jf256
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Oct 20, 2018
Last cruise we went on was in 2018 please bear in mind.
Questions:
- We have two staterooms, with two adults in each. Is the rule that each person in a stateroom needs to purchase the same package or every person on the same reservation? Each stateroom - unless you have a medical exemption - such as a recovering alcoholic in the room. At the time if this was the case then they had to have the non-alcoholic package added. We don't drink - so we got the non alchoholic package. The changes to the structure now means that the price difference between the 2 packages is quite substantial. If you have two non drinkers - stick them in the same state room - especially if they are connected on the same reservation - I know that people have done this even if they are staying in different rooms.
- Coffee: I'm picturing Cove Cafe, but I know they have a Starbucks onboard, and Starbucks in not included in any package. Is there a Cove Cafe like coffee shop? What types of coffee do they make? Fancy coffees, iced coffee, frappuccinos?
The first cruise we went on - starbucks was actually all their was on site - so it was include - long gone those days. Cove Cafe is a coffee shop - decent enough coffee with all the fancy options. We are big coffee drinkers and averaged 4 a day plus a hot chocolate in the evening that we took for a walk around the promenade, or to the room.
The free coffee in the buffet area is terrible - you can go to the bar near the windjammer and order a proper coffee. Do this.
- Water bottles: One big plus with the refreshment package for us is access to bottled water. Where do you get the water bottles? Are they cold when you get them? Can I get a juice or coffee along with a water bottle at the same time?
First cruise was premium water eg Evian - second was some other type of water that definitely did not taste as good but was fine. You are supposed to only get one drink by card but (at least previously) you could pretty much always get a bottle of water on top. If you get them from the bar they are stored like other drinks in the fridge. However; you can also get them as you are queuing to leave for excursions - crew member grabs them out of a big bucket and scans your card.
The description of the soda package sounds like Universal's unlimited Coca-Cola cup. Am I picturing this correct? Never had them on the cruises we went on - but yes it is a free style coca-cola cup similar to those at five guys.
- Several people here are talking about smoothies. The description of the refreshment package states "Non-alcoholic cocktails (mocktails)" Are these the smoothies you're talking about? Where do you get them? When we went - no they weren't included but if there is a vitality cafe on board - they now are - not sure about the mariner.
"PRO TIP
All of the signature juices, smoothies, and protein shakes at Vitality Café are included in Deluxe and Refreshment Beverage Packages." Vitality Cafe | Healthy Food on Cruises | Royal Caribbean Cruises
- Juices: I saw where you can get freshly squeezed OJ at Windjammers for with breakfast, do they have other juices, do they have them at other places? Yes see above
- Tips: Disney usually automatically adds the 18% when you pay in cash. How is this with a package: do they add the tips already with checkout when purchasing the package online as if paying for taxes on Amazon? Already included in the price of your package. But if you want to add additional gratuity on - when you scan you card there is an option to add a tip. We always stick a bit on the end of the cruise for the coffee places, favourite bartenders etc.
- Last question! I believe your drinking package is marked on your key. Can I grab a family member's key and pick up two drinks by myself while the other person stays seated wherever they're relaxing, or does every individual need to get their own drink (or at least be present)? I dont think you rare supposed to - but I've done this - however not getting 2 drinks for myself - just one each and saves 2 people going up. Especially in the theatre, or casino or something where you have a spot you have saved etc.
Questions:
- We have two staterooms, with two adults in each. Is the rule that each person in a stateroom needs to purchase the same package or every person on the same reservation? Each stateroom - unless you have a medical exemption - such as a recovering alcoholic in the room. At the time if this was the case then they had to have the non-alcoholic package added. We don't drink - so we got the non alchoholic package. The changes to the structure now means that the price difference between the 2 packages is quite substantial. If you have two non drinkers - stick them in the same state room - especially if they are connected on the same reservation - I know that people have done this even if they are staying in different rooms.
- Coffee: I'm picturing Cove Cafe, but I know they have a Starbucks onboard, and Starbucks in not included in any package. Is there a Cove Cafe like coffee shop? What types of coffee do they make? Fancy coffees, iced coffee, frappuccinos?
The first cruise we went on - starbucks was actually all their was on site - so it was include - long gone those days. Cove Cafe is a coffee shop - decent enough coffee with all the fancy options. We are big coffee drinkers and averaged 4 a day plus a hot chocolate in the evening that we took for a walk around the promenade, or to the room.
The free coffee in the buffet area is terrible - you can go to the bar near the windjammer and order a proper coffee. Do this.
- Water bottles: One big plus with the refreshment package for us is access to bottled water. Where do you get the water bottles? Are they cold when you get them? Can I get a juice or coffee along with a water bottle at the same time?
First cruise was premium water eg Evian - second was some other type of water that definitely did not taste as good but was fine. You are supposed to only get one drink by card but (at least previously) you could pretty much always get a bottle of water on top. If you get them from the bar they are stored like other drinks in the fridge. However; you can also get them as you are queuing to leave for excursions - crew member grabs them out of a big bucket and scans your card.
The description of the soda package sounds like Universal's unlimited Coca-Cola cup. Am I picturing this correct? Never had them on the cruises we went on - but yes it is a free style coca-cola cup similar to those at five guys.
- Several people here are talking about smoothies. The description of the refreshment package states "Non-alcoholic cocktails (mocktails)" Are these the smoothies you're talking about? Where do you get them? When we went - no they weren't included but if there is a vitality cafe on board - they now are - not sure about the mariner.
"PRO TIP
All of the signature juices, smoothies, and protein shakes at Vitality Café are included in Deluxe and Refreshment Beverage Packages." Vitality Cafe | Healthy Food on Cruises | Royal Caribbean Cruises
- Juices: I saw where you can get freshly squeezed OJ at Windjammers for with breakfast, do they have other juices, do they have them at other places? Yes see above
- Tips: Disney usually automatically adds the 18% when you pay in cash. How is this with a package: do they add the tips already with checkout when purchasing the package online as if paying for taxes on Amazon? Already included in the price of your package. But if you want to add additional gratuity on - when you scan you card there is an option to add a tip. We always stick a bit on the end of the cruise for the coffee places, favourite bartenders etc.
- Last question! I believe your drinking package is marked on your key. Can I grab a family member's key and pick up two drinks by myself while the other person stays seated wherever they're relaxing, or does every individual need to get their own drink (or at least be present)? I dont think you rare supposed to - but I've done this - however not getting 2 drinks for myself - just one each and saves 2 people going up. Especially in the theatre, or casino or something where you have a spot you have saved etc.
