Cheers and Pregnancy

[sprint180]

Nothing more special then hearing those sweet little voices call me grandma!

 

 

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[grandmarnnurse]

I just found out my son is making us grandparents (don't even think I'm letting this kid call me grandma:')). I was looking on here about cheers and pregnancy and it seems like they make you purchase the drink package if everyone in your cabin purchases it but they don't let the pregnant women use the package. So she can't give beers to my son who is also in her cabin? He only drinks on vacation but he's 6 foot 5 and weighs 260 (played college tight end and currently plays minor league baseball) so he has a very high tolerance.

 

 

 

Can we just cancel their cheers if we already prepaid? We bought the package for them as a surprise since they are the only ones in our group who won't have casino drinks on us cards.

 

 

 

Hey—-I became a grandma for the first time at aged 44, and was ecstatic! I have now worn that title proudly 13 more times over the past 20 years! Nothing to be ashamed of!

 

 

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[lottiegreen56]

Thank you everyone so much for the replies and congratulations! Thinking maybe the best bet is going to be changing rooms then letting them rearrange once we get on the ship.

 

I know my son will enjoy the package but I really don't understand why CCL makes the pregnant woman pay for it yet not be able to use it if you fill out the pregnancy form, we heard and I read on here that they just cut off your ability to buy drinks with cheers (and cigars and cigarettes, basically treat the pregnant lady like a minor). I'm a little unclear right now about how that rule works, so she wouldn't be cut off on all drinks with the package, just the alcoholic drinks?

[firemanbobswife]

Thank you everyone so much for the replies and congratulations! Thinking maybe the best bet is going to be changing rooms then letting them rearrange once we get on the ship.

 

I know my son will enjoy the package but I really don't understand why CCL makes the pregnant woman pay for it yet not be able to use it if you fill out the pregnancy form, we heard and I read on here that they just cut off your ability to buy drinks with cheers (and cigars and cigarettes, basically treat the pregnant lady like a minor). I'm a little unclear right now about how that rule works, so she wouldn't be cut off on all drinks with the package, just the alcoholic drinks?

 

I haven’t heard of them cutting anything off from a grown adult for being pregnant. Just because someone shouldn’t drink doesn’t mean they won’t. Same with smoking. It’s not against the law and Carnival certainly isn’t the morality police.

[lottiegreen56]

I wonder if the casino will still give her a DOU card. When we rearrange the room, we'll put my other of age son with his brother and put son's pregnant gf with me. Myself and a guest are entitled to DOU cards in that casino according to our offer, I hope they let her have the card so she can get a bottled water or caffeine free soda if she wants one.

[firemanbobswife]

I wonder if the casino will still give her a DOU card. When we rearrange the room, we'll put my other of age son with his brother and put son's pregnant gf with me. Myself and a guest are entitled to DOU cards in that casino according to our offer, I hope they let her have the card so she can get a bottled water or caffeine free soda if she wants one.

 

I don’t have any experience with it, but I don’t see why not. It’s not just for alcoholic drinks. Same with Cheers. You can get a bunch of other nonalcoholic drinks as well.

[lottiegreen56]

I haven’t heard of them cutting anything off from a grown adult for being pregnant. Just because someone shouldn’t drink doesn’t mean they won’t. Same with smoking. It’s not against the law and Carnival certainly isn’t the morality police.

 

 

I don't want her to drink not that I think she would while pregnant. But I'm with you they shouldn't be the morality police. Also just the principle of paying for something that you can't use just doesn't sit right with me. Obviously the answer is don't get cheers or move your room around but it just seems like one of those policies that probably makes people mad in general. Maybe I'm wrong.

[firemanbobswife]

I don't want her to drink not that I think she would while pregnant. But I'm with you they shouldn't be the morality police. Also just the principle of paying for something that you can't use just doesn't sit right with me. Obviously the answer is don't get cheers or move your room around but it just seems like one of those policies that probably makes people mad in general. Maybe I'm wrong.

 

I can see why they don’t make exceptions. Because, once again, just because you are pregnant and shouldn’t drink doesn’t mean you won’t. There are still plenty of nonalcoholic beverages you can get with Cheers.

[pacruise804]

Thank you everyone so much for the replies and congratulations! Thinking maybe the best bet is going to be changing rooms then letting them rearrange once we get on the ship.

