Is the Holland America Drink Package Worth it?
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- čas přidán 19. 06. 2024
- We answer all your questions about the @HollandAmericaLine drink packages. From what's included, to the value, and the differences in all the offerings, we breakdown all the details to help you decide if these cruise drink packages are worth it.
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---HOLLAND AMERICA DRINK PACKAGE REVIEW----
0:00 Introduction
0:46 Drink Package Basics
2:45 The Quench Package
3:36 Coca Cola Soda Package
4:11 Signature Drink Package
5:12 Elite Drink Package
6:03 What to Consider
7:10 Signature Drink Package Analysis
9:09 Have It All Package
BASICS OF A HOLLAND AMERICA CRUISE DRINK PACKAGE
For those new to cruise drink packages, Holland America Beverage Packages work like most lines. Cruisers need to purchase the package for the duration of the cruise. The options are priced per person, per day, with an additional 18% service charge.
All individuals in the stateroom need to purchase the package.
The Holland America beverage package works at all bars, restaurants, and lounges on the ship. Unfortunately, the drink package does not work at the cruise line's private island of Half Moon Cay.
ALCOHOL DRINK PACKAGES ON HOLLAND AMERICA LINE
Now, the cruise line does offer two non-alcoholic drink packages. However, if you are watching this video, odds are, you are more interested the in the packages covering adult beverages.
There are also two packages that include alcoholic beverages. The first package is the Signature Beverage Package. This Holland America drink package covers all drinks, including all premium non-alcoholic beverages, up to $11 a beverage. Premium non-alcoholic beverages include cans of water, espresso-based drinks, and other items like Vitamin Water or Red Bull.
When it comes to beer, wine, and cocktails, this beverage package on Holland America will cover a vast majority of the options at all bars and menus. More than 80% of the wines by the glass are covered in the package. Likewise, all beers are also included. The same is true for all of the venue's signature cocktails which are priced at this $11 limit or less.
Examining the Holland America Bar menus, only a few select tequilas, cognacs, and single malt scotches would cost you more than $11.
On this plan, cruisers are entitled to 15 drinks per day. This maximum includes both alcoholic and non-alcoholic selections.
The more inclusive package is the Elite Package. This package covers drinks up to $15. Further, this more expensive package covers an unlimited number of premium non-alcoholic beverages. However, there is still a limit of 15 alcoholic beverages.
ARE HOLLAND AMERICA DRINK PACKAGES WORTH IT?
So, the question becomes whether it is worth getting a drink package. Based on our experience, we tend to save about 25% or more getting the package versus purchasing drinks a la carte.
On Holland America Line, we have found the Signature Beverage package is our best option. There has only been one instance where we hit the 15 drink maximum, and that is mainly due to getting several cans of water and specialty coffees.
However, perhaps the best deal is to go with the Have it All package. This upgrade gives cruisers the drink package, shore excursion credit, WiFi, and specialty dinner credit. Not to mention, the package can also include additional bonuses depending on the promotion.
Thus, cruisers can save even more money on the Holland America Drink Package with this inclusive cruise option.
READ OUR HOLLAND AMERICA DRINK PACKAGES GUIDE ON THE BLOG
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Do you purchase a cruise ship drink package? Do you think they are a good value?
We did buy cruise package and seems like it is a good idea and we have 10 of us going on this cruise
If you are considering a drink package along with any other add-ons, like WiFi, consider the "Have It All" package. It includes the "Signature" drink package, Wifi, $100 or $200 per person shore excursion credits (depending on room and length of cruise) and two meals at two of the upscale dining options. You'll have to do the math to see if it's worth your while but with our 11day Caribbean cruise it most certainly was. The cost per day for WiFi (not ships WiFi but the real deal) makes the "Have It All" package a strong contender.
I don't know why I would need wifi while vacationing on a yacht
I'm sure you don't. But others can't live without it and it does make for a convenient and inexpensive way to communicate with friends and family whilst you gallivant about in paradise. My point was, the package makes for a very good buy ...even if you don't know why you would need wifi while vacationing on a yacht.
