Outrageous Cost of Alcohol Package

[BND]

6 minutes ago, vjmatty said:

 

In this case if it's something I really want and Mohammad can't come to the mountain, the mountain will come to Mohammad and I will seek out the proper bar.

It's usually a glass of Pinot Grigio so I'll just go with sauvignon blanc.

[vjmatty]

13 minutes ago, BND said:

It's usually a glass of Pinot Grigio so I'll just go with sauvignon blanc.

 

That is me in reverse.... I go for the Pinot when there is no SB 🙂

 

[LadyZolt]

I didn't read this entire thread, so apologies if this has already been posted.  For the Ultimate World Cruise on Serenade of the Seas -- 274 nights  times $63.00 per day is $17,262 per person.  And then you'd add gratuities.  😁

 

Luckily, the drink package is included for the world cruise, I believe. 

 

Happy sailing!  

 

-LadyZolt

[baelor]

1 hour ago, S.A.M.J.R. said:

It is difficult to do an accurate search with vague terms.  Do you include "is it worth it" "drink package" "dbp" "should I buy it" "alcohol" and/or some combination?   Only within the last couple of months, when DBP pricing has jumped to $65+/day have people started shying away.   Trust those of us who have been here awhile that there have been LOTS of posts saying "just get it". 

I used all those search terms and came up empty across threads spanning back several years.

 

 

1 hour ago, S.A.M.J.R. said:

Now, I get it.  You have a problem with those posts hinting someone must have a drinking problem if they "get their money's worth" out of the drink package.

No, I don't, or at least not in particular.  That is simply one manifestation of a larger attitude I have a problem with--people making completely unsubstantiated assumptions about others.

 

 

1 hour ago, S.A.M.J.R. said:

But don't you see how others would have a similar issue with you claiming there are many "small minded" people on here?  

They may have an issue, but it's completely illegitimate, because my statement is in direct response to posts that make unsubstantiated claims.  Someone claiming that everyone should get the DBP because everyone would take advantage of it is just as small-minded.

 

I really don't care what conclusions people come to.  I care that they come to them in some rational way.  It seems like more often than I encounter in my daily life, people on this forum just make loony/unhinged/unsubstantiated/irrelevant/bizarre statements.  And one topic subject to such statements is frequently drink packages.  Another is food quality.

Edited May 31, 2022 by baelor

[mkmaj]

On 5/30/2022 at 3:38 PM, baelor said:

Probably around $130 per person per diem.  But at that point, unless the cruise is like $200 for 7 nights or something, I would probably be looking at all-inclusives as well.  I can get my favorite luxury AI for under $2k a person most of the time.  

Completely off topic but any experience with Cancun/Riviera resorts? Honestly on the fence about the next cruise given pricing and service issues. I'm not making any decisions until final payment time but trying to decide between the two. 

[Stick93]

I got through 4 pages of this thread - sorry if I repeat something as well….

 

I was just on adventure and bought the package while it was still in the low $60 range.  One thing I noticed the selection of liquor is much less than there used to be and they don’t have things like Bailey’s and Damboue at most of the bars. At the casino the servers routinely said they were out or did not have scotches or mixes. 
 

I think the prices are going up to get less people to drink excessive. No package means watching the # of drinks and your price point. It’s more a supply issue and so they want demand down. Royal knows there is a sweet spot that people will still buy the package while others not. 
 

On a side note my cruise was colder as we went to Canada and I spent more time in hot tub where people were sharing cards like crazy and the staff could have cared less. 

[S.A.M.J.R.]

19 minutes ago, Stick93 said:

I think the prices are going up to get less people to drink excessive. No package means watching the # of drinks and your price point. It’s more a supply issue and so they want demand down. Royal knows there is a sweet spot that people will still buy the package while others not. 

Interesting thought. 

[baelor]

1 hour ago, mkmaj said:

Completely off topic but any experience with Cancun/Riviera resorts? Honestly on the fence about the next cruise given pricing and service issues. I'm not making any decisions until final payment time but trying to decide between the two. 

