Princess Beverage Prices (help needed)

[kelly94942]

Does anyone know the current prices of the following?

 

1. bottled water

2. soft drinks

3. fresh squeezed juices

 

I am trying to put together a spreadsheet folks can use to evaluate if the beverage packages make sense for them. I will share here when it is complete!

 

I got the bar prices from here:

 

And the International Cafe (coffee/tea) prices from here: http://beyondships.com/Princess-CB-menu-InternationalCafe.html

 

Thanks in advance for the help!

[oskidunker]

You would have to drink 5 or more Alcoholic drinks a day just to break even. I drink a soft drink once in a while but no way is that package worth it for me. i am trying to drink less soft drinks, not 5-6 a day. The coffee card might be worth it but I have never bought that either. I drink the standard coffee and find it fine. At home I drink Starbucks and Peetes.

 

Someone else may eb able to provide exact prices. Alcoholic drinks seem to be from 5.99 to $10.00. Soft drinks wre about $2.00. drink the water from the tap. excellent water.

[kelly94942]

I understand they don't make sense for everyone, that's why I'm putting together this spreadsheet. So someone can choose the exact things they plan to drink and determine if it makes sense for them! I know a lot of people like bottled water for the convenience factor - so if someone knows they're going to drink bottled water, it makes sense to factor in. :)

[Colo Cruiser]

Soda- approx $2

Water-approx $3

[hockeygal54]

2 diff sizes of bottled water. Larger one was close to $4 as I recall. Plus their mandatory extortion fee.

 

 

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[PescadoAmarillo]

Two other considerations, non monetary, with the soda sticker is that you can get a fresh one anytime you want, and not carry one from venue to venue or drink them when they get warm. On the downside, DH got so frustrated with the poor taste of the Coke from the bar guns (all of them) that he stopped getting a soda sticker for the first time since he's cruised with Princess, and used the cans from our Elite mini-bar.

[Akaicb]

I understand they don't make sense for everyone, that's why I'm putting together this spreadsheet. So someone can choose the exact things they plan to drink and determine if it makes sense for them! I know a lot of people like bottled water for the convenience factor - so if someone knows they're going to drink bottled water, it makes sense to factor in. :)

 

I have a cruise coming up in October and I was going to start putting together a list myself to figure out if the drink package would be worth purchasing.

 

I agree, this package is not for everyone, but for some of us it maybe. When you factor in that it is not just alcoholic drinks that are included, i could see a number of people using it. Some for value, but some will use it for convenience as well.

 

Since it appears you already have half of the sheet completed, I will hold off on making my own list. I just wish I could help you with your request kelly94942, hopefully someone else will post the costs.

 

Thanks,

Kim

Edited May 7, 2014 by Akaicb

[kelly94942]

Since it appears you already have half of the sheet completed, I will hold off on making my own list.

 

I posted it in this thread: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=42692663

 

Hopefully it's helpful! :)

[Griff4AU]

I live in spreadsheets every day (for work), and I'm suggesting that the non-monetary (thus "non-spreadsheatable") reasons for the package are awfully compelling:

 

1.) NOT having to review every bar receipt

 

2.) not having to keep the bar tabs and "audit" them when you get your final bill

 

3.) trying new drinks and wines and such that you wouldn't try otherwise

 

4.) the simple convenience of getting a bottle of water before bed, or before you head out to an excursion

 

5.) not having to keep the bar tabs and "audit" them when you get your final bill

 

 

I know, #5 is a repeat, but if you are making a spreadsheet, then you're probably the type that does #2/#5 towards the end of a cruise. I know I did.

 

We've now been on two sailings (NCL and Princess) where we have purchased the beverage package, and honestly will get it every time we sail from now on....without question.

 

FWIW, the Princess package is FAR superior tot he NCL package.

[kelly94942]

I live in spreadsheets every day (for work), and I'm suggesting that the non-monetary (thus "non-spreadsheatable") reasons for the package are awfully compelling:

 

1.) NOT having to review every bar receipt

 

2.) not having to keep the bar tabs and "audit" them when you get your final bill

 

3.) trying new drinks and wines and such that you wouldn't try otherwise

 

4.) the simple convenience of getting a bottle of water before bed, or before you head out to an excursion

 

5.) not having to keep the bar tabs and "audit" them when you get your final bill

 

 

I know, #5 is a repeat, but if you are making a spreadsheet, then you're probably the type that does #2/#5 towards the end of a cruise. I know I did.

