Your personal thoughts on the cheers package?

[beargrass1]

DW does not drink so it would not be cost effect for us. Now if Carnival were to change so I would be the only one that had to purchase it, now that would be a different story.

[Drazil65]

Carnival needs to do away with the requirement that everyone in the cabin purchase the package. I think it is messed up that they force pregnant women to buy the package yet won't let them drink if they find out about the pregnancy. Literally the most messed up thing ever.

 

No one FORCES a pregnant woman to DRINK alcohol at any time...the better way to do it in this case is NO ONE buy it in the cabin and then you just put the money to the side you would have used for cheers and pay your bar bill at the end. Sounds like you are a drinker and someone stopped you from purchasing the program in the cabin. I am sure you lived and enjoyed your cruise anyway...;p

[Alaskan Joe]

Let me start my post saying "I did not read all the post on this thread", so with that said if I repeat other post sorry:(. Not sure if you know, but if one person in the cabin gets Cheers everyone in the cabin over 21 yrs has to get cheers:mad: (I do not like this), but it is what it is. This question is all up to the person(s) getting Cheers such as; how much do you drink, what do you drink, how long is the cruise, and there are other question i'm sure. 1.) How much do you drink? If you are a light drinker you should really think about it. However, if you can drink your fare share then Cheers could be for you. 2.) What do you drink? If drinking just beer is your thing then it will take about 9-11 beers to break even p/day. However, if you drink the fruity cocktails and or mix drinks that number (9-11) will drop because the prices are higher for those kind of drinks, about $2 avg higher then the beer. In addition this would NOT be counting all the in between drinks such as; bottled water, specialty coffees, milk shakes (yummy) and more. Drinking those would lower the number of alcoholic drinks you would need to drink. 3.) How long is the cruise? if your cruise is only 3-5 days long and you can drink I would go for Cheers. However, if your cruise is like 10-14 days long (like our next cruise 14 days Alaska Aug '18) then you may have to really think about it, because you would have to avg 9-11 (beers) for 14 days straight:eek:. IMHO I like Cheers because there are no surprises at the end of the cruise, its $54.95 p/day bottom line, plus all the extras (as mentioned above). If no Cheers you have to keep track of your drinks to make sure you are not being over charged. My DW and I have declined Cheers for our 14 day Alaskan cruise because we do not think we will be able to keep up with the amount of drinks p/day, we would have to go to AA meetings for a few weeks after the cruise:o. So as you can see there are a lot of variables to the equation when deciding to get Cheers or not. I did see drink prices above in another post. So see what you drink and check out the prices and add it up p/day and decide if you can sustain that for everyday of your cruise. My DW always on a 7 day cruise get her monies worth (she drinks fruity, mixed, and martini drinks), me on the other hand (I drink just beer) so I usually break even or I am just under. I believe the last cruise over 7 days I was about $50-75 short, were my wife was over about $100 so total we were ahead about $25. I sure hope this help you or anybody else that reads this, but in the end its up to the person(s) and their drinking habits.

 

*Special Note* I know gratuity is added already, but on the first night you find your drinking spot (should be same bartenders all week) tip them extra I promise, you will never be without a drink the rest of the cruise, and if mixed drinks they will be good;).

[Cruisin S]

I did the package the last cruise and loved it BIG into the specialty coffees and and tripple espresos etc alog with the funnnnnn experimenting on drinks with no worry on How much its adding up to!!! but my question is there any ships that stilllllll have a smoking area under roof protection on Lido or pool deck My Favorite serenity On the ships... Dont do alot of sun and just contented to have a table and enjoy my drinks With a smoke????? any recent cruisers know of it these days????:rolleyes:

[Joebucks]

As someone who is a moderate drinker, I do not care for the Cheers program. The first problem is that both parties need to have it. As seen in this thread, there is often one person in the party who it just isn't worth. My girlfriend has 2-3 drinks the whole cruise, so in trying to figure out how to "break even," it's way more. Regardless if I even can break even, do I really see hundreds of dollars in alcohol as worth it? With how much amazing food is on board, I do not want to drink a lot with a full stomach. Finally, port days further devalue the bundle.

