Soda and More Pkg is gone...

[PoohUnderstands]

31 minutes ago, Bignickpsu said:

Does anyone know if hot chocolate is officially no longer included?  There are no terms for the soda package yet.  I only ask because the wording of new coffee and soda package groups specialty coffee and tea in one phrase and all of the sodas, juices, mocktails and hot chocolate in another.

 

Also, someone mentioned hot chocolate being complimentary in the buffet. Is that true in the MDR?  I wasn't sure if the paid hot chocolate referred only to IC.

Don't do much hot chocolate drinking, but when I did recently, if you have the package, you can get your free hot chocolate at the International Cafe (assuming your ship has one- I was on the Royal).

 

Pooh

[ceilidh1]

2 hours ago, JimmyVWine said:

This exactly what they are counting on. When convenience and a simplified final billing statement mean more than total cost, the cruise line wins. If a guest can tolerate a multi-page final statement that lists 3 beverages a day, they will most likely come out ahead.  Just remember that while you as an individual might run some rudimentary estimates and comparisons to try to weigh overall value, the cruise line has absolutely run those numbers and looked at the big data. NO cruise line had EVER offered an all-inclusive daily beverage package, (alcohol or not), with the intention of saving the customers money. They are ALL offered with the promise that the business will make more money than if the package was not offered. It’s just like gambling in a casino. Each gambler knows that in the long run, the house will make money, but each believes that THEY will be the exception to the rule and come out ahead. Same with drink packages. 

Exactly - it is more about convenience for the majority of people I would imagine. I was contemplating the premier beverage package for my upcoming 14 day cruise, but at $91 CAD a day, that's close to $1,400! Sure, I could justify that with a couple of beers, a couple of glasses of wine and a specialty coffee or two each day IF I had the package. However, without the package I would be horrified to have a bar bill for $1400 at the end of the cruise - and in all my years cruising I have never come close to that amount. The reality is, I'm guessing the majority of people don't have that number of drinks EVERY day of the cruise - you drink less when you are in port, for example....so I'm going to experiment this time and not buy the package but still drink as if I DID have the package (not limit myself because I feel guilty). If, at the end of the cruise, I spent less than $1400 I am still ahead!

[majortom10]

I get the impression from Princess website that hot chocolate has been removed from the old Soda+ more package and replaced with smoothies in the new Classic soda package and cannot find anywhere if hot chocolate as ever been available on the old coffee cards or if available on the new coffee grounds package.

[Coral]

9 hours ago, JimmyVWine said:

This exactly what they are counting on. When convenience and a simplified final billing statement mean more than total cost, the cruise line wins. If a guest can tolerate a multi-page final statement that lists 3 beverages a day, they will most likely come out ahead.  Just remember that while you as an individual might run some rudimentary estimates and comparisons to try to weigh overall value, the cruise line has absolutely run those numbers and looked at the big data. 

Yes but now with the changes, they are not going to make any more money off of me. So they lose. It sounds like I am not the only one. It sounds like from the comments that people will be bringing soda online instead of buying the package, that is until they ban that.

[Huddler]

On 5/29/2019 at 8:47 AM, krufrank said:

I prepaid for the Unlimited Soda and More package ($75.18 total for a 7 day cruise to Alaska) months ago.  It is still on my file under Reservations + Purchases.  I do notice that option is no longer available to purchase and has been replaced, I guess, with Classic Soda Package - over $90 for same cruise).  I wonder if my Unlimited will be deleted or if I got grandfathered in.  We sail July 7.

I already pre-paid for the Unlimited Soda and More Package($123.90 for 15 day cruise to Hawaii in December for my wife, daughter, and son).  Our packages are also still listed under my "Reservations and Purchases" so I assume we will be grandfathered in since I already paid for them.  Please come back and let us know if anything changed once you got on-board and ordered using that package.  Thanks!

 

[phabric]

11 hours ago, Bignickpsu said:

 

 

Also, someone mentioned hot chocolate being complimentary in the buffet. Is that true in the MDR?  

 

Free hot chocolate in the MDR.  It come in a little pot, like if you have ordered tea.

[Coral]

50 minutes ago, phabric said:

 

Free hot chocolate in the MDR.  It come in a little pot, like if you have ordered tea.

It is for breakfast. I have been charged for other meals.

[Coral]

1 hour ago, Huddler said:

I already pre-paid for the Unlimited Soda and More Package($123.90 for 15 day cruise to Hawaii in December for my wife, daughter, and son).  Our packages are also still listed under my "Reservations and Purchases" so I assume we will be grandfathered in since I already paid for them.  Please come back and let us know if anything changed once you got on-board and ordered using that package.  Thanks!

 

I think you will be fine.

[Coral]

12 hours ago, Bignickpsu said:

 

 

Also, someone mentioned hot chocolate being complimentary in the buffet. Is that true in the MDR?  I wasn't sure if the paid hot chocolate referred only to IC.

