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

[cruzn buckeye]

[quote name='SNJCruisers'][SIZE=3][FONT=Comic Sans MS]It started on the 8/5/12 sailing of the Victory and because of the success of the program has been expanded to the 8/26/12 sailing of the Splendor. This was confirmed on John Heald's facebook page. It looks like it's going to be going fleet wide. [/FONT][/SIZE][/quote]
Of course it was a success, people paid 700 bucks for two in a cabin, on a very port intensive cruise... who do you thing it was successfull for??

[cruzn buckeye]

[quote name='LuckyZ']My DW and I are not big drinkers, but we do like to have a few drinks each day, martinis before dinner, and wine with dinner. Our usual bar bill might be $300 or 400 for the entire cruise.

So to pay $50 pp for 2 of us for a 7 day cruise wouldn't make much sense, as we'd be paying $700.

This program sounds dangerous as it will start to turn a cruise into a drunken binge for 3,000 people who are trying to get their monies worth each day.

If this happens, we will definitely cease to cruise Carnival as we don't enjoy vacations that are spoiled by drunken idiots. This move moves Carnival just one ring lower on the class scale (but they don't seem to care as their bar receipts will probably go up).



And I can imagine families traveling with young children will agree.[/quote]
I agree with this, but I will probably continue cruising with Carnival... just willl be adding other cruiselines to my list...
Carnival with a all inclusive is different than say Celebrity with an all inclusive... we love the party on Carnival... and it is a party... it may become more out of hand party now...

[SNJCruisers]

[quote name='LuckyZ']
This program sounds dangerous as it will start to turn a cruise into a drunken binge for 3,000 people who are trying to get their monies worth each day.

If this happens, we will definitely cease to cruise Carnival as we don't enjoy vacations that are spoiled by drunken idiots. This move moves Carnival just one ring lower on the class scale (but they don't seem to care as their bar receipts will probably go up).

And I can imagine families traveling with young children will agree.[/quote]
[SIZE=3][FONT=Comic Sans MS]Other mass market cruise lines such as Celebrity offer it on all of their sailings and RCCL offers it on some of their European based sailings and the program has been successful for both of them. As a matter of fact, when Celebrity first started it, there were three different levels available. One with just beer and wine and two different levels with mixed drinks included.

I can see the 3 and 4 day sailings on Carnival turning into more of a party atmosphere and the two day cruises to nowhere being the craziest. I'm looking forward to purchasing it on our upcoming 6 day non port intensive cruise on the Breeze because it will provide value. I like to vacation at either an all inclusive or on a cruise ship, so this option will give us the best of both worlds for an extra 50 bucks a day, and on our particular sailing, it will provide value, which is why Carnival has been my cruise line of choice for 80% of my cruises.
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[big_duck]

[quote name='cruzn buckeye']I agree with this, but I will probably continue cruising with Carnival... just willl be adding other cruiselines to my list...
Carnival with a all inclusive is different than say Celebrity with an all inclusive... we love the party on Carnival... and it is a party... it may become more out of hand party now...[/QUOTE]

As I said on another thread, we are done with Carnival during spring break time.

Ironically, we started cruising to escape the madness that are AIs in the sping.

[jules815]

[quote name='SNJCruisers'][SIZE=3][FONT=Comic Sans MS]Other mass market cruise lines such as Celebrity offer it on all of their sailings and RCCL offers it on some of their European based sailings and the program has been successful for both of them. As a matter of fact, when Celebrity first started it, there were three different levels available. One with just beer and wine and two different levels with mixed drinks included.

I can see the 3 and 4 day sailings on Carnival turning into more of a party atmosphere and the two day cruises to nowhere being the craziest. I'm looking forward to purchasing it on our upcoming 6 day non port intensive cruise on the Breeze because it will provide value. I like to vacation at either an all inclusive or on a cruise ship, so this option will give us the best of both worlds for an extra 50 bucks a day, and on our particular sailing, it will provide value, which is why Carnival has been my cruise line of choice for 80% of my cruises.
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At first I was thinking $50 was a little high, but then another poster broke it down by drinks throughout the day, and by looking at it that way, we could easily spend $47 per day on drinks pp. First, we wouldn't buy our wine package, so that's (guesstimate...$150 we won't be spending)

I figure I'm good for at least 2 Margaritas before we sail (we board early!), ditto for my dh. We always meet our friends before dinner for a drink at the atrium bar, wine or a cocktail during dinner (late seating), a few after in the casino or wherever we decide to wander that particular evening. I hear the new comedy brunch on Dream will have a Bloody Mary cart. We would more than likely have to try one of those.

It would also depend on the type of cruise. If we're only sailing with our children (college age), we don't drink that much. But for our upcoming cruise on Dream, we'll be sailing with 2 other couples celebrating our new empty nest status. We're all in our late 40's-early 50's, and we do enjoy some cocktails when we vacation together. :) Plus, this will be our 3rd time doing eastern Caribbean, and I doubt we'll even get off the ship in Nassau, and we have 3 sea days. If it were a port intensive cruise, might not be worth it. I guarantee you, paced out throughout the day, none of us would be drunk.