We are partial to Excellence properties, especially Excellence Playa Mujeres.  (The same company also operates two places right next to Excellence--Finest [families] and Beloved [couples].)  Family members have also enjoyed Live Aqua and the Secrets properties.  Le Blanc is ultra-luxury and focused on romance/couples.  People seem to like Hyatt and Iberostar as well.

[DCPIV]

27 minutes ago, Stick93 said:

I think the prices are going up to get less people to drink excessive. No package means watching the # of drinks and your price point. It’s more a supply issue and so they want demand down. Royal knows there is a sweet spot that people will still buy the package while others not.

 

That's the first time I've heard that proposed, and it makes some sense.  RC doesn't want to institute a cap on drinks per day, so they just raise the price.  Very interesting thought.

 

As for what's worth it, that's everyone's personal decision, and everyone ought to get to make it based on their own reasons.  Whether it's because you've done the arithmetic or don't want to do it in the first place, may the wind be at your back for it.

 

I will say this, though.  Insults (veiled or not) don't you get you any listeners.

[mkmaj]

37 minutes ago, baelor said:

We are partial to Excellence properties, especially Excellence Playa Mujeres.  (The same company also operates two places right next to Excellence--Finest [families] and Beloved [couples].)  Family members have also enjoyed Live Aqua and the Secrets properties.  Le Blanc is ultra-luxury and focused on romance/couples.  People seem to like Hyatt and Iberostar as well.

I was going back and forth between Excellence and Secrets Playa Mujeres! We've stayed at Dreams in the past but would really like an adults only this time.

[hazeleyes46]

Wondered if anyone who is complaining about the prices drink, on land? Not buying your own bottles and drinking at home but out in a bar or restaurant. If I can get a cocktail for $10 or $12 I am shocked as most places charge $15 or more. To me, on the cruise, it is about the same and it is vacation so I will be drinking more than I do on land. I also have the option of other specialty drinks. 

To me it is worth it as many drinks are filled with ice and go down pretty quick at the pool on a hot day. I also have the option to try things I might not on land as it would cost me money to decide I don't like it or buy all the ingredients to make it at home. 

[baelor]

Just now, mkmaj said:

I was going back and forth between Excellence and Secrets Playa Mujeres! We've stayed at Dreams in the past but would really like an adults only this time.

My family has stayed at both.  Secrets PM has a more intimate/removed/spa/relaxation vibe.  Excellence PM is more of a typical beach vacation vibe.  We definitely like EPM better, in part because it is easier to get food earlier in the evening, and we never have to wait in lines at restaurants (something we have had to do at every Secrets resort).  Both are nice.  One downside of EPM for me is that the pool is more of a party/wading pool; there is not a deep swimming/"fun" pool anywhere on the property.  There is a big lazy river though.

 

I feel like we are derailing, so please message me if you want more info.

[Jimbo]

1 hour ago, Stick93 said:

 

On a side note my cruise was colder as we went to Canada and I spent more time in hot tub where people were sharing cards like crazy and the staff could have cared less. 

Don't think it matters one bit to the servers, they get their tips on How Many Drinks they serve.

[BND]

1 hour ago, hazeleyes46 said:

Wondered if anyone who is complaining about the prices drink, on land? Not buying your own bottles and drinking at home but out in a bar or restaurant. If I can get a cocktail for $10 or $12 I am shocked as most places charge $15 or more. To me, on the cruise, it is about the same and it is vacation so I will be drinking more than I do on land. I also have the option of other specialty drinks. 

To me it is worth it as many drinks are filled with ice and go down pretty quick at the pool on a hot day. I also have the option to try things I might not on land as it would cost me money to decide I don't like it or buy all the ingredients to make it at home. 

Our go to Mexican restaurant has happy hour 2-7 pm Mon-Thurs.  $4.99 for sangria, margarita and that's for the entire restaurant, not just the bar.  Regular prices are about $7.99.  We live in a high cost of living area, but not a resort area so drink prices really aren't that bad.  But, I also don't have more than one with dinner.   

