Drink package

[beerman2]

15 hours ago, firefly333 said:

I NEED some ocean. So if sept doesnt go, then I'm booked for christmas in 2021. Il, surely be vaccinated by then. Right now I want to be on a cruise so bad I cant stand it. Ok so I'm a robot. A robot who wants sunshine, beaches and ocean. Maybe I'm a addict regarding the ocean.

By March us northerners will need some  Sunshine so we fixed it.

1) Month in Gulf Shores, Alabama 

2) Sunshine , Beach, Gulf of Mexico

3) All economies need help ( they had 2 hurricanes within a month)

4) Charity begins at home ( see #3)

5) We will abide by restrictions 

6)our balcony WILL be bigger than a ships and used often

7) Whenever possible we will sit outside for food/beverages

 

 

We haven't been on a vacation in 18 months it's needed.

[SNJCruisers]

On 12/8/2020 at 2:46 PM, MeganGC1983 said:

Some of my social media groups are comparing codes. Apparently RU3 is a better code than RU9. Some saying with RU3 you are paying only $40-70 more pp. Some even found the RU9 cost more than booking ES and out right buying cheers. YMMV

The RU9 code is an absolute joke.  There is no YMMV.  If anyone does the math and still books it, they have no one to blame but themselves.

On 12/10/2020 at 11:18 AM, Houst said:

I think they sent out the RU9 code to make everyone feel like their getting a deal. The RU9 code is in no way a deal. 

Correct, it's a slap in the face.  Even more so when they extended the cut off date into January.

On 12/10/2020 at 3:33 PM, TNcruising02 said:

We've never purchased cheers, should reach platinum on our next cruise, and received the cheers email.  We usually purchase the soda plan and buy a few drinks during the cruises. Maybe they are sending it to everyone.

Which code did you get and what was the per day difference?  It is probably still better for you to get it if it was a RU1, RU2 or RU3.  There are many additional non alcoholic choices that are included with Cheers that are not part of the soda package including Pure Leaf Iced teas off the top of my head. Edit...see last response on here for additional included non alcoholic drinks.

On 12/10/2020 at 3:33 PM, Sugar67 said:

We were already booked for October 2021 on the Mardi Gras with a Canadian resident rate (refundable).  We had a $50 OBC with that rate as well as $600 OBC for a previously cancelled cruise.  We had booked and paid for the CHEERS package back when it was on sale for 20% off.  Our travel agent was able to get the RU2 code applied while keeping our current room.  We lost the $50 obc, our rate went up $190 total and we are now non-refundable but that is fine with us!  We ended up saving about $500USD.

You said that your TA was able to get the RU2 code applied.  I assume that you did receive it in your Carnival offers box?

On 12/11/2020 at 12:11 PM, CthyC said:

what is the difference between RU2, RU3 and RU9?

RU1, RU2 and RU3 are very similar in that they can be used on all types of cabins and it seems that it's just 3 different scaling price points.  RU9 is for OV and above cabins only and is in no way a deal.

On 12/11/2020 at 5:31 PM, MeganGC1983 said:

Yeah RU9 seems to be the short end of the stick. 

Correct.....and of course that is the one they sent me that expired on the 13th and was extended into January.

On 12/12/2020 at 5:40 PM, bstel said:

just did some mock booking comparisons with the RU9 code and it seems the RU9 is now more expensive than just booking the room and buying cheers under a normal booking.  crazy.

Correct, it's a joke.

On 12/12/2020 at 11:45 PM, TomCruise48 said:

Just did a mock booking for 7 day Mardi Gras using my RU1 code.  Extra cost for Cheers promotion was $110 total or $55 per person for the entire cruise versus Early Saver.  DW and I are not drinkers, so this is of no interest to us.  BTW, I have never spent a penny in the casino, so mine was not a casino offer. 

If you only drink tap water, iced tea and lemonade that is included with your fare, then it should be of no interest to you.  But, if you spend any money on other non alcoholic beverages, then you should still get Cheers.  Bottled water (still & sparkling), soda, juices, iced and hot espresso based drinks, milk shakes, Pure Leaf bottled iced teas, Gatorade, Propel drinks, bottled Starbucks are all included with Cheers.

Edited December 24, 2020 by SNJCruisers

[TNcruising02]

4 hours ago, SNJCruisers said:

Which code did you get and what was the per day difference?  It is probably still better for you to get it if it was a RU1, RU2 or RU3.  There are many additional non alcoholic choices that are included with Cheers that are not part of the soda package including Pure Leaf Iced teas off the top of my head. Edit...see last response on here for additional included non alcoholic drinks.

