Cheers: Not about breaking even for us

[Ready2Cruise2016]

I have found this thread so interesting, as I can see both sides extremely well. I am not really a drinker at home, but would really enjoy trying new drinks, and I do like frozen drinks, etc. Plus I'd love the coffees, milkshakes, bottled waters, etc. However, I'm also extremely frugal, and I know myself to know that I won't buy them - even if I put money on my card for that specific purpose. My last cruise, I had 1 drink the whole cruise. And that's because my husband ordered it for me when I had stepped away for a moment. So in the sense of "it's paid for", I would definitely make more use of the drinks, etc. I would be willing to get things to try.

 

HOWEVER.. the thought of spending $700 for my husband and myself to just drink things (rather they are alcohol or not), boggles my mind. Our next cruise is with kids, and we'll drink very little with them there. So, cheers would definitely be out anyway. My mom, niece, and I are talking about a girls cruise after that... cheers might be an option then... but I'm still unsure.

 

I guess I have to find a happy place - a place where I'm either willing to spend by the drink, or overspend up front. I figure my happy place will be per drink, if I can just figure out a way to make myself not think about the money I just spent on one drink.

[zabaco]

I have found this thread so interesting, as I can see both sides extremely well. I am not really a drinker at home, but would really enjoy trying new drinks, and I do like frozen drinks, etc. Plus I'd love the coffees, milkshakes, bottled waters, etc. However, I'm also extremely frugal, and I know myself to know that I won't buy them - even if I put money on my card for that specific purpose. My last cruise, I had 1 drink the whole cruise. And that's because my husband ordered it for me when I had stepped away for a moment. So in the sense of "it's paid for", I would definitely make more use of the drinks, etc. I would be willing to get things to try.

 

 

 

HOWEVER.. the thought of spending $700 for my husband and myself to just drink things (rather they are alcohol or not), boggles my mind. Our next cruise is with kids, and we'll drink very little with them there. So, cheers would definitely be out anyway. My mom, niece, and I are talking about a girls cruise after that... cheers might be an option then... but I'm still unsure.

 

 

 

I guess I have to find a happy place - a place where I'm either willing to spend by the drink, or overspend up front. I figure my happy place will be per drink, if I can just figure out a way to make myself not think about the money I just spent on one drink.

 

 

I enjoyed reading your thoughts! You sound a lot like my husband--he just can't enjoy spending the money on a drink by drink basis.

 

Here's something that I do know about him that helped me decide that Cheers would help him relax and enjoy himself--on our last cruise, we had 2 cabins and we were "in different cabins"--had to book that way because of not being able to officially put 2 kids in one room without an adult. On that cruise I was able to buy Cheers but he did not. Well, guess what he did? He kept trying to drink my drinks. I'm a rule follower, and it bothered me the whole time because "sharing is prohibited."

 

So I realized he DID want to drink more drinks on vacation, but he just really didn't want to BUY them.

 

I can't wait to fully analyze our behavior on the cruise and I promise to report back.

[DHnDWplus2]

OP, our philosophy is the same. I just want my husband to relax and not stressed over what the final bill will be 😆 plus, we DO break even or better!

[DnD_Cruisin]

This makes no sense. So he'd rather spend $55 a day on two drinks instead of $14. Higher education helps people with these math problems.

 

There are spending decisions made everyday of our lives.

 

Any CPA will tell you it's financially irresponsible to buy a new car. Better to buy a 2 or 3 year old car due to the high depreciation of a new car. Yet millions of people buy a new car every year. Why? Some it's ignorance but I suspect more are like me ... I don't want to buy someone else's problems and I prefer to (for the most part) aquire a worry free car experience. On the flip side some only purchase a used car because that's all they can afford.

 

Bottom line ... The OP is obviously educated, has the financial ability to afford this decision and will without a doubt have a fantastic 25th anniversary cruise 😃

[Liven42day]

We are getting the Cheers package, to try different drinks we normally wouldn't buy. My DH and I want to try a $50 drink....lol I have no idea what could cost that much, but it includes specialty coffee so I'm there, we had a large bill on our first cruise, I'll never repeat that bill again, we were with a group and bought for the group also. I'm going to keep track also and see if it measures up.

