Achohol Drink Program - Surprised more people are not Talking about this

[jetsfan]

We would do this in a heartbeat.

At the current price of 7 and 8 dollars a drink, 42.95 plus 15 percent is a deal. That is 6-7 drinks a day. We are not crazy drinkers but for us it is easy to have 1 or 2 by the pool in the afternoon, 1-2 in the cabin relaxing, napping and getting ready for dinner, 1 at dinner, and easily 2 more at comedy club and piano bar. It sounds like a lot but through the course of a whole day spread out, not really offensive.

We like to have some on vacation and neither myself or my DH would be screaming drunk with that amount of drinks.

I'd like to see how this plays out.

[leedm]

Maybe CCL could provide different levels to the drinks packages..... Drink package 10 per day for $ next 25 per day $$$ per cabin or per guest, and then unlimited for $$$$ :confused::confused::rolleyes::rolleyes:

[ferfoodle]

From what was posted on the Carnival Fun page, it doesn't say the package price includes bottled water or specialty coffee. Outside of the up to $10 alcohol items, she mentions only soda and non-alcoholic frozen cocktails as being included. If bottled water and the good coffees were included, then I think it would be a great deal and I for one would partake.

[golfadj]

[quote name='firefly333']I do think a lot of people were thinking the same thing I was.. I saw one post that they picked a self defeating itinerary possibly, one that wouldnt be a huge success.. so some thought exactly what I thought. Like the farewell party they didnt advertise, and then said they cancelled due to lack of interest.

One at sea day .. would really cut into the use of this program for most people. I bet they drink more if they have a lot of at sea days to relax and drink.

If I know I have a early port in the morning, I cut back myself if I want to drink.. I know I cant drink much and get up early and get into a port.

This route also has some unusual ports, that I wouldnt want to miss vs. some of the other routes where you go to the same ole, same ole. I know I plan on maxing out my ports when I do a similar Cruise on celebrity next year. For one thing it cost more to fly to san juan so I want to get the most out of it.. which for me.. doesnt mean drinking a lot.

It just seems like a odd choice on the surface to me... but maybe not.. they dont want a lot of people to try it out at first perhaps on second thought.[/quote]

It is a strange itinerary to do this but perhaps they thought having people off the ship for longer periods meant they would not have to give them as many drinks.

[Jimmy Geegitz]

I think a cruise with a lot of stops in port is toCarnivals advantage. Because they wouldn't be on the ship as long ordering drinks. They sell more alcohol on sea days. So as an all inclusive they would pour less alcohol with many port stops.

[ohiogymrat]

[quote name='golfadj']It is a strange itinerary to do this but perhaps they thought having people off the ship for longer periods meant they would not have to give them as many drinks.[/QUOTE]

Its the perfect ship to test it on, if they see overall liquor sales take a huge dip on such a port intensive cruise, that doesnt bode well for them implementing the program to other ships.

[katiel53]

I think the reason for testing this for Valor from SJU is to see how much less they would make than if people paid drink by drink. If they lose a percentage, unknown to me, they may decide the price is not right and it should be higher.

If Carnival breaks even, then looking at a cruise with 3 sea days should be x percent higher and 4 sea days a higher amount. Believe me, Carnival is testing it in a market where they think they will lose the least because of the sea days and fewer people will remain on board as the ports are not the regular Eastern/Western Caribbean.

Don't kid yourself, Carnival is not going to lose money on this. That's not the way they do things.

Personally, we wouldn't buy the package in that we don't drink much, but I can see where it would be attractive to younger people. I think when I first started cruising it might have been something I would have purchased, but as Stu says, I'd be horizontal.

It will be interesting to see what happens.

[jonbgd]

10-15 years ago I would have bought this package Especially when I was cruising solo..... Im not sure I like this now
While I enjoy cocktails or beer. . I might have a day or 2 during a 7 day cruise that I will have that many drinks but other than that maybe 3-4 at the most. If I have port day even less. I would feel like I would have to drink more to get my money worth. And for that reason I dont think I will be purchasing it

[CENTEX CRUISER]

[FONT="Arial Black"][SIZE="3"]Me neither[/SIZE][/FONT][quote name='jasbo49']If they want $42.95 per day plus gratuities, they're not talking to me.

Jim[/QUOTE]

[firefly333]

[quote name='leedm']Maybe CCL could provide different levels to the drinks packages..... Drink package 10 per day for $ next 25 per day $$$ per cabin or per guest, and then unlimited for $$$$ :confused::confused::rolleyes::rolleyes:[/quote]

Someone posted that on the Victory they were limited to 15 per day with this package, though it doesnt say so in writing here.

[bananaface]

I would definitely sign up for this! Hope it's around in February. But I doubt it, I cannot imagine they would make a profit.

