In yourr opinion,with some the problems with alcohol ,should drink package be stoped?

[DirtyDawg]

What possible reason would more than two drinks per hour be necessary?

 

Perhaps some people need two drinks per hour in order to write stuff like this.

 

“The world breaks every one and afterward many are strong at the broken places. But those that will not break it kills. It kills the very good and the very gentle and the very brave impartially.”

Hemingway

Or

 

“Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.

 

“Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first.”

Twain

 

Or

 

“…. we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender..."

Churchill

Or

 

“I may be drunk, Miss, but in the morning I will be sober and you will still be ugly.”

Winston again

 

:D

Edited May 24, 2017 by DirtyDawg

[GUT2407]

Don't think I've seen more than two or three people, really drunk on any cruise I've been on.

 

So not sure what the supposed issue is.

[GUT2407]

I've also never seen a belligerent or falling down drunk onboard and don't think it's up to the cruise lines to police responsible alcohol consumption by adults. I've received the packages as a perk and I've paid for them, and I've always used them responsibly and so have my fellow passengers, even on cruises where many/most have the package.

 

Your proposal is a solution looking for a problem.

 

 

I'm sorry but it is the line's job to police responsible drinking, if someone is drunk they shouldn't be served anymore, regardless of package or not.

 

But I just don't see it, maybe I cruise the wrong lines but seldom see drunks.

[GottaKnowWhen]

Not trying to start a feud here with this thread. Just some thoughtful discussion about the abuse of alcohol by some on a cruise. I don't drink, I quit five years ago, and I will admit, even though my wife and I have done only fifteen-sixteen cruises (while I can only speak for myself) I have never seen a passenger, as some here refer too as, 'sloppy-falling down' drunk. Maybe, the lines should start a pay-as-you-go (drink) situation. MAYBE (and I'm saying maybe here) this would weed out the folks who think they have to drink X amount of drinks to get their money's worth? I have been and will always be a believer that we all should be held accountable for their actions. However, on a ship where you have 3,500 adults and if only one third buy a drink package, that's a potential for a lot of alcohol problems. I know most won't abuse the availability and I am NOT saying all those who buy the package will, I'm just wondering what your thoughts are about the cruise lines doing something to stop this? OR, is it like bad manners and conduct, is there no cure. :)

 

 

 

Mac

 

 

I had alcoholic relatives. It is an addiction and it is not a trivial issue of inappropriate social behavior. I would hope that every addict of anysort will find the strength and external support to get out. But, that does not mean that I am in support of prohibition, overpriced drinks with no package etc.Sorry, not my problem.

 

 

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[ExpatBride]

I'm sorry but it is the line's job to police responsible drinking, if someone is drunk they shouldn't be served anymore, regardless of package or not.

 

Where did I say that drunk people should be served? :rolleyes:

 

What I said was that it's not the cruise line's responsibility to police responsible alcohol consumption by adults. Meaning that if said adults are drinking responsibly then it's not the cruise lines' job to say what and how much they can drink.

[Aulanis]

How about this for a cunning plan?

Totally free beverage package ( Thomson a UK line already have

some "AI" Cruise ships so it can be done) But perhaps limit it to

say 6 drinks per day and any drinks after that are payg.

That would be a decent perk for most people and would stop

the few trying to make sure they get their monies worth (and more) from a package. If I drink enough the cruise will be free!LOL!

 

One thing I really dont follow is when you have a drinks package

that enables you to get totally smashed you still have to BUY a bottle of water!!!

[bUU]

Perhaps some people need two drinks per hour in order to write stuff like this.

I asked why people needed more than two drinks per hour.

 

It is the cruise lines responsibility to ensure people aren't getting dangerously drunk, that's another poster posted above. How can they legitimately do that when there's three hours left in the day and somebody has their full allocation of 15 drinks left in their package? "Sorry, but your 15 drinks are now just six." I'm sure that would go over quite poorly and so basically they've crafted a situation within which they have pushed themselves into a corner where they can't exercise the discretion that they're supposed to exercise as the server of the drinks.

 

It is a bad system from a responsibility standpoint.

Edited May 24, 2017 by bUU

[herbanrenewal]

Like some others who have posted I don't get a drinks package, mainly because I rarely drink more than 2 glasses of wine. Its not my choice of perks and my cabin class rarely has more than 2 perks offered.

 

I certainly don't object to others socializing with drinks. In fact I have often thought a cruise is a perfect opportunity to enjoy this - no need for a designated driver as no one has to get on the road afterwards.

