Attention Beards....it is time for drink cards for us common people, too!!

[mjl1960]

ATTN BEARDS AT CARNIVAL!!! It is way over due to have a drink card for everyone, not just those large groups. It really sucks paying $799 pp for a balcony for a week, and then having no idea that by the time your done, that $799 cabin pp really is going to cost you more like $1600 by the time you add on drinks, soda card, and excursions (oh yeah and those taxes). And that is not even considering the air fare for those of us that don't live near the port and have to fly in, or the hotels and ground transportation. I for one am going to start looking very seriously at the cruise lines that do have the all inclusive drinks included up front. I would rather know going in that I am going to pay $1000 more for my cabin for two people and not have to worry about the cost of drinks every time I order one at a bar or at dinner.

[cio541]

ATTN BEARDS AT CARNIVAL!!! It is way over due to have a drink card for everyone, not just those large groups. It really sucks paying $799 pp for a balcony for a week, and then having no idea that by the time your done, that $799 cabin pp really is going to cost you more like $1500 by the time you add on drinks, soda card, and excursions. And that is not even considering the air fare for those of us that don't live near the port and have to fly in, or the hotels and ground transportation. I for one am going to start looking very seriously at the cruise lines that do have the all inclusive drinks included up front. I would rather know going in that I am going to pay $1000 more for my cabin for two people and not have to worry about the cost of drinks every time I order one at a bar or at dinner.

 

However those of us who don't drink do not want to pay an increased amount for those of you who do :)

[mjl1960]

However those of us who don't drink do not want to pay an increased amount for those of you who do :)

That is fine, that is why they could offer a drink card that you can purchase as an option up front, like they do the soda card. I for one find that a soda card is more expensive for me than it would be if I pay for each soda...same concept could apply to a drink card.

Thanks for your input, and I totally respect your view, but there are a lot of us out there that do like to drink while we are on our cruise.

[big_duck]

I have some bad news for you. At their current price, the drink cards would cost you more then what you quoted.

[Snorkel2Much]

I cruised Celebrity twice when they first rolled out their drink card, and it worked well for me. Good luck making it happen on Carnival.

[mjl1960]

Not necessarily, Don, if they had a drink package you could purchase, I am sure that people would drink more...but not a lot more probably. I like my bud lite, but I limit it to the evenings on the cruises because of the costs, but if I didn't have to worry about it, I could drink them most of the day, then drink mixed drinks in the clubs at night. It would be an option, like the soda card, for some people it would be worth the cost, some it isn't. It would be up to each person to make that decision for themselves...I am just asking for the option to be offered, which at this point it is but only to large groups, and only if everyone in the group takes it.

I know that Carnival makes a lot of money off half the people that buy the soda card, and I am sure the same would be true on the drink card. I just don't like feeling the ching ching every time I hand them my card during the cruise. If it was prepaid, I wouldn't give it another thought.

[maarten288]

However those of us who don't drink do not want to pay an increased amount for those of you who do :)

 

Us drinkers and gamblers have been keeping your cruise fares low since the the first cruise ship went in the water. I'd love to see an all inclusive cruise and don't really care if the fares go up. It would be great to see 90% of you complainers not be able to afford to cruise. :)

 

Imagine how fun the cruises would be without the prudes! I say bring it on!

[ItsAllAboutTheSass]

ATTN BEARDS AT CARNIVAL!!! It is way over due to have a drink card for everyone, not just those large groups. It really sucks paying $799 pp for a balcony for a week, and then having no idea that by the time your done, that $799 cabin pp really is going to cost you more like $1600 by the time you add on drinks, soda card, and excursions (oh yeah and those taxes). And that is not even considering the air fare for those of us that don't live near the port and have to fly in, or the hotels and ground transportation. I for one am going to start looking very seriously at the cruise lines that do have the all inclusive drinks included up front. I would rather know going in that I am going to pay $1000 more for my cabin for two people and not have to worry about the cost of drinks every time I order one at a bar or at dinner.

 

 

So someone buys a drink card then proceeds to get drinks for the rest of their group. I don't see how Carnival can police this and keep cruise fare at the prices they have.

 

Also, not sure what this has to do with drinks.."And that is not even considering the air fare for those of us that don't live near the port and have to fly in, or the hotels and ground transportation". You don't "Have" to fly into any port. You "choose" to fly in. You could drive. Your additional expenses are not of Carnival's concern. Actually, none of your expenses are of Carnival's concern.

[KruznKel]

ATTN BEARDS AT CARNIVAL!!! It is way over due to have a drink card for everyone, not just those large groups. It really sucks paying $799 pp for a balcony for a week, and then having no idea that by the time your done, that $799 cabin pp really is going to cost you more like $1600 by the time you add on drinks, soda card, and excursions (oh yeah and those taxes). And that is not even considering the air fare for those of us that don't live near the port and have to fly in, or the hotels and ground transportation. I for one am going to start looking very seriously at the cruise lines that do have the all inclusive drinks included up front. I would rather know going in that I am going to pay $1000 more for my cabin for two people and not have to worry about the cost of drinks every time I order one at a bar or at dinner.