Does anyone know if there are any drinks over $10 (besides bottles of wine)? I cruised earlier this month and can not think of a single one.

[jonbgd]

[quote name='firefly333']Someone posted that on the Victory they were limited to 15 per day with this package, though it doesnt say so in writing here.[/quote]
I couldnt even drink 15 a day when I was in Subic bay on liberty after a westpac

[AdrenalineRush]

[quote name='bananaface']I would definitely sign up for this! Hope it's around in February. But I doubt it, I cannot imagine they would make a profit.

Does anyone know if there are any drinks over $10 (besides bottles of wine)? I cruised earlier ths month and can not think of a single one.[/QUOTE]

Hardy X.O. and Patron Reposado come to mind.

[bobmal99]

[SIZE=3][COLOR=black]I like my Captain Morgan, [/COLOR][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3][COLOR=black]but the price seems kind of high.[/COLOR][/SIZE]

[GROUCHPUSS]

Here is what we are going to do. We travel with another couple all the time. We are going to book the men in one cabin and the ladies in the other the just switch when we get on the ship. Or do a couples switch in the rooms just as long as one person from each couple gets the package is all that matters. then will buy the package and share each couple will have 15 drinks a day.

[jonbgd]

[quote name='SouthernCaribbean44']Hardy X.O. and Patron Reposado come to mind.[/quote]
Those arnt well and are considered top shelf

[firefly333]

[quote name='bananaface']

Does anyone know if there are any drinks over $10 (besides bottles of wine)? I cruised earlier this month and can not think of a single one.[/quote]

Classic drinks are $10.50 anything with two liquors.. like margaritas that I like.

Long island iced teas I would think are classic drinks.. though I only pay attention to margaritas..

the blue margaritas which dont taste good to me are cheaper.

[misstopgun]

[quote name='iheartpoco']This might be an interesting poll question, as there is such a variety of responses here...to each is or her own, I suppose...

For me, a Carnival Cruise is cheaper than an AI, with about the same (maybe better) food and more comfortable (but way smaller) rooms. I would just look at it as $800 added on to the flat costs of flight and room, and it still comes out cheaper than AI.

Regardless of whether or not I got my money's worth, which I think I probably would, the feeling of not having a mystery S&S account, and not thinking about how much my drinks will cost, would be worth it.

On a sea day, I figure:

Mimosa (maybe 2, they're small!) - $6 or $12
Bottle water x 3 - $5
3 frozen drinks - $21 (maybe more, am by the pool from 9-4)
Nap from 4-6 - priceless
Martini before dinner - $8
2 x dinner wine - $18

That's $57, and I might get a beer or cocktail if we hit the casino, or a blueberry tea to head back to the room and watch a movie. Or just a Coke Zero even...

Those calculations are based on my previous experiences at AIs, and I might be buzzed and happy after drinking all that, but I can assure you I would not be vomiting or causing trouble. It's a matter of pacing, I guess.

What can I say? On vacay, I like to drink! For me, this would keep me cruising Carnival in the future. Otherwise we are switching to Celebrity next year.

I guess it's good that people who don't want it don't have to buy it...you are basically paying for this package, but it is built into the price, when travelling to AI resorts.[/quote]
I'm thinking along the same lines:

Bloody mary special: $5
3 bottles of water: $6
3 glasses of wine @ dinner: $18
2 double rum and cokes in casino: $28
Total: $57

That's what I average on a cruise day. I sometimes drink more water or an additional drink in the casino, not to mention it should probably cover charges for the cappacino on the ships that charge now in the MDR.

And to those that think that's excessive, I would agree it would be if I worked the following day. I would never drink that much at home. On vacation though I am not driving, I am not working. I am relaxing and having fun. I am also far from drunk.

[afreetdragon]

[SIZE=4][COLOR=blue]My DH and I aren't huge drinkers but I would definately take advantage of the "all inclusive" if it was offered. If you do the math it's always going to come out as a better deal. :):):):):)[/COLOR][/SIZE]

[KenMo]

[quote name='misstopgun']I'm thinking along the same lines:

Bloody mary special: $5
3 bottles of water: $6
3 glasses of wine @ dinner: $18
2 double rum and cokes in casino: $28
Total: $57

And to those that think that's excessive, I would agree it would be if I worked the following day. I would never drink that much at home. On vacation though I am not driving, I am not working. I am relaxing and having fun. I am also far from drunk.[/quote]

I don't think it's excessive. Especially while on a cruise, like you said.

I would drink a Bloody Mary or two.

I just drink the water from the tap.

Don't drink wine...mostly because I don't know enough about it to pick a nice one.

Might have a couple of drinks in the evening.

I just don't see it being cost effective for me.

