mbk999 Posted March 17, 2018 Report Share Posted March 17, 2018 This is just more of an FYI, relaying my just concluded experience with calling Royal to get an exception for the Deluxe Drink Package (wife doesn't drink alcohol). As most know, you can't do it on-line, so you have to call 1-800-398-9819 . The first person I spoke to didn't have an idea as to how to grant an exception, she said book the refreshment package first, then go in and book the deluxe for myself. All that does is add two Deluxe and one Refreshment Package to the cart (approaching $900). I cancelled that and called back. I wish I would have gotten the name of the rep as he knew what to do. I had to exit out of the cruise planner and then he was able to add the Deluxe + Voom for me and the refreshment package for my wife. I had to give him my CC info and I got the confirmation email and I've confirmed it's in my cruise planner. So as Matt has said in the past, if the first person you speak to can't help you, hang up and try another one. Also, as others have noted, the exception they will grant is for the other person to get the Refreshment package. That works for us but I know others don't want that. I'm not sure what to say about it as it didn't seem to be an option to not get a package or to just get the soda. The Bogo $ for the Refeshment Package was $18/day which I thought was pretty good as we'll go through several bottles of water a day alone. Four of those, an OJ, and a virgin daiquiri and you're at $18. Deluxe + VOom was $59. hooked-on-cruising and Hoski 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesGurner Posted March 17, 2018 Report Share Posted March 17, 2018 It’s right what you said about ringing a different person if you don’t get the right answer or outcome. My partner doesn’t drink and it’s not worth us having the refreshment package as it works out about £22 per day. After calling twice I got to have the deluxe drinks package without buying anything package for my partner.... happy days ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MaryCS62 Posted March 17, 2018 Report Share Posted March 17, 2018 We originally got the Deluxe for DH & I at BOGO 1/2 (buy 1, get one 1/2 off, which worked out to $42.50/day each) & refreshment pkg for our DD's (21 & 28) @ $18 each for our May Adventure sailing. Wanted to get the Deluxe for 21yo, but would have had to pay full price ($57? at the time), so decided to get refreshment & allow her to buy the occasional alocholic drink (28 yo can't drink alcohol due to medical issues, but she can have the various non-alcoholic options from the refreshment pkg). Then, the deluxe went on sale ($42), so we called to called to order one deluxe, & just told them other person couldn't drink alcohol. No biggie, but we had also planned on paying for the refreshment pkg anyway, so it worked out ok for us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rose City Cruiser Posted March 17, 2018 Report Share Posted March 17, 2018 13 hours ago, mbk999 said: This is just more of an FYI, relaying my just concluded experience with calling Royal to get an exception for the Deluxe Drink Package (wife doesn't drink alcohol). As most know, you can't do it on-line, so you have to call 1-800-398-9819 . The first person I spoke to didn't have an idea as to how to grant an exception, she said book the refreshment package first, then go in and book the deluxe for myself. All that does is add two Deluxe and one Refreshment Package to the cart (approaching $900). I cancelled that and called back. I wish I would have gotten the name of the rep as he knew what to do. I had to exit out of the cruise planner and then he was able to add the Deluxe + Voom for me and the refreshment package for my wife. I had to give him my CC info and I got the confirmation email and I've confirmed it's in my cruise planner. So as Matt has said in the past, if the first person you speak to can't help you, hang up and try another one. Also, as others have noted, the exception they will grant is for the other person to get the Refreshment package. That works for us but I know others don't want that. I'm not sure what to say about it as it didn't seem to be an option to not get a package or to just get the soda. The Bogo $ for the Refeshment Package was $18/day which I thought was pretty good as we'll go through several bottles of water a day alone. Four of those, an OJ, and a virgin daiquiri and you're at $18. Deluxe + VOom was $59. Will the website allow the Refreshment Drink Package to be cancelled online with only one DDP? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LetsTryThisPlace Posted March 17, 2018 Report Share Posted March 17, 2018 On my Freedom cruise, one couple we spoke to told us they were able to get the Deluxe package for 1 person when they were on board. So I guess since you're paying higher on board they may not care as much or just haven't worked out the rules yet. Also with the refreshment package adding alcohol to my drinks were around $7 (depends on bartender as well) I didn't do it too often as my wife would want something without alcohol and I would want something with so we would just trade since it was covered. