Drink package thoughts

[neverlaysup]

Just now, mitz18 said:

I disagree.  Using your numbers, the package cost $106.80 and the drinks are $14.40 ($12 + $2.40).  So $106.80 divided by $14.40 = 7.41 drinks at $12 + tip.  Where is the math off?  My DP and I have a couple of mimosas at breakfast, a couple of glasses of bubbles for lunch, misc drinks during the afternoon and then drinks at dinnner and in the evening.  Believe me we’ve done the math and it’s close.  If the cruise is port intensive and you’re going to go onshore every day/all day the the package does not work.  If you are staying on board most of the time (&/or want the convenience of not signing recipes for every drink) the package works.  Besides, it seems the AI increases the rate by about $90 (+ gratis) but includes the tips and Wi-Fi.  So even with the $10 pd upgrade to premium,it’s not $106.80 for the drinks.  Any way, each to their own and just pick what works best for you

The paid upgrade to premium drinks is not $10 anymore....the pricing has increased and without a CC discount, the upgrade cost per day is $20 plus 20% so the cost is $24 per day. It's really all about the math and how much you intend to drink for the entire cruise. Either way, if you stuck to classic package drinks only with the classic package, it's at least 11 drinks a day before you break even. For the Premium package, you will break even after 8 $17 dollar drinks. Of course there is water, coffee, soda, juices and smoothies available to offset that a bit. It almost used to be a no brainer to have the package, now it requires some more consideration. Let's not even go down the elite happy hour, elite breakfast booze and the 4 bottles of wine we brought on board argument for not getting a package anymore.

[RichYak]

29 minutes ago, mitz18 said:

So $106.80 divided by $14.40 = 7.41 drinks at $12 + tip.  Where is the math off?

Those $14.40 drinks are costing you $4.40 a pop additional. That’s where your math fails. You claim to break even at 7.41 drinks but it cost you another $32.60 to do so. 

[mitz18]

1 hour ago, RichYak said:

Those $14.40 drinks are costing you $4.40 a pop additional. That’s where your math fails. You claim to break even at 7.41 drinks but it cost you another $32.60 to do so. 

In this example it was a $12 drink plus tip which equals +/- $14.40.  Again my post said hypothetical numbers. A $14.40 drink + tip = $17 & if the cost is $107 then the break even is 6.29 drinks.  Doesn’t really matter.  First one has to figure how much they drink, what they drink & est the cost of those drinks, then compare that to the cost of a bev package plus/minus the “ convenience” cost of same and decide if it is worth it or not.

[DaKahuna]

 We book suites that includes the premium drink package.  Even when the option to book without AI was around, we still went for it.  My wife seldom drinks more than four alcoholic beverages a day, does not normally drink soda, other than an occasional sprite, but does like bottled water.  We find it convenient not to have to worry about whether it’s included or not. 

 

 

[RichYak]

45 minutes ago, mitz18 said:

& if the cost is $107 then the break even is 6.29 drinks.

The cost is $107 if you don’t spend any more money. Your examples include drinks over $10 where you spend more. You’re not factoring that in. I’m sorry but your math is wrong. 

[Boo's Mom]

22 hours ago, Bently57 said:

So….help me understand. In no way am I trying to persuade anyone one way or the other. But if the package is close to 90 dollars a day, you are saying that you consume enough beverages to make it worth that?  Or is it more for the convenience?

The serious alcohol drinkers pretty much know that they are getting their moneys worth. 

[Boycey]

I don't drink alcohol and DW drinks very little, but still we find the package convenient, particularly purchased as part of the all-in offer. 

 

We get through 2 or 3 coffees minimum plus soft drinks all through the usually hot days and water in the cabin, and though I'm unlikely ever to sit and calculate a ledger, my feeling is the packages are worthwhile.  Convenience has value.

[the penguins]

On 5/5/2023 at 11:43 AM, Bently57 said:

Drink packages sure have changed since we last cruised Celebrity in 2015. We had it included as a freebie as part of a sale on our last cruise at the time, but I seem to remember it was around $300 for the week per person IF we had paid for it. Maybe I am remembering incorrectly. But at any rate, the price per person per day now astonishes me. 
 

