What You'll Wish You Knew About Cruise Drink Packages Before You Sail

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  • Опубліковано 28 лис 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 99

  • @QueenSuperJ
    @QueenSuperJ Місяць тому +8

    I had the drink package for free on my last cruise. This was my opportunity to try it out and see if I might purchase it on future cruises, I had never purchased it on previous cruises. I consumed maybe 2-3 drinks per day plus 1 can of ginger ale and some bottles of water. This was me actually trying to drink 😂

  • @farab4391
    @farab4391 Місяць тому +16

    A lot of people are complaining that drink packages are are not worth the money, because you have to drink x amount of drinks "to break even" etc. But sometimes it isn't just about breaking even. If you can afford it, it's another way of making your holiday more enjoyable. When I'm on holiday, I don't want to worry about the cost the drink, the amount of gratuity to go with it, etc. I just want to show my card/wristband and that's it. Plus, like mentioned in the video, I can try out some different drinks/cocktails/etc. and if I don't like one, I just get another. Just makes the whole holiday experience more fun and relaxing.

    • @janaynmelis5250
      @janaynmelis5250 Місяць тому +1

      Same here. Just want to relax, not worry about signing the receipts and tipping, and have the opportunity to try new and interesting drinks.

    • @nicolewiltsey7793
      @nicolewiltsey7793 Місяць тому

      @@janaynmelis5250ABSOLUTELY AGREE w/ you both!!🎉

  • @AxelQC
    @AxelQC Місяць тому +9

    Princess Plus is a great deal. With gratuities included, it's only $43/day extra. With $25 for Wifi, you are paying $18 for drinks and everything else.

  • @esoxxi-morgan-ixx4225
    @esoxxi-morgan-ixx4225 Місяць тому +17

    I love the drink packages, it's like being at a buffet where you're counting every drink to get your moneys worth 😅

    • @davee8113
      @davee8113 Місяць тому +4

      @@esoxxi-morgan-ixx4225 but by the end of the cruise your stomach can’t take much more and your won’t stop spitting Ning, now that’s a good cruise

  • @ChristianLehrer
    @ChristianLehrer Місяць тому +3

    Had Royal Refreshment package on both my back to back cruises on Anthem. I paid $22.99 a day plus 18% gratuity. I had a generous OBC on each cruise so that paid a big chunk of it. Yet, even if I had paid it all, still a good deal. Without it my tab would have ran $45-55 a day before gratuity. Fresh squeezed OJ, Venti Cafe Lates with an extra shot, a few Johnny Rockets milkshakes, a couple Mocktails, sparkling and still water and Soda, which was $3.50, $4.13 with gratuity for a can. It adds up fast.

  • @thejjtp
    @thejjtp 25 днів тому +1

    I just do the math and divide by the number of days. I have limited experience but it came out to less than 3 drinks a day. On at sea days easy work. Even a drink with dinner maybe and a lounge drink by the pool or two or a soda simply and you are there. I didn't see any bill and I was good.

  • @cdub6530
    @cdub6530 25 днів тому

    I've been on one cruise in my life. I'm not much of a drinker, so I got the Soda Package. I found it well worth the extra cost. It was very convenient to go to any drink stand on the ship and get something to drink. I mostly stuck to club soda as it's the carbonation that I really want, but I did get the occasional sugary soda. I'd have spent twice as much buying all these soft drinks individually. I did make sure to read the full description of the package before I paid for it, so I knew exactly what was and was not covered.

  • @peggywoods4327
    @peggywoods4327 Місяць тому

    I'm a very light drinker, so I take advantage of the boarding with one bottle of wine allowance. I'm in my 60s now, I had plenty in the past. I have to be mindful of my health now. I also bring hydration drink packets and fill up my tumbler. I've only been on music cruises, so I'm there to enjoy the bands and dance dance dance. 💃

  • @AbdulsCycles
    @AbdulsCycles Місяць тому

    Thank you for sharing this outstanding footage! Wishing you an incredible day ahead.👍👍

  • @staciewells8395
    @staciewells8395 Місяць тому +1

    I don’t drink at all. I’ve literally never had a sip of alcohol in my life. But, the free-at-sea package on NCL is worth it to me. It’s only a little more than the soda package, and I can get mocktails.

  • @beawsbiz
    @beawsbiz Місяць тому

    I typically cruise with MSC due to their budget prices. Their premium drinks package is typically £30 a day if purchased in advance. That is only three drinks at £10 before breaking even. Most people will drink 3 drinks on an evening out. As a bonus MSC serve fresh brewed coffee and pressed orange juice included in the drinks package. I appreciate many hardly drink at all and for those a drinks package does not add up.

