Lets try to sort out the (complicated) ai drinks issues

[geomagot]

I would agree that Thoms would not want to lose sales?

 

but, the service definitely appears to have slowed??....I found myself going to the bar much more often, especially at busy times in the medusa and the deck/pool bars

 

its a problem in the medusa because of the bar stools there's only a small space atthe bar where you can be served....a long queue usually forms

 

problem also in the casino....I never once got a drink in there, although it wasnt often I could get a seat to play in there anyway

 

in other quiet bars....no problem

 

I agree, once the waiters know what your prefered tipples are in the restaurants they bring it over fairly quick (the waiters are magic like that)

 

Grez.....dont know about the ai house wines (we weren’t on the ai) there is only one house wine on the menu tho? red/white/rose and its a new wine (not as good as the old one)

[kruzseeka]

In other words.......................Thomson ships, other than Island Escape, are not AI.

 

Sorry, I misunderstood your point. I thought there was some confusion about what AI is as far as Thomson is concerned and was trying to clarify what I understand the differences to be in terms of what they offer on their ships rather than a more widely accepted definition of AI.

[geomagot]

tbh a few years ago thoms offering was called all inclusive....it wasn’t actually ever 'all inclusive' as there were surcharges....but they called it ai and youwere issued with a card that had ai stamped on it

 

then there were complaints that it was not full ai as you would find in resorts where you get a wristband and everything is free, thoms quickly realised the problems they could cause themselves by offering a product that was 'not as described'

 

so a few years ago (to mitigate the landslide of court cases/fines that were heading their way)

 

they changed the name and called it a drinks package instead....for some time it was the one and the same thing

 

over time, more and more surcharges have crept into the (now renamed) drinks package (thoms saw the potential to up their margins)....so, yes, it is no longer ai, it is a drinks (rapidly diminishing) package

 

some original thoms cruisers, myself included, tend to reffer to the drinks package by its original term, ai, possibly out of habit, as in my case

 

I agree there is no ai on thoms....the correct term now is drinks package.....if you hear me referring to ai.....many apologies, I mean Drinks Package......sorry for the confusion...bow....scrape....grovel:o:o

[davecttr]

tbh a few years ago thoms offering was called all inclusive....it wasn’t actually ever 'all inclusive' as there were surcharges....but they called it ai and youwere issued with a card that had ai stamped on it

 

then there were complaints that it was not full ai as you would find in resorts where you get a wristband and everything is free, thoms quickly realised the problems they could cause themselves by offering a product that was 'not as described'

 

so a few years ago (to mitigate the landslide of court cases/fines that were heading their way)

 

they changed the name and called it a drinks package instead....for some time it was the one and the same thing

 

over time, more and more surcharges have crept into the (now renamed) drinks package (thoms saw the potential to up their margins)....so, yes, it is no longer ai, it is a drinks (rapidly diminishing) package

 

some original thoms cruisers, myself included, tend to reffer to the drinks package by its original term, ai, possibly out of habit, as in my case

 

I agree there is no ai on thoms....the correct term now is drinks package.....if you hear me referring to ai.....many apologies, I mean Drinks Package......sorry for the confusion...bow....scrape....grovel:o:o

does your cruise card still have a large AI printed on it

[whistlerbc]

Drinks package or AI whatever you want to call it, fact is at £200 per week per adult it is becoming an overpriced and very restricted extra. I do think Thomson are doing themselves by not piling it high and selling it cheap full stop. Its repeatedly mentioned that Thomson are standardising but clearly that is not the case when cheap or free drinks deals are only available on certain ships and certain itineries.

 

I asked earlier about the happy hours shame that also appears to have been scrapped. Last cruise I went on I was AI on Destiny so didn't make any difference to me but many pay as you go people did enjoy the bar offers. If drinks packages are optional then flexibility and offers should also be readily available to ensure passengers do spend their cash at the bar.

 

All of this to me is Thomson using their captive audience ie cruisers to maximise bar profits badly! There is no way the price of a canned drink can be justified and lets not forget the duty free status of the spirits. There was a massive margin being made before the changes.....

