In the article titled “Avoid This Common Mistake When Purchasing Royal Caribbean Drink Packages,” you’ll learn about a mistake that many people are still making when it comes to buying these packages. The article highlights the importance of following a simple piece of advice that could save you money. It discusses how waiting for a sale on the cruise planner website may actually lead to an increase in the drink package price, and emphasizes the need to book the package early to lock in the price and protect against potential price increases. The article also explains that if a lower price becomes available later on, you can cancel and rebook the drink package at the lower price with no penalty. The content also dives into the details of what is covered by the drink package, including alcoholic beverages, premium coffees, teas, bottled water, juice, and soda. It suggests considering your own drinking habits to determine if the drink package is worth it for you, and advises booking it anyway to secure the price and have the option to cancel later if needed.
The Common Mistake When Purchasing Royal Caribbean Drink Packages
Many people are still making a mistake when purchasing Royal Caribbean drink packages. The mistake involves not following a simple piece of advice, which can result in missing out on a better price for the drink package. This information was presented through a video by Royal Caribbean Blog, highlighting the importance of booking a drink package early on a Royal Caribbean cruise. Waiting for a sale on the cruise planner website may lead to an increase in the drink package price. The price of the drink package can also vary from ship to ship and sailing to sailing. It is recommended to book the drink package as soon as you know you want it to lock in the price and guard against potential price increases. If there is a lower price available later on, you can cancel and rebook the drink package at the lower price with no penalty. In this article, we will explore the common mistake when purchasing Royal Caribbean drink packages and provide comprehensive information on booking early, price variations, what the drink package includes, and more.
Importance of Booking Early
The Importance of Booking Early for Royal Caribbean Drink Packages
Booking early for Royal Caribbean drink packages is crucial to ensure you secure the best price. When you book early, you have the advantage of locking in the price at the time of your booking. This means that even if there is a price increase later on, you will still pay the original price you booked at. By booking early, you guard against potential price increases and ensure that you are getting the best deal for your drink package.
Locking in the Price
Booking your drink package early allows you to lock in the price, which is essential for budgeting purposes. Prices for drink packages can fluctuate, and by booking early, you avoid the uncertainty of price increases. It gives you the peace of mind knowing that you have secured the drink package at a set price and can plan your expenses accordingly.
Guarding Against Potential Price Increases
Waiting for a sale on the cruise planner website may seem like a good strategy for getting a lower price for the drink package. However, it can also backfire if the price increases instead. Royal Caribbean often targets specific sailings for promotions, and the prices can vary from ship to ship and sailing to sailing. By booking early, you protect yourself from potential price increases and ensure that you are getting the best value for your money.
Avoid Waiting for Sales
Waiting for a Sale on the Cruise Planner Website
It is common for Royal Caribbean to have sales on the cruise planner website, offering discounts on various items, including drink packages. While it may seem tempting to wait for a sale to get a better deal, it is important to note that the price of the drink package can go up instead of down. By waiting for a sale, you run the risk of having to pay a higher price for the drink package if it increases during that time. It is always safer to book the drink package early to avoid potential price increases.
Possible Increase in Drink Package Price
As mentioned earlier, the price of the drink package can vary depending on the ship and sailing date. Some people have reported that the drink package price increased during the wait for a sale on the cruise planner website. This means that they ended up having to pay more for the drink package or hoping for a lower price later on. To avoid this situation, it is recommended to book the drink package as soon as you know you want it to secure the price and protect against any potential price increases.
Varying Price based on Ship and Sailing
Price Variation on Different Royal Caribbean Ships
The price of the drink package can vary from ship to ship within the Royal Caribbean fleet. This means that the cost of the drink package on one ship may be different from the cost on another ship. The variation in price can be due to factors such as demand, availability, and ship amenities. It is important to consider this when booking your drink package and be aware that the price may vary depending on the ship you choose.
Price Variation on Different Sailing Dates
In addition to price variation among ships, the price of the drink package can also vary based on the sailing dates. Certain sailing dates may have higher demand, resulting in higher prices for the drink package. It is recommended to check the pricing for different sailing dates before making your final decision to ensure you are getting the best value for your drink package.
Booking Price vs. Others’ Prices
Booking Price Not Dependent on Others’ Purchases
It is crucial to understand that the price you pay for your drink package is not dependent on what others paid for their drink packages on their cruises. The price variation is not influenced by what others have purchased or what deals they may have received. Each booking is unique, and the price is determined by factors such as ship, sailing date, and demand. Therefore, it is not relevant to compare your booking price to others’ prices.