[Stick93]

1 hour ago, Jimbo said:

Don't think it matters one bit to the servers, they get their tips on How Many Drinks they serve.

I agree. But maybe it gives some ideas. Whatever - I really don’t care what people do,  enjoying life in my shoes. 

[Joebucks]

Absolutely blows my mind at the defense of $1200 for liquids for a week. I love to drink, but could never fathom such an investment. That is an entire vacation. Meanwhile, the majority of people who are for it, either "buy it to feel good" (while not knowing/caring how much they really drink) or people who need multiple orange juices, energy drinks, specialty coffees, and cocktails everyday. 

 

Cocktails are the biggest markups in the restaurant business. A definition of "breaking even" on dozens of these in a vacation is laughable at best. The pours in these drinks are extremely weak and are loaded with sugar. These things aside, I still enjoy a good cocktail here and there. The obsession with "unlimited" causes people to stop thinking logically.

[grandgeezer]

31 minutes ago, Stick93 said:

I agree. But maybe it gives some ideas. Whatever - I really don’t care what people do,  enjoying life in my shoes. 

We found that if you use the same bartender, or waiter, they write your card number down and don’t even ask for your card. I wonder how many drinks he charges to your card just to build up their tips?

[rudeney]

2 hours ago, hazeleyes46 said:

Wondered if anyone who is complaining about the prices drink, on land? Not buying your own bottles and drinking at home but out in a bar or restaurant. If I can get a cocktail for $10 or $12 I am shocked as most places charge $15 or more. To me, on the cruise, it is about the same and it is vacation so I will be drinking more than I do on land. I also have the option of other specialty drinks. 

To me it is worth it as many drinks are filled with ice and go down pretty quick at the pool on a hot day. I also have the option to try things I might not on land as it would cost me money to decide I don't like it or buy all the ingredients to make it at home. 

 

I've been saying this, too.  Onboard drink prices are competitive with and often less expensive than our local restaurants and bars.  My wife and I don't go out to bars locally, but when we travel, we do enjoy a nightcap at the hotel bar.  Thank God RCI's liquor is not as expensive as Marriott's!  

 

Someone else pointed out that they serve "weak pours".  I've not seen that to be the case, but I understand that now, the bartenders are using jiggers, likely due to liquor shortages.  To combat that, just order a drink plus a shot.  Of course if you pay out of pocket for that, you'd be getting a $20-something drink, but with DBP, it's included.  In that case, some people might end up coming out "on top" with the DBP.  

[Don'tNeedAName]

In a topic full of odd takes, that one has to be one of the weirdest... it almost seems like a parody of the type of response being discussed earlier in the thread.

 

18 minutes ago, Joebucks said:

Absolutely blows my mind at the defense of $1200 for liquids for a week.

Determining something is "worth" it (especially at a given time and place) isn't a defense of the thing's price.  Even those who find value in the DBP would love for it to be cheaper.

 

18 minutes ago, Joebucks said:

I love to drink, but could never fathom such an investment.

It isn't an investment.  It's an expense.

 

18 minutes ago, Joebucks said:

 That is an entire vacation.

You are putting your experiences onto everyone else.  There are many people for whom that doesn't come close to an entire vacation.

 

18 minutes ago, Joebucks said:

Meanwhile, the majority of people who are for it, either "buy it to feel good" (while not knowing/caring how much they really drink) or people who need multiple orange juices, energy drinks, specialty coffees, and cocktails everyday. 

You're quite the psychologist.  Your phrasing is also odd here--buying something does not necessarily mean that one is "for" or "against" that thing.  It is purely transactional.

 

18 minutes ago, Joebucks said:

Cocktails are the biggest markups in the restaurant business.

Hence the high price of the DBP, so what exactly are we doing here?

 

18 minutes ago, Joebucks said:

A definition of "breaking even" on dozens of these in a vacation is laughable at best. The pours in these drinks are extremely weak

and are loaded with sugar.