 

I know my son will enjoy the package but I really don't understand why CCL makes the pregnant woman pay for it yet not be able to use it if you fill out the pregnancy form, we heard and I read on here that they just cut off your ability to buy drinks with cheers (and cigars and cigarettes, basically treat the pregnant lady like a minor). I'm a little unclear right now about how that rule works, so she wouldn't be cut off on all drinks with the package, just the alcoholic drinks?

 

There is only one poster I remember mentioning it about his life partner being required to buy the package then not being served alcohol. He often included in his posts that her OB was fine with her drinking in moderation since she was apparently severely addicted and withdrawal would be more harmful - which made me distrustful of his posts.

 

Regardless, the pregnant woman can still enjoy all of the non-alcoholic options - many which are not covered by Bubbles. I would think most pregnant women would not choose alcoholic beverages, but she may want to specify virgin or zero proof if there is any doubt on the drink.

 

I haven’t heard of them cutting anything off from a grown adult for being pregnant. Just because someone shouldn’t drink doesn’t mean they won’t. Same with smoking. It’s not against the law and Carnival certainly isn’t the morality police.

 

It was a poster who sailed the Pride, possibly other ships too, and he was very vocal about them forcing his partner to buy the package and then not letting her drink.

[firemanbobswife]

There is only one poster I remember mentioning it about his life partner being required to buy the package then not being served alcohol. He often included in his posts that her OB was fine with her drinking in moderation since she was apparently severely addicted and withdrawal would be more harmful - which made me distrustful of his posts.

 

 

 

Regardless, the pregnant woman can still enjoy all of the non-alcoholic options - many which are not covered by Bubbles. I would think most pregnant women would not choose alcoholic beverages, but she may want to specify virgin or zero proof if there is any doubt on the drink.

 

 

 

It was a poster who sailed the Pride, possibly other ships too, and he was very vocal about them forcing his partner to buy the package and then not letting her drink.

 

Wow. That would make me pretty mad if I wanted to have a glass of wine with dinner. If they are banning pregnant women from having a drink then they should have that in writing somewhere when you fill out the pregnancy form.

[lottiegreen56]

There is only one poster I remember mentioning it about his life partner being required to buy the package then not being served alcohol. He often included in his posts that her OB was fine with her drinking in moderation since she was apparently severely addicted and withdrawal would be more harmful - which made me distrustful of his posts.

 

Regardless, the pregnant woman can still enjoy all of the non-alcoholic options - many which are not covered by Bubbles. I would think most pregnant women would not choose alcoholic beverages, but she may want to specify virgin or zero proof if there is any doubt on the drink.

 

 

 

It was a poster who sailed the Pride, possibly other ships too, and he was very vocal about them forcing his partner to buy the package and then not letting her drink.

 

I have heard about the withdrawal thing, our old neighbor was from Canada and drank about a case of miller lites per day. She drank throughout her pregnancies and her kids all turned out exceptional so maybe there is something to it? I'd still rather my grandbaby not be exposed to it, his or her mom is very healthy/no drug addictions so I can't see any justification for her to drink.

 

But I would never judge a mother for drinking either. We had a lady sitting with us at a wedding a few months ago who joined in the toast. Some people were aghast but I don't believe in judging others for things like that. We are all flawed afterall.

[pacruise804]

I have heard about the withdrawal thing, our old neighbor was from Canada and drank about a case of miller lites per day. She drank throughout her pregnancies and her kids all turned out exceptional so maybe there is something to it? I'd still rather my grandbaby not be exposed to it, his or her mom is very healthy/no drug addictions so I can't see any justification for her to drink.

 

But I would never judge a mother for drinking either. We had a lady sitting with us at a wedding a few months ago who joined in the toast. Some people were aghast but I don't believe in judging others for things like that. We are all flawed afterall.

 

 

I stand corrected on the withdrawal issue:) I've heard the warnings of fetal alcohol syndrome, but not of in utero withdrawal complications. I'm glad your neighbor's children suffered no ill effects. We have friends in the process of adopting a child whose mother used hard drugs and so far the child shows no effects of her usage, but I still wouldn't want a baby exposed to it.

