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Premium Package best value

Teacherloves2Cruise

By Teacherloves2Cruise,
in Celebrity Cruises

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Teacherloves2Cruise

Teacherloves2Cruise

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Hi everyone, I have the premium package for the first time. What drinks are the best value? When I get a mixed drink, for example, how do I know what the better spirit to ask for is? Would it be ok to say "I have the premium package, please make it with the best X SPIRIT covered by the package?" That sounds tacky to me but I am not an expert. I know I like Gray Goose for Vodka, Tagueray for Gin. Not sure which Rum to ask for. I like bourbon but the type I like isn't listed (Knobb Creek)- Woodford had been suggested. Any thoughts to share?

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K&RCurt

K&RCurt

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Just tell them your likes and dislikes and let the bartender make recommendations. 

 

The more hyped up a given brand is and the higher it is priced does not mean you will like it more.  For instance Bombay Sapphire is considered by many to be "Better" than Tanqueray,  I still prefer the flavor profile of Tanqueray and will chose it over the more "Premium" brands of gin.  Get what you enjoy if they have it and don't worry that you "could have gotten something better." 

 

Alternatively you could say something like "I really like Knobb Creek, what do you suggest I try that I might also like?" With no knowledge of what you like just asking for "The best the plan allows" isn't likely to be what you would LIKE best.

 

As you have the Premium package you don't have to worry too much about trying something you ultimately don't like so much, just take it as a lesson learned and move on.

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killsport Great Review Rare

killsport

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If you have the premium, I'd suggest trying Stoli Elit (for vodka), Hendricks (for gin), zacapa 23 (for rum), Macallan - either Quest or the 10 year, depending on what they have (for scotch), and a bottle of mouthwash (for tequila). I really don't like tequila. Enjoy!

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Teacherloves2Cruise

Teacherloves2Cruise

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15 minutes ago, K&RCurt said:

Just tell them your likes and dislikes and let the bartender make recommendations. 

 

The more hyped up a given brand is and the higher it is priced does not mean you will like it more.  For instance Bombay Sapphire is considered by many to be "Better" than Tanqueray,  I still prefer the flavor profile of Tanqueray and will chose it over the more "Premium" brands of gin.  Get what you enjoy if they have it and don't worry that you "could have gotten something better." 

 

Alternatively you could say something like "I really like Knobb Creek, what do you suggest I try that I might also like?" With no knowledge of what you like just asking for "The best the plan allows" isn't likely to be what you would LIKE best.

 

As you have the Premium package you don't have to worry too much about trying something you ultimately don't like so much, just take it as a lesson learned and move on.

Thanks for the advice!

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Teacherloves2Cruise

Teacherloves2Cruise

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7 minutes ago, killsport said:

If you have the premium, I'd suggest trying Stoli Elit (for vodka), Hendricks (for gin), zacapa 23 (for rum), Macallan - either Quest or the 10 year, depending on what they have (for scotch), and a bottle of mouthwash (for tequila). I really don't like tequila. Enjoy!

Thanks for the recommendations and I agree about Tequila! I like everything else!!

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TFLG

TFLG

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20 minutes ago, bluehengal said:

I'd definitely recommend going to the World Class Bar.  Best drinks and mixologists!  They only have top of the line liquor there.  It's a limited menu, but well worth it.

 

By the signature it looks like they are going on the Infinity so no World Class Bar.  One of the reasons I always try to book an S-Class ship!

 

To the OP, don't worry about "what the best is" or getting the most expensive. Worry about getting what you like. And yes, the bartenders will pour you the well booze unless you specify a brand and not all the bars will have every brand so look what's back there and order something they have.  Unless you are in one of the higher end lounges don't bother asking the bartender to recommend or pick something.  Most of them are just drink makers not trained bartenders (and last crusie they may have been a waiter).    If you do wish to get some advice or try some new stuff head to one of the inside bars (renevous, passport bar etc)  in the early afternoon when they are not busy. Then you can actually chat with the bartender.  Best part of the package is that you can try new stuff without worrying about whether you will like it or not.

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tyr00000ne

tyr00000ne

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I made a crude spreadsheet with the drink options and cost per bottle (based on cost at a Total Wine store). 
It's not perfect but it's a start. 

