C&A Confirmed New Drink Packages!

[mamaza]

I have been looking through way to many posts and can’t seem to find anyone who has bought the Premium Package (the $55 package) and drank wine at the various bars and restaurants. Has anyone on this thread used the plan to buy wine by the glass, and if so what was the selection like? I understand the lower package includes only “house brand wine” which is reported to be pretty poor, and I want to make sure that the Premium package does allow selecting from the under $12 by the glass list.

I bought the Ultimate package which is the same the Premium but with replenish for $10 more. I got a $11 wines included I when ordered it. I didn't think the variety was great but I ordered mostly $9/$10 wines; they fit my taste so that's what I ordered. ;)

 

I agree with the previous post on variety. I only ordered at dinner & once at the champagne Bar.

Edited January 20, 2014 by mamaza

[cruze daddy]

Thank you for your email.

 

We apologize for the delay in our response. More customers than ever before are choosing the convenience of email as their primary mode of communication. As a result, the turnaround time for responses has increased. We sincerely regret any inconvenience this may have caused.

 

The Royal Replenish Package offered by Royal Caribbean International includes specialty coffee drinks, such as lattes, cappuccinos, mochas as well as frozen virgin cocktails such as Pina Coladas. Additionally, it includes the following:

 

The Royal Replenish Package, at $20 per guest each day, includes:

Premium coffee

Premium tea

Bottled water

Sparkling (375ml)

Still (500ml)

Fresh squeezed orange juice

Non-alcoholic cocktails (includes frozen varieties) Fountain soda with souvenir Coca-Cola cup

 

This all-inclusive package is available for purchase onboard throughout the voyage when there are at least four days remaining. It must be purchased for the duration of the cruise, and the price is prorated based on the date of purchase. Package prices are subject to change without notice and include a 15% gratuity. The price does not include Value Added Tax (VAT), which may be required on some European sailings.

 

Packages will be available for purchase prior to the cruise at http://www.royalcaribbean.com/beforeyouboard/cruiseEnhancements.do, or by calling one of our Pre-Cruise Planner Specialists at 1-800-398-9819, option 3

[ginadc]

I bought the Ultimate package which is the same the Premium but with replenish for $10 more. I got a $11 wines included I when ordered it. I didn't think the variety was great but I ordered mostly $9/$10 wines; they fit my taste so that's what I ordered. ;)

 

I agree with the previous post on variety. I only ordered at dinner & once at the champagne Bar.

 

I've been looking at the drink menus on Gambee's awesome page (http://cruisewithgambee.com/royal-caribbean-drink/) and it seems like there is a reasonably decent variety of wines available at the $12 and under price point, not just Conundrum. The husband and I are pretty big wine drinkers and while the $12-and-under stuff isn't the best of the lot, looks like we can find some wines we will enjoy in different venues.

 

I have read that with wines over $12, you get a "discount" based on your package--so a $15-a-glass wine would only be $3. Is that correct, and if so, is it challenging to get the bartenders to understand and implement?

[Clarea]

I've been looking at the drink menus on Gambee's awesome page (http://cruisewithgambee.com/royal-caribbean-drink/) and it seems like there is a reasonably decent variety of wines available at the $12 and under price point, not just Conundrum. The husband and I are pretty big wine drinkers and while the $12-and-under stuff isn't the best of the lot, looks like we can find some wines we will enjoy in different venues.

 

I have read that with wines over $12, you get a "discount" based on your package--so a $15-a-glass wine would only be $3. Is that correct, and if so, is it challenging to get the bartenders to understand and implement?

That's the way it's supposed to work, however there have been some reports of difficulty getting the credit for more expensive drinks. I suggest you wait to purchase until you are on board and confirm that the ship will give the credit for more expensive drinks.

[ginadc]

We'll probably purchase the package ahead of time--I'm pretty sure we will break even on it regardless. In addition to wine, we like our fruity mixed cocktails and I think we'll feel more free to try various concoctions we might end up not loving if there's no "extra" charge for them. I'm also a big soda drinker during the day, and between that, the bottled water and an occasional nonalcoholic smoothie, plus the fact that 15% tip is included, I think we'll come out at least even if not a smidge ahead.

