Sharing drink package

[FinelyCruising]

Thanks for the links GeorgeL, I already checked them.

 

But I'm not talking about buying 1 package for 2 persons. What I say is to buy 2 alcohol packages for 2 persons, one premium and one basic. And using only a premium drink plus a basic one per once... I think it is quite different.

 

I have not read past this post yet and IMHO I think its acceptable. I personally don't have an issue with who drinks what, it seems all bought and paid for with the to packages and under the scenario you describe.

 

Now I am going to read what everyone else has to say, wish me luck.:D

[riandei]

Must-- not-- get-- dragged-- in---- Must-- resist-- Must-- not-- compare to-- a buffet-- one person-- full buffet-- other person-- only soda--

AAAAAAAAAAHHHH!!!

 

Hahaha u r funny

 

So if I get the soda pkg and hubby gets premium pkg when he has a soda I can have a martini

 

Right.

 

Wink wink

[snydermann]

Hahaha u r funny

 

So if I get the soda pkg and hubby gets premium pkg when he has a soda I can have a martini

 

Right.

 

Wink wink

 

Only if you put some of your smuggled booze in the soda first.

 

LOL

[Gonzo70]

Hahaha u r funny

 

So if I get the soda pkg and hubby gets premium pkg when he has a soda I can have a martini

 

Right.

 

Wink wink

 

According to the "It's my cruise, I'll do as I wish police" it not only is fine, it would be a crime not to do so! :D

[paulsang]

I am not looking down at anybody or making any "high and mighty interpretations." I am simply stating facts. I have not even said if I myself would or would not share a drink package in the manner the OP proposed. I am merely stating it is not right to try to justify that doing so is good behavior. It is breaking a rule (and from a purely technical stand point stealing). If someone wants to do it, fine, I don't care. I would not think any less of a person if they did. But do it knowing you are pulling fast one on the cruise line, not thinking that you are exhibiting perfectally acceptable behavior.

 

You keep saying you don't care what others do, whether it be smuggling liquor aboard, or swapping drinks. You hold it to be black and white, and in your eyes that may be true. Methinks you protest too much.

 

If person A is classic, and person B is premium, they order - those drinks are theirs to do as they wish, and if they wish to swap, so be it. It is a purchased product, already made. If it is a continual pattern, then one would ask why they just didn't purchase the higher package, or at least purchase the packages in reverse, and save us all the hypothetical grief?..LOL

 

Good, bad or indifferent, the cruise lines have thought of every scenario, as another post somewhere pointed out. 'They' have a fiduciary duty to the shareholders to turn a profit. These beverage packages are going to be a fat cat for them....at the risk of sounding like a justification. The cruise line do not care about your happiness or comfort. Your happiness and comfort are a means to an end: Profit.

 

So the person A/B scenario is nothing in the grand sceme of things and, even morally, not really suspect. Now, if person B were to buy the hot little cougar (who does not have a pkg) at the end of the bar a drink with his package, then you are getting into 'stealing' territory, and I would be inclined to raise an eyebrow.

[FinelyCruising]

You keep saying you don't care what others do, whether it be smuggling liquor aboard, or swapping drinks. You hold it to be black and white, and in your eyes that may be true. Methinks you protest too much.

 

If person A is classic, and person B is premium, they order - those drinks are theirs to do as they wish, and if they wish to swap, so be it. It is a purchased product, already made. If it is a continual pattern, then one would ask why they just didn't purchase the higher package, or at least purchase the packages in reverse, and save us all the hypothetical grief?..LOL

 

Good, bad or indifferent, the cruise lines have thought of every scenario, as another post somewhere pointed out. 'They' have a fiduciary duty to the shareholders to turn a profit. These beverage packages are going to be a fat cat for them....at the risk of sounding like a justification. The cruise line do not care about your happiness or comfort. Your happiness and comfort are a means to an end: Profit.

 

So the person A/B scenario is nothing in the grand sceme of things and, even morally, not really suspect. Now, if person B were to buy the hot little cougar (who does not have a pkg) at the end of the bar a drink with his package, then you are getting into 'stealing' territory, and I would be inclined to raise an eyebrow.

