Cruising with Alcohol.

[Wyuna1]

Does anybody agree with me that it seems that an incredible amount of content revolves around the availability and cost of alcohol on board. I feel that the pricing is in line and in many cases cheaper than in onshore establishments and in far more pleasant surroundings. It is not compulsory to drink and should you wish to you pay the asking price. Most people are aware of the pricing before they board so it seems to me rather a waste of time complaining about something that WILL NOT change as it is also in my humble opinion a contributing tactic in controling unsociable and violent behaviour. On S.S.Canberra in 1986 a can of beer (Fosters) was $1.50 this equates to approx $8.50 now. So drink up and enjoy the cruise it is certainly better than any RSL that I know.:D

[cjm66]

I suspect some people hold to the misconception that they will be drinking at duty free prices once out of port - like the casino opening for business only when at sea. Perhaps some think a ship is (or should be) like a floating club and the plastic cruise card is like the membership card you use to get discounted bar prices.

 

Colleen

[Aus Traveller]

I agree with Colleen. I also consider that the cruises are very cheap nowadays compared with 20-25 years ago and the cruiseline puts a mark-up on the alcohol in line with a restaurant on land. Quite reasonable in my opinion as they have to make a profit somewhere or they will go out of business.:)

[Aussie71]

As we have never cruised before, during the last couple of weeks I have asked a couple of questions in relation to both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. For those of us who have never been on a cruise before, the prospect of having all drinks and services applied to the cruise cards is little bit daunting. I am sure that no one wants to be left with a bill that they cannot afford. The advice and feedback received has been greatly appreciated and as a result we are sincerely looking forward to a cruise we are confident is affordable.

 

For some people like ourselves, it is not the matter of paying comparable or even inflated prices, it's just that we want to be prepared. I am sure that once we experience our first cruise, we will wonder why we were ever concerned in the first place.

 

Unfortunately traveling in a family group on any holiday, the dollars tend to add up real fast if you are not careful. :)

 

In our case, it would have been a help if P&O offered soft drink cards, as we would prefer to pay for that up front even if we do not get value for our money. Also, it would also be of assistance if the cruise company posted a current drink list, as it would alleviate people fears if they understood that the alcohol was comparable and not highly over priced.

[cjm66]

Unfortunately traveling in a family group on any holiday, the dollars tend to add up real fast if you are not careful. :)

 

In our case, it would have been a help if P&O offered soft drink cards, as we would prefer to pay for that up front even if we do not get value for our money. Also, it would also be of assistance if the cruise company posted a current drink list, as it would alleviate people fears if they understood that the alcohol was comparable and not highly over priced.

 

I agree with you about drinks lists. If I am planning a shore day that includes lunch or a big night out dinner at home, I scout around on the web until I find somewhere that openly publishes its menu AND prices, even with a footnote that the quoted prices can change with the seasons or whatever. One of the advantages of this forum is that you can ask very precise questions - What does X cost on Y ship in Z Bar? I kept drinks lists from our last cruise after I realised just how precise these questions can be.

 

I think Wyuna was commenting on complaints about prices on cruises in general rather than questions from people trying to work out the add on expenses of a cruise.

 

Colleen

[Aussie71]

Hi our family are first time cruisers (Pacific Dawn in June) and were wondering if there is a 'Soft Drink Card' or similar available for purchase on the P & O Dawn - particulary for the kids? If not, is it acceptable to take BYO softdrinks or energy drinks on board with us?

 

Any thoughts suggestions are sincerely appreciated!

 

I agree with you about drinks lists. If I am planning a shore day that includes lunch or a big night out dinner at home, I scout around on the web until I find somewhere that openly publishes its menu AND prices, even with a footnote that the quoted prices can change with the seasons or whatever. One of the advantages of this forum is that you can ask very precise questions - What does X cost on Y ship in Z Bar? I kept drinks lists from our last cruise after I realised just how precise these questions can be.

 

I think Wyuna was commenting on complaints about prices on cruises in general rather than questions from people trying to work out the add on expenses of a cruise.

 

Colleen

 

Yes I agree that the post centered more heavily on price complaints. In my opinion if the alcohol was too cheap it would intice binge drinking and other problems would therefore arise. As a consumer I would most likely not consider a family cruise if it was perceived as being a 'Party Ship.

