Ways to Avoid a Huge Drinks Bill

[Obilix]

I'm a relatively inexperienced cruiser, but from what I've read and observed there are a few ways of avoiding exorbitant drinks bills at the end of a cruise.

 

Of course a lot depends on your drinking habits and tastes, whether you are trying to impress, whether you are embarrassed at the thought of appearing a tight arse, or whether you are so wealthy money doesn't matter. In the latter case of course, what are you doing on a cruise ship when you should have your own personal seagoing yacht?

 

I fall into the category of having enough money but not too much, and having a wife who doesn't drink but doesn't mind me doing so as long as I don't go overboard (no pun intended). I enjoy basic spirits and an occasional wine and beer, and am so brass faced that what would embarrass me would kill an elephant.

 

Carefully consider whether a drinks package is for you. Remember that usually both occupants of a cabin have to buy it. Tough if only one drinks.

And if you try to get value for money, your liver probably won't last the voyage. I read somewhere that a basic package has a daily limit of 15 drinks per person. That's the point where the cruise line starts losing money on the drinks package deal. That's also the point where you won't remember you were on the cruise in any event. It should be noted that "safe" drinking for a male means no more than 4 standard drinks a day (some surveys now say 2 standard drinks).

 

For my next cruise on HAL (24 days) I have pre bought 2 bottles of spirits from the ship to be delivered to our cabin. This comes with 6 cans of mixers. Cost about US$40 per bottle. I could have bought more, but hey.

 

I will bring on board a couple of bottles of good wine which is permitted, and a dozen or so extra cans of mixers, also permitted.

 

This will allow me a couple or three relaxing drinks on our verandah a day, and if I feel like a couple of overpriced beers in the bars or an occasional wine with my meal, well it won't send me broke. And while I might try an expensive martini, I don't drink them at home, so why would I splurge on them just because I'm on a cruise?

 

There is free hot water available on board, and free non bottled drinking water.

The public water supply I drink at home comes mostly from desalinated seawater, so I won't taste any difference. I'll bring a few bottles of water on board and refill them as required.

 

I'll also bring a few boxes of those premixed cappuccino sachets (or similar), some tea bags and a thermos flask. That way we can have a "speciality" coffee whenever we like, at little cost, merely the bother of filling the thermos.

 

I don't believe I'm being a miserable bastard, just moderately careful, and will spend what's required on trips ashore, the occasional speciality meal, souvenirs etc.

 

What do others suggest?

[GUT2407]

Not sure many lines still insist on both getting the package, check that about whoever you are sailing with.

 

Even the $15 corkage can make taking your own wine on with you, depending what you drink.

 

Forums it's easy, soft drink package for me, coffee card for Mrs Gut, life's sweet.

[cb at sea]

RCI no longer requires all occupants of a cabin to buy the same packages....so that's nice. If I was sailing a ship with a "corkage" fee, I simply wouldn't bring my own wine....I drink fairly inexpensive wine...adding $15 to the cost of a $7 bottle is just stupid, IMO! Wine is the most expensive drink on a ship... (as far as the "bang" you get!), so for 1 week, I'll get my buzz from other booze!!!

[Greensteam]

Princess allow just one occupant to buy the drinks package. I had one last cruise but I found that I tended to drink more than usual. Next cruise on P&O they're throwing the package in for both of us. Yippee.

[Twickenham]

A very well-thought post. I think the price of your spirits is quite reasonable, actually, and have pondered such a purchase in the past. My personal fav cheapo beverage trick is using the lemon wedges they put out for tea to make my own lemonade - that way I can avoid the syrupy fountain beverages.

 

Our indulgence on a cruise is purchasing wine onboard - we've met some lovely sommeliers that way :D.

[OzKiwiJJ]

Depending on the cruise line, the drinks aren't necessarily over-priced. If it's a USD cruise then the exchange rate may take the price to above what you'd pay at your local pub or restaurant, but drinks prices on the Princess AUD ships are very reasonable. Cocktails at $13.94 are several dollars cheaper than at many Sydney bars and restaurants, wine by the glass is on par or slightly cheaper, not sure about beers but, again, probably about par.

