Joebucks

I agree that Royal has better benefits and the amount of "included" drinks in that scenario would be sufficient for me, without a drink package. With that said, passing off a suite on Royal Caribbean as a sort of savings is where you lose me.

We've done it a few times, and it was overall enjoyable. Most of the time, we don't travel in a group. When we do, there's a few things I stand by: - Do not stay in the same room, when possible. I absolutely loathe cramming a bunch of people in one room. For any of its perceived benefits, it's overall less enjoyable. - Not having to commit to the same plans. We'll do a few things together. However, this is what we're doing. You can come if you want. You can do something else if you want. Plan the important stuff in advance and communicate early.

How many vacationers boast about all of the amazing investments they've made on rooms, food, and beverage?

Breaking news: vacation gift shops are not cheaper than internet retail

What type of answer are you looking for here? No two scenarios are going to be the same. People panic in a true emergency, some panic for no reason.

So basically, you think you're going to get a discount on cruises by booking your own?

As much as I like Blanton's, there's an increased interest over it because it is hard to find. People wouldn't care as much if you could get it anywhere. At the same time, I feel blanton's old fashioneds are a sin. It should be enjoyed straight.

As with nearly everything on the internet, it's overblown. Try telling a crew member how sad you are because you had your day planned, and no you need to replan it. They will get very sad as they work their 60 hour week for pennies on the dollar.

I still don't understand. They still charge you for drinks and it goes to your S&S, doesn't it? Regardless, Carnival doesn't have to extend it to anything. I'm sure the real answer contains more complexities. They would likely need to introduce dynamic pricing because included drinks at private islands undoubtably would be a higher expense for Cheers. Only to get complaints by more people who now "know the reason" why their Cheers was so expensive, and wanting a refund if a port is missed. It sounds like more hassle than it's worth as a whole.

Got it on my everyday cash card. Can't let it go to waste!

Just sailed out of Galveston on Royal recently. Package worked on day 1. They said they could only serve certain liquors that had been taxed out of Texas, or something to that effect. It was not the full menu. The argument against Carnival citing laws is a silly one. It absolutely is a law that disrupts their normal offering. Citing a law does not have to mean what you want it to be.

Entitled cruisers, who have never had a hardship in their life, losing their minds over trivial matters? Since when?

While your statement is right in theory, there's a reason I said it the way I did. CFAR insurance is really the only thing I'm foregoing. In I don't even know how many trips I've ever taken, never had to use it. It is not something that would bankrupt me. So why would I spend more throughout a lifetime, to insure one of them? My card covers up to $10k per person and $20k per trip of cancellation for sickness, severe weather, and other covered events. I will not pay extra "in case I can't go." CFAR doesn't even cover the entire trip either. It covers about 50-75% of expenses that wouldn't be refunded otherwise. So I'd get back port expenses, taxes, and other fees without insurance (and who knows, maybe even something a future credit or something else if I pursue it). With something I have never had to claim, why would I pay hundreds of dollars to get back 40-60% of my cruise? Those numbers do not add up. Insurance is a lifelong waste to 95%+ of people. There's a reason it is one of the few remaining things we buy that someone is getting recurring commission on. It is extremely profitable. I maintain the minimal amounts to protect myself from catastrophic loss. That is what insurance is supposed to be. Not to solve your every inconvenience. I can't even count how many times I have facepalmed about the amount of people who swear by travel insurance because after years of policies, they saved $500 or so on one event. Yes. Plus, I have money saved in an HSA should I even incur a medical expense. I've grown tired over the years of paying for fear insurance that got me little in return. Instead, I self-insure and pay myself in an account that is always mine. It is never denied because of how or where I get sick, or how I claimed it.

Maybe I'm a little biased because burgers and tacos are amongst my favorite foods. Getting great quality ones, complementary, and right there at the lido, just far and away does it for me. Happy as a clam. Not that I didn't find anything good in the windjammer, but I didn't particularly enjoy having the venture into the buffet for my only option.

Absolutely. Maybe that "free drink" can also offer a 10% or so Cheers discount. Perhaps they could stimulate people to use their "perks" to buy more. Also, free drinks in the casino are usually only good in the casino, right? It wouldn't hurt to be able to get one outside of it.