  • @markomarten
    @markomarten Місяць тому +1

    Alcohol is a big scam on cruise ships, make a point of enjoying what’s already included instead. Wait until you go ashore before you splash out on alcohol, you can always try a few places of interest and with some planning find some great places to enjoy. Buy as little as possible on a cruise ship and really get your moneys worth at the buffet and the free food. Don’t be afraid to have multiple trips to the buffet, take it in turns and go for all the stuff that has to be done fresh, burgers don’t keep long so keep an eye on when they get done. The self serve ice cream machine can be popular and you can get as big a portion as you like. Pizza can be good but be a bit careful as if it’s not gone in 5 minutes there’s probably a good reason why. Lamb and steaks can be good and be sure to give them a go. Free room service is good to have so check that out too, you can eat 24/7 on a cruise. I went on a cruise and met a guy that only paid for gratuities,everything else was included in the fare. Do your research and save a bit of money to enjoy for later.

  • @ralphg450
    @ralphg450 Місяць тому +3

    A breakdown of msc cruises drink packages is needed for new cruisers

  • @Michael-rx6ji
    @Michael-rx6ji Місяць тому +6

    Doesn't everybody know by now that when cruise lines offer their "sale" pricing on drink packages, dining, short excursions It is really their normal pricing. Anything above that is just gravy on top. There really is no such thing as a true sale with cruise lines. Duh

  • @alexandrahall2012
    @alexandrahall2012 Місяць тому +1

    I figured out that NCL's "more at sea' and their old "free at sea" were both worth it if ONLY for the drink package. with MAS just 3 cocktails a day and the drink package is paid for! I priced RCL's drink package for 2 adults on a 7 day cruise it came out to -- another cruise! I don't want to count each soda, beer or gin and tonic! I just want to drink and relax.

    • @thejjtp
      @thejjtp 25 днів тому

      agreed free at sea is a no brainer

  • @teresah5318
    @teresah5318 Місяць тому

    We mostly cruise Princess. When they started the package, it was $40 a day. 15 alcoholic drinks, regular drinks, Wi-Fi (bad Wi-Fi) and gratuities. This was about 4 years ago - could have been a bit longer ago. They have been slowly changing and upping the cost but honestly, it's worth it for us. We usually get the Plus package as we cruise 14 - 16-day cruises. However, we do have book a 54-day cruise in 2026 and because we don't get as much OBC, thought it would be good to get the Premier package. The package should be renamed as the "no worries package".

  • @leonardwaters293
    @leonardwaters293 Місяць тому

    I just got back from my very first cruise on Allure of the Seas and bought the drink package, I only drink 3 or 4 drinks a month at home but I wouldn't buy the package again just because I never even caught a buzz while on board, for example on embarcation day I had 7 drinks from around 1pm to 6pm (I only drank cocktails and not beer). Other than that the package was super easy to use and the bartenders were great!

  • @stevengolden9009
    @stevengolden9009 Місяць тому

    I am a gambler, so on my cruises with Carnival, one of my offers is drinks are free in casino for my wife and i while we are playing. If you tip well when you get your drinks (since they are free, there will be zero automatic gratuity), you will be well taken care of.

  • @wesmorrison1211
    @wesmorrison1211 Місяць тому +1

    Viking cruises makes the drink package less complicated, the cost is only $25.00 per person, per day there is no gratuity added. If you only had 3 drinks a day, you will get your money’s worth.

  • @davee8113
    @davee8113 Місяць тому +1

    It’s real simple, called Rum Runners, if you know, you know, get the non-alcohol package and add your special flavoring to a virgin whatever and it’s really tasty, not to mention dirt cheap

  • @endashproductions
    @endashproductions Місяць тому +1

    The cap or lack thereof depends on the line - for example, NCL with the More at Sea package has none (but has a list of what's included vs. an extra charge "Connoisseur Collection" for sailing effective 1/1/25). I understand (but have no experience) that on MSC, you're charged the full price of the drink - not the difference - if it's not in the package. Lots of nuances to know about!

    • @happycamper1608
      @happycamper1608 Місяць тому +1

      You left off an addition cost to buying in advance... Insurance, an addition 8-10% of the package price. So buying in advance is often NOT the way to go. I have never seen Princess Package on sale in advance.

  • @20JK10
    @20JK10 Місяць тому +4

    It would be nice if they did a half-sized drink package for light drinkers [you know, drink responsibly].

  • @jeffreykyle8587
    @jeffreykyle8587 Місяць тому +2

    Thanks for the calculator!