[DnD_Cruisin]

We are getting the Cheers package, to try different drinks we normally wouldn't buy. My DH and I want to try a $50 drink....lol I have no idea what could cost that much, but it includes specialty coffee so I'm there, we had a large bill on our first cruise, I'll never repeat that bill again, we were with a group and bought for the group also. I'm going to keep track also and see if it measures up.

 

I'm sure you know this but as a warning to others... you will still pay full costs on any drinks you buy for others. It won't count against the 15 max though

[SeeJennyCruise]

Thank you for your kind concern about our educational level. You're a lovely person to care.

 

I clarified how many drinks my husband will probably drink on the cruise later on the thread, if you would like to read a bit further. He'll get a lot more than $14 a day out of Cheers, just maybe not $55, which is okay. We aren't going to be guzzling the most expensive drinks we can find just to break even, though.

 

And I do believe you missed the whole point of my post.

 

Still--have a wonderful day and I hope you are cruising soon, in whatever style you prefer.

 

Well done. ;)

[Bob NC]

This makes no sense. So he'd rather spend $55 a day on two drinks instead of $14. Higher education helps people with these math problems.

 

Big talk.

 

I imagine you are the type that would NEVER say anything like that to someone's face.

[Cruzayear]

Thank you for your post as I have never been able to justify in my mind paying for Cheers when we both only drink 4 to 5 drinks a day and mostly on sea days - I am rethinking things. I really wish they had a Cheers Light package that was $30 a day for 6 or 7 drinks - I bet Carnival would have a lot of takers!

 

Enjoy your cruise!

 

This would be a great option!

[Cruzayear]

Thank you for your kind concern about our educational level. You're a lovely person to care.

 

I clarified how many drinks my husband will probably drink on the cruise later on the thread, if you would like to read a bit further. He'll get a lot more than $14 a day out of Cheers, just maybe not $55, which is okay. We aren't going to be guzzling the most expensive drinks we can find just to break even, though.

 

And I do believe you missed the whole point of my post.

 

Still--have a wonderful day and I hope you are cruising soon, in whatever style you prefer.

 

Best response ever, love the way that you handled this post!

[crzndeb]

For a 5 night cruise, I don't think getting Cheers is that big of a deal. Even if you don't break even, you aren't going to be spending that much more money. I'm sure if you were on a 10+ day cruise, you might think differently.

 

Remember, you can also each bring on a bottle of wine (or champagne).

 

Luckily, my next 3 cruises are on the Vista in Europe, where it sounds like there is no issue with bringing your own alcohol on from the ports.

 

I usually only have 1 or 2 martinis in the evening and a local beer in port. I only have one cup of coffee in the morning, only occasionally a soda, no power drinks, but I do buy a case of water for my room. So Cheers definitely isn't worth it for me.

 

But I have never seen so many people stressing about drinking before they even set foot on the ship...LOL

 

Have a great cruise and Happy Anniversary.

[erinmarie424]

Thank you for your post as I have never been able to justify in my mind paying for Cheers when we both only drink 4 to 5 drinks a day and mostly on sea days - I am rethinking things. I really wish they had a Cheers Light package that was $30 a day for 6 or 7 drinks - I bet Carnival would have a lot of takers!

 

 

 

Enjoy your cruise!

 

 

 

Six frosty drinks at $8.75 each and you'd be better off with Cheers at $50. If any of them are from Alchemy or the more expensive ones from Red Frog or Blue Iguana you're even better off. Plus all the non alcoholic beverages you want as well.

 

On my cruise last year I only let myself got a mimosa one morning and had buyers remorse when it was gone in about four sips. Embarkation day I finished my Funship special and got a second drink while eating lunch and didn't get anything other than water until after sail away because I couldn't stand the thought of spending over $25 before we even left port. I drank the crappy coffee from Lido instead of the good stuff from the coffee shop. I "let" myself have one shake. We got one drink from Alchemy each night as a treat.

 

This time around I had Cheers and didn't have to think about any of those things. My value was $54 on my lowest day (port day) and $89 on my highest day (sea day with multiple stops at Alchemy). And it sure is fun signing slips that say $0 on them. [emoji4]

 

 

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[suzycruiser2]

I can totally relate to the OP. We aren't heavy drinkers, but have purchased CHEERS for our upcoming cruise. We may not break even, but It will probably be close. Normally we order Bon Voyage, but we don't like the same drinks, so we would order different alcohol. Then we would purchase bottomless bubbles and/or carry on mixers. We also purchased coffee daily because Lido coffee sucks. We would then purchase a few other drinks or a bucket of beer throughout the cruise.

