Confused by the new "Princess Circle" Premier Beverage Package artical

[OCruisers]

See page 6 in the new "Princess Circle".

Premier Beverage Package.

It states UNLIMITED cocktails, wine by the glass, beer, etc.

Sort of think the new "Pricess Circle" has it wrong and there will still be a 15 drink limit per day on alcoholic drinks ... but it's a bit confusing ....

[Mike45LC]

Save the article so that if/when the ship charges you for exceeding the limit on drinks, you will have the hard copy to challenge them on those illegal excess charges.

[Thrak]

Just returned from 28 days on Emerald Princess. There was indeed a 15 drink (alcoholic drinks) limit before they started charging for drinks. I drink more than most and I found 15 drinks to be a more than adequate amount. I don't think many people (myself included) will have a problem staying within the limit. I got the magazine today and I see where it does say "unlimited" but I think that's just bad information. Sad as it will give people the wrong idea.

 

We watched in Wheelhouse and when they enter your card number or slide your card the screen shows your cabin number and also the number of drinks you have purchased on that day. They do keep track.

[BarbaraP]

Just returned from 28 days on Emerald Princess. There was indeed a 15 drink (alcoholic drinks) limit before they started charging for drinks. I drink more than most and I found 15 drinks to be a more than adequate amount. I don't think many people (myself included) will have a problem staying within the limit. I got the magazine today and I see where it does say "unlimited" but I think that's just bad information. Sad as it will give people the wrong idea.

 

We watched in Wheelhouse and when they enter your card number or slide your card the screen shows your cabin number and also the number of drinks you have purchased on that day. They do keep track.

 

Were the drinks at the M&G excluded from the beverage package as previously stated?

[Thrak]

Were the drinks at the M&G excluded from the beverage package as previously stated?

 

Our Meet & Greet was in Skywalker's (we filled the venue) and that bar isn't staffed until 10:00 PM so I can't really answer that question. I did see folks who had the package carrying drinks they had gotten in other venues. It is my personal feeling that the package would have been honored there as it worked very well and the staff onboard seemed (mostly) very familiar with it.

[Host CJSKIDS]

I know you said you took small splits of champagne unopened back to your cabin for later. Did you ever try and get an unopened beer?

[Thrak]

I know you said you took small splits of champagne unopened back to your cabin for later. Did you ever try and get an unopened beer?

 

Yep. My wife spotted Alaskan Amber on display at one of the pool bars. (Emerald had just returned from Alaska.) She asked the bartender and he said he still had some left. We got unopened bottles to take to the cabin. (Of course he was one of the bartenders who was familiar with me... :o)

[cmdchiefthom]

My wife and I are doing 15 nights aboard the Star Princess LA to Hawaii. I don't see any daily limit in the following beverage package that's listed on the booking Summary? I've had this perk on previous NCL cruises, and just want to know what to expect when I'm actually aboard ship.;)

Premier Beverage Package

 

$68.99 per person, per day Enjoy a wide range of drinks for $59.99 per day plus a 15% gratuity. The Premier Beverage Package includes any individual beverage item such as fountain soda, bottled water, cocktails, spirits, wine by the glass, beers, coffee and tea, up to $12 (retail value). A 25% discount is also offered on all bottles of wine when purchased in bars, dining room or specialty restaurants.

 

[memoak]

You need to click on "Full Terms and Conditions for all the limits like 15 alcoholic drinks, no canned soda only fountain and small waters only not large

[cmdchiefthom]

You need to click on "Full Terms and Conditions for all the limits like 15 alcoholic drinks, no canned soda only fountain and small waters only not large

 

Ah yes, the "Fine Print":rolleyes: Thanks! ;)

[OCruisers]

The reason for my post: To point out the New Princess Circle quarterly Magazine (see page 6) incorrectly stated UNLIMITED for the Premier Beverage Package.

This could be misleading & confusing to some.