 

I agree with not judging others, but at the same time we do need to protect the innocent. I do think we should try to encourage people to not get behind the wheel after drinking (which is why it's nice to drink on a cruise - no designated driver:cool:) or to do things that could harm a baby. I would not be aghast at a mother sharing in a toast (though I have been at weddings with non-alcoholic sparkling juice as an option for non-drinkers) or having the minimal amount used in some religious ceremonies. I might gently speak with her (depending on the relationship) if she were having several glasses throughout the night.

[firemanbobswife]

 

I agree with not judging others, but at the same time we do need to protect the innocent. I do think we should try to encourage people to not get behind the wheel after drinking (which is why it's nice to drink on a cruise - no designated driver:cool:) or to do things that could harm a baby. I would not be aghast at a mother sharing in a toast (though I have been at weddings with non-alcoholic sparkling juice as an option for non-drinkers) or having the minimal amount used in some religious ceremonies. I might gently speak with her (depending on the relationship) if she were having several glasses throughout the night.

 

Drinking and driving is illegal and, therefore, should be discouraged. A pregnant woman having a drink or however many whether we agree with it or not is not illegal. I might think things to myself if I saw a pregnant person smoking or drinking more than a glass of wine or two, but it’s not my place to say anything. If for some reason I was on the other end of that and a stranger came up to me expressing their displeasure I would tell them to mind their own dang business.

[Joebucks]

Knowing the way the world and media works, I couldn't imagine a big corporation like this favoring pregnant women drinking. I can see the headline now:

 

"Carnival Corporation places profits before life. Knowingly serves alcohol to pregnant mothers"

[pacruise804]

Drinking and driving is illegal and, therefore, should be discouraged. A pregnant woman having a drink or however many whether we agree with it or not is not illegal. I might think things to myself if I saw a pregnant person smoking or drinking more than a glass of wine or two, but it’s not my place to say anything. If for some reason I was on the other end of that and a stranger came up to me expressing their displeasure I would tell them to mind their own dang business.

 

That's why I specified the relationship. I likely wouldn't say anything to a stranger, and even a friend or relative I would express concern for their child not displeasure with the mom.

 

There can be lots of situations that aren't illegal but are dangerous and should be discouraged. It does need to be approached carefully though if it's to be received well.

[firemanbobswife]

Knowing the way the world and media works, I couldn't imagine a big corporation like this favoring pregnant women drinking. I can see the headline now:

"Carnival Corporation places profits before life. Knowingly serves alcohol to pregnant mothers"

 

I may not agree with it, but if they are going to ban pregnant women from drinking then it needs to be in their policy.

[girlsbgoing]

I was reading on another site about a common issue with Cheers - non drinker getting Cheers because the other 2 cabin mates are drinkers. It dawned on me that an easy solution is to refund after the cruise. Carnival can easily that this person did not take advantage of the package in any way, here’s a refund. It eliminates the issue of sharing. Do I expect Carnival to do this? No. I’m not sure if they’d lose money or actually make more. But I think it would work and would be a good move from a customer service perspective.

 

 

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[firemanbobswife]

That's why I specified the relationship. I likely wouldn't say anything to a stranger, and even a friend or relative I would express concern for their child not displeasure with the mom.

 

 

 

There can be lots of situations that aren't illegal but are dangerous and should be discouraged. It does need to be approached carefully though if it's to be received well.

 

I agree that there are situations that should be discouraged but I felt comparing drunk driving to drinking while pregnant aren’t even close to being in the same league. And yeah, I wouldn’t approach a stranger, either. That’s just asking for trouble.

[Schoifmom]

I was reading on another site about a common issue with Cheers - non drinker getting Cheers because the other 2 cabin mates are drinkers. It dawned on me that an easy solution is to refund after the cruise. Carnival can easily that this person did not take advantage of the package in any way, here’s a refund. It eliminates the issue of sharing. Do I expect Carnival to do this? No. I’m not sure if they’d lose money or actually make more. But I think it would work and would be a good move from a customer service perspective.

 

 

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This actually would encourage sharing. Scenario -- 1 person doesn't drink much, the other does. The one who does purchases drinks, shares with the one who does not. The first person does not use their package at all (for the purposes of your argument, they couldn't use it for non-alcoholic drinks, either) and obtain a refund. Result -- 1 package shared between 2 people.

[pacruise804]

I was reading on another site about a common issue with Cheers - non drinker getting Cheers because the other 2 cabin mates are drinkers. It dawned on me that an easy solution is to refund after the cruise. Carnival can easily that this person did not take advantage of the package in any way, here’s a refund. It eliminates the issue of sharing. Do I expect Carnival to do this? No. I’m not sure if they’d lose money or actually make more. But I think it would work and would be a good move from a customer service perspective.

