Oasis of the Seas deluxe drink package

[gi333]

Hi.

We are booked for Oasis of the Seas Aug 13 2023 for 7 days 

We are going to be traveling with our 2 children age 8 and 4.

First of all. Right now the price like 81 usd per day. I wonder what's the lowest it has been for this ship?

Also.  Would you guys consider taking the refreshments package for the wife if possible to save cost. We are not heavy drinkers but I love premium coffees and also glass of wine for dinner and some good cocktails also. I mean this debate of drink package or no drink package makes me dizzy.  Makes me somehow wonder why they don't do like NCL that has promo free drinks.  

We stop at port Canaveral from 1 to 9.

Then coco Cay

Then Nassau.

Rest is sea days 

 

Thanks for your clues.

This is our first cruise.

[Weezie57]

My understanding is if one person gets the Deluxe package everyone in the cabin 21 and over is also required to purchase that package.  I have seen on some videos that if you explain your wife is not a drinker they may let her purchase the beverage package instead of the Deluxe but she will be required to purchase some sort of beverage package.

I am by no means an expert but that is my understanding.

Also, since your sailing is in August, I would be shocked if there isn’t a sale on the Deluxe package before then.

[Xaa]

It sounds like you both might want Refreshment package and then get your alcohol a la carte.

Having said that, whichever you decide is right for you, you should buy and if/when pricing goes down, you can cancel and rebook

[Ampurp85]

I would not bank on the price going lower between now and August.  I think like all things prices will continue to increase especially for summer sailings. You want an occasional wine so maybe you should get the refreshment package and pay a la carte for your wine.

[gi333]

So to my understanding I am allowed to bring 2 bottles of wine onboard. I can consume it at dinner but may be charged a corkage fee of 15$ but I heard that it's rarely charged. They will keep the bottle for you if you didn't finish it for next time. 

I can also purchase wine bottle on board and I believe that is cheaper than by the glass. Like around 30$ possible?  My wife and I don't finish a bottle. 

So now that the wine is taking care of. Is the refreshments package still worth it? I'm counting 2 days that we are going to be on port call so cannot use the package.

 

With All of this I'm thinking that maybe it's more of a debate between refreshments package and nothing. I think that deluxe is really not worth it. 

 

And also i believe that I can sometimes give my kids a soda also right?

[BennyandBo]

28 minutes ago, gi333 said:

So to my understanding I am allowed to bring 2 bottles of wine onboard. I can consume it at dinner but may be charged a corkage fee of 15$ but I heard that it's rarely charged. They will keep the bottle for you if you didn't finish it for next time. 

I can also purchase wine bottle on board and I believe that is cheaper than by the glass. Like around 30$ possible?  My wife and I don't finish a bottle. 

So now that the wine is taking care of. Is the refreshments package still worth it? I'm counting 2 days that we are going to be on port call so cannot use the package.

 

With All of this I'm thinking that maybe it's more of a debate between refreshments package and nothing. I think that deluxe is really not worth it. 

 

And also i believe that I can sometimes give my kids a soda also right?

You can give your kids a soda from their package, not yours.

[Ampurp85]

You can bring 12pack of soda or water per room with the 2 bottles of wine per room as well. You aren't allowed to share drink packages, hence the need for everyone over 21 to buy a deluxe package.

[Weezie57]

At $81 per day, you would need to drink almost 7 alcoholic drinks per day.  But also remember, your package also includes other drinks like specialty coffee, sodas, bottled water, etc.  These items I would assume would be included in the beverage package.  If I was going to be off the boat for the best of two days, me personally would pass on the Deluxe package but I know many people it would still be the better deal.

[NotPayinExtra]

33 minutes ago, gi333 said:

And also i believe that I can sometimes give my kids a soda also right?

Are you asking if you can give your kids soda from your beverage package? The answer would be no. You can purchase the soda package for them for $8.99 per day. 

[FloatyBoaty]

I have to say that I really, really do like the lemonade that they serve in the MDR, Windjammer, etc, that is free. Even though I've always had the DBX so far, I drink lots of the lemonade! Not the same as soda, I know, but free!

[jbrinkm]

You can easily buy your kids a soda whenever you want also, from any bar (not Freestyle without package) in case that was what you were asking. 