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbk999 Posted March 17, 2018 Author Report Share Posted March 17, 2018 2 hours ago, jurrjurr said: Will the website allow the Refreshment Drink Package to be cancelled online with only one DDP? Good question, I don’t know. When I cancelled I just cancelled the whole cart. My confirmation email is for the one DDP and the one RP. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RBRSKI Posted March 17, 2018 Report Share Posted March 17, 2018 I find it very disappointing that consistency isn't part of training at RCCL. We should not have to call back for a different outcome! If they are the ones providing the rules, should't they be the ones following them? Unfortunately, it makes your mind start to wonder, are they (RCCL) hoping they will have people that will not call back! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbk999 Posted March 17, 2018 Author Report Share Posted March 17, 2018 3 hours ago, JamesGurner said: It’s right what you said about ringing a different person if you don’t get the right answer or outcome. My partner doesn’t drink and it’s not worth us having the refreshment package as it works out about £22 per day. After calling twice I got to have the deluxe drinks package without buying anything package for my partner.... happy days ? So that’s definitely different than what I’ve heard. Good to hear you can do that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
computerdude1032 Posted June 4, 2018 Report Share Posted June 4, 2018 I just ordered (via phone) the Deluxe package for myself, and the refreshment package for my wife (she cannot drink). It appears in the cruise planner that I could easily just go and cancel the refreshment package, without impacting the deluxe package for myself. Has anyone ever done this? Just don't want to cause trouble when boarding... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sailor_to_Cruiser Posted June 5, 2018 Report Share Posted June 5, 2018 On 3/17/2018 at 4:31 PM, RBRSKI said: I find it very disappointing that consistency isn't part of training at RCCL. We should not have to call back for a different outcome! If they are the ones providing the rules, should't they be the ones following them? Unfortunately, it makes your mind start to wonder, are they (RCCL) hoping they will have people that will not call back! Einstein defines insanity as "doing the same thing many times expecting a different outcome". RCCL forces us to be insane in this instance. Hoski 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted June 5, 2018 Report Share Posted June 5, 2018 15 hours ago, computerdude1032 said: I just ordered (via phone) the Deluxe package for myself, and the refreshment package for my wife (she cannot drink). It appears in the cruise planner that I could easily just go and cancel the refreshment package, without impacting the deluxe package for myself. Has anyone ever done this? Just don't want to cause trouble when boarding... Have not tried it. Interesting loophole if it does work. Hoski 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovetocruise2002 Posted June 5, 2018 Report Share Posted June 5, 2018 15 hours ago, computerdude1032 said: I just ordered (via phone) the Deluxe package for myself, and the refreshment package for my wife (she cannot drink). It appears in the cruise planner that I could easily just go and cancel the refreshment package, without impacting the deluxe package for myself. Has anyone ever done this? Just don't want to cause trouble when boarding... 7 minutes ago, Matt said: Have not tried it. Interesting loophole if it does work. Shh! Don't spread the word. CrimsonCruiser 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Todd W Posted June 5, 2018 Report Share Posted June 5, 2018 just curious, would TA's have any better luck with this exception? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twangster Posted June 5, 2018 Report Share Posted June 5, 2018 7 minutes ago, Todd W said: just curious, would TA's have any better luck with this exception? I'm thinking this is one best handled directly. Having said that... I've not tried to do so through a TA, I've always cruised with a fellow drinker and we both bought the package or I cruise solo and it's irrelevant. