Alcohol Package, Tips & Tricks

[bnorris10]

I've never in my life been on vacation with a female that will drink that much.

I have seen some women knock it back my mom certainly could have made cheers worth her while and she likely would have hit 15 beers every single day - I also was on a cruise ship once and a lady was talking about her cheers and was like i am getting my 15 drinks she was plastered

 

Another way to look at it is the season pass I bought for a local amusement park the past 3 years. It was over $200. Sounds easy to get your money's worth. Just attend at least 4 times last year. I didn't. I never do. My highest year, I went 3 times. Even then, I had to push myself to go to justify all of the money I spent, to somehow make myself feel better? Every other year was 2 visits. Why was I trying to force myself to go just to break even? What is the point of justifying unnecessary costs? The world is moving heavily towards subscription-based "unlimited" access monthly and up-front fees. The truth is, the vast majority of people never get their monies worth for what they buy. I see that in my industry too. Most of the costs are incurred up-front, then they have little or no utilization of it afterwards. Companies do it to make money, not to offer "break evens".

Now I love the annual passes we get them for disney every other year and we certainly get our monies worth we go at least once a month sometimes more often depending on how we are feeling

[Cruiseandswing]

Since everyone else is commenting I will too because I’m bored. If wife doesn’t drink even 2 a day it’s not worth it. Can we all just agree even with the package (i will never NOT get it) the cruise line is still WINNING? They over charge anyway for what they pay for the bottles. As I said on ship mate, If you live in a place that A drink costs $15 and a craft brew $9 and you go out only 3 times a month even just getting 2 then you are used to paying that and it’s VERY much worth it. If you live in a place that a double is $8 and 2 beers for $5 then it may seem like a lot and not worth it. So it’s definitely over priced and just like gambling the house always wins but you will have fun trying to beat them. I get stuff I would NEVER try at home just so I know. I NEVER eat two entrees at home either but I do when cruising. I don’t eat dessert every night but I do cruising. So again if your wife doesn’t drink it’s definitely not worth it. If you were going with another couple I know people have put the drinkers “together” in one room and the non drinkers in the other. Just have to wait 13 years til your boy starts drinking! Lol.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone wishing there were more swingers.

[poz222]

Of course the cruise line always wins in the end... they are a business so that is their one goal. That being said, if spouse does not drink, Cheers will never be worthwhile. As far as alcohol consumption, at home I only drink occasionally, however, on a cruise it seems I can drink A LOT... I keep thinking maybe the sun, sea air, using the stairs and increased food consumption combined increases my tolerance. Without thinking about it, I find by the end of most days I am at 8 drinks without being wasted (coffee, rum/ginger beers by the pool, vitamin water, 2 glasses wine dinner, after dinner cognac/lemoncello then 2-3 Alchemy bar) ... Cheers gives me the freedom to order the top shelf stuff without worrying about price (which some say quality stuff decreases the hangovers which I rarely get)... but I have seen the “get my money’s worth “ mentality really ruin a few cruisers fun as they insisted on beating the system... so to each their own... for the OP, don’t bother with it as it is not the package for you... just order what you like whenever you like and you will be ahead...

[pacruise804]

Well... I'm booked on the 7day cruise and interested in getting the alcohol package but I heard everyone in the same room must purchase the package as well.

 

I'm with my wife who does not drink at all along with my 8 year old son. Will they force my wife to get the package?

 

Am I correct they charge for full 7 days even tho the last day we are back in port and won't be drinking at all.

 

I recommend loading $500 cash or gift card for those who don't want the cost of Cheers - only one in the cabin drinking - but want the freedom to order anything they want and no bill at the end. I did just realize this works well for us because we don't use the casino. If you anticipate a lot of gambling, bingo, etc. you may need to adjust your numbers.

 

The plus of cash or gift card is that it is refundable, so if you drink less than you think you can easily get the money back. Cruise Bar Cash can only be used for drinks and is non-refundable and general Cruise Cash is also non-refundable (but can use the casino trick). For us, the money is already "spent" so we have no guilt in ordering anything we want - including trying high end drinks - but we also don't feel the need to drink if we don't want to just to "break-even." Depending on the condition of the seas or how tired we are from a port day (not that we aren't on the ship enough hours, just too exhausted to enjoy drinking).