[melmar02]

2 hours ago, gi333 said:

I can also purchase wine bottle on board and I believe that is cheaper than by the glass. Like around 30$ possible?  My wife and I don't finish a bottle. 

So now that the wine is taking care of. Is the refreshments package still worth it? I'm counting 2 days that we are going to be on port call so cannot use the package.

 

$30 a bottle sounds a little low - look at the MDR dinner menu on the app. The wine prices are listed on there both bottle and glass if that particular kind is available by the glass.

You can use your refreshment package on your port days. You will still have breakfast (specialty coffee, fresh squeezed oj, smoothies at Vitality Cafe) and dinner (sodas) on the ship at a minimum. Plus any drinks you get at after dinner activities. You can also use your drink package while at Coco Cay.

[Pattycruise]

8 hours ago, Weezie57 said:

At $81 per day, you would need to drink almost 7 alcoholic drinks per day.  But also remember, your package also includes other drinks like specialty coffee, sodas, bottled water, etc.  These items I would assume would be included in the beverage package.  If I was going to be off the boat for the best of two days, me personally would pass on the Deluxe package but I know many people it would still be the better deal.

$14 a drink plus 18% gratuity brings that drink to $16.50.  5 alcoholic drinks are $82 all in.  

[Xaa]

3 hours ago, Pattycruise said:

$14 a drink plus 18% gratuity brings that drink to $16.50.  5 alcoholic drinks are $82 all in.  

But 18% is also added to the Deluxe Beverage Package so the mark is 81*1.18=95.58/day.  That's still 6 and not 7 but also not 5.

If they are wine drinkers it's more like 8.

[Weezie57]

2 hours ago, Xaa said:

But 18% is also added to the Deluxe Beverage Package so the mark is 81*1.18=95.58/day.  That's still 6 and not 7 but also not 5.

If they are wine drinkers it's more like 8.

Great answer.  In my defense, it’s $2.42 from being 7.  LOL

[RCVirgin22]

I sure am glad that I don't drink soda or alcohol, Coffee/mocha is my only vice in that regard and I don't exactly need one every morning/day.   I drink mostly water or the occasional juice or milk during a meal.  So Ala cart drinks suit me fine, after all it's no more than I would normally pay at home for a Mocha. 

I'm sure the Cruise Line doesn't like me because I don't buy all the extras I won't even come close to getting my Money's worth on, but it certainly frees up extra cash for souvenirs/trinkets and other expenses at the ports.

[Bowen]

It really depends on what you drink. I don’t drink cocktails so my $9 glass of Prosecco wouldn’t make sense, but if I did drink cocktails then I might consider it. 

[gi333]

Are you allowed to consume the 12 cans per staterooms outside your cabin or it's like the wine that it's on cabin or at dinner? Let's say can I let my kid drink his coca cola by the pool? 

[Ampurp85]

18 minutes ago, gi333 said:

Are you allowed to consume the 12 cans per staterooms outside your cabin or it's like the wine that it's on cabin or at dinner? Let's say can I let my kid drink his coca cola by the pool? 

You can drink it anywhere. The wine, water or soda you bring is allowed to be consumed anywhere you can consume items.

[gi333]

So if I understood correctly I can go by the pool and have my wine and my soda? I was under the impression that wine is only in cabin or at dinner. So I am allowed to bring the soda for my kids at restaurants buffet etc. No fees for that? I assume you can put it in the fridge of your room?

[Ampurp85]

13 minutes ago, gi333 said:

So if I understood correctly I can go by the pool and have my wine and my soda? I was under the impression that wine is only in cabin or at dinner. So I am allowed to bring the soda for my kids at restaurants buffet etc. No fees for that? I assume you can put it in the fridge of your room?

Yes but keep in mind that there are no fridges, they are coolers in a sense. I believe the lowest temperature is in the 30s-40s, we left a milk in cooler for 1 day and it curdled. 

I am prime, which means I can get free drinks from the casino. I will often go there and get me a drink to enjoy with dinner or a show. I see people bring drinks from the WJ, from the MDR and lounges. No one knows where you got your drink, and no one will care. In the MDR they may charge you to open your wine, but most bars will open, and you can enjoy it anywhere. The same with juice and soda.

