Unlimited Drink Options Included with other lines: will you still book Carnival?

[sparks1093]

Yep drinks and Casino are where they make money. And I'd be willing to bet , Casino is the biggest money maker.

 

I'm not much of a gambler but I wouldn't take that particular bet:cool::D.

[grandmarnnurse]

No. I didn’t get Fun of Carnival.

Even entertainment was lacking in many areas at least on our cruises.

 

Anyway we can count pretty well. We cruise a lot lately (5 full cruises a year). $250 unlimited drink package for two on our next 7 day NCL cruise doesn’t look a bit like a gimmick. We knew that we would have to pay taxes. Still pretty good value to us. This amount is collected before the cruise.

First of all, I agree that NCL’s drink package as a free perk is a great deal. I tried to point this out, stating my low cruise price for 2 7day cruises, but the doubters were adamant. If the opportunity arises again, I will book NCL. I have 2 Carnival cruises booked for 2019 and 2020, but am hoping to do a Mediterranean cruise out of Barcelona in 2021 (when those cruises become available I will book it).

Now, about Carnival ships not being “fun ships”. One of the reasons we have 2 Carnival cruises booked, after sailing twice on RCCL and twice on NCL, is the fun factor. Carnival DOES have much more fun things going on, and the whole vibe on their ships is really more about everyone having fun. From their sail away party up on the deck (which I totally missed on both the other lines), to the activities arranged by their staff to keep everyone happy and entertained.

[ray98]

You are right, we don't know how they price their cruises but a business cannot stay in business giving away expensive free stuff continuously. It just can't happen. The cost of the free stuff has to be recouped from somewhere and that somewhere is usually in the fare. Yes, there are some sailings where they have to cut the cruise fare in order to fill the ships, but all cruise lines have to do that. I remember watching a documentary that took place on an NCL ship (Cruise, Inc.) and in that show they said that in order for a particular sailing to turn a profit the ship had to sail at 110% capacity and they had to have something like $8 pp/pd in bar sales. So under their old model bar sales determined whether or not they made a profit. Now they are giving the stuff away and they are making a profit? Nope, sorry, not buying it. If you get a great price because you are booking a longer cruise or whatever than good for you. That doesn't mean that NCL isn't recouping it's cost (plus more) on a typical sailing.

 

 

...or the found a way to keep fares competitive while including alcohol. This allows the ships to sell full more often without deep last minute price cuts and encourages the passengers to spend more in other areas since there is no bar tab to be concerned with.

 

There are many business models that work.

[sparks1093]

First of all, I agree that NCL’s drink package as a free perk is a great deal. I tried to point this out, stating my low cruise price for 2 7day cruises, but the doubters were adamant. If the opportunity arises again, I will book NCL. I have 2 Carnival cruises booked for 2019 and 2020, but am hoping to do a Mediterranean cruise out of Barcelona in 2021 (when those cruises become available I will book it).

Now, about Carnival ships not being “fun ships”. One of the reasons we have 2 Carnival cruises booked, after sailing twice on RCCL and twice on NCL, is the fun factor. Carnival DOES have much more fun things going on, and the whole vibe on their ships is really more about everyone having fun. From their sail away party up on the deck (which I totally missed on both the other lines), to the activities arranged by their staff to keep everyone happy and entertained.

 

I think most of us are saying a lot depends on when you book and when you sail, there is no doubt about that. When I booked for next April NCL was twice the amount of Royal so even if we buy Royal's drink package (which we are considering doing and if we do this will be the first time) we're still ahead of the game. Maybe if we waited until 90 days or less before the cruise NCL would then have a better price, but I'm not a fortune teller and I don't book my cruises that way. NCL can be a great deal from time to time and if the price is right we would certainly sail with them. (And for what it's worth before Del Rio NCL had some great sail away parties on deck. It's a shame they are gone.)

[sparks1093]

...or the found a way to keep fares competitive while including alcohol. This allows the ships to sell full more often without deep last minute price cuts and encourages the passengers to spend more in other areas since there is no bar tab to be concerned with.

 

There are many business models that work.

 

I watched what happened to their prices after Del Rio took over and they all increased dramatically. I looked at the prices for Sky right after they went open bar they were getting 3 times more for a 3 or 4 day sailing then they did just before they went all inclusive. Every time I've checked NCL has been substantially more than Carnival. Again, this is me checking cruises that we are booking or considering booking based on when we can book, etc. I fully realize that checking at other times may result in a difference and that sometimes NCL does offer some great deals. But seeing the Escape at $3600 and Pride at $2200 is not an atypical experience (and seeing Anthem at $1770 was a surprise). I wouldn't say that is a competitive fare. (And yes, I understand the difference between the two classes of ships and some people will value the Escape more just because it's newer and bigger but the Pride would work just fine for our needs, especially if I am saving $1400).

