Norwegian add-on package bundles several extras

By Tom Stieghorst

Norwegian Cruise Line will offer an add-on package that can be pre-purchased and includes a kitchen sink of items that cost extra on a cruise.

The package, priced at $899 per passenger for a seven-day cruise, bundles Norwegian’s prepaid dining and beverage packages with a $200-per-person shore excursion credit, 250 minutes of Internet access, prepaid gratuities, 20 photos of any size, a bottle of wine, six bottles of water, one bingo session and chocolate-covered strawberries.

Apart from service charges and gratuities, the package is fully commissionable to travel agents at the agent’s contracted rate, a Norwegian spokeswoman said.

Norwegian’s dining package offers complimentary access to a specialty restaurant each night of the cruise; its beverage package includes cocktails, beer and wine up to $10 a glass and unlimited fountain sodas and juices.

The package is for sale Aug. 4 to 29 and applies to all 2015 cruises of three to 14 days, except those on Pride of America. Pricing is by length of cruise. Shore excursion credits on shorter cruises are $100 per person instead of $200.

Norwegian said adding the package to select cruises will reduce the fare by 10%.

Norwegian said the package is the first of its kind in the cruise industry.

Celebrity Cruises raises drinks package prices

Celebrity Cruises raises drinks package prices

By Tom Stieghorst
Celebrity Cruises has changed its drinks package, raising the price if the plan is not purchased in advance of the cruise.

The new two-tier price system means that the Classic Package that costs $44 per person, per day in advance costs $49 on the ship. The Classic Package includes beers up to $5 and mixed drinks and wine up to $8, as well as non-alcoholic beverages.

Pricing spreads of $2 to $4 per person, per day apply to other packages including non-alcoholic beverages. On the Premium Package that includes alcoholic drinks priced up to $12, the price spread is $5 per person, per day.

The new pricing became effective Sept. 20. The prices prevailing at that time became the pre-purchase prices, with the onboard prices going up, Celebrity said.

Premium & Classic Beverage Packages

Premium & Classic Beverage Packages

From bottled water to wine by the glass, relax in the freedom and convenience of having all your cruise beverages included for one price.

*Starting from: 9.24 GBP Per NIGHT
Taste of the Vineyards Wine Packages

Taste of the Vineyards Wine Packages

Offers a variety of international wines by the bottle that will meet your preferences. Choose 3, 5, or 7 bottle packages and make your specific wine selection on board.

*Starting from:65.34 GBP Per PACKAGE
Soda Package

Soda Package

Enjoy refreshing Coca-Cola® beverages throughout your cruise. Available as fountain drinks or canned drinks.

*Starting from: 4.62 GBP Per NIGHT
Premium Bottled Water Package

Premium Bottled Water Package

Refresh your thirst from our selection of both still and sparkling bottled water, including Evian® , Pellegrino® and Perrier®.

*Starting from: 7.92 GBP Per NIGHT
Stateroom Bar Setup

Stateroom Bar Setup

Enjoy your favorite bottle of spirits, with an assortment of mixers and ice bucket, in the comfort of your stateroom. Choices include Classic and Premium brands. Simply indicate the spirit of your choice and let Celebrity take care of the rest.

*Starting from:52.80 GBP Per PACKAGE
Riedel Comparative Wine Crystal Workshop

Riedel Comparative Wine Crystal Workshop

Attend Riedel’s Wine Glass Comparative Workshop onboard Celebrity. In this unique workshop, you’ll taste different varieties and learn how the shape of a glass affects the experience of every sip.

*Starting from:54.12 GBP Per PACKAGE

 

Carnival puts 15-drink daily cap on alcohol package

Carnival puts 15-drink daily cap on alcohol package

By Tom Stieghorst
Carnival Cruise Lines has incorporated a daily limit of 15 drinks into its single-price drinks package.

The package, which is now being offered on 13 Carnival ships, lets passengers pay for all beverages on a cruise in a single payment.

A Carnival spokesman said the cruise line recently “formalized” the limit on how many alcoholic drinks guests will be served within a 24-hour period running from 6 a.m. to 6 a.m. the following day.

He stressed that the program is still in a trial period. It started on one ship last summer and has since been expanded to about half of Carnival’s fleet.

Sodas and most other non-alcoholic beverages remain unlimited and are not counted toward the 15 drink ceiling, he said.