Cheers Comparison Chart

[Surfwench]

Now THAT'S a bummer. I wonder why?

 

Peg

 

Over on the Carnival website they confirmed the Cheers program DOES cover drinks @ Half Moon Cay. :)

[greygoose66]

My second post...lol. We were on the Miracle and this was the first time the Cheers program was available on the ship. What I posted was accurate. No we were not stumbling drunks, rowdy, loud, etc... We were told 15 was it and the card was shut down until 10am the following day. Yes SODA did count as a drink! If you wanted to purchase a round of drinks for your group of friends we could not because of the cheers program. Like I said a lot of issues still to be ironed out. We went to guest services and spoke to "Shawn" the bar manager who said we were fine, but the rules were not to evaluate at 15 drinks but to "Flag and suspend". Our cards showed 15, could have been 15 sodas, we were CUT OFF. Sorry to tell it like it is. There were many cards shut down on this trip, some rightly so others not. If you did not purchase the program and paid as you went it was up to the discretion of the bar staff whether or not to serve you. Watched a few take the four wheel exit (wheelchair-security). Still an awesome program but the drinks were served in the SMALL glasses and a tall Blody Mary counted as TWO drinks if the bartender would play the game and wait to charge your card (5min. between drinks rule). Could not purchase the frozen drinks in the hurricane glasses as they were not part of the program, had to get them in the SMALL glass also. Worst part was that your bar charging privilage was suspended, no souvenier glasses etc. only small drinks till you hit 15.

[teddygurl28]

My second post...lol. We were on the Miracle and this was the first time the Cheers program was available on the ship. What I posted was accurate. No we were not stumbling drunks, rowdy, loud, etc... We were told 15 was it and the card was shut down until 10am the following day. Yes SODA did count as a drink! If you wanted to purchase a round of drinks for your group of friends we could not because of the cheers program. Like I said a lot of issues still to be ironed out. We went to guest services and spoke to "Shawn" the bar manager who said we were fine, but the rules were not to evaluate at 15 drinks but to "Flag and suspend". Our cards showed 15, could have been 15 sodas, we were CUT OFF. Sorry to tell it like it is. There were many cards shut down on this trip, some rightly so others not. If you did not purchase the program and paid as you went it was up to the discretion of the bar staff whether or not to serve you. Watched a few take the four wheel exit (wheelchair-security). Still an awesome program but the drinks were served in the SMALL glasses and a tall Blody Mary counted as TWO drinks if the bartender would play the game and wait to charge your card (5min. between drinks rule). Could not purchase the frozen drinks in the hurricane glasses as they were not part of the program, had to get them in the SMALL glass also. Worst part was that your bar charging privilage was suspended, no souvenier glasses etc. only small drinks till you hit 15.

 

i dont doubt you may have had the experience..however you are saying that was the first cruise it was available. from all accounts i have read recently, they have started to iron out the rules. the only question people keep coming back to is the 15 drink limit. i have not dont it yet so i cant give a personal opinion.

 

 

also, JH just confirmed they will allow drinks to be used on the cheers program in HMC

[Rowan555]

There is not way they would count a Bloody Mary as two drinks....because you can only order one at a time. Same with a coffee drink...if you order a drink with two types of liquor, they do half a shot of each....just like you can order a Long Island and you get roughly 1/4 ounce of vodka, gin, rum, tequila, triple sec...

 

As for the measuring drinks, I think every time I've ordered a drink on the ship they used a shot glass and measured the liquor.

 

Like the other posters have said from personal experience using the program, don't act like a drunk fool and you won't get cut off.

 

I HOPE they don't start measuring like that! I'm a Long Island drinker, and I can assure you they use more than 1/4 ounce of each liquor - usually, by the time they put the ice in the pint glass and add the liquor, there is only about an inch of space at the top for sour mix and a splash of Coke. We are considering getting Cheers, but if they serve me a Long Island with only an ounce or two total of alcohol, I will NOT be happy.