[DirtyDawg]

I asked why people needed more than two drinks per hour.

 

Perhaps some people need two drinks per hour in order to write stuff like this.

 

I stand corrected;

Perhaps some people need more than two drinks per hour in order to write stuff like this.........

Ernest, Mark and Winston did! And produced some great stuff! Just imagine the crap they might have written if they were sober?;p

[notentirelynormal]

Not trying to start a feud here with this thread. Just some thoughtful discussion about the abuse of alcohol by some on a cruise. I don't drink, you remind me of my inlaws. Drank into oblivion every night. Beat the kids. So much so that my DH doesn't still won't talk aboaut it to this day and he's 72YO. Nasty nasty people. BUT then they stopped drinking and found God. Now I have to give up alcohol because it is a sin. I was 21, having a single drink of wine at dinner in my own house and they were so pissed off they decided that they weren't going to spend the night with us if I didn't stop drinking. I told them it was my house and I wasn't getting s*t faced drunk so what's it to you if someone has a drink? They aren't drinking and driving. They aren't bothering your dinner or enjoyment of a show I quit five years ago so everyone else should quit, and I will admit, even though my wife and I have done only fifteen-sixteen cruises (while I can only speak for myself) I have never seen a passenger, as some here refer too as, 'sloppy-falling down' drunk. Maybe, the lines should start a pay-as-you-go (drink) situation. Isn't that what it is if you don't buy the drink package? MAYBE (and I'm saying maybe here) this would weed out the folks who think they have to drink X amount of drinks to get their money's worth? Again, if they aren't bothering you or anyone else why do you care? I have been and will always be a believer that we all should be held accountable for their actions. Is that why you quit drinking. Because you were a fall down drunk and think everyone is? However, on a ship where you have 3,500 adults and if only one third buy a drink package, that's a potential not an actual reality for a lot of alcohol problems. I know most won't abuse the availability and I am NOT saying all those who buy the package will, I'm just wondering what your thoughts are about the cruise lines doing something to stop this? So, it isn't a problem but you think the cruise lines should do something to stop a problem that doesn't exist OR, is it like bad manners and conduct, is there no cure. :)

 

Mac

 

Look, everyone handles alcohol differently. BUT the drink package covers more then alcohol. I can only speak for Princess. Their package includes specialty coffees and water. So each day I can get a couple of specialty coffees with or without alcohol. I always take a couple of bottles of water.

 

 

You commented you have never seen anyone be sloppy falling down drunk so how can you say there is a problem. Cos you can't/don't drink no one else can. I once was walking down the hallway when the boat tipped so I fell into the wall. I have stability issues. The lady (and I use the word loosely) made a snotty comment to her husband about people that over drink. I wasn't drunk, as a matter of fact I was on my first drink. It must be lonely up there on that pedestal judging people without facts.

 

To the poster that keeps talking about the 2 drinks per hour thing. That is not the policy on Princess. You can have five drinks in an hour if you want. I like a glass of brandy before I go to bed at night. About 6 ounces. I just wait the 5 minutes and have them add to the glass. Well, technically they have to give me a new glass because they can't add to a used glass. Am I bothering you? Nope.

 

Everyone handles alcohol differently when they consume it. As pointed out some are falling down drunk, some become obnoxious and some are happy drunks. I can tell you that even if I've had 10 or more drinks you wouldn't know I was drunk.

 

So again, you've stated you don't see it as a problem per se BUT you think they should get rid of the alcohol program, just in case. Do you also want to shut down the casino or haven't you given up that yet? Bingo, holy crap Bingo! Gamblers in the making. Some people bring their children into that dungeon of corruption. Let's stop doing it before someone jumps off the ship because they lost the big one.

 

 

Is there anything else you have stopped doing and now have decided everyone else should too.

 

Sorry for the sarcasm BUT it is really none of your business who drinks and who doesn't if they aren't bothering you. Nothing annoys me more then people that have stopped doing something (like drinking) and think that everyone else in the world should as well. My father in law never came to our house again because I told them that my DH and I were going to have ONE drink with dinner. Again, the same man who beat his children into oblivion when he was drinking.

[Gloworm2]

I'm beginning to wonder if a cruise line exec is posing as a traveler and posted this question. If so, no do not get rid of the drinks package. Enforce the rules and let people enjoy their vacation. Peace!

