Crusi3r_ Posted September 11, 2014 #1 Share Posted September 11, 2014 (edited) Hoping someone can provide guidance on something I've had on my mind for a few days. I'll be leaving this Saturday from Miami on an 8 day cruise with my GF and plan on doing the cheers program. The new price is sexy enough for me to give up my smuggling ways. What I want to know is if I purchase the program on the second day (a sea day on the itinerary) what happens with the drinks I ordered on the first day? Would they remove the drinks from my account? Would I have to pay for them at regular price? Would they retroactively charge me for 8 days? Here is my reasoning and why I would prefer to purchase on day 2: I prefer to pay $37.50 + 15% per day per person for 7 full days. I'd rather not pay $37.50 + 15% per day per person for 8 days when in reality it's 7.5 days. This is considering the "first" day starting at 4 PM, when the ship sails away, and the "first" cheers day ending at 6 AM, 14 Hours. So numbers wise I would rather save the $86 I would pay for the "first" day ($37.50 + 5.63 = $43.13, $43.13 * 2 = $86.26). And of course, this is assuming Cheers still being available for purchase on day 2. When the new prices came out there was talk of only Texas sailings being able to purchase on day 2. I'm on this board all the time and have not seen a definitive answer as to whether or not ships sailing out of other ports will still sell cheers on day 2. This post, from the day the new prices went into effect, said that on day 2 Cheers would still be available but they also were initially charging her the old price. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2085836 Also, match play. Any definitive answer as to whether some/all ships still honor it? This thread intrigued me very much when I first saw it, sort of putting your drinks to work for you. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1973666 Post #50 stated that the Pride did not offer match play. Can anyone who has cruised within the last month (when the new prices came into effect) confirm whether match play is still going? I'm particularly intrigued for the Breeze. Thanks for staying through all my rambling. Thanks in advance for your help. Keep up the good work on this board! Edited September 11, 2014 by Crusi3r_ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
diver00001 Posted September 11, 2014 #2 Share Posted September 11, 2014 Great question.... I would like to know the same thing...We are cruising out of PR and the ship does not leave till 10pm...can't wait to hear some answers... Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rowan555 Posted September 11, 2014 #3 Share Posted September 11, 2014 Eager for answers about match play - if it's still allowed, we'll do Cheers - if not, we'll skip it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Disconnections Posted September 11, 2014 #4 Share Posted September 11, 2014 Eager for answers about match play - if it's still allowed, we'll do Cheers - if not, we'll skip it. How does this work now for the average guest, considering receipts are only provided upon request? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rowan555 Posted September 11, 2014 #5 Share Posted September 11, 2014 How does this work now for the average guest, considering receipts are only provided upon request? If match play is still offered, you'd need to remember to ask for a receipt for all classic cocktail purchases. We'll be on the Dream in 3 days and are really hoping this is still available! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardengirl2011 Posted September 11, 2014 #6 Share Posted September 11, 2014 Got off the Freedom on 9-1. Used match play everyday! You do have to ask for your receipt. Do not know about 2nd day purchase as we purchased as soon as we were on the ship at 12 noon. Loved the new price! Definitely will purchase again in November on the Breeze. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Disconnections Posted September 12, 2014 #7 Share Posted September 12, 2014 If match play is still offered, you'd need to remember to ask for a receipt for all classic cocktail purchases. We'll be on the Dream in 3 days and are really hoping this is still available! Most guests wouldn't think to ask for a receipt, unfortunately. Not only that, when asked if someone would like a receipt on land, many have started to refuse them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rowan555 Posted September 12, 2014 #8 Share Posted September 12, 2014 https://www.goccl.com/~/media/Files/Irman/bookccl/shipboard_knowledge/My_Awesome_Bar_Program.pdf Here's the updated/new info from Carnival - it no longer says the package can be purchased on Day 1 or 2. It only mentions that due to Texas law, cruises out of Texas won't have Cheers available until day 2. I wonder if with the new lower price they now require purchases to be made on embarkation day (except in TX)? We were on the fence about which day to purchase, so it's no big deal. But I'll be sure to post after our upcoming cruise and let everyone know what the new rule is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