  • @Ody-up6kg
    @Ody-up6kg Місяць тому +3

    My wife is a light drinker, so it is not a good choice for us. It is also quite a hassle to wait in line any time you want to get a drink.

    • @farab4391
      @farab4391 Місяць тому +3

      "wait in line any time you want to get a drink" ... which cruise line(s) is this on? I'll definitely want to avoid those. I've only been on Celebrity so far, but I've never had to wait in line to get a drink.

    • @ChristianLehrer
      @ChristianLehrer Місяць тому

      @@farab4391I’m a frequent Royal cruiser, very rarely have had to wait. One waiter was super busy still brought us a couple of sodas so promptly. I gave him a $2 tip and he was so appreciative. We had excellent service on Princess too.

    • @robbroere1384
      @robbroere1384 Місяць тому +1

      Same here. My wife does not drink at all and I drink maybe 1 or 2 a day so total waste for us.

  • @danielhurst8863
    @danielhurst8863 25 днів тому

    We almost never drink enough drinks daily to justify the drink package, but we get in anyway, because the not having to track drinks is worth it. Even if five drinks a day are needed to cover the cost and at most we have three, not having to worry about any drinks makes the cruise more enjoyable.
    What I don't like, is you'll see people drinking, not for enjoyment, but to justify the daily price so the drink package is justified. We just want to relax and enjoy ourselves and we really dislike the feeling of having to pay all the time on a cruise.

  • @robd7934
    @robd7934 Місяць тому +1

    My wife and I never buy the drink package. Instead we bring 2 bottles of wine on to the ship since we’ve not heavy into drinking. We cruise with RC and they try non stop to get us to buy that package.

  • @CBe-ot8vu
    @CBe-ot8vu 15 днів тому

    My drink package was 2 60oz bottles I brought on ship in my luggage when boarding. 1 pop card for myself and forner significant other

  • @Mekakinny
    @Mekakinny Місяць тому +1

    I try to purchase when Carnival says “Cheers on us” I know it’s not really on them but booking those fares does make the total cost a few hundred dollars cheaper

  • @davee8113
    @davee8113 Місяць тому +9

    It’s almost the cost of the cruise if you get an alcohol package

    • @Michael-rx6ji
      @Michael-rx6ji Місяць тому +5

      Yeah it's totally freaking stupid. $85 a day plus gratuity!

    • @anitaclue9868
      @anitaclue9868 Місяць тому +3

      Right! We don’t get the drink packages. Last 3 cruises our out of pocket was $150 total for 3 adults combined for 6 days.

  • @Michael-rx6ji
    @Michael-rx6ji Місяць тому +1

    You basically have to drink approximately 6 to 8 drinks a day just to break even on Royal Caribbean. The last time I had six drinks in one day was when I was about 21 years old. And that was not a good idea either

  • @lporterusc
    @lporterusc Місяць тому

    Note on Princess Cruise the drink package doesn't work when the ship is in a number of US ports such as LA. You need to wait until the ship is in international waters.

  • @RevitupPhil
    @RevitupPhil Місяць тому

    Don't forget the added tax per port per drink while in specific ports on NCL. Even if you paid before boarding, Puerto Rico (14%), NYC (13%), etc. This started last year and they normally post a sign at the bar.

    • @MeMe-bs3tc
      @MeMe-bs3tc Місяць тому

      Oh...does that apply to all cruise lines or just NCL? It's a government thing?

  • @bbodb3458
    @bbodb3458 Місяць тому

    Tanner, thanks for your efforts on this channel. Might you consider a video on drink cards (HAL), and packages that include only non alcoholic drinks (such as Carnival Bubbles)? Also, do most cruise lines have significant discounts during happy hour and do they accept drink cards for happy hour purchases? Just trying to do all I can to keep the cruise tab in control. Thanks!

  • @Dan-mb2zc
    @Dan-mb2zc Місяць тому

    Forgot to mention, and most do, that Carnival offers pitcher pricing. That is usually a good price .. 4 drinks for the price of 3! Different bars offer different drinks available for pitchers. Also, they are so many ways to get free drinks in the casino, and that must be considered

  • @robertb7864
    @robertb7864 Місяць тому

    MSC allows the drink package use on their island Ocean Cay

  • @davee8113
    @davee8113 Місяць тому +5

    Whatever you do, always ask for premium alcohol, why not , it’s all inclusive

    • @jacobkrause4094
      @jacobkrause4094 Місяць тому +1

      Not exactly, he talks about price caps in the video if you only have the entry level drink package.

