Tipping point for Cheers vs Rum Runners

[Dreacrusingaway]

Okay, we have our 1st cruise coming up. I have to admit, I was 100% planning on using Rum Runners....then we got a price drop and have $332 in OBC. With the 15% gratuity on a 5 day for 2 adults, I'm estimating cheers will run us about $575 assuming we wait until we are in international waters to avoid taxes.

 

I do like the idea of having a variety of beverages to try. DH only drinks beer so we will have to buy his beers no matter what, unless we get really bold and toss in a 12 pack or 2. (not so comfy with that) I am the heavier drinker, but I do think that he would likely drink 5-6 beers a day.

 

I was thinking that the OBC puts us at the place when Cheers would be okay vs the rum rummers (which we would have to order and fill and risk coming up empty handed with)

 

If you are a person not opposed to smuggling in order to save money, which option would you pick if you had a decent OBC to use? (And yes, I know some people would be opposed to any smuggling, anywhere, anytime) :rolleyes:

[dd2355]

It really depends on what other things you might use the OBC for, and what portion of it is refundable vs non-refundable.

 

For example, your OBC will cover your gratuities, so that's $115 right there. If you book an excursion while onboard (double-check this), or buy something from the gift shop or liquor shop, OBC will cover those purchases as well. If you'll do any gambling, first pull your stake from OBC - I've read (but not tried) even if you don't gamble you can load your card with funds from OBC then cash out those funds in the casino.

 

So, I'd say OBC doesn't really factor into the decision - it's a matter of do you want to spend the OBC on cheers or elsewhere and more importantly what/when/where you'll be drinking.

 

For example; consider someone who drinks a simple cocktail like rum&coke while laying out in the sun all day and doesn't drink at dinner, at shows, or go to the dance clubs all night against someone who sleeps 'til noon, doesn't really start drinking until they go to the casino before dinner, likes a couple drinks with dinner, drinks with the evening show, then more drinks while dancing the night away. For the first person, smuggling is pretty simple and convenient. For the second, it'd be a bit of a pain in the azz and bar service would be much more convenient.

 

That hubby prefers beer is another significant factor to consider.

[sacnaillady]

I would go with the package if I had a $332 OBC. My breaking point on the package is around $500 for a 7 day trip. I have gone round and round in my mind and with my hubby on this matter and we can not even justify $800 for booze on a 7 day cruise. I would just not drink than spend $800 on alcohol and I enjoy my cocktails! So I use rum runners. Someday we will spring for the package or sail Celebrity with the free included package on their 123 promo.

[PrettyHazardous]

I use RR every cruise and have no issues with them. The cost will be way less than ur obc with the band then u can still buy drinks of ur choosing.

 

 

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[Krissica]

I would go the RR route, still will end up being cheaper and then you can use your OBC for his beers, drinks of the day, and possible excursions you may do.

We got the spring break RR kit a couple cruises ago for a 5 day cruise and it was more than enough to last us the trip.

[Reservations4two]

We've been going through the same dilemma. We thought about trying the RR option, however with the way our luck runs lol we're afraid it'll be found and we'll end up having to purchase overpriced drinks on board. And then there's the option of purchasing the Cheers package, but at the cost of $500 lol we both agreed that we would never drink that much to warrant spending that much on alcohol or sodas.

So here's what we've decided to do... Carnival offers the Bon Voyage in the Shops section. We ordered a bottle (1 liter) of our favorite liquor each. It will be delivered to our room on the day we board :) Now... I know at first it seems very expensive, however it should provide at least 22 drinks and so spending $80 a piece for the entire trip sounds much more reasonable :) And they provide you with glasses, or so I've been told. You can also bring aboard 1 750ml bottle of wine or Champagne and 12 20oz sealed bottles of non alcoholic beverages each as well. So we're also bringing our favorites like Mtn. Dew and various juices to mix our drinks with :) The cruise offers various juices for free as well. So you may want to look into those options as well.

As for the OBC, I too would use it for tips and other activities. You may want to check into the Faster to the Fun excursion and see if that's something you're interested in and if they'll allow your OBC to be used for that. I just signed up for ours and can't wait!

Good luck with your decision and happy sailing!

[whataboutport]

I'm a converted smuggler. At first I scoffed at the prices on board. But the more times I cruise, you realize the risk isn't really worth it. Not only that but there's no way you could smuggle on enough to cover you the entire cruise.

 

Another thing that happened to us one time. We had RRs in our luggage and we were going to check the bag with the airline (flying in from LAX). Well we almost missed the flight, so we could not have our luggage checked. Good thing our roller bag was small carry on size, otherwise we would have missed the flight for sure. We had to toss out all our alcohol to get thru TSA checkpoint. So out 2 bottles of wine (allowed), plus all the booze in the RRs, and the cost of the RRs themselves.

 

We ended up buying bottles from room service. Turned out cheaper than buying individual drinks. We took OJ from the buffet in the mornings as mixer and kept them in our fridge. We prefer to drink in our room on the balcony anyway so this works for us.

[zoncom]

Interesting problem. Until I was Elite on Celebrity with 2 hrs. daily unlimited drinks, did the RR way with scotch or wine. Something to consider is the service and socialization in the various cocktail venues not provided by drinking in your cabin.I really enjoy that.But for simple drinks/beer you will save a lot of $$. But fun to try more sophisticated cocktails and new drinks one does not make at home.

[Dreacrusingaway]

I think that we will be getting Cheers. My husband does not want to have to worry about his bar tab for beer and I want to have my way at the Alchemy bar. I figure a mimosa or two at breakfast a few drinks during the day, wine a dinner and evening drinks and I will easily break even.

 

I's our 1st family vacation in a few years and the 1st one ever with build in entertainment for the kids, I plan on taking advantage.

 

Thanks for the advice!