Tips on dining and drink package

[grouchomarx]

Sailing Symphony about a year from now so lots of time to plan and research.  I will definitely want the unlimited dining package and the deluxe beverage package.  They show it as “pre cruise savings” now in my planner and it’s not too bad but I’ve read about people getting much better rates than what I see now.  Two questions:  1) how to get the best rate, do you just keep checking the cruise planner for a deal or is there a smarter/easier way and 2) it is my understanding that if you buy the unlimited dining package you are prohibited from booking dinners before you board.  Is that true and any advice about that?  I like to book ahead but I also like to save money.  Solo traveler if that helps. TIA.

[Tree_skier]

The best way to get the best rate is to book it when it hits an acceptable price and then keep checking for a better one.  Black Friday sales are usually the best.  Any cruise planner purchase can be cancelled and rebooked at a lower price.  

 

That is correct about not being able to book the restaurants until you get onboard.  What I and many others will do is once on board go directly to the first specialty restaurant you can and book everything you want for that week.  

[TheMillenniumRider]

You can keep checking the cruise planner, or use this handy tool that will just consolidate into one place and email you if the price drops, however it only updates once daily so it might miss short term flash sales and stuff.

www.royalpricetracker.com

 

UDP currently can only book once onboard, just get on early and head straight to a specialty to book, I've never had an issue getting anything I've wanted, as long as you are flexible with the days and times, if you are dead set on a certain restaurant on a certain day at a certain time then your results may vary. Also if you have huge parties that may also cause difficulties.

[grouchomarx]

Thank you guys you are amazing!