[geomagot]

Sorry dont know about the ai stamp, we wern't on the ai

 

they do advertise happy hour in the waters edge between midnight & 1pm but I dont know what it consists of?

 

some bar specials i.e 2 rum puch for £3.95 and a deal on muffins & coffee

[thebooler]

does your cruise card still have a large AI printed on it

 

Mine did, and it was also explained to me by a Thomson member of staff that this was a mistake on their part.

[whistlerbc]

Sorry dont know about the ai stamp, we wern't on the ai

 

they do advertise happy hour in the waters edge between midnight & 1pm but I dont know what it consists of?

 

some bar specials i.e 2 rum puch for £3.95 and a deal on muffins & coffee

 

Excellent that'll do me nicely. Thanks for that :)

[sodafountain]

As I said earlier, there's a big difference between AI and a Drinks Package. I think you'll find they started the Drinks Packages a while ago, and not AI. All Inclusive means you pay a set price for the holiday and all drinks and food are included (barring some premium brands) whereas a Drinks Package is purchased by choice, and not everyone purchases it. AI generally encompasses all passengers whereas the Drinks package does not, which makes a huge difference.

 

Sorry, disagree, even in hotels, you can have people on Half Board or AI, depending how much you have paid, and even in a hotel on AI, not everything is free, as set out in the terms and conditions, so I see AI as no different on Thomson ships, you are Full Board, or pay more to go AI, although some drinks will cost you, happens in hotels and you don't say they are not AI.

 

Thomson still advertise their cruises as All Inclusive as an available upgrade, that is what they call it, that is what it is, drinks packages usually entitles you to a certain amount (60 pints, 10 bottles of wine, etc), where as AI is unlimited, within the terms of which drinks are available.

[whistlerbc]

Sorry, disagree, even in hotels, you can have people on Half Board or AI, depending how much you have paid, and even in a hotel on AI, not everything is free, as set out in the terms and conditions, so I see AI as no different on Thomson ships, you are Full Board, or pay more to go AI, although some drinks will cost you, happens in hotels and you don't say they are not AI.

 

Thomson still advertise their cruises as All Inclusive as an available upgrade, that is what they call it, that is what it is, drinks packages usually entitles you to a certain amount (60 pints, 10 bottles of wine, etc), where as AI is unlimited, within the terms of which drinks are available.

 

I agree with most of that. I too have stayed in AI hotels where the spirits included have been house brand only. However there are different levels of AI dependant on the quality of the hotel and of course the amount paid. For example if you stay in a Sandals hotel there is no restriction on the brands of spirit included. To me this makes makes the point about the grumbles of the Thomson AI package on their cruises, people are being expected to pay more and more for a lot less. As I keep saying if these deals are obtained at a discounted price then they are good value. I on the other hand feel like I'm being expected to subsidise the 'freebies' dished out elsewhere as discount deals are never an option on my itinery!

 

It comes back to the standardisation that Thomson have spoken about, it doesn't exist because the left hand doesn't know what the right hands doing :rolleyes:

[thebooler]

Sorry, disagree, even in hotels, you can have people on Half Board or AI, depending how much you have paid, and even in a hotel on AI, not everything is free, as set out in the terms and conditions, so I see AI as no different on Thomson ships, you are Full Board, or pay more to go AI, although some drinks will cost you, happens in hotels and you don't say they are not AI.

 

Thomson still advertise their cruises as All Inclusive as an available upgrade, that is what they call it, that is what it is, drinks packages usually entitles you to a certain amount (60 pints, 10 bottles of wine, etc), where as AI is unlimited, within the terms of which drinks are available.

 

There are differing levels of AI no matter where you go, whether it be on a ship or in a hotel. The point I am making is, if Thomson go fully AI for all passengers, something which they don't currently do, then service standards will drop. I say this due to having been involved with hotels which have gone AI, and I know from the various meetings which take place that the main topic of discussion is how to "not" encourage people to drink too much. These measures range from having no waiter service in the bars, no stools at the bar (so people don't sit there all night ordering drinks), post-mix coke, irn bru, sprite, etc rather than cans (lower quality), base standard spirits (unless you pay a supplement), bars close at 2am prompt (as opposed to staying on and gathering a bit more income from the cash paying guests) etc, etc.

