Booze prices exorbitant

[trptplayer22]

We ordered a bottle of vodka from Bon Voyage on our last cruise...and saved us quite a bit of money. We also brought a bottle of wine each. Instead of buying mix (gingerale) on the ship, we bought it in port to save a few extra bucks. We loved having a few drinks on our balcony!

 

 

We did the same thing last year. I also bought my DH coupons for his beer. It was easier buying them one week at a time. Bon Voyage bottles more than you'd pay at the local store but cheaper then buying from the bar.

I think our bar bill at the end of the cruise was about 35.00. You have to wait until the first nights dinner to get the drink coupons

[Cruisin Christi]

This thread is actually pretty good. I have learned a thing or two and it isn't focused on smuggling! Besides our wine I think I will be looking for the specials(thanks firefly) and a few other tricks others have mentioned. I don't like the thought of ordering from Bon Voyage, it is just so high and the thought of mixing my own drinks on vacation puts me off. We don't have a balcony cabin or anything fancy.

[balcony bound]

With the exception of maybe the beer prices, alcohol in our area is not much cheaper than when we are cruising. I've learned to order my drinks in a regular glass (as opposed to the "souvenier" glasses) which really helps. I think that is the one tip I always tell first-time cruising friends.

[amy_ammo]

I'd previously brought rum runners on a cruise, but this year, I'll do bon voyage. Also, there are drink specials like 3.50 mimosas/bloody marys from 10-12 if I recall.

 

We went on a 5 day over new year's several years ago and my friend's S&S bill was almost double what our cruise was!!! :O the next cruise, we did rum runners and still had hefty bar tabs, but this time half of the cruise cost... lol

[Cruisin Christi]

With the exception of maybe the beer prices, alcohol in our area is not much cheaper than when we are cruising. I've learned to order my drinks in a regular glass (as opposed to the "souvenier" glasses) which really helps. I think that is the one tip I always tell first-time cruising friends.

 

I may have to have one souvenir glass(it is my first cruise) then the plastic ones will be just fine ;)

[rrraydon]

With the exception of maybe the beer prices, alcohol in our area is not much cheaper than when we are cruising. I've learned to order my drinks in a regular glass (as opposed to the "souvenier" glasses) which really helps. I think that is the one tip I always tell first-time cruising friends.

 

 

I had read that on a post somewhere and thought I'd try it..problem was, I ordered a frozen drink in a reg glass. Charged me a dollar less than the DOD (frozen drink) for the short hard plastic cup..like half a drink.

I learned not to try that when ordering frozen drinks.

[crzndeb]

I have sailed solo on my last 2 cruises and ordered a bottle of vodka for my room. I have had an inside cabin and have no problem making my own drink.

 

There are about 34 ounces in a liter bottle of vodka and I can make my drinks as strong as I want without paying for a double at the bar. And that is a lot of drinks that I am not paying $6-8 per drink at the bar.

 

In fact, I ended up bringing some home on both cruises. Even on my 14 day cruise, I had some left...not much, but some...LOL!

 

I still prefer to get a martini at the bar, but for mixed drinks, it was great having that bottle in my room if I felt like a cocktail.

[SexyK]

This thread is actually pretty good. I have learned a thing or two and it isn't focused on smuggling! Besides our wine I think I will be looking for the specials(thanks firefly) and a few other tricks others have mentioned. I don't like the thought of ordering from Bon Voyage, it is just so high and the thought of mixing my own drinks on vacation puts me off. We don't have a balcony cabin or anything fancy.

cruisenub What I did in Nov was order from Bon Voyage. It is a little pricy but was better than smuggling and getting caught. But my trip for this Dec Im buying soda coupons and drink coupons 1 each month. Thats about 30 a month but I won't have to worry about a bar tab. Im also getting the photo coupons also. Doing it this way you have everything paid for befor the cruise. Good luck and have fun.

[bluesman0711]

If you consider what you pay for drinks at a theme park, ball game, concert etc., the prices on board are not that out of line. You have to put in perspective where you are enjoying that drink and if you take the advice offered in this thread you can reduce the cost somewhat. Buying beer by the bucket, order a bottle from Bon Voyage, and enjoy the best vacation experience out there.

[Shelbyjane56]

Looks like it would be cheaper to get a coors light where you get 16 ounces for a dollar more. We dont really care as we dont drink a lot and sometimes get the BV, we did it last summer and had A LOT left over

[SANDYJABS]

What you pay depends upon what you order....

 

Here is a link to the bar menu on the Carnival Fleet"

 

http://www.unofficialcarnivalwiki.com/wiki/Bar_Menu

 

I usually drink a couple of Campari and soda during the evening. 4.95 plus tax.

 

Once in a while' date=' I order a very dry Grey Goose Martini...that's 9.00 plus tax.[/quote']

 

I don't know if this menu is up to date. The Specialty Drinks do not list Kiss on the Lips, Long Island Ice Tea (these are currently on the Specialty Drink Menu) also it should add that if you order a specialty drink that you get $5 casino chip, just adding to the list - lol. The price is not $4.95 for these anymore.

[cruisin1982]

prices are not that bad. Being from Chicago we pay $5 for a bottle of beer 12oz and on the cruise ship you pay $5.75 for a 16oz. A drink around here is $6-7. I think the drinks you get on the ship are bigger. I expect to pay more for everything while on vacation. You never read people complain what places charge for drinks in the ports we paid $14 each for a drink at Senor frogs we did get to keep the glass that they were selling for $5 in their gift shop. If drinks were $5 like some have said I think it may be a drunk fest instead of a cruise.

 

Mike

[rpclmc]

Yes it is steep when I buy a six pack for that much. This is why we have never cruised. BUT.....we are next April....We are saving money, and I plan to buy drink tickets and stuff like that. Atleast it wont be one huge bill all at once.

