soda cards

sallyRN · #1 (**permalink**) May 25th, 2008, 03:29 PM

How much are the soda cards on Freedom of the Seas and can you use them in most of the bars etc? thanks

blueliner · #2 (**permalink**) May 25th, 2008, 03:48 PM

RCI charges about $6 a day for adults for the soda stamp, and it is good with all waiters and at all bars. It doesn't include soda from your mini-bar in your cabin.

AF1 · #3 (**permalink**) May 25th, 2008, 04:26 PM

Soda cards have to be bought for the entire length of the cruise. If you're on a seven day cruise you must purchase the card on day one. They will put a sticker on your seapass. The card is valid everywhere on the ship where soda is served, dining room, windjammer, bars, casinos, theater, etc. I bought a soda card on my last cruise, and will not do it again. The soda you get is usually from a large two quart bottle, and 90% of the time the soda is flat. If you walk up to a bar and order a soda without the card they will pop a can of soda right there and you get a fresh soda. I don't want to say it's a good deal, but for me it wasn't worth the money. When you add it up, you need to drink at least four sodas a day for the entire cruise. I asked two different bartenders why soda card people get served out of stale bottles and non soda card's get a fresh can, they both said that's what they were told to do by management.

sallyRN · #4 (**permalink**) May 25th, 2008, 04:44 PM

Thank you for the replies. I guess RCI think they can give out "flat" soda because you have not paid full price, another way to nickel and dime you.

AF1 · #5 (**permalink**) May 25th, 2008, 04:58 PM

Soda cards have to be bought for the entire length of the cruise. If you're on a seven day cruise you must purchase the card on day one. They will put a sticker on your seapass. The card is valid everywhere on the ship where soda is served, dining room, windjammer, bars, casinos, theater, etc. I bought a soda card on my last cruise, and will not do it again. The soda you get is usually from a large two quart bottle, and 90% of the time the soda is flat. If you walk up to a bar and order a soda without the card they will pop a can of soda right there and you get a fresh soda. I don't want to say it's a good deal, but for me it wasn't worth the money. When you add it up, you need to drink at least four sodas a day for the entire cruise. I asked two different bartenders why soda card people get served out of stale bottles and non soda card's get a fresh can, they both said that's what they were told to do by management.

blueliner · #6 (**permalink**) May 25th, 2008, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tkerwin

The soda you get is usually from a large two quart bottle, and 90% of the time the soda is flat. If you walk up to a bar and order a soda without the card they will pop a can of soda right there and you get a fresh soda. I asked two different bartenders why soda card people get served out of stale bottles and non soda card's get a fresh can, they both said that's what they were told to do by management.

This is not true. I have purchased soda cards on almost all of my
RCI cruises and the bartender either opened a new can, or poured the soda from the fountain gun.

If you think your soda is flat, ask for another one. RCI makes no more money giving you a flat soda as opposed to a non-flat soda.

Do you really think a cruiseline, which allows you to eat as much as you want throughout the length of a cruise, is going to demand you take a flat soda because you used a soda card instead of paying for it? Give me a break! If your soda is flat, just get another one.

By the way, you are not required to show your soda card until you have to pay for your soda. So if you really think that your going to get a flat soda, just order it as if your going to pay for it, and then show the card when the bartender hands you your coke.

AF1 · #7 (**permalink**) May 25th, 2008, 06:20 PM

Sir, I do not want to have a argument with you. Two bartenders told me that if you have a soda card they were told to pour from the plastic bottles and not open a can. As far as fountain sodas, most machines that I have experienced both with or without a soda card were fairly flat. That could have to do with the co2 cannister not being changed often. I am only one person expressing my opinion. As far as not telling the person that I have a soda card, is a little deceptive. If a waiter or waitress brings me a soda and has a receipt, then I tell them I have a soda card, now they have to go back to the bartender or their beverage station a void that charge. That's just my opinion.

blueliner · #8 (**permalink**) May 25th, 2008, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tkerwin

As far as not telling the person that I have a soda card, is a little deceptive. If a waiter or waitress brings me a soda and has a receipt, then I tell them I have a soda card, now they have to go back to the bartender or their beverage station a void that charge. That's just my opinion.

It's not being deceptive. Neither the bartender nor the waiter/waitress can run the payment and get the receipt for you to sign until they have your card in hand. They don't run the receipt first THEN make your drink. When you order a drink, either alcoholic or a soda, they make and bring you your drink before they ask for your card, that is SOP onboard an RCI ship. If you order a soda, they will pour it and bring it to you and THEN ask for your card, and you can then show them your soda stamp on your seapass. If you think your soda is flat, the soda card is for unlimited sodas, just ask for another one.

Dannysdad · #9 (**permalink**) May 25th, 2008, 07:24 PM

Not wanting to take sides in this little discussion but I do have to agree with blueliner. We purchased a "Soda Card" for my son on Voyager last summer and not once was he given flat soda, anywhere onboard ship.

We have decided this time that it will be worth my DW getting a card too as she too drinks lots of Diet Coke. So, even if it was flat, we can always get another and another and another......................until it's "fresh"

Nil Satis Nisi Optimum (in English football and in soda!!!!!!)

Mark

sallyRN · #10 (**permalink**) May 26th, 2008, 08:13 AM

wow! I ask a simple question and it progresses into a full blown debate!!
Its only a soda card!

thecruisequeen · #11 (**permalink**) May 26th, 2008, 08:48 AM

Sally enjoy your cruise on the Freedom I'm sure the soda on the ship will not be an issue.

For someone that does drink soda the card is worth it.

AF1 · #12 (**permalink**) May 27th, 2008, 11:11 AM

you guys are right. its only a soda card. i should have asked for another soda, one that wasn't flat. i don't like to complain, so anyway have a wonderful time on your cruise.

bigyin · #13 (**permalink**) May 27th, 2008, 11:39 AM

Hi Sally
We have cruised 3 times with rci and buy the soda card all the time and never had a flat soda yet good thing is to carry it with you all the time and when tou buy a spirit you have your glass of soda for your mixer without any charage for it hey but thats us mean scots for you

john

have a good trip

PH8 · #14 (**permalink**) May 27th, 2008, 12:04 PM

Last two cruises,my husband got a soda card(he likes to drink club soda) and it has either been from the fountain or a can............never a 2 liter bottle.........He has certainly gotten his monies worth.......

dottiel · #15 (**permalink**) May 27th, 2008, 12:32 PM

Good to know as we will be purchasing at least one card, maybe two.

We did this on our Carnival cruises and it was great! We aren't big soda drinkers but it was nice to have as a change of pace

sallyRN · #16 (**permalink**) May 27th, 2008, 01:11 PM

thank you everyone for the input. My husband drinks a lot of soda so I think it will be worth the money and as you have suggested, if we get a flat drink ask for another one simply really.

thanks sally