Drink Packages-- Worth it?

[SweetPease]

Have been reading that one can purchase a "drink" package for the length of the cruise. 2 Options, one for drinks with lunch and dinner ("house" beer & wine) or an all inclusive for drinks anytime ("most drinks" on bar lists). Has anyone bought either package? Is it worth the money given the number of days in ports? We are not heavy drinkers, but DH likes his beer and red wine and I enjoy champagne or wine. We will occasionally order a mixed drink, but rare. Thanks for any advice you can offer!

[bobndee]

As you note, there are 2 packages - House Select, currently priced at $39.95 Per Guest Per Day and Prestige Select, currently priced at $59.95 Per Guest Per Day.

 

We were on the Marina last spring. While we didn't purchase a beverage package, I can give you my two cents worth. Mixed drink prices tend to be in the $10.00 each range with wine by the glass usually slightly less. The House Select package is in effect only during meals,so you'd have to have 4 glasses per person of wine or beer every day with your meals to break even. Mixed drinks aren't included.

 

The Prestige Select package includes mixed drinks, in addition to wine and beer, at any bar any time the bar is open. Break even point is 6 drinks or wines per person per day. The question is: Are you likely to drink that much on a regular basis?

 

We preferred to take advantage of the daily happy hour BOGO special. We would have a drink in the bar before dinner and then order a glass of wine each to take into the dining room with us.

 

Several days into our cruise they had a wine sale in Le Reserve. We bought several bottles of wine which were then held for us. We had them served with dinner in any of the restaurants on board. Partial bottles were kept for another night. We could also access our wines from any bar if we desired. The end price was less than buying the same wines by the glass.

 

I hope this helps.

 

Bob

[Tarpeian Rock]

We wrestled with this for our upcoming cruise on Riviera in March, our first on Oceania. We don't consider ourselves particularly big drinkers, maybe a beer at lunch, wine with dinner, a cocktail or two before. We ended up getting the Prestige package when it was still @ $54.95. Our reasoning was that posts here indicated that O's martinis were on the small side, and a double was the equivalent of a single ashore. That, and the fact some sparkling wines - but not the top champagne I hasten to add - are included in the Prestige package. We've also started to explore the world of Bourbon. So all of that taken together drove our decision. I'll be happy to report back on how it worked out. I will say, though, that for someone who can easily go a month ashore without a drink, putting the $1,000 through the credit card to pay for the drink package was, well, pretty sobering.

[Wendy The Wanderer]

We went through the same process, bought the Prestige package when it was still $55 per day. Next time we would probably not. I found I was drinking more to try to justify the package.

 

A glass of wine, my usual tipple, was $8.50-$12.50 a glass. Choosing the more expensive ones, four a day, plus the implied 18% gratuity that would be added, with an average of $11 for a glass, comes to $52. Pretty darned close, but sometimes I didn't want to drink that much.

 

I can't remember the cost of mixed drinks, but had some nice martinis and cosmos. They did not seem particularly small to me, although perhaps they were pouring differently for us, once they saw our cards.

 

The pouring wines were very good, btw.

[MimsandMarkie]

Yes, both my husband and myself indulged it the Prestige package on our recent 21 day Panama Canal Passage cruise. We felt it was well worth it as we had many sea days and could use it whenever and wherever throughout the ship.

If your cruise is port intensive, though, it may be a different situation!

[Travelcat2]

I can't remember the cost of mixed drinks, but had some nice martinis and cosmos. They did not seem particularly small to me, although perhaps they were pouring differently for us, once they saw our cards.

 

The pouring wines were very good, btw.

 

You indicated that you enjoyed Martini's lounge and probably had martinis there. Apparently that is the only lounge that pours regular size martinis. The other lounges pour mini ones. We enjoyed the lounge with the glitzy bar stools - we liked the cozy atmosphere. Since the martinis were small, we simply ordered doubles.

