Could it be the end of the Buy One, Get One discount offered onboard Royal Caribbean cruise ships for the popular drink package?
Nothing has been officially announced as a matter of policy, but on two different ships this week, cruisers reported not seeing the BOGO deal offered when a drink package is purchased onboard.
Read more: Royal Caribbean drink packages prices and info
On Enchantment of the Seas and Freedom of the Seas, the flyer for buying a drink package doesn't have a BOGO offer.
Thomas Budzyn wrote on Facebook, "at least on Freedom of the Seas, there is no longer a BOGO sale for the drink package."
Another cruise on Enchantment of the Seas confirmed he was seeing the same thing on Enchantment of the Seas.
Don Goldstein reported on Icon of the Seas he was seeing the same thing, "The bar tender at Overlook on Icon told us that Royal was no longer doing drink package BOGOs purchased onboard."
The BOGO offer essentially gives a 50% discount on the cost of a drink package when buying it for two passengers. It was offered when buying a drink package onboard the ship on the first or second day of the cruise.
To be clear, the pre-cruise discount is still being offered, and this is an observation made just onboard a couple of ships by a few cruisers.
Without the discount, each drink package purchased onboard a ship would cost at least $100 per person, per day for the Deluxe Beverage Package.
Moreover, Royal Caribbean requires all adults in the same stateroom to buy the Deluxe Beverage Package if at least one adult does so. There is no such rule for the Royal Refreshment or Soda packages.
The reason the rule is in place is to prevent sharing of drink package benefits.
Book online before the cruise to get the best price
Whether or not Royal Caribbean has a BOGO discount on its ships, you're doing yourself a disservice by waiting to book a drink package onboard.
Royal Caribbean regularly offers a substantial discount when a drink package is purchased before the cruise begins. It's common to see 35-45% off the cost of a drink package online.
Depending on the promotion offered, you can usually get the Deluxe Beverage Package for around $60-$80 per person. It varies from sailing to sailing, but the price offered in the Royal Caribbean app or website is always cheaper than buying it onboard.
Read more: Best time to purchase a Royal Caribbean drink package
For example, on a recent Icon of the Seas sailing, the Deluxe Beverage Package was on sale for $76.99 instead of $110 per person, per day. Royal Caribbean says its 30% off savings.
You can always re-price the drink package when buying it online, all the way up to a few days before your cruise. This allows you to cancel and rebook if the price drops. Its a significant advantage for consumers.
My recommendation is to never wait to buy the drink package on the ship because of the higher price tag, and now the added risk of the BOGO discount not being available.
How to maximize a drink package purchase
Whether you buy a drink package onboard or online, there are a few easy tips for getting the most out of your beverage package.
Your drink package works at more places than just bars. Besides ordering a drink at the Pub, Schooner Bar, or at the pool, you can also get drinks at specialty restaurants, the Main Dining Room and even Perfect Day at CocoCay or Labadee.
This not only extends the value of a drink package, but you can sample the special cocktails found at specialty restaurants. Some favorites include the Mason Jar, 150 Central Park, Jamie's Italian and Wonderland.
Ask for top shelf liquor. When you order a drink, don't just ask for the drink by name. Rather, ask for the drink by name and specify the liquor you want with it.
If you don't do this, you might end up with a generic liquor instead of something better. Higher-end spirits tend to be smoother and have a better flavor. Plus, it's included with your drink package, so don't be afraid to ask for a higher quality vodka, tequila, or rum.
Don't overlook other beverages included. While you might be focused on cocktails, beer, and wine, you should also look at the non-alcoholic beverages to get more value out of your drink package.
Premium coffees, teas, soft drinks, and bottled water are included in the Deluxe Beverage Package and Royal Refreshment package, and you should order these to make it easier to "break even" on a drink package purchase cost.
Stock up on bottled water. My favorite trick for maximizing the drink package is to get extra bottles of water.
Bottled water is super helpful to have around the ship and on shore. It's a good idea to ask for a bottle of water along with your regular drink order so that you can start stockpiling bottles in your cabin.
Having extra bottles of water provides a convenient way to stay hydrated on your cruise. Plus, you can bring bottled water with you off the cruise ship into port when on a shore excursion.
