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RCCL Changes Beverage Packages... I hope Carnival will follow their lead... SOON!


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http://www.royalcaribbean.co.uk/_images/Royal%20Alcohol%20Beverage%20FAQ%20All%20Ships%20Web%20Nov%2013_tcm16-27947.pdf

 

RCCL is heading in the right direction for the Unlimited Beverage Packages and I sure hope Carnival follows their lead! Do you think they will? I HOPE HOPE HOPE They will before my sailing on the Breeze in January! :-)

 

Some of the noticeable changes include not everyone over 21 in your stateroom has to purchase the package as well as a non-alcoholic package that includes Specialty Coffee (Starbucks is rumored), Bottled Water, Souvenir Cup with Coke Freestyle Machine Access , Fresh squeezed Juice, non-alcoholic cocktails, etc.

 

Royal Replenish - $20.00 per Day (Includes Gratuity)

Premium Coffee

Premium Tea

Bottled Water (375 ml sparkling or 500 ml still)

Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice

Non-Alcoholic Cocktails

Fountain Soda with Souvenir Cup (Coke Freestyle Machines Included)

 

Select Package - $40.00 per Day (Includes Gratuity)

All Beer (excludes Fosters Oil Can)

Wines by the Glass (up to $8 Value)

Non-Alcoholic Cocktails

Fountain Soda with Souvenir Cup (Coke Freestyle Machines Included)

 

Premium Package - $55.00 per Day (Includes Gratuity)

Call and Premium Cocktails (up to $10 value)

Frozen Cocktails

All Beer (excludes Fosters Oil Can)

Premium Wines by the Glass (up to $12 Value)

Non-Alcoholic Cocktails

Bottled Water (375 ml sparkling or 500 ml still)

Fountain Soda with Souvenir Cup (Coke Freestyle Machines Included)

 

Ultimate Package - $65.00 per Day (Includes Gratuity)

Virtually Unlimited Options. A Combination of all the Benefits from the Premium and Royal Replenish Packages

Call and Premium Cocktails (Value Not Specified but at least a $10 Value)

Frozen Cocktails

All Beer (excludes Fosters Oil Can)

Premium Wines by the Glass (Value Not Specified but at least a $12 Value)

Premium Coffee

Premium Tea

Bottled Water (375 ml sparkling or 500 ml still)

Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice

Non-Alcoholic Cocktails

Fountain Soda with Souvenir Cup (Coke Freestyle Machines Included)

 

Here are the Q&A's they posted:

 

Q. Can guests book the package on all Royal Caribbean ships?

A. Yes, this is now offered across all our fleet for sailings of 4 nights or longer. For North American departures it is available on board only from 15th Nov 2013. All other International departures it will be available from mid December 2013. Online bookings through our website will be available from mid December 2013. Q. Can they book on-line in advance of their cruise as with other beverage packages?

A. The packages will be available online from mid December 2013 via the consumer website and should be available to book approximately 2 months before sail date.

 

Q. How does the guest buy the package?

A. The alcohol beverage packages can be purchased through our Manage My Booking section of the website (Starting Dec 2013) and also onboard. A package can be purchased by any eligible guest in a stateroom. This is a change from our previous policy where ALL guests eligible had to purchase a package. There will be at least one desk set up where the guest can purchase the required package and they will have a sticker affixed to the applicable room cards to show they have the package and what type it is. Outside of North America where guests aged 18-20 can purchase the package, this can only be done once onboard.

 

Q. If Guest A buys the package, can they get a drink for Guest B?

A. No. The package should only be used by a Guest who has purchased it and drinks should not be given to any other Guest.

 

Q. Are the packages available to any Guest aged 18-20 where you lower your drinking age outside of North America?

A. Yes, they can purchase a package but this is only available to do once on board. We will be reviewing closely the usage of the packages by all guests to ensure that there are no issues being caused. We reserve the right to change this decision at any time.

 

Q. Can a Guest who has a package order more than one drink at a time on their package?

A. No. We only allow one drink at a time as part of the package in order to ensure that only the Guest with the package is obtaining the applicable drink. The Guest can pay for any other drinks they wish for on that visit to the bar.