Needless to say, we won’t purchase it, as we only drink maybe two alcoholic drinks at the most per day, and sodas are not something we drink often either. But on a cruise I admit we probably drank more sodas in the past. I think we will just pay as we go, because I can’t see us drinking almost $90 a day in beverages of any kind. REAL Coffee in the mornings and a glass of wine or cocktail with dinner is about as far as we go. 
 

I almost feel embarrassed for NOT buying a package, but I can’t make the math work. 
 

OR, am I missing something?
 

 

You are missing nothing.

It's all about choice.

For us the drinks package never works (we don't drink alcohol), as Elite Plus speciality teas/coffee/chocolate are free. Free water and juice from 5 to 7 pm.

As Celebrity push the AI option clearly it doesn't work out economically for the majority of passengers.

Do the math, factor in convenience and choose what's right for you.

 

[smtcan]

2 hours ago, the penguins said:

You are missing nothing.

It's all about choice.

For us the drinks package never works (we don't drink alcohol), as Elite Plus speciality teas/coffee/chocolate are free. Free water and juice from 5 to 7 pm.

As Celebrity push the AI option clearly it doesn't work out economically for the majority of passengers.

Do the math, factor in convenience and choose what's right for you.

 

We drink alcohol in moderation, but for the same reason as above a drink package doesn’t make sense to us.  We didn’t carry on wine for our recent B2B because we went straight from the airport to the ship and with Elite+ benefits we didn’t miss it.

[rodndonna]

On 5/5/2023 at 7:13 AM, PTC DAWG said:

On the AI cruises I book, I’m not seeing it cost that much per day.  More in the range of $50 or so once room gratuities are backed out.  That said, the math is easy to do. Book what works for you. 

 

I agree. Similar to Holland and their version (Have it all HAL), it seems like Celebrity and HAL have priced it such that it is a no brainer if you want a drink package, you would just book your fare as AI or HAI, where you get the drinks package and more for less cost.

 

I always thought the only reason they even offer the drink packages to be purchased separate is so they can say "with AI your are saving XX%".

 

I really can't imagine anyone actually buys a cruise only fare and then adds a dink package (at least I hope not)

 

EDIT:

Articles like this aren't doing anyone any favours - 

https://thepointsguy.com/guide/cruise-line-ship-alcoholic-drink-packages/

 

for example he cites HAL drinks package is $59.90 + 18% gratuity so almost $71/day. But in reality, for $50/day booking as AI - you get the same drinks (grats included) package, $100 shore excursion credit and one specialty dinner credit for 7 day sailing.

 

I just did HAL as the example as I am more familiar, but it is the same with Celeb. Booking AI costs less than the drinks package itself and your crew appreciation is included.

 

Edited May 7, 2023 by rodndonna

[rodndonna]

11 minutes ago, rodndonna said:

 

I agree. Similar to Holland and their version (Have it all HAL), it seems like Celebrity and HAL have priced it such that it is a no brainer if you want a drink package, you would just book your fare as AI or HAI, where you get the drinks package and more for less cost.

 

I always thought the only reason they even offer the drink packages to be purchased separate is so they can say "with AI your are saving XX%".

 

I really can't imagine anyone actually buys a cruise only fare and then adds a dink package (at least I hope not)

 

EDIT:

Articles like this aren't doing anyone any favours - 

https://thepointsguy.com/guide/cruise-line-ship-alcoholic-drink-packages/

 

for example he cites HAL drinks package is $59.90 + 18% gratuity so almost $71/day. But in reality, for $50/day booking as AI - you get the same drinks (grats included) package, $100 shore excursion credit and one specialty dinner credit for 7 day sailing.

 

I just did HAL as the example as I am more familiar, but it is the same with Celeb. Booking AI costs less than the drinks package itself and your crew appreciation is included.

 

 

Edit - and WIFI on both as well....

[CelebrityBrownWater]

Between drinking for free in the casino, and all the generous bartenders who saw our absent package as an opportunity to make a nightly handshake tip…. Well let’s just say I didnt need the package to enjoy free drinks.

 

And we were given better service. Just throwing that out there. Results may vary.

Edited May 7, 2023 by CelebrityBrownWater

[STNGR]

On 5/5/2023 at 6:13 AM, PTC DAWG said:

On the AI cruises I book, I’m not seeing it cost that much per day.  More in the range of $50 or so once room gratuities are backed out.  That said, the math is easy to do. Book what works for you. 