[kids1stcruise]

Lol

As I read everyone's response I change my mind again about buying cheers.

I would pass up a drink after dinner knowing I'd want a drink at comedy club

I might say no to a martini as my husband orders his drink and then I taste it lol

With cheers just order what drink you want and if don't want it so what

I like knowing its $0 at the final bill

[artypharty]

Some of you all are missing our point. We do get something in return. Peace of mind and the enjoyment of trying new things without regret. I have never and will not ever criticize those who try and find ways to save a buck or two and hope those in return won't try and make those of us that are willing to spend the extra money feel like we are stupid. Think of it this way, we are the ones helping keep the cost of your cruise down a little.

 

Not missing the point, not being contentious. :o Certainly would never try to make anyone feel bad.

I was just saying what I did as an alternative. I understand you are talking about peace of mind, but so was I, just in an alternative way.:)

[ncshp955]

Not missing the point, not being contentious. :o Certainly would never try to make anyone feel bad.

I was just saying what I did as an alternative. I understand you are talking about peace of mind, but so was I, just in an alternative way.:)

 

I know I could have worded my response in a better way but so many seem to think that if we have to try and break even or even worst don't that we have wasted our money. I don't get to vacation as often as I would like, not because of the money but the time off, so when I do get to go I just want to relax and have a good time. I have enough stress in life without the hassles of thinking about every nickel and dime I spend on vacation. The last time we cruised on Carnival we did the Cheers package and didn't break even and I never even gave it a second thought. This time with the other beverages included it might be possible, who knows. Thanks for the response and I apologize for the way I sounded. ;)

[artypharty]

I know I could have worded my response in a better way but so many seem to think that if we have to try and break even or even worst don't that we have wasted our money. I don't get to vacation as often as I would like, not because of the money but the time off, so when I do get to go I just want to relax and have a good time. I have enough stress in life without the hassles of thinking about every nickel and dime I spend on vacation. The last time we cruised on Carnival we did the Cheers package and didn't break even and I never even gave it a second thought. This time with the other beverages included it might be possible, who knows. Thanks for the response and I apologize for the way I sounded. ;)

:D. No worries! I didn't want you to think I was part of the negative feedback posse! ;)

Edited June 27, 2016 by artypharty

[tonit964]

I know I could have worded my response in a better way but so many seem to think that if we have to try and break even or even worst don't that we have wasted our money. I don't get to vacation as often as I would like, not because of the money but the time off, so when I do get to go I just want to relax and have a good time. I have enough stress in life without the hassles of thinking about every nickel and dime I spend on vacation. The last time we cruised on Carnival we did the Cheers package and didn't break even and I never even gave it a second thought. This time with the other beverages included it might be possible, who knows. Thanks for the response and I apologize for the way I sounded. ;)

 

I'm really trying to understand the logic, so please forgive me.

With Cheers, you go to the bar, order a drink, they give you the slip with a $0 on it. Done

Without Cheers, you go to the bar, order a drink, they give you the slip with an amount $ on it, you sign your name. Done.

 

I don't understand what stress there is. You are still spending the money.

Why spend more than you need to? The charge for Cheers or Pay As You Go is still going to be on your credit card either way.

I guess I'm just not comprehending the "stress" part of it.

[Yellowpenguin87]

Exactly! My plan is to put $500 on a gift card for my drinks. My SO doesn't drink much, maybe 3 glasses of wine on an 7-8 day cruise. Cheers for 2 would cost us $919.08 for the 8 days. That's like giving away $400! I like the specialty coffees so I can't wait to see if I reach my $500 allotment. However to each it's own, JUST HAVE FUN!!

 

We were debating on getting the Cheers program also, but I did the math and buying a bottle of liquor to have delivered to our room, $200 in the gift cards and bringing a 12 pack of soda each to mix with will save us almost $200 and if there is leftover money from not buying $200 in drinks we can buy souvenirs or get money back.

