure of the package price since my next cruise is too far out but I would have trouble recouping my money, (although it would be a fun challenge!)

[LPCKG]

about $1300 for the premium package

 

Is $1300 the cost of the premium package - if booked onboard - for two people?

[lunyma]

Thought about this once but the wife doesn't drink alcohol and on the RCCL website it says it doesn't include room service or specialty coffees. Not sure of the package price since my next cruise is too far out but I would have trouble recouping my money, (although it would be a fun challenge!)

 

I thought that specialty coffees were included in the premium package, at least. Can someone clarify that for me please? And if they ARE included, does that include both the dining room and Caffe Baccio?

[tmlove17]

I thought that specialty coffees were included in the premium package, at least. Can someone clarify that for me please? And if they ARE included, does that include both the dining room and Caffe Baccio?

 

Specialty coffees (lattes, mochas, etc) are included in the Classic beverage package, up to $5. If you want blended coffee drinks, those are covered under premium.