We always used to get all inclusive on Celebrity, but the current Celebrity drink package is not worth the price. We priced the cost for our 11 day cruise and it was outrageous. Not only do they charge $80/day/person, but they tack 20 percent gratuity on top of it! I normally give a base of 20 percent in tips, normally more, based on the quality of the service provided, but to be forced to pay for tips in advance is basically  subsidizing Celebrity for not paying their employees a living wage in the first place. I find this outrageous in principle since most of the days I will not be drinking $80 worth of drinks, again subsidizing Celebrity with tips for service not even provided. Absolutely outrageous! Ergo, I will be paying tips only for the drinks I order, the drink package is worthless.

 

Edited March 27 by STNGR
Added actual drink package cost plus mandated 20 percent gratuity in advance.

[highway180]

14 minutes ago, STNGR said:

We always used to get all inclusive on Celebrity, but the current Celebrity drink package is not worth the price. We priced the cost for our 11 day cruise and it was outrageous. Not only do they charge $80/day/person, but they tack 20 percent gratuity on top of it! I normally give a base of 20 percent in tips, normally more, based on the quality of the service provided, but to be forced to pay for tips in advance is basically  subsidizing Celebrity for not paying their employees a living wage in the first place. I find this outrageous in principle since most of the days I will not be drinking $80 worth of drinks, again subsidizing Celebrity with tips for service not even provided. Absolutely outrageous! Ergo, I will be paying tips only for the drinks I order, the drink package is worthless.

 

Not always true, book the cruise with at least the classic package, then watch for flash sales on upgrades to premium. My upcoming 10 day cruise in October was a little more than $8.30/per day, per person all in.

 

[STNGR]

Good point, sometimes they will offer a good all inclusive, just not always, certainly not in the last two cruises we've been.

[PTC DAWG]

1 hour ago, STNGR said:

We always used to get all inclusive on Celebrity, but the current Celebrity drink package is not worth the price. We priced the cost for our 11 day cruise and it was outrageous. Not only do they charge $80/day/person, but they tack 20 percent gratuity on top of it! I normally give a base of 20 percent in tips, normally more, based on the quality of the service provided, but to be forced to pay for tips in advance is basically  subsidizing Celebrity for not paying their employees a living wage in the first place. I find this outrageous in principle since most of the days I will not be drinking $80 worth of drinks, again subsidizing Celebrity with tips for service not even provided. Absolutely outrageous! Ergo, I will be paying tips only for the drinks I order, the drink package is worthless.

 

How much per day was it using the AI booking?  
 

Like I said, math isn’t hard..it works great for my Wife and I…a coffee or two a day. A few Mimosas…pool drinks, evening drinks. Gambling drinks…at $10-15 a pop, it doesn’t take long..plus, no slips to sign. 

Im not cruising without a few trips to the Martini Bar, that adds up quick..

 

You are letting the 20% get under your skin..every drink you buy on board will have the same amount applied..

 

Options are good, I like paying one price and being done..others not so much. There really is no right or wrong..

Edited March 27 by PTC DAWG

[STNGR]

13 minutes ago, PTC DAWG said:

How much per day was it using the AI booking?  
 

Like I said, math isn’t hard..it works great for my Wife and I…a coffee or two a day. A few Mimosas…pool drinks, evening drinks. Gambling drinks…at $10-15 a pop, it doesn’t take long..plus, no slips to sign. 

Im not cruising without a few trips to the Martini Bar, that adds up quick..

 

You are letting the 20% get under your skin..every drink you buy on board will have the same amount applied..

 

Options are good, I like paying one price and being done..others not so much. There really is no right or wrong..

 

You are correct, it boils down to math. Here's my math (not a big drinker):

 

   1. Regular included coffee is fine, no need for fru fru mocha choca whatever = 0.00

 

   2. One beer/piña colada during the day = $12

 

   3. One cocktail before dinner: $17

 

   4. One glass of wine with dinner: $12

 

   5. One after dinner drink: $17

 

Sub-total:                  $58

Plus 20% gratuity:    $12

Total:                         $70

 

Celebrity package:            $80

Plus mandatory gratuity: $15

 

Math: $80-$70= $10 cheaper than package

 

More importantly, principle: $12-$15 = $3 day Celebrity pockets for itself and doesn't give to it's underpaid employees  (employees gets tips depending on listed price of drink every time they swipe your card when you get a drink, not based on overall gratuities Celebrity charges their guests).

