Yet another drink package question :)

[MClemans]

First time on a cruise and sailing off on the Liberty in August. I keep debating on whether or not I should buy the drink package before we leave or wait til we are on the ship. Do they offer deals if I wait til boarding? Any other benefits to waiting?

 

 

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Edited February 17, 2016 by MClemans

[tserface]

I've never purchased a drink package, but so far as I can tell there's not reason not to wait. There are tables everywhere set up to sell you the package and you can also purchase it at almost any bar. I think you can also purchase it on the second day to save the $$$ from the first day since you don't get on the ship until the day is already half over.

 

We don't drink enough to make it worth while, but I know a lot of people think the packages are a great deal.

 

Tom

[Lean-N-Supreme]

Check this thread out OP. I was pretty set on getting a drink package until I gave this a read.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2261764&highlight=drink+package+worth

[Mark-Sheffield]

We got a drinks package as part of the booking deal, but to be honest we do not drink enough to actually buy one. I know there are lots of previous posts about how many drinks you need to consume for the break even point and for us it would be a waste of money

[Mjoellnir]

For non Americans I really recommend buying the package in advance. If the dollar exchange rate become higher then so will the price of the package. And if it goes down, you may still cancel the package until 3 days before and then buy it on the ship.

 

I have saved the equal of ca $100 by buying mine 9 monts ago because the dollar became so much more expensive for Norwegians. (And much more by prepaying our hotels pre and post cruise).

 

Op did not ask if the package was worth it.

[BekkaW]

Benefits to booking onboard: you can use OBC, you can buy for less than the full cruise, you may be lucky and your cruise offers some discount for C&A members (not offered on all cruises or all the time, seems like a trial at the moment)

 

Benefits to booking in advance: all sorted, no waiting, no large bill at the end of the cruise

[MClemans]

Thank you all for the responses! I am still slightly on the fence about whether or not to actually go for the package *thank you for that link btw! Super helpful!* I am seriously considering it though simply for the convenience factor and the ability to let loose and try some new things. I know the two of us probably won't break even everyday but the thought of being able to grab a drink anywhere without a hunt is tempting. Plus it's our anniversary so we want the luxury. [emoji485][emoji898][emoji482]

That said, I may just buy it ahead of time. That way I can have as much of this trip paid off when we leave and alleviate the inevitable stress from the credit card bill.

 

This forum has been fantastic btw. Everyone has been so helpful. Thank you!

 

 

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[MClemans]

Benefits to booking onboard: you can use OBC, you can buy for less than the full cruise, you may be lucky and your cruise offers some discount for C&A members (not offered on all cruises or all the time, seems like a trial at the moment)

 

 

 

Benefits to booking in advance: all sorted, no waiting, no large bill at the end of the cruise

 

 

I hadn't even considered buying for only some of the cruise. That actually may be a better option since the last two days of the cruise are sea days. We have Cozumel at the beginning and were planning on doing an all inclusive resort anyways.

 

 

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[Mjoellnir]

Welcome to cruise critic :)

[MClemans]

Welcome to cruise critic :)

 

 

Thanks! Happy to have found this mass sea of information!

 

 

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[Clarea]

Benefits to booking onboard: you can use OBC, you can buy for less than the full cruise, you may be lucky and your cruise offers some discount for C&A members (not offered on all cruises or all the time, seems like a trial at the moment)

 

Benefits to booking in advance: all sorted, no waiting, no large bill at the end of the cruise

Excellent summary.

 

I would add one more benefit to booking in advance: if the price of the package goes up, you are locked in at the rate when you added it to the booking.

[hancogran]

We're not really drinkers either so we don't buy drink packages but a few weeks ago on Oasis, about half way through the week they offered a 10 drink card for $79 plus gratuities. We bought one of these and it was perfect for us. You can buy a card each or buy one and share. Not sure if this is available on other ships as well as Oasis.