Oceania Cruises Drink Packages

Oceania Cruises Drink Packages: What’s the Deal?

Let’s sip some tea on Oceania Cruises’ drink packages, which promise endless cocktails, wine, and more—if you’re willing to pay the price. Oceania, known for its “upper-premium” cruise experience, offers a few alcohol packages that can be confusing and costly. I’m here to break down the numbers, so you know if they’re worth it or just another sneaky profit-maker. Check out the Oceania Cruises Dossier for more juicy deets.

The Beverage Package Basics

Oceania offers two main types of drink packages:

• House Select Package: Covers beer and wine during lunch and dinner. It’ll set you back about $39.95 per person, per day.
• Prestige Select Package: Offers unlimited premium spirits, wine, beer, and Champagne whenever the bars are open. This one costs about $59.95 per person, per day.

And don’t forget the 18% service charge added to the package price. If you thought Room Service charges were sneaky, have a look at their hidden costs.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The packages cover a wide range of wines, beers, and spirits. However, don’t expect to find high-end labels like Dom Pérignon or artisanal craft cocktails on the list. As usual, some premium brands will hit you with an additional charge. Non-alcoholic beverages like soft drinks, juices, and bottled water are included in both packages, but specialty coffees and teas are not—cruiser beware!

Crunching the Numbers: When Does It Pay Off?

Here’s the math, which can be more interesting than deciphering a wine list in French:

– The House Select Package makes sense if you enjoy more than two glasses of wine or beer with lunch and dinner. If you’re not a lunchtime drinker, you might see your dollars float away faster than a paper napkin in the ocean breeze.

– The Prestige Select Package is ideal for those who love starting their day with a Bloody Mary and ending it with a nightcap. If you’re not consuming six or more drinks a day (including coffee, soft drinks, and juices), you’ll be better off paying a la carte.

Markups on Specialty Drinks: Beware!

Oceania is no stranger to marking up their specialty drinks. Expect to pay extra for anything not covered in the package or for top-shelf liquor. A typical cocktail can range from $10 to $15 plus that ever-present 18% service charge. If you’re planning on specialty drinks, think twice before committing to a package.

Non-Alcoholic Options

If you’re not a fan of alcohol, consider their non-alcoholic packages, which you can purchase on board. This includes unlimited soda, bottled water, and juices, but not specialty coffees. You’d think the price would reflect that missing espresso shot, but alas.

Sharing Rules: No Room for Generosity

Here’s where Oceania gets strict: packages are priced per person and are non-transferable. Sharing between your travel companions? Forget it. They’ll be watching closer than a hawk on a diet. If you try to pass that Mai Tai across the table, you might find yourself with a surprise charge or two.

Hacks and Tips: Navigating the Seas of Drink Packages

– Try before you buy: If you’re uncertain, test the waters on the first day by ordering drinks a la carte. You can always spring for a package later if you find yourself imbibing more than expected.

– Happy hour specials: Look out for drink specials and happy hours. Oceania occasionally offers drink deals that might make a package redundant for a day.

– BYOB with caution: Oceania allows you to bring one bottle of wine or Champagne per cabin when you embark. Sip it in your stateroom for a romantic night in, but beware of corkage fees if you decide to crack it open in one of their restaurants.