 

Principle.

 

[cruisestitch]

You keep trying to fight the system.  This is the way cruise lines operate.  If you can’t accept it then cruising is probably not your best choice of vacation.

 

and if it was so unfair to tge employees no one would ever work for them.  Some waiters and bar staff have twenty years with the company, after all.

[highway180]

39 minutes ago, PTC DAWG said:

 

Like I said, math isn’t hard..it works great for my Wife and I…a coffee or two a day. A few Mimosas…pool drinks, evening drinks. Gambling drinks…at $10-15 a pop, it doesn’t take long..plus, no slips to sign. 

Im not cruising without a few trips to the Martini Bar, that adds up quick..

 

.

 

Options are good, I like paying one price and being done..others not so much. There really is no right or wrong..

Don't forget the premium waters, some say why bother, but if it's included, we do.

I also couldn't see cruising without one

Cheers

[STNGR]

4 minutes ago, cruisestitch said:

You keep trying to fight the system.  This is the way cruise lines operate.  If you can’t accept it then cruising is probably not your best choice of vacation.

 

and if it was so unfair to tge employees no one would ever work for them.  Some waiters and bar staff have twenty years with the company, after all.

 

Like McDonald's, there's always people that need the low pay. I agree, not much to do about it, doesn't mean it's just and we shouldn't call them on it. We still have a 1st amendment, right?

[STNGR]

By the way, I'm not the only one that thinks this way;

 

https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles/11-signs-you-should-not-buy-a-cruise-beverage-package?lid=k7y5ad44fqwb&crm_source=58226&crm_pos=us&crm_cid=504fcb63-c470-41b1-b5af-3ac96d71211a&crm_rid=wWV7eI4BVTKklrs6ukm2&crm_cname=03.27.24 US Insider - Other - 11 Signs You Should Not Buy a Beverage Package

[Oceangoer2]

Have always purchased AI in the past, but being Elite+ we have upgraded wifi each.  We pay the grats in the original booking, so that left the bev. pkg. to consider.  The math here is making my head spin as if I've already had a few...😉.  I have done the math comparison between paying as we go, or buying the classic pkg.  We're light drinkers but factored in fresh juice?, water, coffee, colas and it came out we would probably have 6 bevs. each per day.  We're paying for this in Canadian $$s.  What the US posters are quoting is half what I paid for the Classic....$1990.20.  I'd like to hear from the Cdn. math geniuses and their breakdown to justify this cost.  Thinking it might be more economical to cancel the pkg and pay as we go in US$ cash when we check out and eliminate the charge on our Visa.

[PTC DAWG]

55 minutes ago, highway180 said:

Don't forget the premium waters, some say why bother, but if it's included, we do.

I also couldn't see cruising without one

Cheers

I did forget, we drink those too, and always take extras back to the cabin..it does add up for some. 

[PTC DAWG]

33 minutes ago, STNGR said:

By the way, I'm not the only one that thinks this way;

 

https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles/11-signs-you-should-not-buy-a-cruise-beverage-package?lid=k7y5ad44fqwb&crm_source=58226&crm_pos=us&crm_cid=504fcb63-c470-41b1-b5af-3ac96d71211a&crm_rid=wWV7eI4BVTKklrs6ukm2&crm_cname=03.27.24 US Insider - Other - 11 Signs You Should Not Buy a Beverage Package

Nobody said you were…but I have to say, your math above is closer than you think to working out..if you value any type of internet on board, the AI rates may actually be in your favor..

Edited March 27 by PTC DAWG

[dreamer321]

I've done the math and have chosen not to buy a package for my upcoming cruise which I booked cruise-only.  I travel solo and the All Included price for solo passengers is just ridiculous.  By charging my drinks I also keep better track of what I'm drinking. In the past when I buy a package I feel I have to maximize the value of the package and that's not good for me. I'll drink heavily for a day or two then stop drinking for a couple days so I'm not getting value from it.