 

Some of these measures were evident on my cruise last week on the Celebration, and that's before they have everyone on an AI deal.

[whistlerbc]

I get where your coming from the booler. If Thomson were AI as standard then they don't have to work for your cash at the bar. They already have it and so want to keep as much of that cash as possible, the less drinks served the bigger the pot. It makes the american system of tipping look good, the tip has to earned and can't just be expected. Theres a lot to be said for that!

[TheBeeSea]

As far as I am concerned Thomson offer a top up to AI by way of a Drinks Package and that then makes what you get little or no different to AI in resorts.

 

At a drinks package of £207 for a familiy of 4 - Im happy

[Grez]

As far as I am concerned Thomson offer a top up to AI by way of a Drinks Package and that then makes what you get little or no different to AI in resorts.

 

At a drinks package of £207 for a familiy of 4 - Im happy

 

I don't think anyone's complaining really about £69 pppw, they are complaining about £199 pppw, when the price has gone up in the last couple of years and the range and quality has decreased. Thomson used to have something of a USP with the drinks package, but now lots of operators offer it, and Thomson's is one of the least competetive.

 

You can't really compare AI on a ship to a land based resort, you need to compare it with other ships.

[thebooler]

I get where your coming from the booler. If Thomson were AI as standard then they don't have to work for your cash at the bar. They already have it and so want to keep as much of that cash as possible, the less drinks served the bigger the pot. It makes the american system of tipping look good, the tip has to earned and can't just be expected. Theres a lot to be said for that!

 

Very true. I gave a £1 coin to nearly every waiter or barman who served me a drink last week. The service was much better than others said they were getting. Cost me around £60 in tips but well worth it as it ensured a good level of service.

[thebooler]

As far as I am concerned Thomson offer a top up to AI by way of a Drinks Package and that then makes what you get little or no different to AI in resorts.

 

At a drinks package of £207 for a familiy of 4 - Im happy

 

I can't complain either as I got the package for £69. I think the thread's more about the AI/Drinks Packages in general, and not what we get as individuals.

Will you be as happy next year when/if you're asked to pay £219 pppw?

[jkjkjk]

I can't complain either as I got the package for £69. I think the thread's more about the AI/Drinks Packages in general, and not what we get as individuals.

Will you be as happy next year when/if you're asked to pay £219 pppw?

 

Just came back from Red sea magic. There were 8 of us seasoned drinkers. We had no problem what so ever with the AI, I can understand why there are no cans of soft drinks, they were probably finding half empty tins all around the place. Bottled beer is always a lot more expensive than draught hence the supplement. If anyone wants some positive feedback, please ask.

[Grez]

But would you be happy if this Bar list was what you were used to, with every cocktail, liquer etc included, 11 choices of house wine, only paying supplements on truly premium drinks, available from 8am as well so you could have a nice coffee after breakfast -

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/cjdolan/front.jpg

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/cjdolan/back.jpg

 

Bear in mind this was from 2009, and every year since the range has gone down, and it is more expensive now (£30 more?). Next year there may be less choice, and it may be more expensive. People are complaining at the moment because they can't have Vodka and Orange - that's classed as 2 drinks. They can't have a brandy with their coffee - 2 drinks. Reports that you can't order another drink until your glass is empty! Glasses of wine 150ml instead of 200ml - sneaky! Its a slippery slope. Here is the current list - http://cruiseforums.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1748329#

[carrs]

hi all, We are a party of 4 traveling on the Dream in June and have had the AI upgraded foc. so wont complain at that,

really looking forward to getting to Palma and starting our cruise

 

Carrs

[whistlerbc]

hi all, We are a party of 4 traveling on the Dream in June and have had the AI upgraded foc. so wont complain at that,

really looking forward to getting to Palma and starting our cruise

 

Carrs

 

And that one of the reasons (not directed at you personally of course) that it makes me so angry that I did not get any option of a deal on my cruise because its a caribbean itinerary. My AI is £995 for the 3 of us take it or leave it!! To make matters worse the new package is very restrictive as pointed out above compared to what I have paid full price for in the past and yes I did think at that point it was good value.

