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All-Inclusive Beverage Package: Live from the Ruby Princess

Cruiselover1951

By Cruiselover1951,
in Princess Cruises

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Cruiselover1951

Cruiselover1951

Posted
Posted

I have read all about the “All Inclusive Beverage Package” (AIBP), including the discussions for- and against purchasing it.

 

Well, what better impression on how it works (and whether it will work for you) than a day-to-day description of the plan by someone who likes to drink, and to-date only stuck with the “drink-per-purchase” and “Gold wine” package, and for the first time is trying the “all inclusive “ package.

 

Setup:

“18 day Brazilian Adventure” on the “Ruby Princess”, departing 1/31/15 from FLL, ending in Rio de Janerio 2/18/15.

 

DW is a non-drinker (coffee included) for medical reasons – so no cheating what-so-ever– it is all on me! – and I, yes, I like my alcohol, am I an alcoholic? Well I have no doubt some view me as such (for heaven’s sake I live in Salt Lake City in a state entirely run by Mormons and teetotalers!) – but I work my 70-80 hours a week, am very successful, very fit, never drink on work-days, never drive even if having had one drink, have no problems with going into the wilderness for weeks without a drink, but when kicking back, as on a cruise, I surely like my drinks – so you judge!!

 

So here it goes:

 

Day 1 – Embarkation day:

-------------------------------

In the Piazza 2:30PM – told when I bought the AIBP that a) I was the first one at that station purchasing it, and b) x3 was asked whether I understood that the bill would be ~$1,000 for the 18 days. After acknowledging that I fully understood the consequences of my purchase, I got my blue sticker on my CC. Off to our suite, no luggage yet, and then went down to the IC – first purchase: a Latte, $2.50, didn’t have to sign. Then chose some goodies from the café, (found out that the Gelato ice creams were NOT part of the AIBP and had to pay) got a glass of chardonnay ($8.00) and did have to sign. On the way back, got another glass of Chardonnay ($8.00) – had to sign. Nice lunch in our suite with the 2 glasses of white wine for me. Then went on a stroll, asked for a bottle of water at one of the bars, had to sign ($3.00). Went to the Muster drill and after went to the “Vines”, found out, that even though the “wine flights” were less than $10, they were not included in the AIBP – well, fine! – I just started ordering a full glass of the same wine x3 ($30) (!!). Then went to dinner at the Crown Grill, had a Vodka Martini as a pre-meal drink ($9), had 2 glasses of chardonnay with the appetizers ($16), 2 glasses of Cabernet with the steak ($16) and one Irish coffee with desert ($9). The wine was served by the glass and I felt they came as quickly as a server would have served it from a bottle. I did not have to sign for these 5 beverages. On the way back to our stateroom, stopped for a Pina Colada ($8) and a glass of Chardonnay that I brought back as a night cap ($8) (had to sign for both). Verdict for the day: $117.50 consumed – paid for with the AIBP: $50! – so far looking good! – need for signing: hit-and-miss! - let’s see what happens during the next sea days and upcoming shore days where we have full day excursions reserved!! – Plan to keep an accumulative tab! – Stay tuned!

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yndygo

yndygo

Posted
Posted

Wow! I might have been able to do that in my twenties, but I would've been asleep sometime during dinner. Still... it's your vacation! Do what makes you happy!! :D

 

I'm looking forward to reading your recap. Surprising that they didn't include the wine flight though. Seems like they would.

 

Have fun!!

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Mackenzie1

Mackenzie1

Posted
Posted

Thanks, Cruiselover1951. The first day would be easy, though, because there are no tours, and being on a cruise is so exciting. Sea days may work out, too. The question is, what happens when you average in tour intensive days? I'm staying tuned!

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RLK33853

RLK33853

Posted
Posted

Thanks for this thread - and forget those who pass judgement whether they are doing so in fun or not. What a great topic.

 

The first day of any vacation people just want to have fun. Of course people won't drink the same when they are off the ship on a port day and that is exactly what makes the decision to purchase the beverage package so difficult.

 

Just loved your explanation of life in Salt Lake City. Most just assume everyone who lives there doesn't drink.

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southpawsdakota

southpawsdakota

Posted
Posted

Loved your 1st day! Wait until the days after when you can add Bloody Mary's or Bellini's or both at breakfast. I did "experiment" with the All Inclusive on a 7 day cruise and found that it was worth it for me so I did it for a 5 and 4 day cruise in Nov. Now trying to decide if a 17 day transatlantic will be worth the $ with the intensive port days once across the pond. Looking forward to your updates. BTW my DH did not purchase as he is not as much of a lush as I am.:D

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Tony Villano

Tony Villano

Posted
Posted

Is it just one level for the package or is there a basic and premium?

 

My drinking agenda is similar to yours.

Did the premium on Celebrity last year and came out ahead. Yes, the first few days it's easy to be on the plus side.

Also enjoyed being able to get whatever beer was available.

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candigirl41

candigirl41

Posted
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I too am following this. Very informative. I like my wine, but I don't think I could drink enough to make it worth my while. I was on a 7 day cruise and my friend got this and he drank enough to make it worth it. My whole bill for the 7 day cruise including my tips was under $300.00. 60 of that was in the casino and 80 was tips so I think I did well not getting the AIBP. Thanks for posting this.

 

Candi

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reedprincess

reedprincess

Posted
Posted (edited)
Is it just one level for the package or is there a basic and premium?

 

My drinking agenda is similar to yours.

Did the premium on Celebrity last year and came out ahead. Yes, the first few days it's easy to be on the plus side.

Also enjoyed being able to get whatever beer was available.

Princess currently has one level to the all-inclusive beverage packag, unlike Celebrity or Royal. Princess AI package is equivalent to the Premium on Celebrity or Ultimate on Royal.

Edited by reedprincess
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Laurie7

Laurie7

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Great idea for a thread! Looking forward to future reports. Just a few questions. Do they tend to make the drinks weaker on the AIBP? Is it harder to get the bartender's attention if you have a AIBP or are you treated the same as a pay-as-you-go customer? Thanks for your time keeping track of all the details.

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6pack

6pack

Posted
Posted
Great idea for a thread! Looking forward to future reports. Just a few questions. Do they tend to make the drinks weaker on the AIBP? Is it harder to get the bartender's attention if you have a AIBP or are you treated the same as a pay-as-you-go customer? Thanks for your time keeping track of all the details.

 

We tried the AIBP during our Christmas cruise on the Crown. We always received great service and the drinks were always excellent; as a matter of fact most of the bar servers were advocates for the top shelf booze!

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