Can you uses someone else's card with a drinks package(say partners), to get drinks for yourself?

[Jame5]

I know you aren't meant to do this and the it outlines it in the fine-print. However if I were go to the bar with my partners card (he isn't present at the bar) and say I was getting a drink for them (its really for me), would the bartender just give the drink?, I was just wondering as if that worked it could save us a HEAP. 

Thanks all

[Matt]

Probably, but again, you're breaking the rules. They have cameras, bar supervisors, etc. 

[smokeybandit]

So you're taking someone else's card who has the package because you don't have the package?

[CrimsonCruiser]

See this is one of those bent/broken rules it's best not to talk about. Per the rules of the package, no the bar tender is not to give you a drink if it's not your card.

That said, it can get busy and there's not always a foolproof system to verify who is using which card. It happens and I'm sure the increasing cost in the package is reflect that royal knows that.

BUT if at any point you get caught...they will penalize you. Period. Probably by either taking the package from your partner OR by adding the cost of one to your card.

 

Of course all of this is moot if you're planning to get the Deluxe Beverage Package because, in an effort to avoid this, royal requires all adults in a room to buy the package and even if you call for an exemption (medical, religious, AA etc) you will be told to buy the non-alcoholic package. So.....there's really no way around paying for it.

 

[ckruetze]

7 hours ago, Jame5 said:

I know you aren't meant to do this and the it outlines it in the fine-print. However if I were go to the bar with my partners card (he isn't present at the bar) and say I was getting a drink for them (its really for me), would the bartender just give the drink?, I was just wondering as if that worked it could save us a HEAP. 

Thanks all

I think the bigger question is: Is it worth the risk? Easy to solve if the bartender says sorry but your partner has to go up to the bar. But what if the bar tender gives you the drink and then you are on video drinking it yourself (there are not many public places that are not video recorded on the ships). It is braking the rules and would you risk a lifetime ban on cruising or even being escorted of the ship at the next harbour?

Not saying that either of it will happen but using someone's card to get yourself a drink makes only sense if you couldn't get the drink (either due to age or since you don't have the drink package) and that is then breaking the rules so there could be consequences.

[DunkelBierJay]

Please consider that when people do this...nice things get taken away from those who follow the rules when this kind of thing increases...you said it yourself....

7 hours ago, Jame5 said:

I know you aren't meant to do this and the it outlines it in the fine-print.

 

[Geezer Of The Seas]

I was sober at the time, but in case I was hallucinating in the Caribbean heat, someone can correct me. When ordering drinks for my wife and myself (we were on 'pay as you go' beverage plan) at the Solarium Bar on Wonder last year, I swear my security photo appeared on the terminal when the bartender swiped my sea pass card to enter the purchase. That would be a problem  if someone other than the cardholder is using it, no?  And money out the window if the plan was voided for misuse (if that's a thing)?

First time I was seated and able to see the  terminal when purchasing anything onboard.

[OCSC Mike]

7 hours ago, Jame5 said:

I was just wondering as if that worked it could save us a HEAP

Yes, theft does tend to save people money.

[Jolly Ogre]

11 minutes ago, OCSC Mike said:

Yes, theft does tend to save people money.

However it costs us all in the end.

[asquared17]

i thought for sure your picture linked to your seapass showed up when this was done??

in which case… abort mission!

[DoomSlayer]

8 hours ago, Jame5 said:

I know you aren't meant to do this and the it outlines it in the fine-print. However if I were go to the bar with my partners card (he isn't present at the bar) and say I was getting a drink for them (its really for me), would the bartender just give the drink?, I was just wondering as if that worked it could save us a HEAP. 

Thanks all

Why are you asking this when the answer is clearly in the "fine-print" you are referring to?  Getting marked as a thief and possibly banned from the ship is not a great way to have a good time on a vacation -- why risk it?  You would be better off budgeting and bringing the money needed for a few drinks or buying the drink package yourself.  Yes, you may be able to break the rules once or twice, but once you get caught, neither you or your partner will be happy with the consequences.

[jeffmw]

Suddenly everyone here is Mr. Rogers. 

My goodness. Why do people need to be so hard on someone asking a question that we've all heard many times and that hundreds of people on every cruise think about when they buy the drink package? Get off your high horse, people. 

Here's what I'll say about the drink package: If you and your partner want to drink regularly throughout the cruise or you want to have drinks included during meals, both of you should get the drink package. If your goal is to drink consistently, trying to game the system isn't worth it.

However, if you simply want an occasional drink by the pool, in a bar etc., you can almost definitely have your partner get one for you. I don't get the drink package. I don't drink enough consistently to make it worth it. However, I've been on cruises with friends who have gone to the bar to get me a drink here and there. If people want to judge me for getting a free drink from a company charging $18 for a Bloody Mary, who I also happen to patronize heavily and give a substantial portion of my income every year, fine. I feel no guilt or shame about that. "Those who live in glass houses..." 