 

 

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[wishIweretravelling]

I've been on some of the all-inclusive lines, and even though the alcohol is included in the price, people just don't get that drunk. Yes, many people have had enough that they shouldn't drive, but then other than the captain and bridge crew, they aren't driving. And I actually think that has more to do with over-imbibing than whether the drinks are paid as you go or already paid--wherever you are, you're a short walk "home." No DUIs in the making.

[sail7seas]

What ever happened to personal responsibility?

 

I think you have proposed a horrible idea.. JMO.

[leaveitallbehind]

Why buy a package of you can pay as you go "JUST as easily"? Something tells me there is a difference that you're choosing not to include in your comments.

 

What possible reason would more than two drinks per hour be necessary?

 

I am simply - and only - saying that it is just as easy to get a drink without a package as it is with one. The only difference is you have to pay for them individually without a package. It is no harder to purchase a drink than it is to get one with a package. Not sure what you are questioning or hidden agenda you are suggesting.

 

I also don't know what you mean by your question regarding purchasing more than two drinks per hour. I never said anything about that. My understanding is drink packages are unlimited in how many - or how few - drinks you can have, only requiring one drink to be obtained at a time.

 

I guess people who buy packages do so as they see value in it based on the number of drinks they plan to consume v paying for each drink individually. I say I guess as I have never purchased a package as I don't drink enough during a cruise to justify it.

[bUU]

Not sure what you are questioning or hidden agenda you are suggesting.

Because the package only is worthwhile if you drink "enough" they are tacitly encouraging over-indulgence. That's surely a decision consumers can make for themselves. There are important reasons to criticize service providers for doing so, regardless of how many people cannot accept that there is criticism voiced with which they don't agree.

 

 

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[Lou_70]

I have been on MANY cruises.. I have seen MANY really drunk people late at night at the bars... without the package or with the package.. it makes no difference they still order drinks and pay with their card like it is nothing.

 

The cruise line is built to deal with situations so people can enjoy their time on the ship.. There are security guards who are trained and get involved if needed... I have seen them get involved at the disco late at night.. they are professional and don't cause a scene.

 

I buy the package for two reasons.. I do tend to drink more than others while on vacation.. and I cringe when I see a $12 drink.. even though the package may be a little more in the long run

 

Seriously hundreds of cruises a year and thousands of people on each year.. somehow the cruise ship manages and there are FEW reports if any of alcohol related instances... FAR less than in local bars in your home city.

 

I have an idea... I recently lost a LOT of weight.. while it is no problem of mine anymore.. why does cruise ships offer unlimited food? I mean Diabetes and CHF are big problems and the cruise ship is a breeding ground of people who are obviously eating too much... The cruise ship should cut people off who obviously had too much to eat...

 

While I respect the OP has a right to post anything.. ... enough said

[cruzincurt]

At least they're not getting in a car and driving home. We quit going out on New Year's many many years ago after encountering a weaving driver. We sometimes have the advantage of the drinks package and never drink enough to beat it.

 

The one that gets me is the bucket of beer special. But as others have said, we've not seen a drunk in the public spaces, only one fist fight that may or not been acohol related.

 

Seems to me if someone typically gets drunk, they will do so regardless of a drink package.

 

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[leaveitallbehind]

Because the package only is worthwhile if you drink "enough" they are tacitly encouraging over-indulgence. That's surely a decision consumers can make for themselves. There are important reasons to criticize service providers for doing so, regardless of how many people cannot accept that there is criticism voiced with which they don't agree.

 

 

This message may have been entered using voice recognition. Please excuse any typos.

 

Again its a matter of personal responsibility. Keep in mind the packages also include soda, water, coffee, and other non-alcoholic beverages - not just alcohol - all of which are for a charge drinks. So not everyone with a beverage package is over indulging with alcoholic drinks. Clearly the packages are profitable for the cruise lines and that IMO is the primary motive behind their sale - not just to encourage over indulgence.

[bUU]

Again its a matter of personal responsibility.

No. Ordering drinks is a matter of personal responsibility. Offering packages that encourage excessive drinking is a matter of responsibility to society. But heaven forbid we actually have a society that places expectations on anyone to act in the public interest!

 

While y'all can continue to rationalize this, I'm too​ disgusted by the callousness to how this matter affects real people in society so I'm unsubscribing.

 

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[sparks1093]

No. Ordering drinks is a matter of personal responsibility. Offering packages that encourage excessive drinking is a matter of responsibility to society. But heaven forbid we actually have a society that places expectations on anyone to act in the public interest!

