MSC Cruise Line-
All-Inclusive Unlimited Drinks More for Less Adults Package-This is a mouthful to say! :) The cost is $45 per person, per day (age 21 +) and you will not be charged a gratuity fee if you purchase this prior to your cruise. Unlimited drinks from the Bar and Wine list are included, as well as draft, bottled and canned beer, energy drinks and coolers, canned sodas, fruit juices, mineral water/bottled water, coffee-based drinks, premium teas, hot chocolate delights, a large selection of call-brand spirits, all cocktails from the bar list, and take-away ice cream/gelato in a cone or cup.
*Premium Version of this package- An unlimited consumption of beverages from the entire bar list selection including top-shelf spirit brands, premium cocktails, drinks from your mini bar and mineral water in your stateroom, as well as all items from the ‘Gelateria’ menu and the Pastry Shop. The cost is $61 per adult age 21 and older, per day. The child's premium version of the All Inclusive package (below) is $31 per child, per day and includes all items from the ‘Gelateria’ menu and Pastry Shop.
The Child's Version of the All Inclusive-For $23 per person, per day this package is for anyone under age 18 and includes unlimited consumption of non-alcoholic cocktails, smoothies, milkshakes, canned soft drinks, energizers, mineral water, fruit juices, coffee-based drinks, premium teas, hot chocolate and take-away ice cream/gelato in a cone or cup.
Allegrissimo Adult All Inclusive Unlimited Drinks- This package for guests 21 and older and while it sounds a lot like the All Inclusive Unlimited More for Less Package listed above there are a few differences. The price of this package is $31 per adult, per day. Unlimited consumption of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, including a wide range of drinks and cocktails from the bar list, a dedicated selection of wines by the glass, draft beer, an extensive selection of sodas, bottled water, fruit juices and classic hot beverages (coffee, espresso, cappuccino) as well as takeaway ice cream in a cone or cup are included. Items on the drink menu with an asterisk are not included in this package. An example of this exclusion is on the menu below-
*Premium Version of this package-For adults the cost is $53 per person. per day and for children the cost is $25 per child, per day. The only identifiable difference for the premium version of the Allegrissimo package is the ability to order any of your beverages via the room service menu.
Cheers Adult and Child Unlimited Mealtime Drinks Package-The cost for adults is between $20 and $22.50 per sailing and includes unlimited house wines and draft beer at lunch and dinner, as well as bottled water, sodas and fruit juice. Specialty restaurants will not honor this package. The price for children is between $11 and $12.50 per day, depending on the sailing you are on, and includes unlimited soda and mineral water/bottled water during lunch and dinner in either the main restaurant or the buffet. From our experience on the Divina, with a similar package we had coined the "104", which is for short cruises only, the wine choices were one red, one white and one rose. The only draft beer they had was Heineken.
Things To Note- MSC sells a multitude of alcoholic and non alcoholic voucher packages for guests as well. We happened to purchase the More for Less Caribbean Escape Voucher package, which cost $84 flat when pre-purchased before your cruise. This included 18 voucher coupons (paper) which were good for any cocktail, wine, beer, coffee specialty drink bottled water or gelato under $7.50. These coupons can be a great option for a port intensive cruise where you will not spend much time on the ship and you just want to get a few drinks here and there. The value of this package if you got all 18 beverages at the $7.50 price is $135, so the $84 price tag is a nice savings of $41. Here are the links for their various packages, so you can view the cost of each, as well as the amount covered for drinks in each voucher package:
https://www.msccruisesusa.com/en-us/Already-Booked/Cruise-Upgrade/Alcohol-Packages.aspx
https://www.msccruisesusa.com/en-us/Already-Booked/Cruise-Upgrade/Non-Alcohol-packages.aspx
Here is a photo of what the voucher coupon packs look like-don't lose them if you buy them! :)
Advantages to the Beverage Packages- The large variety of all inclusive and voucher based drink packages are a huge boon for MSC- although it takes some time to figure out what works best for you and your fellow travelers. It should be noted also that all packages must be booked up to three days before departure, either through travel agents, MSC personal cruise consultants or on the MSC Cruises Web site. Packages must be purchased for the entire cruise and all adults (along with minors) in a cabin or traveling party must purchase beverage packages to be applicable. A 15 percent gratuity is included in package prices if bought prior to cruising. If you buy any packages on the ship you will be charged the 15% gratuity fee.
Bottled Water Basics- Bottled water is included in many of the beverage packages, which is good because you cannot bring bottled water on board the ships. We found what was termed mineral water was actually bottled water- and we would be asked if we wanted flat or bubbly when we got our bottles with our package. Here is an example of a "flat" one-
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line-
Ultimate Beverage Package- This is the most comprehensive of all drink packages, and covers all wine, beer, cocktails, bottled water (500 ml or less), juice, specialty coffee and teas. Guests age 21 and older may purchase this package for $67 per person, per day.
Premium Beverage Package- This package for guests 21 and older includes beer and wines by the glass, cocktails and bottled water. The cost is $57 per person, per day.
Select Beverage Package Package-Adults age 21 and up can get this package for beer and wine only. The cost is $42 per person, per day.
Royal Replenish and Royal Refreshment Packages- A Coca Cola souvenir cup, as well as all fountain sodas, bottled flat and sparkling juices and specialty coffee and teas are what makes up the Royal Replenish Package. The Royal Refreshment Package includes a souvenir cup and fountain soda only. The Royal Replenish package varies a bit on price depending on the length of your cruise, but the average price is $22 per day. The average price for the Royal Refreshment package is $9 per day. These prices are inclusive of gratuities.
Things To Note- All alcoholic beverage package prices include the 18% gratuity, so there is no concern for guests to factor in the extra cost. Packages cannot be shared.
Advantages to the Beverage Packages- The biggest advantage to the Beverage Packages on Royal Caribbean is that every adult or child does not have to purchase the same package if they are in the same cabin. This is a great thing for families and friends who have one cabin mate who likes to drink alcohol and another who cannot or does not partake. Sharing the beverage package is not allowed, however.
Bottled Water Basics- Bottled water is included in several of the drink packages, including the Royal Replenish soda package. If you believe you will consume lots of bottled water than one of the drink packages may be perfect for you. Royal Caribbean does not permit water to be brought on board officially, but they do sell bottled water packages. Prices appear to be for Evian Bottled Water and are 8 bottles for $28.45, 12 bottles for $40.30, 16 bottles for $50.55 and 24 bottles for $71.10. These prices are for each person and do not include a 15% gratuity charge. Those guests interested in the bottled water package at Royal should contact their personal cruise consultant or travel agent for specific pricing.
If you are wondering about what liquors are included in the Royal Caribbean drink packages check out the link here: http://www.royalcaribbean.com/content/shared_assets/pdf/menus/beverage-flyer-general-v4.pdf
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