Cruise Line Drink Package Guide

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CruiseWithMike.com Cruise Line Drink Package Guide

ALCOHOL AND BEVERAGE Package Availability by Cruise Line With Cruise Lines becoming much more aggressively creative in their means by which to increase their bottom lines, particularly by way of on-board revenues, it is important to know who is doing what, and who is not. While it would seem somewhat counter to their goal to offer cost cutting incentives, it is due primarily to their customer base either requesting it, or by way of their customers patronizing other cruise lines that do, so that they too get with the program and begin offering special pricing packages for their on-board passengers. This list would have looked somewhat different just a few short years ago, and it should be noted that it is in a continual state of change and revision by the cruise lines. Basically everyone who cruises wants to think they are getting a good deal. So the cruise lines have basically acquiesced some of their profits in order to appease the increased customer demand for such programs. First things first. You should know that the Cruise Lines do not treat Hard Liquor (spirits) the same as they do say wine or champagne. Most cruise lines have policies that forbid passengers from bringing on board any hard alcohol, unless you are sailing on a premium or luxury line, and you have purchased something while at port, and you wish to consume it in your room. While Most Duty Free shops on Cruise ships, are not able to let you have your bottle until the morning of your departure, once again this can sometimes be different when it comes to the luxury lines, so just be sure you are familiar with your cruise lines policies. And since they can and do change so often, it is a good idea to inquire at the customer service desk once you are on-board. Wine Packages can add up to some pretty healthy savings over the bottle-at-a-time, and especially so over the by-theglass price. While if you purchase the wine packages you are generally going to expect to realize a savings of around 15-25 percent, depending on quality of the wine package and the duration of your cruise. Consequently, the longer the cruise the more savings you will be able to rack up. Beer Packages are beginning to grow in popularity with the cruise lines, and we have seen a much larger increase in the number of cruise lines that offer such packages over just a few short years ago. Even thought you may find yourself sailing on a cruise line that does not yet offer a beer package, most every cruise line will offer some type of bucket price or something similar to it. Carnival in particular even allows you to keep the bucket, although many of the buckets remain behind on the ship after the customers have emptied its content, like a crustaceans discarded shell! Also you might wish to inquire with your room steward as they can normally fix you up with beer six pack specials for your mini fridge in the room. You might even be able to get them to fill it full, if the cruise line allows. Celebrity is the first contemporary or premium cruise line to offer All-You-Can-Drink packages on Alcoholic beverages on their entire fleet. Soda Packages (if you are a person who drinks a lot of soda) will garner a considerable savings over the pay as you go plan. While many of the cruise lines do allow passengers to bring a reasonable amount of soda or bottled water aboard at embarkation (be sure to have it as carry on, and it is always best to just be honest about what it is, and you will be able to pass thru with generally little to no difficulty). Now, for those folks who like to overdo it with trying to get large coolers on board, you stand to face an uphill battle for sure. Remember that when the cruise line says reasonable they are meaning that each person is carrying no more than 1 or two soda/waters per day. Not one or two cases. Generally if you are concerned whether or not you are trying to bring on too much, then you most likely are!

CruiseWithMike.com Cruise Line Drink Package Guide

Bottled Water: The prices for bottled water are generally pretty high on cruise ships. But, if you truly dont have a genuine need of using bottled water vs. tap water, you might be interested to know that the purification systems on most larger cruise ships today, put out some pretty fantastic water. However, should you just need your bottled water, if your cruise line offers a package; you can expect to save at least 10 to 15 percent, by purchasing your bottled water in a package as compared to buying them individually. The following matrix is a representation of the various cruise line policies with regards to beverages (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic). Additionally, there are many cruise lines that are actually silent as to specific policies regarding this issue. Additionally, while doing the research for this article it should be noted that there were always several instances where it was found that although strictly forbidden, some passengers will still attempt to bring these contraband articles on board with them, often times disguised as checked luggage, or covered up by something in their carry on. While it may not be considered a severe offense to bring such items, you should bear in mind that for those lines which do have policies(and do rigidly enforce them), that you can run the risk of finding yourself in a denied boarding, over a matter of trying to save yourself a few dollars. So what is really the smart play here? Also, I must say that I have observed on several occasions, where passengers have brought items aboard that I was told by reservations could not be brought on, the embarkation personnel clearly saw the items, and allowed them to pass without incident. So what is the real word? It may come down to it just depends, (but for me) I buy the packaged beverages, and feel good enough that I have saved myself a little money. If you have children, and the policy allows you to bring bottled water and soda aboard, then you should be just fine to do so. Just remember moderation!

