RCCL - drink packages, bringing own and first time doubt

[cusematt4]

Hi All,

 

Typically we always buy the drink package.  Only one of us in the room drinks.  We used to be able to just buy the drink pacakge for 1, and now RCCL requires the refreshment package at a minimum for the other person the cabin.  On top of this, we used to spend $49.99-64.99/day/pp for the drink package and now have not seen it in our cruise planner for under $89.99/pp/day.

 

The drink + refreshment package for 2 of us with gratuity would come to over $1,000.  At $15/drink on average, this would mean we'd have to go through 65 drinks to break even.

 

Does anyone know if

1) RCCL ever makes an exception to not make the 2nd person buy refreshment (they do not have any drinks - not soda or speciality coffee either)?

2) Does platinum ever receive drink coupons to help make the per drink option even more justifiable?

3) If we go the on consumption route, does RCCL allow us to each bring a certain number of bottles of wine per person?  Would be open to having this in the cabin and not having to bring to the dining room.  If so, what is the limit per person?

 

Thanks so much!

[Cherful59]

1) I have heard of an exception, but you can always call and try.

2) Drink Coupons start at diamond level, but check your Platinum perks for drink discounts.  Use the other persons as well.

3) 1 bottle per person is the new rule, so you each can bring one even if you drink it all.  We bring a small wine bottle opener in our check in for our room, ask for wine glasses at a bar or from room steward and take wine to dinner.
 

Good luck, prices are crazy.

 

Edited August 10, 2023 by Cherful59
Corrections made

[KiwiGal117]

Crown and Anchor Member Benefits (royalcaribbean.com)

 

Here is a link to the benefits.  Platinum members get 2 coupons for 50% off a glass of wine, beer or soda, and a 10% off on a glass of wine, beer or soda.  Not great, but it is something.

 

We usually get the drinks package, but given how expensive it has become, we are going to pay as we go on our September cruise.

[Cherful59]

1 hour ago, Cherful59 said:

1) I have heard of an exception, but you can always call and try.

2) Drink Coupons start at diamond level, but check your Platinum perks for drink discounts.  Use the other persons as well.

3) 1 bottle per person is the new rule, so you each can bring one even if you drink it all.  We bring a small wine bottle opener in our check in for our room, ask for wine glasses at a bar or from room steward and take wine to dinner.
 

Good luck, prices are crazy.

 

1) was supposed to say I haven’t heard of an exception.  Sorry

[sgmn]

Someone at our table about 4 years ago said they paid for one drink package on board but that may of been a one off exception and it was a while ago. Officially its, at minimum, one alcohol package and one refreshment.

You can take one bottle of wine each on board.

You can prepay for additional bottles of wine through royal gifts from around $35 and up, plus some of the bigger ships have spirit packages you can prebook and it will be waiting in your cabin when you board 

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/royalgifts/wine-liquor/blush-wines

Edited August 10, 2023 by sgmn

[cruisegirl1]

Just an FYI, the bottle of wine that you may bring on board (one standard bottle per adult in the cabin) can be consumed anywhere on the ship.  You may bring the entire bottle or just a glass to venues around the ship. 

 

M

[George C]

4 minutes ago, sgmn said:

Someone at our table about 4 years ago said they paid for one drink package on board but that may of been a one off exception and it was a while ago.

You can take one bottle of wine each on board.

You can prepay for additional bottles of wine through royal gifts from around $35 and up, plus some of the bigger ships have spirit packages.  

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/royalgifts/wine-liquor/blush-wines

I see they trying to sell a 4 large bottle of wine for 35 ,