[oceanmom62]

Personally I won't buy Cheers because I would want to break even and then I would be so wasted that I wouldn't enjoy my vacation. But guess what? It's not my vacation (more depressing than you know!). It's your vacation! If that is what it takes for both of you to enjoy yourself then have at it. People spend their money on different things. Some people will spend $100 on a purse. I would never spend that much so I don't. Doesn't make either choice wrong- just different! Thank God that we do not all do the same things. Happy anniversary and enjoy your cruise!

[cruisecraze96]

I agree with your strategy, it is not cheers but I purchase the dining plan at Disney for the same reason. We would never go to some of those character meals and nicer places if we had to worry about the check at the end. I like to have everything prepaid for vacations. So far I never even come close to cheers so just buy some cruise cash to cover drinks but I really want to hang out at the Alchemy bar on the Vista next June so thinking that might be a good time to add it on.

[zabaco]

I'm really trying to understand the logic, so please forgive me.

 

With Cheers, you go to the bar, order a drink, they give you the slip with a $0 on it. Done

 

Without Cheers, you go to the bar, order a drink, they give you the slip with an amount $ on it, you sign your name. Done.

 

 

 

I don't understand what stress there is. You are still spending the money.

 

Why spend more than you need to? The charge for Cheers or Pay As You Go is still going to be on your credit card either way.

 

I guess I'm just not comprehending the "stress" part of it.

 

 

It's not logic. It's emotion. Psychology.

 

I was talking to my husband about the very interesting discussion going on in this thread. My husband--the dude who won't buy ONE drink because he doesn't want to spend the money.

 

That's the same husband who is now excited that we have Cheers. He realizes that psychologically he is unwilling to spend money on a drink my drink basis but because it's "paid for", he will be able to venture out and get new things he would hold back from.

 

So I guess the "logical" mind has a hard time understanding, but there is so much more to it for some people.

 

Cheers is "loosen up" insurance for us.

[zabaco]

We were debating on getting the Cheers program also, but I did the math and buying a bottle of liquor to have delivered to our room, $200 in the gift cards and bringing a 12 pack of soda each to mix with will save us almost $200 and if there is leftover money from not buying $200 in drinks we can buy souvenirs or get money back.

 

 

I am absolutely not knocking your choice here--but for us, we don't want to be limited to drinking one specific thing in our room that we have to go to our room to prepare. Part of Cheers is the fun of trying new things on a whim wherever we are.

 

I don't think the point of Cheers for some of us is saving money. If we DO end up saving money that would be awesome, but it is about the adventure of being on vacation and trying that chipotle pineapple martini risk-free.

 

But--I respect that this might be the way that is most enjoyable for you! Saving $200 is awesome!

 

For us, it's not about the math. It's about the vacation mindset.

[meatloafsfan]

I can completely see your point.

 

On different lines, we get the soda package and put it to good use (love the freestyle machines on Royal and Celebrity gives you the full, unopened, cold can so that works for us).

 

On Carnival and Royal ships without the freestyle machines, I won't get the soda package - I don't want some rapidly poured, flat glass of soda so I decided instead that we should buy cans as we wanted them - and we can each buy 3 cans per day from a bar for the same as the bottomless bubbles and I know we'd rather have the full can that we can pour ourselves.

 

Of course, my dad won't buy the individual cans of soda. :mad: He doesn't want to spend $2 plus tip on each one. But it was okay when I paid for the soda packages at $8 a day.

 

On a previous cruise, he would ask for me to get him a can of soda while playing in the casino (I had the drinks on us card). Sure, I can spend $20 gambling to get you a $2 soda. :rolleyes:

 

Anyways, now I just pre-order soda for the cabin ($10 for a 6 pack) so we have it and don't need to carry it on.

 

If Carnival started giving full cans with their soda package, I'd buy it for all 3 of us, every trip, even if I didn't think we'd get the full value everyday. It's so that when we want a soda, we can have a soda and not think about what we're charging.

[billfish]

While I agree that it nice to just know that at the end of the cruise your bar bill will be $0 . You also have to know that on 7 day cruise you have already spent over $700 before you have one drink. I know that I kind of am going to come close to the break even on my package but my Wife won't even come close . So I struggle with knowing that I am going to waste over $200 plus on the Cheers package