[Thrak]

You need to click on "Full Terms and Conditions for all the limits like 15 alcoholic drinks, no canned soda only fountain and small waters only not large

 

 

For extreme clarity and also for those will not go back to Princess and actually click the link suggested, below is a cut and paste from the main "Gifts and Services" menu:

=================

 

Premier Beverage Package Our Premier Beverage Package is a great value! Enjoy a wide array of cocktails, wine, beer, bottled water, specialty coffee, smoothies, fountain sodas and more for just $59.99 USD^ per day ($68.99 per day with a 15% service charge included). There are also non-alcoholic and coffee packages available.

View full terms & conditions.

 

==========================

 

Please note that there is a link at the bottom to "View full terms and conditions". If you click on that link you will find the limitations. Below is a cut and paste of those terms and conditions: (The text that is bold, italicized, and red was altered - in those ways only - by me to provide emphasis and ease of location by the casual reader.

 

=========================

The Premier Beverage Package

Terms & Conditions 2017

The Premier Beverage Package is offered at $59.99 USD per day plus a 15% service charge (totaling $68.99 per day) for all itineraries except Australia. For all Australia-based vessels, the package is available $86.99 AUD per day. Pre-purchased package pricing is converted at the applicable currency conversion rate from the US base price, is subject to fluctuation and may vary from onboard pricing. The full amount due for the complete voyage will be charged at the time of purchase.


Your Premier Beverage Package includes:

All beer, wine by the glass and cocktails $12.00 USD and under as listed on our menu(s) or $16.00 AUD and under for ships based in Australia

 

• Bottled water (500ml only)
  
• Fountain sodas, fresh juices ( if available), specialty coffees and teas, Red Bull energy drinks
  
• Gong Cha items (if available) 

  
• Frappe’s at Coffee & Cones
  
• Smoothies and milk shakes (if available) 

  
• Enjoy the convenience of your beverage package on our Private Islands and all food and beverage venues that offer beverage service
  

The package includes an extra 25% discount on the following items that are otherwise excluded from the package:

 

• All bottles of wine 

  
• One-liter bottles of water (if dining at a specialty venue, a large one-liter bottle of water, still or sparkling, is covered by the package)

  
• Canned soda, and bottled juices 

  

Purchase information and package details and qualifications:

Guests must purchase the Premier Beverage Package for every day of sailing. Partial or prorated packages or segments will not be accepted. 


The package may be pre-purchased up to 4 days prior to boarding the vessel. It is not available for pre-purchase within 3 days of sailing but is offered on board on embarkation day. It is not sold after embarkation day. 


Package sales are final within 3 days of sailing or once purchased on board.

The package is NOT available for voyages of fewer than 7 nights for Australia-based itineraries, or voyages 2 nights or under for all other itineraries. 


Please note that age restrictions will apply for purchases of the Premier Beverage Package. 


Terms and Conditions

Alcoholic drinks are limited to 15 beverages per 24-hour period (6 a.m. to 6 a.m.) Alcoholic drinks requested above the daily limits are at the discretion of the shipboard management and crew and charged at regular menu prices. Non-alcoholic drinks do NOT have this limitation, nor do they count towards this maximum. 


Only one beverage is allowed per passenger per order (alcoholic or non-alcoholic).

Items selected that exceed the $12.00 USD or $16.00 AUD price are charged at full menu price. Alcoholic drinks requested above the daily limits are at the discretion of the shipboard management and crew and charged at regular menu prices 


Packages may not be shared and are non-transferable and non-refundable. 


Guests that pre-purchased the All-Inclusive Beverage Package prior to September 21, 2017 or that took advantage of the 2017 Sip + Sail promotion will have terms and conditions of the Premier Beverage Package apply.

Exclusions and Limitations:

Please note that there are some exclusions from the Premier Beverage Package: Bottled spirits or bottled wine or any items offered in retail venues or shops on board. Beverages offered via self-service or vending machines. Souvenir glassware is excluded but is available for the additional charge of the glass only. 