 

Q. Why do you need to ensure that the Guest ordering on the SeaPass card is the card owner?

A. To ensure that the packages are being used correctly, we may ask each guest to show their SeaPass card and possibly their photo ID so we can ensure that only guests with a package are ordering the applicable drink. This will apply at all venues providing the package.

 

Q. Are mixers (splash) included in all 4 packages?

A. Yes. If you wish to have a Vodka & Coke or Gin & Tonic and you have the Premium or Unlimited package, the Vodka/Gin would be included as part of the package and we will provide the Coke/Tonic as well. All 4 packages also now include the Soda Fountain items and a souvenir cup.

 

Q. What is the difference between the packages?

A. Please see the chart above which details the items included in each package.

 

Q. Does the Select package include all beers sold onboard?

A. Yes, whether sold by the bottle, can or draught, you can order any beer with the exception of the Foster’s Oil Can and Speciality Beers, which are exempt from all 3 packages. Details of speciality beers will be provided onboard.

 

Q. Can I get a glass of coke or another drink from the soda fountain with any of the packages?

A. Yes, all 4 packages will allow for a soda fountain item to be provided by the glass and they will be supplied with the regular souvenir cup.

 

Q. What if you do not have the drink asked for?

A. A suitable alternative of at least the equivalent value will be offered.

 

Q. Are you still offering the already existing beverage packages?

A. We will continue to offer the Soda Fountain package now renamed Royal Refreshment, plus the bottled water and juice packages and Wine & Dine.

 

Q. Are spirits included in the Premium and Unlimited packages?

A. Yes, they are. Full details of the brands included will be available on board. The US term ‘Call’ included above, translates to ‘House’ brands within the UK and means brands such as Smirnoff, Beefeater, Johnnie Walker Red, Myers, Jack Daniels etc.

 

Q. Which onboard locations can you get drinks from that are included in the package?

A. All of our bars and lounges will supply the drinks included and also the Main Dining Room, Speciality Restaurants and Windjammer are included. Also included are our private destinations during normal business hours. Items from the stateroom Mini Bar or ordered from Room Service are NOT included.

 

Q. How much is this in pounds?

A. At the current rate of exchange today (11th Nov 2013 £1 = $1.59) these prices would equate to approximately £12.50p/25/£34/£40.50p. Please note, the above prices are subject to change, as is the rate of exchange used. They should only be used as an example based on the above date. Package details and pricing is subject to change at any time.

 

Q. Can a guest order just for a certain number of days of their cruise?

A. The package must be purchased for the entire duration of the cruise, or the remaining days of the cruise. The latest it can be purchased is when there is a minimum of 4 days remaining. When ordering for the remaining days of a cruise a pro rata price will be charged. Pre-cruise, you can only purchase the package for the entire duration.

 

Q. What if the Guest buys the package on the 2nd day of a 10 night sailing?

A. They have to pay for the full number of days remaining that the cruise contains, i.e. 9 days. There will be no refund offered for any drinks purchased on the first day.

 

Q If a Guest has purchased a particular package, can they pay the difference in price from their package limit if they want to order a higher priced drink?

A. Yes, a Guest only pays the difference between the 2 prices for a higher priced item. Example, on the Premium package brandy is covered up to $10, if the guest orders a brandy that is listed at $14 they will only pay the additional $4.

 

Q Are cocktails included in the beverage package program, if so up to what value?

A. Cocktails are included in the package program for the Premium and Unlimited Beverage Package. This is all cocktails up to a value of $10*. Non-alcoholic cocktails are included within both packages and also the Select package. * Please note, on sailings departing from ports in Europe, South America and Australia, the limit is increased to $12.

 

Q Is wine by the glass available on these Beverage packages.

A. Yes, wine is available on Select up to a value of $8* and Premium and Unlimited to a value of $12*. *Please note, on sailings departing from ports in Europe, South America and Australia, the limit is increased to $9 for Select and $14 for Premium and Unlimited.

