DEAL OR NO DEAL?

No there is no sign of Noel Edmonds…

What am I talking about then?

Drinks packages, are they good value or not worth bothering with?

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Over the last few weeks I have encountered some issues regarding drinks packages on cruise ships which has made me stop and think are they really worth paying for?

The first problem I encountered was with a customer who wanted to book a Royal Caribbean cruise. I explained the offer had the Select drinks package included and asked if he understood what this was? He said he did and explained it was their basic package and happened to mention something about spirits.  When I queried this saying spirits were not included he advised me I was wrong and that they have cruised many times with Royal. I reiterated that the select package is a relatively new option and went through what is included.  The customer was not impressed and sort clarification from Royal Caribbean who confirmed what I had said but he did not end up booking as the offer was not as good as he thought.  I have also had quite a few people saying the speciality coffees and teas are included in the Select and the Premium package but they are not. You have to purchase the ultimate package to get these.

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TOP TIP For Royal Caribbean – If you are not a huge drinker but like the odd glass of wine, cocktail or nightcap. Book the replenish package at approximately $19 a day which includes: Fountain Soda and bottled Water, Sparling Water, Fresh Juices/Non Alcoholic Cocktails, Premium teas and Coffees, and the Coca Cola® Souvenir Cup. Then pay for the alcoholic drinks as you drink them and it usually works out much cheaper.

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The next problem I had concerned Thomson cruises. I had a customer who had booked the all-inclusive package but was very disappointed when he got on-board as in his words he had to pay extra for 85% of the drinks at the bar. What does Thomson say you get?

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All Inclusive Drinks Package on Thomson Cruises    

“Here we’re talking about a drinks package that’s available on our cruises. You can book the package when you’re on-board or before you travel. If you book before you travel you’ll get a discount on the price. Every person on the booking must be included. The drinks package includes selected draught beers, spirits, aperitifs, house wine, soft drinks and a range of cocktails. Some branded spirits and premium drinks such as Champagne, malt whiskies, ciders and bottled beers, all speciality coffees, bottled water and some hot drinks aren’t included. Drinks are available from all bars, lounges and restaurants. If you order a drink between 2am and 10am, it’ll be charged to your on-board account.”

It is not the clearest description as you can see. Note the Some Branded part… According to the customer this is most of the branded drinks.  Perhaps a link to list of what is and isn’t included may help to clarify this for customers.

What do you think?

Cruise companies need to be a little more transparent I think with full lists of tipples so people can see if there favourites are a yes or no before they purchase a package because let’s face it they are not cheap at an average of £38 – £40 per day.

No one wants to hear the word NO when they are on holiday and just trying to relax. I know I don’t.

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The new upgraded Cheers package from Carnival seems to be offering a better deal for the consumer.

CHEERS! is an all-inclusive beverage program that allows guests to enjoy a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages by paying a flat daily rate.   Guests must be 21 or older to purchase CHEERS! and everyone in the same cabin must purchase the program.

 The following beverages are now available within the enhanced CHEERS! program:

All spirits, including cocktails, cognacs, whiskies, and other spirits, as well as beer and glasses of wine, costing less than $50 per serving  (previously only drinks costing less than $10 per serving were included in the program).

                                Sodas, including specialty sodas offered at the Havana Bar on Carnival Sunshine and new  Carnival Vista debuting in May                                                                                                     Zero-proof frozen cocktails, RockStar energy drinks                                                                                                                                            Specialty coffees and teas served in the main dining rooms, specialty restaurants and coffee bars                                                                                                                                             500ml bottles of water served in bars and lounges                                                                                                                                                                                 Vitamin Water, Powerade, Coconut Water, Honest Tea                                                                                                                                     Large format (1 liter and 1.5-liter) bottles of water in the main dining rooms and specialty restaurants                                                                               25 percent discount off the menu price for any spirit, cocktail or wine by the glass costing more than $50 per serving                                      25 percent discount off the menu price for wine and champagne by the bottle and larger format water bottles purchased outside the main dining                                                                                                                 rooms or specialty restaurants                                                                                                                     25 percent discount off the menu price for all beverage classes and seminars

 The cost for guests who purchase the CHEERS! Program via Carnival’s web site prior to their cruise is $49.95 per person per day plus gratuities; the cost of the program purchased once on board is $54.95 per person per day plus gratuities.

So what do you think does the Carnival drinks package get a thumbs up?

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It certainly seems to be a better deal than it’s rivals.

I have only just scratched the service here as we have quite few disgruntled passengers who want to see the likes of P&O offering packages so they can budget for their trips in advance and there are lots of offers out there like the £10 per person per night offer from Fred Olsen. Is this the bargain it seems or not?

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It would be great to get some feedback on your experiences whether good or bad with drinks packages that way I can share your experiences with others and so I can bring you part two of this guide.

 

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About Me

I have worked in the Travel Industry for 33 years, ever since leaving school. My Dad was in the Navy so I guess I get my wanderlust from him. I was a Manager in a successful Travel Agency for 16 years before joining Cruise.co.uk. I am married and have a son who…

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