 

Getting to the end of all the reading just in time.:D

[bighairtexan]

Why is it that no one (except for the tongue in cheek reference on this thread) has mentioned Thing A buying a soda package and Thing B buying a Premium Alcohol(ic) package and swapping drinks. I think the answer MIGHT BE because they think that would be against policy. (I can't speak w/ any certainty for anyone but myself.. I'm guessing). So why would having two other packages allow swapping?

 

As for the person w/ the joint bank account analogy, these are NOT joint drink packages. Banks ALLOW joint holders to both use the account. Celebrity makes it clear each package is for ONE person.

 

My DBF is a cheapskate and wants to buy only the Classic Alc package. I'll buy the Premium. I told him that for the price of ONE martini or Molecular drink each day he could upgrade to the Premium but he's adamant that he only wants to buy the Classic. I have no intention of sharing or swapping my drinks with him. I love him, but he has the option of purchasing any package he wants and I feel his choice of package proscribes his choice of drinks. He can always pay for the martini or other drinks by the individual cocktail if he so chooses.

 

Personally, while I think Gonzo's health insurance reference is an extreme example, I also think it is a logical analogy taken to the nth degree. I can't have certain surgeries disallowed on my policy but covered by my BF's policy because it's HIS policy. I'd need to ante up my premiums to get fuller coverage. I choose not to. I do not feel ENTITLED to his insurance "package."

 

It's approximately $10 a day additional people. I'm surprised how people want to work the system in order to save 10 dang dollars a day.

[paulsang]

Moving on...

 

The dangers of the packages: If one spends on the Premium pkg at $49 a day for 7 days, it phsycologically tells them, 'I must drink my moneys worth or I am losing money'. That is how most people think...that if they don't use it, they are tossing good money overboard. There is a huge risk, as you can well see, of people abusing the system. I believe that most people are inherently good, so I must trust that the good outweighs the bad.

 

Here is where Celebrity is going to make a buck: Those people that purchased the packages, and feel they must consume its' value. Now, they have lowered inhibitions. They will tend to feel lucky, and hit the casino, or make impule purchases in the jewelry store (that's me!), and buy the pictures from their 112th cruise to the Carribean that they are wearing the same hat and wrap with different palm tree in the background...

 

For me, personally, the premium pkg is the way to go if I wanted to cut costs. Since I do not need to worry about budget, it is of no concern. I lower my inhibitions full price!...LOL

[WillieC]

man oh man - they bought two packages. They each order a drink that fits into the "rules" of their package. Then they drink each other's drink. Um, why are you all so upset over this. Both drinks have been bought and paid for according to the rules of the packages - it matters not who drinks the actual drink. It is not sharing, it is not stealing.

 

Some of you folks need to lighten up a whole lot!

 

:eek:

[paulsang]

man oh man - they bought two packages. They each order a drink that fits into the "rules" of their package. Then they drink each other's drink. Um, why are you all so upset over this. Both drinks have been bought and paid for according to the rules of the packages - it matters not who drinks the actual drink. It is not sharing, it is not stealing.

 

Some of you folks need to lighten up a whole lot!

 

:eek:

 

Well said!!

[paulsang]

Why is it that no one (except for the tongue in cheek reference on this thread) has mentioned Thing A buying a soda package and Thing B buying a Premium Alcohol(ic) package and swapping drinks. I think the answer MIGHT BE because they think that would be against policy. (I can't speak w/ any certainty for anyone but myself.. I'm guessing). So why would having two other packages allow swapping?

 

As for the person w/ the joint bank account analogy, these are NOT joint drink packages. Banks ALLOW joint holders to both use the account. Celebrity makes it clear each package is for ONE person.

 

My DBF is a cheapskate and wants to buy only the Classic Alc package. I'll buy the Premium. I told him that for the price of ONE martini or Molecular drink each day he could upgrade to the Premium but he's adamant that he only wants to buy the Classic. I have no intention of sharing or swapping my drinks with him. I love him, but he has the option of purchasing any package he wants and I feel his choice of package proscribes his choice of drinks. He can always pay for the martini or other drinks by the individual cocktail if he so chooses.

 

Personally, while I think Gonzo's health insurance reference is an extreme example, I also think it is a logical analogy taken to the nth degree. I can't have certain surgeries disallowed on my policy but covered by my BF's policy because it's HIS policy. I'd need to ante up my premiums to get fuller coverage. I choose not to. I do not feel ENTITLED to his insurance "package."

