cayman09 Posted June 9, 2015 #151 Share Posted June 9, 2015 Let me add to my prior post, DW and I both had Explore 4 access (no separate cards any longer, just the room card for each of us) and one of us would order using one of our 2 room cards, not both. That charged the room, but both credited back to zero on the bill. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maebee Posted June 9, 2015 #152 Share Posted June 9, 2015 HAL's rule is that everyone in the cabin over the age of 21 must purchase the Signature Beverage Card and each card must be presented to buy a drink. No sharing of cards. Now if you have the regular Beverage Cards -- only one is needed and you can order as many drinks as you want at a time -- no limits -- on the one card. Got that. 2 of us in the cabin. We will be purchasing 2 packages. As I said, we will each drink more than 7 a day and (way) less than 15. Question was, does hubby order 2 drinks (one for each of us) or does he order his one drink and I have to order my one drink, each time? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
callmebetty Posted June 9, 2015 #153 Share Posted June 9, 2015 (edited) We were able to get 2 drinks one card. Since it goes to the same stateroom and our drinks were distinctly different (I was plowing through the drink menu and hubby always got beer or Jameson) that might have helped. We also had the same servers each day and in the casino they didn't even need our card, just used the room # after the first night. I think 6177 was burned into the touchscreen by the end of the cruise! The last night, a bartender told my husband he could have a double and it would still go on his beverage package. The receipt showed Jameson X2, 5.95 X2 and it worked. Edited June 9, 2015 by callmebetty Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maebee Posted June 9, 2015 #154 Share Posted June 9, 2015 We were able to get 2 drinks one card. Since it goes to the same stateroom and our drinks were distinctly different (I was plowing through the drink menu and hubby always got beer or Jameson) that might have helped. We also had the same servers each day and in the casino they didn't even need our card, just used the room # after the first night. I think 6177 was burned into the touchscreen by the end of the cruise!The last night, a bartender told my husband he could have a double and it would still go on his beverage package. The receipt showed Jameson X2, 5.95 X2 and it worked. Thanks Betty. You've answered my question :). Hubby will be pleased to know that Jameson is allowed in this package. Surprised that the Jameson x 2 worked :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
callmebetty Posted June 10, 2015 #155 Share Posted June 10, 2015 Bizarre....Jameson X 2 worked, but I couldn't get an Absolute martini (with no vermouth) anywhere! Which makes no sense since there is a drink made with Cabo Wabo Silver and one martini made with Grey goose! Also, it worked for Grey Goose Bloody Marys from the cart.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
petern6827 Posted June 10, 2015 #156 Share Posted June 10, 2015 So how much did you have to slip the bar tender to get 3 different drinks on the SBC at one time when the limit is "one drink every five minutes"? I tipped servers $1 from time to time in the bars we frequented (mostly the Crows nest and Mix). I probably spent a total of less than $10. We always offered both cards, but once they knew us and knew we both had cards, it got pretty casual. If Sandy couldn't find her card, they just put it on mine. BTW the 'card' is just a red sticky dot on your room card. Re 'martinis'. Keep this in mind: a grey goose martini is over $7. The following are under $7: grey goose on the rocks...grey goose neat.....grey goose chilled and served in a martini glass. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bazbaz65 Posted June 21, 2015 #157 Share Posted June 21, 2015 We are heading on a "special cruise" with HAL. My understanding is that there are no sales, no specials, etc. when it comes to pricing - as whoever it is that is putting on the theme cruise gets to set all the rules. Has anyone been on such a cruise? I'm just wondering if the Beverage Package will be offered on such a cruise? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare POA1 Posted June 21, 2015 #158 Share Posted June 21, 2015 We are heading on a "special cruise" with HAL. My understanding is that there are no sales, no specials, etc. when it comes to pricing - as whoever it is that is putting on the theme cruise gets to set all the rules. Has anyone been on such a cruise? I'm just wondering if the Beverage Package will be offered on such a cruise? Just going from memory, but I recall several people posted about being on various charters - everything from an Irish themed cruise, to the Soul Train Cruise, to RVSP - and, if memory serves, the Signature Beverage Package was not necessarily offered. Your best bet would be to contact the cruise organizers. If it's not a full charter, and you are just part of a large group, I think that anything available to the general public would be available to you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adoptionmsw Posted June 22, 2015 #159 Share Posted June 22, 2015 DH and I have been on three themed cruises on HAL, two political and one knitting. In each case we were part of a group, twice about 400 people and the third time, about 50. The amenities were determined by the group organizers and the travel agent they worked with. There were special cocktail parties, lots of meetings and lectures on sea days. With the larger groups, gratuities were included in the package, dining was fixed with other members of the group and the speakers rotating tables so we could interact with more people. It was very pleasant. My only complaint was the price which was understandably higher because of all the speakers and staff. I'm sure those who wished to do so, bought the beverage package on board. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krazy Kruizers Posted June 22, 2015 #160 Share Posted June 22, 2015 I tipped servers $1 from time to time in the bars we frequented (mostly the Crows nest and Mix). I probably spent a total of less than $10. We always offered both cards, but once they knew us and knew we both had cards, it got pretty casual. If Sandy couldn't find her card, they just put it on mine.BTW the 'card' is just a red sticky dot on your room card. Re 'martinis'. Keep this in mind: a grey goose martini is over $7. The following are under $7: grey goose on the rocks...grey goose neat.....grey goose chilled and served in a martini glass. When we had the Signature Beverage Cards via the Explore4 program, back in February / March we still had the separate cards. And the staff in the Ocean Bar and the Pinnacle Grill got to know us quite well -- 21 days on the ship -- and we were still required to turn over each card. We just like our Grey Goose on the rocks so it is covered. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bazbaz65 Posted June 23, 2015 #161 Share Posted June 23, 2015 Just going from memory, but I recall several people posted about being on various charters - everything from an Irish themed cruise, to the Soul Train Cruise, to RVSP - and, if memory serves, the Signature Beverage Package was not necessarily offered. Your best bet would be to contact the cruise organizers. If it's not a full charter, and you are just part of a large group, I think that anything available to the general public would be available to you. DH and I have been on three themed cruises on HAL, two political and one knitting. In each case we were part of a group, twice about 400 people and the third time, about 50. The amenities were determined by the group organizers and the travel agent they worked with. There were special cocktail parties, lots of meetings and lectures on sea days. With the larger groups, gratuities were included in the package, dining was fixed with other members of the group and the speakers rotating tables so we could interact with more people. It was very pleasant. My only complaint was the price which was understandably higher because of all the speakers and staff. I'm sure those who wished to do so, bought the beverage package on board. Thanks for your responses. It is a full charter - the whole ship - and, yes, much more expensive due to all the bands playing each night. Further research on the organizer's site led me to a paragraph about the Beverage cards - so at least there will be that option. Can't check in, pick excursions, or anything like that till 4 to 6 weeks out from the cruise when they will send us our booking number. I'm not used to waiting so long, :p. But, I'll survive. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LVSue Posted June 23, 2015 #162 Share Posted June 23, 2015 We have a cruise booked the includes the Explore 4 package. My husband drinks one drink a day before dinner. He likes a Bourbon Manhattan made with Makers Mark. I see the Maker's Mark is about the $7. limit but Jack Daniels isn't. He might be happy with that. Has anyone ordered a Manhattan without the whiskey and then ordered a shot of Bourbon 5 minutes later and combined the two to make a premium drink? I always take a small bottle of red vermouth (airline bottle) to add to my bourbon (forego the bitters). I also pay close attention to cocktail descriptions that include brand names. Bartenders often try to make them with bar booze, but I point out to them that the drink as specified is under $7. I'll be interested to see if they have all done away with cards. Sounds confusing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare POA1 Posted June 23, 2015 #163 Share Posted June 23, 2015 I also pay close attention to cocktail descriptions that include brand names. Bartenders often try to make them with bar booze, but I point out to them that the drink as specified is under $7. Always good advice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare puppycanducruise Posted July 8, 2015 #164 Share Posted July 8, 2015 We received the Signature Beverage Package on our cruise that ended recently. In our stateroom was a card with this printed on it: The Signature Beverage Package is programmed in your Stateroom Keycard. The package is up to 15 drink maximum per day. Includes beverages priced at a $7.00 or lower menu price. Participants may order a maximum of three drinks at a time, otherwise, it will be charged to your onboard account. Upgrading your drinks to premium by adding $1 will be charged to your onboard account as well. Package excludes mini bar and in room dining. Package is not transferable or refundable. Beverage management reserves the right to revoke the package if misused and reserves th right to refuse service for any reason. Hope this info is of use.:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare POA1 Posted July 8, 2015 #165 Share Posted July 8, 2015 We received the Signature Beverage Package on our cruise that ended recently.In our stateroom was a card with this printed on it: The Signature Beverage Package is programmed in your Stateroom Keycard. The package is up to 15 drink maximum per day. Includes beverages priced at a $7.00 or lower menu price. Participants may order a maximum of three drinks at a time, otherwise, it will be charged to your onboard account. Upgrading your drinks to premium by adding $1 will be charged to your onboard account as well. Package excludes mini bar and in room dining. Package is not transferable or refundable. Beverage management reserves the right to revoke the package if misused and reserves th right to refuse service for any reason. Hope this info is of use.:) Thanks. That's very helpful - especially the $1 upgrades. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HarR Posted July 8, 2015 #166 Share Posted July 8, 2015 Interesting. The 3 drinks per order is new. Last year we always had some difficulty ordering a Perrier + a glass of wine at dinner because of the one drink at a time rule. Wondering how the $1 upgrade to premium works though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clogaltocruise Posted July 8, 2015 #167 Share Posted July 8, 2015 The $1 upgrade is very reasonable. It was a shame to have the drink card but have to pay the full $8 for premium. Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sue1898 Posted July 8, 2015 #168 Share Posted July 8, 2015 One other change we experience last week which I'm not sure has been reported here: you are now able to get bottles of water that are available at the gangway when you reach port. Used to be a problem since they do not have scanners to charge your room card but they must have resolved it because when we forgot water in our cabin and had to get bottles here, they wrote down our room number and we were not charged for them so somehow they applied our beverage package to cover it. Another hint: I wanted the souvenir cordial glasses that come with the cordial of the day but did not want to try all those odd combinations. Our MDR wine steward gladly brought us all 6 colors of glasses (over 3 nights) plus the box to get them safely home. We were charged $2.95 per glass but it was covered by the beverage package so there was ultimately no charge for them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare POA1 Posted July 8, 2015 #169 Share Posted July 8, 2015 One other change we experience last week which I'm not sure has been reported here: you are now able to get bottles of water that are available at the gangway when you reach port. Used to be a problem since they do not have scanners to charge your room card but they must have resolved it because when we forgot water in our cabin and had to get bottles here, they wrote down our room number and we were not charged for them so somehow they applied our beverage package to cover it. Another hint: I wanted the souvenir cordial glasses that come with the cordial of the day but did not want to try all those odd combinations. Our MDR wine steward gladly brought us all 6 colors of glasses (over 3 nights) plus the box to get them safely home. We were charged $2.95 per glass but it was covered by the beverage package so there was ultimately no charge for them. Thanks for the heads up. It looks like they've gone a long way towards addressing the program's shortcomings. If they figure out how to handle the Half Moon Cay charges, they'd be almost there. Any idea if the $1 upgrade could be used for better wines by the glass? That would make a big difference to a lot of folks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zerbot Posted July 8, 2015 #170 Share Posted July 8, 2015 No kidding. We have the SBP as part of the Explore4, and the wine choices under $7 are distinctly lacking. I'd happily pay $1 for an upgrade. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sue1898 Posted July 8, 2015 #171 Share Posted July 8, 2015 Thanks for the heads up. It looks like they've gone a long way towards addressing the program's shortcomings. If they figure out how to handle the Half Moon Cay charges, they'd be almost there. Any idea if the $1 upgrade could be used for better wines by the glass? That would make a big difference to a lot of folks. POA, I didn't even investigate the $1 upgrade because we were in Canaletto the first night and I tried the Montepulciano there and it was so enjoyable that I continued to drink that. It wasn't always easy getting it in all venues but with a little charm I was able to get it by the glass at several different locations on board even though it is officially only available at Canaletto. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krazy Kruizers Posted July 8, 2015 #172 Share Posted July 8, 2015 One other change we experience last week which I'm not sure has been reported here: you are now able to get bottles of water that are available at the gangway when you reach port. Used to be a problem since they do not have scanners to charge your room card but they must have resolved it because when we forgot water in our cabin and had to get bottles here, they wrote down our room number and we were not charged for them so somehow they applied our beverage package to cover it. Another hint: I wanted the souvenir cordial glasses that come with the cordial of the day but did not want to try all those odd combinations. Our MDR wine steward gladly brought us all 6 colors of glasses (over 3 nights) plus the box to get them safely home. We were charged $2.95 per glass but it was covered by the beverage package so there was ultimately no charge for them. Thanks for this information. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RuthC Posted July 8, 2015 #173 Share Posted July 8, 2015 The Signature Beverage Package is programmed in your Stateroom Keycard.The package is up to 15 drink maximum per day. Includes beverages priced at a $7.00 or lower menu price. Participants may order a maximum of three drinks at a time, otherwise, it will be charged to your onboard account. Upgrading your drinks to premium by adding $1 will be charged to your onboard account as well. Package excludes mini bar and in room dining. Package is not transferable or refundable. Beverage management reserves the right to revoke the package if misused and reserves th right to refuse service for any reason. A modest, but significant, improvement. I like the three drinks at once, since that means doubles! :D Thanks for letting us know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare POA1 Posted July 8, 2015 #174 Share Posted July 8, 2015 A modest, but significant, improvement. I like the three drinks at once, since that means doubles! :D Thanks for letting us know. I like your way of thinking. "Barkeep!Bring me a double, plus one for the on deck circle!" Color me curious. I completely get the double. But why the third drink? Don't get me wrong, I'm sure that one of my enlightened CC friends is going to supply the reason why 3 is the magic number. I'm just missing it at the moment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ger_77 Posted July 8, 2015 #175 Share Posted July 8, 2015 Color me curious. I completely get the double. But why the third drink? Don't get me wrong, I'm sure that one of my enlightened CC friends is going to supply the reason why 3 is the magic number. I'm just missing it at the moment. Two me, one for you. :D You buy next time. Smooth Sailing! :) :) :) Gerry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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