Premium Alcohol Package Math

[sbwtow]

With this attitude, I hope you don't cruise with me. :eek:

 

Some people just don't get it, you can do as you wish as long as it doesn't affect others. Sadly, the behavior of many drunks affects the rest of us.

 

These are the right we won after the Revolution. :p

 

Ive no attitude all im saying is you are on holiday its chill time and no im not on your cruise thank goodness:rolleyes:

I do not get drunk and I dont affect people as you suggest

On the cruises we have been on we have never seen any drunks myself included :)

[glentally]

Day six and seven...is it time to sober up yet...no you have to still have six drinks. Got to break even.

 

Sorry for sarcasm, we figured it out and being over 55 we couldn't handle it or rationalize it for every friggin day of the cruise.

 

I'm with you. By the 6th and 7th day those beers and drinks just don't seem as appealing and then you start looking at do I really need to spend $8 on a drink.

[MisterOJ2]

So with the drink package, are you obligated to finish your drink?

 

Like, if I am at a bar and I order something I've never tried before, and just don't like it. Can you just chuck it and then get another drink?

[dz9yvr]

... I dont affect people as you suggest

On the cruises we have been on we have never seen any drunks myself included :)

 

Sure, there are no drunks on cruise ships.... it's time for some of us to sober up :eek:

[luckyprincess]

So is it correct that you have to have everyone in your stateroom order the package? I thought I read that...and I think not having a cut off is a really terrible idea and I drink wine everyday!

[Clarea]

So is it correct that you have to have everyone in your stateroom order the package? I thought I read that...and I think not having a cut off is a really terrible idea and I drink wine everyday!

Everyone that's 21 and over in the same stateroom must order the package.

[Big_G]

I would have say 3 beers around midday, glass of wine with lunch, 4 beers in pool bar in the evening, 2 beers in pub before dinner, 2 glasses of wines with dinner, 2 beers at the show, 4 beers in pub after the show and 2 jack daniels to finish off the night. Do you thing the drinks package would make sense for me?

 

Keep dreaming! It's bad enough claiming to drink wines between your beers but the 2 beers in the show really kills your credibility. Service has never been that good in any show that I've seen. You'd have to leave the show to get the second one. :D

[sbwtow]

Sure, there are no drunks on cruise ships.... it's time for some of us to sober up :eek:

ignore button pressed :)

[waterbug123]

So with the drink package, are you obligated to finish your drink?

 

Like, if I am at a bar and I order something I've never tried before, and just don't like it. Can you just chuck it and then get another drink?

 

No, you do not have to finish every drink you order.

 

So is it correct that you have to have everyone in your stateroom order the package? I thought I read that...and I think not having a cut off is a really terrible idea and I drink wine everyday!

 

Whether you pay for your drinks or they are included in an all-inclusive drink package, the bartender has the same prerogative to cut you off at any point when it appears that you are over intoxicated. Not sure why there should be a particular limit on the number of "free" drinks one can have versus how many one can have if they pay as they go. :confused:

[Frankmac]

Keep dreaming! It's bad enough claiming to drink wines between your beers but the 2 beers in the show really kills your credibility. Service has never been that good in any show that I've seen. You'd have to leave the show to get the second one. :D

 

I bring the first one with me. You thing I havnt worked the service out by now?

[VirtualRain]

I'm hoping a note from my GFs doctor citing her allergy to alcohol will permit me to buy the package solo.

 

Here's my thinking...

 

I want to have at least one drink from each bar on the ship... 25 by my count. I normally also will have a cocktail with my appetizer, a couple of glasses of wine with dinner, and a glass of wine with lunch on sea days. So that's another 24 drinks. That's already over the minimum for this to make sense. ;)

[luckyprincess]

No, you do not have to finish every drink you order.

 

 

 

Whether you pay for your drinks or they are included in an all-inclusive drink package, the bartender has the same prerogative to cut you off at any point when it appears that you are over intoxicated. Not sure why there should be a particular limit on the number of "free" drinks one can have versus how many one can have if they pay as they go. :confused:

 

First, the bartenders typically do a pretty crap job of cutting people off. I say that because of the many inebriated people (even ones I've sailed with lol) stumbling around from bar to bar that continue to get served. The first cruise I took I was still getting served and I was half in the bag, tbh. But having the mentality I did as a 22 year old I would think of 'no limit' to the free drinks as a challenge....

[Big_G]

I bring the first one with me. You thing I havnt worked the service out by now?

 

I'm still not buying the wines between beers especially from an Irishman but I'm sure the package will work out for you. Go for it. :D;):)

[Tassie11]

For me depends on wine availability in the MDR, usually buy the wine package, so if wine by the glass was available with dinner, I think I would purchase the package. Don't usually have a beer till around four, then have about 6 before dinner, share a bottle of wine with the wife, have a drink at the show and probably a drink or two after show in the bar or casino. Don't really class that as a big night, wouldn't do that at home every night, but you are on holiday.