Can you explain how my beer or bourbon is served to me "extremely weak"?  Also, "breaking even" in this context does not mean that someone is going to drink more in dollar value than Royal Caribbean spends on the drinks.  No one thinks that.  Instead, the per drink prices are what they are.  Thus, if a person is going to drink X drinks on a cruise whether they buy singles or a package, then a package costing the same as Y drinks will be "worth it" if X is greater than Y.  Is that difficult to understand?

 

18 minutes ago, Joebucks said:

The obsession with "unlimited" causes people to stop thinking logically.

There definitely is some questionable logic around these parts.

 

[baelor]

1 hour ago, BND said:

Our go to Mexican restaurant has happy hour 2-7 pm Mon-Thurs.  $4.99 for sangria, margarita and that's for the entire restaurant, not just the bar.  Regular prices are about $7.99.  We live in a high cost of living area, but not a resort area so drink prices really aren't that bad.  But, I also don't have more than one with dinner.   

I guess my areas are very very high cost of living (also not resort)--no happy hour at all; drinks are $15-20.  Beers are cheaper at $8-11.

[baelor]

1 hour ago, Joebucks said:

Absolutely blows my mind at the defense of $1200 for liquids for a week.

It's $600 per person, if that helps calm your heart.

 

1 hour ago, Joebucks said:

I love to drink, but could never fathom such an investment. That is an entire vacation. Meanwhile, the majority of people who are for it, either "buy it to feel good" (while not knowing/caring how much they really drink) or people who need multiple orange juices, energy drinks, specialty coffees, and cocktails everyday. 

I mean, yeah.  That is the target audience for packages lol.  Why would that be surprising?  There is not much reason for someone who drinks 1 OJ a day and nothing else that costs extra to get an all-included beverage package.

 

1 hour ago, Joebucks said:

Cocktails are the biggest markups in the restaurant business. A definition of "breaking even" on dozens of these in a vacation is laughable at best. The pours in these drinks are extremely weak and are loaded with sugar.

Depends on what you order.

 

1 hour ago, Joebucks said:

These things aside, I still enjoy a good cocktail here and there. The obsession with "unlimited" causes people to stop thinking logically.

Not really.  If someone's default is like 5 drinks a day on vacation, the package has already paid for itself, without even considering cocktails on top of that, juices, bottled water, etc.

 

The break-even is based on the price that those people would pay for an equivalent number of drinks a la carte.  

Edited June 1, 2022 by baelor

[FPP777]

Going on the Allure next July with 5 others. I already bought the package for all 6 of us. I know, psychotic. Now for the next 12 months I’ll check the price everyday for a drop. If it doesn’t, I won’t be looking back. I’ll enjoy the hell out of my cruise if I get my “monies worth” or not. 

[doppelganger2621]

1 hour ago, Joebucks said:

Absolutely blows my mind at the defense of $1200 for liquids for a week. I love to drink, but could never fathom such an investment. That is an entire vacation. Meanwhile, the majority of people who are for it, either "buy it to feel good" (while not knowing/caring how much they really drink) or people who need multiple orange juices, energy drinks, specialty coffees, and cocktails everyday. 

 

Cocktails are the biggest markups in the restaurant business. A definition of "breaking even" on dozens of these in a vacation is laughable at best. The pours in these drinks are extremely weak and are loaded with sugar. These things aside, I still enjoy a good cocktail here and there. The obsession with "unlimited" causes people to stop thinking logically.

The difference between a package costing $1200 and a package costing $800 is roughly two drinks per day per person. If you’re a person who drinks, on average, 5 drinks per day (and that doesn’t even included specialty beverages, bottled water, etc), then it’s essentially worth it because you’re going to spend that money anyway.

 

If you’re someone who drinks 4 per day, then no it’s not going to be worth it, but in the end, who cares? You’re saving money by not getting the beverage package.

 

Again, I tend to think the people most upset  are the folks who remember grabbing the package at $40-50 who aren’t getting way more than their money’s worth. And like everyone has basically admitted on this thread—Royal isn’t pricing this so cruisers can get their money’s worth.