All that said, your original question was whether they'll let you get a drink with your partner's card. I'd say it depends on the bartender. Your best bet is to have them get the drink for you. But I wouldn't do it a ton. These bartenders just want everyone to have a good time. They aren't the ATF. 

[Ryan79]

So you are coming here on a public forum asking for assistance to commit theft? Do I got that right? People these days simply amaze me

[OCSC Mike]

40 minutes ago, Jolly Ogre said:

However it costs us all in the end.

Of course. If it wasn't clear, I was pointing out that it's literally stealing, not endorsing or recommending it.

[OCSC Mike]

20 minutes ago, jeffmw said:

But I wouldn't do it a ton.

Oh, you'd only steal a little bit... that's OK then.

21 minutes ago, jeffmw said:

Get off your high horse, people.

The horse doesn't need to be all that high to be against theft.

[Carlos A.]

If both are in the same cabin then both have to purchase the DP, so, why would you need to use his card to order something?

You could go to the bar with both cards and ask for two drinks, that would be Ok...

[OCSC Mike]

12 minutes ago, Carlos A. said:

If both are in the same cabin then both have to purchase the DP

One can get the refreshment package if you call to order.

[Noskill]

2 hours ago, Geezer Of The Seas said:

I was sober at the time, but in case I was hallucinating in the Caribbean heat, someone can correct me. When ordering drinks for my wife and myself (we were on 'pay as you go' beverage plan) at the Solarium Bar on Wonder last year, I swear my security photo appeared on the terminal when the bartender swiped my sea pass card to enter the purchase. That would be a problem  if someone other than the cardholder is using it, no?  And money out the window if the plan was voided for misuse (if that's a thing)?

First time I was seated and able to see the  terminal when purchasing anything onboard.

You weren't hallucinating, your picture typically pops up on the terminal at the bar when ordering (very similar to how it does when you're leaving and returning to the ship).

[Lakelife4me]

This reminds me of when I was preparing for my first cruise in 2017. I love to do my research, especially with new things like the cruise.

 

I ran across videos of people sneaking in liquor in shampoo bottles, suntan lotion bottles, water bottles, all manner of items actually.

 

After watching a few I thought.....WHY? Why not just get the drink package and enjoy the cruise. So much work to smuggle a few 5ths of vodka at the risk of worst case, getting denied boarding.

 

Buy the package if you are going to drink enough to justify it. If not, pay for the drinks like everyone else. Just my two cents...and I will probably get change back. 

[Lakelife4me]

Or you could order a bottle of liquor for the room. Vodka, Rum or Gin with setups. All under 50 bucks each.

 

 

[Starrynight0154]

There’s a picture of your face when the card is scanned. If another person used their card and handed you their drink away from the bar I think eventually a bartender would notice. Not worth the penalty of being charged  the onboard drink package prices or whatever else staff decide to do since it’s stealing. 

[jeffmw]

1 hour ago, Lakelife4me said:

After watching a few I thought.....WHY? Why not just get the drink package and enjoy the cruise. So much work to smuggle a few 5ths of vodka at the risk of worst case, getting denied boarding.

 

You say that like the drink package is $14.99 per day. It is a significant upsell and many of can't afford to tack on $1k to an already $5k+ cruise just for alcohol.

I don't personally sneak alcohol onto cruises, but there's such a thing in the world as a victimless crime. 

Haven't you ever snuck a drink or candy into a movie theater so you wouldn't have to be a victim of their price gouging? 

 

 

 

[CanHardlyWait]

I'm genuinely not sure what's worse.

Someone asking this question or everyone giving an honest response that will encourage it. 

Think about it guys. Does this warrant helpful honesty and feedback from us all. 

I would have stuck with "No you will 100% be caught out and told off at the very least, if not removed at the next port". And it still is a possibility.

 

[Lakelife4me]

This begs the question that I think I know the answer to but I'm going to ask it anyway. My wife and I both have the deluxe drink package. Lets say we are at the pool or Solarium in a nice location. I assume I can grab her SeaPass card and my SeaPass card to order both our drinks or will she need to go to the bar with me?

[smokeybandit]

10 minutes ago, CanHardlyWait said:

I'm genuinely not sure what's worse.

Someone asking this question or everyone giving an honest response that will encourage it. 

Think about it guys. Does this warrant helpful honesty and feedback from us all. 

I would have stuck with "No you will 100% be caught out and told off at the very least, if not removed at the next port". And it still is a possibility.

 

This is part of the reason why you have to call if you don't want everyone in the cabin to have to get the DBP

[SpeedNoodles]

52 minutes ago, Lakelife4me said:

This begs the question that I think I know the answer to but I'm going to ask it anyway. My wife and I both have the deluxe drink package. Lets say we are at the pool or Solarium in a nice location. I assume I can grab her SeaPass card and my SeaPass card to order both our drinks or will she need to go to the bar with me?

