I purchased the premium drink package, and...

[minn0315]

The souvenir soda cup will be waiting for you when you first arrive in your cabin on embarkation day.

[Paul65]

On an average day , my wife has a couple of cocktails, I have 2 to 3 beers and we get a bottle of wine for dinner. Some days we might have more or less depending if it's a sea day or port day. Our average bar tab is $600. The premium package is $800 for 7 days for both of us. Straight math would say it's not worth it for us. However, we plan to get the package for our next cruise in April. Here is why....On past cruises we tended to keep track of what we drank worrying about our final bar tab. We are willing to spend an extra $200 for the package so we don't have to worry about our tab (we are on vacation after all). We also feel it will allow us to try different drinks/ beers.

 

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Not a bad plan, if it works for you, but be aware (if you're not already) that bottles of wine are not included. I think you'll get a discount on bottles of wine, if you have the package, but if you want you wine to be fully covered, be sure to buy by the glass. It still works out okay, if you're happy with their selections that are available by the glass.

[The Fun Researcher]

Even if we broke even (I think it was in our favor) I would purchase again. It was nice trying new drinks and not having to worry about a bill at the end of our cruise.

 

This is a huge factor. Not having to get upset looking at the receipt every time I order a drink. :) With the price spike last year for OOP drinks, I would really enjoy not looking at those receipts (or lack thereof since the price has kept me from enjoying as many cocktails)

 

Dan

[Kteacher]

I got it on the FOS last year because it was not a port intensive itinerary, with a 1/2 day in St. Thomas, a full day in St. Marteen, and Coco Cay (where the package works). I still didn't get my monies worth (though i tried :)) By the the 4th day I think I only had a blood mary twice (I love the station where they let you choice the condiments for it in the promenade) and then was drinking shirley temples, diet cokes and virgin mud slides. I think for others it works great, but it was too much pressure for me. Since my next cruise is on the Adventure, and we have 5 stops with 1 sea day, I will definitely not be getting it, but will get a soda package, since I have a raging DC addition.

 

 

Oooh! Where on the promenade do they have a Bloody Mary station?

[George C]

We had it last 2 cruises and will have it next, as said before if you drink 5 or more it pays, might not get it to start on Europe cruise since we have many day at beginning with long port days but still will get it for most of the cruise. Your on vacation have a glass of champagne for a bloody Mary with breakfast, breakfast of champions.

[denatravels]

Question about OBC (in relation to the drink package)-- if I buy the packages before the cruise to lock in the price, can I get nonrefundable OBC back at the casino? Or is that only refundable OBC? How does this work?

[GUT2407]

We've never purchased a drink package other than the soda package for my wife/kids.

 

We're unsure if it's worth it and are looking for some feedback from those who were hesitant to purchase the premium drink package, but decided to give it a try.

 

Thanks!

 

Dan

 

Only you can decide that.

 

Did you think you got value out of the soda package, many don't.

 

It really depends in what you drink and how many you have.

[Clarea]

Question about OBC (in relation to the drink package)-- if I buy the packages before the cruise to lock in the price, can I get nonrefundable OBC back at the casino? Or is that only refundable OBC? How does this work?

Most people are reporting being able to get non-refundable OBC at the casino with a 5% charge. There have been a few reports of the casino not giving cash, but giving some sort of ticket. However, those people have been able to put the ticket in a slot machine and immediately get a cash out ticket, take that to the casino cashier and get cash.

Edited January 9, 2016 by clarea

[doones2]

Am I correct that you cant use the drink package for room service? I really enjoy a drink sitting out on my balcony.

[Clarea]

Am I correct that you cant use the drink package for room service? I really enjoy a drink sitting out on my balcony.

You are correct, no room service and no mini-bar.

[GUT2407]

Am I correct that you cant use the drink package for room service? I really enjoy a drink sitting out on my balcony.

 

Correct.

[gambler]

When you get on the ship from a port day, just stop by a bar and get a drink to take to your room.

