SuzD123 Posted January 10, 2015 #1 Share Posted January 10, 2015 This is not intended to start a lengthy debate of the pros/cons of the value of the beverage packages or the "downfall of RCCL" or anything else negative. My DD and I sailed in April 2014 and enjoyed the Ultimate Beverage package...actually I preordered the Premium package and once onboard upgraded to Ultimate (I suppose it was a "Why Not" moment of weakness). Anyway, we will be sailing again in August 2015 with my DH and her BF and I was just looking into preordering beverages again. However, this time I noticed something that I do not recall from before or maybe I just wasn't observant last time. When selecting the Premium package for one of us the charge is $343 ($49 per person per day for 7 days)...with an additional service charge of over $51. So I cancelled the order and decided to do a bit more investigation before committing. Again...I do not recall an additional service charge when I preordered for our last cruise. I am wondering...did I just not see last time? Is this a change? Is there the same fee if we wait and book the package onboard? Just curious. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clarea Posted January 10, 2015 #2 Share Posted January 10, 2015 (edited) This is not intended to start a lengthy debate of the pros/cons of the value of the beverage packages or the "downfall of RCCL" or anything else negative. My DD and I sailed in April 2014 and enjoyed the Ultimate Beverage package...actually I preordered the Premium package and once onboard upgraded to Ultimate (I suppose it was a "Why Not" moment of weakness). Anyway, we will be sailing again in August 2015 with my DH and her BF and I was just looking into preordering beverages again. However, this time I noticed something that I do not recall from before or maybe I just wasn't observant last time. When selecting the Premium package for one of us the charge is $343 ($49 per person per day for 7 days)...with an additional service charge of over $51. So I cancelled the order and decided to do a bit more investigation before committing. Again...I do not recall an additional service charge when I preordered for our last cruise. I am wondering...did I just not see last time? Is this a change? Is there the same fee if we wait and book the package onboard? Just curious. Royal changed the terms a few months ago and now adds 15% to the prices. Most of the prices went up a bit, but the Ultimate package actually went down with the change. Edited January 10, 2015 by clarea Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wv4dmb Posted January 10, 2015 #3 Share Posted January 10, 2015 So, does that mean the gratuity is included? Steph Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clarea Posted January 10, 2015 #4 Share Posted January 10, 2015 So, does that mean the gratuity is included? Steph You pay the gratuity at the time you purchase the package. You don't pay any additional gratutiy when you order drinks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wv4dmb Posted January 10, 2015 #5 Share Posted January 10, 2015 I was wondering if the 15% they added was for gratuity? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuzD123 Posted January 10, 2015 Author #6 Share Posted January 10, 2015 (edited) Royal changed the terms a few months ago and now adds 15% to the prices. Most of the prices went up a bit, but the Ultimate package actually went down with the change. Thank you Bob. This was exactly what I needed/wanted to know. That and that I wasn't dreaming. ;) I definitely knew the gratuities were included, but the fee structure change I was not aware. The more I think about it...I think at the time the Premium was billed as $55 per person/day and the Ultimate was $65. This makes more sense now since they are $49 and $55 respectively. So doing the math...you are exactly right. I wonder...is there the same service fee if we wait to order onboard? Thank you again! :) I was wondering if the 15% they added was for gratuity? wv4dmb...maybe, but I doubt it. When I purchased it last time, it was billed as gratuities already included. I think the intent has been to make it as all-inclusive as possible. Sounds like just an adjustment in their business processes since it is still a relatively new offering...just over a year now. Sue Edited January 10, 2015 by SuzD123 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clarea Posted January 10, 2015 #7 Share Posted January 10, 2015 I was wondering if the 15% they added was for gratuity? Yes. Here are the current prices. They add 15% to these prices for gratuity: http://media.royalcaribbean.com/content/shared_assets/pdf/menus/beverage_packages.pdf Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SuzD123 Posted January 10, 2015 Author #8 Share Posted January 10, 2015 I appreciate the assist and quick replies. Have a great weekend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
msjaxson Posted January 10, 2015 #9 Share Posted January 10, 2015 price is the same booked on line or on board.. did a recent B2B on freedom bought my first week drink package on line to try it ..went so well booked second week on board:D....same price .... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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