Here's a trick Holland America pulls, as I've witnessed first hand. Holland America serves "pay for" and "drink package" soft drinks in two separate style beverage glasses. This allows the staff to see who is paying for (gratuities), and who has a drink package. Guess who gets better service. I purchased a soft drink package and after your first order good luck getting another; it's like you don't exist. Another member of our party was not a "drink package" participant, as we sat together at a table in the lounge, we both ordered cokes from the same waiter, and they were served in to separate style glasses. As long as we sat together we had great service. Once he left to go to his room, service was slow to nonexistent. I then noticed this was common practice in all the lounges. A drink package is worthless if they actively ignore you for better clientele.
Good to know. I will pay more attention on my next cruise. I am doing the July Norway cruise with the have it all package. However, I usually bring $100 dollar bills for tips. I know I don’t have to but I like to. They work hard and they don’t get paid too much. If we can afford a cruise, a few $ here and there to make somebody happy is worth it. The wonderful crew is part of a great vacation. We bond quite a bit with them even on short cruises and enjoy listening to them talk about their countries and culture.
I'm going on a 2-week cruise in the summer. This is good info to know! Thank you so much for posting:)
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for this comprehensive breakdown 😊
You are so welcome!
Good info. The website is a little confusing. Under the elite package it says “unlimited non alcohol drinks”, but then when you go to book it, it said “any beverage $15 a day (up to 15 beverages a day) “. I called someone and they said non alcohol drinks count towards 15. Then I called again and got someone else and they said they don’t count. So glad to get clarification
well we are about to hit the high seas to alaska , i believe we got the have it all package so i’m going to enjoy this our first cruise without the hassle !
Holland America just recently came out with the announcement that if you have a drink package, you only pay the difference if your drink is more expensive than the limit. Have it all is the way to go for me...I think that is a great value.
Thanks for the info!
The have it all is a good value. We paid $400 each for a 7 day cruise and got $100 shore excursion credit, 1 fine dining, Wi-Fi, and drink package. So by my calculation the drink package only cost about $150 for a week. I don’t always buy a drink package but at that price it’s definitely worth it.
Like most other lines 😊
I used to cruise exclusively on HAL until I sailed on Celebrity some six years ago and have never gone back to HAL, until this coming month (Dec 2022) and will sail on the Rotterdam. This past month I returned from a back to back on the Apex (Med and crossing)! Its an impressive ship and cruise line. I am none the less looking forward to my sailing on a 10 day southern Caribbean and returning to HAL. Based on your video, I don’t know if I will be impressed! Signing for your drink while having an all inclusive drink package seems like a waste of energy and time for staff and guest. If the serves deserves the extra tip I always have money to give them directly! Thus they are guaranteed receiving their tips directly! I have noticed they do like to charge XTRA for many other things! Not a good sign! Although the ship looks impressive I hope the service and food is equally impressive!
We added on a package for our 10 day Canada New England cruise. The cost was $100 total per day for the 2 of us. The offer included the drink package, wi fi for each of us, $200 shore excursion credit per person and 2 speciality dining experiences for each of us. Note that this was offered after we had booked but 30 days before we sail. Given that the least expensive alcoholic drink package was $55 per day, this was a money saver. You were basically getting the shore excursion credit, wi fi and the speciality dining for free.
That’s a great deal.
For the price I paid for the drinks package, I will easily "save" money with what I would drink over a holiday period (that's not getting drunk, but I do like a few drinks in the evening)
Thanks for the info. We get the signature package and have never drank 15 drinks to include water per day. This may change on our upcoming 14 day sailing on HAL. Thanks for the video
Glad you found the video helpful. Have a great cruise.
My wife and I just got off of the Eurodam last week. We had the Coke package. Here's what they need to tell you. A drink is always put in a glass with ice and is about the equivalent of 1/3 of a can of Coke. A can of Coke cost $2.75. They will only leave a soda can if you have a quench package. The Coke package is a hassle for the server. They usually have to open a can and leave it behind the counter (unless you are at certain bars). In several cases, the bartender gave us the cans and just charged us $2.75 anyway (even when given the card). For our next HAL trip, we won't get any drink packages. For us, it's cheaper and less hassle to pay as we go.
