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Rant on Deluxe Beverage Package


Dimension

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I don't understand why you'd buy the drink package at that high of a price...at that point you set a budget of what you're willing to spend on drinks and call it a day. I've never bought a drink package if I didn't think I could get my money's worth. Between my coffee addiction and a few drinks per day it usually works for me whether I travel solo or with people.

 

Basically- it's not as if you're not getting the drinks you want if you don't buy the package.

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39 minutes ago, ellcee said:

I don't understand why you'd buy the drink package at that high of a price...at that point you set a budget of what you're willing to spend on drinks and call it a day. I've never bought a drink package if I didn't think I could get my money's worth. Between my coffee addiction and a few drinks per day it usually works for me whether I travel solo or with people.

 

Basically- it's not as if you're not getting the drinks you want if you don't buy the package.

I booked it this time for I did not want to end up with a big bill in the end. After this cruise I will be moving to an al-a-carte situation when Royal is wanting more than $60 for the DBP. As I mentioned at the start of this thread I have hit my limit and will no longer take what I consider price gouging from Royal. To me $60 a day for the DBP is a nice price point and because of this thought process I am no longer buying it over that amount.

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We all have our price points.  Especially us.   We aren't exactly well off, so we pay attention to costs at every opportunity.  I will visit cruise planner almost every day and compare costs and reprice when I can.  I still haven't been able to beat the price I got on Black Friday, though.  I got the refreshment package, two excursions for both of us, internet, and a spa treatment for the same price the refreshment package was originally going for pre-sale.  Couldn't believe it!

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2 hours ago, Pooch said:

Yup we all have our breaking point.  I would be interested to hear your thoughts when you get back from your next cruise.  How much would you have “spent” if not for the package and is $60 still your limit.  Have a great time!

I'll have to figure out how to keep track of what we drank for I do not carry my cell phone around with me.

Thanks!

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6 minutes ago, FF86 said:

We all have our price points.  Especially us.   We aren't exactly well off, so we pay attention to costs at every opportunity.  I will visit cruise planner almost every day and compare costs and reprice when I can.  I still haven't been able to beat the price I got on Black Friday, though.  I got the refreshment package, two excursions for both of us, internet, and a spa treatment for the same price the refreshment package was originally going for pre-sale.  Couldn't believe it!

Nice score!

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Just another thought / rant on the DBP.  Policy states that adults over the age of 21 occupying same room must purchase the DBP.  I phoned the C&A dept yesterday as I had a question about our account and asked if there is a way around this if one of us reaches Prime and the other doesn't.  My husband and I are diamond so the drink vouchers are wonderful to use throughout the day.  I will likely reach Prime on our next cruise therefore eliminating the need for a DPB but am told the only way around not having to purchase the DBP for both of us would be to book two separate cabins - not exactly the solution I was looking for.  If anyone has any thoughts or experience in getting around this please chime in.

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23 hours ago, San Diego Garrett said:

When doing the math to decide on getting the DBP I don't just figure in alcoholic drinks, but also specialty coffees, juices, bottled water, etc. If the daily price drops below $60 then it's worth it to me. My wife doesn't drink alcohol at all, so I just call RC and they allow me to have the DBP without her having to purchase one.

We did the same thing, we called and explained why my wife cant drink and they allowed for me to get the DBP and she didn't have to. 

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18 minutes ago, recogneyes said:

Just another thought / rant on the DBP.  Policy states that adults over the age of 21 occupying same room must purchase the DBP.  I phoned the C&A dept yesterday as I had a question about our account and asked if there is a way around this if one of us reaches Prime and the other doesn't.  My husband and I are diamond so the drink vouchers are wonderful to use throughout the day.  I will likely reach Prime on our next cruise therefore eliminating the need for a DPB but am told the only way around not having to purchase the DBP for both of us would be to book two separate cabins - not exactly the solution I was looking for.  If anyone has any thoughts or experience in getting around this please chime in.

You can tell them due to medications or religious beliefs you do not drink.

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If that were true - I would for sure say that.  Since I would be using my diamond vouchers and enjoying drinks in the casino that wouldn't quite add up. Good suggestion for those who are truly in that situation.  Thanks @waaaytooo for reminding me about the refreshment package.  That's another way to work around without having to purchase the DBP.

 

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10 minutes ago, recogneyes said:

If that were true - I would for sure say that.  Since I would be using my diamond vouchers and enjoying drinks in the casino that wouldn't quite add up. Good suggestion for those who are truly in that situation.  Thanks @waaaytooo for reminding me about the refreshment package.  That's another way to work around without having to purchase the DBP.