 

We have no problem with tap water and only take bottled on port days. While I enjoy several drinks some days, I would rather spend my calories on food rather than drink.

[hftmrock]

there are a few people that says that CHEERS is not worth it if the other person drinks very little and in some cases, I have to disagree. I do not drink much and neither does my DW so its not worth it for be but there are many I have read on these forums that drink their 14 and then start paying for more and more drinks before getting their 15th. It certainly sounds like these people would do this regardless of CHEERS, so drinking 15 drinks for 1 person will still be worth it if they have to pay for 2 people and the second person drinks 1 or 2 and maybe some non alcoholic drinks. There are always threads here about how someone can drink MORE than their 15 drinks. for these people, it might be worth it to get CHEERS for 2

[sad113]

We have done 3 cruises. My husband drinks lots of beer and some cocktails. I like cocktails and coffee drinks.

We have never bought cheers and we have never spent $840 pay as we go.

Our last cruise was a 7 in April and we spent about $400 he bought buckets of beer to save a couple bucks and we both drank what we wanted when we wanted.

If your wife doesn't drink at all I would not think Cheers is a good idea. JMO

 

Sent from my SM-G950U using Forums mobile app

[TigerGalCruiser]

Ditto Joebucks. I drink, but my husband does not. I always buy Cruise Cash to cover my adult beverages. I usually buy about $150 worth of Cruise Cash and I usually book when there is an OBC so that I have a little extra. But yeah, it's not worth $840. I don't drink beer, so all I'm ever getting are mimosas and whatever specialty drink is happening that day.

[indygirl76]

there are a few people that says that CHEERS is not worth it if the other person drinks very little and in some cases, I have to disagree. I do not drink much and neither does my DW so its not worth it for be but there are many I have read on these forums that drink their 14 and then start paying for more and more drinks before getting their 15th. It certainly sounds like these people would do this regardless of CHEERS, so drinking 15 drinks for 1 person will still be worth it if they have to pay for 2 people and the second person drinks 1 or 2 and maybe some non alcoholic drinks. There are always threads here about how someone can drink MORE than their 15 drinks. for these people, it might be worth it to get CHEERS for 2

This. This is why "DO NOT get the package if only one of you drinks!" advice grinds my gears. You have to look at the overall habits for your party as a whole, and then make the decision.

[cruisin 07]

For me I look at it as going to an All Inclusive Resort. I budget for it and don't worry about it. We can drink alcohol drinks (always the high end ), special coffees, sport drinks, water, sodas, milkshakes, etc as much as we want or as little as we want. Having prepaid for Cheers we can enjoy our cruise without worrying about all these cost that would be added to our final bill. This lets us enjoy ourselves. Water, etc, is always great to take off the ship for excursions if ports allow. Maybe we make out or not money wise. To us it's worth it. To each their own.

[PuddinMan]

Math is your friend. For one person 5 Alchemy ($10) drinks = break even. Therefore for two people, 10 drinks = break even. If one person can drink 10 or more $10 drinks a day, you have beat the system! Add in unlimited sodas, specialty coffees, shakes, etc to those 10 drinks and you are way ahead and can even reduce your alcohol consumption. 5 sodas/3 Grande Cappuccinos = 1 $10 drink.

 

Beer and lesser priced mixed drinks are less than that. If you are a beer/non-Alchemy drinker, about 7 of the more expensive beers/cocktails (give or take) = break even per Cheers package. So if one person can drink 14+ beers/cocktails in a day, winner! Hey, no judgement here!

 

You want to cover the price of two Cheers packages in a hurry? Enjoy 2 snifters of the most expensive cognac on board -after that, you are gold -or at least you should pee gold at those prices!

 

---

I buy Cheers for the peace of mind in having a set budget for drankin'. I drink what I want when I want and don't worry about getting that bill at the end, "I drank that much!"

[Joebucks]

This. This is why "DO NOT get the package if only one of you drinks!" advice grinds my gears. You have to look at the overall habits for your party as a whole, and then make the decision.

 

I will make a bold, but confident claim that most people who claim to drink 15 or near the limit are over-exaggerating. If they do come close, it's not even close to everyday. People love to brag, especially when it is reinforcing a (vacation) decision they made. The majority of these threads I see someone asks if they should get it when only 1 drinks, show zero indication that the couple needs $120 in drinks on the boat, every day.