 

JH asked this question on his page just last week.. and got 529 replies.. said he sent around 300 replies to the beards... guess its a wait and see now...:rolleyes:

[genegri]

I'd love to see an all inclusive cruise and don't really care if the fares go up. It would be great to see 90% of you complainers not be able to afford to cruise. :)

 

They are already being offered ... by other cruise lines.

[mjl1960]

So someone buys a drink card then proceeds to get drinks for the rest of their group. I don't see how Carnival can police this and keep cruise fare at the prices they have.

 

Also, not sure what this has to do with drinks.."And that is not even considering the air fare for those of us that don't live near the port and have to fly in, or the hotels and ground transportation". You don't "Have" to fly into any port. You "choose" to fly in. You could drive. Your additional expenses are not of Carnival's concern. Actually, none of your expenses are of Carnival's concern.

 

 

Points taken. That is something that Carnival would have to work out I suppose, but they obviously have with the soda card to some extent, and I think most people are pretty honest when it comes to stuff like that. And who wants to be the gopher to have to get everyone else in the group their drinks? Don't you think the abuse would show up on the computerized records after a day or so?

 

Your second point, very well taken, except when you get home and start looking at the total cost of the cruise, those other things are taken into account. They advertise a cruise for $799, but I don't think it really sinks in until after the cruise for most people how much everything involved with taking that cruise costs. I also think that the Beards at Carnival need to be aware of those "real" costs, especially if they want repeat business. I think it is ridiculous to pay 6.75 each for a bottle of Bud. There is not a bar anywhere near where I live that charges those kinds of prices...or includes their tips in the price of the beer, for that matter. Yeah, Carnival has a right to make a profit, not to gouge us. Their cost for labor is not that great, just ask anyone that works on the ship for Carnival.

[maarten288]

They are already being offered ... by other cruise lines.

 

And the other cruise lines offering it are significantly more expensive with a lot less complainers than the Carnival boards.

[genegri]

And the other cruise lines offering it are significantly more expensive with a lot less complainers than the Carnival boards.

 

But isn't that exactly what you are looking? A cruise that many people here can't afford? You should give it a try.

 

Carnival is not for everyone.

[ItsAllAboutTheSass]

Points taken. That is something that Carnival would have to work out I suppose, but they obviously have with the soda card to some extent, and I think most people are pretty honest when it comes to stuff like that. And who wants to be the gopher to have to get everyone else in the group their drinks? Don't you think the abuse would show up on the computerized records after a day or so?

 

Your second point, very well taken, except when you get home and start looking at the total cost of the cruise, those other things are taken into account. They advertise a cruise for $799, but I don't think it really sinks in until after the cruise for most people how much everything involved with taking that cruise costs. I also think that the Beards at Carnival need to be aware of those "real" costs, especially if they want repeat business. I think it is ridiculous to pay 6.75 each for a bottle of Bud. There is not a bar anywhere near where I live that charges those kinds of prices...or includes their tips in the price of the beer, for that matter. Yeah, Carnival has a right to make a profit, not to gouge us. Their cost for labor is not that great, just ask anyone that works on the ship for Carnival.

 

I don't think the profit los on a $6-7 per day soda card is comparable to what could be lost on an alcohol card. How do you prove abuse without knowing that particular persons drinking habits. I guy we cruised with once drank like a fish. So what would be me sharing drinks with my group would be the same as him drinking by himself. Should Carnival cut him off because he drinks so much he "could" be sharing.

 

If it doesn't sink in until after the cruise what the total cost is then that person either 1) didn't do any research 2) didn't look at anything they were signing for. Carnival advertises a cruise at $799 (using your example). Taxes are shown during the booking process. Taxes are not part of the cruise. Carnival is getting enough repeat business that they don't need to worry about the optional/"real" costs.

 

Around here, any decent restaurant or hotel charges around $6 for a beer, so I don't see $6.75 unreasonable. Then again, I don't need to drink 15 of them.

 

I agree, that their cost of labor is relatively low. However, as long as their price points aren't driving away more customers than they are attracting, as a shareholder, I am ok with them charging that. Every company has a duty to look out for the investments of their shareholders, not just make sure they can cover the shareholders investments.

[angelkisses]

I agree let it be an option. Does anyone know how much Celebrity charges for their drink card?

[riclop]

So basically you go on a cruise to DRINK. Then you complain of how much $$$$$$$$ is going to cost you. GEEEZZZ.

[livestocruisetoo]

Points taken. That is something that Carnival would have to work out I suppose, but they obviously have with the soda card to some extent, and I think most people are pretty honest when it comes to stuff like that. And who wants to be the gopher to have to get everyone else in the group their drinks? Don't you think the abuse would show up on the computerized records after a day or so?