The Premier Beverage Package cannot be combined with other programs, promotions, onboard specials, or events, such as: group or charter events, room service items, minibar items, special or private events such as cocktail parties, wedding receptions or similar functions, wine tastings, chefs tables, buckets of beer, buy one get one type offers, specialty dining cover charges, food items for sale such as ice-cream etc. 


Pricing is subject to change without notice, and for vessels designated in a foreign currency packages purchased in advance may vary from onboard pricing due to timing and currency fluctuations. Guests will NOT incur additional charges, nor be issued any credits or refunds for such currency variances.

Not all exclusions or limitations can be foreseen or published here and may exist or be implemented without notice.

Shipboard management reserves the right to add additional restrictions, revoke or cancel the Premier Beverage Package at any point during a guest’s voyage for any reason with or without a prorated refund. Additional actions may be taken if guests:

 

• Become intoxicated 

  
• Provide beverages to the other guests or do not comply with the terms, conditions and limitations of the package
  
• Exhibit behavior that is inappropriate, a safety risk to themselves or others, or become offensive or disruptive to the other cruise guests or staff
  
• Exceed or attempt to circumvent the daily limits and service limitations outlined 

  

Princess Cruises may modify, amend or update the terms and conditions of our beverage packages at any time with our without notice to guests. The terms and conditions as published on princess.com on the date of sailing will apply.

[Mike45LC]

I personally believe that Princess will NOT be able to legally enforce the change of terms from UNLIMITED to PREMIUM. If you bought and paid for the UNLIMITED package, Princess is legally obligated to honor that. If Princess refuses to honor it, that is a breach of contract.

 

Of course, Princess will go ahead and charge your credit card. You can then sue Princess in Small Claims Court for its breach of contract. You should prevail.

[BoopTennis]

just curious, when you have the beverage package, do all the drinks show up on your itemized bill but listed as "no charge"? or do they just not show up at all, as long as you have less than 15 per day?

[aqua2]

The drinks do not show up at all on your folio.

[memoak]

I personally believe that Princess will NOT be able to legally enforce the change of terms from UNLIMITED to PREMIUM. If you bought and paid for the UNLIMITED package, Princess is legally obligated to honor that. If Princess refuses to honor it, that is a breach of contract.

 

Of course, Princess will go ahead and charge your credit card. You can then sue Princess in Small Claims Court for its breach of contract. You should prevail.

 

Look at all the legal statements of their contract and terms and conditions that you agreed to in order to sail. They have the legal ground espeically when all their ships are registered in foreign countries

[Cruisin Kay D]

Any requirement that if 1 person in the cabin buys it, does the other person have to buy one too??

[mdgary]

Any requirement that if 1 person in the cabin buys it, does the other person have to buy one too??

 

 

 

No requirement that the other cabin passenger(s) purchase the package.

 

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

[newport dave]

any requirement that if 1 person in the cabin buys it, does the other person have to buy one too??

 

no.

[Thrak]

Just off Emerald Princess with the PBP. The only time drinks showed up on our folio was when it was an error. A few times I ordered a drink while in the Princess Theater and the waiter got them from the casino bar. Each time I ended up being charged for the drink and had to go to Passenger Services to have the charge removed. My wife was charged when she ordered a pint of Newcastle at one of the pool bars. I asked about it in Wheelhouse and was told that the package doesn't include pints - only bottles of beer. I asked the beverage manager about it as the package clearly states all beverages up to $12 (with the noted exception of large bottles of water and cans of soda which are clearly spelled out) and he said that he wasn't aware of the issue and that it was an error and he would take care of it. About 30 minutes later I was in Wheelhouse when a memo was handed around to staff regarding the issue. After that there was never an issue with getting a pint of draft beer.