 

Math is your friend. For one person 5 Alchemy ($10) drinks = break even. Therefore for two people, 10 drinks = break even. If one person can drink 10 or more $10 drinks a day, you have beat the system! Add in unlimited sodas, specialty coffees, shakes, etc to those 10 drinks and you are way ahead and can even reduce your alcohol consumption. 5 sodas/3 Grande Cappuccinos = 1 $10 drink.

 

Beer and lesser priced mixed drinks are less than that. If you are a beer/non-Alchemy drinker, about 7 of the more expensive beers/cocktails (give or take) = break even per Cheers package. So if one person can drink 14+ beers/cocktails in a day, winner! Hey, no judgement here!

 

You want to cover the price of two Cheers packages in a hurry? Enjoy 2 snifters of the most expensive cognac on board -after that, you are gold -or at least you should pee gold at those prices!

 

---

I buy Cheers for the peace of mind in having a set budget for drankin'. I drink what I want when I want and don't worry about getting that bill at the end, "I drank that much!"

 

 

I'll use a little more of an extreme example this time to make the point: a Country Club membership. Someone could very easily post all of the benefits and how you "break even". At the end of the day, most people would say that breaking even is irrelevant due to the cost of this excessive service.

 

Whether or not you like that comparison, whos intelligence are you trying to insult by insinuating that the average couple will drink 10+ alchemy drinks everyday, with or without Cheers?

Edited May 24, 2018 by Joebucks

[pacruise804]

For me I look at it as going to an All Inclusive Resort. I budget for it and don't worry about it. We can drink alcohol drinks (always the high end ), special coffees, sport drinks, water, sodas, milkshakes, etc as much as we want or as little as we want. Having prepaid for Cheers we can enjoy our cruise without worrying about all these cost that would be added to our final bill. This lets us enjoy ourselves. Water, etc, is always great to take off the ship for excursions if ports allow. Maybe we make out or not money wise. To us it's worth it. To each their own.

 

 

While it isn't the exact path we chose, I think this is a wise way to look at Cheers.

 

My frugal nature doesn't allow me to spend an extra 300-400 for Cheers over what we generously estimate we might drink (have always drank less). There are other things we find worth it for our cruise experience (FTTF) that many don't though.

 

At some point we hope to try some of the higher end cruises (Oceana, Viking) and recognize a large part of the price is they are more all-inclusive than Carnival or the other mainstream lines.

[Trishlo73]

My husband and I are considering it for our 7 day trip in Sept. We are not heavy drinkers, but the following is my reasoning for getting it.

 

The cost is 836 with gratuity and tax. We always get the bubbles which is 120 for both of us. We usually each have a drink at dinner, one at the show and sometimes one other time during the day, for a total of 6 drinks. Those 6 drinks average 72. So for 6 days that's another 432 for alcoholic drinks.

 

The total for 6 drinks per day plus bubbles is 552. Cheers is 836. So for another 284, we can have unlimited specialty coffees, sparkling water at dinner, milkshakes, Energy drinks and more alcoholic drinks. If we go the alcoholic drink at 12 each, that's only 3 more a day. Not taking into account $5 coffee drinks.

 

I think people get stuck on the 15 drink thing. Besides, if you are a ship with the Alchemy Bar, you get to try all of the special cocktails for free.

 

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

[SNJCruisers]

My husband and I are considering it for our 7 day trip in Sept. We are not heavy drinkers, but the following is my reasoning for getting it.

 

The cost is 836 with gratuity and tax. We always get the bubbles which is 120 for both of us. We usually each have a drink at dinner, one at the show and sometimes one other time during the day, for a total of 6 drinks. Those 6 drinks average 72. So for 6 days that's another 432 for alcoholic drinks.

 

The total for 6 drinks per day plus bubbles is 552. Cheers is 836. So for another 284, we can have unlimited specialty coffees, sparkling water at dinner, milkshakes, Energy drinks and more alcoholic drinks. If we go the alcoholic drink at 12 each, that's only 3 more a day. Not taking into account $5 coffee drinks.