And you let that slide?
@@aeroAdvocate, we usually caught it in time, but not always. As I said above, it's a huge hassle for everyone involved. We won't purchase a drink package next time.
Just back from Alaska, I took the elite drink package. For me , WELL worth the 10 dollar a day upgrade. Unlimited cappuccinos, espresso mocha coffees also unlimited fancy water and unlimited freshly squeezed orange juice and can't forget pineapple and champagne.. includes 15 alcohol beverages up to $15. One cherry bourbon beautifully done with small cherry smoke was awesome that cost me $1.80.. That drink was 16,80 . And my fridge was talked full with Perrier no charge.. I found without the elite package. The drinks were put in smaller glasses so every glass you're paying a tip on and paying more because there's not much in it that's where the elite package came in handy.
Glad it worked out for you. Happy cruising.
We have a 10 day cruise planned, and the have it all package includes more than the 7 day….2 specialty restaurants, $200. each for shore excursions, gratuities and onboard spending money. A really good deal!
Yes, on longer cruises there are more add-ons. Either way it’s a great value. Have an amazing cruise.
With my wife, a drink package is a must.
You sound exactly like my hubby! LOL
The elite plan is going to save me so much money. I live at high altitude and when I get to sea level, I find it very hard to tie one on.
Thanks
We've just booked a 12 day Panama canal cruise for next year with Holland America. There are some good deals to be had with the "have it all" promotion if you book before 31 March 2023.
That sounds awesome. Have a great cruise.
I booked January Panama C. on the Rotterdam, was disappointed that tips were not included so I want without the promotion and saved just over 2 grand. With that we can buy the quench for 2 (non drinkers) & club orange as well as pay our tips in person :)
We pretty much can put away 15 drinks a day , what's the difference between the elite package and the have it all fare?
also, there are 3 Pinnacle class ships. We're going on Baltic cruise w/ Rotterdam
Pinnacle Class Ships: Rotterdam (2021); Nieuw Statendam (2018); Koningsdam (2016)
Have a great cruise.
Question , we have the elite package . I am traveling with my adult son who has autism. I see the mini bar stuff in the room and am terrified. He will blow through it if I don’t hide it.
He just will want a drink or snack at night. Can we bring anything back to the room?
We are registered with guest accessibility already .
This is a once in a lifetime for both of us. His first time flying and cruising. He is 20. I just have to be right with him the entire time.
I’ve paid for everything up front . The all inclusive package where we get a shore excursion and onboard credits plus fine restaurant .
Just help with the mini bar situation!! He will just want water and diet soda.
Thank you experienced cruisers !!!
I just go with the "Have It All" package, which isn't much more than the drink package. OBC, shore excursions, dining, internet, and drinks. We only have 6 drinks per day max, including coffees, teas, and sparkling water, so it has to be a better deal than $54 per day.
The Have It All is a great value. Thanks for watching.
does anyone know if you can get any energy drinks on the cruise ??
Thank you for this very informative video! We are headed on our first cruise next month, on the HAL Westerdam to Alaska. We have the Have It All package that we got at an additional discount/deal and I think it will be worth every penny. The only thing we didn't need from it is the internet package - I want to totally unplug and enjoy time with my spouse and family - but it's nice to have it if in a pinch we need it, especially as we have several sea days. I was nervous about owing 18% gratuity per drink on our 15 drink limit but it sounds like this was pre-paid with the Have It all (which did include gratuity), so that's awesome.
Question -- do they have fountain sodas and if so when and where? I am a big Diet Coke drinker but I really only prefer it from the fountain and not the can.
Thanks for the comment. Glad the video was helpful. Happy cruising.
@@Eatsleepcruise1can you answer their question? I’d like to know also. Thanks!