I did a mock booking to see if the code was worth it and the total additional cost for two people to use the code I received for the free cheers plan was only $140  for a balcony on the Mardi Gras in August.  Since we usually get the soda package, a drink or two when watching the comedy shows, and bottled water, it was a good deal for us.

This is what it shows when I log into my account for that cruise:
 

CONGRATULATIONS, CHEERS! AND BOTTOMLESS BUBBLES ARE INCLUDED IN YOUR BOOKING* 

*CHEERS! (for guests aged 21+) and Bottomless Bubbles (for guests aged 20 and below) are included based on a promotional rate code associated with your booking. Applicable for promotional booking rate code: RX1 and a maximum of 2 Passengers in a cabin.  *(If you cancel or change the booking, the offer will no longer be valid. Non-refundable.)

 

Edited December 25, 2020 by TNcruising02

[Sugar67]

Yes SNJ Cruiser, we had the offer in my VIFP offers but did not receive an email.

[Joebucks]

Carnival ran a different model before the pandemic because it was different times. Get people in with cheap prices, and upsell them on other stuff.

 

Now, the game has changed. Now, they seem to be leaning towards "showing value" to get people interested again. It is likely why they have so many different "free drink" offers. Make no mistake. Each and every one is tracked. Who it is sent to. How many are booking. What is the average price. Etc etc etc.

 

People lose their minds over "free drinks". Even if it is a crap value, many of them will still book, and defend it to the death. Carnival is hoping that it works that way.

[SNJCruisers]

8 hours ago, Joebucks said:

 Make no mistake. Each and every one is tracked. Who it is sent to. How many are booking. What is the average price. Etc etc etc.

 

People lose their minds over "free drinks". Even if it is a crap value, many of them will still book, and defend it to the death. Carnival is hoping that it works that way.

No question about the percentages regarding how many received RU1, RU2, RU3 and RU9 and how many actually took advantage. 

The only one that is a crap value is the RU9, which is only available to OV and higher cabins and on many sailings is about the same cost wise if you just paid for Cheers. 

Depending on the specific price point regarding the 1, 2 & 3 variations,  it is still a value even if you're a light or non drinker because of the new non alcoholic inclusions with the switch to PepsiCo products.

[bury me at sea]

16 hours ago, SNJCruisers said:

 

Depending on the specific price point regarding the 1, 2 & 3 variations,  it is still a value even if you're a light or non drinker because of the new non alcoholic inclusions with the switch to PepsiCo products.

 

The switch to Pepsi wasn't a positive move to some of us.

 

Full disclosure compels me to clarify I have never bought Cheers or Bottomless Bubbles.  Coffee, tea, and milk have always been adequate, in addition to a few a la carte alcoholic drinks.

[Haveuseen1]

Ok did a quick comparison.  Early Saver, RU9, RU2

I already have a 7 day cruise booked for May 2021, I included trip insurance and gratuities, booking same class Ocean View room.  

With my VIFP# Early Saver Rate is 2310.00 ( currently booked )

Using my RU9 rate: 3212.00

Using my wifes RU2 rate: 2632.00

 

It looks like the RU9 for me is not a good deal, I would be better off buying cheers as an add on.

It looks like my wifes RU2 rate would be pretty much a buy one Cheers get one free.  Not bad.

 

Just what I came up with.  It would appear that if you have the RU9 rate, you can do better without it.

 

 

 

[SNJCruisers]

57 minutes ago, Haveuseen1 said:

Ok did a quick comparison.  Early Saver, RU9, RU2

I already have a 7 day cruise booked for May 2021, I included trip insurance and gratuities, booking same class Ocean View room.  

With my VIFP# Early Saver Rate is 2310.00 ( currently booked )

Using my RU9 rate: 3212.00

Using my wifes RU2 rate: 2632.00

 

It looks like the RU9 for me is not a good deal, I would be better off buying cheers as an add on.

It looks like my wifes RU2 rate would be pretty much a buy one Cheers get one free.  Not bad.

 

Just what I came up with.  It would appear that if you have the RU9 rate, you can do better without it.

As has been reported by numerous people on this thread, the RU9 rate is a joke.  You were very lucky that your wife received the RU2 code.  My wife, who is Gold and myself, who is Platinum both received the RU9 rate, which we would never use anyway since we get inside cabins on Carnival.  There is no rhyme or reason as to who the computer program chose to receive the various codes.  It has been reported that the better codes were received by Reds, Golds, Platinums and Diamonds and also those who have never gotten Cheers in the past as well as those who have purchased Cheers.  It's been offered to those who have sailings booked as well as no sailings currently booked.