 

We've now been on two sailings (NCL and Princess) where we have purchased the beverage package, and honestly will get it every time we sail from now on....without question.

 

FWIW, the Princess package is FAR superior tot he NCL package.

 

This is hilarious. :) I actually have taken several of these things into consideration (a list of them is on one of the tabs of my spreadsheet). I personally think there is a lot of value in number 3 - I would drink much "fancier" drinks with the beverage package (say, a cosmopolitan vs. a well vodka cran)

[hockeygal54]

A Cosmo on my recent PC cruise was $9.14 again inc the "tip".

 

 

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[sayaguru]

If you are not an alcohol drinker you might consider the kids package (the + one- don't know what it's called).

 

It includes, soft drink, juice, mocktails (which are nice and normally $4) and hot chocolate.

 

It''s $7 a day + tax. Good value I think.

[kelly94942]

If you are not an alcohol drinker you might consider the kids package (the + one- don't know what it's called).

 

It includes, soft drink, juice, mocktails (which are nice and normally $4) and hot chocolate.

 

It''s $7 a day + tax. Good value I think.

 

Unlimited Soda & More Package, it is called:

 

Indulge yourself with this premium Unlimited Soda & more Package,entitling you to the Unlimited Soda Package plus any mocktails, juices, shakes, floats and complimentary hot chocolate throughout your cruise.

 

$8.05 per person/per day

[go4ak]

Unlimited Soda & More Package, it is called:

 

Indulge yourself with this premium Unlimited Soda & more Package,entitling you to the Unlimited Soda Package plus any mocktails, juices, shakes, floats and complimentary hot chocolate throughout your cruise.

 

$8.05 per person/per day

 

Do you know if the unlimited soda is out of a fountain/machine or are they cans of soda.

 

Does the fridge in the room come stocked like in a hotel - where you're charged if you use anything? Or is it empty for you to use as you wish?

Thanks

[Griff4AU]

go4AK: Fountain sodas.....

 

Quick comparison between the Princess and NCL packages..... It was easy,EASY, to stay in the Princess price point. Sure, there were a few wines we didn't try, but nearly everything else was covered. Some great wines and super-high end (not high end like Bombay Sapphire, but Super high end like Johnny BLUE) weren't included, but everything else was. As NCL, we did find we needed to pay attention to what we ordered as many drinks were outside the package, including several drinks of the day... In this area (and most IMHO), Princess is leaps ahead of NCL.

 

And Kelly, if my post made you laugh, then we both know you're a receipt collector and statement auditor at the end... That's OK, I was too.. for every cruise I have taken... It's worth a ton to NOT have to look at bar bills on the final bill! I feel like I have picked up several extra hours on my cruise because of the Bev package!

Edited May 8, 2014 by SheepdogGriff

[lone_stranger]

go4AK: Fountain sodas.....

 

Quick comparison between the Princess and NCL packages..... It was easy,EASY, to stay in the Princess price point. Sure, there were a few wines we didn't try, but nearly everything else was covered. Some great wines and super-high end (not high end like Bombay Sapphire, but Super high end like Johnny BLUE) weren't included, but everything else was. As NCL, we did find we needed to pay attention to what we ordered as many drinks were outside the package, including several drinks of the day... In this area (and most IMHO), Princess is leaps ahead of NCL.

 

Shhhhhh. Someone from Princess may be listening and thinking of increasing the price or decreasing the coverage :eek:. Profits you know.

[Thrak]

Two other considerations, non monetary, with the soda sticker is that you can get a fresh one anytime you want, and not carry one from venue to venue or drink them when they get warm. On the downside, DH got so frustrated with the poor taste of the Coke from the bar guns (all of them) that he stopped getting a soda sticker for the first time since he's cruised with Princess, and used the cans from our Elite mini-bar.