 

In terms of whether the alcohol package is worth it, we did not want to think about cost or sign for anything while on board. The opposite of trying to drink enough to cover the cost you have already paid is having to always think about whether or not you and your DH want a martini each at a cost of approx. $20 plus 18% tip. There are also times when we have a glass of wine and would like just a bit more -- perhaps half of a glass. Without the package, we probably would not order another glass.

[Hawaiidan]

Yes, both my husband and myself indulged it the Prestige package on our recent 21 day Panama Canal Passage cruise. We felt it was well worth it as we had many sea days and could use it whenever and wherever throughout the ship.

If your cruise is port intensive, though, it may be a different situation!

 

On port intensive cruises in ports where cheap wine and liquor abound, NO it does not work.

I am going with package for my next trip Tahiti to NY some 33 days of which 22 are sea days. The option of buying liquor locally is a non option in the south pacific.... With liquor prices in the region 3 to 5 times higher than normal... just like all Tahiti. Here it works.

It would also work in Asia and in Islamic countries where liquor is not available much.

[ronrick1943]

I think it's well worth the price, we take Prestige Select-even if we only break even I feel it's worth the price & convenience. However the wine sale I don't feel you get a bargain at all. Don't forget they add tax & tip to the price. Also I would never carry a drink into the dining rooms, I just don't feel that's right-if you buy a drink during happy hour, that's where it should be consumed. But that's just me.

Rick

[Wendy The Wanderer]

You indicated that you enjoyed Martini's lounge and probably had martinis there. Apparently that is the only lounge that pours regular size martinis. The other lounges pour mini ones. We enjoyed the lounge with the glitzy bar stools - we liked the cozy atmosphere. Since the martinis were small, we simply ordered doubles.

 

In terms of whether the alcohol package is worth it, we did not want to think about cost or sign for anything while on board. The opposite of trying to drink enough to cover the cost you have already paid is having to always think about whether or not you and your DH want a martini each at a cost of approx. $20 plus 18% tip. There are also times when we have a glass of wine and would like just a bit more -- perhaps half of a glass. Without the package, we probably would not order another glass.

 

Apparently if you have the prestige package, and order a martini or such, they usually just pour you a double. So we did not notice tiny martinis anywhere (well, Gibsons actually, but same thing.)

 

Good point about the cost, and about that half glass of wine, of which in my case there were many! But at this point in my life, a deterrent to drinking too much is probably a good thing.

Edited December 7, 2013 by Wendy The Wanderer

[Arusha]

I chose the Prestige Select package on both of my Oceania cruises. I prefer mixed drinks, beer, and after-dinner enhanced coffees or Dow's Port (expensive by the glass). Not being a a wine drinker (other than the occasional glass of port or Champagne/sparkling wine), it worked well for me - convenient and worth the money. I can see why wine drinkers might prefer to bring their own or purchase bottles from the Oceania sales table instead of buying a package.

[ronrick1943]

ARUSHA,

I agree with you, however when you see someone bring in a class or wine, cocktail into the dining room-that's just plain tacky. I've even seen people get up from dinner only to return with a full glass of wine or cocktail-you know they when to their cabin for refill. Just bad manners.

 

Rick

[Travelcat2]

Apparently if you have the prestige package, and order a martini or such, they usually just pour you a double. So we did not notice tiny martinis anywhere (well, Gibsons actually, but same thing.)

 

Good point about the cost, and about that half glass of wine, of which in my case there were many! But at this point in my life, a deterrent to drinking too much is probably a good thing.

 

Perhaps they changed the martini glasses since May. We had the prestige package -- did not have a drink at Martini's lounge --almost all of our drinks were in the lounge with the $10,000 bar stools -- near the casino (can't think of the name). My friend who was previously on the Riviera told me about "thimble size martinis" so I was prepared. Anyway, if they are all regular size, now that is definitely a good thing.

[YoHoHo]

Perhaps they changed the martini glasses since May. We had the prestige package -- did not have a drink at Martini's lounge --almost all of our drinks were in the lounge with the $10,000 bar stools -- near the casino (can't think of the name). My friend who was previously on the Riviera told me about "thimble size martinis" so I was prepared. Anyway, if they are all regular size, now that is definitely a good thing.