[UpcountryTravelers]

We drink whatever we want, whenever, and never consider the cost. Beer by the pool, wine with dinner, late night cocktails. We are on VACATION, after all! That said, the last several cruises my total bill at the end of cruise, including all drinks, onboard purchases and excursions for both of us was LESS than the drink package would have been for ONE of us. Nuff sed!

Edited January 9, 2016 by UpcountryTravelers

[not2old]

Wait! I am confused... Don't both people in the cabin (husband/wife) have to purchase the drink package? I am not a big drinker but DH enjoys his drinks, in the past I thought both of us had to purchase the package. Has this changed and if so, when?

Thanks for any info!

[LSUfan4444]

Don't both people in the cabin (husband/wife) have to purchase the drink package?

 

No.

 

You can both, only one or purchase different packages if you would like.

[denatravels]

Wait! I am confused... Don't both people in the cabin (husband/wife) have to purchase the drink package? I am not a big drinker but DH enjoys his drinks, in the past I thought both of us had to purchase the package. Has this changed and if so, when?

Thanks for any info!

 

 

I don't know WHEN it changed but it definitely has. You can buy the nonalcoholic package or none and he can do an alcohol one. Still not allowed to share drinks, though.

[LSUfan4444]

Another thing to consider when pricing the packages is what you would have spent on whatever wine you brought on board.

 

It may not be much off the total, but whatever you don't spend on wine you bring on board can also be deducted from the total.

[MustBCruzn]

We drink whatever we want, whenever, and never consider the cost. Beer by the pool, wine with dinner, late night cocktails. We are on VACATION, after all! That said, the last several cruises my total bill at the end of cruise, including all drinks, onboard purchases and excursions for both of us was LESS than the drink package would have been for ONE of us. Nuff sed!

 

That has been our experience as well. I love the convenience of the drink package and enjoy it when it's a booking perk. However, after doing the math after our last few cruises (where the drink package was a perk) I realized our water, specialty coffee, juice and drink consumption didn't come anywhere near what one drink package would cost us.

Edited January 9, 2016 by MustBCruzn

[RickinStl]

We did the drink package on our 12-day Anthem cruise in November. I got the premium, my BF got the ultimate because he likes specialty coffee, whereas I do not drink coffee very often. We felt we got our money's worth. In the late morning, I would have 1-2 bloody mary's by the pool followed by several seltzers and/or diet cokes in my fancy insulated soda cup they give you with the drink package. By afternoon we moved on to cocktails like Tom Collins or margaritas. Had a few of those. We always went for pre-dinner cocktails at one of the lounges and typically had two cocktails each there. Moving on to dinner, we had 1-2 glasses of wine and/or cocktails (main dining rooms have featured drinks on their menu which is fun). Then round things off with a nightcap at the Bionic Bar or another lounge, 1-2 drinks each, it was worth it. Don't forget the bottled water you get and soda. I ordered an after dinner cappuccino or espresso a few times and even though I had the premium, they did not bill us. I assume they put the coffees on my BF's ultimate package (even if he had coffee too) so that was nice. We did go on excursions at almost every port but got back early enough to enjoy the drink package throughout the day and night. I never encountered ordering a cocktail or glass of wine that was not included. Mind you it sounds like a lot of drinking but we paced it out and were never really drunk and had no hangovers. That being said the drinks are not weak by any means and the wine pours were quite generous.

 

Well said.. In the morning I have to start my day with a diet dr pepper because I don't drink coffee. With Breakfast on vacation, I love a couple of bloody's and Ill drink beer throughout the afternoon and evening hours. This Package will be well worth it for me.

[Travelling2Some]

Last time we cruised NCL threw in a free drink package as part of the deal. I had never had a drink package and was very much looking forward to it. Have to say, though, that we didn't enjoy it that much even though we drank plenty. Thought it would be great but it just didn't fit with our habits. We don't sit in the lounges (too noisy and crowded) or use the casino (too smoky) or sit anywhere near the pool bar (too noisy to read). We like to drink on our balcony and, most importantly, prefer our own bar tending. I guess just as some people prefer their own cooking, I prefer to make my own drink exactly the way I like it. I also don't want to have to consume two million calories just to get one ounce of rum. So, even though we drink enough to make it worthwhile we'd never buy a drink package.