 

On Princess, RCI and Celebrity both people in a cabin do not have to buy a drinks package, or can buy different drinks packages eg one all inclusive, one non-alcoholic. Remember that the all inclusive drinks packages also include speciality coffees, water, juice, and sometimes ice-creams. Again, it depends on the cruise line and the itinerary, but it actually isn't hard to get value from a drinks package.

 

The speciality coffees are also priced well compared with land prices and, no, a packaged premix is no substitute for a well made espresso IMHO. In fact the packaged mixes usually contain all sorts of additives including artificial sweeteners. Yuck!

 

And you missed one group of people from your drinking habits and tastes list - those who want a relaxed holiday without having to worry whether a extra cocktail or a bottle of sparkling mineral water is going to blow their budget, who treat wine as an accompaniment to a meal not something to swill, and who prefer good coffee. These people aren't out to impress, wouldn't care if people though they were a tight arse or not, and aren't wealthy so quite like the idea of being able to budget exactly for their onboard drinks costs, and are happy to buy a drinks package or have it included as a perk.

 

What suits you doesn't suit us. Although it is nice to have a balcony, I'd rather save money by having an inside cabin, since we're usually only there to sleep, shower, and change clothes. The money we save doing that pays for our drinks packages with money left over.

 

However it is important to check out the drinks pricing on cruises, and they do vary considerably, and to work out whether a drinks package is suitable for you. You seem to have very strange ideas about drinks packages. On the lines I have cruised on so far there is no limit on the drinks you can get per day. Let's look at the Princess package at AU $59 per day. The average price of a beer is $7 so that's 8.4 beers a day to break even. The average price of wine by the glass is $8 so that's 7.3 wines a day. Cocktails are $13.95 so that's only 4.2 cocktails a day - two by the pool in the afternoon, one before dinner and one after dinner, and remember some cocktails are more fruit juice than alcohol. When you mix it up a bit more - wine with lunch and dinner, 2-3 cocktails, coffees, an ice-cream on a hot afternoon, and bottled water, it is very easy to get value from a drinks package without over-indulging.

[Missusdubbya]

We usually cruise with Royal, and my husband always gets the beer & wine (select) drinks package. Over the cruise he always gets excellent use out of it :).

 

I take 2 the allowed bottles of wine on board, and buy whatever else I want, including a cocktail or two.

 

For us, this always works out less expensive than both paying on consumption.

[joandian]

We cruise Royal Caribbean and Celebrity and my husband always gets the drink package. I'm not a big drinker and I am happy to just have one or two in the Diamond lounge of an evening. I do drink a lot of water and since bottled water comes with the packages, we are covered :-)

 

I have to say he's not a huge drinker but does get his moneys worth with fresh juice, coffees, and his numerous glasses of Jack... and the water :-)

[psyfly]

Some excellent suggestions there. Problem is that for solo cruisers its better to not sit in your cabin and drink :D

[joandian]

Some excellent suggestions there. Problem is that for solo cruisers its better to not sit in your cabin and drink :D

 

No, you go out on the pool deck and drink :D

[psyfly]

Take a little basket with glass, ice, ice bucket and wine. :D

[goodycruising]

You could use similar analogy for a Sunday drive. Pack a lunch, take a thermos. But I like to buy a meal on the road, and get a nice hot cup of coffee somewhere. That is part of what I enjoy. Same on the ship, no room in my bag for a vacuum flask, sorry! I don't see that as speciality coffee, but certainly something that you may really enjoy. I get some of your points, but each person has their own idea of value for money.

 

It is like the laundry debate, some people want a laundry on board, and I would rather budget less than $100 to have whatever I want washed & pressed for me. (That is the most 2 of us have spent for an 18 night cruise) After spending a few thousand on the cruise, plus some on drinks and casino, I am not keen to spend hours doing laundry to save a relatively small amount. Some people with a family may perceive that very differently.

 

Why would a super rich person cruise? To meet interesting people of course. Some people get super rich by watching the pennies too. Getting value for money is different to being cheap or tight.

 

The personal preferences of each is very subjective.

[GUT2407]

You could use similar analogy for a Sunday drive. Pack a lunch, take a thermos. But I like to buy a meal on the road, and get a nice hot cup of coffee somewhere. That is part of what I enjoy. Same on the ship, no room in my bag for a vacuum flask, sorry! I don't see that as speciality coffee, but certainly something that you may really enjoy. I get some of your points, but each person has their own idea of value for money.