Cruise Line Alcohol and Beverage Packages Available

Line Azamara Carnival Celebrity Costa Crystal Disney HollandAmer MSC NCL Oceania Princess Royal Caribb

Wine Pkg Compl* Yes Yes Yes Compl* Yes Yes Yes Lmtd* Lmtd* Lmtd* Yes*

Beer Pkg Yes No* Yes* Yes Compl* Yes* Yes* Yes GrpOnly* No No* Yes*

Soda Pkg Compl* Yes Yes Yes Compl* Compl* Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes

Water Pkg Compl* No Yes Yes Compl* Yes* Yes Yes No No No Yes

BYO Wine N/A Yes* Yes NO Yes NO Yes NO NO* YES Yes* NO

BYO Bev N/A Yes Yes NO Yes* Yes* Yes NO NO* Yes Yes Yes

Comments Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

If you see the (*) sign within the matrix data, this means that further information is referenced on this matter within the individual cruise line summary information which follows.

CruiseWithMike.com Cruise Line Drink Package Guide

Summaries by Cruise Line
AZAMARA Offers boutique red and white wines (complimentary with lunch and dinner), as well as Bottled Water, Soft Drinks, and Specialty Coffees and Teas throughout the day. They also offer a Premium Package upgrade (better quality wines) for a cost of around $50. Beers cost around $5 individually, but they do offer beer packages (which can vary in selection and pricing depending on ship and region being sailed), and while the selections are somewhat limited, you can expect the normal pricing for the beer package to cost around $21pp per day. While you used to have to order this package strictly on board, I believe that the revamped reservations system will now allow you to order it, in advance of your sailing.

CARNIVAL Offers On Board Wine Packages, and prices can vary widely depending on ship and duration of sailing, but you should expect to pay around $100 to $130 for a five bottle wine package. They also have available a Bar Credit Package which allows you to get 4 Alcoholic Drinks at a cost of $23 (plus tax of course). Currently they do not offer a beer package, but they will generally offer on-board buckets of beer that pricing will normally run between $17-$20 depending on brand. Carnival has a Soda Package (which they call bottomless bubbles) the cost of which also will vary slightly with sailing duration, but typically a 7 day cruise will run around $45-$50. You will get a souvenir cup, which you can bring back to the bar for an unlimited number of sodas of your choice. I was not able to find a bottled water program for Carnival. You can expect to find a large liter sized bottled water in your room (at the going price of around $4) which will be charged to your on board account. My last Carnival cruise, I only recall seeing these larger bottled waters for sale on board. Cruise line policy allows for passengers to bring one bottle of wine on board per adult passenger, but expect to have to pay a corkage fee of $10-$14 per bottle, if you intend to consume it in any of the public venues on board the ship. No charge if you drink it inside your stateroom. Additionally passengers are permitted 12 sodas or waters per person at embarkation, and policy mentions that any excess is subject to confiscation and being held until the end of the cruise.

