Drink package went UP 9 months before sailing!?!

[deerh]

First time cruiser (well in 19 years) here. We booked Harmony in May 19, for May 2020 and the drink package (full) has gone UP $8/day. I have read where they LOWER the price during the pre-cruise time... What gives??? And, will it go down? Right now it is $65/day! OUCH!!

Any suggestions from the experts?

DeerH

 

[a1tinkfans]

It fluctuated like that before our cruise too. You re pretty far out. About 30-60 days before, the discounts went to buy one, get 40 percent off second .. or something like that.
Our group was Very large. 10 couples bought the pkgs. one indicated a medical reason and was able to only buy 1 alcohol pkg in their stateroom. Then Several of us did the refreshment/bottle water pkgs. we all re-bought when the prices were reduced. ( you cancel and buy) only one of us did the coffee card.
Despite hearing one could not get drinks for others or more than one at a time, that was not our experience at all. I was actually surprised, but even with the water pkg, we routinely got 2 bottles at a time Everywhere. At bars, pizza, mdr and even specialty dining.
Also, Every single one of our specialty dining experiences we ordered a glass of wine ..but were comped the rest of the bottles. One red/one white.
Many times, one person took the card up and got drinks ( 2) for others. They didn’t even CK the seapass. Perhaps because there were so many in our group and most did have it??
It was a very pleasant surprise for us.
(Allure of the Seas)
Keep looking for sales... they ll come

 

[msjprincess]

It fluctuates. If you definitely know you want it, it's always to buy it ASAP and hope the price drops. It will probably go down again.

 

[Denise W]

You can always book it and if the price goes down, just cancel it and re-book it at the lower rate. The credit goes through quickly on your credit card.
Denise

 

[deerh]

Thanks for all the responses. I guess I will wait till it gets closer and check the prices...

Thanks!!!

 

[SA mom]

On most of cruises, I've been able to get the best price on the Black Friday deal.

 

[Neptune's Fork]

They have specials from time to time so invariably it'll probably come down. We sailed last month and the drink package came down to about $47 pp about a month before sailing.