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JLMoran Posted June 5, 2018 Report Share Posted June 5, 2018 1 hour ago, Todd W said: just curious, would TA's have any better luck with this exception? I had asked my TA if she was able to handle that for us on my Freedom cruise last March/April, answer was a solid "no". She was able to put a note on our reservation noting that my wife was on medication that prevents drinking alcohol, but that was all. I still had to call Royal directly and purchase my Deluxe package with requested Refreshment package for her. From her comments, I got the impression that TAs cannot buy those packages for you, at least not if doing so requires calling them and not just going through the system. Not sure if they can book anything else normally accessed via the Cruise Planner, like dining packages or excursions or internet; I think from her comments that all of that has to be handled by the actual passenger. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Todd W Posted June 5, 2018 Report Share Posted June 5, 2018 @twangster @JLMoran thanks for the insight guys. I had thought it wasn't possible for TA's to do that but figured this was the best place to ask. I appreciate it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sarah954bear Posted November 12, 2018 Report Share Posted November 12, 2018 hi i know this thread was from a while ago but i was wondering if this actually works because i am desperate, have you tried it? @Lovetocruise2002 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JLMoran Posted November 12, 2018 Report Share Posted November 12, 2018 2 hours ago, sarah954bear said: hi i know this thread was from a while ago but i was wondering if this actually works because i am desperate, have you tried it? @Lovetocruise2002 Hi @sarah954bear, welcome to the boards. Yes, I've done this twice now with calling Royal to purchase the deluxe package for myself, but just a refreshment package for my wife who cannot drink. The second time went much more smoothly than the first, it's clear the phone reservations staff are fully up to speed on this exception policy. I have not tried canceling the Refreshment Package online after buying it on the phone, as my wife has always wanted that package for her specialty coffees and mocktails, so I can't speak to whether that loophole that was mentioned still works. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovetocruise2002 Posted November 12, 2018 Report Share Posted November 12, 2018 @sarah954bear...just after they started the "all adults in the same cabin must purchase" rule in late 2017, I managed to talk my way into a deluxe package for myself, and nothing for hubby. Not long after that, Royal started with another rule that if exempted, the other one must purchase the refreshment. I have not purchased the deluxe package since then because of various reasons (either cruising with kids, or already covered etc.). I am reconsidering for the Anthem GC and my cruise on Symphony in July. I don't know if the loophole works. But I would be interested to try it.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eaglesfaninfl Posted November 12, 2018 Report Share Posted November 12, 2018 For our upcoming Thanksgiving cruise, I called and got the deluxe package for myself and the refreshment pkg. for my wife as her meds significantly restrict alcohol. Later, I saw a price reduction special, called back and got the cancellation/repricing with no problem! Seems Royal is responding favorably to customer demand in this case, at least Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sarah954bear Posted November 12, 2018 Report Share Posted November 12, 2018 is it possible for me to buy the deluxe drinks package now and the other person who needs to get the refreshments package to buy theirs at another time as she wont have the money until the day of the cruise? and also, are there any circumstances where the other person in the room doesnt have to get any package at all? has anyone had any experience with only buying one package and the other person being completely exempt from buying a different package? or does anyone have any other ideas of how i can go about this because if i buy the package on board, its going to be over $1000 which i really dont want to do however the other person in the room who needs to get the refreshments package wont have the money until the day of our cruise so i am very stuck on what to do. thankyou :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ogalthorpe Haywood Posted November 12, 2018 Report Share Posted November 12, 2018 1 hour ago, sarah954bear said: is it possible for me to buy the deluxe drinks package now and the other person who needs to get the refreshments package to buy theirs at another time as she wont have the money until the day of the cruise? and also, are there any circumstances where the other person in the room doesnt have to get any package at all? has anyone had any experience with only buying one package and the other person being completely exempt from buying a different package? or does anyone have any other ideas of how i can go about this because if i buy the package on board, its going to be over $1000 which i really dont want to do however the other person in the room who needs to get the refreshments