 

Your second point, very well taken, except when you get home and start looking at the total cost of the cruise, those other things are taken into account. They advertise a cruise for $799, but I don't think it really sinks in until after the cruise for most people how much everything involved with taking that cruise costs. I also think that the Beards at Carnival need to be aware of those "real" costs, especially if they want repeat business. I think it is ridiculous to pay 6.75 each for a bottle of Bud. There is not a bar anywhere near where I live that charges those kinds of prices...or includes their tips in the price of the beer, for that matter. Yeah, Carnival has a right to make a profit, not to gouge us. Their cost for labor is not that great, just ask anyone that works on the ship for Carnival.

 

Actually, you need to be aware of the real costs before you book a cruise. On our Med cruise, the Cove we stayed in cost $2900 after price drops. The other rive to six grand was airfaire, hotel, and money spent during the 14 days. Oh, I almost...the other $1500 was for boarding our animals. All this was known up front except for the price drops. Rich people go on 'spur of the moment' cruises because they have unlimited funds. Everybody else, at least most of them, know a ballpark figure of what it's going to cost. Another thing i forgot, the $500 'rebate' we got in the casino.

 

Forget the bar out there in Nebraska. There ain't a cruise ship within a thousand miles either.

[deborahjo]

We did this on Disney in 2004. It was a group of people but not worth it to us. We do not drink much so not an option I care to add to my cruise. Others might. So what. Let them pay the $50 to $70 more a day for all the drinks you want. Just do not make me pay for it on my cruise.

[Cruzin2paradise09]

ATTN BEARDS AT CARNIVAL!!! It is way over due to have a drink card for everyone, not just those large groups. It really sucks paying $799 pp for a balcony for a week, and then having no idea that by the time your done, that $799 cabin pp really is going to cost you more like $1600 by the time you add on drinks, soda card, and excursions (oh yeah and those taxes). And that is not even considering the air fare for those of us that don't live near the port and have to fly in, or the hotels and ground transportation. I for one am going to start looking very seriously at the cruise lines that do have the all inclusive drinks included up front. I would rather know going in that I am going to pay $1000 more for my cabin for two people and not have to worry about the cost of drinks every time I order one at a bar or at dinner.

 

 

SERIOUSLY? Here's part of your signature that I copied:

 

3/2/12 Carnival Spirit Mexican Riviera (9 Day Cruise)

11/13/11 Carnival Valor Western Caribbean (Ocean Suite)

2/27/11 Carnival Splendor Mexican Riviera (Aft Balcony)

4/19/09 Carnival Splendor Mexican Riviera (1st Cruise and a Balcony, too!)

 

 

 

So, you've been on three previous cruises and after the first one you didn't think to do your homework? C'mon. As for your Ocean Suite ... if you can budget that then when in the heck couldn't you budget your alcohol?

 

I'm sorry .... if you want the all inclusive cruise, go on Crystal or one of the luxury liners ... I assure you, your Ocean Suite will cost more than the measly $1000 bar bill on Carnival ... sheesh.

[Martini Mom]

Us drinkers and gamblers have been keeping your cruise fares low since the the first cruise ship went in the water. I'd love to see an all inclusive cruise and don't really care if the fares go up. It would be great to see 90% of you complainers not be able to afford to cruise. :)

 

Imagine how fun the cruises would be without the prudes! I say bring it on!

 

I was just saying the same thing the other day. We don't gamble, but I welcome those who do because they help keep my cruise fare down. :D

[Jeffy294]

I am skeptical about this option, I am normally in the $300-$400 range in drinks, I limit myself not on funds. But on the fact that I don't wanna be sick and hungover. I gotta think if I can drink all I can stand I won't take advantage of the program. What I drink now is right around the price of what I presume the card would cost. I think it is $400pp on the group cruises the organize these. I would think it could get dangerous on the ship with to many of these cards floating around, it might be a floating frat party, which I am not looking for. I love sitting at the bars enjoying Martini's and talking to folks.

[Sh1035]

On another point I have seen people order numerous appetizers and entrees....limit those and give me a bud light too :)

 

But only the drinkers would abuse a privilege??? tell that to large marge after the 2nd dessert.

 

I have learned order a bucket of beer and Bon voyage booze as required.

 

heck if your flying just go to sandles or beaches anyway.

[Snorkel2Much]

And the other cruise lines offering it are significantly more expensive with a lot less complainers than the Carnival boards.

Based on my 2 Celebrity cruises, that is definitely not always the case. At the time I booked a balcony room on Solstice was less than an 8A on Carnival hitting the same ports in the same week. There were a lot of complainers and "the sky is falling" whiners on the Celebrity board when the drink cards rolled out.

[kazbar]

I hope Carnival doesn't introduce it. They would have to price it so that they weren't losing money so it would be too high for the occasional drinkers and the big drinkers would try and get as much 'value' as possible from it and it would then increase the drunken idiot aspect that no one really enjoys being around.

And yes, I am a drinker.

[livestocruisetoo]

Us drinkers and gamblers have been keeping your cruise fares low since the the first cruise ship went in the water. I'd love to see an all inclusive cruise and don't really care if the fares go up. It would be great to see 90% of you complainers not be able to afford to cruise. :)

 

Imagine how fun the cruises would be without the prudes! I say bring it on!

 

Actually, the drunks and losers are the one's that keep fares low. :rolleyes: Let me add my thanks.