 

It is like the laundry debate, some people want a laundry on board, and I would rather budget less than $100 to have whatever I want washed & pressed for me. (That is the most 2 of us have spent for an 18 night cruise) After spending a few thousand on the cruise, plus some on drinks and casino, I am not keen to spend hours doing laundry to save a relatively small amount. Some people with a family may perceive that very differently.

 

Why would a super rich person cruise? To meet interesting people of course. Some people get super rich by watching the pennies too. Getting value for money is different to being cheap or tight.

 

The personal preferences of each is very subjective.

 

That last line sums it all up, if you ask me.

[OzKiwiJJ]

The personal preferences of each is very subjective.

 

That last line sums it all up, if you ask me.

 

Which is why is it very important when discussing personal preferences not to use derogatory terms and sarcastic comments for people who don't have the same preferences as you.

[GUT2407]

Which is why is it very important when discussing personal preferences not to use derogatory terms and sarcastic comments for people who don't have the same preferences as you.

 

But a couple of topics seem to attract that sort of comment.

 

Glad tipping isn't one of them.:eek:;)

[happysnapper]

Just looking at some of the prices mentioned above I think Princess must assume our dollar is going to drop substantially in the next 12 months or the price of alcohol is being taxed out of reach, as their "All inclusive beverage package" quoted for a cruise we have booked for 2017 is now $76.07. Alternatively five twist tops of beer for the price of four $30. :eek:

Edited March 31, 2016 by happysnapper

[avalon007]

Ways to Avoid a Huge Drinks Bill?

 

Here is a novel one for you if you intend to cruise fairly often.

 

Join the loyalty program & stick with the same cruise line until you get to a level like Diamond & above on Royal that gives you free drinks.

 

In the Diamond Lounge from about 5-8.30pm each evening you can drink as much as you want of beer, wine, spirits & simple cocktails from a set list, even if you are not big drinkers it can save you a lot.

 

You get the option to have 3 drinks at other bars around the ship in the same time each day, so even if you don't want to attend the Diamond Lounge it's still good value.

 

A couple drinking 4 drinks each with an average value of say $8 will save over $750 dollars on a 12 night cruise! :)

 

They also give you a few other discounts related to drinks like buy one get one free, 20% discount etc that are not time restricted.

 

With Royals program you also get reciprocal rewards on Celebrity - so an added bonus.

[cassamanda]

Ways to Avoid a Huge Drinks Bill?

 

Here is a novel one for you if you intend to cruise fairly often.

 

Join the loyalty program & stick with the same cruise line until you get to a level like Diamond & above on Royal that gives you free drinks.

 

In the Diamond Lounge from about 5-8.30pm each evening you can drink as much as you want of beer, wine, spirits & simple cocktails from a set list, even if you are not big drinkers it can save you a lot.

 

You get the option to have 3 drinks at other bars around the ship in the same time each day, so even if you don't want to attend the Diamond Lounge it's still good value.

 

A couple drinking 4 drinks each with an average value of say $8 will save over $750 dollars on a 12 night cruise! :)

 

They also give you a few other discounts related to drinks like buy one get one free, 20% discount etc that are not time restricted.

 

With Royals program you also get reciprocal rewards on Celebrity - so an added bonus.

 

Too true. All the above. Cant understand why you would want a drink package once you reach Diamond or above. We average 3 to 4 spirits each evening in the lounge. Thats worth about $50 per day or at least $300 US per week. Add to that 2 glasses of wine for the dinner table (from the bar off the card:)). Current price (today) for standard spirit mixers on Radiance is $7US and cocktails are $10 with beer at $5.50 to $6.

 

I certainly dont mind buying any extra drinks as we go. BTW have not been charged for premium coffee at the coffee shop.

[OzKiwiJJ]

Just looking at some of the prices mentioned above I think Princess must assume our dollar is going to drop substantially in the next 12 months or the price of alcohol is being taxed out of reach, as their "All inclusive beverage package" quoted for a cruise we have booked for 2017 is now $76.07. Alternatively five twist tops of beer for the price of four $30. :eek:

 

Is that for a cruise with USD onboard costs? If so the USD price of the package is US $56.35 so AU $76.07 is close to current exchange rate conversion.

