Originally Posted by
Jay71
I'm not familiar with Princess' drink package parameters as we usually sail with X and RCI. Personally, I would get a package if just for the convenience if I could get somewhat close to break even. But based on my habits, I find the math pretty hard to get close to break even, particularly when factoring in port days as others have also alluded to. YMMV of course.
A couple of tips and tricks might be:
X occasionally has sales on drink packages prior to sail date. Maybe watch to see if Princess does also?
I think some cruise lines allow you to buy a drink package mid-cruise, pro-rated for the remaining days of the cruise.
The Princess Plus package can be purchased in advance or on day 1 or 2. After that, you’re out of luck. I have never seen a sale price on Plus or Premier. But, I have heard that in the UK there are sales, just not the US. And, the price keeps rising. It went from $40 to $50 to $60. And I don’t think it will stay there.
The packages became a much better deal when wifi went from $15 to $25 a day.
We don’t get close to 15 alcoholic beverages a day, but drink a couple sodas, a couple specialty coffees and lots of bottled water. For us, the savings over ala carte are between 20 and 50%. It’s not a difficult calculation to determine whether it makes financial sense.
And yes, I drink more when I’m cruising - package or not.