For us, the refreshment package works better, then we buy alcohol as needed. In short, we don’t buy enough of the expensive drinks to break even on the deluxe package, so we don’t worry about buying whatever drinks we want a-la-carte. (Long explanation below.)
We buy the refreshment package because we love coffee, smoothies, and fresh squeezed juice. We also drink a lot of bottled water: on excursions, in the room at night, etc. It’s a great deal for us at $23 pp/day. For alcohol, I can drink a fair amount, up to 10 in a day, but it’s not enjoyable for me to do this every day. My lady only drinks 1-3 a day at most, just enough to feel relaxed.
I compared the cost between buying additional alcoholic drinks vs skipping the refreshment package and instead buying the deluxe drink package. For me, I calculated that we each need to drink at minimum 5 full-priced alcoholic drinks every day to break even on the deluxe drink package.
We’re unable to buy 5 full-priced drinks each per day for our following reasons:
1. We bring two bottles of our own wine, and we will drink these with meals. Even if we get charged for corkage, it’s only $15 per bottle.
2. We will try the $8-$9 drink of the day every day. If we like it, we’ll have more than one.
3. We get mocktails included with the refreshment package, and we can spike them with an $8 shot.
4. Sometimes I prefer a beer, and that’s usually less than $10.
5. We’re not on the ship long enough on excursion days to buy enough full-priced drinks. Sometimes our excursions include a couple of drinks, or an open bar.
6. Chef’s Table! Do not go to the Chef’s table if you’re already buzzed - you may regret it. Champagne is INCLUDED while waiting. Glass of wine is INCLUDED with EACH course. That’s 6 glasses of wine/bubbly during the experience if I remember correctly. Last time I went, a guest was feeling “really good” when she arrived, and not so good when she made the wise choice of excusing herself from the table early to call it a night.
7. We don’t want to worry about drinking more for the sake of breaking even on the deluxe package. No need to worry about hangovers so we can be more active on the ship (flow rider, rock climbing) and on excursions.
8. If we want to get slammered… one day on our cruise is good enough for that, and usually the following day requires little to no alcohol.
Pro-tip: Boozy Shakes. On Allure of the Seas, use your refreshment package to get a shake from Johnny Rockets, then walk over to Sabor and buy a shot from the bar. Mix and enjoy!
Taking the family on a Christmas cruise. Husband and I have only done 1 cruise-- Alaska on Princess--- and it was Amazing!
This trip will have the 4 adult kids. Daughters 25, 24, 22 and son 20. We are adventurous. (but as I've read about that horrible ferry ride in Cozumel-- I think that will be a pass for us).
3 Port stops Cozumel, Roatan and Grand Cayman -------------Leaning toward a zip line type tour at Roatan, maybe beach/rest at Cozumel and maybe Stingray/ reef at Grand Cayman. (but nothing is set)
I'd love your thoughts, opinions, suggestions! I could go with RC book or other--- I am open to either. So.... give me your best bets--- sure things, "we loved this one because"--- etc. I need all the help/suggestions that you can throw at me.
Thank you so much!
Yes, we did that when my son was young, and I admit to snorkeling in their man-made lagoon. However, I hesitate to recommend it to adults who want something more exciting....
Sounds like you have made good choices. Adult children won't be interested in the turtle sanctuary at Grand Cayman, and we planned on Sting Ray City until Royal cancelled our cruise in Feb. The village of Hell is not worth a separate excursion. In Cozumel, jewelry stores are tempting but likely overpriced; I suspect they jam internet connections at Diamonds Intl, but I can't prove it. Thus, the beach sounds good. We've also done horseback riding, and there is a marine park for snorkeling. Have a great trip!
LeeReads got a reaction from ALnAtlanta in Newbie Here. Cozumel, Roatan and Grand Cayman