[cindivan]

It would probably be close to a wash if we did or didn't get it. But when we get it makes me smile every time I get a premium liquor drink that would have cost $12++ and if I didn't have the package I probably would have ordered the cheaper liquor in my drink. If you have expensive tastes the drink package can be even more of a bargain. Most of the time you need to request the premium liquor. For example ordering a "vodka tonic" can get you bar brand. So specify "grey goose tonic."

[ClevelandCruiser27]

It's all about convenience for me. I probably lose a few dollars but it allows me to actually relax. I would much rather pay more up front and not feel nickled and dimed the entire trip.

 

My only complaint is that they charge us for gratuity in advance and then force us to sign a receipt with a box for an additional tip. It makes me feel cheap if I don't tip but I already did. I usually give an extra dollar or two but once again I'd rather pay more in advance and not spend a cent on the ship. We do indulge in speciality dining but I pay in advance. Nothing brings down the post vacation high like getting a big bill after. I know most of you are thinking this guy needs to go to Regent 7 seas or Crystal but I'm only 28. I like the big fun ships Royal and Carnival offer, I'm not cheap I just desire an all inclusive experience.

[GUT2407]

Wait! I am confused... Don't both people in the cabin (husband/wife) have to purchase the drink package? I am not a big drinker but DH enjoys his drinks, in the past I thought both of us had to purchase the package. Has this changed and if so, when?

Thanks for any info!

 

Just one can buy.

[GUT2407]

It's all about convenience for me. I probably lose a few dollars but it allows me to actually relax. I would much rather pay more up front and not feel nickled and dimed the entire trip.

 

My only complaint is that they charge us for gratuity in advance and then force us to sign a receipt with a box for an additional tip. It makes me feel cheap if I don't tip but I already did. I usually give an extra dollar or two but once again I'd rather pay more in advance and not spend a cent on the ship. We do indulge in speciality dining but I pay in advance. Nothing brings down the post vacation high like getting a big bill after. I know most of you are thinking this guy needs to go to Regent 7 seas or Crystal but I'm only 28. I like the big fun ships Royal and Carnival offer, I'm not cheap I just desire an all inclusive experience.

 

 

I don't get why people feel cheap over this, they know they've already paid the tips.

 

And no that's what I love about cruising, twice I've come home to a bill under $10. (on most lines in Aus tips are included in the fare, so if I want to tip extra just hand out some cash). I always get a drinks package (Soda) either as a perk or prepaid.

 

 

Now I won't talk about what we've spent on a few other cruises. One when some art and watches took our fancy and ine when Mrs Gut decided she our daughter and daughter in law all needed new leather goods and cosmetics:eek:.

[GUT2407]

It's all about convenience for me. I probably lose a few dollars but it allows me to actually relax. I would much rather pay more up front and not feel nickled and dimed the entire trip.

 

My only complaint is that they charge us for gratuity in advance and then force us to sign a receipt with a box for an additional tip. It makes me feel cheap if I don't tip but I already did. I usually give an extra dollar or two but once again I'd rather pay more in advance and not spend a cent on the ship. We do indulge in speciality dining but I pay in advance. Nothing brings down the post vacation high like getting a big bill after. I know most of you are thinking this guy needs to go to Regent 7 seas or Crystal but I'm only 28. I like the big fun ships Royal and Carnival offer, I'm not cheap I just desire an all inclusive experience.

 

Oh.

 

I also agree re the convenience.

 

Not thinking, can I have a drink now or should I leave it for a while, maybe save a drink or two today (yep I'm a tight wad).

 

And trying something new knowing if I don't like it nothing wasted, it's how the beautiful Mrs Gut got hooked on Virgin Piña Caloda's and NoJitos made in Pineapple juice (instead of Grapefruit).