Free Soda>>>>Opinions?!?!

[Azptcruiser]

Thought I would take the time and ask others their opinion on the recent change to the "free sodas" as opposed to being charged.

Here is my opinion...

It was really inconvenient! As an adult, if one wants to take advantage of the sodas, you have to walk through the throng of kids and others to get to the machines. And then you will have to stand ing line and not get any ice. And as the day progressed, the lines were always long and the ice was virtually non-existent. And if you wanted tea....FORGET IT! Despite being free, it is not convenient!

Other opinons?!

 

[inkkognito]

We haven't been on board since they started offering the free soda, but we're sailing 9/9. I'm sad to hear that there are lines, as there never was a crowd when they used to just have free coffee, tea, etc. Is there someone watching it to make sure things are sanitary? I remember once seeing a kid do something very UNsanitary to a self-service ice cream dispenser on Voyager of the Seas. Of course, I am not a soda drinkers so I guess it won't matter! Just give me my black currant iced tea and I'm happy.
Barb

 

[DARWIN91]

Hopefully it does not get out of control with being free! It is nice that they made this a free service.

 

[JOANNEL]

We just cruised on 7/24. I loved the free soda's. I did bring my own cup though so I would have more than a small cup at the adult pool for the afternoon. It did run out of ice often. But the staff was right ther to fill it up. There are four ice machines so I really didn't wait very long in line. They have two water machines
and only one soda but it has two sides so two people can fill cups at the same time. I really never saw the line backed up but I wasn't there that often.I walked every morning at 6:30 and they were always full. So I think the staff keeps an eye on them.

Joanne

 

[KEH]

Is the soda machine separate from the machine with coffee, tea, lemonade, water etc?

 

[Zandy595]

Maybe DCL should invest in another beverage station at a different location to make it more convenient and less crowded.

~*~ Are you listening DCL? ~*~

 

[twoprincessesmom]

The soda machines were seperate on the Wonder than the water and iced tea. I never had to WANT for the tea, it was never out! The lines were minimal, and there was always a few CM's there to help out. Heck, one time I went, and there was cookies and brownies waiting for us next to it!

Sharon

 

[florida sun]

I have to say this is a concern of mine. At least when you paid for the refillable cup you could use it anywhere including the bars. I now presume as it is free at the drink station if you are in the bars or anywhere else you have to pay? I actually wonder if you end up actually spending more money this way. Just a thought.

 

[muntzfab4]

On the 7/24 Magic you did have to pay for soda at the bars and for room service. The drink station was very crowded and a few times they ran out of ice, cups and lids. They did try to keep on top of it though.

 

[jlawall]

The free soda is a huge improvement over the "mug" system. Those mugs were pretty disgusting by the end of the trip. You can still get soda anywhere on the ship, you just have to pay for it. I loved the option of having soda whenever I wanted it. I thought the hassle was minimal.

 

[mmouse37]

Our friends just came back from the Magic and they said compared to the mug program this new system was great!!! They said once there was no ice but CM's were there to fill it up pretty quickly.

I guess you can't please everybody....I remember so many threads about people hating to lug the mug around and hating to have to stand in line at the bar to get the mug filled and they hated to pay for soda....now people are complaining that the free soda line is too long!!!

Seems DCL can't win. I am glad DCL they took to heart the pleas of guests to offer free soda (even if in a limited capacity). Shows they are forward thinking. It is a new system and I guess it will take time to work out all the kinks.

MJ

 

[westjones]

We haven't gone yet, but I am thrilled they are doing this! I don't need that much soda, but I do like it with pizza. It will be very nice to have it available for free.

DJ

 

[Azptcruiser]

From my standpoint, the convenience factor is now gone. For those that stay towards the forward part of the ship in the adult/quiet pool area, it is very inconvenient. It would be nice if there was an area that was a bit more convenient for those that want to have soda, do not want to pay for it and is more towards the forward part of the ship.

Do not get me wrong, it is a nice thing to have the "free" soda, but there is always a cost. My resolution, after the first the first day was to avaoid the crowd and the issues and to just get water at the other locations...bars included. I believe that it is a good idea, but a bit more planning is required to accomodate the heavy use times.

 

[Scott H]

Can one still get a mug if they desire?

 

[Azptcruiser]

Yes you can still buy the mug. Forget the cost but I believe that it is around $4.00.

 

[spamama]

Like Joannel, just got back from July 24 cruise and really appreciated the free soda. One other location would be nice, but who doesnt need the exercise!! Once in awhile no ice, but like other posters said, was remedied quickly. There were lines sometimes, but never that long. They had insulated cups and sip lids near the coffee, but we used them for our cokes, it kept it cold longer and was easy to drink out of. No system is perfect, but I think this is the best one yet.

 

[drclaws]

Originally posted by mmouse37
I guess you can't please everybody....I remember so many threads about people hating to lug the mug around and hating to have to stand in line at the bar to get the mug filled and they hated to pay for soda....now people are complaining that the free soda line is too long!!!

Seems DCL can't win. I am glad DCL they took to heart the pleas of guests to offer free soda (even if in a limited capacity). Shows they are forward thinking. It is a new system and I guess it will take time to work out all the kinks.

I was just thinking the same thing.

On the June 19th Western I never experienced any long lines at the drink station.

 

[spamama]

Yea, like maybe at the very most, 8 people ahead of you. Most of the time only 3 or 4 if any.

 

[ColeenD]

We were on the 7/29 Wonder and the only real hassle we had with the sodas was the walk from the Quiet Cove pool to the drink station. When there was a line it was usually only a few people. The mug was $3.00. Count me as one of the folks who thinks the change is for the better!

 

[JOANNEL]

It was a greatly appreciated improvement. And with alll the food we needed the excercise. What I would give for a warm choc. lava cake right now. Spamama are you having a hard time getting back to reality? Dana and I were wishing for a KOnk Kooler today and the wait staff to bring t to use while we were at the beach. But had to settle for a diet pepsi. I wish we were ataritng all over and were at sea today.