[dougo in oz]

As we have never cruised before, during the last couple of weeks I have asked a couple of questions in relation to both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. For those of us who have never been on a cruise before, the prospect of having all drinks and services applied to the cruise cards is little bit daunting. I am sure that no one wants to be left with a bill that they cannot afford. The advice and feedback received has been greatly appreciated and as a result we are sincerely looking forward to a cruise we are confident is affordable.

 

For some people like ourselves, it is not the matter of paying comparable or even inflated prices, it's just that we want to be prepared. I am sure that once we experience our first cruise, we will wonder why we were ever concerned in the first place.

 

Unfortunately traveling in a family group on any holiday, the dollars tend to add up real fast if you are not careful. :)

 

In our case, it would have been a help if P&O offered soft drink cards, as we would prefer to pay for that up front even if we do not get value for our money. Also, it would also be of assistance if the cruise company posted a current drink list, as it would alleviate people fears if they understood that the alcohol was comparable and not highly over priced.

 

 

1. There are a couple of things you can do. Take your own bottled water and softdrinks on board with you.

 

2. Check your account on a regular basis and keep receipts.

 

3. The main issue is that cruise card is like a credit card ... so easy to run up $$$ without too much effort at all .. and I think that's where people become unstuck.

 

4. See point 2.

[thied]

Yes I agree that the post centered more heavily on price complaints. In my opinion if the alcohol was too cheap it would intice binge drinking and other problems would therefore arise. As a consumer I would most likely not consider a family cruise if it was perceived as being a 'Party Ship.

 

 

(if the alcohol was too cheap it would intice binge drinking and other problems would therefore arise.?)

 

P&O have a very strong RSA policie (NSW's) and P&O do not pay any tax or duty to Australia excepct for port chargers.

 

If any one drinks too much there cruise card with be cut off.

 

If any one would like to KNOW more please ask P&O on facebook of just call them.

[fishtaco]

I have to say "What a load of hogwash":p

 

I have been on enough cruises to confirm first hand that drinks will be sold to people regardless of the responsible drinking rules!

 

High drink prices seem to be accepted by some cruisers as due solely to a responsable drink rule and for their comfort?

 

It is for profit only! responsible drinking rules would be enforced when necessary even if the drinks were mega cheap or even free!

 

I dont disagree with P&O making a profit but do think the drink prices are too expensive,the sole reason i smuggle booze on board,I am not a drunk or even a big drinker but P&O staff are at my side asking if i would like another drink the moment i have finished one? I know when I want another drink but some dont and order more than the usually would.

 

 

Den

[fishtaco]

As we have never cruised before, during the last couple of weeks I have asked a couple of questions in relation to both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. For those of us who have never been on a cruise before, the prospect of having all drinks and services applied to the cruise cards is little bit daunting. I am sure that no one wants to be left with a bill that they cannot afford. The advice and feedback received has been greatly appreciated and as a result we are sincerely looking forward to a cruise we are confident is affordable.

 

For some people like ourselves, it is not the matter of paying comparable or even inflated prices, it's just that we want to be prepared. I am sure that once we experience our first cruise, we will wonder why we were ever concerned in the first place.

 

Unfortunately traveling in a family group on any holiday, the dollars tend to add up real fast if you are not careful. :)

 

In our case, it would have been a help if P&O offered soft drink cards, as we would prefer to pay for that up front even if we do not get value for our money. Also, it would also be of assistance if the cruise company posted a current drink list, as it would alleviate people fears if they understood that the alcohol was comparable and not highly over priced.

 

 

There are a number of things you can do, even some seasoned cruisers do them.

 

Every day call the pursers desk from your cabin(saves queueing) and ask them for a charges print out,this will be given over the phone and you can pick up the paper copy when next passing the pursers desk.

 

If you have children put cash money on their cruise card at the pursers desk and once it runs too low they will be unable to buy anything until you go and add more money.

 

Keep every receipt you are given for purchases on the cruise cards and cross check them every day against the print outs you requested, quiet a number of times we have been charged more than once for only one item,this can easily be cross checked by "time of sale" and removed with a simple call to the desk. (always a genuine mistake) you can instantly see who is over spending/drinking and kerb it.