 

I bring my own bottle of wine, utilize the $50 on board credits often given, and end up buying a few.

 

Now on the other hand, if only one person on the boat had to buy it, I would do it, solely for the top-shelf liquor.

[my kids mama]

Do you folks that don't hit your limit usually give drinks to fellow cruisers without Cheers?

I did that once with a another couple that we met on the cruise. It was just one glass of wine though.

[smileyjannie]

This may have been asked before and if so, I apologize. If I buy a bottle of crown royal from the fun shops to have delivered to our room prior to our trip, are we able to drink that bottle or is that something they keep till the end of the cruise? Hope this makes sense. Thanks.

[Keys2Heaven]

My personal opinion is that it's a waste of money. I'm a non drinker so it would definitely not be worth the cost to me. I don't even think bottomless bubbles is worth it. I understand that others like the all inclusive feel which is fine, but not for me. It's part of the reason why cruising is great. I don't have to pay extra for "all inclusive" for something I don't want.

 

I might change my mind about bottomless bottles if they had coke freestyle machines.

 

I'm not willing to spend $800 - $1000 extra just to have that "all inclusive" feel to the cruise. Our bar bill is much much less than this, and I still don't worry about what I'm drinking or how much.

[ricew001]

Cruising with 4 people and we aren't huge drinkers. We might each have 2-3 drinks per night. However, we read an article that said you really need 5 drinks to break even and of course it includes more than just alcohol. We'll probably buy 3-4 bottles of water pe rday and I personally love specialty coffee so it seems it might be worth it. What to do you think?

 

What are you person thoughts on the cheers package?

 

#1 - DO NOT think about it in terms of how many ALCOHOLIC drinks you need to have to break even. Do consider water, specialty coffee, milkshakes, etc. as part of your package.

#2 - Do not consider "breaking even" as the only perk. I enjoyed a) trying new drinks and not feeling like it was a waste if I didn't like them b) ordering a new drink if my frozen drink had melted down (didn't feel obligated to finish a watery drink) c) not being surprised at the end of the cruise by my bill d) paying for it in advance by ordering Cheers online and by the way ordering ahead of time cut our daily costs down per day because they offer a discount if purchased before boarding, plus we used the pre-purchased discounted gift card so our total cost was less than what is advertised. e) no need to check my sail and sign card daily and feel obligated to keep my costs down

[SarahEC]

I have a question about the drink package. What about one adult traveling with a child? We sailed on RC last year and there was a less expensive option for my daughter, which we used, but often times the bar tenders just used my card for both of our drinks anyways. Does Carnival have different packages for adults and children? Or can I order her drinks on my package?

[buddy1969]

Considering Cheers for our next 7day cruise. I know I still have to sign for each drink, is that shown on my sign and sail total? I know the individual drink charges wouldn't be, but does it track the number we have? Just wondering if we can tally it up afterward with a rough estimate to see if it was worth it.

[meatloafsfan]

Cruising with 4 people and we aren't huge drinkers. We might each have 2-3 drinks per night. However, we read an article that said you really need 5 drinks to break even and of course it includes more than just alcohol. We'll probably buy 3-4 bottles of water pe rday and I personally love specialty coffee so it seems it might be worth it. What to do you think?

 

What are you person thoughts on the cheers package?

 

I think if I was at your level of drinking, I wouldn't get it. 3 (moderately priced) alcoholic drinks a day [$30], plus 2 specialty coffees [$10], and 4 bottles of water [$6] is only $46 - if you both consistently did this, you'd be losing money on the deal. I think the break even point of 4-5 alcoholic beverages a day - consistently - makes sense.

 

My personal opinion is that it's a waste of money. I'm a non drinker so it would definitely not be worth the cost to me. I don't even think bottomless bubbles is worth it. I understand that others like the all inclusive feel which is fine, but not for me. It's part of the reason why cruising is great. I don't have to pay extra for "all inclusive" for something I don't want.

 

I might change my mind about bottomless bottles if they had coke freestyle machines.

 

 

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Yes! Either freestyle coke machines or at least hand me an unopened can!