Yes, if you bring both cards you can get both drinks.

[CanHardlyWait]

1 hour ago, smokeybandit said:

This is part of the reason why you have to call if you don't want everyone in the cabin to have to get the DBP

I know that. I'm beginning to think there should be no exceptions. Also, they should only allow the person who's photo matches their card to get the drink. 

(And I'm not someone who has ever purchased the package. But this nonsense just raises the rates for those that do)

[Pattycruise]

9 hours ago, Geezer Of The Seas said:

I was sober at the time, but in case I was hallucinating in the Caribbean heat, someone can correct me. When ordering drinks for my wife and myself (we were on 'pay as you go' beverage plan) at the Solarium Bar on Wonder last year, I swear my security photo appeared on the terminal when the bartender swiped my sea pass card to enter the purchase. That would be a problem  if someone other than the cardholder is using it, no?  And money out the window if the plan was voided for misuse (if that's a thing)?

First time I was seated and able to see the  terminal when purchasing anything onboard.

yes, this DOES happen.  My SIL tried this YEARS AGO-to order a drink before dinner on my card.  They saw the picture in the system did not match her and  told her if she tried it again they would cancel my package.  Needless to say, she did not try that again!

[Mark_A]

6 hours ago, Lakelife4me said:

This begs the question that I think I know the answer to but I'm going to ask it anyway. My wife and I both have the deluxe drink package. Lets say we are at the pool or Solarium in a nice location. I assume I can grab her SeaPass card and my SeaPass card to order both our drinks or will she need to go to the bar with me?

yes, you can do this no problem!

[Keanoknick]

19 hours ago, CanHardlyWait said:

I know that. I'm beginning to think there should be no exceptions. Also, they should only allow the person who's photo matches their card to get the drink. 

(And I'm not someone who has ever purchased the package. But this nonsense just raises the rates for those that do)

No Exceptions???  That's absurd!  Tell that to the pregnant woman who would have to have the DBP package, because her non pregnant partner gets the DBP.

I agree the picture should match to be able to get a drink,  and that you shouldn't even try to use someone else's DBP.

[Geezer Of The Seas]

1 hour ago, Keanoknick said:

 

I agree the picture should match to be able to get a drink,  and that you shouldn't even try to use someone else's DBP.

Anyone think there will come a time when your picture is on the Sea Pass card a' la Costco membership card? 

[smokeybandit]

47 minutes ago, Geezer Of The Seas said:

Anyone think there will come a time when your picture is on the Sea Pass card a' la Costco membership card? 

This will all be fixed once the seapass card turns into a seapass chip embedded in our wrists.

[JFCruise]

On 1/9/2024 at 1:46 PM, Lakelife4me said:

After watching a few I thought.....WHY? Why not just get the drink package and enjoy the cruise. So much work to smuggle a few 5ths of vodka at the risk of worst case, getting denied boarding.

 

Buy the package if you are going to drink enough to justify it. If not, pay for the drinks like everyone else. Just my two cents...and I will probably get change back. 

Not that I condone it or would ever do it, but a 750mL bottle of Jack Daniel's costs about $30 USD. With that money, you can maybe buy 2 Jack and Cokes on board - or pay a third of a day of the package (which you aren't allowed to do). So, yeah...I can see why people will risk smuggling alcohol.

[CanHardlyWait]

3 hours ago, Keanoknick said:

No Exceptions???  That's absurd!  Tell that to the pregnant woman who would have to have the DBP package, because her non pregnant partner gets the DBP.

So if your partner cannot have the drinks package, you can't either. Buy individual drinks. Hardly the end of the world. LOL.

[eman0925]

People who scam the system makes it more expensive for the rest of us.  I would be tempted to purchase an all inclusive drink package, but my wife doesn't drink.  I'm not going to spend the extra money.  It isn't worth it to me.   We will purchase the non-alcoholic drink package.  As far as me drinking alcoholic beverages on the cruise, I probably will not purchase any alcoholic beverages on the ship.  

[PL8SWPR]

So you're a thief?  Do you also steal from local stores?

[tonyfsu21]

I have no skin in the drink package game between diamond + drinks and “free” casino drinks (I pay for the rest). I would add that cash tipping the bartender will normally get you what you want and most likely with no scrutiny at all. 

[Mike n Ky]

Never purchased the UDP but before D status I used to buy a package where my wife could get fresh squeezed orange juice and specialty coffee. Now with the D status we get the 4 per each...I have used her card to pick up her juice/coffees etc on the package pre-D and have also used hers to grab something off the 4 per...never had an issue. However, I would think that the UDP would be, and should be, different.