Cheers: Not about breaking even for us

[isadelia]

I don't know if you realize this, but you can purchase a 12 pack for I think its $3.99 and it will be delivered to your room and be waiting for you when you embark

 

True, but then you have to keep it cold, and continually go back to your room for a fresh one. We've done the cases in the room before and it was too much effort to always go back to get one, so I didn't end up drinking as much water as I should have. I'm looking forward to just being able to get one wherever I'm at, whenever I want.

[zabaco]

I don't know if you realize this, but you can purchase a 12 pack for I think its $3.99 and it will be delivered to your room and be waiting for you when you embark

 

 

Thank you--I did know it, but not everyone does. It's a great tip.

 

While that is much more convenient than carrying them on was (which we always did), now I can get one handed to me anywhere on the ship at no additional charge! And it'll be cold!

Edited June 27, 2016 by zabaco

[cruzelover55]

DnD, I am on vacation, so if I offered to buy someone a drink and they chose a $25 cocktail, seriously, I aint stressing

 

That said, I know there are a few wines/champagnes/scotches that push the $25 limit, but typically, even top shelf doesn't usually come close to $25....but I do know the type of person that when they are paying, its a $6 beer, but if you offer to buy them a drink, they all of a sudden want Johnny Walker Blue!!!!

 

So funny!:D Reminds of years ago, I had a part time bartender job while attending school. We had a 2 for 1 happy hour, this guy always bought Foster's beer as one can is more than 2 beers. If someone offered to buy him a drink he always wanted a top shelf scotch! And of course, he never bought anyone a drink.:)

[patrice1]

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 😃

 

Great response to a not-so-nice post, as was OP's.

[DnD_Cruisin]

Great response to a not-so-nice post, as was OP's.

 

Thanks for your comment!

 

In truth I deleted my 1st response which was VERY snarky lol

 

I realized it would be better to follow the OPs lead and help to try and keep this thread civil 😃

[tonit964]

The stress part of it to me is do I or do I not buy the drink that I might or might like and then not like it and then I do feel that I have wasted my money. Yes I know I still have spent the money either way but it is a psychological thing to me. I love to try new things on a cruise including the food that I probably wouldn't try at a restaurant at home simply because I would have to still pay for it if I didn't like it so with Cheers I feel more inclined to try new drinks and I have found some that I just put back on the bar and some I have loved. I am also one of those guys that loves a cruise because it is one time that I can order a fruity, sweet drink and not feel like everyone is watching me so I will drink more on a cruise that usual.:D I do like to prepay for most things because you never know what might come up later so at least this is taken care of now and if something else does come up I can take care of it and then think that we might have to cut back on other things like having an extra drink on the cruise. Just my feelings on it.

 

The "stress" part for me comes with the inner debate of "Should I get the drink that is likely to be smaller and made with lower quality alcohol for more money than I would pay at home?" I'm all about value -- I'll spend money freely if I know it's "worth" it (to me). A $10 margarita that's likely of lesser quality than I can get at my local Mexican joint? Nope.

 

When I'm pricing cruises, I always add in the cost of Cheers. If the price is still reasonable, then the cruise is a good value for me. It's the same reason why we do the Disney Dining Plan (as someone else has stated). I don't argue with myself about getting the $40 steak versus the $20 chicken, because the cost was already factored into the trip as a whole, and we made the determination that it's still a good value.

 

Cheers just removes me arguing with myself about whether or not that individual drink is worth it. By factoring the cost into the cruise total as a whole, I've already accounted for the bar tab.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

The majority on this thread feels the same way which I completely respect.

If getting Cheers makes your cruise better, more enjoyable and stress free, go for it.

 

I can see the point of view that the extra $$ are worth it to most to be able to try new drinks and not have to drink them if they don't like them and then not to have to worry they just wasted the money on that drink.

 

I too am glad this post has been so polite and civil.:)

[Ready2Cruise2016]

And spiked shakes mmmmm

 

Chocolate with Kahlua!

 

I wondered about the spiked shakes. I couldn't decide if they'd be wonderful or disgusting. LOL

[DnD_Cruisin]

I wondered about the spiked shakes. I couldn't decide if they'd be wonderful or disgusting. LOL

 

Haha someone else had a post that went something like:

 

A cruise is the only place a man's man can drink a fruity foo foo drink without fear of ridicule.

 

I lump the spiked shakes into the same category with the exception that they are a more stealthy approach to drinking!

[cruzelover55]

I wondered about the spiked shakes. I couldn't decide if they'd be wonderful or disgusting. LOL

 

Personally, I don't get "spiked" shakes, even on the Cheers! program. Now, this is only my opinion, but there are 2 ways of looking at this. If you are bound and determined to hit the 15 alcohol drinks, this is a way to slip another one in. But, I have never noticed that putting alcohol in them make much of a difference. They have many options and I have tried some with and without. Kahlua just tastes like chocolate to me and does not taste any different than the many other options. And I am a drinker. But, one, that if I can't taste alcohol in a drink, why bother? Just saying....:) I don't like things that "sneak" up on me.