If these are the $10k bar stools near the casino (I never stopped long enough to look at them much - the purple light sends me away like a 'bug light' ) it is called the Casino Lounge.

 

funny about the various comments about a bigger 'martini' served in Martini's vs. Horizons. Last cruise we had a martini in Martinis then late went up to Horizons and ordered the same. Got a much larger pour. I went up to the bar to re-order and commented on the better size than we just had in Martini's (we had the drink package so it made no difference other than the convenience and pleasantness of a reasonable sized drink). However we then started to get the same size as in Martini's. Guess I should have said nothing :)

 

'regular' size where I live in Canada is smaller than regular size in much of the USA. A 'shot' was a regulated ounce; free pour was illegal (and enforced). Bar lists had to state the amount of alcohol if they had more than 1 oz. (i.e. a cocktail). Happy hour free pours 'across the line' were a big attraction

[YoHoHo]

However the wine sale I don't feel you get a bargain at all. Don't forget they add tax & tip to the price. Also I would never carry a drink into the dining rooms, I just don't feel that's right-if you buy a drink during happy hour, that's where it should be consumed. But that's just me.

Rick

18% tip is added. Tax only added if required by law in a few places such a when in Spanish tax jurisdiction.

 

Especially on long cruises, many pax like to feel 'at home' as jancruz1 wrote about Grand and World cruises especially - the stateroom as the bedroom and the rest of the ship is their home. So in that context walking from one room to another with a drink is a little different. I know that some people plan that 2:1 Happy Hour and take the 2nd to the dining room to save $10 and i won't quibble with that. Not for me but not against any rule. If I had a drink in a restaurant holding bar and a host same to take me to my now ready table, I'd expect them to bring a tray to carry our drinks. I know that is a little different in that I am not trying to cheat the system by purchasing a drink for less in the lounge but I am mentioning this only in that moving from one venue to another I think is acceptable. Better the staff carry it and wandering about the ship drink in hand does appear a little tacky to me too.

 

. I agree with you, however when you see someone bring in a class or wine, cocktail into the dining room-that's just plain tacky.

 

I've even seen people get up from dinner only to return with a full glass of wine or cocktail-you know they when to their cabin for refill. Just bad manners.

Now that is indeed not only bad manners but just plain wrong. It is against the rules and should be. Abuses like that is why rules become enforced.

[SweetPease]

Wow, a lot of good information provided. Thanks! After reading everyone's thoughts, we have pretty much decided to get on board and see how the first couple of days go. Don't think it matters much since we missed the lower price. Also, we will be in Auckland a day early and may end up purchasing a couple of bottles of wine to take on board and enjoy in our cabin. (Enjoy having a glass of wine while getting ready for dinner.) As for carrying a drink into the Dining Room, we have done this in the past when we order drinks, get side tracked and realize our reservations are up. We end up hurrying along with drink in hand. Also, seems some people are offended by others purchasing a drink and carrying it to their cabin? Or did I misunderstand? :confused: We do this when we want something before or after dinner and want to relax in the comfort of our own cabin. Is this considered a "no no?"

[DOJO466]

If these are the $10k bar stools near the casino (I never stopped long enough to look at them much - the purple light sends me away like a 'bug light' ) it is called the Casino Lounge.

 

funny about the various comments about a bigger 'martini' served in Martini's vs. Horizons. Last cruise we had a martini in Martinis then late went up to Horizons and ordered the same. Got a much larger pour. I went up to the bar to re-order and commented on the better size than we just had in Martini's (we had the drink package so it made no difference other than the convenience and pleasantness of a reasonable sized drink). However we then started to get the same size as in Martini's. Guess I should have said nothing :)

 

'regular' size where I live in Canada is smaller than regular size in much of the USA. A 'shot' was a regulated ounce; free pour was illegal (and enforced). Bar lists had to state the amount of alcohol if they had more than 1 oz. (i.e. a cocktail). Happy hour free pours 'across the line' were a big attraction