 

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With the possible exception of the example I saw where the non-drinker could not drink any liquids (feeding tube patient), I can't see Carnival issuing refunds. You still have access to specialty coffees, virgin drinks, bottled water, energy drinks and milkshakes - drinks not covered by Bubbles.

 

I agree that there are situations that should be discouraged but I felt comparing drunk driving to drinking while pregnant aren’t even close to being in the same league. And yeah, I wouldn’t approach a stranger, either. That’s just asking for trouble.

 

I feel the two are similar because it is my behavior putting another's life (or potential life) at risk. Bars and restaurants on land do not stop customers who are not visibly intoxicated from driving home, but there is still some risk to others even if they are under the "legal" limit. (Driving while sleep deprived has also been shown to be as risky, but is not illegal.) Drinking while pregnant has been shown to present risk to the unborn child, so it seems like a reasonable comparison even if not the same legal level.

[firemanbobswife]

With the possible exception of the example I saw where the non-drinker could not drink any liquids (feeding tube patient), I can't see Carnival issuing refunds. You still have access to specialty coffees, virgin drinks, bottled water, energy drinks and milkshakes - drinks not covered by Bubbles.

 

 

 

I feel the two are similar because it is my behavior putting another's life (or potential life) at risk. Bars and restaurants on land do not stop customers who are not visibly intoxicated from driving home, but there is still some risk to others even if they are under the "legal" limit. (Driving while sleep deprived has also been shown to be as risky, but is not illegal.) Drinking while pregnant has been shown to present risk to the unborn child, so it seems like a reasonable comparison even if not the same legal level.

 

I’m going to leave this here and then move on as it’s an extremely sensitive subject in my family. A drunk driver can wipe out an entire family that isn’t even related to them. A pregnant woman will only be harming herself and her baby (pending she’s not driving and whatever). It’s her body and drinking isn’t illegal no matter what one’s opinion is. She is free to smoke and drink as she pleases.

 

If it upsets you so much perhaps you should petition to have criminal charges brought against those who do so. Until then, what some feel is right or wrong doesn’t matter. I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again. If Carnival doesn’t want pregnant women to drink then it needs to be in their policy.

[Saint Greg]

I was reading on another site about a common issue with Cheers - non drinker getting Cheers because the other 2 cabin mates are drinkers. It dawned on me that an easy solution is to refund after the cruise. Carnival can easily that this person did not take advantage of the package in any way, here’s a refund. It eliminates the issue of sharing. Do I expect Carnival to do this? No. I’m not sure if they’d lose money or actually make more. But I think it would work and would be a good move from a customer service perspective.

 

 

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That wouldn’t work. Three in a room. All three buy the package. Two of them take turns giving drinks to the third. At the end of the cruise they get a refund for the third package and split the cost of two cheers packages three ways.

[girlsbgoing]

I hear everyone’s point about sharing, which is true, but 15 drinks people 2, 3, or more people, wouldn’t be ideal to me. I hadn’t considered that (I tend to not try and create loopholes). But I get your point(s).

 

 

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[lottiegreen56]

I just wanted to update this. Found out we are getting a little girl :). Also when I called to cancel, the man I talked to said that they cannot allow cheers for women who they know are pregnant when departing from certain US ports due to state liquor laws that make it illegal to serve pregnant women. Made sense to me and makes sense why some people say they got cut off while pregnant and some people didn’t! Happy sailing...I’m going to be shopping for little girl clothes all night lol

[firemanbobswife]

I just wanted to update this. Found out we are getting a little girl :). Also when I called to cancel, the man I talked to said that they cannot allow cheers for women who they know are pregnant when departing from certain US ports due to state liquor laws that make it illegal to serve pregnant women. Made sense to me and makes sense why some people say they got cut off while pregnant and some people didn’t! Happy sailing...I’m going to be shopping for little girl clothes all night lol

Congrats! How exciting!

 

I can see them refusing to serve them alcohol in certain ports if that is actually the law, but since Cheers isn't strictly an alcoholic package, I don't see how it would be illegal for pregnant women to have the package. Maybe they like the fruity drinks without the alcohol or want the water, juices, milkshakes, etc.