[tdggal1980]

It might sound stupid, but psychologically there just something different about the fact that it's paid for up front so you can relax and enjoy yourself without having to worry.

 

Not stupid at all; I totally get it because I'm the same way! If you ask my husband the main reason we buy CHEERS! is to calm my nerves! I have a habit of seeing dollar signs every time we buy a drink & this makes it so I don't have to do that. If we break even; great. If not, it's worth it being able to let loose and not worry about it!

[MCFTJCH2V]

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.

 

I was not even talking about YOUR education. It was you and others that put yourself there.

[bigdog1958]

Personally, I don't get "spiked" shakes, even on the Cheers! program. Now, this is only my opinion, but there are 2 ways of looking at this. If you are bound and determined to hit the 15 alcohol drinks, this is a way to slip another one in. But, I have never noticed that putting alcohol in them make much of a difference. They have many options and I have tried some with and without. Kahlua just tastes like chocolate to me and does not taste any different than the many other options. And I am a drinker. But, one, that if I can't taste alcohol in a drink, why bother? Just saying....:) I don't like things that "sneak" up on me.

 

Spiked milkshakes count toward your 15 limit, so it does not allow you to go over your 15. Reg. milkshakes do not count toward the 15, but if alcohol is in it, then it does.

[Ready2Cruise2016]

Personally, I don't get "spiked" shakes, even on the Cheers! program. Now, this is only my opinion, but there are 2 ways of looking at this. If you are bound and determined to hit the 15 alcohol drinks, this is a way to slip another one in. But, I have never noticed that putting alcohol in them make much of a difference. They have many options and I have tried some with and without. Kahlua just tastes like chocolate to me and does not taste any different than the many other options. And I am a drinker. But, one, that if I can't taste alcohol in a drink, why bother? Just saying....:) I don't like things that "sneak" up on me.

 

Yeah, if it doesn't enhance the flavor - I don't need it in there, either. I'm sure I'd try one, just to see... (if I had Cheers that is... otherwise I definitely wouldn't. lol) But I can't imagine doing more than that, if it doesn't really enhance the flavor. I don't want to spend my cruise in an alcohol fog. lol

 

Are the spiked drinks in the coffee bar? Or only in the Shake Spot?

[DnD_Cruisin]

Personally, I don't get "spiked" shakes, even on the Cheers! program. Now, this is only my opinion, but there are 2 ways of looking at this. If you are bound and determined to hit the 15 alcohol drinks, this is a way to slip another one in. But, I have never noticed that putting alcohol in them make much of a difference. They have many options and I have tried some with and without. Kahlua just tastes like chocolate to me and does not taste any different than the many other options. And I am a drinker. But, one, that if I can't taste alcohol in a drink, why bother? Just saying....:) I don't like things that "sneak" up on me.

 

I understand your thinking completely. For me it's just a subtle change in flavor. In truth I like them for that reason alone not that I could get drunk or even a buzz from it.

 

As it does count against the 15 max I might avoid them on Sea days. I haven't hit that 15 daily limit yet but wouldn't want to chance it! lol

[Luke Dawg]

We are cruising in a week (yay!) and even though I don't think we will "break even" on Cheers, we bought it. Let me explain.

 

My husband is not a big drinker at all, but he does drink. At home, he drinks a beer pretty much every night and enjoys a glass of wine with dinner. There is NO WAY he will drink enough to make up for the cost of Cheers (me, on the other hand....I love those fruity concoctions on vacation!)

 

So why in he world would we get Cheers? Without Cheers, he won't drink at all on the cruise because he hates to spend money on a drink by drink basis. Even if he would enjoy a beer or a glass of wine, he won't order one because of the cost.

 

So for us, Cheers is my way of getting him to loosen up and enjoy himself during the cruise. That is worth the extra cost, right there.

 

It might sound stupid, but psychologically there just something different about the fact that it's paid for up front so you can relax and enjoy yourself without having to worry.

 

I'll keep track and see how we do. I'm not going to TRY to break even (because that doesn't sound fun, either) but I am interested to see how we do. The addition of the bottled waters and coffee drinks, etc. really made the difference--I'm looking forward to having as much bottled water as I want plus San Pelligrino in the MDR.

 

So--even if we don't "break even", I think Cheers will enhance our vacation experience so much that it will be worth the cost. And THAT is worth paying for.

great perspective, it is all about fun and you can't put a dollar on that.

[ncshp955]

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.

 

Sorry but there is no way that this quote could be interpreted any other way than trying to say that the OP and her husband needed higher education.:confused:

[ryanpatricksmom]

We bought Cheers for our upcoming B2B, and I guarantee that we won't break even each and every day....but, over all there's a good chance that with the addition of the coffee drinks, bottled tea and water that we will. We always have "free" drinks in the casino, but we've found over time that those "free" drinks end up costing a fortune because we are stuck at a machine waiting for our server to return with a drink. We also feel compelled to do our drinking there, which certainly ends up costing more over the length of the cruise.