 

For our cruise next week I'm trying out the "Ultimate Soda and More" package. I'm not much interested in the soda but the unlimited moctails seem like quite a deal. :D

[scrapycruiser]

Do you know if the unlimited soda is out of a fountain/machine or are they cans of soda.

 

Does the fridge in the room come stocked like in a hotel - where you're charged if you use anything? Or is it empty for you to use as you wish?

Thanks

 

I think the stocked refrig is just for Elite members. Correct me if I'm wrong.

The soda pkg is fountain drinks. Not that great, IMO.

[Colo Cruiser]

Do you know if the unlimited soda is out of a fountain/machine or are they cans of soda.

 

Does the fridge in the room come stocked like in a hotel - where you're charged if you use anything? Or is it empty for you to use as you wish?

Thanks

 

 

Fountain only for the sticker.

 

There will be some sodas/water usually in the fridge.

Yes there is a charge.

[hockeygal54]

If you want it empty just ask cabin steward to remove the inventory. It might be a good idea to double ck the actual inventory from what's on the fridge sticker too from what I've read here on these boards.

 

 

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[IECalCruiser]

If you want it empty just ask cabin steward to remove the inventory. It might be a good idea to double ck the actual inventory from what's on the fridge sticker too from what I've read here on these boards.

 

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Please don't ask the steward to remove as it is not their job. Call Room Service instead. Actually, the easiest thing to do us remove the items and place behind your TV or somewhere else in the room if the new 32" (or 40") flat screens block access.

 

 

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[sayaguru]

For our cruise next week I'm trying out the "Ultimate Soda and More" package. I'm not much interested in the soda but the unlimited moctails seem like quite a deal. :D

 

Yes I had a few of them.:D On Diamond there was only a choice of 4 but they were nice. Different bars make them differently too. If you ask to have them made like a slushy they are really nice.

 

I didn't like the cola and didn't try any other soft drinks.

[IECalCruiser]

Does anyone know the current prices of the following?

 

1. bottled water

2. soft drinks

3. fresh squeezed juices

Bottled Water: 0.5L - $2.00, 1.5L - $3.50

Perrier: 11 oz bottle - $2.65

Soft Drinks: 12 oz can - $1.95

Fresh squeezed juices: I have never ordered nor seen a price.

 

The above prices need to have the 15% gratuity added.

[Cauzneffct]

I live in spreadsheets every day (for work), and I'm suggesting that the non-monetary (thus "non-spreadsheatable") reasons for the package are awfully compelling:

 

1.) NOT having to review every bar receipt

 

2.) not having to keep the bar tabs and "audit" them when you get your final bill

 

3.) trying new drinks and wines and such that you wouldn't try otherwise

 

4.) the simple convenience of getting a bottle of water before bed, or before you head out to an excursion

 

5.) not having to keep the bar tabs and "audit" them when you get your final bill.

 

I think that a lot of these are more "gravy" for someone who is already inclined to purchase the package (or who, generally speaking, makes a lot of coffee/soda/alcohol purchases), but with the exception of 3, probably wouldn't be much of an enticement.

 

I'd still check my bar receipt to make sure that I wasn't charged or that there wasn't a mistake concerning the price (ie, that they charged me for a $11 drink rather than a free one). Plus, generally speaking, I don't find checking the receipt to be much of a chore. Also, for whatever reason, I tend to tip on top of the automatic 15%, so I'd still want to make sure that that was taken into account.

 

Concerning #2/5, I think that's only a chore if one is making a considerable amount of purchases, and the savings is only if those are the only purchases. I'd still want to check my final bill to make sure that I wasn't double charged if I bought, say, deodorant, or took out cash at the casino, or whatever. So checking to make sure that the drinks add up (or that the tips add up) isn't a huge extra time expense for me.

 

Concerning grabbing a bottle of water, I've been able to do that already. If they still require a swipe 'n' sign to get the water, its not any more convenient with the package (although it is included).

[kelly94942]

Bottled Water: 0.5L - $2.00, 1.5L - $3.50

Perrier: 11 oz bottle - $2.65

Soft Drinks: 12 oz can - $1.95

Fresh squeezed juices: I have never ordered nor seen a price.

 

The above prices need to have the 15% gratuity added.

 

Thank you! :o