 

It's approximately $10 a day additional people. I'm surprised how people want to work the system in order to save 10 dang dollars a day.

 

OMG...I just noticed your tags...

 

I too am sailing the 10-10-10- Solstice. Look for 20 (rather large) guys carrying on in a gaggle. I will be in the thick of it!....LOL

[FinelyCruising]

Moving on...

 

The dangers of the packages: If one spends on the Premium pkg at $49 a day for 7 days, it phsycologically tells them, 'I must drink my moneys worth or I am losing money'. That is how most people think...that if they don't use it, they are tossing good money overboard. There is a huge risk, as you can well see, of people abusing the system. I believe that most people are inherently good, so I must trust that the good outweighs the bad.

 

Here is where Celebrity is going to make a buck: Those people that purchased the packages, and feel they must consume its' value. Now, they have lowered inhibitions. They will tend to feel lucky, and hit the casino, or make impule purchases in the jewelry store (that's me!), and buy the pictures from their 112th cruise to the Carribean that they are wearing the same hat and wrap with different palm tree in the background...

 

For me, personally, the premium pkg is the way to go if I wanted to cut costs. Since I do not need to worry about budget, it is of no concern. I lower my inhibitions full price!...LOL

 

The idea of the package IMHO is as a result of a few years of comments about enjoying an all inclusive atmosphere. The problem with the way this one works is that the liquor portion is spelled out and I agree 100% that the overwhelming majority will evaluate it in terms of not less than a break even and even suggest that they can now enjoy all those coffees and waters that they would never have considered before.

 

Its still actually working out for X. Guests are stepping up for more dollars for this portion of the cruise costs, and they can drink very penny of the value they paid for, the fact is that for that guest and those like them that is added revenue just by virtue of the purchase. Maybe in the past they consumed would would have been only $30. Now its $49 and the cruise line is award for that guest an all like them. But it works for both sides.

 

I think the convenience aspect goes a log way and there will be those who aren't too hung up if they don't drink $40 of the weeks worth just for the pleasure on not having to sign the slip each and every time. Lets face it, what an annoying aspect of the cruise that is and they think of this option as an all inclusive. People who don't use alcohol or who don't use wine go on cruises where its all inclusive and don't get caught up in what portion of the cost they are overpaying.

 

But for others, its pay as you go and what has worked so well in the past can continue to work well in the future too and that remains a win-win in my book too.

 

I like the options, I like the ideas, I like the choices.

[FinelyCruising]

OMG...I just noticed your tags...

 

I too am sailing the 10-10-10- Solstice. Look for 20 (rather large) guys carrying on in a gaggle. I will be in the thick of it!....LOL

 

Better get over to our roll call. You going to Maya Chan at all??? Sharon, we have a live wire!

[paulsang]

The idea of the package IMHO is as a result of a few years of comments about enjoying an all inclusive atmosphere. The problem with the way this one works is that the liquor portion is spelled out and I agree 100% that the overwhelming majority will evaluate it in terms of not less than a break even and even suggest that they can now enjoy all those coffees and waters that they would never have considered before.

 

Its still actually working out for X. Guests are stepping up for more dollars for this portion of the cruise costs, and they can drink very penny of the value they paid for, the fact is that for that guest and those like them that is added revenue just by virtue of the purchase. Maybe in the past they consumed would would have been only $30. Now its $49 and the cruise line is award for that guest an all like them. But it works for both sides.

 

I think the convenience aspect goes a log way and there will be those who aren't too hung up if they don't drink $40 of the weeks worth just for the pleasure on not having to sign the slip each and every time. Lets face it, what an annoying aspect of the cruise that is and they think of this option as an all inclusive. People who don't use alcohol or who don't use wine go on cruises where its all inclusive and don't get caught up in what portion of the cost they are overpaying.

 

But for others, its pay as you go and what has worked so well in the past can continue to work well in the future too and that remains a win-win in my book too.

 

I like the options, I like the ideas, I like the choices.

 

Well said, and from the guest perspective, I do agree. Any ship, store, or restaurant that makes my life more enjoyable will get my money. I work hard for it, and I certainly do not mind spending it. My partner is faster at the spending part....