Did you know that the bartenders can change the colors at the Casino Bar. At least on the Riviera. We have always called it the purple bar and have frequented the venue on many an occasion. We tend to follow our favorite bartenders to their stations wherever they may be. It is almost impossible to grab a barstool in Martini's at happy hour (we are usually at Trivia when it begins) and seating fills up quickly, so we opt for the less frequented Casino Bar where the bar staff treats us like royalty. Yes, we do not look our best in that lighting but at least no one turns on the lights and yells "LAST CALL".:D

[Caroldoll]

In my experience, the martinis are thimble size...maybe my friend TC had better luck. We just buy the package as she did...and we order doubles...but on top of that...bar service is VERY, VERY SLOW, so when they deliver one, we order the second right away. At times we do not drink it. Sometimes a service person is hard to find. We don't sit on bar stools--I am too short! LOL

 

This is a vacation, and I agree with TC, why have the difficulty of waiting for a check and signing...there again, a check is sometimes hard to come by as the servers always seem very busy.

 

This is not being critical of O, I love that line, but I would think they would step up the service level.

[RachelG]

I don't think it is ill mannered to take a drink from the bar into the dining room. We have often done that in restaurants on land where we ordered a drink in the bar while waiting for a table, then our table became available before we had finished the drink. No big deal.

Now leaving the restaurant to go out and come back with a drink would be horrible manners.

We have purchased the prestige package for our upcoming cruise just because I don't want to deal with signing for drinks all the time. We will probably come out about even based on buying by the drink, but at least I don't have to think about it. We are on vacation.

[LHT28]

As for carrying a drink into the Dining Room, we have done this in the past when we order drinks, get side tracked and realize our reservations are up. We end up hurrying along with drink in hand. Also, seems some people are offended by others purchasing a drink and carrying it to their cabin? Or did I misunderstand? :confused: We do this when we want something before or after dinner and want to relax in the comfort of our own cabin. Is this considered a "no no?"

I have seen the waitstaff from the bar carry the drinks (on a tray) to the GDR if they notice you are going to dinner

 

I think the reference to people carrying drinks is that some people will have bottles in their cabin & go for refills during dinner ...which is poor manners as well as not really allowed

I have not really noticed this myself but heard of it happening

 

This usually will spoil it for others that abide by the rules ...when O decides to clamp down on letting you bring bottles for use in your cabin

[Caroldoll]

but I was just on Norwegian (perish the thought) as we did that Hawaiian Island deal and took three other couples for a wedding renewal. They do NOT let you bring anything in the cabin, and they won't sell it on the ship to you. This is over the top really. We seldom drink in our cabin at all, but we wanted to have our kids (in their 50s) over for cocktails and we had to smuggle Vodka in in a water bottle. That was really ridiculous. What do you do with a big suite and fabulous views (in Kauai) and you can't get a drink! LOL. I think leaving the diningroom to go refill a drink is really over the top rude. I don't think O should allow that. I agree.

[JimandStan]

Wow, a lot of good information provided. Thanks! After reading everyone's thoughts, we have pretty much decided to get on board and see how the first couple of days go. Don't think it matters much since we missed the lower price. Also, we will be in Auckland a day early and may end up purchasing a couple of bottles of wine to take on board and enjoy in our cabin. (Enjoy having a glass of wine while getting ready for dinner.) As for carrying a drink into the Dining Room, we have done this in the past when we order drinks, get side tracked and realize our reservations are up. We end up hurrying along with drink in hand. Also, seems some people are offended by others purchasing a drink and carrying it to their cabin? Or did I misunderstand? :confused: We do this when we want something before or after dinner and want to relax in the comfort of our own cabin. Is this considered a "no no?"

 

A word in your ear, if I may-

 

Your original question asked about the Prestige Package versus the House Select Package, and as far as that goes the major difference is that the Prestige is virtually run of the house, whereas House Select includes beer and wine only during mealtimes.

 

You should also be aware that while the staff may allow Passengers a few days to get settled in, they are not supposed to sell the Packages for PART of a cruise, so if you think that you will want to buy in, don't wait too long!