Would you have drank that much if you didn’t have the package? That’s what I ask myself. That helps me determine if I shud buy the package. I have found I drink less when I don’t have the package. I drink more because I want to make sure I take full advantage of the package not because I want the drink. So for me, I pay as I go. I buy a drink because I want it not because I feel compelled to buy one. And I save lots more money that way.
We never felt forced to get a drink. Having the package meant we could get one whenever we wanted without worrying about the tab. With the bundled pricing it was cheaper than purchasing separately.
I have been got to have it all package with Holland America since 2021 and I find that it's worth it. With specialty dining that comes with this package depends on the length of the cruise to get either 1 or 2 specialty dining restaurants. Same is for the shore excursions, could between 100 & 200 dollars towards an excursion
We agree. When is your next cruise?
@@Eatsleepcruise1 My next cruise is on the MS Zaandam from 11/20/24 to 12/7/24 going to Hawaii
That's that experience
Thank you for the info. We have a land based casino offer and are using it on Holland America for a November, '23 sailing to the Southern Caribbean. Because it's a comp cruise, we are not entitled to book the Have It All Package. We are a couple where one of us drinks alcohol, and the other can not because of medical reasons. We are still required to purchase the alcohol package for both of us or neither of us. Other lines allow us to have one purchase the package, and the other is required to purchase a non alcoholic package similar to Quench on Holland. Not real thrilled with this. Holland best blow us away on their other offerings (food, shows, excursions, etc) or it will most likely be a one and done.
You were on a comp cruise so it is reasonable to have limitations.
@@GinasgusaThat's not a comp restriction, that's a general HAL restriction. It makes sense that they don't have to police sharing as much but it makes the math annoying for me since I can't drink anything carbonated and hate coffee and SO loves soda and coffee.
I usually drink the free ones that are included
Free is always good too! LOL
Holland America now only charges the difference over the $11 allowable amount. Should you get a drink for $15, you pay $4 plus the 18% gratuity charge.
I just can't understand why anyone would pay for beverages when the included selection is great! We'll get a couple sodas, waters, and alcoholic drinks during the week, but otherwise it sounds like a complete waste of money to me that I'd rather put towards excursions... anything else. We just don't drink that much! Lol!
lol!
Not if the cocktails have no buzz in them. Unfortunately, you have to buy a cruise to find out. By then it's too late. $14 Shirley Temples.
We cruised on Holland America in April of 2023 and had the Have-it-All (Signature Drink) Package. CONTRARY to what this video says, when I ordered a $15 Single Malt Scotch (Maclellan 12), I only paid the $4 difference between the Signature Drink Package max, and the cost of this drink. I was very pleased to find that a glass of Gran Mariner was less than the maximum with the Signature Drink Package.
We always get the 'Have it All' deal... Definitely cheaper for us and we don't drink alcohol.
It is certainly a money saver. Thanks for watching.
I drink enough bottled sparkling water and cappuccinos every day to make it worthwhile to get the package. I also enjoy mocktails that I would never have except on a cruise. Hubby enjoys a few cocktails and wine in the evening. I don’t go on vacation to count pennies and I don’t want to think about mounting costs every time we order a beverage. So,the package is worth it in my world.
No alcohol for me..... I drank my lifetime allotment many years ago 😅.......but I still get have it all to avoid being nickel and dimed all cruise
if you don't have a drink pacakge purchased does this mean you can't drink soda during your meals? like if we're eating at the main dining room, we can't get a soda?
Soda is not free, so you would need to pay for it if you don’t have a package.
My wife and I are planning our first HAL cruise to SE Asia in Jan 2026. They are currently offering the Early Bonus Booking Have it all that includes the elite drink package and crew gratuity for the price of the regular Have it all. Seems like a good deal since we both love our drinks. Does anyone know when the Early Booking Bonus offers end and the regular Have it all program begins?
We don't know when that offer ends, but it sounds like a great opportunity you should take advantage of. Which ship?