[Rowan555]

Most of the 1 liquor mixed drinks are served in the small glass, if you ask for a tall glass, they try to give you a double.

 

If you get a margarita, martini, DOD, pina colada, they are in the the normal glasses. The DODs aren't in the souvenir cups, but after the 2.0 upgrades, they don't have the DOD cups anymore.

 

So, to get a "large" bloody, ask for it in a tall glass with 1 shot.

By the way a shot of liquor is 1 oz.

 

 

This is making me rethink the Cheers package. A cocktail with one ounce of alcohol is a joke. I have NEVER had weak drinks like that served on Carnival in the past - and I would find it completely unacceptable. Has anyone had experience with this with the Cheers Program? We're cruising 1-20, and we were going to get the package - but if Carnival's new way of doing things involve making watered down drinks, we're not going to waste our money.

[greygoose66]

I didn't see any "free-pours" the bartenders measured EVERYTHING!, seem to be under increased scrutiny post Costa Concordia, at least that it what we were told by the staff (off the record). If you play the CASINO they had great perks. The first day we were given a "drinks are on us" card, just what we needed since we had already purchased the cheers program. The staff was great and I would highly recommend the cheers program to anyone, but if the Casino is your thing, save your money as you'll get all the drinks you could consume free. They even passed out 50% off future cruise coupons the last day at the Casino to the players that were rated.

[cruisinmel]

Now THAT'S a bummer. I wonder why?

 

Peg

 

John heald just posted on his fb that it IS now available in half moon cay.

[Rowan555]

I didn't see any "free-pours" the bartenders measured EVERYTHING!, seem to be under increased scrutiny post Costa Concordia, at least that it what we were told by the staff (off the record). If you play the CASINO they had great perks. The first day we were given a "drinks are on us" card, just what we needed since we had already purchased the cheers program. The staff was great and I would highly recommend the cheers program to anyone, but if the Casino is your thing, save your money as you'll get all the drinks you could consume free. They even passed out 50% off future cruise coupons the last day at the Casino to the players that were rated.

 

We've been on two cruises since Concordia happened, and we didn't have that experience - hardly saw ANY bartender using a shot glass - everything was freepoured, and most drinks were strong. We normally buy the Classic cocktails which cost about $10 and come with a $5 casino match play credit - and the Long Islands are usuall about 75% alcohol. It seems maybe we're better off sticking with that - because if the Cheers Program means they will be underpouring on drinks, it will NOT be worth it for us.

[Surfwench]

How does the bartender know pre-pour if you are a Cheers participant or not? hmmmmm...... I think you sign for the drink AFTER it is delivered? Does the waiter ask?

[spikester]

They pour the drinks the same way whether you are on the cheers program or not. I rarely see the bartenders on Carnival free pour alcohol, and I have been on 24 Carnival cruises.

 

I was able to order all the drinks from the Classic cocktail menu, and they were all in their "normal" glasses. (the only thing is that you might not get the $5.00 match play. They let me at first, but then they told me no)

 

If you get a regular rum and coke, they put them in the small glasses, with a shot of rum, and the rest the coke. So, I wouldn't say they were necessarily "watered down". I don't like my drinks super strong, so I get 1 shot in a tall glass. If you order a "tall" one, they put in 2 shots.

 

Any drinks under $10.00 are included. And sodas are not supposed to be included in the 15 drinks.

 

As I said earlier, I really really wish Carnival would be consistent with what John H says, what the web site says and what happens on the ships. Also what happens from ship to ship varies.

[eye4cruising]

Going on the Magic Jan 27, can more of you who have experinced the Cheers program please comment on your experience with it.

 

Thanks

[greygoose66]

The casino waitress gets your card # before she gets your drink, even if your card is in a slot machine they push a button and your card # comes up. The bartenders on miracle inquired if you were part of the cheers program prior to making your drink, only once were we not asked and actually received a normal sized drink.

