Suck it up or not

[Simbar]

So my husband drinks a lot of soda. Okay, not a lot, I've never counted but Coke, Powerade, and water are his drinks. Our daughter drinks soda sparingly, and I rarely drink it (except with pizza).

 

So my plan has been all along for us to carry on our allowed one 12 pack of cans per person (and yes, I know the hubs will not drink 36 cans in a 7 day timeframe, but......)

 

 

However, not yet knowing what our carry ons and luggage situation looks like (cruise is in July), and being that cans are heavy, should I just suck up the cost, save the headache of yet more carry ons, and just pay for a soda package (~$100) for the hubs and daughter? For me, if I wanted a soda (rare), I'll pay the $3/$4 on board for it.

Edited April 11, 2018 by Simbar
added info

[stevefrisco]

you can buy in port and bring it back on too, we brought 12 packs back on every island once. You could just bring one 12 pack then grab another one if going someplce with a drugbstore

[luckybecky]

Personally, for me, if you are looking at the difference between $100 or so for the bubbles package, versus $10 or so to buy three 12 packs -- it would be worth it to me to carry on. That's a significant savings for not too much hassle, especially if you are driving to the port. If you are flying and it is a big hassle to get to a store to buy the sodas, it's a different story.

 

Also, if his preferred brand is not available on board, that is another consideration. I think it is Coke products on board (someone will correct me if I'm wrong). If he likes Dr Pepper or Pepsi products or something else, it may be worth the trouble to carry on your sodas.

[cados66]

Another option is purchase soda from carnival fun shop 36cans would cost you $60 cheaper than bottomless bubbles

[Simbar]

you can buy in port and bring it back on too, we brought 12 packs back on every island once. You could just bring one 12 pack then grab another one if going someplce with a drugbstore

 

Genius!

[CruiseGal999]

Another option is purchase soda from carnival fun shop 36cans would cost you $60 cheaper than bottomless bubbles

 

Some punctuation might be helpful. Is it '36 cans will cost you $60. Which is cheaper than ...' or is it '36 can will cost you $60 cheaper than bubbles ...' meaning it will cost $40 and NOT $100 ...so it is $60 cheaper. ???

[nicole9s]

You could carry on 1 or 2 12 packs and replenish in port if necessary.

 

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[caryatid]

I don't think carrying it on is too hard, I'd just bring a small rolling suitcase as my carry-on, and then bungee cord the soda pack to the top of the suitcase. It would be easy to carry on that way, and save you money. We always bring soda on, its nice to have one in the cabin, and we bring one to dinner every night.

[Lottacruises]

It's really a personal decision. Is the cost of the package worth not having to carry it on?

[meatloafsfan]

I would split the difference and buy from the fun shops and have the soda waiting in your cabin.

 

For us, the benefits are that we don't have to carry it onboard (but then again, my mother is in a wheelchair and my dad has bad knees so we keep our carry on stuff to a minimum - which still ends up being too much because we need to carry on the meds and my dad's cpap machine - I can't imagine also trying to roll another suitcase with soda). And, instead of the glass of soda with the soda package, we still have cans. Which we keep cold in the fridge in the cabin. Ice is readily available from the buffet, bars, room service or our cabin steward. We find having the soda and water waiting for us in the cabin much more convenient than the other options.

 

Of course, all convenience comes with a price so we do pay more for the soda to be waiting for us than we would in a store (but less than buying per can at a bar).

[Sizzlechest]

I'm a little surprised to find out Carnival requires soda boxes to be carry on and not checked with luggage. Past cruises with NCL (back when they used to ALLOW soda and water to be brought on board) was delivered with the rest of the bags.

[Homosassa]

I'm a little surprised to find out Carnival requires soda boxes to be carry on and not checked with luggage. Past cruises with NCL (back when they used to ALLOW soda and water to be brought on board) was delivered with the rest of the bags.

 

I guess you haven't cruise in a long time on any cruise line.

 

It is now seems to be a universal requirement (OK, let the "But I did it" posts begin) that any beverages allowed on board by each line needs to be carried on.

[Out of Iowa]

It wasn't all that long ago (~5 years) that Carnival allowed cases of pop to go as luggage checked by the porters. We would line a duffel bag with our own beach towels (our preference), put the case of Coke in the middle) and check it. Arrived safe and sound to our door. No effort and little cost ($1/bag to the porters).

[ParrotRob]

Don't forget one other convenience factor - if you carry on OR buy from the fun shops, you have to leave the pool/restaurant/casino/show to go back to your cabin to get that next Coke. If you have Bubbles, it's as close as the nearest bar or waiter.

[pacruise804]

So my husband drinks a lot of soda. Okay, not a lot, I've never counted but Coke, Powerade, and water are his drinks. Our daughter drinks soda sparingly, and I rarely drink it (except with pizza).

 

So my plan has been all along for us to carry on our allowed one 12 pack of cans per person (and yes, I know the hubs will not drink 36 cans in a 7 day timeframe, but......)