 

By the way, this Post is sure to be followed by all kinds of people who DID buy into the Package after more than a few days, but you (and they) should be aware that an exception was being made when they did so.

 

As they say on Wall Street, "Anecdotes are often rich, but you cannot take them to the Bank"

[SweetPease]

Agreed, leaving dining area to refill your drink in cabin is rude. As to purchasing package after cruise starts, we got this idea from the website which states "Beverage packages may also be purchased onboard during your cruise." Also, could have sworn Cruise Critic states the package can be purchased during the cruise and it will be prorated based on number of days left. In any case, think we will take our chances and if we decide to purchase a couple of days into the cruise, we will try. And if they don't allow it, oh well. :)

[caviargal]

We originally decided to buy the prestige package and then dropped it at final payment. We were very happy with that decision.

 

Our bar tab was quite low considering the price of drinks. We purchased a few bottles of wine and also brought wine aboard at embarkation and from the ports we visited. We are mostly wine drinkers and were happy to partake of the excellent local wines rather be tied to a wine list.

 

We had a few martini's, bloody mary's, etc., on this cruise but suspect we would have drank quite a bit more if we had a package.

 

When we cruise with O again, we will not purchase a package. For us, it would have been a waste of money.

[Hawaiidan]

Agreed, leaving dining area to refill your drink in cabin is rude. As to purchasing package after cruise starts, we got this idea from the website which states "Beverage packages may also be purchased onboard during your cruise." Also, could have sworn Cruise Critic states the package can be purchased during the cruise and it will be prorated based on number of days left. In any case, think we will take our chances and if we decide to purchase a couple of days into the cruise, we will try. And if they don't allow it, oh well. :)

 

First the package, either, I am told is or will be available only for the first 2 days aboard. Once started it can not be cancelled and will run the duration or remainder for the cruise your booked.

A note of caution If your taking 2 cruises and booking as a back to back then you can not book for just one segment ( first or second) and must book for the remaining duration of gross days booked. The April 19 cruise is and example as it is 17 days to Lima and then 16 days to NY.. People booked on either but not both segments can buy the package for their respective cruies.

However, passengers booked on the 33 day grand cruise must, once started, do the entire 33 days.

 

Now, is it a great deal... I have read, as you of many who get off and pick up a local wine or spirit from their ports. Works in Europe and South America to an extent.....but not in the Pacific and South Pacific.

The regional libation available are... Beetle nuts, Kava, Jungle Juice and "Torpedo Juice" ( a US NAVY fave, tapped from the fuel cell of MarkV torpedos) and some crude Rum called OP 100 proof, ( aged overnight to perfection in steel drums) There are no wineries in Marquaeas, Tahiti,Fiji, Caladonia ,Panama, Easter Island , the Toutoumas, No liquor store in Farakava or Bora.

New Zealand has them and charges dearly for them ( more like 20 buck chuck). Its a long dry expensive trip across the water. Papeete will be the only spot and all shipped from France ( surprise) with prices straight from Rue De Fauberg Paris.

So sweetpea...... go with the full boat because you are going to find it slim to none So buy into the seagoing supply if you want to rest easy.....

[ORV]

A word in your ear, if I may-

 

Your original question asked about the Prestige Package versus the House Select Package, and as far as that goes the major difference is that the Prestige is virtually run of the house, whereas House Select includes beer and wine only during mealtimes.

 

You should also be aware that while the staff may allow Passengers a few days to get settled in, they are not supposed to sell the Packages for PART of a cruise, so if you think that you will want to buy in, don't wait too long!

 

By the way, this Post is sure to be followed by all kinds of people who DID buy into the Package after more than a few days, but you (and they) should be aware that an exception was being made when they did so.

 

As they say on Wall Street, "Anecdotes are often rich, but you cannot take them to the Bank"

 

On our recent 14 night TA it was advertised in the little daily paper through about day 8 or so. Sometime policies change, even from ship to ship. No exceptions going on if they are promoting it.