package wont have the money until the day of our cruise so i am very stuck on what to do. thankyou I’m pretty sure to purchase through the cruise planner you have to beyond 3days out. After that all purchases must be made onboard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lovetocruise2002 Posted November 12, 2018 Report Share Posted November 12, 2018 1 hour ago, sarah954bear said: is it possible for me to buy the deluxe drinks package now and the other person who needs to get the refreshments package to buy theirs at another time as she wont have the money until the day of the cruise? Not that I know of...no. 1 hour ago, sarah954bear said: and also, are there any circumstances where the other person in the room doesnt have to get any package at all? No, if exempt due whatever reasons, they still have to purchase the refreshment. They have been pretty strict about this the lately. 1 hour ago, sarah954bear said: has anyone had any experience with only buying one package and the other person being completely exempt from buying a different package? When the rule first started back in 2017, yes. For a short period (a couple of months) people (including me) had success with this when calling. Not anymore. 1 hour ago, sarah954bear said: or does anyone have any other ideas of how i can go about this because if i buy the package on board, its going to be over $1000 which i really dont want to do however the other person in the room who needs to get the refreshments package wont have the money until the day of our cruise so i am very stuck on what to do. Try to avoid buying on board at all costs. It is always more expensive on board. See how low the prices drop for Black Friday.... Baked Alaska 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kknull Posted September 13, 2019 Report Share Posted September 13, 2019 On 6/5/2018 at 9:29 AM, Lovetocruise2002 said: Shh! Don't spread the word. Do you know if this is possible? To cancel the refreshment package and still keep the deluxe, if I do it under my cruise not calling in? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AshleyDillo Posted September 13, 2019 Report Share Posted September 13, 2019 13 minutes ago, Kknull said: Do you know if this is possible? To cancel the refreshment package and still keep the deluxe, if I do it under my cruise not calling in? The cruise planner may allow it. Whether or not Royal will find out and make you follow policy or not..who knows. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spud Posted February 7, 2020 Report Share Posted February 7, 2020 I’m really looking forward to my cruise on Symphony in Jan 2021, I’m going with my wife (non-drinker) and two daughters. I have no problem paying for each drink as I go, that would be much cheaper than getting a deluxe package. I don’t drink nearly enough to make a package worthwhile. BUT, I’m looking forward to experimenting with new drinks that I would otherwise not order due to the cost per drink. With a drink package, if I try a new drink I’ve never tried before and don’t like it, I can just try a different drink. I’m not likely to do that if I’m paying per drink. I’d be more apt to only order what I know I like, like a tequila sunrise. Tom KristiZ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ivann Posted December 6, 2023 Report Share Posted December 6, 2023 My wife and I just found out we were pregnant. RC is making my wife go to the Dr. to verify her pregnancy so I the husband can purchase the deluxe drink package. I mean this is absolutely insane. Giving that I purchased a suite. Money is clearly not an issue. We are forced to also purchase a non alcoholic beverage package and she won’t utilize the package at all. So we don’t want to purchase it. We purchased the water package as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpeedNoodles Posted December 7, 2023 Report Share Posted December 7, 2023 33 minutes ago, Ivann said: My wife and I just found out we were pregnant. RC is making my wife go to the Dr. to verify her pregnancy so I the husband can purchase the deluxe drink package. I mean this is absolutely insane. Giving that I purchased a suite. Money is clearly not an issue. We are forced to also purchase a non alcoholic beverage package and she won’t utilize the package at all. So we don’t want to purchase it. We purchased the water package as well. I'd call back and get a different representative. You'll probably get a different answer. I wouldn't even mention that the first rep told you that you had to get a doctor's letter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mturk Posted December 7, 2023 Report Share Posted December 7, 2023 44 minutes ago, Ivann said: My wife and I just found out we were pregnant. RC is making my wife go to the Dr. to verify her pregnancy so I the husband can purchase the deluxe drink package. I mean this is absolutely insane. Giving that I purchased a suite. Money is