[AndrewD65]

They pour the drinks the same way whether you are on the cheers program or not. I rarely see the bartenders on Carnival free pour alcohol, and I have been on 24 Carnival cruises.

 

I was able to order all the drinks from the Classic cocktail menu, and they were all in their "normal" glasses. (the only thing is that you might not get the $5.00 match play. They let me at first, but then they told me no)

 

If you get a regular rum and coke, they put them in the small glasses, with a shot of rum, and the rest the coke. So, I wouldn't say they were necessarily "watered down". I don't like my drinks super strong, so I get 1 shot in a tall glass. If you order a "tall" one, they put in 2 shots.

 

Any drinks under $10.00 are included. And sodas are not supposed to be included in the 15 drinks.

 

As I said earlier, I really really wish Carnival would be consistent with what John H says, what the web site says and what happens on the ships. Also what happens from ship to ship varies.

 

If we are all questioning the 15 drink/Soda on the cheers program, why don't we just posted on JH facebook and ask him?

[spikester]

I can't go on FB at work, and John has been insistent that there is no limit, and that sodas are not part of the non existant limit.

 

GreyGoose, I was on the Victory in Sep, and we got our drinks as the regular sized ones. The bartenders can see the sticker on your card, and when they ring up the drinks it comes up also. That is so weird that you would have received smaller than usual drinks. But I can say that if you just order a rum and coke you will get a smaller glass, I think they are 8 ounces, like a juice glass.

The only drinks I see in the bigger glasses are the classic cocktails, and the other specialty drinks that are more expensive. So a rum and coke would be $5.95 and a pina colada is $7.50 and a drink from the Red Frog bar (specialty one) is $9.50. Martinis are $9.50.

 

I am sorry if they treated you differently than my experience. I am going on the Glory in Feb, and if this is the case, I will rethink getting the package.

[YubaSutter]

HOW did you do that?!?!

 

It is very easily done and have never been to the naughty room. It has worked for our cruising group every time. Last bar bill was $6 for the week. I can't tell you how, but it is very simple.

[thegoodlife247]

Spikester. I thought Martini's were 8.95 unless they have upped the prices from the latest menu that has been posted.

[Jimmy Geegitz]

I found this information online and thought it would be useful for anyone debating if the cheers program would be worth it to them or not.

 

The question many are asking: "Is it worth it?"

 

Program Cost = $49.40 per day with gratuity

 

Sample 1

5 - Martinis

($8.95/per)

= $51.50 with gratuity

 

Sample 2

7 - Top Shelf Vodka Drinks

($7.50/per)

= $53.63 with gratuity

 

Sample 3

8 - Domestic Beers

($5.75/per)

= $52.96 with gratuity

 

Sample 4

4 - Domestic Beers

3 - Sodas

2 - Drinks of the Day

= $50.43 with gratuity

 

 

If you can drink on average one of the samples above in a day, this program will save you money.

 

Interesting. Thanks for posting

[thephantomsgirl]

I asked my brother and his partner again about it and specifically about getting smaller drinks as I know they tend to like vodka or rum and coke type drinks. They didn't feel they got weak or smaller drinks. Now MOST bars tend to do the smaller glasses for rum and cokes, gin and tonic, etc. drinks.

 

This is one of the YMMV type of programs - worth it for some, not for others. Me, as I said - am excited to try drinks I'd never try otherwise.

[Jimmy Geegitz]

Wouldn't be worth it for us. We are drinkers too. But factor in 3 port days and the 2 bottles of wine we bring on plus we take advantage of all the specials on board. We usually have a 2 hour open bar cocktail party and the past guest party. On port days we drink cheap in port. $2 beers most ports.

[bjd2]

How does a beer chaser work with a bloody mary? Is it a seperate charge and do we have to wait 5 minutes after the bloody mary to get it? I'm not talking a large glass or a bottle/can of beer, just a normal chaser that we get. I'm hoping it is considered part of the drink and is served with it. Has anyone had this on Cheers yet?