 

The nice thing about Cheers! is that you do end up trying new things...maybe it's that more expensive glass of wine, or that drink that you aren't quite sure if you'll like, but heck, it's included so why not? I may even throw caution to the wind and have a milkshake this time! I've also never been one to buy the coffee, so I have settled for the freebie version. I've also been known to buy a cup of tea rather than hike it up to the Lido deck, so in both of these cases I could easily make up $10 per day.

 

I had just gotten so tired of the whole Bon Voyage bottle thing...the initial cost, bringing mixers, running back to the cabin for a refill, and only having one type of drink for most of the cruise. It's a win for us.

[louanne93]

I can tell by your writing style that you are a kind and caring person who respects all (even those that don't deserve it). You have a natural ability to control a situation that could have potentially become nasty.

 

I hope everyone that has read this thread has learned something (I know I did!). For that, I thank you!

[DnD_Cruisin]

I can tell by your writing style that you are a kind and caring person who respects all (even those that don't deserve it). You have a natural ability to control a situation that could have potentially become nasty.

 

I hope everyone that has read this thread has learned something (I know I did!). For that, I thank you!

 

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[Jayfo]

I just got back from a week on the Glory with a 22 year old DD, hubby and I.

Added up the # of drinks and judging by the amount of $10.50 Alchemy martinis on my account alone, I'm not regretting our Cheers purchase at all. ;)

 

It looks at first glance that DD did came out slightly above breaking even, while hubs and I certainly got our money's worth and then some. Having the Honest Organic bottles of iced tea for me, Powerade for the DD & DH only sweetened the deal.

 

My next cruise is with a friend who gets 3 sheets to the wind after three drinks, so the Cheers package is a no-go that time. If the DH with the hollow legs is coming along? Then Cheers is a must. :D

 

I agree with you, OP....having the hubby happy and stress free not worrying about each and every drink cost made for a happy and stress free wifey. Had the Cheers package paid for ahead of time using Carnival gift cards purchased to get bonus points and free gas ;) so it was a good little pre-cruise project to focus on.

[lisajm]

OP: I totally understand your view point and feel the same way. Just cruised in March with the enhanced CHEERS and enjoyed it more than ever. As crazy as it seems would never spend money on good coffee when there was free coffee on Lido and the MDR. So I got to enjoy good coffe and bottled water throughout the cruise.

 

DH and I are cruising in 5 days and I pre-purchased CHEERS because its 5$pp a day cheaper than purchasing on board. I would say we are moderate drinkers. DH usually has 2 glasses of wine at night, maybe a little more on weekends.

 

But on a cruise we are on vacation, nobody has to drive (except the captain).

[zabaco]

I can tell by your writing style that you are a kind and caring person who respects all (even those that don't deserve it). You have a natural ability to control a situation that could have potentially become nasty.

 

 

 

I hope everyone that has read this thread has learned something (I know I did!). For that, I thank you!

 

 

Thank you so very much! I hesitated to make the thread at all because I was afraid of negativity, but I am so glad I did!

 

I have had so much fun reading everyone's responses and I am even more certain that we have made he right decision for us. Reading what everyone loves about Cheers has made me even more excited about our upcoming cruise. (5 days to sailing!)

 

It's also been interesting to talk about various replies with my husband. It's fascinating to discuss the psychology of "all inclusive" vs. "pay as you go" with him.

 

I hope that I have encouraged some people to think about Cheers differently and to consider how it can be more about overall cruise enjoyment and not just a decision that you should make after consulting with your financial planner. ;-)

[Evanator]

Cruising in two weeks, read most of these posts, completely agree with almost everything said and learned a lot! My question is tipping...as I understand it, 15% gratuity is in included in the package, so do you still tip your bartenders and waiters?

[Jayfo]

Thank you--I did know it, but not everyone does. It's a great tip.

 

While that is much more convenient than carrying them on was (which we always did), now I can get one handed to me anywhere on the ship at no additional charge! And it'll be cold!

 

BINGO. I liked being able to get whatever I wanted whenever the mood struck. Not having to schlep back to the cabin for water, etc. I asked hubs about us bringing the 2 bottles of wine on board with us and he was like, "why bother?" Stress free hubby. :D

With Cheers, we didn't have to carry them along day one, go back to the cabin for them, or smuggle booze. Gone are the days of stopping what you are doing to go back and make cabin cocktails or worry about the dang bucket of ice to keep the wine cool.

And yes, there is some small psych factor at seeing a zero on your receipt vs the $8.75 or $10.50 each and every stinking time. I get you. And I'm sure most of us would love to cruise with you, OP. You sound like good people to be around :)

[DnD_Cruisin]

Cruising in two weeks, read most of these posts, completely agree with almost everything said and learned a lot! My question is tipping...as I understand it, 15% gratuity is in included in the package, so do you still tip your bartenders and waiters?

 

It's my understanding that the 15% is spread out amongst the entire bar team. We tend to tip additional and add .50 to 1.00 to the ticket. That $ goes only to the staff member on the ticket.

 

Do you "need" to do what we do? Absolutely not. But it makes us feel better to give a little something extra to those who work hard for us 😃