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ZE7XO8wsvvIHHmWWgSx9qZ_he9EgiZyQDi165PLtTto/edit?usp=sharing

 

I agree with most of the above comments. Zacapa 23 for rum (they always had this at the casino bar on the Infinity, ask for a Zacapa lime daquiri!). They did not always have Zacapa at the bars, Bacardi 8 was a good substitute. Bacardi Oakheart is actually pretty cheap but it's a tasty spiced rum.
Bombay Sapphire/ Tanqueray 10, or Hendrick's for gin depending on your taste, Grey Goose or Chopin or Belvedere for Vodka, Woodford Bourbon, Macallan scotch etc. 

Feel free to copy the sheet and edit. 


I also have a related sheet for NCL if anyone is interested, though most of the choices are the same.

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tyr00000ne

tyr00000ne

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17 minutes ago, Teacherloves2Cruise said:

I don’t think they have this on Infinity. Is there something comparable?

The Martini bar on the Infinity is the "best" bar for fancy mixed drinks, but they are STRONG! They use 4 shots per drink or something crazy. You can ask them to substitute a different premium alcohol if you want (Chopin instead of Grey Goose etc)

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bikerunner

bikerunner

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Wrong way to look at the package.  What is premium doesn’t mean much.  Drink what you like try new drinks. Ask bartender for suggestions they are usually good at that.  The gins all have there own flavor profile   So do all the other alcohols. Subtle in many of them.  Bourbon unfortunately they are lacking but usually am fine with the maccalums scotch.  Personally I’m a blantons person as my default but am fine with buffalo trace, same distillery but drink a couple small little local ones from vt.  And no not whistle pig.  Overpriced imo.  Just go and try the different ones you see. Be surprised on what you find.   

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amunhbuu

amunhbuu

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6 hours ago, MarkusToe said:

how about Champage - do you know the brands?

or not worth the upcharge for that?

The two sparkling wines that are generally available under the premium package are:

  • Chandon Brut - a decent California sparkler
  • Montaudon Brut - a nice true champagne

We generally go for the Montaudon if it is available.

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tyr00000ne

tyr00000ne

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Another tip:

The Taylor Fladgate 10 year tawny port is FANTASTIC! I couldn't believe how complex it was. The nose was of powerful dried fruit and chocolate. It's not a sweet port, it's on the dry side for the style. At $9 it was even available in the classic package.  One night they ran out and I could only find it in the MDR. They have a 20 year port at $16 a glass which I regrettably did not get to try, maybe next time.
This by far was my favorite drink of the cruise.

A close runner up was a Bombay Sapphire negroni. 

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miched

miched

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Ingredients in a drink affect the taste.  Sometimes a more expensive liquor doesn’t make it taste better and may get lost in it.  
 

ex for a Margarita a very smooth expensive tequila won’t give the bite as the cheaper stuff will.

 

If you like Knob Creek here is a list of what the mash bill is for a few bourbons.   Makers  is considered a wheated bourbon.  Knob Creek is a rye.  Wild Turkey and Jim Beam have the same Mash Bill as Knob Creek.   The aging, barrels, proof and other things also give it their flavor.    Buffalo Trace is getting harder to find as people are buying it in place of Blanton that is hard to find and also has the same Mash Bill 

 

Happy cruising 🌊🚢🇺🇸🌅

 

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drinkoj

drinkoj

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Bourbon drinker here. Woodford Double Oak is the best they have on board with the premium package. Please note it is only served select locations on each ship and not sitting out in plain sight ( confirmed this with others on board this week about past cruises and other top shelf liquors).  You may have press to find/get it but the guest services will get someone to let you know where it is served when asked

 

As for Vodka, Tito’s seems to be a popular one with folks I have met at the bars  But I don’t drink it so take that with a grain of salt. 

 

 

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drinkoj

drinkoj

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On 1/28/2020 at 11:29 AM, FlorenceItaly said:

When ordering specify premium brand.  Do not assume they are giving you premium brand because this is what your package says.  Trust me on this!

 

Preach. preach preach it brother.  The amount of times they attempted to pass off Rye as Double Oak made me start going to the bar and watch what they pour

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