 

Q. Are there any time limits on the usage of the packages?

A. No. Currently the package can be used whenever a bar is open. Our bartenders and waiters abide by our company’s ServSafe program, which teaches our staff how to serve alcohol responsibly. Our bartenders and waiters will watch for over consumption. Even if a guest purchases a beverage package, if over consumption is suspected, bartenders and waiters will take appropriate action and may deny service, or serve water or non-alcoholic drinks instead.

 

Q. Do I get discount off bottles of wine on any of the packages?

A. Yes, with the Select, Premium and Unlimited packages, you can get a discount of 20% from the price of a bottle of wine.

 

Q. What if I have already purchased the previous existing ‘Classic’ package?

A. Guests who have already bought a ‘Classic’ package prior to the changes in November/December 2013, will receive the new Select package once on board and a refund to their onboard account for the $5 per day difference in pricing.

 

Q. What if I have already purchased the previous existing ‘Premium’ package and want to upgrade to the new Ultimate package?

A. Guests who have already bought a ‘Premium’ package prior to the changes in November/December 2013, will receive the new Premium package once on board. If they wish to upgrade to the new Ultimate package, this can be done at a cost added to their onboard account of the $10 per day difference in pricing.

 

Q. What items are excluded from the packages?

A. You can see above that some packages contain items that others do not, please use this for reference. Minibar items, room service drinks, milkshakes, protein type smoothies, canned soda/beverages, souvenir glassware, tobacco products, ice cream and other items are excluded from the above packages.

 

Q. Do the packages contain the Coca-Cola Freestyle machines?

A. On our ships that have the Freestyle machines available, all 4 packages contain the Soda Fountain element and you will receive the special Coca-Cola Souvenir Freestyle cup in order to use the machine.

 

Q. Are there terms and conditions available?

A. Yes, these are shown on our website within the FAQ for the Beverage Package.

 

Q. Why is there an additional charge for the package on some sailings?

A. On certain sailings, due to EU VAT regulations, we are obliged to collect an additional VAT charge for some EU member nations, such as Spain and Italy. This charge is paid to the country of origin and is beyond our control as it is a legal requirement.

 

Q. Will you be reviewing the usage of the packages in terms of Guest behaviour?

A. The health and safety of our Guest’s, crew and ships is our primary concern at all times. Guests should be aware that we have a Guest Conduct Policy onboard which we expect all guests to adhere to. The policy is strictly enforced and guests should be aware of the possible consequences of behaviour that violates policy. The policy can be viewed here: http://www.royalcaribbean.com/content/en_US/pdf/Gue

st_Conduct_Policy.pdf

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I would switch cruise lines for those packages, but I really love Foster's Oil Cans

 

I imagine it's because of price but they said you can pay the difference so if you are capped at $10 and the beer is $14, you only need to pay $4.00 (as an example)

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Good job by royal, yes I just said that. I think carnival will soon follow. The only think I don't like is the price for nonalcoholic beverages is steep under royals new program.

 

You think? right now RCCL offers just soda for about $7.50 per day including gratuity. for just another $12.50 per day you get bottled water, fresh squeezed Juice, Specialty Coffee/Tea and NA Cocktails... a frozen Virgin pina colada sounds pretty good to me! :)

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Celebrity have the same package (Ultimate). Hope Carnival change Cheers!!!

 

 

UOTE=Batman80;40677789]http://www.royalcaribbean.co.uk/_images/Royal%20Alcohol%20Beverage%20FAQ%20All%20Ships%20Web%20Nov%2013_tcm16-27947.pdf

 

RCCL is heading in the right direction for the Unlimited Beverage Packages and I sure hope Carnival follows their lead! Do you think they will? I HOPE HOPE HOPE They will before my sailing on the Breeze in January! :-)

 

Some of the noticeable changes include not everyone over 21 in your stateroom has to purchase the package as well as a non-alcoholic package that includes Specialty Coffee (Starbucks is rumored), Bottled Water, Souvenir Cup with Coke Freestyle Machine Access , Fresh squeezed Juice, non-alcoholic cocktails, etc.