[JohnSnowGOT]

We'll probably purchase the package ahead of time--I'm pretty sure we will break even on it regardless. In addition to wine, we like our fruity mixed cocktails and I think we'll feel more free to try various concoctions we might end up not loving if there's no "extra" charge for them. I'm also a big soda drinker during the day, and between that, the bottled water and an occasional nonalcoholic smoothie, plus the fact that 15% tip is included, I think we'll come out at least even if not a smidge ahead.

 

Good Move.... I like to purchase the drink package about a week before the sail date. Then when we board its all taken care of. Some days we break even or exceed some days no... But it is so nice not thinking about spending $$$$$

[SydSailor]

I've been looking at the drink menus on Gambee's awesome page (http://cruisewithgambee.com/royal-caribbean-drink/) and it seems like there is a reasonably decent variety of wines available at the $12 and under price point, not just Conundrum. The husband and I are pretty big wine drinkers and while the $12-and-under stuff isn't the best of the lot, looks like we can find some wines we will enjoy in different venues.

 

I have read that with wines over $12, you get a "discount" based on your package--so a $15-a-glass wine would only be $3. Is that correct, and if so, is it challenging to get the bartenders to understand and implement?

 

I posted my experience with the Premium package on Radiance recently and answered this and a number of other questions. It was on a cruise out of Australia, but I doubt the policy will be implemented much differently out of the US: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1970533

[greygoose66]

Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you DO NOT get a discount on beverages above the dollar limit. Just returned from a Holiday sailing and my wife and I both had the Ultimate package. Starbucks was limited to small size specialty coffee, you could order a large but you were charged FULL price, no "pro-rating" at all. For adult libations I enjoy Johnnie Walker Blue and at 17.50 ship prices with tip it is a bargain compared to state side prices, thought since it was SOLD and EXPLAINED by RCCL when we purchased the package, that I would be having my particular libation for 10.00 per drink (additional tip). Could not be farther from the truth.... If you order above the listed libations you pay FULL price, again no pro rating. I was told that was one of the biggest differences between the Premium and Ultimate packages (the Pro-rating) could not have been mislead more by RCCL.... That being said we had a wonderful cruise and the "CONVENIENCE" of the package was well worth it, even though RCCL probably came out ahead by a small margin.

[jahannah]

Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but you DO NOT get a discount on beverages above the dollar limit. Just returned from a Holiday sailing and my wife and I both had the Ultimate package. Starbucks was limited to small size specialty coffee, you could order a large but you were charged FULL price, no "pro-rating" at all. For adult libations I enjoy Johnnie Walker Blue and at 17.50 ship prices with tip it is a bargain compared to state side prices, thought since it was SOLD and EXPLAINED by RCCL when we purchased the package, that I would be having my particular libation for 10.00 per drink (additional tip). Could not be farther from the truth.... If you order above the listed libations you pay FULL price, again no pro rating. I was told that was one of the biggest differences between the Premium and Ultimate packages (the Pro-rating) could not have been mislead more by RCCL.... That being said we had a wonderful cruise and the "CONVENIENCE" of the package was well worth it, even though RCCL probably came out ahead by a small margin.

 

I guess I am not surprised, despite the fact that this runs directly counter to their own website's FAQ:

 

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/customersupport/faq/details.do?pagename=frequently_asked_questions&pnav=5&pnav=2&faqType=faq&faqSubjectId=336&faqSubjectName=Food+%26+Beverage&faqId=5810

[Anthony63]

I guess I am not surprised, despite the fact that this runs directly counter to their own website's FAQ:

 

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/customersupport/faq/details.do?pagename=frequently_asked_questions&pnav=5&pnav=2&faqType=faq&faqSubjectId=336&faqSubjectName=Food+%26+Beverage&faqId=5810

 

Thanks I screen captured the information so if I have problems I can have something to argue with.

 

Eat more SHRIMP

[coordinator23]

Thanks I screen captured the information so if I have problems I can have something to argue with.

 

Eat more SHRIMP

I printed it off for our next cruise

[greygoose66]

Wish I had that little piece of paper on Explorer of the Seas for our Holiday sailing. Oh well, guess you will all have better libations to relax you..... I just chalked it up to a new program with a few bumps to work out. Glad to see this addressed on the website.

[SydSailor]

Thanks I screen captured the information so if I have problems I can have something to argue with.

