iambumbo Posted June 27, 2018 #1 Share Posted June 27, 2018 We are looking at a European cruise for next summer after a generally fun experience on Seaside this spring. The difference between the included drink package with Aurea and the premium drink package is pretty steep at $26/day, which is making us consider the Fantastica experience, which is substantially less less than the Aurea cost right now. If we went that route, we'd just buy the premium package outright at $55/day. If we went Aurea, we'd probably pay to upgrade to premium for the extra $26/day. To help us decide, I'm wondering if MSC ever offers promotions (like RCL, Celebrity, etc.) where they discount the cost of drink packages as a pre-cruise purchase. If so, that would definitely push us toward Fantastica as the extra cost for Aurea probably would not outweigh the extra other Aurea benefits for this particular cruise. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jwm79 Posted June 28, 2018 #2 Share Posted June 28, 2018 I just booked a room for a couple traveling with us on the MSC seaside, came with free drink package. See: http://www.travelmarketreport.com/articles/MSC-Cruises-Launches-Free-Drink-Package-Promotion Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iambumbo Posted June 28, 2018 Author #3 Share Posted June 28, 2018 I just booked a room for a couple traveling with us on the MSC seaside, came with free drink package. See: http://www.travelmarketreport.com/articles/MSC-Cruises-Launches-Free-Drink-Package-Promotion Thanks but they don't offer that in Europe, which is where we'd be going. Sent from my SM-G935R4 using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skier52 Posted June 28, 2018 #4 Share Posted June 28, 2018 Thanks but they don't offer that in Europe, which is where we'd be going. Sent from my SM-G935R4 using Forums mobile app Sometimes cruises are offered with an All-inclusive package as part of the deal for fantastica, of course aurea and YC come with AI as standard: Aurea with Classic ; YC with Premium Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bases5 Posted June 28, 2018 #5 Share Posted June 28, 2018 The drink packages are a lot cheaper on Europe cruises. I was looking at my booking on MSC web. It is a 11 day 10 night Med cruise. We are US citizens The drink package I can buy is All inclusive restaurant and bar (classic) $230. Or $23 per day Deluxe for $440. Or $44 per day That even a little less than the OP first picture Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hamrag Posted June 28, 2018 #6 Share Posted June 28, 2018 We are looking at a European cruise for next summer after a generally fun experience on Seaside this spring. The difference between the included drink package with Aurea and the premium drink package is pretty steep at $26/day, which is making us consider the Fantastica experience, which is substantially less less than the Aurea cost right now. If we went that route, we'd just buy the premium package outright at $55/day. If we went Aurea, we'd probably pay to upgrade to premium for the extra $26/day. To help us decide, I'm wondering if MSC ever offers promotions (like RCL, Celebrity, etc.) where they discount the cost of drink packages as a pre-cruise purchase. If so, that would definitely push us toward Fantastica as the extra cost for Aurea probably would not outweigh the extra other Aurea benefits for this particular cruise. Thanks! The way they 'discount' it pre-cruise is that you purchase at full price, but do not pay the 15% gratuity that you need to pay if you purchase it on board. That represents a 13% discount. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iambumbo Posted June 29, 2018 Author #7 Share Posted June 29, 2018 Thanks, everyone. We decided to go with a Fantastica cabin that had an extended balcony and we'll just buy the premium package ahead of time. Maybe it will be cheaper than the advertised pricing once our sailing reservation loads on their website. Sent from my SM-G935R4 using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hakko808 Posted June 29, 2018 #8 Share Posted June 29, 2018 The way they 'discount' it pre-cruise is that you purchase at full price, but do not pay the 15% gratuity that you need to pay if you purchase it on board. That represents a 13% discount. Was the 13% a typo are am I missing the math? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skier52 Posted June 29, 2018 #9 Share Posted June 29, 2018 Was the 13% a typo are am I missing the math? you are missing the maths if you have something worth $100 and add 15 % your new total is $115 now if you decide to remove the $15 dollars you are taking away $15 from $115 in other words you are taking 15/115 x 100 = 13.04 % from your total sum So 13 % is not a typo pete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaiC1 Posted June 29, 2018 #10 Share Posted June 29, 2018 you are missing the maths if you have something worth $100 and add 15 % your new total is $115 now if you decide to remove the $15 dollars you are taking away $15 from $115 in other words you are taking 15/115 x 100 = 13.04 % from your total sum So 13 % is not a typo pete I see your point but that only applies if you paid the 15% and then received a refund - if you don't pay the 15% you save 15%. My view anyway and soon I'll be to drunk to care while saving 15%.;p Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wetwash Posted June 29, 2018 #11 Share Posted June 29, 2018 Thanks, everyone. We decided to go with a Fantastica cabin that had an extended balcony and we'll just buy the premium package ahead of time. Maybe it will be cheaper than the advertised pricing once our sailing reservation loads on their website. Sent from my SM-G935R4 using Forums mobile app The Fantastica comes with a drink factors I believe… We are at fantastic experience next week on Seaview what did the regular all-inclusive package… Came to $29 a day which is similar if we put it on the ship except saved the 15% (over $60 for the week) service charge by booking early! We are traveling with our two college age daughters in a separate cabin so they’ll get our vouchers as well as their own and everyone will be happy! Otherwise I guess we would’ve made some new friends and given away the vouchers since we don’t need them with the all inclusive plan! Happy sailing!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hamrag Posted June 29, 2018 #12 Share Posted June 29, 2018 I see your point but that only applies if you paid the 15% and then received a refund - if you don't pay the 15% you save 15%. My view anyway and soon I'll be to drunk to care while saving 15%.;p You need to go back to school;);), and should have listened to Pete!!:D:D;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hamrag Posted June 29, 2018 #13 Share Posted June 29, 2018 Was the 13% a typo are am I missing the math? You definitely missed the math....go back to school.;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caprismom Posted June 30, 2018 #14 Share Posted June 30, 2018 Just booked last minute for 7-7-18 on the Seaside. 1st time on MSC. Just noticed all inclusive drinks with Bella is hardly all inclusive! No frozen or Shaken cocktails included, no bourbon of any kind?? Not acceptable with my crew! How much will an upgrade cost for 7 day if this is even an option??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twoflyers Posted July 4, 2018 #15 Share Posted July 4, 2018 Hi Caprismom - here is the quoted response that is listed on MSC's website concerning "drinks on us" package upgrades: "Yes, you can upgrade to the Classic drink package for $18 per person/per day. You can upgrade to the DELUXE drink package for $26 per person/per day. Either upgrades must be purchased by all guests staying in the same stateroom, 21 years of age and older, for the duration of the cruise. See the Drink Package Comparison guide for more details." If you upgrade before your cruise you will save the 15% gratuity fee over purchasing the upgrade onboard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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