windan Posted September 12, 2014 #9 Share Posted September 12, 2014 Sorry but how does match play work please? Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waterbabyfish Posted September 12, 2014 #10 Share Posted September 12, 2014 can someone explain the match play for me, we are going on the liberty sept. 26 th. I've read about the cheers program and not sure if we want to go that route. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SadieN Posted September 12, 2014 #11 Share Posted September 12, 2014 (edited) The Match Play card is a one time use ticket played at the tables. You can only use one match play at a time. It makes your $10BJ bet $15. **** To get the Match Play card take your Classic Drink receipt to the casino cage, sign the receipt and get your ticket. The cage keeps your receipt. Only a few drinks are eligible, including Long Island Iced Teas and one of the Margaritas. Edited September 12, 2014 by SadieN Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
momonthego17 Posted September 12, 2014 #12 Share Posted September 12, 2014 I bought our Cheers passes up on the Lido deck right after we boarded on the Victory 9-1-2014 and had a Mai tai and got a match play receipt. Easy peasy! Sent from my iPad using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gtaylor Posted September 12, 2014 #13 Share Posted September 12, 2014 We were on the Breeze a few weeks ago, and did Cheers and used the MatchPlay. I asked about purchasing Cheers on day two and got a weak response of "I think so", but we were on-board before noon, and took full advantage of day one, so my question was just for informational purposes. With MatchPlay, your receipt for any "Classic" cocktail can be exchanged in the Casino for a $5 MatchPlay card that works at several of the table games. A $5 or $10 bet (or more) has $5 added to the bet if you win (they take the card in any event). We had some MatchPlay cards left over from a previouse cruise on the Miracle, and they were accepted without question. The only bar where we received a receipt without asking was the one in the casino. The rest of the bars we had to ask. After a while the bartenders usually remembered to give us the receipt without asking. Make sure that you sign the receipt marked "Reprint" on the top and keep the original. The casino won't accept the reprint one. Classic Cocktails are the Long Island Iced Tea, The Cruiser, The Ultimate Margarita, The Mai Tai, The Mojito, and The Sex on the Beach. List price $8.75. gary p.s. We didn't have to sign anything in the casino, but if you have receipts from two different people, then you need to have both sign and sail cards when you redeem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigdawgmatty Posted September 12, 2014 #14 Share Posted September 12, 2014 I don't know whether or not you can still buy Cheers on day 2 (I assume you can, but not sure) but I look at it this way...buying it on day one should still be worth it as long as you reach the "break even" point. Being on the ship from, say 3pm until you go to bed is really about the same as a port day. If you were at port from like 8 am-4pm (assuming you're not getting wasted at breakfast) you're still only using Cheers after 4 when you get back on the ship (unless you're skipping ports). Either way, you could reach the break even point with about 4 cocktails@$8.95. Personally, I tend to drink more the first night anyway and slow down during the week as my age catches up with me. Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
okgirl Posted September 12, 2014 #15 Share Posted September 12, 2014 Cheers is still available for purchase on day 1 and day 2 everywhere except Texas where it's available day 2 and 3. So with the exception of Texas sailings you can purchase Cheers as soon as you embark the ship. You don't have to wait until after sail away. Drinks purchased prior to purchasing Cheers just post to your S&S card and are not credited back and covered by Cheers. Match Play tickets are redeemable on a somewhat spotty basis.......there are still pockets of bar waiters and/or casino cashiers that say they aren't valid with the Cheers program, but they absolutely are, so if you are denied ask to speak to the bar manager, the casino host and or the food and beverage manager. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bookbug53 Posted September 12, 2014 #16 Share Posted September 12, 2014 Hoping someone can provide guidance on something I've had on my mind for a few days. I'll be leaving this Saturday from Miami on an 8 day cruise with my GF and plan on doing the cheers program. The new price is sexy enough for me to give up my smuggling ways. What I want to know is if I purchase the program on the second day (a sea day on the itinerary) what happens with the drinks I ordered on the first day? Would they remove the drinks from my account? Would I have to pay for them at regular price? Would they retroactively charge me for 8 days? Here is my reasoning and why I would prefer to purchase on day 2: I prefer to pay $37.50 + 15% per day per person for 7 full days. I'd rather not pay $37.50 + 15% per day per person for 8 days when in reality it's 7.5 days. This is considering the "first" day starting at 4 PM, when the ship sails away, and the "first" cheers day ending at 6 AM, 14 Hours. So numbers wise I would rather save the $86 I would pay for the "first" day ($37.50 + 5.63 = $43.13, $43.13 * 2 = $86.26). And of course, this is assuming Cheers still being available for purchase on day 2. When the new prices came out there was talk of only Texas sailings being able to purchase on day 2. I'm on this board all the time and have not seen a definitive answer as to whether or not ships sailing out of other ports will still sell cheers on day 2. This post, from the day the new prices went into effect, said that on day 2 Cheers would still be available but they also were initially charging her the old price. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2085836 Also, match play. Any definitive answer as to whether some/all ships still honor it? This thread intrigued me very much when I first saw it, sort of putting your drinks to work for you. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1973666 Post #50 stated that the Pride did not offer match play. Can anyone who has cruised within the last month (when the new prices came into effect) confirm whether match play is still going? I'm particularly intrigued for the Breeze. Thanks for staying through all my rambling. Thanks in advance for your help. Keep up the good work on this board! You pay full price for the drinks on the first day. They are not credited back. Why do you consider the first day starting at 4pm? Just curious as we board as early as possible (11-12) and buy Cheers then. First day on board for vacation.....we are breaking even! :p Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crusi3r_ Posted September 12, 2014 Author #17 Share Posted September 12, 2014 Why do you consider the first day starting at 4pm? Just curious as we board as early as possible (11-12) and buy Cheers then. First day on board for vacation.....we are breaking even! :p I never arrive at port that early. I guess since I live in Miami I take the trip to Port Miami for granted. But I've also realized that unless you arrive at port really early, you will end up getting caught in security lines, check in lines, queue to get on the ship. So arriving a little later you avoid the long lines and wait time but you get less time on the ship before sail away and the muster drill. So even if you arrive at the last minute, 4 pm is the latest one can start their day on the ship. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rowan555 Posted September 12, 2014 #18 Share Posted September 12, 2014 We always get to the terminal by 10:45 AM even though we live 20 minutes away. I like to start my cruise as early as possible! I plan to have a Frog Island Iced Tea in my hand by noon on Sunday! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
papaof3 Posted September 12, 2014 #19 Share Posted September 12, 2014 I don't want to buy until day 2 because my liver won't handle 8 straight days of heavy drinking. I would rather only do 7...plus it will save me a little money. Will bring some wine for first day. Sent from my SCH-I535 using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
10Jan54 Posted September 12, 2014 #20 Share Posted September 12, 2014 I was told you can only purchase on day 1, so start drinking:p Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rowan555 Posted September 12, 2014 #21 Share Posted September 12, 2014 I was told you can only purchase on day 1, so start drinking:p Who told you this? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crusi3r_ Posted September 12, 2014 Author #22 Share Posted September 12, 2014 I was told you can only purchase on day 1, so start drinking:p Seconded. Where did you come across this? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
10Jan54 Posted September 12, 2014 #23 Share Posted September 12, 2014 Seconded. Where did you come across this? First person was when I called to order somethings for our room and then under the section on the web page where you can ask questions and get answers it states the cheers package is purchased for the entire duration of the voyage except when leaving from Texas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rowan555 Posted September 12, 2014 #24 Share Posted September 12, 2014 First person was when I called to order somethings for our room and then under the section on the web page where you can ask questions and get answers it states the cheers package is purchased for the entire duration of the voyage except when leaving from Texas. Rule Number One - no one knows ANYTHING when you call Carnival. They usually just read the same information we have access to and interpret it however they like. Don't trust anything you aren't told on board an actual ship - and even then, don't always trust it! On our first cruise with Cheers, they told me when I signed up that sodas counted towards the 15 drinks! I happened to have a friend on a cruise with John Heald at the time, so I messaged him, and John Heald called the ship, spoke to the bar manager, and straightened it out. The entire bar staff had been doing it wrong for several cruises. It's a shame that we often know more than the staff, but it's happened more than once! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crusi3r_ Posted September 12, 2014 Author #25 Share Posted September 12, 2014 (edited) This Is why I would like to here from someone who has cruised since the new prices went into effect. With the old prices, a day 2 purchase was no issue. Since the new prices were announced and then implemented I have not seen anything DEFINITIVE to debunk or confirm the rumors about the program not being for sale on day 2. Edited September 12, 2014 by Crusi3r_ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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