CELEBRITY Offers different qualities of wine packages and prices fluctuate from $99 up to $191 and generally represent a savings of around 15% over the bottled price, and considerable savings when compared to the price by the glass costs. They have a Soda Package which runs $7pp per night, and offers endless refills. They offer a Water package (sparkling or still) for unlimited bottled water that costs $12 pp per night. Any of these packages can be purchased either prior to your cruise, or can be secured once you are on-board. Celebrity allows passengers to bring on-board two bottles of wine per stateroom. Expect to pay the highest corkage fee on the seas of ($25 per bottle) if you intend on consuming them in any public venue area on board the ship. No corkage fee if consumed in your room. Celebrity has an all-you-can drink packages starting at $44 per day. That puts the break even at about 7 beers or 5 cocktails per day because the package includes gratuities. COSTA Offers an extensive selection of fine wines and champagnes which can be purchased by the bottle. We did find that they offer some wine packages as well which vary by quality and come with a price range of $70Eu to $150Eu. They do offer a pretty neat package they call the X-1 package which covers house wines, draft beer, sodas, and water which has a sliding scale Adults $9.60Eu pp per day. They do offer the X-1 in non-alcoholic beverage packages, (for the kids) such as soda/water which comes at a price of only $6.00pp per day for children. They also offer water packages that are quantity specific and start off at $22.50Eu per package. Costa reservations department says that passengers are not permitted to bring aboard any outside food or beverage type items.

CruiseWithMike.com Cruise Line Drink Package Guide

Crystal Cruises has now become an all inclusive luxury cruise product. From the standpoint of Fine Wines, Premium Spirits, Soft Drinks, and Bottled Water there is no need to be concerned about such beverages as they are complimentary on Board. There are extra charges for Special Reserve Wine list selections. Crystal Does allow its passengers to bring Wine On-board at embarkation, but does not allow for same to be consumed in any of the public venues without being assessed a $15 per bottle corkage fee. The corkage fee is waived for wine which is consumed within passenger staterooms. We did note that Crystal does allow their passengers to purchase alcohol from its duty free shop, and consume same while on-board the ship which is different from most other cruise line policies. Disney While primarily thought of as the Cruise Line for Children, does have a number of Adult only activities and venues reserved exclusively for their Adult Passengers. In addition they offer wine packages that vary with length of sailing and quality of the wines. Package pricing ranges from $84 (on a 3 night cruise) up to $292. Disney offers Beer Specials for Six Pack Purchases that run around $18.75 per six pack. Heres some great news for parents. Disney has complimentary sodas which are offered on each of its ships, at the beverage station located on Deck 9. So let the kids drink up! Disney offers water packages that come in 6 or 9 bottles packages and cost $24 to $35. While Disney does not state in its policy that you can bring outside beverage items on board at embarkation, but they do practice a moderation allowance on such items. However, they must be brought on strictly as handcarried items (and go through the security screening process). Any not following this procedure, if found will be confiscated. They also dont say whether they will give them back or not at the end of the cruise. So here honesty and moderation are the rule, and a good example for your children to see you follow! Holland America Offers various wine packages that vary pricewise due to quality and sailing duration, and range in price from $102 to $310. HAL also offers a beer package (per se) which must be purchased through your stateroom steward, and prices by the can or bottle vary accordingly. HAL also offers something they call their Signature Cocktail Card, (for $65) which allows 10 cocktails on-board. Typically thought of as the Older Crowd, you should know that HAL certainly has the younger of its passengers in mind as they developed their various kids programs and to keeping them hydrated while on-board. HAL also offers Soda and Bottled Water Packages (which are punch cards) that basically allow up to 20 sodas (or bottled waters) for a price of around $45 (plus tax). HAL does allow passengers to bring Wine, Soda, and Bottled Water aboard it ships at embarkation, (must be as carry-on items) with any and all wine (brought on-board) being subject to an $18 per bottle corkage fee. MSC Cruises In a word offers a bounty of Wine, and Beverage Packages (actually we have thus far found a list three pages long) you know those Italians and their wines!! In short MSC does offer wine packages that include from 7 to 10 bottles of wine, and range in price from $77 to $175. They also have a Beer Package (that are vouchers) that allows up to 14 draft beers for a price of $33 (7oz.) or $57(14oz.), and vouchers can be used at any bar, restaurant, and the buffet. They also provide a Soda Package (similar to the Beer Package) which provides a like 14 soda vouchers for a cost of $29. They also offer a Water Package at a price of $12pp per day. MSC has a strict policy which forbids the bringing on-board of any beverage items in order to maintain compliance with Health and Security Standards. NCL Wine packages have been typically only available for Groups (20 or more people), with the exception of a Four Bottle Package for 5 to 8 days cruises, or an Eight Bottle Package for 9 to 14day cruises. They only say that the packages offer the passenger a 20% discount over the bottle pricing, and that they must be purchased only within the initial two days of a sailing. Additionally they offer an unlimited soda package which price ranges by age. Adults is around $50 (plus 15% Tax), with Children 13-17 being $6.25pp per day, and children 12 and under costing $4.00pp per day. We find no Water Package program for NCL. The soda package is typically handled as a sticker on an adults onboard account card, and for children a special unlimited drink mug. When asking NCL Reservations dont be surprised if when you ask about bringing Wine or Soda/Bottled Water on-board at embarkation you happen to hear a resounding