 

The selective marketing was not kind to us and thus the only way I will ever book another Carnival cruise after my gift cards are used up is if the sailings on the two Excellence Class ships we have totally blow our minds away, otherwise Carnival will be in our rear view mirror just as our cruising increases as I get ready for probable retirement because of the pandemic.

[bury me at sea]

15 minutes ago, SNJCruisers said:

As has been reported by numerous people on this thread, the RU9 rate is a joke.  ...

 

The selective marketing was not kind to us and thus the only way I will ever book another Carnival cruise after my gift cards are used up is if the sailings on the two Excellence Class ships we have totally blow our minds away, otherwise Carnival will be in our rear view mirror just as our cruising increases as I get ready for probable retirement because of the pandemic.

 

It seems to be a strange marketing design.  Only Carnival knows how many it hooked and how many it insulted.

 

I am paying for 2 cabins in September.  Got the R2 offer for my cabin with 50 year old daughter.  No thanks.  Got no offer at all for 2 adult granddaughters in a separate cabin.  I probably would have bought it for them, but not now!

[firefly333]

I wish there was clarification on b2b as I almost could be tempted.

 

My current booked cruise price has gone crazy, but there is a 5 day Breeze cloud 9 spa cabin right after my vista cruise, with cheers only $50 more. What I dont like especially is the double deposit for 2 people. I wish they were kinder to solo cruisers. 

 

It's still not known if you will be able to do a semi b2b if cdc requires I get a covid test 1 day to 3 days prior to boarding, I'd be on vista during the period cdc says I'd have to get the first covid test. 

 

I wish they would get some clarifications in place about things like b2bs. Breeze would be a nice choice of ship class for a cloud 9 cabin. Not sure why but that's the lowest category its showing me to book. I got some email today about getting obc, said click here to find out how much obc, and somehow took me to breeze cloud 9 cheers lol. Still a nice offer, but no obc shown. Odd email.

 

I'm afraid to book it as I dont want to have to reschedule, I have too many bookings for 2022 as it is. 2021 only 3 left, and 1 probably a no go, but 2022 full up.

 

I'm so tired of vagueness and lack of clarity.  I'm dying for a cruise. I'd book that 5 day b2b with breeze if it was clear I could do a b2b. I want some answers.

Edited December 28, 2020 by firefly333

[drsel]

16 hours ago, bury me at sea said:

 

It seems to be a strange marketing design.  Only Carnival knows how many it hooked and how many it insulted.

 

I am paying for 2 cabins in September.  Got the R2 offer for my cabin with 50 year old daughter.  No thanks.  Got no offer at all for 2 adult granddaughters in a separate cabin.  I probably would have bought it for them, but not now!

What a kind and loving grandpa! I wish I had a grandfather like you.

[new_cruiser_75]

On 11/30/2020 at 6:47 AM, drsel said:

will the lucky ones who got this offer kindly inform us how much they spent on their last Carnival Cruise /Cruises--

1. Overall expense

2. Expense on alcohol alone

 

I average about 4 drinks a cruise total and book cheap rooms (I love to drink, but hate to spend money) and yet still got the offer, BUT it wasn't that great of a deal.  For a 6 day cruise it would have only "saved" us $176 total for 2 people verses the other current deal of cheaper room + $200 OBC + just purchasing Cheers (comparing apples to apples).  Not that great of a savings and passed it up

[TNcruising02]

My husband and I probably average about 7 alcoholic drinks each per cruise, at the most.  My husband likes the soda plan, so always gets that.  I sometimes get the soda plan and sometimes don't.

I would never purchase cheers for full price, obviously, since it would be a waste of money for us.  However, since the additional cost is only a total of $140 for two people (not each) for the entire cruise, it's worth it.  I wouldn't mind trying a few different drinks during the cruise.  I always order bottled water for the room, but I can just pick it up at a bar with this plan.  Anyway, I feel like we got a good deal for our particular cruise and for the cabin category we selected.

[stellarose]

I have only had the drink package one other time. it was the celebrity summit bc we got the same kind of deal. upgrade to ocean view (porthole) and got the drink package (150 more total to change room). I think I paid an extra 200 to upgrade the drink package to premium . celebrity has different levels of drink packages.  

[Crusin Hogs]

Booked a 7 day on The Mardi Gras  Knew nothing about this offer ,Our PVP asked if we wanted it , $140 for 2 people for the 7 days , We took it ,, Booked a 10th fl balcony room , taxes , grauitys  and cheers pack   just a little over $2400 for a total cost , We never get cheers , ,soda sticker sometimes , 3 -7 drinks the entire week on average , We are Platinum ,and this is the 1 st  offer we have ever gotten 

[SNJCruisers]

56 minutes ago, Crusin Hogs said:

,Our PVP asked if we wanted it , $140 for 2 people for the 7 days 

Was it in your offers box or your wife's box?  This is the only way you can get it, supposedly. It's  not a promo that Carnival employees can hand out at will.  You have to be deemed worthy of the computer program in charge of selective marketing. 

