when HAL first introduced the beverage cards...they were a good deal...you could get a $50 card for $45 or a $100 card for $90

last cruise we were on...the $50 card cost $50 and the $100 card cost $100...no deal there!

don't know the price for the soda only card...it was $25 for $50 worth of soda...guess we'll just have to wait and see what price specials they have when we get on-board

 

Here is the answer to everyone's question about iced tea ~ I got this right from the Olivia info here: http://www.olivia.com/Travel/Trips_MajesticAlaskaCruise-info.aspx

"What’s Included and What’s Not

Just about everything is included in your fare: your cabin accommodations, Olivia’s signature programming and evening entertainment, meals, 24-hour room service, some drinks (coffee, hot and iced tea, milk, and juice during meals)" 

As everyone knows - there is food available 24-7! If you are concerned the beverage dispenser will be out of service when you wish to get some iced tea - then bring a travel cup (or a couple of them) and fill them up so you will have tea available or with you at all times... I often do this with juice so I can mix it with my alcohol... LOL Please keep in mind the beverages that are available on Lido deck are self-service - if you order a drink from the wait staff and they bring it to you - then you will be charged for that beverage... The juice on occassion is "turned off" during the afternoon or evening - but if you walk around lido deck, you can probably find one machine that still has juice - this is why I just fill up my travel mug with the juice I will need for the evening! I have never seen the tea disabled at any time during the day unless they were cleaning the machines...

Iced tea is also available (for free) if you order room service (which is also included!)  

Hope this helps!

~ Marcia }|{ 

Thanks so much for the information. Free iced tea would be wonderful!

Colleen

 

15% gratuity is charged to the prepaid card for each drink ordered. This is why Holland America switched to these pre-paid cards versus the old "punch cards". With the old system, the bartenders weren't getting the gratuity, with new system they get the gratuity for each beverage purchased.

So if a drink costs $5, gratuity would be $0.75, so $5.75 deducted from prepaid beverage card. Same amount that would be charged to room.

Kristy 

 

Do they still take the 15 % gratuity off the pre-paid card............or do they charge you 15% more for the card.  e.g  A $50 card costs $57.50?

Iced tea on the Lido deck is free for sure.  I can't remember in the dining room.

We find the biggest advantage to pre-purchasing a beverage card is that then it is already paid for! No worring about what the bill for the on-board account will be at the end of the week. We get the $100 card, so there is a bit of a discount, but it's really just a budgeting tool for us.

Kristy

It's been a few years so don't quote me.  I've been on holland America twice (non Olivia vacations) and I recall ice tea being free if you get it from the eating area-drink dispenser (ie lido deck).  I think if you order from the wait staff or bartender, they may charge you. 

I don't have the faintest idea how it comes out cost wise to purchase a soda card versus buying a glass outright.  I personally think you'd have to drink lots and lots of soda to make up the cost of a soda card.  With that being said, I do know ppl who have purchased them on board, but they drink soda for breakfast, lunch and dinner and all through the day and night.  For those heavy soda drinkers, maybe the card is worth it.  For us, and maybe for you Colleen, bringing on a 6-pack or 2 may be the ticket !

Is there a benefit to purchasing a beverage card rather than charging our ship board account? The $50 cards don't seem to give you a discount. There is a soda card that gives a discount, but I'm not a soda person....but I do get a bit edgy if I don't get my iced tea :-)

 Colleen