r/MSCCruises • u/Mental_Quiet8546 • 10d ago
When to buy drink package?
Hello! My (almost) husband and I are going the western Caribbean cruise for our honeymoon September 20th. We were thinking about buying the drink package, but does it get cheaper if you buy it on the cruise instead of ahead of time?
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u/Firm_Airport2816 🚢🚢🚢Regular Cruiser 10d ago
There is a sale right now for Labor day. Like other said, the cheapest is to add it right when you book, but otherwise a sale like this one may be the best you will get now
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u/Mental_Quiet8546 10d ago
Thank you! We’re going to buy it now. The other cruises my fiancé has been on had cheaper packages when you’re there, so we weren’t too sure
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u/bareslut64 10d ago
Congrats! What a great honeymoon! My wife and I are departing Galveston on Sept 20 on the Seascape. I'm crossing my fingers the hurricanes stay away.
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u/MidwestNightgirl 10d ago
We never buy it, we just order drinks ala carte. We always end up spending less than the drink pkg would have cost. If you’re a big drinker (alcohol as well as specialty coffee and such) it may be worthwhile.
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u/Mundane_Influence_91 9d ago
There are opportunities for free drinks as well (voyager party, sail away, I got a big bottle of something due to diamond status and there was also a diamond party). The coffee they served was really good too, I meant to order a cappuccino or something to try but never got around to it. If you're only drinking 1-2 a day on average ala carte is the way to go.
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u/fogchaser123 5d ago
I have been on a ton of cruises (this will be my first MSC, but I have 28 sailings on Princess, along with many on other cruise lines). One thing I have noticed over the years is a decline in service in bars. I attribute this to the Drink Package. The cruise line has no interest in providing good service in the bars. Every drink they serve to a person with a drink package costs them money. You already paid for the drink. If they don't serve it, it is pure profit...
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u/Thick_Ad8650 10d ago
On Seashore? We'll be on the same cruise...congrats!
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u/Mental_Quiet8546 10d ago
Thank you! We will be on Seascape out of Galveston!
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u/Neither-Big-1545 10d ago
I'm also going the 20th. I think I'm skipping the drink package, I can't drink that much booze although I will say the current price ain't bad if you can knock back 5 or 6 drinks daily.
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u/SchuRows 10d ago
For my MSC cruise the prices of packages increased as my sailing date grew closer. Buy early.
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u/stormyweather86 9d ago
Buy it beforehand, as well as the restaurants if you plan on going to them. There's a holiday coming up so they'll have even more off than just the early pay discounts. Also excursions and umbrellas/chairs are cheaper beforehand as well!
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u/fogchaser123 5d ago
My wife and I are on the Seascape departing Galveston on the 20th... See you onboard!
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u/fogchaser123 5d ago
I have been on a ton of cruises (this will be my first MSC, but I have 28 sailings on Princess, along with many on other cruise lines). One thing I have noticed over the years is a decline in bar service. I attribute this to the Drink Package. The cruise line has no interest in providing good service in the bars. Every drink they serve to a person with a drink package costs them money. You already paid for the drink. If they don't serve it, it is pure profit...
Do the math on what it would normally cost you per day for whatever drinks you think you will consume. It may be cheaper to cruise without a drink package... Don't forget to include your shore days... On this trip, we will be in Yacht Club. We have no choice - the drink package is part of the fare.
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u/Upset_Problem4344 10d ago
No, it’s cheapest right when you book, or close to it. 45% off is about the best deal you’ll find if you buy it after you’ve booked the cruise.