 

I doubt that once you are on board that there is a note in your file stating that you cannot drink due to medications or religious beliefs. I believe that there is nothing entered for it is up to the agent taking the call to decided yeah or nah on your request.

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You should be able to get away with only buying the package for one by calling, but they will require the Refreshment Package to be purchased at a minimum for the other.  You also have to call if you want to do a combo VOOM DX package on only one person while the other purchases without VOOM.  It's just the way the website is programmed.

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3 hours ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

I have also read that they will often allow one person to get the DBP and the second person to get a lesser (less $$) package....like the Refreshment Package.  I guess it depends on who you talk to !!

You just have to call.  I called and said the other 2 in my room don't drink could I please get UBP for me and refreshmentfor the other 2. I didn't give a medical excuse. The agent said no problem. He just had to put it through as an exception request, implying that it had to escalate to be approved but he took my card info to charge it. It didn't post to my account for a few days but it went through no problem. 

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  • 2 weeks later...

Hi…first time cruiser here and wow, it does seem like there is a fair bit of nickel and dime-ing. That aside, what exactly is a coffee specialty drink? Is it a latte or cappuccino? Because I def need two cappuccinos in the morning and my husband three. 😂 If those are included I might be enticed to get the DBP, which for our cruise on the Mariner on June 5th, is $68/person/day no matter how they offer it. Thanks!

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10 minutes ago, Lynnea said:

Hi…first time cruiser here and wow, it does seem like there is a fair bit of nickel and dime-ing. That aside, what exactly is a coffee specialty drink? Is it a latte or cappuccino? Because I def need two cappuccinos in the morning and my husband three. 😂 If those are included I might be enticed to get the DBP, which for our cruise on the Mariner on June 5th, is $68/person/day no matter how they offer it. Thanks!

Specialty coffee basically means the drink includes shots of espresso - so yes for lattes, cappuccino, machiattos, frappes, etc.  (pardon my spellings).  Could probably also define it as whether it's normally made by a barista.

Drip coffee or keurig/pod style stuff is free (where available) and generally self serve (depending on current covid protocols).

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38 minutes ago, Lynnea said:

Hi…first time cruiser here and wow, it does seem like there is a fair bit of nickel and dime-ing. That aside, what exactly is a coffee specialty drink? Is it a latte or cappuccino? Because I def need two cappuccinos in the morning and my husband three. 😂 If those are included I might be enticed to get the DBP, which for our cruise on the Mariner on June 5th, is $68/person/day no matter how they offer it. Thanks!

The DBP does NOT include free standing Starbucks drinks.  I believe that the Mariner has a free standing Starbucks on the main promenade.

I stated this somewhere else on these forums, but the drink package and assessments of the packages never really include a cruiser's/vacationer's peace of mind factor.  Even if you only have one espresso or one alcoholic beverage on one day, the DBP gives you peace of mind that you can have 5 espresso drinks and 5 cocktails on the next day without further charges.  My wife and I are 1 latte, 1 espresso, and 1 large cup of coffee per day people.  Sometimes, we have less, some days we have more.  

Even though RCCL isn't exactly super clear on things, the UBP helps you avoid most of the "nickel and dime-ing" and allows you to eliminate alot of guess work.  Download pictures of the drink menus from other sites to give you an understanding of what you can get for the UBP.  I did.  I will be purchasing. Enjoy!

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1 hour ago, CruisingNewb said:

I believe that the Mariner has a free standing Starbucks on the main promenade.

Free standing Starbucks in on deck 4, across from Boleros. On the Promenade is the traditional Cafe Promenade. 

1 hour ago, CruisingNewb said:

cruiser's/vacationer's peace of mind factor

In the past this had to been one of the biggest factors. One time payment and I mostly don't have to worry about paying anything more. Not being a wine drinker the overage difference isn't that big of a concern and most of the time cocktails offered onboard are within the limits. Exception being a handful in the Bamboo Room on some ships.

The other major factor would be who else I'm sailing with. If I have a feeling every night be closing out with the quote of "A good time was had by all." I'm confident the branding of DX will be upon my card.

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For us, the DBP is essential to preven the nasty surprise at the end of a cruise. We also add Voom to each package purchased. For our March sailing on Allure, I am watching the prices daily and will snip out and modify as needed. Something I do for everything on the cruise planner. As Matt reminds us often, you can cancel and immediately repurchase.