@@Eatsleepcruise1 Its the Westerdam. Its 2-weeks from Singapore to Hong Kong with 3 days in Thailand, 1 in Cambodia and 4 in Vietnam. Looks like a wonderful SE Asia "sampler".
For signature or elite package, do you pay 18% gratuity per drink? Some other channel is stating that you pay per drink. I thought it was 18% of the package price? So if you drink 10 $10 dollar drinks, do you have to pay $1.80 gratuity per drink?
You pay the 18% up front based on the cost of the package, not the drinks. So if you get the package on sale you save more as that charge is based on the drink package costs. We hope that helps.
@@Eatsleepcruise1 before booking Holland, I called Holland and asked them that my wife doesn’t drink and I am a drinker. They said that the drink package was individual and not per room so I booked the cruise. After I called again to make sure and they told me the same story. When I went to purchase elite package, it stated that all adult in same room must purchase same package. I called them back and they said that they want to help me purchase by myself but cannot override the computer system so I should go to customer service on boarding day and they will note my previous conversation. My wife doesn’t drink and my child is 4 years old. Will they let me purchase alcohol package by myself and purchase non-alcohol package for my wife under these circumstances? How can two employees mislead me like that? My cruise is this Saturday. What should I do?
Does everyone in the same cabin have to get the package? I'm wanting to get the soda package, but I'm traveling with my mom and she's not interested in soft drinks. Neither one of us drink enough alcohol to make the other packages worthwhile.
Yes, both in the cabin need to get the package. When is your cruise?
My son, 20, is excited about the Coca Cola machine on our Nieuw Statendam cruise next month. He said you get a special cup to access the machine. Is that right? Is it fun making the special syrup blends yourself? He drinks gallons of fountain Coke, so I’m thinking the $8 a day would be worth it for us.
So we need to still tip everyone? Do you tip at the time of ordering? OR?
No. The gratuity is included in the price of your package.
Do you have to sign a check each time you get a beverage?
That’s a great question. From what we can remember, no you don’t have to sign a check every time. But that may have changed.
On Konningsdam last moth, I had HIA deal. I was sometimes asked to sign a check, sometimes not, with no explanation offered.
I was on the Koningsdam in May. While I have some criticisms about the buffet and the MDR was not _always_ as good as it could be, it's the drinks package that was the big let down. I had the signature plan and was never even aware that there was a better one. Misinformation and confusion over the drinks package undermined the cruise and I am unlikely to use HAL going forward.
Costco Travel - HAL cruises can't be purchased without drinks package.
That’s simply not true. You can get a cruise only fare.
@@Eatsleepcruise1 Thanks, yes, when we called.. found out we can get "cruise only." Thank you for your channel.. keep up the good work
wrong. We always book sail away fare . we paid 630 each( includes tax and port fees but we still owe gratuities) for 2 week transatlantic statendam balcony vh. They charge you full gratuities for 15 drinks a day even if you only have 1 drink with the drink packages. not a good deal if you only have a couple of beers a day. they also have happy hour- buy one get one half price
Crew appreciation in the HAL deals ONLY applies to the drink package and NOT the overall tips!
I don’t understand stand your comments on drink packages. We cruise on seabourn and they don’t know anything about what you are talking about
Eric
While select luxury and ultra-luxury cruise lines include alcoholic and premium non-alcoholic beverages in the cruise price, most contemporary cruise lines, like Holland America, do not. Thus, purchasing a drink package is often a way to save some money as opposed to purchasing each drink at menu price. We have never cruised on Seabourn, but we'd love to try it out!
that sounds like in the old days of mine on Greyhound.....
lol: that is a boat load of liver damage, and calories in the form of carbohydrates- prepare for diabetes! I'll pass on the packages enjoy water, ice tea, basic coffee and an adult beverage once or twice on the cruise.
Who can drink that much
So confusing 👎🏻
How many times did you have to say "Hollanamerica lines"?????You drove me crazy, I stopped watching!
Not going on a Cruise ever
But why do HA make a family of 4 ,2 girls aged 7 and 6 buy 4 packages..sorry no going to happen