GUT2407 Posted August 27, 2017 #51 Share Posted August 27, 2017 What some seem to overlook is it can also be a win-win. Look at it this way, I'm a soda drinker. If I was paying $2.50 a can I might have one a day, maybe two but won't buy the fountain stuff Princess would get a profit of about $2.50 (50%), Now if for $7.00 a day I get unlimited fountain soda (costs them a few cents a glass less than 10c) I might even drink ten, profit $6.00 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GUT2407 Posted August 27, 2017 #52 Share Posted August 27, 2017 What some seem to overlook is it can also be a win-win. Look at it this way, I'm a soda drinker. If I was paying $2.50 a can I might have one a day, maybe two but won't buy the fountain stuff Princess would get a profit of about $2.50 (50%), Now if for $7.00 a day I get unlimited fountain soda (costs them a few cents a glass less than 10c) I might even drink ten, profit $6.00 Oops hit post before I was finished. Now alcohol.. At $10 a glass most people will also limit themselves to two or three, maybe a $15 profit, at $59 have even 8 drinks, still a $19 profit. See win win. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benjaminwallace Posted August 27, 2017 #53 Share Posted August 27, 2017 Very good point, GUT2407. It really depends on what is or would be consumed. I ALWAYS get the Specialty Coffee card but I'm also a Starbucks nut. So it really just depends. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GUT2407 Posted August 27, 2017 #54 Share Posted August 27, 2017 Very good point, GUT2407. It really depends on what is or would be consumed. I ALWAYS get the Specialty Coffee card but I'm also a Starbucks nut. So it really just depends. Coffee card is even greater win-win, Mrs Gut generally gets one works out to saving close to a buck a coffee (she wins) but wouldnypt soend $35 (I think that's what we paid last cruise) on individual coffees so princess wins too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colo Cruiser Posted August 27, 2017 #55 Share Posted August 27, 2017 Correct, no gratuity added for Haven suite guests. As for the butler/concierge question, as was suggested, you may want to try the NCL forum for that information. No butlers or Haven Suites on Princess. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caribill Posted August 27, 2017 #56 Share Posted August 27, 2017 On NCL if one were to chose the AIBP, or even Speciality dinning, or internet minutes, then although it might have been free under a promo, they would still charge a gratuity on the package based on what it would have cost to purchase the package. Why would Internet usage have a gratuity? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caribill Posted August 27, 2017 #57 Share Posted August 27, 2017 Coffee card is even greater win-win, Mrs Gut generally gets one works out to saving close to a buck a coffee (she wins) but wouldnypt soend $35 (I think that's what we paid last cruise) on individual coffees so princess wins too. If you used the unused punches on a future Princess cruise, then you would win. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beg3yrs Posted August 27, 2017 #58 Share Posted August 27, 2017 ... We also like wine with dinner and any bottle of $100.00 or more is 40% off ... This is not correct. Any bottle of $100.00 or less is 40% off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melsblue Posted August 27, 2017 #59 Share Posted August 27, 2017 Why would Internet usage have a gratuity? Because their response is incorrect unless this is for guest not staying in a full suite. Never have I had to pay gratuities on a package that was part of a promo offer. Best thing to do is just ask your TA to include all gratuities within your booking price. That's what I did so there are NO surprises. Forgot a few but here's the majority: Carnival Ecstasy 1994 Carnival Triumph 1997 RCL Voyager of the Seas December 1999 RCL Explorer of the Seas November 2001 RCL Navigator of the Seas April 2002 & November 2002 RCL Mariner of the Seas November 2003 RCL Explorer of the Seas April 2004 RCL Navigator of the Seas April 2005 RCL Freedom of the Seas April 2006 RCL Mariner of the Seas November 2006 Princess Crown June 2006 NCL Pride of America (formerly Pride of Hawaii) June 2007 Celebrity Solstice December 2008 RCL Oasis of the Seas May 2010 NCL Epic June 2010 RCL Jewel of the Seas April/May 2011 RCL Oasis of the Seas June 2012 Carnival Pride November 2012 RCL Jewel of the Seas May 2013 RCL Independence of the Seas June 2013 RCL Freedom of the Seas May 2014 RCL Explorer January 2015 NCL Getaway May 2016 RCL Adventure of the Seas December 2016 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melsblue Posted August 31, 2017 #60 Share Posted August 31, 2017 Correction: For NCL guests in Haven Suites who booked a cruise before June 2017 (but sailing after), gratuities ARE including so you don't have to worry about paying the UBP gratuities once on the ship. Any guests who booked AFTER MAY 2017, Haven residents or not, must pay gratuities each time they order a drink even IF they have the ultimate beverage package. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveH2508 Posted August 31, 2017 #61 Share Posted August 31, 2017 Correction: For NCL guests in Haven Suites who booked a cruise before June 2017 (but sailing after), gratuities ARE including so you don't have to worry about paying the UBP gratuities once on the ship. Any guests who booked AFTER MAY 2017, Haven residents or not, must pay gratuities each time they order a drink even IF they have the ultimate beverage package. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Not quite. The NCL Haven guests now have to pay gratuities on the package at time of booking, just like the other pax.. They do not pay gratuities for each drink order (unless it is the excess over $15) with the UBP. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melsblue Posted September 1, 2017 #62 Share Posted September 1, 2017 Not quite. The NCL Haven guests now have to pay gratuities on the package at time of booking, just like the other pax.. They do not pay gratuities for each drink order (unless it is the excess over $15) with the UBP. The statement which I stated, "gratuities ARE included for Haven residents for the UBP," stands correct if they booked before JUNE 2017. This was confirmed by, NCL PRE-CRUISE CONCIERGE. That's why I posted. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveH2508 Posted September 1, 2017 #63 Share Posted September 1, 2017 The statement which I stated, "gratuities ARE included for Haven residents for the UBP," stands correct if they booked before JUNE 2017. This was confirmed by, NCL PRE-CRUISE CONCIERGE. That's why I posted. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Which is what I said? I was correcting your statement "...must pay gratuities each time they order a drink...". This is only the case if they do not have the UBP. If they have the UBP, they have paid gratuities upfront (Haven if booked after May 2017, all 'steerage' class) so no gratuities charged, unless the drink is over $15. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melsblue Posted September 1, 2017 #64 Share Posted September 1, 2017 Which is what I said? I was correcting your statement "...must pay gratuities each time they order a drink...". This is only the case if they do not have the UBP. If they have the UBP, they have paid gratuities upfront (Haven if booked after May 2017, all 'steerage' class) so no gratuities charged, unless the drink is over $15. Ok [emoji16] Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hye Seas Posted September 2, 2017 #65 Share Posted September 2, 2017 Welcome!I agree that the value would really vary based on the individual. Dear Husband (DH) and I enjoy trying different drinks and cruising is ideal for this since we know that neither one of us will have to drive anywhere. The AIBP does seem pricy though - especially for port days. Here is what we plan for our 5 day cruise: 1 bottle wine each in our carry on - no corkage fee if poured in the cabin (you can carry the glass around the ship if you want) Ultimate Soda and More package - DH is fine with basic coffee so no need for the coffee card, but this includes all mocktails. Sometimes we want something new to try but not necessarily the alcohol. Wine Maker's table - $40 meal (if we can get on the list) that should let us try something new with dinner one night Buy One Get One for $1 specials Individual purchase if there is anything else we want. Hope you enjoy your cruise and whatever package/non package you decide. Princess is not clear about what is included in the Unlimited Soda & More Package. Is brewed coffee included? Not a fancy cappuccino, just regular-not instant brewed coffee.Tea? What about bottled water? Would really appreciate it if anyone has a clear answer to this. We are sailing aboard the Regal Princess in a few weeks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thrak Posted September 2, 2017 #66 Share Posted September 2, 2017 Princess is not clear about what is included in the Unlimited Soda & More Package. Is brewed coffee included? Not a fancy cappuccino, just regular-not instant brewed coffee.Tea? What about bottled water? Would really appreciate it if anyone has a clear answer to this. We are sailing aboard the Regal Princess in a few weeks. Seems pretty straightforward to me. It does not include fresh-brewed coffee nor does it include bottled water. I don't see why it would be ambiguous. This is what Princess lists: ========================== Unlimited Soda & More Package Indulge yourself with this premium Unlimited Soda & More Package, entitling you to unlimited fountain soft drinks, plus mocktails, juices, and complimentary hot chocolate throughout your cruise. Price includes service charge. Package must be purchased for full length of voyage, cannot be shared, is non-transferable, and is non-refundable within 3 days of sailing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob & Beckys mom Posted September 2, 2017 #67 Share Posted September 2, 2017 Alcohol in checked luggage still allowed? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thrak Posted September 2, 2017 #68 Share Posted September 2, 2017 Alcohol in checked luggage still allowed? No. It was never allowed. You can bring wine but it's best not to put it in checked luggage - unless of course it's a case with a luggage tag. 1 750ml bottle per adult passenger for "free" and any more than that incurs a $15 per bottle corkage fee. No other alcohol is allowed to be brought onboard. Period. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob & Beckys mom Posted September 2, 2017 #69 Share Posted September 2, 2017 Haven't cruised for 5 years, but we used to bring it on in checked luggage Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drsel Posted September 3, 2017 #70 Share Posted September 3, 2017 No. It was never allowed. You can bring wine but it's best not to put it in checked luggage - unless of course it's a case with a luggage tag. 1 750ml bottle per adult passenger for "free" and any more than that incurs a $15 per bottle corkage fee. No other alcohol is allowed to be brought onboard. Period. Is 1 bottle of 750ml wine per adult also allowed on MSC and Costa? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
satxdiver Posted September 3, 2017 #71 Share Posted September 3, 2017 Alcohol in checked luggage still allowed? No. At one time they would allow wine before they changed to the $15 corking fee on all wine brought aboard after the free bottle/pax. I would take a case of wine (longer cruise), put a luggage tag on it and give it to the baggage people at the port. I never had a problem in it being delivered to my state room often before our baggage appeared. It was more an unwritten policy in that they did not stop it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drsel Posted September 4, 2017 #72 Share Posted September 4, 2017 In Celebrity, when you have the unlimited Classic alcoholic beverage package as a free perk, do they reduce the alcohol or water down the drinks? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pacruise804 Posted September 5, 2017 #73 Share Posted September 5, 2017 Princess is not clear about what is included in the Unlimited Soda & More Package. Is brewed coffee included? Not a fancy cappuccino, just regular-not instant brewed coffee.Tea? What about bottled water? Would really appreciate it if anyone has a clear answer to this. We are sailing aboard the Regal Princess in a few weeks. I am assuming since it is not listed in the description (and there is another pay option for it) that neither bottled water nor premium coffee/tea is included. All passenger fares should include basic brewed coffee and basic bags of tea with hot water. This should be available at either the buffet or in the main dining room. I have read threads stating Regal has brewed coffee available but the complimentary coffee on other ships is a concentrate syrup. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Cruise Raider Posted September 5, 2017 #74 Share Posted September 5, 2017 In Celebrity, when you have the unlimited Classic alcoholic beverage package as a free perk, do they reduce the alcohol or water down the drinks? Not that I could tell ... some of those drinks have been pretty strong when I've ordered them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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