If Dream were to offer this package, I have a feeling we would all take part.

[Jackie81]

[quote name='cruzn buckeye']Isn't there a 15 drink limit including your sodas?? If this is so, sodas are only a couple of bucks... this would cost you more...[/quote]

I haven't seen anywhere where it said that there was a 15 drink limit. I read one post where they said they "thought" they saw that posted but nothing "official" or "unofficial" has been said about a limit. The only time I even saw the number 15 was for gratuity. Maybe its posted somewhere else that I didn't see as far as the limit goes but this is what I read...

"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."

If there is a limit, it probably wouldn't be worth it to us as we can easily go through 4 sodas a day each, then cocktails on top of that... I guess we'll have to wait and see.

[Jdfireman]

From another thread

Originally Posted by [B]dms_cruisers04[/B] [URL="http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=35149093#post35149093"][IMG]http://boards.cruisecritic.com/images/buttons/viewpost.gif[/IMG][/URL]
[I]I am looking at the card I picked up on deck at the table they were selling the "My Awesome Bar Program" when we were on the Victory 8/12-8/19.

[I]*Prices are per day; gratuities not included. [/I]is how it is listed on the card. We were told it would be $601.30 for the two of us. We took that to mean the gratuities would be charged per drink, based on the price of the drink.

Listed in the 12 points of "Beverages excluded":
Beverages in souvenir glasses
Bottles of liquor
Bottled water
Beverages offered at gangway while debarking
Beverages offered through room service
Coffee beverages and food items

25% is the discount amount for drinks above $10 as well as bottles of wine or champagne, not a gratuity percentage.

Nowhere on this card is there a limit listed. I did not see anything at the table that stated a limit, although I was not looking for one.[/I]

[cruzn buckeye]

I wish I could remember where I read that... I would like for someone from Carnival to clarify it... maybe JH could on his FB page?? I don't read FB but maybe someone can ask and post the response here??
hmm .. almost scarey if they dont have a limit?? I cannot imagine how big this party will be....or how out of control it will get...

[CruisingAmazona]

[quote name='sooner33']The cost for program is $42.95 per person per day, plus a 15 percent gratuity.[/quote]

Holy crap, I DID JUST DO THE MATH, that's $700.00 for the two of us on a 7-day cruise. I can go on another 7 day cruise for that money. Thanks, but no thanks! That won't fly - just like it hasn't in Celebrity or any other cruise line that offers those packages at those outrageous prices!

[firefly333]

[quote name='CruisingAmazona']Holy crap, I DID JUST DO THE MATH, that's $700.00 for the two of us on a 7-day cruise. I can go on another 7 day cruise for that money. Thanks, but no thanks! That won't fly - just like it hasn't in Celebrity or any other cruise line that offers those packages at those outrageous prices![/quote]

It sounds to me like a lot of Carnival cruisers like the idea from reading thru the threads.

Who says is not popular on Celebrity. I personally would only do the wine/beer level .. not the mixed drinks. They have more than one choice.

[Feelin' Nauti']

[quote name='CruisingAmazona']Holy crap, I DID JUST DO THE MATH, that's $700.00 for the two of us on a 7-day cruise. I can go on another 7 day cruise for that money. Thanks, but no thanks! That won't fly - just like it hasn't in Celebrity or any other cruise line that offers those packages at those outrageous prices![/quote]
Did you add in the gratuities?

$98.79 per day for two x 7 = $691.50

Some spend way more then this.

[rickechambers1@aol.com]

[QUOTE=Feelin' Nauti';35153981]Did you add in the gratuities?

$98.79 per day for two x 7 = $691.50

Some spend way more then this.[/QUOTE]

I interpret that gratuities are added during each drink order...I.e. $8.00 drink will be a $1.20 in gratuities. Have 10 and that's $12/day plus the $43...looks like close to $400/person for a week. I have no source but that's how I understood it. That would make for an awesome increase in gratuities for crew so that's good.

I'm kind on the bubble...what could I order from bin voyage for $800? How much would I save by not gambling to get that drinks on us card...not that this is the reason I gamble but heck if you have 1000 points might as well get 1500.

$800 is equal to about 90 drinks...13/day...divided by two. And no running to the room. The savings at dinner with wine alone is pretty big. Ok so I justdebated my thoughts 'outloud' ...what the heck ill try it. It seems easy and that's important. Now wait Gil I tell my cabin mate! Hikes. But I paid for the cruise for both so hope she wont object.