CruiseWithMike.com Cruise Line Drink Package Guide

NO. But then, we couldnt help but notice that NCL mentions they have a Corkage Fee of $15 per bottle for wine brought on-onboard. So go figure! OCEANIA While Oceania is a luxury non-all inclusive cruise line, it would appear if you are a drinker, this may not be the cruise line for you. That is unless you really wouldnt care about a rather large drink bill at the end of your cruise adventure. We regret that we could only find where they offer a discount on bottles of wine from the higher end wines which you need to obtain from your Sommlier, but other than that found No real wine, beer, soda, or water packages, available here. They seem to still be locked in the grip of the making maximum on-board revenue mind-set. However they are very laxed in other ways. Meaning that they take a rather liberal approach to passengers bringing alcohol onto the ship purchased elsewhere, they merely assess each bottle with a $20 corkage fee (which after all, is still making them profitable). PRINCESS Offers a wine package, with pricing varied due to quality and quantity chosen but start off around $140. While they do not offer a beer package, it is rumored that Princess will soon offer Stella on draft which maybe better received by our beer friends over the Bass and Fat Tire. Princess offers a Soda Package at $4.25pp per day for unlimited sodas. There is also an ultimate card (for kids) which includes unlimited sodas, smoothies, non-breakfast juices, mocktails (non alcoholic drinks), and milkshakes for $9.00pp per day. Also for the Coffee Lovers there is a Coffee Card (cost is $31.00). Note: all prices herein include an additional 15% Gratuity to be added to purchase prices. Princess is rather restrictive in that they only allow passengers to bring aboard one bottle of wine or champagne per adult person, and must be consumed within the stateroom, otherwise they impose a $15.00 per bottle corkage fee. ROYAL CARIBBEAN Offers their Gold, Platinum, and Diamond Wine Packages (with prices ranging from $130-$160 for 5 bottle packages). Unlimited Soda Package (which uses a souvenir cup) for around $50pp. Water Packages are available in 8, 12, 16, & 24 bottles with prices ranging from $29 to $71. They also offer a juice package of 6, 8, or 12 bottles with pricing from $20 to $35. These Packages can be purchased on line prior to cruise or once on-board and have a 15% gratuity fee to be added. It was noted that Royal does not post their package prices on line, so you may wish to call first to confirm all package pricing. RCCL recently began testing new all you can drink packages for wine, beer, and liquor on three of its ships sailing from the UK. The basic priced package starts at $29pp per day (which includes house wine and beer). The Classic Package at $39pp per day (for House Wines, Beer, and regular brand liquors). The Premium Package at $49pp per day which includes Premium Wines, and Liquors, and Beer. Hopefully this test will be successful and be brought on fleet wide. RCCLs policies state a no tolerance position with respect to passengers bringing on-board any alcoholic beverages whatsoever. Further they state, that any such contraband that is found during the embarkation process will be confiscated, and held until disembarkation. However, they have no problem with passengers bringing on-board reasonable amounts of soda and or bottled water.

The cruise lines changes policies and guideline all the time if you find something that is no long correct please email me at cruisewithmike@cruiseholidays.com - thank you!!