 

Eat more SHRIMP

 

That's what I did on Radiance. Despite Guest Relations agreeing with me that the printout indicated I could pay the top up on wine over the package limit, the Bar Manger would have none of it. Interestingly though, he did agree the top up applied to spirits, so the Johnnie Walker Blue story above would have had a happy ending on Radiance.

[SydSailor]

I've been looking at the drink menus on Gambee's awesome page (http://cruisewithgambee.com/royal-caribbean-drink/) and it seems like there is a reasonably decent variety of wines available at the $12 and under price point, not just Conundrum. The husband and I are pretty big wine drinkers and while the $12-and-under stuff isn't the best of the lot, looks like we can find some wines we will enjoy in different venues.

 

I have read that with wines over $12, you get a "discount" based on your package--so a $15-a-glass wine would only be $3. Is that correct, and if so, is it challenging to get the bartenders to understand and implement?

 

Gambee's very helpful wine menu will assist if you are cruising on an Oasis class ship, but the selection on smaller RCI ships is WAY limited

[BekkaW]

That's what I did on Radiance. Despite Guest Relations agreeing with me that the printout indicated I could pay the top up on wine over the package limit, the Bar Manger would have none of it. Interestingly though, he did agree the top up applied to spirits, so the Johnnie Walker Blue story above would have had a happy ending on Radiance.

 

In this situation I would be going way over the bar managers head. It is 100% NOT within his remit to refuse to follow RCI policy.

[saintjamie6]

Is anyone able to let me know if a scotch & coke or bourbon & coke is included in the premium or ultimate package and also are hot chocolates available in the packages from lattetudes ?

[Anthony63]

In this situation I would be going way over the bar managers head. It is 100% NOT within his remit to refuse to follow RCI policy.

 

In the FAQ it states COCKTAIL. I just sent an email asking about wine. Because the FAQ did not list wine it will be interesting to see what they say.

 

Eat more SHRIMP

[Anthony63]

Is anyone able to let me know if a scotch & coke or bourbon & coke is included in the premium or ultimate package and also are hot chocolates available in the packages from lattetudes ?

 

Yes scotch/bourbon and coke you can get. As if there is a certain brand you want it depends is they carry it onboard. Also not all your top shelf liquors are included in the premium call drinks. But if what you want is above 10.00 all you pay is any amount over 10.00. Check above for the link to the FAQ that covers that so if you have a problem you are prepared. As for the Hot Chocolate no clue.

 

Eat more SHRIMP

[Clarea]

Is anyone able to let me know if a scotch & coke or bourbon & coke is included in the premium or ultimate package and also are hot chocolates available in the packages from lattetudes ?

I believe you would have to get the Replenish or Ultimate package for the drinks from Latte-tudes.

[CruiseAddict1982]

Is got chocolate available with the replenish package and also are mocha drinks included?

[SNJCruisers]

Is got chocolate available with the replenish package and also are mocha drinks included?

It's drinks available at Latte-tudes, so that would include cappuccino, espresso, lattes, mochas and I believe hot chocolate as well. It's not available at the Starbucks on the Oasis and Allure, but I have read that it is included at those Latte-tudes that use some Starbucks branded products.

[CruiseAddict1982]

It's drinks available at Latte-tudes, so that would include cappuccino, espresso, lattes, mochas and I believe hot chocolate as well. It's not available at the Starbucks on the Oasis and Allure, but I have read that it is included at those Latte-tudes that use some Starbucks branded products.

 

Cool thanks! Dumb question, but is late-tudes on explorer?

[Clarea]

Cool thanks! Dumb question, but is late-tudes on explorer?

No, but Cafe Promenade has an adjacent bar that has specialty coffee.

[CruiseAddict1982]

No, but Cafe Promenade has an adjacent bar that has specialty coffee.

 

Can I get the same drinks that the other poster mentioned including the hot chocolate at cafe promenade?

[Anthony63]

Well have not gotten a reply from my email so I called customer service. That have added a note to my reservation so if I have a problem I have reservation note backups.

 

OK per customer service if you purchased the premium package and if you order a cocktail for 12.00 it will cost you 2.00 the difference between the 10.00 limit. And If you order a 15.00 glass of wine it will cost you the 3.00 differance from the 12.00 limit that you are allowed with the package.

 

So we shall see when I cruise the 8th. I will order a glass of wine over the limit just to see.:beer:

 

Eat more SHRIMP