Beverage Package Pricing

[likesdisney]

Sailing on Oasis this November. At the moment the deluxe beverage package offer on RC's website has it at 74.25 Canadian (which translates at the moment to about $59.47 USD) If I wait for a while do you think the price will drop a bit? That's currently a bit much for what I'd drink.

 

[msjprincess]

It may drop, or it may go up. You really never know.

 

[likesdisney]

For us it is more of a convenience thing of having the package, but since it's a cashless system onboard (new to cruising here) having it at this point would just be a novelty. We won't be saving any money having it. Will be keeping my eyes open though just in case I see a good price.

 

[SteveMP]

I thought it was set once they gave you the price? Other than as it gets further into the cruise. Personally I just allow myself one or two drinks per day on ship (around $6-12 total) and then find deals off ship.(or at the reception) Like in Cozumel $1 coronas, St Marteen a bucket of beers for $7, etc. most islands, ports, have dirt cheap drinks, except St Thomas, or any US ports.

 

[3monkeys4me]

It does sometimes go on sale, the best I have seen is 20% off, but I have heard of an elusive 30% off that has happened for certain sailings. It seems like the sales happen 3-5 months before sailing, but they don't happen on every sailing so there is no way to be sure. I know if you are in the US you can also cancel and rebuy it at the lower price if it does go on sale. I don't know if the same rules in in affect for Canadians (I know the UK has different rules as far as booking and deposits go at least) but it may be worth a phone call or a read of the fine print.

 

[msjprincess]

I thought it was set once they gave you the price? Other than as it gets further into the cruise. Personally I just allow myself one or two drinks per day on ship (around $6-12 total) and then find deals off ship.(or at the reception) Like in Cozumel $1 coronas, St Marteen a bucket of beers for $7, etc. most islands, ports, have dirt cheap drinks, except St Thomas, or any US ports.

Unfortunately it's not locked in until you actually purchase it. I've had both happen to me.

To the OP- If you're thinking yu many want it I would do what the previous poster said and purchase it now to lock in the price (if that's allowed for Canadians) you can always cancel if you change your mind or the price drops.

Which itinerary are you on? Our last cruise was a 5 day that only stopped at Jamaica and Labadee (where we could use the package) so we easily got our money's worth. Plus it was 20% off. The cruise before that we went to St Maarten, St Kitts and San Juan. For that cruise we opted not to get the package.


Up until a few months ago the 20% sale was consistent. That doesn't seem to be the case now.

 

[starvenger]

If you see a 30% off sale and you're considering the package, I say get it and sit in it for a while. If you ultimately decide not to get it you can cancel.

 

[mevelandry]

I wonder if they inform you by e-mail about the 20% or 30% off the drinking package?

 

[starvenger]

I wonder if they inform you by e-mail about the 20% or 30% off the drinking package?

I've never gotten an email about it. I just wait until one of the boards (or RC blog) mentions it.

 

[likesdisney]

We're doing the Eastern Caribbean. San Juan, St. Maarten & Labadee

 

[mevelandry]

I've never gotten an email about it. I just wait until one of the boards (or RC blog) mentions it.

I did not know there was a RC blog! Thanks for the info!

 

[angelinaxox]

I wonder if they inform you by e-mail about the 20% or 30% off the drinking package?

I do get emails every time something has gone on sale in the planner. I have also seen posts on CC when there is a good deal. The deluxe package for my sailing next week has gone on sale a lot, but I purchased back in September or October at the best price I have seen.

 

[HappilyEverAfter80]

I wonder if they inform you by e-mail about the 20% or 30% off the drinking package?

I got emails about different sales in the cruise planner every few days it seems like....including the beverage one.
Agree though that keeping up with Matt from the RC blog is the best way to be notified as soon as it happens.
He's got a great website and facebook page.

 

[mevelandry]

I got emails about different sales in the cruise planner every few days it seems like....including the beverage one.
Agree though that keeping up with Matt from the RC blog is the best way to be notified as soon as it happens.
He's got a great website and facebook page.

I subscribed to his FB page.

I wonder how many times a year it happens.

 

[HappilyEverAfter80]

I subscribed to his FB page.

I wonder how many times a year it happens.

It seems to be fairly frequent... especially for the 20% off. The 30% off happened once in the 2 months we had before our cruise. (We booked only 2 months in advance)

 

[mevelandry]

It seems to be fairly frequent... especially for the 20% off. The 30% off happened once in the 2 months we had before our cruise. (We booked only 2 months in advance)

I'm going to keep my eyes open then. Our Anthem of the Seas cruise is next year.

 

[HappilyEverAfter80]

I'm going to keep my eyes open then. Our Anthem of the Seas cruise is next year.

I'm sure they will have a special before then
Also, if you book the 20% off, and then 30% comes along or a package deal like internet & drinks package, you can cancel and re-book. You will have to wait a few days for your refund, but it is fully refundable prior to 3 days before sailing I believe.
Side note - I already want to go back on the Anthem
We want to cruise Oasis class next, but there was something awesome about sailing out of NYC....

 

[mevelandry]

I'm sure they will have a special before then
Also, if you book the 20% off, and then 30% comes along or a package deal like internet & drinks package, you can cancel and re-book. You will have to wait a few days for your refund, but it is fully refundable prior to 3 days before sailing I believe.
Side note - I already want to go back on the Anthem
We want to cruise Oasis class next, but there was something awesome about sailing out of NYC....

How is it, sailing from NYC? I love New York and can't wait to get on a cruiseship from there.

 

[HappilyEverAfter80]

How is it, sailing from NYC? I love New York and can't wait to get on a cruiseship from there.

Well Anthem technically sails from NJ but you can basically see Manhattan, freedom tower and the statute of liberty as you leave.
My fav was sailing under the Verrazano bridge - go on the upper deck for that.
NY music as you sail under, everyone was screaming... we loved it.
I have a couple of short clips but says the file is too large (1 min) I haven't figured out how to post them...

 

[mevelandry]

Well Anthem technically sails from NJ but you can basically see Manhattan, freedom tower and the statute of liberty as you leave.
My fav was sailing under the Verrazano bridge - go on the upper deck for that.
NY music as you sail under, everyone was screaming... we loved it.
I have a couple of short clips but says the file is too large (1 min) I haven't figured out how to post them...

I've watched videos. It looks very nice.