[Temeculaguy]

This is one area where the industry and RCL differs. Many other lines are offering all inclusive options, RCL may introduce something as they have on their other lines. Princess for example has 2 bundle options, on a few cruises I've priced they charge $72 a day for the basic package (wifi, drinks up to $15 a drink, tips and $150 OBS per person) and $92 a day including all that plus $20 a drink, 2 specialty dining visits, photo package (3 prints, unlimited digital) and reserved show seats. For a 7 day cruise the OBC drops that to 50 and 70, tips makes it closer to 35 and 55 for wifi and drinks or wifi, better drinks, 2 specialty dining, photos and reserved seats. I priced these for a couple, so it may go down for kids but it's not a kid cruise line. I haven't figured out the math on celebrity who offers something similar that RCL owns but I think RCL is one of the few that has no all inclusive option other than star class suites which is about 10-15 cabins per ship, the others offer these options to everyone. As a shareholder, I'm fine with it, as a cruiser I think they may be turning people off as even I am looking elsewhere as their fares have gone up bringing them close to the lines that have more value priced bundles. Truth is I will probably still cruise 3 times a year on RCL and they win for us when bringing a large group of varied ages or grand kids. But as a mid 50's retired couple, my other 3 cruises per year are probably going to be on other lines, as a shareholder I would like them to prevent that from happening or groom us into their other lines with a combined loyalty program across their lines to keep us from exploring outside their bottom line and my stock price. Right now they are in the driver's seat, better positioned financially that any other line but this is when they should try and dominate the market and not price people into their competitors.

[JBC]

No other lines are offering anything for free.  Price out a cruise on NCL and then price one out on Royal and add in the drinks and what not so you are comparing apples to apples.  Pricing will be close.  Royal gives you the option to carve out some of these costs that are "included" in other lines.  You need to drink 6-7 alcoholic drinks everyday to break even on the deluxe package.  If you are questioning if it is worth it, then it probably isn't.  Drink fatigue is real and will set in after about day 4.  If you really feel like soda and specialty coffee is what you are after, and are concerned about cost, you could get a refreshment package for you and your wife and pay for your alcohol a la carte.  Those packages will come with refillable soda cups for the freestyle machines, you absolutely could let your kids use those cups without buying additional soda packages for them.  I would certainly do that instead of lugging a 12 pack of soda on board and rationing it all week.     

[gi333]

That's very helpful reply thanks. My wife and I do drink when we go down south like mojitos and Pina colada etc . It's always good to have not to worry about paying for drinks. However as I mentioned is that seems like you can get screwed for port days. Those days if you are out All day you certainly won't drink 7drinks . Good idea refreshments package.   Are all the frozen drinks available as virgin?  Exemple pina Colada etc?

[Xaa]

Indeed.  My son drinks the hell out of Virgin Miami Vice the entire time.  He feels like the King of Town

[gi333]

Even with deluxe drink package you can land your refillable cups to the kids sometimes for them to have sodas I guess.

[Xaa]

Yeah, I get my kids Refreshment packages for themselves, but if not, nobody knows to whom the freestyle cup belongs.  It's a bearer instrument.

[DoomSlayer]

This is defiantly a topic that comes down to personal choices at the end of the day.  I am not a big drinker and usually just buy the refreshment package for the trip.  We love the coffees and mocktails.  Last trip I was on in December, I had the refreshment package and bought a total of 4 beers and a cocktail on the trip.  My wife is a wine drinker, so we brought on our two bottles for her, and purchased one more bottle while on board.  I do have prime status, but I rarely use it for the drinks because I am simply not a big drinker.  I have a lot of upper GI issues that prevent me from drinking too much, so that has been a major factor in determining what drink package we buy.  You may have other factors, or you may not and want to let loose with the DBP, at the end of the day it is your choice based on how much you want to drink.  The difference in price between the refreshment package and the DBP for two people is about $100 (since you both have to buy it).  Will you and your travel partner consume $100 per day total in alcohol?  Thats how I would approach the question.

[gi333]

Very interesting point. Thank you for that. I believe this was the best reply. Yes indeed we will bring our two bottles of wine and 12 pack of sodas. We are allowed so why not. 