 

As a business owner, I do not lose sight of the fact that avery decision 'they' make is run through this filter: Is it good for the guests? Is it good for the Brand? The answer must ALWAYS be yes to both. Always.

 

I love prepaid Grats! THAT is a hassle!

[FinelyCruising]

I need better spell checking. I can't believe what I type. Yikes its bad...:cool:

[Choochala]

It's approximately $10 a day additional people. I'm surprised how people want to work the system in order to save 10 dang dollars a day.

 

It's not just 10 dollars a day and working the system, both packages have been purchased both drinks are being drank, no one is getting hurt or ripped off. If hubby and I each purchased one of each drink package and went to the bar and got our drinks, they are now ours to do with as we please - if we mix the two together, that's our choice! That's not to say that we can abuse the amount of drinks we get - just that when we get them, they are ours. Common sense and courtesy people!

 

Damn - I'm getting sucked in aren't I!!!!:eek:

[bighairtexan]

Hey Paulsang! Where have you been all our (mine and Finelycruising) lives?? We have a great and lively roll call going. We've saved you (and your approximately 20 rather large guys) a spot on the roll call and are anxiously awaiting your arrival. We've got a big Cruise connection party, a cabin crawl and poker run going and a pretty large group for Maya Chan in Costa Maya. We're waiting. Don't make me come over there and give you the "bighairy" evil eyeball.

[bighairtexan]

It's not just 10 dollars a day and working the system, both packages have been purchased both drinks are being drank, no one is getting hurt or ripped off. If hubby and I each purchased one of each drink package and went to the bar and got our drinks, they are now ours to do with as we please - if we mix the two together, that's our choice! That's not to say that we can abuse the amount of drinks we get - just that when we get them, they are ours. Common sense and courtesy people!

 

Damn - I'm getting sucked in aren't I!!!!:eek:

 

If I'm not mistaken, $39/day vs $49/ day IS a difference of $10 per day. Ante up and pay the dang $10/day if getting that drink not included in your package is that important to one. :rolleyes:

[Jobeth66]

Of COURSE that is stealing! Please re-read my post?

 

So if Person A has a premium package, and Person B has a classic package, they each buy a drink and swap them, that's not stealing.

 

But if Person A has a premium package, and Person B has a classic package, but Person A buys Person B a $12 drink, and gets nothing in return, that's stealing.

 

I'm afraid that the logic doesn't follow.

 

Why would it be stealing for Person A to buy Person B a drink without getting something in return, but not if they got something?

 

Or to use Party's analogy - if you go to an all-you-can-eat buffet with your partner, you buy the full access pass, all they buy is a coke, is it stealing for them to eat the food off your plate?

 

Nobody's saying that people won't do it, or that it's the end of the world if someone does it, but no matter how you try to justify it, it's stealing, and it's a violation of the terms of the agreement.

[jg51]

JG, are you really trying to imply that those who voted for an extremely permissive interpretation such as swapping or sneaking things past the bartender would be against the "a sip is okay" option? The poll was purposely set up so that the answers became progressively more permissive thereby making it a safe assumption that if you were okay with answer 4, you'd be okay with answers 1-3 as well. ...

No, "Alsmez," I am not "trying to imply" that. I knew how the poll was "purposely set up" from the moment I looked at it, a couple of weeks ago!

 

The problem is not that I am having any difficulty understanding this whole matter, but that you are misunderstanding two points that I have been making. The first point is that the 88% to which you refer is irrelevant. The mere adding together of all responses below the 12% at the top is of no importance. I know what the sum signifies, but it would evoke no real-life response. (I will mention what aggregate percentage is relevant, and why, below.)

 

... As for taste-testing purposes, that response doesn't differentiate between those who took it literally and those who took it with a wink-wink-nudge-nudge.

 

Pardon me, but this is baloney! The phrase about "taste-testing purposes" was taken literally by every clear-thinking person -- (1) because of the straightforwardness of the statement and (2) because only the literal meaning of the phrase was being discussed simultaneously on another thread (where you were active [and erring too ;)]).

 

As for the X representatives that read these boards, ... They'll make their own rules and enforce them as they see fit, without help from you or me.

 

I was not, and am not, trying to give them any "help." There was no reason for you to assume that I was. Now let's focus on facts and reasonable interpretations of poll responses, instead of wrongly assumed motives ...