Comparison with Others’ Prices
While it is not important to compare your booking price with others’ prices, it is still natural to wonder what a good price for the drink package would be. However, it is essential to remember that there is no guarantee that the price will ever go down to what someone else paid for their drink package. The price of the drink package is specific to your booking and can vary based on factors mentioned earlier. Focus on securing the best price for your drink package and avoid comparing it to others’ prices.
What the Drink Package Includes
Coverage of Alcoholic Beverages (Excluding Top Shelf Liquor)
The drink package offered by Royal Caribbean includes coverage of all alcoholic beverages, excluding top shelf liquor. This means that you can enjoy a wide variety of cocktails, beers, and mixed drinks without any additional charges. The package allows you to indulge in your favorite alcoholic beverages throughout your cruise without worrying about the cost.
Inclusion of Premium Coffees, Teas, Bottled Water, Juice, and Soda
In addition to alcoholic beverages, the drink package also includes premium coffees, teas, bottled water, juice, and soda. This means that you can satisfy your caffeine cravings with lattes, macchiatos, and cappuccinos. You can also stay hydrated with bottled water and enjoy refreshing juices and sodas. The inclusion of these non-alcoholic beverages adds extra value to the drink package.
Break Even on Drink Package Purchase
Calculating Alcoholic Beverages Consumed per Day
To determine whether purchasing a drink package is worth it for you, it is helpful to calculate the number of alcoholic beverages you consume per day. On average, having four to six alcoholic beverages a day on the cruise can help you break even on the drink package purchase. This estimate takes into account the cost of individual drinks and compares it to the cost of the drink package. By considering your drinking habits and the number of drinks you typically have, you can assess whether the drink package will be financially beneficial for you.
Break Even Point for Drink Package Purchase
The break-even point for the drink package purchase depends on various factors, including the price of individual drinks and the cost of the drink package. If you find that the number of alcoholic beverages you consume per day exceeds the cost of the drink package, then it may be worthwhile for you to purchase it. However, if you consume fewer drinks per day, it may not be financially advantageous to invest in the drink package.
Consider Your Drinking Habits
Deciding Whether a Drink Package is Worth It
When considering whether a drink package is worth it for you, it is essential to assess your drinking habits and preferences. If you enjoy having a variety of alcoholic beverages throughout the day and indulge in premium coffees, teas, bottled water, juice, and soda, then the drink package can provide excellent value. However, if you are not a frequent drinker or prefer to consume fewer drinks while on a cruise, it may be more cost-effective to pay for individual drinks as you go. Evaluate your drinking habits and weigh the potential benefits before making your decision.
Assessing Personal Drinking Habits
To make an informed decision about purchasing a drink package, take the time to assess your personal drinking habits. Consider how many alcoholic beverages you typically have in a day and whether you would make use of the other included beverages, such as premium coffees, teas, bottled water, juice, and soda. Additionally, think about whether you will be spending more time on the ship or participating in excursions on port days, as this can impact your beverage consumption. By understanding your own habits, you can determine whether the drink package aligns with your preferences.
Options if Unsure
Booking the Drink Package to Lock in the Price
If you are still unsure whether a drink package is worth it for you, it is advised to book the drink package to lock in the price. By booking early, you secure the price and have the option to cancel the drink package later if you decide it is not necessary. This allows you to have the flexibility to assess your needs and make a decision closer to your sailing date.
Ability to Cancel the Drink Package
One of the benefits of booking the drink package early is the ability to cancel it without any penalty. If you find that the drink package is not suitable for you or if you come across a lower price later on, you can easily cancel and rebook the drink package. Royal Caribbean allows cancellations of any purchases made on the cruise planner website up to 48 hours before your sailing. This means that you have the opportunity to adjust your decision based on your personal preferences and any changes in prices.
Conclusion
Booking a Royal Caribbean drink package is an important decision to consider when planning your cruise. By understanding the common mistake when purchasing drink packages and following the advice of booking early, you can secure the best price and avoid potential price increases. It is important to remember that the price of the drink package is not dependent on what others paid and can vary based on ship and sailing dates. The drink package includes coverage of alcoholic beverages (excluding top shelf liquor) as well as premium coffees, teas, bottled water, juice, and soda. By assessing your drinking habits and considering your personal preferences, you can make an informed decision on whether a drink package is worth it for you. If you are unsure, it is recommended to book the drink package early to lock in the price and have the option to cancel it later. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you have a delightful and cost-effective experience with your Royal Caribbean drink package.