I'm booked for our first Royal cruise (on Mariner of the Seas) in December (after two cancelations), and I'm trying to understand the drinking package.
I've read the details on Royal's page, and your tips here, but I still have a lot of questions. (I usually don't spend extra money on a
DCL cruise besides an iced coffee and a souvenir or two).
My family doesn't drink, so we're looking at the Refreshment Package vs. the Classic Soda Package.
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?
- 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?
- 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?
- The description of the soda package sounds like Universal's unlimited Coca-Cola cup. Am I picturing this correct?
- 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?
- 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?
- 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?
- 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)?
Wow, those were lots of questions. If anyone would be willing to answer any of them, that would be awesome!