 

I think people get stuck on the 15 drink thing. Besides, if you are a ship with the Alchemy Bar, you get to try all of the special cocktails for free.

 

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

Better watch out Trish...the teetotalers might bash you for using logic as to how the program will work for the two of you. Enjoy sampling new concoctions at the Alchemy Bar.

[cb at sea]

I don't mind ice water...the ship's water is fine. Regular coffee/tea is all I do...not specialties....It's only the alcohol, drink-wise that I pay for. So, it would totally depend on the itinerary. Lots of sea days, then the package might make sense. Otherwise, pay as you go.

[ABCGreys]

I drink, my husband doesn't other than an occasional glass of wine or Margarita. On one of our Norwegian cruises, we had the beverage package "included" (had to pay taxes and service charges, maybe around $120?). Any way, we tracked what we both drank just to see if the package was worth it for us. It wasn't, my consumption overall wasn't enough to cover his costs.

 

On a recent Carnival cruise I was booked in a room with my daughter who was 18, and DH booked in with my son. I bought Cheers and definitely got my money's worth from morning specialty coffees and mimosas, to frozen drinks at the pool, wine with dinner, and cocktails after along with bottled water through the day. But, when it's just DH and I, we'll just pay as we go which makes more sense for us. There's no way I'd spend $840 on my own.

[Trishlo73]

Better watch out Trish...the teetotalers might bash you for using logic as to how the program will work for the two of you. Enjoy sampling new concoctions at the Alchemy Bar.

I giggled out loud, when reading your reply. I think for alot of people its sticker shock for the $840. We're looking forward to the Alchemy Bar drinks and someone else posted that they tried a $50 cognac, that they would never have spent that on land.

 

Cruising is all about experiences and having fun. It's a vacation for Pete's sake!

 

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

[GUT2407]

This. This is why "DO NOT get the package if only one of you drinks!" advice grinds my gears. You have to look at the overall habits for your party as a whole, and then make the decision.

Yep always do the sums what works for one may not work for others.

[naxer]

Do the math based on what you and your wife anticipate drinking. If you are unsure what you and your wife might drink, give it a pass this time--it's very unlikely you'd end up paying more than what the Cheers package would cost for the two of you if your wife doesn't drink.

[Joebucks]

Better watch out Trish...the teetotalers might bash you for using logic as to how the program will work for the two of you. Enjoy sampling new concoctions at the Alchemy Bar.

 

Hey now, I always say if the math works, then it works.

[pacruise804]

My husband and I are considering it for our 7 day trip in Sept. We are not heavy drinkers, but the following is my reasoning for getting it.

 

The cost is 836 with gratuity and tax. We always get the bubbles which is 120 for both of us. We usually each have a drink at dinner, one at the show and sometimes one other time during the day, for a total of 6 drinks. Those 6 drinks average 72. So for 6 days that's another 432 for alcoholic drinks.

 

The total for 6 drinks per day plus bubbles is 552. Cheers is 836. So for another 284, we can have unlimited specialty coffees, sparkling water at dinner, milkshakes, Energy drinks and more alcoholic drinks. If we go the alcoholic drink at 12 each, that's only 3 more a day. Not taking into account $5 coffee drinks.

 

I think people get stuck on the 15 drink thing. Besides, if you are a ship with the Alchemy Bar, you get to try all of the special cocktails for free.

 

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

 

This seems well thought out and it looks like Cheers would probably make economic sense in your situation. :wine-glass::cocktail::tropical-drink::beer-mug::whiskey-glass:

 

I can even agree that there is a value to having all the costs accounted for before the cruise, even if you spend a little more for the lack of a bill at the end. I'm curious for those that go this route, is there a point where it is too much? An extra $284 on our bill, when we are content with what we get for less, is too significant an amount for us - although we would probably do it if it was $100 or less extra for the length of the cruise.

[SNJCruisers]

I drink, my husband doesn't other than an occasional glass of wine or Margarita. On one of our Norwegian cruises, we had the beverage package "included" (had to pay taxes and service charges, maybe around $120?). Any way, we tracked what we both drank just to see if the package was worth it for us. It wasn't, my consumption overall wasn't enough to cover his costs.