 

Take on board your own soft drink blocks from woolies or coles which is allowed but savings in the end are minimal and its hard to keep them cold enough.

 

Smuggle on your own booze (see rum runners) but take the chance of being called to "The Naughty Boys Room" for a lecture and confiscation before you get you luggage (if caught).remember it is not "Illegal" to take or consume you own alcohol on board it is just against company policy so only against the rules.

 

If accounts mount up quickly and in excess you will be called to the purses desk to be informed of your excessive spending.

 

on my second last cruise one young woman was called to the purses desk and informed of her excessive spending,her bill was very high after the second day as she had drunk so much,bought drinks for others and made a few expensive jewellery purchases (possibly while a bit tippsy) But at least P&O made her aware of it quite early and she managed to kerb her spending for the rest of the cruise.

 

Go to the bar for drinks when you want them,wait staff will approach you all the time for drinks,dont get me wrong they do a good job but you can feel obliged to sign the receipt and add a tip which you wouldn't necessaries do at the bar and this can increase the price of drinks quite a bit over the cruise. The wait staff on the first day realize who will buy drinks (with tip) and who wont so you cant blame them for initiating a possible tip.:)

 

The majority of my cruise card bills have always been for Beer:eek:

My partner always drinks smuggled booze with P&O mixers,my beer bill is usually around $500 for a 7 day cruise but I wouldnt spend that much in a year on land.

 

 

Den

[Wyuna1]

Fishtaco, I think you will find that you are in breach of your contract with P&O if you "smuggle" alcohol. It is clearly stated in the terms and conditions which form the contract between the passenger and P&O,as supplied with your eticket which you agree to when payment is made for your cruise that any alcohol purchased ashore may not be consumed on board and will be confiscated and returned at the end of the cruise.. P&O could if they wished enforce this breach. Also could I ask what you think would be a fair price for a beer.

[thied]

all cruise ships that are based in Australia or visit Australian ports are are GST free and are take free, even our fare are GST free, we only pay one TAX and that is a departure tax.

 

eg A can of 4x in the crew bar is $1.50. and to us $ 5.50-$6.50

 

Smokes are $2.50 to crew and to us $12- $ 14 per packet.

 

Please any one where does it show the GST comonent in our cruise booking or ticket?

 

you will there is no GST. P&O Australia ships are gst and tax free.

 

How can that be you may ask, a cruise line base in Australia (P&O Australia)

have an office here but are owned by an over sea company all money from the TA's are paid to an over sea's bank ( check your credit cards),

The only tax they pay are for the rent on there offices and the wages they pay to office staff and some of the port chargers here in Australia.

 

The total running cost of there ships are tax free here in Australia.

 

Under Australian GST law it says if a item/ a sevice bill over $150.oo must show the GST.

 

under the GST law if it is under $150.oo you dont have to show the GST but every who charges GST does any way.

 

JUst A though if you have a small buisness and your turn over in under $75000.oo you dont have to charge GST.

[thied]

all cruise ships that are based in Australia or visit Australian ports are are GST free and are take free, even our fare are GST free, we only pay one TAX and that is a departure tax.

 

eg A can of 4x in the crew bar is $1.50. and to us $ 5.50-$6.50

 

Smokes are $2.50 to crew and to us $12- $ 14 per packet.

 

Please any one where does it show the GST comonent in our cruise booking or ticket?

 

you will there is no GST. P&O Australia ships are gst and tax free.

 

How can that be you may ask, a cruise line base in Australia (P&O Australia)

have an office here but are owned by an over sea company all money from the TA's are paid to an over sea's bank ( check your credit cards),

The only tax they pay are for the rent on there offices and the wages they pay to office staff and some of the port chargers here in Australia.

 

The total running cost of there ships are tax free here in Australia.

 

Under Australian GST law it says if a item/ a sevice bill over $150.oo must show the GST.

 

under the GST law if it is under $150.oo you dont have to show the GST but every who charges GST does any way.

 

JUst A though if you have a small buisness and your turn over in under $75000.oo you dont have to charge GST.

just to add to that The Pacific Dawn costs about $53728.00 to berth each time in brisbane. just for the wharf and terminal.