 

I love Carnival but it is the only line I won't get a beverage package on - please don't hand me a glass of warm, flat, soda rapidly poured over ice.

[h_blond2]

I have a question about the drink package. What about one adult traveling with a child? We sailed on RC last year and there was a less expensive option for my daughter, which we used, but often times the bar tenders just used my card for both of our drinks anyways. Does Carnival have different packages for adults and children? Or can I order her drinks on my package?

 

You can order Bottomless Bubble for your daughter. Not sure on the price, but it is cheaper than Cheers.

[memoak]

Yes! Either freestyle coke machines or at least hand me an unopened can!

 

I love Carnival but it is the only line I won't get a beverage package on - please don't hand me a glass of warm, flat, soda rapidly poured over ice.

 

Princess now will only give you fountain drinks (no more cans) with their package and only small bottles of water plus they now have a 15 drink max per day

[sheben613]

We just returned from a 5 day cruise on the Ecstasy. We decided since it was only 5 days, we would purchase Cheers to see how we liked it. It was great to not have a surprise at the end, although our total wasn't $0, due to all the tips we added to our drinks. Also, there were times I was too full from food to drink, or too full from drinks to eat. Of course, then, the second to last day, my husband made good use of the plan and had to use the last day to recover (drank nothing but water!) We did each have a coffee each day and a few bottled waters, but I'm pretty sure we only broke even on a couple days. Next time, we will just budget enough (that we shouldn't have to think about it ) and just enjoy the cruise!

[SMSACE6]

Did it once, and was worth it then. Didn't give a hoot about my health then, that only two years ago.

 

Since then, I had health scare, and am now very conscious of my "intake", ie; sugar, fat and calories in general. Lost weight, blood pressure back to close to normal, blood sugar back to close to borderline, and alcohol is now very restricted for me....I choose to take my calories from actual food, and not empty sugar laden ones like alcohol and fat laden foods.

 

If you are young, and healthy go for it, enjoy it while you can, but don't over do things either, because excess can catch up to you later in life.

 

Only for me,,,I will never purchase Cheers again because, I will at best only take a drink or two a day from now on, but am enjoying a much healthier body, and much increased energy now.

I am also a senior citizen now, but just saying....do it or don't, but if you do, don't go hog wild with it. JMHO

[2PinaColadas]

We like the Cheers program. Hubby and I both drink adult beverages, plus I like smoothies and need my caffeine in the mornings. My hubby likes good coffee and milkshakes. The bottled water is also a benefit as we workout most mornings and I believe in 8 waters a day. It is a good deal for us. However, if you are someone who consumes only a few alcoholic beverages and can enjoy your vacation on water (cheap 12 packs of water can be purchased and place in your cabin) and juice, no. Don't purchase it.

[Saint Greg]

Cruising with 4 people and we aren't huge drinkers. We might each have 2-3 drinks per night. However, we read an article that said you really need 5 drinks to break even and of course it includes more than just alcohol. We'll probably buy 3-4 bottles of water pe rday and I personally love specialty coffee so it seems it might be worth it. What to do you think?

 

What are you person thoughts on the cheers package?

 

I think the bottles of water are $1.25. Specialty coffee $3.50. If you had 4 bottles of water and a specialty coffee that would put you at $8.50. Add in 3 alchemy drinks at $11 each that would put you at $41.50...and the break even point is 49.99 so you’d have to do a little more than that.

[SCcruiser123]

We like cheers to be able to relax and not be concerned about the big bar bill at the end of the cruise. A couple of mimosas with breakfast, a special coffee, bottled water whenever we want it, fruity drinks during the day, martinis in the evening. We try new drinks and if we don't care for them, we put them aside and order something different. And now you can get milkshakes are cheers too!

[ArizonaCruzer]

Cruising with 4 people and we aren't huge drinkers. We might each have 2-3 drinks per night. However, we read an article that said you really need 5 drinks to break even and of course it includes more than just alcohol. We'll probably buy 3-4 bottles of water pe rday and I personally love specialty coffee so it seems it might be worth it. What to do you think?

 

What are you person thoughts on the cheers package?