 

On a recent Carnival cruise I was booked in a room with my daughter who was 18, and DH booked in with my son. I bought Cheers and definitely got my money's worth from morning specialty coffees and mimosas, to frozen drinks at the pool, wine with dinner, and cocktails after along with bottled water through the day.

Glad to hear that the Cheers package worked for you with a minimum of only four alcoholic drinks per day with your mimosa, frozen drink poolside, wine with dinner and misc cocktail post dinner.

Have to call absolute BS regarding the fact that you did not make out on NCL. Even if it was on a recent cruise since they increased the gratuity to 20%, you only pay 125 pp or 250 per couple for 7 days of drinks. This works out to 3 alcoholic drinks per couple per day. If your husband drinks zero, all you need to do is drink 3 per day to break even. On Carnival, you stated that you drink 4 alcoholic drinks per day, plus all of the non alcoholic stuff that made the 420 you spend on Cheers cost effective.

So, to recap, 420 on Carnival with 4 alcoholic drinks per day was OK, but 250 on NCL with 3 drinks per day did not cover your costs. Sorry.....the math is way off, or you like to party on Carnival and you're a teetotaler on NCL.

[simplelife]

I disagree. This has come up before, and it's different for everyone. But here's how I see it.

 

If you have a couple of specialty coffees in the morning, a bloody mary at brunch, a few sodas or bottles of water during the day, hit the Shake Spot after lunch, then maybe a frozen drink around the pool or a pre-dinner cocktail, a couple of glasses of wine at dinner (and you don't have to drink the cheap Santa Carolina stuff), and finally a nightcap in the casino or comedy club -- if you drink all that you would get your money's worth out of the package.

 

I could drink five drinks spaced through the day and not be "hammered" the entire time. And depending on the drinks, you could easily equal the cost of the package if you have just five a day. You don't have to shoot for the 15 drink limit and stay hammered. It just depends on what and how much you like to drink.

 

I'm looking forward to having Cheers so I can just order whatever I want, whenever I want it and not have to worry about every dime I'm spending, or ordering a cheaper glass of wine rather than the more expensive one because I'm worried about the costs adding up.

 

I agree. No one is forced to drink to the 15 drink limit. Far fewer drinks than that still gets your money's worth.

[SNJCruisers]

, whos intelligence are you trying to insult by insinuating that the average couple will drink 10+ alchemy drinks everyday, with or without Cheers?

Let's see if you can somehow wrap your brain around this possible scenario. It's 500 pm, start of happy hour at the Alchemy Bar. A couple sits down for 90 minutes of drink and conversation. The gentleman consumes 3 drinks, which is 1 per half hour, while his wife consumes 2 drinks, which is 1 per 45 minutes. They go to dinner and then around 800 the evening starts consisting of show, piano bar, comedy show, casino, whatever. Over the next four hours, in between being entertained by whatever they choose, you don't think the gentleman can consume 3 more at the Alchemy, while his wife has 2 more. This is 10 drinks consumed over a 7 hour period by 2 people.

[Lizzybell1960]

It all depends on which line you sail on. Last summer we sailed on NCL & got the drink pkg-free with paid grat. I don't drink and my husband does while on vacation. For us, it was a total deal despite me never getting an alcoholic drink. I had mango smoothies & virgin drinks while he had prob 4 drinks a day.

 

Downside of NCLs booze program is that they do NOT include spec coffees, bottled water etc. Those were a totally sep charge. Its all included with Carnival, & if it wasn't so darn expensive, we would buy it.

 

We will be taking our first cruise in March 2019 and we will NOT be getting the Cheers package. Its just too much money & we would not get our monies worth thru Carnival, even with waters, sodas etc.

 

That being said, we will order a bottle of Jack for our cabin for hubby as that's his fav and all his really drinks, so it works out. I think that $110 is over 3X retail price, that's a damn high mark up but better than per drink.

 

I'm sure Carnival is the same as NCL & Princess, if you buy booze in ports, do they hold til debarkation?

 

One perk I do like is that Carnival allows each passenger over 21 to bring aboard 1 bottle of wine and 12 cans soda & kids can bring 12 sodas/juices etc. The 2 wine drinkers in our group of 5 are happy as the other 3 are "packing" for them so they are set up

 

Thanks to all for such helpful hints and suggestions, very much appreciated..