Help me decide - Classic or Premium Drink Pkg.

[Wineaux007]

1 hour ago, eric4395 said:

Can i just confirm that you do not need to upgrade your drinks package on the 1st day of your cruise and  you can upgrade at any time during  the cruise.

Then you probably won't get the Elite+ discount.

[Guest]

I’m having the same dilemma.

In February I paid to upgrade as it was before the price increase. In August I decided to stick with the classic and pay the up charge so I could see whether upgrading would be worth the money on my next cruise. However I was never charged the difference- despite consuming many many martinis- so I couldn’t work it out. 
 

A typical day I have:

- 2 cafe al baccio coffees

- lots of bottle water (fine with the celebrity stuff, we don’t really care for water brands in the UK as our tap water is drinkable), 

- 2 or 3 blended drinks around the pool

- 2 glasses of red wine with dinner 

- 2 or 3 martinis 

 

So I would only really be paying for the martinis. I would have to drink 3 for the package to break even. I like red wine, and I noted in August on the Reflection that we only had a choice of 2 wines in the MDR on classic.

 

I’m on the Beyond B2B in Feb and considering upgrading for the 1st week and seeing how I get on for the 2nd week. 

[drakes2]

11 minutes ago, Glitterati said:

I’m having the same dilemma.

In February I paid to upgrade as it was before the price increase. In August I decided to stick with the classic and pay the up charge so I could see whether upgrading would be worth the money on my next cruise. However I was never charged the difference- despite consuming many many martinis- so I couldn’t work it out. 
 

A typical day I have:

- 2 cafe al baccio coffees

- lots of bottle water (fine with the celebrity stuff, we don’t really care for water brands in the UK as our tap water is drinkable), 

- 2 or 3 blended drinks around the pool

- 2 glasses of red wine with dinner 

- 2 or 3 martinis 

 

So I would only really be paying for the martinis. I would have to drink 3 for the package to break even. I like red wine, and I noted in August on the Reflection that we only had a choice of 2 wines in the MDR on classic.

 

I’m on the Beyond B2B in Feb and considering upgrading for the 1st week and seeing how I get on for the 2nd week. 

If you are a wine drinker and prefer the premium wines you may want to consider upgrading your package especially if you drink a couple glasses per day. Also for the martinis as the ones on the basic package are very limited.  One of my favorite is the 25th anniversary martini priced at $16 not sure if it's gone up in price but if not the upcharge is $1.00 plus gratuities. I also enjoy Baileys at night and that would be included.  You could work out the upcharge per drink to see if it's in your favor. 

[RichYak]

1 hour ago, Glitterati said:

However I was never charged the difference- despite consuming many many martinis- so I couldn’t work it out. 

What brands of liquor did they use to make your martinis?

[wisteria1019]

I was adopting the wait and see philosophy until I heard about the VAT added on in Europe. Is this true? I typically upgrade prior to the cruise, but with the increased daily charge, considered waiting a day or two onboard.

 

Thanks,

Dawn

[Hlitner]

Regarding VAT taxes, this depends on your itinerary.    

 

Hank

[Wineaux007]

2 hours ago, wisteria1019 said:

I was adopting the wait and see philosophy until I heard about the VAT added on in Europe. Is this true? I typically upgrade prior to the cruise, but with the increased daily charge, considered waiting a day or two onboard.

 

Thanks,

Dawn

If your Europe cruise does not hit a non-EU port, you will have to pay VAT on all purchases.  When in Barcelona and Spanish waters, you will have to pay VAT.

[Guest]

On 12/13/2022 at 2:02 PM, RichYak said:

What brands of liquor did they use to make your martinis?

Grey goose! I watched them every time. 

[drakes2]

14 minutes ago, Glitterati said:

Grey goose! I watched them every time. 

Me too. After ordering a Cosmo at the casino bar which was made with an extremely cheap vodka which I left at the bar, I now pay close attention to the spirits used.  

[Virginia1993]

Just to be clear, if I order say a Sunset Martini or a Dirty Martini, with a classic included vodka, I will still have to pay full price for the martini?

[wisteria1019]

20 hours ago, Wineaux007 said:

If your Europe cruise does not hit a non-EU port, you will have to pay VAT on all purchases.  When in Barcelona and Spanish waters, you will have to pay VAT.

Thank you. Sailing out of Civitavecchia and through the Greek Islands.

[Straughn]

On 12/5/2022 at 1:14 PM, jagoffee said:

Do you drink wine?  Do you prefer Pellegrino for your sparkling water?

Do you typically drink the cocktails at the WCB?  Those are also some factors to use in your decision.  Is not signing a check after ordering a drink over the Classic limit important to you?  We value the convenience of not signing.
 

As others have suggested, you can try the Classic for a day or so.  Then decide based on your drinking preferences.  

 

The answer for us is to get the Premium package.  

Since you are asking the question, I assume you are not eligible for the Elite upgrade discount?

 

Absolutely, the best explanation of the differences in the two beverage packages I have read.

[Wineaux007]

2 hours ago, wisteria1019 said:

Thank you. Sailing out of Civitavecchia and through the Greek Islands.

If you are stopping in Montenegro or Malta, you are good to go.