[momof3cruisers]

On 11/30/2020 at 8:47 AM, drsel said:

will the lucky ones who got this offer kindly inform us how much they spent on their last Carnival Cruise /Cruises--

1. Overall expense

2. Expense on alcohol alone

 

Last year I went on a 4 day with Carnival with two friends in a balcony. Got Cheers for that trip, two of us got the Key West Trolley tour thru Carnival. Otherwise, I don’t think any of us spent any other money. 
 

Year before, so 2019, DH and I went on that same cruise also balcony cabin, bought some drinks otherwise don’t think we spent any extra. Following week, we did a 7 day, got Cheers, did one or two excursions through Carnival. 
 

DH has been getting this offer for forever, I just started getting it after my Feb 2021 cruise got cancelled. I wonder if one could utilize this offer on a cruise where you rebooked for FCC. Probably so. Should have thought of that before I requested a refund.

[SNJCruisers]

1 hour ago, momof3cruisers said:

 

DH has been getting this offer for forever, I just started getting it after my Feb 2021 cruise got cancelled.

?????.  How has your DH been getting the RU1, RU2, or RU3 offer for forever? It just started a few months ago.

Maybe you're confused and it's a casino offer that he has gotten in the past.

[ctkathchick]

On 11/30/2020 at 9:22 AM, cruizergal70 said:

It's not poor marketing. It's target marketing. They have algorithms that indicate which cruisers are money makers. They are the ones that get special offers.

 

I have NEVER gotten any special offer and most of my cruises have been 10 day or more Journey cruises to Hawaii,  Europe, etc. The thing is, I don't spend much money while on the ship.

 

Feel free to be upset. Feel free to book elsewhere. Please don't waste your mental energy stewing over this.

I don't necessarily agree with your thoughts. I have only recently returned to Carnival after being away for about 3-4 years. I had 2 cruises booked for 2020 both were balconies but not much more than 2grand each per cruise. Both canceled and I have now rebooked one for New Years next year and still need to rebook the other one. I am platinum on Carnival but if you track my spending I rarely spend more than a hundred or so on anything beyond gratuities. My drink package promo was actually quite nice. My sister who spends tons of money on extras went to book the same cruise as me was quoted a price out the door at 600 higher than my cost. She is the moneymaker not me lol

 

[momof3cruisers]

20 hours ago, SNJCruisers said:

?????.  How has your DH been getting the RU1, RU2, or RU3 offer for forever? It just started a few months ago.

Maybe you're confused and it's a casino offer that he has gotten in the past.

Sorry, I didn’t mean literally but he got the first offer as soon as anyone else was posting about it. He’s then gotten an email weekly since then.  I just got my first one the other day. No matter as we don’t really want to do anymore bookings until after they actually start sailing. 

[Lady_E]

Yeah I did the math. I got a Cheers included offer and another offer with  50 dollar deposits and 100 bucks OBC.

 

I did the math; with the OBC it's actually CHEAPER to book a BALCONY with a lower deposit even if we buy Cheers, and if not, it's about 550 bucks cheaper.

 

The "Cheers included' rate was only 20 bucks less without the OBC. With it, it's actually MORE than what I booked for January.

[stellarose]

for us paying the extra 200 was a no brainer. the drink package would have ran me over 800 for 7 days .  so 200 bucks and drinks covered? yes. 

[Anyislandwilldo]

I booked my granddaughter and her fiancee on a cruise for their honeymoon for Nov 2021.  I don't recall what my the code was but it cost me $200 extra to get the cheers package.  There is no doubt in my mind that they will utilize the cheers package to the hilt! It was well worth the money for me plus it saves them more money on their honeymoon cruise.

[djb78]

Well, I managed to get it. I've got two kids so I thought I might be out of luck. But I booked myself into my sister's room, who is a solo traveler, and her RU1 code was applied. It's about $60 more money pp than the cheapest rate, and we lost the $50pp OBC. But $110 for the drink package is worth it for me. I'll probably only have a couple drinks a day but I like to have pop. 

 

So my wife is booked into a room with our two kids. Since they're just 2 and 5, they'll be fine on the bench bed together end to end. 

 

My parents didn't have any code showing when we were searching for prices for them, I tried both their numbers searching for interior, OV, and balcony, and the option never showed up. But the TA software somehow made RU1 appear, so they got it as well. 

 

My key won't open my door but I'll just have to carry around one of my kid's cards, but I usually have them anyway so no big deal.