[Aus Traveller]

The cruiselines have to make their profit somewhere.:) The current (Carnival) business model is to keep the initial cruise price very low then make their profit from items that people can choose to buy or not, as they wish. Therefore drinks are a similar price to land-based restaurants (if though they don't pay tax) and there is a mark-up on tours & photos and many more items for sale (specialty coffee and in the shops) than there used to be in pre-Carnival days.

 

We can't expect the cruiseline to operate if they keep charging the fares they are now and sell drinks duty free and don't have mark-ups on the other items.

[thied]

yes cruise lines do have to a profit agreed, but 400-500% make up is a bit much. on a can of beer and smokes, and up to 200 % make up on most tours.

 

and there cruise (P&O OZ) have gone up by a 1/3 eg for a 11 night cruise in may this year to the same cruise in april 2013 base price on the P&O web site.

 

 

Skyrail, Kuranda Village and Scenic Railway with P&O two adults and one child $397.00

 

A TA in Cairns same tour same people $180.00 total cost.

[Aus Traveller]

28 years ago, a twin share very basic cabin on the Fairstar costs $200 per night. Drinks were cheap as were shore tours.

 

Fast-forward those 28 years, and I think with inflation the $200 would be around $1,000 in today's money. I would rather pay today's cruise fares and pay a bit extra for drinks and shore tours (if I want them) than $1,000 per night and have cheap drinks. By the way, the $200 pn on Fairstar wasn't for a suite, it was for a cabin with a porthole and little ensuite bathroom.

[thied]

30 years ago air fare were dearer then they are today and so were cruises, why 30 years ago they were way fewer cruise ships and they carried way fewer passengers. now we had 4 times or more as many cruises and they carry up to four times as many people. and the well how air lines and air plains are there these days. and still tax free but the drinks were cheaper 30 years compaired to today.

[Aus Traveller]

30 years ago air fare were dearer then they are today and so were cruises, why 30 years ago they were way fewer cruise ships and they carried way fewer passengers. now we had 4 times or more as many cruises and they carry up to four times as many people. and the well how air lines and air plains are there these days. and still tax free but the drinks were cheaper 30 years compaired to today.

Sorry. I cannot follow your point.:)

[fishtaco]

Sorry. I cannot follow your point.:)

 

The meaning is simple supply and demand! More people able to fly/cruise = more competition = more ships/planes= cheaper travel.

 

Den

[Aus Traveller]

The meaning is simple supply and demand! More people able to fly/cruise = more competition = more ships/planes= cheaper travel.

 

Den

Thanks for explaining that. :) I don't think that is the full explanation for the comparatively lower prices today.

 

Flying came within the reach of the average person with the introduction of bigger planes. Competition has probably brought prices down also, but I don't think that is the only factor. If it was, the airlines would have been making mega mega dollars in the old days

 

Cruiseships - I don't believe that competition has been the major factor in bringing prices down. The point I made earlier is the Carnival business model has the fare very low to encourage custom, then has optional add-ons (drinks, tours, photos etc.). Even the casinos on today's ships make quite a lot of money for the company and they are quite different from the line-up of half a dozen poker machines on the Fairstar. A person would have to be naive to think the cruiseline could have low fares without making money in several other areas. I prefer the current way (low fares with optional extras having a mark-up) rather than the old Fairstar one - we don't spend a lot on board, unlike some people who spend $250 a day on drinks etc. :D

[Wyuna1]

I agree with your comments Aus Traveller. The user pays system is regarded as the best model ashore so why not afloat. I like a beer as much as the next bloke and I pay the price if I wish to indulge. If I had a beer budget of $500 a week (that equates to approx a dozen a day) I don't think I would recall much of the cruise. We all agree that cruising is value for money. The teatotallers must be smiling next we will hear of discrimination and unfair business practices.

[fishtaco]

I agree with your comments Aus Traveller. The user pays system is regarded as the best model ashore so why not afloat. I like a beer as much as the next bloke and I pay the price if I wish to indulge. If I had a beer budget of $500 a week (that equates to approx a dozen a day) I don't think I would recall much of the cruise. We all agree that cruising is value for money. The teatotallers must be smiling next we will hear of discrimination and unfair business practices.

 

 

Not all true! When you tip everytime you buy drinks and also buy for others it cannot be summed up in the amount of beers consumed per $ spent on a cruise card! $500 per week = a dozon beers a day would only relate to a person who drinks only for themselves and cares not to tip.