 

Can't see too much difference in what I would spend normally as the wife doesn't drink as much, but the attraction of not having all those dockets to stress about would be great.

[waterbug123]

First, the bartenders typically do a pretty crap job of cutting people off. I say that because of the many inebriated people (even ones I've sailed with lol) stumbling around from bar to bar that continue to get served. The first cruise I took I was still getting served and I was half in the bag, tbh. But having the mentality I did as a 22 year old I would think of 'no limit' to the free drinks as a challenge....

 

But again, it doesn't matter whether one is paying for drinks as they go, or if they have a package. You can overindulge either way, and either way it is up to the bar staff to determine if you need to be cut off. Whether they always follow through on that as they should is another discussion.

[CamSTAR1]

Also don't forget that Cococay IS included in the package, if you're stopping there. We're doing a 7 day, won't even get of the boat in Port Canaveral, only a quick trip through Nassau and back to the boat. Definite yes for us....

[UNV-IT!!!]

But again, it doesn't matter whether one is paying for drinks as they go, or if they have a package. You can overindulge either way, and either way it is up to the bar staff to determine if you need to be cut off. Whether they always follow through on that as they should is another discussion.

 

While that's true it's hard to deny that the brain will understand to a degree that Everytime you have a drink your paying. Not if you have the package. Paying wont even be a thought. So it's much more likely that someone won't think "I've had enough" when it's essentially free. A that point the brain is saying "woooooo free drinks"

[goodycruising]

I bring the first one with me. You thing I havnt worked the service out by now?

 

That is what I said to my husband! He would take one in - hahahahaha! I don't care if you do or don't, I just thought you made the maths work, like the original post asked, but then it went all over the place on tangents about morals ;)

[luckyprincess]

But again, it doesn't matter whether one is paying for drinks as they go, or if they have a package. You can overindulge either way, and either way it is up to the bar staff to determine if you need to be cut off. Whether they always follow through on that as they should is another discussion.

But it does matter because a lot of peoples mentality will be that 'these drinks are all free!' and are going to be more apt to indulge. I'm not sure how old you are or how removed you are from the early twenties :p but I assure that is the mentality of many people that age. I've been to alcohol included resorts and the people I went with in that age group (and myself :eek:) sometimes were sloppy drunk and because it was an 'open bar' feeling we just kept going until we got cut off... You are more apt to indulge when you are paying nothing for a drink rather than $7 per drink. That's just the truth. It's like the dining room. If I had my app and entree and am full I might order the dessert anyway because well...it's included. If I had to pay for it? Nope, I'd skip it. Same idea.

[akcruz]

But it does matter because a lot of peoples mentality will be that 'these drinks are all free!' and are going to be more apt to indulge. I'm not sure how old you are or how removed you are from the early twenties :p but I assure that is the mentality of many people that age. I've been to alcohol included resorts and the people I went with in that age group (and myself :eek:) sometimes were sloppy drunk and because it was an 'open bar' feeling we just kept going until we got cut off... You are more apt to indulge when you are paying nothing for a drink rather than $7 per drink. That's just the truth. It's like the dining room. If I had my app and entree and am full I might order the dessert anyway because well...it's included. If I had to pay for it? Nope, I'd skip it. Same idea.

 

OK, if the majority of the cruisers were young 20 somethings you have a point, but I don't think that is the case, especially on RC. Personally the way I look at it I am on vacation and I will drink what I want. Whether it is handing my seapass to the bartender (which doesn't really feel like paying to me) or having the drinks included in a package it won't change how much I drink. I will drink more than at home since it is vacation, but I do want to enjoy the ship, ports, etc so don't go crazy. Being at an AI yeah I may even overindulge because the next day is most likely just a beach day anyway and another day to drink.

 

I think more people who cruise on RC are more like me than the 20 something. IMO the package won't make a difference in how many get sloppy drunk. If they are they probably would have just paid for it (or smuggled it) before. They would have found a way.

[luckyprincess]

OK, if the majority of the cruisers were young 20 somethings you have a point, but I don't think that is the case, especially on RC. Personally the way I look at it I am on vacation and I will drink what I want. Whether it is handing my seapass to the bartender (which doesn't really feel like paying to me) or having the drinks included in a package it won't change how much I drink. I will drink more than at home since it is vacation, but I do want to enjoy the ship, ports, etc so don't go crazy. Being at an AI yeah I may even overindulge because the next day is most likely just a beach day anyway and another day to drink.

 

I think more people who cruise on RC are more like me than the 20 something. IMO the package won't make a difference in how many get sloppy drunk. If they are they probably would have just paid for it (or smuggled it) before. They would have found a way.