 

Royal Replenish - $20.00 per Day (Includes Gratuity)

Premium Coffee

Premium Tea

Bottled Water (375 ml sparkling or 500 ml still)

Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice

Non-Alcoholic Cocktails

Fountain Soda with Souvenir Cup (Coke Freestyle Machines Included)

 

Select Package - $40.00 per Day (Includes Gratuity)

All Beer (excludes Fosters Oil Can)

Wines by the Glass (up to $8 Value)

Non-Alcoholic Cocktails

Fountain Soda with Souvenir Cup (Coke Freestyle Machines Included)

 

Premium Package - $55.00 per Day (Includes Gratuity)

Call and Premium Cocktails (up to $10 value)

Frozen Cocktails

All Beer (excludes Fosters Oil Can)

Premium Wines by the Glass (up to $12 Value)

Non-Alcoholic Cocktails

Bottled Water (375 ml sparkling or 500 ml still)

Fountain Soda with Souvenir Cup (Coke Freestyle Machines Included)

 

Ultimate Package - $65.00 per Day (Includes Gratuity)

Virtually Unlimited Options. A Combination of all the Benefits from the Premium and Royal Replenish Packages

Call and Premium Cocktails (Value Not Specified but at least a $10 Value)

Frozen Cocktails

All Beer (excludes Fosters Oil Can)

Premium Wines by the Glass (Value Not Specified but at least a $12 Value)

Premium Coffee

Premium Tea

Bottled Water (375 ml sparkling or 500 ml still)

Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice

Non-Alcoholic Cocktails

Fountain Soda with Souvenir Cup (Coke Freestyle Machines Included)

 

Here are the Q&A's they posted:

 

Q. Can guests book the package on all Royal Caribbean ships?

A. Yes, this is now offered across all our fleet for sailings of 4 nights or longer. For North American departures it is available on board only from 15th Nov 2013. All other International departures it will be available from mid December 2013. Online bookings through our website will be available from mid December 2013. Q. Can they book on-line in advance of their cruise as with other beverage packages?

A. The packages will be available online from mid December 2013 via the consumer website and should be available to book approximately 2 months before sail date.

 

Q. How does the guest buy the package?

A. The alcohol beverage packages can be purchased through our Manage My Booking section of the website (Starting Dec 2013) and also onboard. A package can be purchased by any eligible guest in a stateroom. This is a change from our previous policy where ALL guests eligible had to purchase a package. There will be at least one desk set up where the guest can purchase the required package and they will have a sticker affixed to the applicable room cards to show they have the package and what type it is. Outside of North America where guests aged 18-20 can purchase the package, this can only be done once onboard.

 

Q. If Guest A buys the package, can they get a drink for Guest B?

A. No. The package should only be used by a Guest who has purchased it and drinks should not be given to any other Guest.

 

Q. Are the packages available to any Guest aged 18-20 where you lower your drinking age outside of North America?

A. Yes, they can purchase a package but this is only available to do once on board. We will be reviewing closely the usage of the packages by all guests to ensure that there are no issues being caused. We reserve the right to change this decision at any time.

 

Q. Can a Guest who has a package order more than one drink at a time on their package?

A. No. We only allow one drink at a time as part of the package in order to ensure that only the Guest with the package is obtaining the applicable drink. The Guest can pay for any other drinks they wish for on that visit to the bar.

 

Q. Why do you need to ensure that the Guest ordering on the SeaPass card is the card owner?

A. To ensure that the packages are being used correctly, we may ask each guest to show their SeaPass card and possibly their photo ID so we can ensure that only guests with a package are ordering the applicable drink. This will apply at all venues providing the package.

 

Q. Are mixers (splash) included in all 4 packages?

A. Yes. If you wish to have a Vodka & Coke or Gin & Tonic and you have the Premium or Unlimited package, the Vodka/Gin would be included as part of the package and we will provide the Coke/Tonic as well. All 4 packages also now include the Soda Fountain items and a souvenir cup.

 

Q. What is the difference between the packages?

A. Please see the chart above which details the items included in each package.

 

Q. Does the Select package include all beers sold onboard?

A. Yes, whether sold by the bottle, can or draught, you can order any beer with the exception of the Foster’s Oil Can and Speciality Beers, which are exempt from all 3 packages. Details of speciality beers will be provided onboard.