 

Check what rate they are offering OBC for.

Edited March 31, 2016 by OzKiwiJJ

[avalon007]

Too true. All the above. Cant understand why you would want a drink package once you reach Diamond or above. We average 3 to 4 spirits each evening in the lounge. Thats worth about $50 per day or at least $300 US per week. Add to that 2 glasses of wine for the dinner table (from the bar off the card:)). Current price (today) for standard spirit mixers on Radiance is $7US and cocktails are $10 with beer at $5.50 to $6.

 

I certainly dont mind buying any extra drinks as we go. BTW have not been charged for premium coffee at the coffee shop.

 

We have had a few instances were they say you can't use your vouchers for something, but they see your card & just don't charge you, even though we are expecting to pay.

[OzKiwiJJ]

Yes, loyalty status perks can be a good way of saving on the cost of drinks - assuming the quality of the free drinks is good. Again, it depends on what your individual tastes are.

 

It's no good serving me a glass of sauvignon blanc, for example. I avoid drinking that wine as most sauvignon blancs give me severe reflux for some strange reason.

 

Do I really want a cocktail that's loaded with sugar and fruit juice? No, I'd rather have something tart and tangy like a caprioska.

 

The sensible thing to do is to take all things into consideration - what you like to drink, what the prices are, are you eligible for decent quailty free drinks, then cost it out and decide whether a package suits you or not.

[happysnapper]

Is that for a cruise with USD onboard costs? If so the USD price of the package is US $56.35 so AU $76.07 is close to current exchange rate conversion.

 

Check what rate they are offering OBC for.

Cruise and Beverages package prices are in AUD as the cruise is Australian based...Sydney to Sydney 34 days cruise.

[OzKiwiJJ]

Cruise and Beverages package prices are in AUD as the cruise is Australian based...Sydney to Sydney 34 days cruise.

 

Ah! It's the AUD drinks price bug striking again! There is something weird with the Personalizer online prices of drinks packages on AUD cruises. I think it tries to convert the AUD price, thinking it's a USD price, or something silly like that. It's been mentioned quite a few times here. Elsewhere on the Princess website it still shows the price as $59:

 

"All-Inclusive Beverage Package - Australia

On select Australia voyages; the All-Inclusive Beverage Package is only available on voyages 8 nights and longer. Enjoy the convenience of our All-inclusive Package featuring any drink up to $14 AUD including cocktails, spirits, wine, beer, bottled water, sodas, specialty coffees & more! A 40% discount on bottles of wine (below $100 AUD retail) is also offered on bottles purchased in bars, dining rooms or specialty restaurants. Excludes in-room services, souvenir, mini-bar and vending machine items. Terms and conditions may apply.

Item #2419 $59.00 AUD per person/per day"

 

Apparently if you do pre-purchase it Princess credits you with the difference. However it's very easy to buy it onboard, and you could always buy enough OBC to cover the cost if you want to have it all prepaid before you cruise.

 

Is that the Taihiti & Hawaii cruise?

[joandian]

Too true. All the above. Cant understand why you would want a drink package once you reach Diamond or above. We average 3 to 4 spirits each evening in the lounge. Thats worth about $50 per day or at least $300 US per week. Add to that 2 glasses of wine for the dinner table (from the bar off the card:)). Current price (today) for standard spirit mixers on Radiance is $7US and cocktails are $10 with beer at $5.50 to $6.

 

I certainly dont mind buying any extra drinks as we go. BTW have not been charged for premium coffee at the coffee shop.

 

Yes, but some people might like to enjoy their drinks through the day and late in the evening, not just at 'Happy Hour'. We are D+ and do go to the D or Concierge lounge to socialise, but my Husband like to spread this drinks out over the day and with fresh juice, specialty coffees, spirits, wine and water included, it is worthwhile even when D+.

[happysnapper]

[

Thanks for that info OzKiwiJJ. I did wonder why the two different prices. I though the $59 was current and Princess knew something we didn't know about the AUD hence the huge increase for next year. Will check it out with our Cruise Holiday Planner as we booked direct with Princess. Yes its the Hawaiian cruise. Can't wait.

Edited April 1, 2016 by happysnapper