We were in a quandary about the value of the DBP a few years ago, so I kept a record in a note on my cellphone during a 4 nighter on Navigator in Feb 2020. One star equals an alcoholic beverage for either of us. Like many, I use $13 as my price point. I did not record other premium drinks like OJ, nor sodas

Monday
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
14 × $13 = $182
Tuesday
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
16 x $13 = $208
Wednesday
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
20 x $13 = $260
Thursday
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
8 x $13 = $104

Running Total = $754

  • $432.00 Drinks package plus Voom
  • $754.00 Consumed
  • $322.00 Saved

I intend keeping the same kind of record on Allure. I didnt do so well on Freedom last time.

 

 

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Coming from Canada we are very much in limbo to buy or not to buy a DBP - even with buy one get one 50% off it’s a $1000! Not sure we can justify it...

Maybe we’ll behave during Port days out as we truly want to go and see the sights but on cruise days have a couple binge days and pay the price in the end!! 😄

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1 hour ago, JennP said:

Coming from Canada we are very much in limbo to buy or not to buy a DBP - even with buy one get one 50% off it’s a $1000! Not sure we can justify it...

Maybe we’ll behave during Port days out as we truly want to go and see the sights but on cruise days have a couple binge days and pay the price in the end!! 😄

You can carry on 2 bottles of wine per stateroom 

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$80 a day seems high, all three of our 7 day cruises were in the low 50's and a 3 day was low 60's. On 4 different ships from 4 different ports all in 2021 and 2022. We drink mostly red wine and the last two cruises our fav was about $12 or $13. We tried some more expensive one and just paid the difference between the $13 allowance and the cost but we preferred the included one. 4 glasses is $52 and we never had only 4 in 24 hours so it worked for us, sometimes it worked out very well on sea days. If we were beer drinkers I would probably just pay a la carte, but then again the last two cruises we were on the Starbucks was included (adventure and liberty), plus we had sodas, juice, etc. So it was really just the $30 more than the non alcoholic beverage package, covered that with 3 glasses at dinner.

The main reason we choose the package is because I'd rather not worry about it and I like paying for it well ahead of time. I've cruised without it and my bill was much, much higher but everyone is different.

We have an 11 day transatlantic in 2023 and will be diamond for the first time. I'm prime so I get free drinks in the casino. I may choose to not buy it if they still give you 4 drinks a day for diamond because the break even changes to 8-9 a day not including the casino, that probably won't pencil out but I'll wait and see the daily price and there a lot of sea days and an indoor pool on anthem that beckons for us to have a few a day just in the pool no matter the weather.

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Yup, $80 a day is highway robbery in my book but until other passengers stop paying it Royal has all the right to charge what they want. I am still a ways away from being Diamond but once I do hit that mark if Royal is still charging above $60 for the package I will just use my free drinks and cut back on those sailing higher than $60 a day.

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12 hours ago, Andy & Sheryl Unwin said:

For us, the DBP is essential to preven the nasty surprise at the end of a cruise. We also add Voom to each package purchased. For our March sailing on Allure, I am watching the prices daily and will snip out and modify as needed. Something I do for everything on the cruise planner. As Matt reminds us often, you can cancel and immediately repurchase.

We were in a quandary about the value of the DBP a few years ago, so I kept a record in a note on my cellphone during a 4 nighter on Navigator in Feb 2020. One star equals an alcoholic beverage for either of us. Like many, I use $13 as my price point. I did not record other premium drinks like OJ, nor sodas

Monday
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
14 × $13 = $182
Tuesday
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
16 x $13 = $208
Wednesday
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
20 x $13 = $260
Thursday
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
8 x $13 = $104

Running Total = $754

  • $432.00 Drinks package plus Voom
  • $754.00 Consumed
  • $322.00 Saved

I intend keeping the same kind of record on Allure. I didnt do so well on Freedom last time.

 

 

My up coming March cruise I am also going to try and keep some sort of record to see if the package is still worth it for we have another cruise in April as well.

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Going on our first cruise on Symphony in March and added the DBP yesterday. €960 was what was charged to the credit card so can someone confirm this includes the 18% gratuities?

I hoped to get it cheaper than €480 each for the week but coming from Ireland where drinks are expensive (a pint of beer costs near €6 in Dublin) the DBP represents good value for us, but it really does depend on where you are coming from. As in, I have no idea how much a bottle of Heineken will cost me in Miami versus the $8 on the ship.

I still hope to get it cheaper before sailing! 

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I don't get why the DBP is being labeled as a "highway robbery."  I always thought a highway robbery carried with it the idea of being forced to pay for something way over its usual price because one is in the middle of nowhere having no other choice. Maybe I'm mixing up the concepts of price gouging and extortion with this.  If the price of the DBP is exorbitant in one's view, why not just pay by the drink?