 

Q. Can I get a glass of coke or another drink from the soda fountain with any of the packages?

A. Yes, all 4 packages will allow for a soda fountain item to be provided by the glass and they will be supplied with the regular souvenir cup.

 

Q. What if you do not have the drink asked for?

A. A suitable alternative of at least the equivalent value will be offered.

 

Q. Are you still offering the already existing beverage packages?

A. We will continue to offer the Soda Fountain package now renamed Royal Refreshment, plus the bottled water and juice packages and Wine & Dine.

 

Q. Are spirits included in the Premium and Unlimited packages?

A. Yes, they are. Full details of the brands included will be available on board. The US term ‘Call’ included above, translates to ‘House’ brands within the UK and means brands such as Smirnoff, Beefeater, Johnnie Walker Red, Myers, Jack Daniels etc.

 

Q. Which onboard locations can you get drinks from that are included in the package?

A. All of our bars and lounges will supply the drinks included and also the Main Dining Room, Speciality Restaurants and Windjammer are included. Also included are our private destinations during normal business hours. Items from the stateroom Mini Bar or ordered from Room Service are NOT included.

 

Q. How much is this in pounds?

A. At the current rate of exchange today (11th Nov 2013 £1 = $1.59) these prices would equate to approximately £12.50p/25/£34/£40.50p. Please note, the above prices are subject to change, as is the rate of exchange used. They should only be used as an example based on the above date. Package details and pricing is subject to change at any time.

 

Q. Can a guest order just for a certain number of days of their cruise?

A. The package must be purchased for the entire duration of the cruise, or the remaining days of the cruise. The latest it can be purchased is when there is a minimum of 4 days remaining. When ordering for the remaining days of a cruise a pro rata price will be charged. Pre-cruise, you can only purchase the package for the entire duration.

 

Q. What if the Guest buys the package on the 2nd day of a 10 night sailing?

A. They have to pay for the full number of days remaining that the cruise contains, i.e. 9 days. There will be no refund offered for any drinks purchased on the first day.

 

Q If a Guest has purchased a particular package, can they pay the difference in price from their package limit if they want to order a higher priced drink?

A. Yes, a Guest only pays the difference between the 2 prices for a higher priced item. Example, on the Premium package brandy is covered up to $10, if the guest orders a brandy that is listed at $14 they will only pay the additional $4.

 

Q Are cocktails included in the beverage package program, if so up to what value?

A. Cocktails are included in the package program for the Premium and Unlimited Beverage Package. This is all cocktails up to a value of $10*. Non-alcoholic cocktails are included within both packages and also the Select package. * Please note, on sailings departing from ports in Europe, South America and Australia, the limit is increased to $12.

 

Q Is wine by the glass available on these Beverage packages.

A. Yes, wine is available on Select up to a value of $8* and Premium and Unlimited to a value of $12*. *Please note, on sailings departing from ports in Europe, South America and Australia, the limit is increased to $9 for Select and $14 for Premium and Unlimited.

 

Q. Are there any time limits on the usage of the packages?

A. No. Currently the package can be used whenever a bar is open. Our bartenders and waiters abide by our company’s ServSafe program, which teaches our staff how to serve alcohol responsibly. Our bartenders and waiters will watch for over consumption. Even if a guest purchases a beverage package, if over consumption is suspected, bartenders and waiters will take appropriate action and may deny service, or serve water or non-alcoholic drinks instead.

 

Q. Do I get discount off bottles of wine on any of the packages?

A. Yes, with the Select, Premium and Unlimited packages, you can get a discount of 20% from the price of a bottle of wine.

 

Q. What if I have already purchased the previous existing ‘Classic’ package?

A. Guests who have already bought a ‘Classic’ package prior to the changes in November/December 2013, will receive the new Select package once on board and a refund to their onboard account for the $5 per day difference in pricing.

 

Q. What if I have already purchased the previous existing ‘Premium’ package and want to upgrade to the new Ultimate package?