[Rowan555]

How does a beer chaser work with a bloody mary? Is it a seperate charge and do we have to wait 5 minutes after the bloody mary to get it? I'm not talking a large glass or a bottle/can of beer, just a normal chaser that we get. I'm hoping it is considered part of the drink and is served with it. Has anyone had this on Cheers yet?

 

I think this would be the same as the floaters - you can't do it, and you have to wait 5 minutes. As has been said, once you get to know a particular bartender, s/he may be more likely to go ahead and serve it at once, then ring up the second drink 5 minutes later. Depends on the person. The bartenders are, in general, friendly and eager to please, particularly if you tip them extra :-)

[LuckyZ]

I found this information online and thought it would be useful for anyone debating if the cheers program would be worth it to them or not.

 

The question many are asking: "Is it worth it?"

 

Program Cost = $49.40 per day with gratuity

 

Sample 1

5 - Martinis

($8.95/per)

= $51.50 with gratuity

 

Sample 2

7 - Top Shelf Vodka Drinks

($7.50/per)

= $53.63 with gratuity

 

Sample 3

8 - Domestic Beers

($5.75/per)

= $52.96 with gratuity

 

Sample 4

4 - Domestic Beers

3 - Sodas

2 - Drinks of the Day

= $50.43 with gratuity

 

 

If you can drink on average one of the samples above in a day, this program will save you money.

 

Can you use this kind of math logic if your cruise will stop at 4 ports? The question is whether you can maintain this drinking pace if you're not on the ship for 8 hours on a port day.

[drosphot]

The question is whether you can maintain this drinking pace if you're not on the ship for 8 hours on a port day.

 

Yes. :D

[greygoose66]

Spikester, I guess we were the lucky trial passengers for the cheers program on "Miracle" with the holiday cruise being the first for the program on this ship. That being said I don't believe all staff were up to speed on the nuances of the program. I would still purchase it again and hope for a little less strictness. The 15 limit was strictly enforced and very easy to reach, with the double point drinks and sodas etc. included in that total. My only gripe which I discussed at some length with the management was my card cut off at 15. I know I sound like a raving alcoholic, far from it, but being cut off with a limoncello after dinner cordial was a bit much. There was no way to pay for any more drinks PERIOD after the 15 was reached, no "evaluation" by staff, nothing. I had "Shawn" write up my concerns with a statement from him concerning my intoxication/lack of intoxication along with a review of my drink charges for the day. Bottom line was there was no recourse and the rules were the rules. Makes for a long Casino/Show evening, and I couldn't even purchase a soda because of my shut down till 10am card status.

[Rowan555]

Spikester, I guess we were the lucky trial passengers for the cheers program on "Miracle" with the holiday cruise being the first for the program on this ship. That being said I don't believe all staff were up to speed on the nuances of the program. I would still purchase it again and hope for a little less strictness. The 15 limit was strictly enforced and very easy to reach, with the double point drinks and sodas etc. included in that total. My only gripe which I discussed at some length with the management was my card cut off at 15. I know I sound like a raving alcoholic, far from it, but being cut off with a limoncello after dinner cordial was a bit much. There was no way to pay for any more drinks PERIOD after the 15 was reached, no "evaluation" by staff, nothing. I had "Shawn" write up my concerns with a statement from him concerning my intoxication/lack of intoxication along with a review of my drink charges for the day. Bottom line was there was no recourse and the rules were the rules. Makes for a long Casino/Show evening, and I couldn't even purchase a soda because of my shut down till 10am card status.

 

If this truly happened, and you have documentation to back it up (PARTICULARLY that sodas counted towards your 15 limit) then you should write letters to everyone up the chain of command with Carnival, and you should dispute the sail and sign charges on your credit card. I would be FURIOUS if I spent that amount of money and was treated in the manner which you say you were treated. I understand this was the first week of the program on your ship, but this goes beyond a "hiccup" and treads into WAY unacceptable treatment.