Talk Travel To Me
Planning a "magical" vacation shouldn't feel like a full-time job. Welcome to Talk Travel to Me, your fast pass to the perfect vacation. Hosted by Kristy Ouellette, founder of Mickey Guru Travel Company, we tackle one big travel question every episode to help you navigate Disney Parks, Universal Parks, Cruising, and beyond. Whether it’s an expert round table with travel agents or solo insider tips, we give you the edge you need for a stress-free trip. We answer the questions you’re asking. Subscribe for your weekly sprinkle of magic and professional travel advice.
New episodes out every Thursday!
Talk Travel To Me
Is the Cruise Drink Package a Trap or a Total Steal?
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Is the Cruise Drink Package a Trap or a Total Steal?
That pre-cruise email hits your inbox offering a beverage package, and suddenly you're picturing a week of endless, relaxing poolside drinks. It sounds like a no-brainer, but is the cruise drink package actually a good deal, or is it a carefully designed tourist trap?
In this episode of Talk Travel to Me, host Kristy Ouellette (Founder of Mickey Guru Travel Company) runs the real numbers so you don't have to. Every time a client asks if the drink package is worth it, Kristy’s answer is always: "It depends." Today, she is breaking down exactly what it depends on, from your specific itinerary to the sneaky fine print the cruise lines don't want you to focus on.
(Note: Kristy gets a little creative with her vocabulary in this episode to keep the podcast platforms happy—listen closely as we discuss "spirited beverages"!)
In this episode, we unpack:
- The Fine Print: We break down the sneaky rules on major lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian (NCL). We cover daily drink limits, price caps, private island rules, and the dreaded "everyone in the cabin must buy" policy.
- The Real Math: Hitting your break-even point sounds easy until you factor in busy 8-hour port days and the automatic 18–20% gratuity tacked onto your package price.
- Who Should Actually Buy It: Kristy reveals the specific types of travelers (and itineraries) where the package does pay off, and the undeniable value of the "all-inclusive feeling."
- Alternative Options: From coffee cards and refreshment packages to embarkation day bring-on allowances, learn the alternatives to dropping $100+ a day.
Next Week's Tease: Make sure you are subscribed because next week we are tackling the ultimate family vacation challenge: What Is a Realistic Souvenir Budget for a Family Trip — and How Do You Stick to It?
Connect with Kristy & Book Your Trip:
- Ready to stop crossing your fingers and let a pro handle the heavy lifting for your next family getaway? Visit us at mickeyguru.com
- Got a travel stumper you want answered on the show? Send a text to the show!
- Join the conversation and tell us about a travel moment you wish you'd had someone in your corner for over on Instagram and TikTok at @TalkTravelToMePod.
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🎙️ Hosted by Kristy Ouellette
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