A. Guests who have already bought a ‘Premium’ package prior to the changes in November/December 2013, will receive the new Premium package once on board. If they wish to upgrade to the new Ultimate package, this can be done at a cost added to their onboard account of the $10 per day difference in pricing.

 

Q. What items are excluded from the packages?

A. You can see above that some packages contain items that others do not, please use this for reference. Minibar items, room service drinks, milkshakes, protein type smoothies, canned soda/beverages, souvenir glassware, tobacco products, ice cream and other items are excluded from the above packages.

 

Q. Do the packages contain the Coca-Cola Freestyle machines?

A. On our ships that have the Freestyle machines available, all 4 packages contain the Soda Fountain element and you will receive the special Coca-Cola Souvenir Freestyle cup in order to use the machine.

 

Q. Are there terms and conditions available?

A. Yes, these are shown on our website within the FAQ for the Beverage Package.

 

Q. Why is there an additional charge for the package on some sailings?

A. On certain sailings, due to EU VAT regulations, we are obliged to collect an additional VAT charge for some EU member nations, such as Spain and Italy. This charge is paid to the country of origin and is beyond our control as it is a legal requirement.

 

Q. Will you be reviewing the usage of the packages in terms of Guest behaviour?

A. The health and safety of our Guest’s, crew and ships is our primary concern at all times. Guests should be aware that we have a Guest Conduct Policy onboard which we expect all guests to adhere to. The policy is strictly enforced and guests should be aware of the possible consequences of behaviour that violates policy. The policy can be viewed here: http://www.royalcaribbean.com/content/en_US/pdf/Gue

st_Conduct_Policy.pdf

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I hope they don't change, it would cost us more. We don't like coffee, don't drink bottled water, and don't need fresh squeezed orange juice. But we want the beer, cocktails, and sodas. So it would be a few dollars more than what it is now.

 

RCCL's Premium Package is cheaper than Carnival... RCCL is $55.00 per day, Carnival is $57.44.

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Bit cheaper package with RCCL, but you also pay more to cruise. As mentioned, making a decision on a drink package is an odd thought? I'll keep my drinks to Port stops and carry-on thank you. Just can't fathom paying ship prices. ugh...

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I hope they don't change, it would cost us more. We don't like coffee, don't drink bottled water, and don't need fresh squeezed orange juice. But we want the beer, cocktails, and sodas. So it would be a few dollars more than what it is now.

 

I like that they offer a beer and wine package. We are more beer and wine drinkers not hard liquor.

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What am I missing? Those packages suck. They're more expensive than the Carnival package, and you can get Foster's with Carnival's. The only way I see that being worthwhile is if you actually drink more than the 15 drink cap Carnival has.

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To each their own but it seems like a good deal to me. We would rather not "count" or check in with our bartender to find out what drink # we are at. I personally just want to enjoy my vacay & not have to worry about getting cut off. One of the bonuses is also not forcing both people in the cabin to participate in the program, be it for medical reasons or if they simply do not consume as much alcohol to take advantage of unlimited drinks. Also the flexibility to decide what day you would like to begin the program on. This is something a few of the friends I am traveling with would take advantage of as they are on a budget of how much they would like to spend.

 

For the party of 6 I am cruising with, this revamped package would be a welcome change.

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What am I missing? Those packages suck. They're more expensive than the Carnival package, and you can get Foster's with Carnival's. The only way I see that being worthwhile is if you actually drink more than the 15 drink cap Carnival has.

 

The big difference for me is not having to get everyone in the stateroom to buy the package just because one person may want to have it. After traveling on 3 occasions with 3 other individuals in a cabin, I can see it being a tough sell for the person who wants it. Especially if the others don't plan on drinking as much.

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What am I missing? Those packages suck. They're more expensive than the Carnival package, and you can get Foster's with Carnival's. The only way I see that being worthwhile is if you actually drink more than the 15 drink cap Carnival has.

 

They are CHEAPER than Carnival. The only one more expensive is the Ultimate Package and you get a lot more with it. The Premium package is cheaper and you still get a lot more with it than Carnival!

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