 

I still say that Carnival could sell beers for $3.00 and drinks for $5.00 and still make a fortune.

 

My opinion is, that they would actually make more money with lower prices. I think (and again, it is my opinion, not research based), that with cheaper drinks there would be less smuggling and even less "allowed" alcohol (wine and champagne) and people would order more.

[Frank12]

I'd previously brought rum runners on a cruise, but this year, I'll do bon voyage. Also, there are drink specials like 3.50 mimosas/bloody marys from 10-12 if I recall.

 

We went on a 5 day over new year's several years ago and my friend's S&S bill was almost double what our cruise was!!! :O the next cruise, we did rum runners and still had hefty bar tabs, but this time half of the cruise cost... lol

 

The $3.50 bloody mary and mimosa specials are no longer. They are now around $5.00.

[patrice1]

Around here, drinks are $7-10 per, so the ships are cheaper!

[sentner]

While I'd like to say I'd order from Bon Voyage, it just doesn't make any sense for me, especially on this next cruise for several reasons. a) I'm the only one drinking (H doesn't drink), b) we're going on a 5 day cruise and I can't drink a whole bottle in that time, not that big a drinker and c) if I had any left over, I couldn't take it home, as we are flying with carry ons (and the whole liquid rule applies here).

 

So with that in mind, I plan ahead to spend a little more $$ on my drinks. After all, I'm on vacation!

[WeBeCruisin']

The best deal on beer is the Foster's. They come in the big "oil can" and are 26.5 ounces (.750 liter) for $6.75. That's the equivalent of $3.05 for a 12-ounce beer. And Foster's is a very good beer.

 

The Classic Cocktails are doubles. If I order a double martini at my neighborhood tavern, it's going to cost me a minimum of about $12.00, so the $8 or $9 price on the ship is not at all bad by comparison.

 

Also, the Bon Voyage bottles are liter bottles, so that makes them less expensive than you would think, if you're comparing them to .750 liter bottles. You're getting a third more liquor.

 

I used to smuggle and use rum runners, but now I order through Bon Voyage. It's so much less hassle and stress and they wrap it with frou-frou ribbons and stuff. :)

[CanWeGoYet?]

I don't drink beer, so can't comment on those prices, but the cost of a mixed drink on board seems about like what I would pay here in Seattle, or less.

 

And my gosh, what some of the places charge on Ocean Drive in miami, there would be a mutiny if people saw charges like that on their sail & sign account.

[amy_ammo]

thanks Frank for letting me know the prices had changed. My travel buddies and I alternate between cruises and all-inclusives so it's been a couple of years. Bringing my BFF on one this year and she's never been. it will be our 25th friendaversary :-)

[WeBeCruisin']

I don't drink beer, so can't comment on those prices, but the cost of a mixed drink on board seems about like what I would pay here in Seattle, or less.

 

And my gosh, what some of the places charge on Ocean Drive in miami, there would be a mutiny if people saw charges like that on their sail & sign account.

 

I spent a pre-cruise night at the Caribe Hilton in San Juan last spring and in the little caribbean cafe off to the side of the main lobby their gin martinis were $15. But, of course, that didn't stop me from having a couple. :eek:

[CanWeGoYet?]

I spent a pre-cruise night at the Caribe Hilton in San Juan last spring and in the little caribbean cafe off to the side of the main lobby their gin martinis were $15. But' date=' of course, that didn't stop me from having a couple. :eek:[/quote']

 

Oceans Ten in south beach was what I was thinking of. Horrific service, decent food. I read some reviews when I posted mine, and there saw many people complaining of $30 drinks. Yes the drinks were big, and maybe it was their fault to order when no prices listed on menu - but who is going to think in their wildest dreams a drink costing $30?!

[victoryred]

Nope..it was $3.95...it's here on this menu:

 

 

http://www.zydecocruiser.com/Carnival-Bar-Menu/CarnivalCruiseBarMenu.htm

 

For some reason I thought those were $4.95.......but you are right I checked my account on the Glory and it came out to a total of $4.54 with tip. Still though $4.54 is a far cry from $3.00 and change;)

 

But just so people know these 12 oz cans are not offered on every ship. We asked for them on the Spirit and they did not have them.......

They don't show them at the bar either so you must ask for them.......

So you might get lucky if you ask if not you will be paying $6.61 for a 16 oz.

[marie0157]

My DH just spoke to somebody that came back from a cruise- $8.00 for a Vodka and Tonic.:eek::eek::eek: Not sure what line.

 

Can this be true? Sure fru fru drinks are expensive , but juist a simple V&T? What about beer?

 

I'm not uasually that frugal, but maybe I better consider rum runners:confused:

 

Living in NYC I thought $8.00 was a pretty fair price.

[victoryred]

The best deal on beer is the Foster's. They come in the big "oil can" and are 26.5 ounces (.750 liter) for $6.75. That's the equivalent of $3.05 for a 12-ounce beer. And Foster's is a very good beer.

 

 

The only problem is most beer drinkers don't look for the best deal......they buy by their taste buds.......

[victoryred]

prices are not that bad. Being from Chicago we pay $5 for a bottle of beer 12oz and on the cruise ship you pay $5.75 for a 16oz. A drink around here is $6-7. I think the drinks you get on the ship are bigger. I expect to pay more for everything while on vacation. You never read people complain what places charge for drinks in the ports we paid $14 each for a drink at Senor frogs we did get to keep the glass that they were selling for $5 in their gift shop. If drinks were $5 like some have said I think it may be a drunk fest instead of a cruise.

 

Mike

 

That's why I love Mexico.....you can get a bucket of 6 beers on the beach for $13.00.......