 

I'm thinking the biggest problems will be on cruises during spring breaks honestly. But I know plenty of people my age (late 30s) that would overindulge simply because its free even at 40. I've seen plenty of really drunk 30 and 40 somethings on the cruises I've taken on RCCL. I personally drink more at home than on vacation because I'm loopy on dramamine lol! But from someone working in hospitality I'll say that even reasonable, classy, 40 and 50 year olds overindulge during the open bar of a wedding compared to cash bar. It's just the idea of 'free' that makes people over indulge imo. Food, alcohol, whatever. We are a very 'I paid for it so I'm going to get my money's worth and some' society. I hope it isn't a problem honestly and don't anticipate it to be on my upcoming 10 day cruise. But I also am not above getting the nearest security person and making a very loud complaint if some drunk is bothering me or my family. :D

[bikerunner]

Would have been worth it if they followed the Celebrity pkg set up. This one works great and do not have to have both buy it and it includes all the other non alcoholic drinks. The fresh squeezed oj was the best on the Silhouette. Plus I was also drinking 1 or 2 liters of evian water a day. Along with my wine and drinks. I looked at the RCL and disappointed overall with it. Still sailing on them but like many the port days I will find a bar and sit with my crew of people and enjoy the atmosphere there.

[3dog]

But it does matter because a lot of peoples mentality will be that 'these drinks are all free!'

 

But they're not really free, just prepaid (though there is an obscurity of how many drinks are prepaid). Keep in mind, that RCI is a business, and the business goal is to increase profits. This occurs by some combination of increasing revenues and decreasing costs. So I am sure they believe that offering this package helps improve profits.

 

Of course one of the costs is the liability of a real drunk guest. In the typical pay-per-drink, there is a very blurred line between the revenue of the next drink vs. the liability of serving too many. However, with this package, there is no revenue gain with the next drink, just the increased liability (and increased cost), meaning there is no benefit to serving "too many". I suspect, that this will make it much easier for the cruise line to cut passengers off who they think have had too many (which will still be above the break-even point of the package and, hopefully, still keeping the guest happy).

[luckyprincess]

But they're not really free, just prepaid (though there is an obscurity of how many drinks are prepaid). Keep in mind, that RCI is a business, and the business goal is to increase profits. This occurs by some combination of increasing revenues and decreasing costs. So I am sure they believe that offering this package helps improve profits.

 

Of course one of the costs is the liability of a real drunk guest. In the typical pay-per-drink, there is a very blurred line between the revenue of the next drink vs. the liability of serving too many. However, with this package, there is no revenue gain with the next drink, just the increased liability (and increased cost), meaning there is no benefit to serving "too many". I suspect, that this will make it much easier for the cruise line to cut passengers off who they think have had too many (which will still be above the break-even point of the package and, hopefully, still keeping the guest happy).

 

I meant free as in after a certain amount of drinks most people are going to know that they've reached above and beyond what they paid, ergo 'free'. And I agree with you about the bartenders and managers cutting people off more easily now. Only if they sell enough packages though. I know that the managers at our place are hesitant to cut people off when they seem drunk because well, they want the money from the next drink and a drunk spends freely, typically. At a wedding or event that is open bar we have no problem cutting people off or throwing people out if need be. We already have their money so no biggie....interesting point. I'd love if an objective (that's the key on here though, isn't it? :p) frequent cruiser could give us an opinion after this package rolls out for a while if the bar staff are more aggressively cutting passengers off when drunk.

[3dog]

I meant free as in after a certain amount of drinks most people are going to know that they've reached above and beyond what they paid, ergo 'free'.

 

I understood your intent, just found a good line from where to make a point (why I removed your tag).

 

And I agree with you about the bartenders and managers cutting people off more easily now. Only if they sell enough packages though. I know that the managers at our place are hesitant to cut people off when they seem drunk because well, they want the money from the next drink and a drunk spends freely, typically. At a wedding or event that is open bar we have no problem cutting people off or throwing people out if need be. We already have their money so no biggie....interesting point. I'd love if an objective (that's the key on here though, isn't it? :p) frequent cruiser could give us an opinion after this package rolls out for a while if the bar staff are more aggressively cutting passengers off when drunk.

 

This is actually pretty common at AI's, offer a package where they feel they got their moneys worth when they are cut off, and though they might not be enthused they were cut off, they are accepting of it (they usually know they have had too many, and I am sure you have seen this behavior at your events). And certainly the bartenders can say: "Hey, you have had too much, and I cannot give you another. I will get you something non-alcoholic so you can still sit here and continue to enjoy the evening", and continue to get good tips.

 

On the other side of business (revenue increase), I am sure there are a number of guests with bar bills that are under the daily cost that might be willing to get the package for the convenience of no receipts or no worries about just getting a drink (to which I am a good example - not sure if I would break even or not, but don't care specifically for that convenience - even though I get "free" drinks in the DL/CL). Or even those that "do the math" (or an estimated analysis: "I could do a mimosa at breakfast, a beer for lunch, two umbrella drinks by the pool, two glasses of wine at dinner, a mixed drink at the show, and a nightcap before bed - that's 8 drinks and I really won't be drunk") and decide that they could do the package with no worries, even though they wouldn't do this if they were paying by the drink.

 

Revenues up, costs and liability down, good business choice (especially if you are a shareholder).