 

It’s not about being a sucker, it’s that they are banking on people not being smart consumers

[ONECRUISER]

7 hours ago, LadyZolt said:

I didn't read this entire thread, so apologies if this has already been posted.  For the Ultimate World Cruise on Serenade of the Seas -- 274 nights  times $63.00 per day is $17,262 per person.  And then you'd add gratuities.  😁

 

Luckily, the drink package is included for the world cruise, I believe. 

 

Happy sailing!  

 

-LadyZolt

Don't Drink so if Royal gives me that $17,262 off the Cruise...nope, still can't afford the World Cruise. They hiring? Maybe I could earn my keep as a Gentlemen Host 😎

[Joebucks]

 

1 hour ago, Don'tNeedAName said:

 

You are putting your experiences onto everyone else.  There are many people for whom that doesn't come close to an entire vacation.

 

And some people can't afford the vacation or the package. Your point? A lot can be done with $1200 that is more valuable than this.

 

1 hour ago, Don'tNeedAName said:

Hence the high price of the DBP, so what exactly are we doing here?

 

Pointing out that the cruise line is just trying to make large amounts of money here. A far cry from the constant "break even plans". Almost no one purchases all of these cocktails and vitamin waters on their own. It is silly math.

 

1 hour ago, Don'tNeedAName said:

Can you explain how my beer or bourbon is served to me "extremely weak"?  Also, "breaking even" in this context does not mean that someone is going to drink more in dollar value than Royal Caribbean spends on the drinks.  No one thinks that.  Instead, the per drink prices are what they are.  Thus, if a person is going to drink X drinks on a cruise whether they buy singles or a package, then a package costing the same as Y drinks will be "worth it" if X is greater than Y.  Is that difficult to understand?

 

There definitely is some questionable logic around these parts.

 

 

As a bourbon drinker myself, I far prefer Carnival's options. I can buy a 1 liter of bourbon for $130. That will last me the whole vacation. Drink a beer and a cocktail when I want it, bring wine, drinks at port. We never have broken $300 total. I know everyone is ready to tell me a story of conveniences, water bottles, and whatever "premium stuff" I can get in a cup or bottle. Yet somehow, that is not the questionable logic when I can spend 4x the price for what?

 

59 minutes ago, baelor said:

It's $600 per person, if that helps calm your heart.

 

Trying to break it down doesn't change the fact that $1200 is $1200. A lot of us also know that one half is likely not going to use it as much. Perhaps my situation is heavily influenced by having another half that doesn't want to drink.

 

59 minutes ago, baelor said:

Not really.  If someone's default is like 5 drinks a day on vacation, the package has already paid for itself, without even considering cocktails on top of that, juices, bottled water, etc.

 

I have traveled with friends, girlfriends, family, friends of family and friends, and so on. Never have I ever seen anyone buy 5 "drinks" a day, for a week. Not to mention at full markup price and as a couple. Recite all of the marketing lines you want. 5 drinks a day is over-simplifying what it really is. Take $15 cocktails. At $1200, that is 80 between the couple for a week. is the average couple really craving 80 cocktails?

 

37 minutes ago, doppelganger2621 said:

Again, I tend to think the people most upset  are the folks who remember grabbing the package at $40-50 who aren’t getting way more than their money’s worth. And like everyone has basically admitted on this thread—Royal isn’t pricing this so cruisers can get their money’s worth.

 

It’s not about being a sucker, it’s that they are banking on people not being smart consumers

 

Sure the new prices don't help. I've done drink packages before. Each time I regretted it. I overdrank and felt the need to get things I would have never wanted to "get my monies worth". I felt sluggish from all of that crap. Day 1 or 2, it's really fun. By 3 or 4, it's not as fun. At port, it loses more value. Especially when you go to port and you find a dive or even a shop that sells drinks real cheap. 

 

Many people think they are "pulling a fast one" by breaking even. The cruise line couldn't care either way. Either way, you have made them a crap ton of money.

 

Call me crazy, I also like to take a break or a light drinking day here and there on vacation. I don't need it all the time to have fun.