Cruise lines-the drink packages

[kjcba8101]

Leaving on a 7 days cruise this week. They have a $385 package that includes beer, wine, cocktails, coffee.

Seems like quite a ripoff to me. I've been on several cruises before, so I get that they're going to abuse me on drink packages. Anyone have any life hacks for dealing with this? I brought some liquor on a previous cruise but it's not very practical

 

[AnniePokely]

49.95 per day if paid in advance. We paid it on our last cruise in nov. It's the "cheers" package. Only downfall is anyone over 18 in the cabin has to buy one as well. I don't drink much, so mine was wasted for the most part. 15 drinks a day.

 

[kjcba8101]

I'm not a huge drinker at this point in my life. As a guy that breaks down numbers, I'm always surprised at what they can get away with charging. I could buy about six beers at the KC Chiefs game for this cost. Or I could buy about six twelve packs of beer at Quick Trip. It seemed like a person used to be able to buy a keg for $60 ish back when I was in college. I get supply and demand, but it always makes me feel like I'm being ripped off when I'm in these situations.

 

[Been Jammin]

It all depends on how much you drink. They charge a lot for each drink, even the non alcoholic ones. I drink mostly water and coffee, which don't cost extra. It is cheaper for me to just buy the 10-20 drinks I have throughout the week on the ship.

 

[JonnyVito]

If you are going to drink beer after beer at the pool and dinner then it is worth it. If you plan on having wine with supper or a cocktail in the evenings then I don't so. I just did one in Nov also and I would have a cocktail in the evenings and my wife might have had a wine with dinner. Cocktails are about 10 bucks a pop. It all depends on how much you drink. Now the coffee part interest me but it would have to be the premium coffee. I could easily drink that much on coffee each day. On ours I knew all the guys who ran the coffee shop. The coconut cookies are the da bomb also.

Speaking of packages if you are doing Royal Caribbean they offer a dinner package. You could prebuy those or buy them the day you set sail. Those where the deals IMO. The wife and I ate at a steak house on the boat a few nights and it was awesome way better then the formal dinning room. We were also celebrating our anniversary a little late so we wanted some intimate dinning. We don't have kids so this was nice. they usually have like three restaurants you can pick from and they are all pretty good. Do the kitchen and brunch tour it was really cool seeing how they cook all this food and how much they cook.

 

[bigjkt405]

49.95 per day if paid in advance. We paid it on our last cruise in nov. It's the "cheers" package. Only downfall is anyone over 18 in the cabin has to buy one as well. I don't drink much, so mine was wasted for the most part. 15 drinks a day.

Carnival has updated their cheers program. It now includes the specialty coffees, milkshakes, and drinks up to $50 per drink. Theoretically if you drink a couple beers on the deck, a drink of the day or two, and then maybe have a couple drinks in the casino/comedy club/piano bar/dinner... you've usually gotten your money's worth out of the package.

 

[PlatteCoPoke]

Just got off a 7-night mediterranean cruise... we had the everything drink package... not sure how it all broke down when it was all said and done. I know in the first 5 days we got our money worth, big time... but day 5 I had way too much, and couldnt drink again on day 6 or 7. Add in all the bottled water and premium coffee, I bet we covered the cost. But not sure I'd do it again... kinda forced ourselves to drink more knowing we pre-paid for it.

 

[Deepfork]

I could drink that much with no problem! Sounds like a hell of a deal and I wish my bars would offer it! :^)

 

[H Town Poke]

GF and I are going on a 13 night Mediterranean cruise in a few weeks. They are offering one free package. She doesnt drink and I dont drink that much anymore so we are going to pass on it. The other packages are unlimited internet, all tips included, or $300 on-board credit. I think we are leaning toward the OBC. Im excited as this is my first time out of the country and first cruise.

 

[AnniePokely]

GF and I are going on a 13 night Mediterranean cruise in a few weeks. They are offering one free package. She doesnt drink and I dont drink that much anymore so we are going to pass on it. The other packages are unlimited internet, all tips included, or $300 on-board credit. I think we are leaning toward the OBC. Im excited as this is my first time out of the country and first cruise.

OBC would be the way to go.

 

[bigjkt405]

13 days is a long time for first time out of the country and first cruise...

Just speaking as a travel agent.

Enjoy!

 

[H Town Poke]

13 days is a long time for first time out of the country and first cruise...

Just speaking as a travel agent.

Enjoy!

Thankfully, she travels quite a bit so she can show me the ropes! She will be in Thailand/Cambodia/Bali with some girlfriends right before we leave on our trip.

 

[kjcba8101]

Thankfully, she travels quite a bit so she can show me the ropes! She will be in Thailand/Cambodia/Bali with some girlfriends right before we leave on our trip.

I went on a similar cruise from Rome and ending in Venice. Ours was 10 days and hit a number of ports . We did that cruise and our most recent cruise on Celebrity.

 

[anon_xl72qcu5isp39]

I've always just brought booze onto the ship when you stop. Ditto for friends. Stick it in your pants or in your beach bag. I've sent it right through the metal detectors and the ship employees don't really care. If you wave it around they'll take it and give it back at the end of the cruise.