It depends on the ship and location. Apparently it is in buffet on Royal class ships. I have not sailed these. Sometimes in Alaska it was free in the buffet, other times it was not there.

 

In the MDR - it is there for breakfast, they have charged me extra for other meals.

[chamima]

9 hours ago, ceilidh1 said:

Exactly - it is more about convenience for the majority of people I would imagine. I was contemplating the premier beverage package for my upcoming 14 day cruise, but at $91 CAD a day, that's close to $1,400! Sure, I could justify that with a couple of beers, a couple of glasses of wine and a specialty coffee or two each day IF I had the package. However, without the package I would be horrified to have a bar bill for $1400 at the end of the cruise - and in all my years cruising I have never come close to that amount. The reality is, I'm guessing the majority of people don't have that number of drinks EVERY day of the cruise - you drink less when you are in port, for example....so I'm going to experiment this time and not buy the package but still drink as if I DID have the package (not limit myself because I feel guilty). If, at the end of the cruise, I spent less than $1400 I am still ahead!

 

 

Please come back and let us know how that works out.

I've thought about doing the same.

We have started cruising with Sip and Sail since it's been offered but our bar bills before that were never very significant.

We like having the package for the convenience of, as you say, not thinking about what we order.

Just last night we were out to dinner and the restaurant had an extensive craft cocktail menu with some very creative offerings. All I could think of was that if I were on a cruise with the package I would try many of them but having to pay for each one I wasn't willing to try any of them.

So if you can actually go ahead with no guilt I'm truly curious of how it will work out.

 

[Bethcb]

I see in my cruise personalizer I can purchase the Classic Soda package for my 2 upcoming cruises at $11.79 per day. I assume that includes tax. They did change the name onboard lately to Unlimited Soda and More package. I just don't use the "and more" part, but just the sodas. 

Will I also be able to purchase this the first day on the ship using OBC?

After 45 Princess Cruises and a soda package purchased on the first day for every cruise, I just want to make sure that this package is available onboard. 

[jr8934]

For anyone interested, I called Princess about my Soda and More pkg. I was told it no longer included the hot chocolate. But wasn't canceled as I had thought.

[Bextra1256]

Last cruise I paid just over 8$ Per day for soda and more .Now for my 10 day it will be 160 Canadian that’s double.  Not a coffee or alcohol drinker . Not much for soda maybe 1 at shows  With the new mocktail selection of  4 or 5. Too many have Red bull or jalapeño in them. Nope not for me. Guess it’s water or I’ll just pay per item.   Definitely won’t cost me $160.   I like to prepay everything so I’ll just put 50-75 on cruise credit.

 

A few few years ago Holland offered a soft drink card and a separate drink card.  Soda cost 25. Other card was 50 . Bought both.  What wasn’t used got returned on cruise card billing.

[GKGKeri]

Just finished reading all 5 pages, what I am wondering that I did not see addressed was the Red Bull.  Here is the wording leaving me scratching my head:

 

What is Included

• The package includes all, specialty or premium coffees and teas, hot chocolate, fountain sodas, fresh juices (if available), Gong Cha items (if available), Frappes at Coffee & Cones, mocktails, and smoothies as per the menu, Red Bull and Milk Shakes (if available).

Exclusions and Limitations

• Does NOT apply to bottled or canned items, or any items offered in Retail Venues or Shops onboard.

I have NEVER seen Red Bull on a Princess Ship that is not in a can.  Is there someone sailing soon that could ask on a ship for me?  I sail late August.

[ceilidh1]

I would also like to know about mocktails - the wording "as per the menu" worries me, as the new mocktail menu is ridiculous - 4 drinks at most, none of which my kids would drink (no choco-banana). It used to be that you could order any cocktail without the alcohol as a mocktail. Is this not the case now?

 

Additionally, I read on a review that drinks ordered through the medallion are not covered by the packages. Is this also true?

Edited June 12, 2019 by ceilidh1
typo

[capriccio]

6 minutes ago, ceilidh1 said:

Additionally, I read on a review that drinks ordered through the medallion are not covered by the packages. Is this also true?

 

That certainly makes no sense because the medallion is replicating the key card functionality and more.  Before medallion was introduced - and still on those ships without it - your key card 'knew' which, if any, drink package you had.  If what was stated in that review was true, this board would have blown up as soon as it was implemented on the first ship.  Maybe the problem was a case of user error on the part of the reviewer?

[ceilidh1]

1 hour ago, capriccio said:

 

That certainly makes no sense because the medallion is replicating the key card functionality and more.  Before medallion was introduced - and still on those ships without it - your key card 'knew' which, if any, drink package you had.  If what was stated in that review was true, this board would have blown up as soon as it was implemented on the first ship.  Maybe the problem was a case of user error on the part of the reviewer?

Sorry, I should clarify - the reviewer said that drinks ordered via the medallion app weren't covered under the drink package, not drinks using the medallion itself. I wondered if this were true since, if it is, that would be another disincentive for me to purchase. I love the idea of being able to order my drink from my seat rather than going to the bar! I can't fins anything in terms and conditions that suggest it's not covered, but wondering if anyone has any experience with this!