 

Why is it that Thomson do not do deals on UK or Caribbean? I'm told the customers on those cruises prefer onboard credit!!! Rubbish and by the way I didn't get it and I booked early!!! Grrrr.....

 

Everyone is in agreement that at £69, £99 or free it is good value but for me to have no option but to pay full price it very definately makes me feel like I would be subsidising these freebies. Thomson need to address this! I would be happy with the new AI if I was paying £99pppw. Instead of giving to some and not others why not make the price £99pppw across all the cruises then everyone gets the same good deal??

[okavango]

dont understand why everyone gets so worked up about AI ,its an option that you buy if it suits you ,if you dont think its any good for you dont buy it, if you arn't happy with its restrictions dont buy it, most of the freebies are only sweetners and its restrictions are pretty much what you would expect on a land based AI holiday

[davecttr]

And that one of the reasons (not directed at you personally of course) that it makes me so angry that I did not get any option of a deal on my cruise because its a caribbean itinerary. My AI is £995 for the 3 of us take it or leave it!! To make matters worse the new package is very restrictive as pointed out above compared to what I have paid full price for in the past and yes I did think at that point it was good value.

 

Why is it that Thomson do not do deals on UK or Caribbean? I'm told the customers on those cruises prefer onboard credit!!! Rubbish and by the way I didn't get it and I booked early!!! Grrrr.....

 

Everyone is in agreement that at £69, £99 or free it is good value but for me to have no option but to pay full price it very definately makes me feel like I would be subsidising these freebies. Thomson need to address this! I would be happy with the new AI if I was paying £99pppw. Instead of giving to some and not others why not make the price £99pppw across all the cruises then everyone gets the same good deal??

 

Because it might mean lots of 'booze cruisers' booking and spending 7 nights getting paralytic. Notice next year there are only 4 seven nighters from the UK! The 'free' AI is an early booking incentive but maybe those who book don't realise as the price of the cruise drops the price of the AI goes up.

[whistlerbc]

Because it might mean lots of 'booze cruisers' booking and spending 7 nights getting paralytic. Notice next year there are only 4 seven nighters from the UK! The 'free' AI is an early booking incentive but maybe those who book don't realise as the price of the cruise drops the price of the AI goes up.

 

I honestly don't think that booze cruisers would be any more of a majority than there is presently. To look at it from another side are the people booking cruises with free AI the ship drunks? No not that I'm aware of and in fact I've never actually witness any problems onboard through alcohol. Not saying it doesn't or has never happened though, just I personally have never seen any. Yet from what you have said as it is you would expect the 'booze cruise' crowd to be the ones seeking out freebie AI and yet it seems most are just lucky that it came with the cruise they booked. There would be better incentive across the entire Thomson cruise range if the supposedly standard drinks package was a standard price.

 

I would also say on the AI up, price down, not in my case price for AI has been the same £995 all the way and my cruise is going up in price but then full price is full price!

 

dont understand why everyone gets so worked up about AI ,its an option that you buy if it suits you ,if you dont think its any good for you dont buy it, if you arn't happy with its restrictions dont buy it, most of the freebies are only sweetners and its restrictions are pretty much what you would expect on a land based AI holiday

 

Personally I'm not all that bothered whether I'm on AI or not but what does hack me off are the options on offer to some early bookers but not others. The only thing the new AI product means to me is Thomson won't be getting that £995, it'll stay in my pocket and I will spend it as and where I please.

 

Bottom line its not me losing out!!

[whistlerbc]

Just had a thought and a question - Island Escape is AI has anyone experience a problem with drunks on the ship?

 

I really do think that charging a standard rate for a standard package would do good business for Thomson cruises. Option of taking the AI or not of course would always remain.

[okavango]

Just had a thought and a question - Island Escape is AI has anyone experience a problem with drunks on the ship?

 

I really do think that charging a standard rate for a standard package would do good business for Thomson cruises. Option of taking the AI or not of course would always remain.

 

yes,just stick with the full price of around £200