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I always buy the DBP even for my wife who doesn't get her moneys worth based on the math in this post. I like the convenience, I can prepay for all on board expenses and never get the dreaded final night shocking total because we've been racking up charges all week. I'm sailing on Feb 18 and paid $62/day on Indy and for my July Mariner sailing the best I've seen is $68

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I have never paid more than $60 for the DBP, and I get it on every cruise.  I have seen posts from people showing screen shots of $80 and $90 and that is crazy.  I am going on Symphony Feb 19th and right now in my cruise planner for that cruise the DBP is $60.99, which isn't crazy for a little more than 2 weeks out.  This cruise also only has 3 stops, one of which is Coco Cay, so plenty of time to use the package.  Maybe it's because it's a big ship, I don't know.  I just feel that over the years, as long as you monitor the planner, you can always get a deal on the DBP.  I easily get more than my money's worth out of it, but even I would have reservations paying $80-$90 for it.  That's like a 35% increase, which means drinks on board would have to go to like $17-$18.  That seems crazy, but with inflation the last two years, who knows, it's probably possible. 

I guess I better really step up my game on this cruise, just in case, lol.       

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With gratuities that $60.99 becomes $71 pp/pd which is what I paid for our 7 day Harmony.  Getting to the higher side of my comfort zone but still a savings over buying individually.  Don’t drink much in my real life but all bets are off once I board.  Have no small children to supervise and they have never asked me to steer the ship!

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On 1/21/2022 at 3:04 PM, WAAAYTOOO said:

I have also read that they will often allow one person to get the DBP and the second person to get a lesser (less $$) package....like the Refreshment Package.  I guess it depends on who you talk to !!

We rang up RC and did this as my husband doesn’t drink, they were fine about doing it for us.

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10 hours ago, loki007 said:

I always buy the DBP even for my wife who doesn't get her moneys worth based on the math in this post. I like the convenience, I can prepay for all on board expenses and never get the dreaded final night shocking total because we've been racking up charges all week. I'm sailing on Feb 18 and paid $62/day on Indy and for my July Mariner sailing the best I've seen is $68

Both of those prices are acceptable in my book. $80 for me personal is out of the question.

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9 hours ago, JBC said:

I have never paid more than $60 for the DBP, and I get it on every cruise.  I have seen posts from people showing screen shots of $80 and $90 and that is crazy.  I am going on Symphony Feb 19th and right now in my cruise planner for that cruise the DBP is $60.99, which isn't crazy for a little more than 2 weeks out.  This cruise also only has 3 stops, one of which is Coco Cay, so plenty of time to use the package.  Maybe it's because it's a big ship, I don't know.  I just feel that over the years, as long as you monitor the planner, you can always get a deal on the DBP.  I easily get more than my money's worth out of it, but even I would have reservations paying $80-$90 for it.  That's like a 35% increase, which means drinks on board would have to go to like $17-$18.  That seems crazy, but with inflation the last two years, who knows, it's probably possible. 

I guess I better really step up my game on this cruise, just in case, lol.       

I have been watching my sailing since before the Black Friday sails and unfortunately for some reason my March and April cruse just never dropped in price. I have no idea why they are charging so much other than people are willing to pay the high prices.

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I logged on last night to go ahead and grab the DBP but once I got to the end to pay, it was over $1000.

I'm having a lot of heartache trying to justify that kind of money for drinking, although I love to 

imbibe and don't want to have to regulate myself for a week.

I'm waiting for my MEI TA to get back with me regarding OBC, then I'll probably pull the trigger.

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We made Diamond two years ago and went on our first D cruise in December. We did not buy a drink package as we figured 4 drinks a day plus the two bottles of wine were enough.  I think we bought two extra drinks the whole week, partly because we wasted two of our vouchers on beer (which are cheaper than booze but still count).  For us the package isn't worth it.

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9 hours ago, mac66 said:

We made Diamond two years ago and went on our first D cruise in December. We did not buy a drink package as we figured 4 drinks a day plus the two bottles of wine were enough.  I think we bought two extra drinks the whole week, partly because we wasted two of our vouchers on beer (which are cheaper than booze but still count).  For us the package isn't worth it.

I know that once my wife and reach Diamond we will no longer be purchasing a drink package for her. 8 drinks between the two of us is more than she will drink in a day including specialty coffees.

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4 hours ago, Dimension said:

I know that once my wife and reach Diamond we will no longer be purchasing a drink package for her. 8 drinks between the two of us is more than she will drink in a day including specialty coffees.

Most ships I’ve been on have a self-serve coffee machine in the Diamond Lounge.  It makes decent lattes and cappuccinos among other coffee drinks. If you’re not coffee “snobs,” you can save your Diamond freebies for bar drinks.

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