Drink package or ala carte?
#16
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Join Date: Jan 2004
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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.
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 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.
#17
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: HNL
Programs: HHonors, Hyatt, Alaska, American, United
Posts: 128
My husband and I are 4 star Mariners on Holland America and we never buy the drinks package. We also never consider the All in One package, which was (at some point before the cruise) offered at $50 per day/pp. On a 28 day cruise, that would have added up to $2800. We got our gratuities covered by our internet travel agency. We used our status to maximize discounts on the cruise, which included 50% off a wine package, minibar purchases, and premium restaurants. We bought several cokes in the Exploration Cafe and that was it.
#18
Join Date: Nov 2022
Posts: 66
So I was on this cruise and I didn't get a drink package. Normally I would have had a cocktail or two but I was OK with the included wine at dinner.
I did buy one cocktail and found it weak. So if you are thinking that you'll just pay for one or two- you may be disappointed by what you actually get for your money.
I did buy one cocktail and found it weak. So if you are thinking that you'll just pay for one or two- you may be disappointed by what you actually get for your money.
#19
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: Manhattan NV
Programs: Hilton LTD, Hyatt Glob, Marriott LTTE, AA LTP, Avis PC, National EE, Seabourn DE
Posts: 3,045
Light on sea days, heavy on outside activity. Claims to not be a heavy drinker. Haven't a clue about Princess or packages. 18% gratuity charged on top of package cost?
#20
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2023
Location: GTHA
Programs: Aeroplan, NEXUS
Posts: 252
This seals the deal. Despite the appeal of not having a post cruise sticker shock I'll do ala carte for this cruise. Being hungover on a port stop isn't desirable and I can't honestly say I wouldn't try reaching the maximum daily consumption limit at least once.
#21
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Join Date: Apr 2004
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As Elites on Princess, we get 50% off on wifi. For a mini-suite, that comes to $56.50 for tips and wifi, meaning that as long as we pay less than $63.50 per day for drinks, we're better off without a package. The other extras are worth nothing to us.
#22
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Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: GVA (Greater Vancouver Area)
Programs: DREAD Gold; UA 1.035MM; Bonvoy Au-197; PCC Elite+; CCC Elite+; MSC C-12; CWC Au-197; WoH Dis
Posts: 52,258
#23
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 1999
Programs: FB Silver going for Gold
Posts: 21,898
I see foregoing the (alcoholic) drinks package as a healthy option to either go dry or at least drink less (not that I drink very much), and saving a great deal of $$$-$$$$ in addition for often-mediocre drinks selection. Of course, I have an all-inclusive cruise (supposedly decent quality drinks included) coming up in 2 1/2 weeks but mercifully short. Only 2 ports of call but I'm not letting those get in the way of enjoying the F&B (former reportedly/reputedly best among all cruise lines) onboard.