 

Note: I approached the beverage manager in a calm and respectful way and made sure to tell him I had no issue with any of the staff and felt there was merely a miscommunication. I didn't act like the "angry passenger". He agreed with me that was the case and thanked me for bringing it to his attention. Later one of the bar staff in Crooner's (Juliet) made a big point of telling my wife what a great person I was for the way I approached the issue and the way I handled it. (I didn't think I did anything special.) Apparently people tend to take things out on the bar staff and complain about things beyond the control of the staff and she was so very happy that I wasn't angry or nasty about the minor issue. It's sad that people will mistreat the crew members who definitely work so hard to make the passengers feel welcome and treat them so nicely even though you know they must sometimes not be feeling well or have personal problems. Having worked with "the public" and also with IT support with the state I know that sometimes you just want to smack somebody upside the head and yell at them but one must always smile, be polite, and take care of the issue as nicely as possible. It's not easy dealing with people sometimes and when they are abusive or angry it's very difficult. I have never had a single problem with any Princess crew member. They are to be commended for the patience they show with some of the passengers.

[Fuzzyape]

Note: I approached the beverage manager in a calm and respectful way and made sure to tell him I had no issue with any of the staff and felt there was merely a miscommunication. I didn't act like the "angry passenger". He agreed with me that was the case and thanked me for bringing it to his attention. Later one of the bar staff in Crooner's (Juliet) made a big point of telling my wife what a great person I was for the way I approached the issue and the way I handled it. (I didn't think I did anything special.) Apparently people tend to take things out on the bar staff and complain about things beyond the control of the staff and she was so very happy that I wasn't angry or nasty about the minor issue. It's sad that people will mistreat the crew members who definitely work so hard to make the passengers feel welcome and treat them so nicely even though you know they must sometimes not be feeling well or have personal problems. Having worked with "the public" and also with IT support with the state I know that sometimes you just want to smack somebody upside the head and yell at them but one must always smile, be polite, and take care of the issue as nicely as possible. It's not easy dealing with people sometimes and when they are abusive or angry it's very difficult. I have never had a single problem with any Princess crew member. They are to be commended for the patience they show with some of the passengers.

 

A class act, Thrak. One day I hope to get to cruise with you and your spouse. I agree that too often we take things out on the messengers of the world. Thanks for the info, and sharing the post!

[voljeep]

the new PBP is new to both Princess bar staff and to the people who purchase it. Things will happen and kinda sorta did to me when a bar staff member was going to charge me for a small Perrier water. It was quickly corrected that time, but at a later time, they 'efforced' it at a different pool bar. I didn't push it and just got a plain water. Pick you battles... - this wasn't worth it

[suekel]

I have often had drinks show up on my bill. I check daily and when it happens I go to Passenger Services to have them removed.

[rbt001]

I personally believe that Princess will NOT be able to legally enforce the change of terms from UNLIMITED to PREMIUM. If you bought and paid for the UNLIMITED package, Princess is legally obligated to honor that. If Princess refuses to honor it, that is a breach of contract.

 

Of course, Princess will go ahead and charge your credit card. You can then sue Princess in Small Claims Court for its breach of contract. You should prevail.

 

It has already been posted that Princess refunded purchases of the "Unlimited" package for cruises where they now offer Premium, then allowed pax to purchase the new "Premium" package.

 

I don't think even Judge Judy would touch this case.

[Mackenzie1]

I know you said you took small splits of champagne unopened back to your cabin for later. Did you ever try and get an unopened beer?

 

Don't count on being able to take the small splits back to your cabin unopened. I was on the same cruise as Thrak, and the Wheelhouse bar staff said it was a strict rule to open the splits bought during happy hour. This may have only been during happy hour, though. I give rave reviews for Princess cruises, but put a negative comment about that practice on my post-cruise survey since other drinks, such as beers by the pool, weren't opened. By the way, as a joke, I searched Amazon and found a gadget that puts the champagne bottle top back on the little champagne bottles. We laughed about how hilarious it would be to take that gadget into the Wheelhouse Bar and crimp a new bottle top on the champagne bottle, LOL!