I'll stick with Bon Voyage. I know their bottles are more expensive than on land, but what I don't drink I can take home.

[sharkaymon]

[quote name='sooner33'][B]CARNIVAL TESTING NEW ALL-INCLUSIVE BEVERAGE PROGRAM [/B][B]ON CARNIVAL VICTORY[/B]

Carnival Cruise Lines began testing a new all-inclusive beverage program aboard the Carnival Victory starting with the ship’s Aug. 5 departure.
Under the “My Awesome Bar Program,” guests can enjoy a wide variety of wine, beer, and spirits, along with sodas and non-alcoholic frozen cocktails, throughout the voyage at one convenient, flat rate. All wines by the glass, beer and individual cocktails priced $10 and lower are available within the program. Full bottles of wine and champagne, as well as wines by the glass, beers and individual cocktails priced above $10, are available at a 25 percent discount.
Guests can sign up for the “My Awesome Bar Program” at Carnival Victory’s atrium and casino bars, as well as a bar within the main pool area. Each guest aged 21 years and over in the same stateroom must purchase the beverage package. Guests must be 21 years or older to consume alcohol on Carnival ships.
The cost for program is $42.95 per person per day, plus a 15 percent gratuity.


Now i will probably not do it on this cruise since we are in ports 5 of the 6 full days , maybe on a different 7 day cruise I would , But I did the math and if i get 2 bottles from Bon Voayge = $100 and get some cokes and waters in San Juan = 20 , WELL THIS PROGRAM WOULD COST ME $700 for myself and my fiance , Well with doing the above math i still have over $500 left for other drinks.

[I]I would like to hear other peoples thoughts on the program[/I][/quote]


Would I have to have the charge for every day or could I choose which days I would like to have "My Awesome Bar. . . ."?

[Joeychgo]

[quote name='GROUCHPUSS']Here is what we are going to do. We travel with another couple all the time. We are going to book the men in one cabin and the ladies in the other the just switch when we get on the ship. Or do a couples switch in the rooms [/quote]



Sounds like fun :)

[DGP1111]

[quote name='falkcor']Actually the way i see it they are trying to minimize losses on the trial. They expect that this itinerary, which is port heavy, would expect to have the least number of people actually taking full advantage of the limit. Or, whoever is pushing it is either trying to show the highest profit margin per purchase, or lowest purchases, who knows.

I just wish they decided to try it on the triumph in 2 weeks. I'd love to help them 'test it out'...[/quote]


[COLOR=darkred]First, you are obviously [B]not[/B] falkcor [B]. . .[/B] only a poorly-disguised imposter. The real Mark would never use the [I]Shift[/I] key that much. :p[/COLOR]

[COLOR=darkred]But, to whomever you are: The reasoning makes great sense, and I personally think it's totally accurate.[/COLOR]

[COLOR=darkred]One of the program guidelines offered in the earlier text seems really odd to me, but since it doesn't seem to bother anyone else, I'll just keep that one to myself. :)[/COLOR]

[COLOR=darkred]And if the real Mark does check back on this thread [B]. . .[/B] Have a great upcoming cruise / Bon Voyage[B][I]!![/I][/B] Thinking back to that visual beverage [B]'[/B]line-up[B]'[/B] (from the piano bar) you posted quite some time ago [B]. . .[/B] the new program could come in handy. :D[/COLOR]

[COLOR=white].[/COLOR]

[big_duck]

[quote name='firefly333']I do think a lot of people were thinking the same thing I was.. I saw one post that they picked a self defeating itinerary possibly, one that wouldnt be a huge success.. so some thought exactly what I thought. Like the farewell party they didnt advertise, and then said they cancelled due to lack of interest.

One at sea day .. would really cut into the use of this program for most people. I bet they drink more if they have a lot of at sea days to relax and drink.

If I know I have a early port in the morning, I cut back myself if I want to drink.. I know I cant drink much and get up early and get into a port.

This route also has some unusual ports, that I wouldnt want to miss vs. some of the other routes where you go to the same ole, same ole. I know I plan on maxing out my ports when I do a similar Cruise on celebrity next year. For one thing it cost more to fly to san juan so I want to get the most out of it.. which for me.. doesnt mean drinking a lot.

It just seems like a odd choice on the surface to me... but maybe not.. they dont want a lot of people to try it out at first perhaps on second thought.[/QUOTE]


You left out that also, it is relatively simple to smuggle booze on at San Juan.

[pcrum]

I would think the restaurants/bars in the ports would lobby against this. Who is going to spend the day drinking in a Margaritaville or Senor Frogs when they have purchased this package? Heck, I bet some won't even get off the ship. It's a struggle to get my DH off the ship in any port. With this package, I don't think he'd ever leave the ship!