    • @davee8113
      @davee8113 Місяць тому

      @@jacobkrause4094 true but worth asking

    • @davee8113
      @davee8113 Місяць тому

      @@jacobkrause4094 but if you don’t say anything, the hand you the cheapest stuff

  • @davidmarsden305
    @davidmarsden305 Місяць тому

    Im TEAM drinks package, if you drink more than 6 beers a day, it's a good deal. If you don't then do the pay as you go option 🤷

  • @RKirby
    @RKirby Місяць тому +1

    When I was cruising solo the NCL drink package was a good deal when I got it as part of a deal and just pay the gratuities part $20 a day. Now I cruise with my GF and she will only drink a couple a day and somedays none, so it's not worth it now.

  • @rosecouch7343
    @rosecouch7343 Місяць тому

    Does room service count on the drink package

  • @garethhall1476
    @garethhall1476 Місяць тому

    HAHAHA Carnival have given us a discounted price of AUS$111 a day instead of the AUS$119 when we get onbaord for our upcoming 8 night cruise. I'd happliy pay a 50% discounted price before we get onboard.

  • @andreaalmeida1209
    @andreaalmeida1209 25 днів тому

    Very helpful… I’m sailing next April with my 14y old son - carnival celebration. I’m not a drinker, so definitely not going for the cheers package, but I wonder what drinks are actually included in the cruise (“free”) with the meals - coffee? Soft drink? Juice?

    • @Cruzelycom
      @Cruzelycom  25 днів тому +1

      Water, tea, lemonade and some fruit drinks from mix. Coffee as well.

    • @andreaalmeida1209
      @andreaalmeida1209 25 днів тому

      @ thank you!

  • @CBe-ot8vu
    @CBe-ot8vu 15 днів тому

    If your underage when booking a cruise all you have to do is check mark adult instead of minor. When boarding you will be designated as adult

  • @grand_vacation
    @grand_vacation Місяць тому

    Going on CELEBRATION 27 days ahhh I'm so excited

  • @jimerin3533
    @jimerin3533 29 днів тому

    People need to do some math. For me a cruise heavy in sea days requires a drink package that includes tips and Internet (Princess). Opposite a CA coastal cruise with 5 stops in 7 days its not worth it at all because I use off the ship Internet, drink at Starbucks and would not get any value out of it.

  • @richardgotshall2703
    @richardgotshall2703 Місяць тому +1

    Remember: When the cruise line says “per day” that includes disembarkation day when you might be onboard for only a few hours. And your package might even end at 10 a.m.

    • @ChristianLehrer
      @ChristianLehrer Місяць тому

      @@richardgotshall2703 On Royal Caribbean and Princess, it’s actually per night of the cruise. You actually pay for the first day, not the last.

    • @tduck828
      @tduck828 Місяць тому

      Not always. RC charges per night.

  • @glenn-perthwesternaustrali5916
    @glenn-perthwesternaustrali5916 Місяць тому

    I'm a drinker, but my wife doesn't drink at all. What are your thoughts on me having a full alcoholic package, basic or premium, and her having a non-alcoholic package, for coffees and fruit juices, etc.? At least we are both having a 'drinks' package, but not of the same type. I'd thought about getting in touch with the cruise line about this situation as well. What are your thoughts, thanks?

    • @robbroere1384
      @robbroere1384 Місяць тому

      Cruise lines will not entertain the option you suggest. I have the same situation.

  • @jamesg1974a
    @jamesg1974a 25 днів тому

    18% tip per drink is a lot. People usually give $1-$2 per drink

  • @frankreese6776
    @frankreese6776 Місяць тому

    Ok I got a question so me and my mom is going on Carnival Dream in 2026 for 14 days I’m a heavy drinker and my mom is a light drinker,would the drink package be good for me to get?

  • @oceanfood420
    @oceanfood420 Місяць тому

    another fine print is not all packages are unlimited, which caps the value

  • @Charlie-zj3hw
    @Charlie-zj3hw Місяць тому +2

    The drink package is definitely not worth it..
    Buying double shot drinks is how you get the best bang for your buck .. the drink package drinks they make them weak.. when you buy double shot drinks they are strong you only need a few of them

  • @elbeano3748
    @elbeano3748 17 днів тому

    I got 2 for 1 premium drinks package on the ship with Celebrity when we checked in

  • @frankwilliams3587
    @frankwilliams3587 26 днів тому

    I'm a cheap drunk. One drink and I'm feeling it, 2 drinks and I'm drunk. Beyond that I can expect trips to the side rail in short order. With additional discomfort for at least 24 hours. Not a wise choice for me.