 

However, not yet knowing what our carry ons and luggage situation looks like (cruise is in July), and being that cans are heavy, should I just suck up the cost, save the headache of yet more carry ons, and just pay for a soda package (~$100) for the hubs and daughter? For me, if I wanted a soda (rare), I'll pay the $3/$4 on board for it.

 

I'm pretty sure that even with the bubbles you would need to pay extra for Powerade. If they offer it in powder packs you could take those on and make your own.

 

I also think cans are closer to $2, but after a tip is added you are probably closer.

 

I would split the difference and buy from the fun shops and have the soda waiting in your cabin.

 

For us, the benefits are that we don't have to carry it onboard (but then again, my mother is in a wheelchair and my dad has bad knees so we keep our carry on stuff to a minimum - which still ends up being too much because we need to carry on the meds and my dad's cpap machine - I can't imagine also trying to roll another suitcase with soda). And, instead of the glass of soda with the soda package, we still have cans. Which we keep cold in the fridge in the cabin. Ice is readily available from the buffet, bars, room service or our cabin steward. We find having the soda and water waiting for us in the cabin much more convenient than the other options.

 

Of course, all convenience comes with a price so we do pay more for the soda to be waiting for us than we would in a store (but less than buying per can at a bar).

 

This seems like an ideal way to go if you like the offered choices. I've read that cans from bars are warm, and with the bubbles package you will only get a partial can so your glass might be flat if you were finishing a previously opened partial.

[Elaine5715]

I'm a little surprised to find out Carnival requires soda boxes to be carry on and not checked with luggage. Past cruises with NCL (back when they used to ALLOW soda and water to be brought on board) was delivered with the rest of the bags.

 

It wasn't all that long ago (~5 years) that Carnival allowed cases of pop to go as luggage checked by the porters. We would line a duffel bag with our own beach towels (our preference), put the case of Coke in the middle) and check it. Arrived safe and sound to our door. No effort and little cost ($1/bag to the porters).

Except many of those arrived full of beer, not soda. So, cartons are now opened.

[bobandsherry]

Another option is purchase soda from carnival fun shop 36cans would cost you $60 cheaper than bottomless bubbles

It's actually $10 per 6 pack plus $1.50 delivery fee and 70 cents tax. That's total of $12.20 per 6 pack, or would be $73.20. Still less than the Bubbles package, but not by much and you lose the convenience of ordering at any bar or restaurant. I can't imagine running back to room to get a can of soda or schlepping it to restaurant each evening.

 

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[teknoge3k]

Carrying it on is MUCH cheaper. Plus if you carry it on you have whatever soda you like to drink, and you can keep it in your fridge if your room has one or in a cooler with ice.

 

If you buy it from Carnival you're going to get their Coke products so if your daughter likes other drinks, she's stuck with the Coke. Plus with Carnival you are going to get a warm can poured over ice. I know personally I don't want ice in my soda, I'd rather have a cold can. The ice will water your drink down fast.

 

I'd take your allotment of 48 sodas (or however many you feel like taking on) and buy more in ports. You'll save a lot of money doing this.

[siestakeys04]

Someone already mentioned just bring 1 case and purchase if necessary. If you have a beach bag if you sit out on the decks just carry one with you and get a cup of ice. Happy Sailing!!

[ariesknowbest]

If you can't afford to vacation....don't vacation....

 

Meaning if the 100 is going to break you, perhaps you should stay home.

[Sizzlechest]

I guess you haven't cruise in a long time on any cruise line.

 

It is now seems to be a universal requirement (OK, let the "But I did it" posts begin) that any beverages allowed on board by each line needs to be carried on.

 

Last time NCL allowed soda and water to be brought on board was two years ago. Not that long.

[Sizzlechest]

Don't forget one other convenience factor - if you carry on OR buy from the fun shops, you have to leave the pool/restaurant/casino/show to go back to your cabin to get that next Coke. If you have Bubbles, it's as close as the nearest bar or waiter.

 

Don't forget to count the time waiting to get the attention of a waiter or wait on line for a drink at a bar.

[Sizzlechest]

If you can't afford to vacation....don't vacation....

 

Meaning if the 100 is going to break you, perhaps you should stay home.

 

Yeah, what's the matter with you jerks not throwing your money away recklessly? It's vacation, for crying out loud. Take a wad of cash and throw it overboard! Light cigars with rolled up $100 bills! Dare to be stupid!

[bobandsherry]

Yeah, what's the matter with you jerks not throwing your money away recklessly? It's vacation, for crying out loud. Take a wad of cash and throw it overboard! Light cigars with rolled up $100 bills! Dare to be stupid!

With that attitude, you might as well just stay home, that's gotta be cheaper than any cruise. I'm all for being frugal, but I'll look for deal on my cruise price and "splurge" on a few Cokes being served to me. I'm on vacation after all, I want a little pampering. [emoji39]

 

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[nicole9s]

IDK, something about being served from a can that's been open and sitting out on the bar skeeves me out. If I knew it was from a fountain/gun, or that they'd give a fresh can every time, I'd think differently.

 

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