 

While y'all can continue to rationalize this, I'm too​ disgusted by the callousness to how this matter affects real people in society so I'm unsubscribing.

 

This message may have been entered using voice recognition. Please excuse any typos.

 

One could argue that the entire cruise culture is geared toward over indulging. That a drink package may or may not encourage excessive drinking is really in the mind of the individual- if one thinks that one must "get their money's worth" and darn the consequences it could very well be seen as encouraging excessive drinking, but I would say based on what I've read on cruise critic that most people that over indulge in the drink package would more likely than not be over indulging even if they were purchasing each drink because that's just the way that they drink when on a cruise. Most drink packages have a break even, "get my money's worth point" of around 6 drinks a day, not excessive in my mind for being on vacation.

[ExpatBride]

Most drink packages have a break even, "get my money's worth point" of around 6 drinks a day, not excessive in my mind for being on vacation.

 

Exactly! Maybe wine with lunch, a gin & tonic in the afternoon, a before dinner cocktail, wine with dinner, a night cap, and you're even. Keeping in mind that onboard wine servings lean toward the petite side, that's hardly excessive when you're on holiday.

[DirtyDawg]

Most drink packages have a break even, "get my money's worth point" of around 6 drinks a day, not excessive in my mind for being on vacation.

 

Exactly! Maybe wine with lunch, a gin & tonic in the afternoon, a before dinner cocktail, wine with dinner, a night cap, and you're even. Keeping in mind that onboard wine servings lean toward the petite side, that's hardly excessive when you're on holiday.

 

Also, counting towards the break-even point with some packages are bottled water (great for early morning walks, the gym, and excursions), premium juices, specialty coffees (these are so much better than the ship’s regular stuff) and other non-alcoholic drinks. When I had my one drinks package, each day I was up to $10 - $20 of the non-alcoholic drinks even before I started to order the ones with booze in them.

[GottaKnowWhen]

...Most drink packages have a break even, "get my money's worth point" of around 6 drinks a day, not excessive in my mind for being on vacation.

Agree. Besides, there are those of us who do not feel compelled to strive to get my money's worth. I purchase the drink package for convenience, not to minimize my beverage bill. I don't want to spend my time aboard digging into the details of the price of x vs. y beer or wine, fussing with charge slips or monitoring my shipboard account. If I want a fancy smanchy coffee, I hand over my card and get the coffee. If I want a Bloody Maria, I hand over the card and get the drink. At dinner the sommalier quickly learns my wine preference and has the bottle open. No need for him or her to exactly gauge the pour when doing a refill as I am not paying by the glass. All in all, having a package minimizes fuss.

 

The start of this thread had to do with over drinking. As I said before, I have known and lived with persons who did that. Very sad, and sometimes quite disruptive to others. If I were going to visit someone in a rehab facility or if I were to spend time in a no-alcohol religious retreat I would go with the flow and refrain from drinking. I don't think a cruise ship fits either category, I don't think the management is responsible to hold my hand or monitor my drinking habit or anybody else's. Drunken disruptive behavior is management's concern but that is something else.

[Anthomaniac]

No. Ordering drinks is a matter of personal responsibility. Offering packages that encourage excessive drinking is a matter of responsibility to society. But heaven forbid we actually have a society that places expectations on anyone to act in the public interest!

 

While y'all can continue to rationalize this, I'm too​ disgusted by the callousness to how this matter affects real people in society so I'm unsubscribing.

 

This message may have been entered using voice recognition. Please excuse any typos.

By this logic, stores shouldnt sell bottles of liquor either. Only single serving size.

 

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[Aquahound]

First of all the packages are optional. Second no one is forcing anyone to buy one. And lastly, with or without a package, if someone has a problem or simply desires to drink as much as they want, they will do so "pay as you go" just as easily. Its a matter of personal responsibility - and all the cruise line is doing is offering an option.

 

Exactly. I think people blame the drinks packages now because its the easy thing to do. It's kind of a narrow minded view. Truth is, I see no difference in the number of drunks I see now than before the cruise lines started these packages. Otherwise discriminate drinkers don't buy the packages and suddenly become sloppy drunks. You're exacly right...heavy drinkers are heavy drinkers. It's not the packages that are causing it.

 

I dislike the packages for a toally different reason. Roaming bar service, especially around the pools, has severaly declined since these packages were created.