Stupid question. Mocktail vs cocktails?  Mocktail is without alcohol but same drink?

Frozen drinks is also called a mocktail?

[DoomSlayer]

22 minutes ago, gi333 said:

Very interesting point. Thank you for that. I believe this was the best reply. Yes indeed we will bring our two bottles of wine and 12 pack of sodas. We are allowed so why not. 

Stupid question. Mocktail vs cocktails?  Mocktail is without alcohol but same drink?

Frozen drinks is also called a mocktail?

Yes, Mocktails are the same, but without alcohol.  There are usually some specific mocktails listed in the casino bar's menu in the cruise planner if you want some ideas, but all the bars should be able to make you one if you see something that sparks your interest.  One of my favorites in the morning is called a Tropical Crush.  It has pineapple juice, mango juice, and pineapple red bull.  During the day, by the poolside, it is a lot of pina coladas and daiquiris without alcohol.  And if you are on a ship that has Johny Rockets, milkshakes are included as part of the refreshment package too.

[XtremeGK]

10 hours ago, Temeculaguy said:

This is one area where the industry and RCL differs. Many other lines are offering all inclusive options, RCL may introduce something as they have on their other lines. Princess for example has 2 bundle options, on a few cruises I've priced they charge $72 a day for the basic package (wifi, drinks up to $15 a drink, tips and $150 OBS per person) and $92 a day including all that plus $20 a drink, 2 specialty dining visits, photo package (3 prints, unlimited digital) and reserved show seats. For a 7 day cruise the OBC drops that to 50 and 70, tips makes it closer to 35 and 55 for wifi and drinks or wifi, better drinks, 2 specialty dining, photos and reserved seats. I priced these for a couple, so it may go down for kids but it's not a kid cruise line. I haven't figured out the math on celebrity who offers something similar that RCL owns but I think RCL is one of the few that has no all inclusive option other than star class suites which is about 10-15 cabins per ship, the others offer these options to everyone. As a shareholder, I'm fine with it, as a cruiser I think they may be turning people off as even I am looking elsewhere as their fares have gone up bringing them close to the lines that have more value priced bundles. Truth is I will probably still cruise 3 times a year on RCL and they win for us when bringing a large group of varied ages or grand kids. But as a mid 50's retired couple, my other 3 cruises per year are probably going to be on other lines, as a shareholder I would like them to prevent that from happening or groom us into their other lines with a combined loyalty program across their lines to keep us from exploring outside their bottom line and my stock price. Right now they are in the driver's seat, better positioned financially that any other line but this is when they should try and dominate the market and not price people into their competitors.

As a shareholder, I'd want them to make the most money they can. I'm sure they have analyzed and found that a la carte, purchased at higher prices by a smaller percentage of passengers, makes them the most money.

[ZBrady]

3 hours ago, gi333 said:

 Those days if you are out All day you certainly won't drink 7drinks . 

Oh I most certainly still will 

[NotPayinExtra]

8 hours ago, gi333 said:

Even with deluxe drink package you can land your refillable cups to the kids sometimes for them to have sodas I guess.

You can but it is against the rules and basically called stealing. Not a great thing to teach your children. The rest of us pay a daily rate, but sure let me stand in line behind your kids so you can save $8.99. Not really fair is it?

[gi333]

Are you allowed to just go to Johnny Rockets to get a shake?  

[DoomSlayer]

1 hour ago, gi333 said:

Are you allowed to just go to Johnny Rockets to get a shake?  

yes, they have a separate shake window at Johnny Rockets.

[gi333]

I think you need to have a meal to use the refreshments package right?

[GatorCruiser]

10 hours ago, gi333 said:

Those days if you are out All day you certainly won't drink 7drinks . 

as stated above , 
Au contraire mon frere 

[gi333]

You need to have a meal at johnny Rockets to use the drink package for the shakes or you can order just a shake?

[FloatyBoaty]

14 minutes ago, gi333 said:

You need to have a meal at johnny Rockets to use the drink package for the shakes or you can order just a shake?

I just ordered a shake last time, no meal, no problem

[gi333]

If you purchase alcohol beverage and you have the refreshments package do they charge you the difference between the alcohol version and no alcohol version?  Cocktail are 14$ but I heard that if you want the virgin version its 8$?  .