Prepurchase Wine Package - Does it save any money?

[oferiniowa]

I found a thread from nearly 15 years ago that said it was no difference in price compared to buying onboard. But I swear that even with the 18% gratuity, the prepurched price is less than what I paid on my last cruise. Anyone have a recent experience that can verify?

Thanks for your responses

Jim

 

[SnowWhite2]

I think if you pre-purchase you might have to pay taxes on the package but if you purchase on board you do not. There is no other discount that I know of.

 

[CaseyCruiser]

I found a thread from nearly 15 years ago that said it was no difference in price compared to buying onboard. But I swear that even with the 18% gratuity, the prepurched price is less than what I paid on my last cruise. Anyone have a recent experience that can verify?

Thanks for your responses

Jim

We always buy the wine package at our first dinner or first lunch. I never figured out if I saved money but my wife loves picking a different bottle for each evening. I highly recommend purchasing it. Happy cruising!

 

[Lynes88]

I remember some years ago a really smart guy actually did the analysis. He got the bottle prices from the cruise if you purchase them individually. The wine package price works out to an average bottle price that CAN be cheaper if you choose the more expensive bottles. My wife and I typically choose the classic package and focus on the bottles that would be more expensive... which are ones we like and so it works out to be cheaper for the package. But to be honest, it is not a big difference in the end.

 

[yowcruiser]

Pretty much what @Lynes88 said... When looking at the price of the individual bottles included in each package, you may actually end up paying a few dollars more with the package if selecting some of the most affordable bottles. However, if your preference is for the few more expensive ones, then you can save a little bit, but not that much. As it has been pointed out, sales taxes could have a slight impact on the calculation.