  • @JamesMCrutchley
    @JamesMCrutchley 18 днів тому

    The whole gratuity thing is enough for me to hard pass on any drinks. I will just drink water. If that costs money I will just go without.

  • @jayvance2780
    @jayvance2780 Місяць тому

    Does the drink package work for wine in main dining with dinner?

  • @sheepdog401
    @sheepdog401 Місяць тому

    Question I would like answered; If you have a drink package with a $15 limit and you want a $20 drink and pay the difference ($5) do they now charge a gratuity on this drink and if they do is it for the $5 difference or the whole cost of the drink ($20) ?

    • @Michael-rx6ji
      @Michael-rx6ji Місяць тому

      I can't answer that because I really can't see how anybody would pay $20 for a drink on a cruise ship

    • @helenneal2609
      @helenneal2609 Місяць тому

      @@Michael-rx6ji. A fine single malt whisky perhaps?

  • @richardleatherman193
    @richardleatherman193 Місяць тому

    Thank you

  • @Michael-rx6ji
    @Michael-rx6ji Місяць тому +4

    Unless you're an alcoholic, the drink packages are a huge waste of money and a big profit for the cruise lines. You should know it because they definitely do. How often do you drink six drinks or more per day for a week straight? Just because you're on vacation doesn't mean that you have to be an alcohol like that week. Just order your drinks as you normally would and pay for them I'll carte. Don't be a ding dong

  • @kenyattaclay7666
    @kenyattaclay7666 Місяць тому +1

    Here are a few tips. First, if you are on Carnival there’s a way to buy a drink package just for yourself if you are tho only one that drinks. I think it’s called carnival cash where you can purchase a certain dollar amount that can be used to get drinks. It’s non refundable though so if you don’t use it all then you don’t get the remainder back.
    Second, you can always add cash to your account. If you don’t drink a lot & you don’t want to worry about a bill or go over a certain amount you can add cash. This also works if you are the only one who drinks. By adding cash you are basically giving yourself onboard credit but whatever you don’t spend you can get back.

    • @Michael-rx6ji
      @Michael-rx6ji Місяць тому +1

      That's honestly the dumbest thing I've heard today. Add money to your account in advance That is non-refundable so you don't have a bill at the end? Absolutely stupid!

    • @robbroere1384
      @robbroere1384 Місяць тому +1

      @@Michael-rx6jiI totally disagree that this is dumb. I would happily sign up for committing US$ 200 on my upcoming 10 days cruise, if the cruise line then applies a discount compared to the list price. My wife does not drink, and I drink maybe 2 drinks a day, and as such the packages are a waste.

    • @Michael-rx6ji
      @Michael-rx6ji Місяць тому

      @@robbroere1384 Do you really think a cruise line offers a discounted price? It's a fake discounted price. That's what they normally expect to receive. When they get anything above that that's just gravy on top. It's called marketing for idiots that don't know how marketing works. Just like the drink packages dining packages short excursions when they run 30% off. Those aren't 30% off those are actually the expected price that they plan on receiving. Anything above that is just extra money for the idiots who just pay way over true value. So if a cruise line advertised $29 drinks at less price and you got them for $20 at a imaginary discount, you think that's a good deal? Of course not. Don't be a fool but it's your money

  • @davee8113
    @davee8113 Місяць тому

    Hundreds of dollars , yea right, try for 2 people it’s above a 1000$ plus

  • @FlyingFun.
    @FlyingFun. 22 дні тому

    So a family of 4 would be close to $400 per day lol.
    My wife and kids don't drink and im happy with 2 or 3 a day at most when on holiday so pass.
    Here in the uk i hate the whole tipping culture too, employers should pay proper wages and set prices accordingly job done.

  • @romanmaimo1468
    @romanmaimo1468 Місяць тому

    I only get the soda package I’m not a heavy drink

  • @helenneal2609
    @helenneal2609 Місяць тому

    Informative video thanks. What size are the glasses of wine - small, medium or large in the drinks package. We have ordered the Elite package on HAL.

  • @gwcrispi
    @gwcrispi 24 дні тому

    We always get the drinks package. It is never worth it.

  • @dominicconway2761
    @dominicconway2761 15 днів тому

    I would have no problem getting my money's worth😂

  • @terryclouse3340
    @terryclouse3340 Місяць тому

    You Already did this video

  • @steveburch5113
    @steveburch5113 24 дні тому

    wunnerful

  • @kitdyson9468
    @kitdyson9468 Місяць тому

    My answer is that I don't know you or how much you drink, but I do know the cruise line and I know they want you to get the package.