 

One of the most important things about these amazingly strange discussions (threads) is the fact that "X" may be reading them and may decide to act, in future, in certain ways, based upon what they read here. For example, if they look at the numbers in a poll and make a judgment that their pool of passengers consists too heavily of a mob of dishonest creeps who are "moral relativists," they may (at best) raise the prices of their packages or (at worst) withdraw the packages.

 

In my previous post, I was merely attempting -- out of curiosity -- to perform the "mental exercise" of judging just how honest or dishonest the folks who were polled seem to be, as a group. [i don't mean "how honest or dishonest" their responses were, but how honest they would be with the beverages.] Then, having made such a judgment about the passengers, I made a speculation as to whether or not "X" may be pleased/displeased by the poll's findings. So, here again, are my "judgment" and my "speculation:"

 

---- First, I judge the CrCr poll-voters to be by-and-large (~80%) honest. [That number comes from ~12% OK'ing no "sharing" of any kind, plus ~58% OK'ing only a sip for taste-testing, plus ~10% OK'ing what would be the very rare case of giving away a disliked drink (rather than forcing it down one's throat or discarding it).]

 

---- Second, I speculate that an "X spy" reading the poll would neither recommend that the price of packages be raised nor recommend that packages be canceled.

 

Adios.

[GITC]

Do we have a little emoticon for slapping yourself on the forehead?:eek:

 

Here's one, ORV.

 

And a few more that could/would certainly apply to threads like this one.

[William Dean]

Look, the answer is quite simple.

 

Ask the barman to provide a $12 drink on your premium package for your companion, and tell him that you would like a $5 drink on your companion's card for yourself. Assume the Food and Beverage Manager is within earshot.

 

If the barman agrees - no worries. Because there is no dishonesty there is no theft (I'm applying English law - assuming it to be very similar to US law).

 

If he doesn't agree, then you'll have to pay the extra. But you'll be in the clear legally.

 

Which option do you think the barman will choose?

 

Certainly under English law obtaining something (even if you pay for it) under an operative deception can amount to theft.

 

Now whether you decide to do it or not is another question entirely. And that is between you and your conscience. I wouldn't do it, but then my wife and I don't cruise on lines where there are alcohol packages.

 

I'm also a little saddened that no-one has thought to ask what happens to the barman if you get caught.

[Waterlily777]

We are a couple going in the Constellation soon, and I have one doubt regarding drink packages.

We are planning to buy a normal plus a premium alcohol drink package. If we go to the martini bar one of us will ask for a cocktail (premium one) and the other for a basic drink. Could we ask for second drink, and then swap our drinks? (the normal one drink the martini and the premium the normal drink)

 

I suppose you could, just want to know that barmen don't look at these things and originate problems...

 

I think the question asked by the OP is quite simple.

 

He knows that swapping the drinks isn't strictly kosher, but wants to know if doing so will actually get him in trouble. If the barman notices that he and his partner have swapped drinks, will the barman initiate some kind of punitive action?

 

The OP's question is not about the right or wrong of the situation, just, "is the swapping behaviour likely to get me in trouble, or is it the kind of minor misdemeanour to which the barmen are likely to turn a blind eye"?

[DSJ28]

1. Has anyone ever been convinced to change their perspective or behavior on this topic?

 

2. How in the world would passengers know that others are sharing?

 

Sharing drinks off my package is wrong for me, but if I even get to a point where I notice who has drink packages and who might be sharing - then I have bigger issues because my cruise has gone terribly wrong. My cruise is about me relaxing and having a good time - not inspecting others' clothing, monitoring their drinking patterns, and timing their pool chair usage. All this I leave in Celebrity's capable hands.

 

To the OP - I would guess that it is unlikely the bartender would confront you about a rules violation if you use your drink packages in the way you describe.

[satchiesmom]

"Sharing drinks off my package is wrong for me, but if I even get to a point where I notice who has drink packages and who might be sharing - then I have bigger issues because my cruise has gone terribly wrong. My cruise is about me relaxing and having a good time - not inspecting others' clothing, monitoring their drinking patterns, and timing their pool chair usage. All this I leave in Celebrity's capable hands."

Diane,

 

Thank you for your reasonable perspective on what can be a very heated debate.