If your cruise is a party type cruise and you are sure you will drink several every day maybe yes. If not no. You will not consistently drink enough every day. I counted our drinks on recent 2 week Europe cruise and together we drank the cost of one package. glad we didn't buy the drink package. You have to buy it for both.

 

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[stevefrisco]

Did they take your wife's package away for sharing? Just wondering, not judging. Once when traveling in a group we drank on someone's card after they passed out but luckly didn't get caught.

 

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No they took away her ability to buy alcohol and cigarettes when they found out she was pregnant. I know that most people think it is ALWAYS bad for pregnant women to drink but my wife regularly puts away a liter of alcohol per day when she is not pregnant and smokes 2-3 packs per day so her quitting during pregnancy would be worse for her and the baby than continuing according to her OB-GYN and her brother and dad who are both doctors (her brother is a DO though so take his opinion for what it is :halo:). Carnival shouldn't be making health care decisions for people. What's next, forced vaccinations for people? Forced boob jobs and liposuctions? Sex changes? It's a slippery slope.

[Drazil65]

I'm not willing to spend $800 - $1000 extra just to have that "all inclusive" feel to the cruise. Our bar bill is much much less than this, and I still don't worry about what I'm drinking or how much.

THIS....DH might break even each day on a 7 day (maybe depending on if port day or not) and I would never get close even with a "good" coffee thrown in every morning (I only drink coffee in the morning but do get a stronger, better tasting coffee at the coffee bar after we I drink the carafe of regular coffee in room service earlier)....I would then average 1 or 2 alcohol drinks each day (I do not drink milkshakes or energy drinks and have bottled water in cabin)....cannot justify $800 - $1,000 extra for a cruise just to drink....we do not worry about the bar bill on a cruise as we always have enough cash on the acct to cover whatever we want....but our bar bill does not even come close to the cheers program for 2 people....

[DLRM]

#1 - DO NOT think about it in terms of how many ALCOHOLIC drinks you need to have to break even. Do consider water, specialty coffee, milkshakes, etc. as part of your package.

#2 - Do not consider "breaking even" as the only perk. I enjoyed a) trying new drinks and not feeling like it was a waste if I didn't like them b) ordering a new drink if my frozen drink had melted down (didn't feel obligated to finish a watery drink) c) not being surprised at the end of the cruise by my bill d) paying for it in advance by ordering Cheers online and by the way ordering ahead of time cut our daily costs down per day because they offer a discount if purchased before boarding, plus we used the pre-purchased discounted gift card so our total cost was less than what is advertised. e) no need to check my sail and sign card daily and feel obligated to keep my costs down

 

^ This. X 1000.

 

We are both getting it. No idea how much alcohol we will drink. We don't really care. We know we'll be drinking anything and everything (non-alcohol and alcohol) that we want so it really doesn't matter. I especially agree with not having to deal with melted-down frozen drinks and trying things we have no idea if we like or not. Drinks will be cold and plentiful. We are on vacation. We plan to enjoy it.

[pacruise804]

We cannot justify spending extra just to "not worry," but understand that we won't relax as much if the drinks aren't prepaid. Our workaround is to get a gift card for $500 to apply to our account for our 7 day cruise. Then we can still get whatever we want since it is already "paid for" without feeling we have to drink just for the package. Anything left over can be used at the shops or get a refund.

[cruizergal70]

We just returned from a 5 day cruise on the Ecstasy. We decided since it was only 5 days, we would purchase Cheers to see how we liked it. It was great to not have a surprise at the end, although our total wasn't $0, due to all the tips we added to our drinks. Also, there were times I was too full from food to drink, or too full from drinks to eat. Of course, then, the second to last day, my husband made good use of the plan and had to use the last day to recover (drank nothing but water!) We did each have a coffee each day and a few bottled waters, but I'm pretty sure we only broke even on a couple days. Next time, we will just budget enough (that we shouldn't have to think about it ) and just enjoy the cruise!

People always mention not having a surprise at the end. There is no surprise if people just check their balances at the kiosks they pass at least twice a day. Most ships (if not all of them) are layed out to have people pass through the casino/atrium area a few times a day to get to dining, shopping, or a theater. Swipe your card, see your current balance, move on.