Drinking Packages on RCI
A few questions, if I may, about the drinking packages:
- So, the Premium package includes unlimited wine (up to $12 value) and mixed drinks (up to $12 value), correct? And the Premium (or above) package allows me to pay the difference for more expensive booze?
- Are Joco beers included?
- How is the wine selection within the price range? Am I going to be able to get some decent Bordeaux or Malbecs?
- How is the mixed drink selection for $12? Will this include decent martinis (Bombay Sapphire, Hendricks, etc)? Decent brandy / cognac? Single malt scotches such as Laphroaig or Oban? Or at least Bowmore?
- There's port, right?
- So, the Premium package includes unlimited wine (up to $12 value) and mixed drinks (up to $12 value), correct? And the Premium (or above) package allows me to pay the difference for more expensive booze?
- Are Joco beers included?
- How is the wine selection within the price range? Am I going to be able to get some decent Bordeaux or Malbecs?
- How is the mixed drink selection for $12? Will this include decent martinis (Bombay Sapphire, Hendricks, etc)? Decent brandy / cognac? Single malt scotches such as Laphroaig or Oban? Or at least Bowmore?
- There's port, right?
Comments
- So, the Premium package includes unlimited wine (up to $12 value) and
mixed drinks (up to $12 value), correct? And the Premium (or above)
package allows me to pay the difference for more expensive booze?
Based on the different reviews that I've read, yes, you will be charged the difference.
- Are Joco beers included?
As rkcr noted, RCI has nothing to with those because they are Sea Monkey freebies that we can get during some of our special Sea Monkey events! (we don't need no stinkin' package!)
- How is the wine selection within the price range? Am I going to be able to get some decent Bordeaux or Malbecs? How is the mixed drink selection for $12? Will this include decent
martinis (Bombay Sapphire, Hendricks, etc)? Decent brandy / cognac?
Here's a list of what you can usually find across the fleet - http://www.shipcruise.org/royal-caribbean-alcohol-policy-drink-prices/
And here are the costs for the wines (including 3 ports) http://www.shipcruise.org/royal-caribbean-wine-package-policy-list-prices/
For a slightly different take, one of the guys on the Cruise Critic forums has taken photos of most of the RCI drink menus - http://www.cruisewithgambee.com/royal-caribbean-drink-package/
The prices may actually be $1-$2 more than what's shown above... and it looks like RCI is starting to remove prices from their drink menus so you're probably going to have to ask the bartender what a drink costs before you order it - http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2138302 Here's the photo proof from a guy who just got off the Independence of the Seas last Sunday of the new bar menu - http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2149983#20 (scroll down to the 3rd photo).
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Single malt scotches such as Laphroaig or Oban? Or at least Bowmore?
I'm partial to a nice Glendronach or Highland Park myself but I don't believe RCI carries anything more than the basic Glenfiddich, Macallan, and Glenlivet. Then I noticed this site said something about how "Scotch over 12 years old" is not included in the Ultimate package (http://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2013/07/08/answers-all-your-unlimited-alcohol-package-questions) but I suppose that could be a blended Scotch. I believe there was a single malt enthusiasts thread last year for JCCC4 but I don't know if that group managed to hunt down the single malt availability on the Indy once we got to the ship.
And don't forget, the Home Office tempted us with that survey just before Christmas and the folowing promise: The Independence's beverage manager has offered to conduct some scotch whisky tastings for our group. The tastings would be approximately 30-40 minutes long, and would cost $15 plus 15% gratuity.") but we haven't heard anything since... and I just realized the info did not specify that the "scotch whisky tastings" would be (all?) single malts, hmm...
- There's port, right?
I think one of the lists that I linked to showed 3 or 4 ports and I believe all the ships should at least have the basic ruby Sandeman because that's one of the drinks that folks on the higher end of the RCI loyalty club (i.e. Diamonds and above) can get for free. Your best bet for the greatest variety would probably be Vintages, the wine bar along the Promenade.
I don't know if they're wise to the pricing this year, but I do understand the bar manager on the Independence is looking to expand on last year's success with the specialty brown beverage program for our group.
I don't know if the main dining room has port, but Chops does for sure. I think there is a reasonably decent wine selection, but I am not a wine expert by any means.
Kim wouldn't kiss me after I drank some of the Laphroaig PX. Said I smelled like a campfire. Which I did. Sooo good, but beware of unintended consequences, I suppose.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/17ASQLHRNxHnrBERe01H_S7KV0OBprShrgjtqpG2pRRI/edit?usp=sharing_eid
What about doubles? I've read tips saying if on a package, to make sure to ask for a double shot when getting mixed drinks. Guessing doing the same when paying cash will increase the cost quite a bit?
8 Day pass: $451.20
4 days w/ 3 wines, 4 days w/ 4 wines + 3 waters/day: $504
Note: I'm just not sure on $56.40 as your cost/day if package is $55/day, so I ran it again.
(20% gratuity would make it $66/day) - Cost of 8 day pass = $528