[kywildcatfanone]

Like I said before, for our upcoming cruise, I will be taking my own soda onboard, probably 2 10packs and a case of water, and that will be what replaces the soda and more package. I will miss the mocktails, but not the huge price increase.

[chamima]

8 hours ago, ceilidh1 said:

Sorry, I should clarify - the reviewer said that drinks ordered via the medallion app weren't covered under the drink package, not drinks using the medallion itself. I wondered if this were true since, if it is, that would be another disincentive for me to purchase. I love the idea of being able to order my drink from my seat rather than going to the bar! I can't fins anything in terms and conditions that suggest it's not covered, but wondering if anyone has any experience with this!

 

I wonder if that poster maybe used the medallion to order drinks from their cabin.

Room service was never included in the package.

[Bubbs33]

Im the OP. We dont really drink alot of soda/pop.  And are casual drinkers (vacations and holidays). But had thought of getting the original package as a treat and for convenience. Actually had it in my basket to pay for when pension came in at end of May. Went to pay for it and it was no longer available.  So our plan is to buy 3 cases of water and take some flavour packets with us. Will buy a few drinks as the cruise goes. Not a big deal. Probably what we should have done anyway. We all have choices and that is great.

Edited June 12, 2019 by Bubbs33

[Storm Monkey]

14 hours ago, ceilidh1 said:

I would also like to know about mocktails - the wording "as per the menu" worries me, as the new mocktail menu is ridiculous - 4 drinks at most, none of which my kids would drink (no choco-banana). It used to be that you could order any cocktail without the alcohol as a mocktail. Is this not the case now?

 

 

We just recently booked a Princess cruise for next year so i was looking around the personalizer and here on Cruise Critic to see what's new as we haven't sailed Princess in a few years. Interesting to see the change in drink packages.

 

The way I read it, it's the smoothies that are 'as per the menu':

The package includes all, specialty or premium coffees and teas, hot chocolate, fountain sodas, fresh juices (if available), Gong Cha items (if available), Frappes at Coffee & Cones, mocktails, and smoothies as per the menu, Red Bull and Milk Shakes (if available).

 

Grammatically, or perhaps its punctuationally 🙂, if mocktails were also 'as per the menu', then there wouldn't be a comma after mocktails. And on the Princess personalizer I could only see this wording on the full terms and conditions for the Premier Coffee and Soda Package. I don't see detailed terms and conditions for the 'Classic Soda package'.

 

I'm disappointed in the price increase, because no one wants to have to pay more, but the new 'Classic soda package' is still a value for me. Three mocktails a day is all I need to drink to make it worthwhile and that's no problem at all! I certainly didn't have an issue when the old 'soda & more' package was a break even after just two.

I don't drink coffee so there is no need for me to get the Premier Coffee and Soda package.

 

 

[ccruzer123]

Wow, the change to the Soda & More package is really going to effect me.  I only drink diet sodas so paying almost $12.00 a day is going hurt.  Did a rough estimate on our next Princess cruise (35 days) and it figured out to around $400.  I looked at the soda can package but it was more expensive per can than what I paid individually per can on the Royal last week.  Looks like I will be cutting back on sodas and buying mine at ports of call.

Think we need to start a page on where cruisers can locate sodas to purchase at each of the ports Princess stops.   Also might make Princess rethink the increase if people stop buying on the ship. What do you think?

[Host CJSKIDS]

18 hours ago, GKGKeri said:

Just finished reading all 5 pages, what I am wondering that I did not see addressed was the Red Bull.  Here is the wording leaving me scratching my head:

 

What is Included

• The package includes all, specialty or premium coffees and teas, hot chocolate, fountain sodas, fresh juices (if available), Gong Cha items (if available), Frappes at Coffee & Cones, mocktails, and smoothies as per the menu, Red Bull and Milk Shakes (if available).

Exclusions and Limitations

• Does NOT apply to bottled or canned items, or any items offered in Retail Venues or Shops onboard.

I have NEVER seen Red Bull on a Princess Ship that is not in a can.  Is there someone sailing soon that could ask on a ship for me?  I sail late August.

 

My husband will have a few red bulls while we cruise, just did again last month and we didn't have any issues getting it on our package.

[TBarneyWC]

I am still trying to figure out the coffee part of the new drink packages.  Previously I have purchased the Unlimited Soda and the New Grounds Coffee card. 

Now I am thinking about combining those and getting the Premium Coffee and Soda Package. But is that a true combination of the previous two?  Can I get all of the specialty coffees that are on the New Grounds Menu, lattes, mochas, frappucinos, etc. in this new package?  It is really unclear.   

[kywildcatfanone]

17 hours ago, az2sea said:

ow, the change to the Soda & More package is really going to effect me.  I only drink diet sodas so paying almost $12.00 a day is going hurt.

You'd be better off buying in port and taking on.  That's what we are going to start doing on our cruises.  That price is ridiculous.