 

Given the fact that you are offered alcohol almost immediately after breakfast and whilst relaxing and the habit of staying up well past your normal bed time,more than 1/2 a dozon beers or alcoholic drinks is by far not a large amount for a person on a cruise to drink and would say under the average.

 

You obviously dont really like a beer like the next bloke or you would understand how drink prices on board mount up very quickly!

 

Its no problem to people who only like to have one or two drinks a day and limit themselves to that.

 

The same problem is noticed in the buying of on board photos does everyone agree that the high price hike in photos over the past few years is justified and nessesary because they are expensive ashore?I know the truth is NO because i have been around these boards long enough to read the gripes?

 

High drink prices ok high photo prices ok, no because the photos cost less and less these days to produce and throw away and alcohol is charged at a profit margin way above an establishment ashore because the cruise line pays no tax on it.

 

Den

[Aus Traveller]

Not all true! When you tip everytime you buy drinks and also buy for others it cannot be summed up in the amount of beers consumed per $ spent on a cruise card! $500 per week = a dozon beers a day would only relate to a person who drinks only for themselves and cares not to tip.

 

Given the fact that you are offered alcohol almost immediately after breakfast and whilst relaxing and the habit of staying up well past your normal bed time,more than 1/2 a dozon beers or alcoholic drinks is by far not a large amount for a person on a cruise to drink and would say under the average.

 

You obviously dont really like a beer like the next bloke or you would understand how drink prices on board mount up very quickly!

 

Its no problem to people who only like to have one or two drinks a day and limit themselves to that.

 

The same problem is noticed in the buying of on board photos does everyone agree that the high price hike in photos over the past few years is justified and nessesary because they are expensive ashore?I know the truth is NO because i have been around these boards long enough to read the gripes?

 

High drink prices ok high photo prices ok, no because the photos cost less and less these days to produce and throw away and alcohol is charged at a profit margin way above an establishment ashore because the cruise line pays no tax on it.

 

Den

The tipping happens on some ships, but most of us here cruise on either P&O Aust or Princess Aust where there is no tipping. Most people I know don't have a drink until at least 'Happy Hour' time, or maybe not until dinner, so a few drinks a day each would be about right.

 

Booze cruises where people drink all day don't appeal to us, but each to their own.:)

 

I still think the griping about the 'high' cost of drinks or photos or whatever is unrealistic when the initial price to go on the ship is quite low and probably only covers basic running costs of the ship. This is one reason 'specials' become available because the cruiseline wants all cabins full.:)

[fishtaco]

Thanks for explaining that. :) I don't think that is the full explanation for the comparatively lower prices today.

 

Flying came within the reach of the average person with the introduction of bigger planes. Competition has probably brought prices down also, but I don't think that is the only factor. If it was, the airlines would have been making mega mega dollars in the old days

 

Cruiseships - I don't believe that competition has been the major factor in bringing prices down. The point I made earlier is the Carnival business model has the fare very low to encourage custom, then has optional add-ons (drinks, tours, photos etc.). Even the casinos on today's ships make quite a lot of money for the company and they are quite different from the line-up of half a dozen poker machines on the Fairstar. A person would have to be naive to think the cruiseline could have low fares without making money in several other areas. I prefer the current way (low fares with optional extras having a mark-up) rather than the old Fairstar one - we don't spend a lot on board, unlike some people who spend $250 a day on drinks etc. :D

 

Problem is Carnival Via P&O is charging much much more per night for a cruise than they do in their home base? Supply and demand.

 

My next cruise out of USA is on a bigger newer better Carnival ship than can be provided by P&O Australia at a much lesser cost?

 

7 nights on a premium extended balcony top group for less than $900US each in peak season and the alcohol is a lot cheaper than P&O Australia? If the price goes down in the mean time they give me back the difference in OBC or upgrade?

 

If Carnivals competition, supply and demand is not a major factor in bringing prices down then why dont they charge accordingly? Bigger Better ships should cost more to sail on not less no matter where the company chooses to cruise from.

 

 

Den

[Aus Traveller]

Yes, Den, the price is good. You will have plenty of cash left over to tip generously. :)