clearly not an issue. We are forced to also purchase a non alcoholic beverage package and she won’t utilize the package at all. So we don’t want to purchase it. We purchased the water package as well. Normally, when they grant the exception, they will require the other spouse to purchase the Refreshment Package. That's what they did to us. DoomSlayer 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xaa Posted December 7, 2023 Report Share Posted December 7, 2023 9 hours ago, Ivann said: My wife and I just found out we were pregnant. RC is making my wife go to the Dr. to verify her pregnancy so I the husband can purchase the deluxe drink package. I mean this is absolutely insane. Giving that I purchased a suite. Money is clearly not an issue. We are forced to also purchase a non alcoholic beverage package and she won’t utilize the package at all. So we don’t want to purchase it. We purchased the water package as well. You are asking for an exception to the rule, it's not insane for them to want some justification. I do agree with @SpeedNoodles though that if you call back you can probably avoid the Dr. Note. On the refreshment package, you're going to need to get that. If your wife were not pregnant you both would have to get the DBP so your exception doesn't alleviate this need. You just need to factor in whether the cost of the DBP and the Refreshment package make sense vs a la carte if your wife really isn't going to drink anything but water. You may be better off with the water package and you both just paying a la carte for your drinks. I suspect you will be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpeedNoodles Posted December 8, 2023 Report Share Posted December 8, 2023 The thing is, people get this all of the time, without a medical need. They do make the other person buy the Refreshment Package. So, no, I don't think it's reasonable that she needs confirmation of pregnancy from a physician. It's done all of the time. Try a different agent. CrimsonCruiser and WAAAYTOOO 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Atlantix2000 Posted December 8, 2023 Report Share Posted December 8, 2023 If you really don't want to purchase any package for your wife, perhaps the best answer is to also not purchase a package for yourself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpeedNoodles Posted December 8, 2023 Report Share Posted December 8, 2023 5 minutes ago, Atlantix2000 said: If you really don't want to purchase any package for your wife, perhaps the best answer is to also not purchase a package for yourself. I disagree. They allow this ALL of the time, you just have to call and get someone who knows what they are doing over there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xaa Posted December 8, 2023 Report Share Posted December 8, 2023 6 hours ago, SpeedNoodles said: The thing is, people get this all of the time, without a medical need. They do make the other person buy the Refreshment Package. So, no, I don't think it's reasonable that she needs confirmation of pregnancy from a physician. It's done all of the time. Try a different agent. I think you and I agree. I also think the Dr Note is over the top. The requirement for Refreshment package though is what I think is not insane but normal and what the poster should be expecting as the outcome. I can see that I wasn't clear in my post. Based on the rest of his post, I certainly question whether the couple will find value in a DBP plus Refreshment package vs a la carte. SpeedNoodles 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Atlantix2000 Posted December 8, 2023 Report Share Posted December 8, 2023 10 hours ago, SpeedNoodles said: I disagree. They allow this ALL of the time, you just have to call and get someone who knows what they are doing over there. Of course it's allowed but that's not the point. I was responding to the part of the post that said the wife wouldn't actually use the non-alcoholic package. If that's the case, it's not a matter of whether Royal allows/requires them to purchase the refreshment package. It's a question of whether it makes financial sense to purchase any packages at all. SpeedNoodles 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WAAAYTOOO Posted December 8, 2023 Report Share Posted December 8, 2023 Bottom line…Royal is not going to allow 1 person in the cabin to purchase the DBP and the other person to purchase no package at all. The minimum the wife is going to be allowed is to purchase the refreshment package. Xaa 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lucky Posted December 8, 2023 Report Share Posted December 8, 2023 On 3/17/2018 at 11:31 AM, RBRSKI said: I find it very disappointing that consistency isn't part of training at RCCL Agreed. However, with a large portion of these customer service jobs being remote nowadays, it's harder than ever to properly train. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.