Cruise and Booze: All-You-Can-Drink Packages Coming From Royal Caribbean

Taking a page from sister cruise line Celebrity Cruises, whose all-you-can-drink cocktail and wine packages have clearly been appealing, Royal Caribbean confirmed that it too will offer the program onboard some ships. This new addition includes three possible packages to purchase once onboard:

For $29, the beer and wine package includes all brews, house wine by the glass and a 25 percent discount on other liquors and wines.

The "classic," which costs $39, expands on that to include all cocktails and premium and specialty liquor.

And for connoisseurs, the $49 Premium Package builds on the classic, but also offers wines by the glass up to $10, and more premium liquors.

Note that these prices are per person, per day.

Just as notable as the package itself are the three ships chosen to offer the program -- all of which cater predominantly to non-U.S. cruisers. The three-option program was made available from March 13 on Grandeur of the Seas, and from March 14 on Independence of the Seas and Legend of the Seas. Independence is based year-round in the United Kingdom and sails out of Southampton. Grandeur divides its time between South America (cruises from Colon, Panama, and Cartagena, Columbia) and the Mediterranean (from Palma De Mallorca, Spain). Legend is Royal Caribbean's year-round Asia-based vessel.

The big question: Will Royal Caribbean roll the package out fleetwide? According to spokesman Harry Liu, there are currently no plans for the all-you-can-drink program to be available on any of RCI's other 19 ships. Liu did, however, note that, "Royal Caribbean may consider deploying the program to other ships in the fleet if it is successful." (Interestingly, RCI's U.S.-based customer service department said they had never heard of the packages.)

There are some differences to Royal Caribbean's offerings. For instance, on Celebrity, the premium package includes $12 glasses of wine rather than $10, which can make a difference if you are a connoisseur of wine. I guess we will have to wait for the true review and experience until clients and friends cruise these ships.... who's ready to book?

Fuel Surcharges Weaseling Their Way Back

They're baaaaack... fuel surcharges. You remember them from not so long ago when you had the "privilege" of paying that extra fee for higher fuel charges. Cruise lines charged up to $12 per person per day, airlines charged $10-$25 per ticket, even taxis got on board and charged a flat rate fuel surcharge added to the base fare. No one was immune. Then the price of oil dropped and thankfully so did the fuel surcharge.

Alas, here we are again... the price of oil increasing and so are the incidents of fuel surcharges. Many international air carriers have started adding fuel surcharges ranging from $10-$15 per ticket, and some are even gouging those flying on miles (it was rumored that British Airways charged a passenger flying on miles $500 for the fuel surcharge!). I'm sure the fuel surcharges are not far behind for American carriers, perhaps some have already started charging.

Cruise lines have not formally announced fuel surcharges but they are gearing up for it and no one will be immune, not even those who have booked a future cruise. Warnings of fuel surcharges have ranged from $9 per person per day to $12 per person per day. They do, fortunatley, cap the fuel surcharge to a maximum of double occupancy for 7 nights. Third and fourth passengers in a cabin do not pay the surcharge either.

Some travel vendors who sell package vacations and tours are holding tight on their air prices, provided you book sooner than later. They can guarantee flight prices packaged in their tours only so long, but if you are thinking of traveling, a package or tour is your best value at this time.

With gas at $4.09 per gallon in my area, it will be short time before airlines and cruise lines burn through their oil futures and pass on surcharges. It's bad enough we are paying fees up the, wel, you know... baggage fees, seat selection fees, paper ticket fees, etc. The only advice I can give my clients is it's a cost that you have to build in to your vacation, just like spending money, or meal allowances, and don't stress over it. Yeah, it stinks, but your alternative is to not travel? I think not!

I Have the Vacation You Need

I've got just the perfect get-away for you with plenty of time to save your pennies and your vacation days. Check out these fantastic cruises and come join in the fun...

March 12-17, 2012 Sail aboard Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas

• Prices starting at $519 CAD pp (based on double occupancy) for an inside cabin and $709 CAD pp (based on double occupancy) for a balcony cabin
• Ports include Labadee, Haiti and Ocho Rios, Jamaica
• Shipboard credit of $50 CAD per cabin
• Deposit to book the cruise will be $105 CAD pp before May 10, 2011 with final payment due prior to December 20,2011

March 18-26, 2012 Sail aboard Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas

• Prices starting at $899 CAD pp (based on double occupancy) for inside cabin and $1,369 CAD pp (based on double occupancy) for a balcony cabin
• Ports include Nassau, Bahamas, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas and Philipsburg, St. Maarten
• Shipboard credit of $75 CAD per cabin
• Deposit to book the cruise will be $265 CAD pp before May 10, 2011 with final payment due prior to December 20, 2011

Both cruises depart out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. You may choose one cruise or the other or both! For those choosing to sail aboard both sailings, Royal Caribbean will pay for your hotel night between cruises (the evening of March 17^th). The hotel will be Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Marina Hotel.

Flights are not included in this pricing and if you need assistance in booking flights, Amy at Luxe Personal Concierge will be more than happy to assist you.

Booking for these cruises will be through Amy at Luxe Personal Concierge. Please contact her with any questions or when you are ready to book. Here is Amy’s contact information:

Amy Olson, Luxe Personal Concierge, 805-550-8932, amy@luxeconcierge.net

Who's ready to cruise?