[aborromei]

[quote name='rickechambers1@aol.com']I interpret that gratuities are added during each drink order...I.e. $8.00 drink will be a $1.20 in gratuities. Have 10 and that's $12/day plus the $43...looks like close to $400/person for a week. I have no source but that's how I understood it. That would make for an awesome increase in gratuities for crew so that's good.
[/quote]


The package is purchased in advance, within the first two days of the cruise, so I would anticipate that the gratuity would be added to the $42.95 daily charge since you're paying up front for it. Not to mention the benefit of knowing how much you're spending on booze for the week would be negated if you had to pay gratuities on a per drink basis.

[Feelin' Nauti']

[quote name='rickechambers1@aol.com']I interpret that gratuities are added during each drink order...I.e. $8.00 drink will be a $1.20 in gratuities. Have 10 and that's $12/day plus the $43..
I'm kind on the bubble...what could I order from bin voyage for $800? How much would I save by not gambling to get that drinks on us card...not that this is the reason I gamble but heck if you have 1000 points might as well get 1500.
.[/quote]
My Awesome Bar Program" package, costs $42.95 per person per day plus an automatic 15% gratuity of $6.44 equals $49.39 per day.

People forget that they need to pay extra for drinks, such as bottled water, juice, soda, wine, beer, cocktails, and specialty coffees. These extra fees can really add up throughout the cruise.
By the end of the cruise and looking at the bill in disbelief that you drank that much.... :eek:
With the package... you have the ability to have whatever you want ... it's all up front... nothing to worry about at the end of the cruise.... easy-breezy! :D
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~~~~~~~~~
Wait...

I just read this......

[COLOR="Black"]Heald posted a message that clarifies what the drinks package does not include: non-alcoholic beverages other than soda, drinks promoted and sold in souvenir glasses, gangway beverages while debarking, cigars, coffee and food items from the coffee shop, beverages ordered through room service, mini bars and other in-cabin beverage programs and the self-serve Enomatic wine dispensers.[/COLOR]


Not good in my eyes.... I take it you CAN"T order specialty coffees, juices, water.... Bummer!
Celebrity's included all beverages except mini bar

[Jana60]

[quote name='golfadj']BTW if this ever became popular think they would see the last of me. Who wants to cruise with a ship full of drunks?[/quote]

I wish they would have a virgin drink card like they do on Princess. For about $8 per day per person they had a card that got you soda, juice, virgin drinks, Icecream drinks/shakes. Much better deal for those of us who don't like to drink alcohol all day long. We also were able to buy 375ml bottles of Vodka and Rum to have in our room. I like the smaller bottles so that you can have variety.

[sternfanla]

I will be on the Victory in October and thinking of getting this package. If you bought this package while still in port would you pay the local taxes on this?

[leruskin]

@sternfanla that is a really good question...i would like to know too! That would be an extra 8-9% for Charleston port!!!

[jules815]

[quote name='leruskin']@sternfanla that is a really good question...i would like to know too! That would be an extra 8-9% for Charleston port!!![/quote]

Really good questions! Don't some people wait until you're out at sea to buy wine and soda packages to avoid local sales tax?

[erinpdx]

I don't believe this program includes bottled water from what I have read on other threads.

[leruskin]

Yeah I saw that too which kinda sucks. I don't drink tap water at home, so I will have to lug a case of water on like always!! Thought I was going to get a break from that!!

[lele100]

so here is a question what if you buy it the next morning would you still have to pay for the day before? since it is available for sale for the first two days (I read that on one of these posts)

[Feelin' Nauti']

[quote name='sternfanla']I will be on the Victory in October and thinking of getting this package. If you bought this package while still in port would you pay the local taxes on this?[/quote]
[B]No!
On Celebrity, we bought the package for the entire sailing.
No taxes were charged.
So I am sure it would be the same for Carnival.[/B]

[LuckyZ]

I wonder though if you purchase the package and they have your money, what incentive do they have to hustle to get your order for you.

If you pay one by one, they seem to work harder to please you so you'll continue to buy drinks.

Just a thought

[BamaCruiser20]

[quote name='LuckyZ']I wonder though if you purchase the package and they have your money, what incentive do they have to hustle to get your order for you.

If you pay one by one, they seem to work harder to please you so you'll continue to buy drinks.

Just a thought[/quote]

This is what I am anxious to hear feedback from those who have purchased this drink package when they return from the cruise. I know they don't get in any hurry bringing sodas with the Endless Bubbles program.

[CarolRoy]

[quote name='CruisingAmazona']Holy crap, I DID JUST DO THE MATH, that's $700.00 for the two of us on a 7-day cruise. I can go on another 7 day cruise for that money. Thanks, but no thanks! That won't fly - just like it hasn't in Celebrity or any other cruise line that offers those packages at those outrageous prices![/quote]

[SIZE=4]I like your thinking. I agree with you 100%. I'll take my two bottles on wine with me and enjoy that and save the money for another cruise![/SIZE]

[B][COLOR=red][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]2012- Carnival Victory – Oct. – S. Caribbean[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B]
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[B][COLOR=#0033cc][FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]2000 – Carnival Inspiration - S. Caribbean[/SIZE][/FONT][/COLOR][/B]
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