[tallnthensome]

NCL was found to be the cruisline where passengers spent or were charged more money for onboard expenses.... or nickel and dimed.Perhaps the perks are there just to get you on board knowing they'll make up for it that way. We,

However, don't do the casino, specialty dining, Jimmy Buffet, shop, etc. we sort of take the drink package from them and spend very little else ware aboard.

[missholly24]

I'm sure this has been mentioned already, but the fares for the "included" drinks are considerably higher. Looked up just now...

 

Carnival 7 days, 4ppl, Eastern Caribbean, Balcony (NCL sold out OV) = $2435.60

 

NCL 7 days, 4ppl, Eastern Caribbean, Balcony = $4081.00

 

Obviously some people may say NCL much better ship, but for the purpose of answering your question, NCL does not "Include" the drink package. They charge everyone for it.

[ray98]

NCL was found to be the cruisline where passengers spent or were charged more money for onboard expenses.... or nickel and dimed.Perhaps the perks are there just to get you on board knowing they'll make up for it that way. We,

However, don't do the casino, specialty dining, Jimmy Buffet, shop, etc. we sort of take the drink package from them and spend very little else ware aboard.

 

 

That is simply BS. There is nothing not included in fare that you are required to purchase to have a similar experience as other mainstream lines.

[Joebucks]

This is similar to the airline business where someone would rather fly Southwest for $400 instead of "being nickle and dimed" by Spirit to do the exact same flight and experience for $250 after fees. Then everyone discusses why their choice is the best.

[tallnthensome]

I'm sure this has been mentioned already, but the fares for the "included" drinks are considerably higher. Looked up just now...

 

Carnival 7 days, 4ppl, Eastern Caribbean, Balcony (NCL sold out OV) = $2435.60

 

NCL 7 days, 4ppl, Eastern Caribbean, Balcony = $4081.00

 

Obviously some people may say NCL much better ship, but for the purpose of answering your question, NCL does not "Include" the drink package. They charge everyone for it.

Are those fares with with the NCL drink package and without Carnival Cheers!? Which ships exactly are you referring to as we both know that Carnival is charging more for the Vista and Horizon as NCL is for the Bliss and the Escape?

[tallnthensome]

That is simply BS. There is nothing not included in fare that you are required to purchase to have a similar experience as other mainstream lines.

what part is bs? Elaborate .....

[quickrate]

First of all, I agree that NCL’s drink package as a free perk is a great deal. I tried to point this out, stating my low cruise price for 2 7day cruises, but the doubters were adamant. If the opportunity arises again, I will book NCL. I have 2 Carnival cruises booked for 2019 and 2020, but am hoping to do a Mediterranean cruise out of Barcelona in 2021 (when those cruises become available I will book it).

Now, about Carnival ships not being “fun ships”. One of the reasons we have 2 Carnival cruises booked, after sailing twice on RCCL and twice on NCL, is the fun factor. Carnival DOES have much more fun things going on, and the whole vibe on their ships is really more about everyone having fun. From their sail away party up on the deck (which I totally missed on both the other lines), to the activities arranged by their staff to keep everyone happy and entertained.

I couldn't have said it better and totally agree with you. We will continue booking other lines but will always continue booking Carnival as they really are more fun!!

Pat

[quickrate]

Because the OP claimed NCL (and possibly MSC) had "free" drink packages which is false. I wanted to correct misleading (false) information. We won't even get into why you think I should not be allowed to post in this thread.

 

BTW, I don't like Tea either. I guess I'm a Soda/Watertotaler. :D

MSC does have free drink packages, they status match, and have great prices. We are going on an 11 day cruise in December in a balcony cabin and the price is $1460 which includes taxes and unlimited drinks!. Since we will be given the black card as we status matched with our Carnival Diamond, we will get all the perks that come with that card. This will be our first cruise with MSC, we know it is completely different from Carnival and we are going with an open mind. It doesn't hurt that 11 of our closest friends are also cruising with us so we are taking our own party along!!:D

[quickrate]

None of the lines do. Carnival wants the blue cards so that they can get those who spend money on board and try to get them acclimated to the cruising lifestyle and hopefully retain them as future customers.

 

MSC is doing the same thing with their loyalty match program and did it with rock bottom pricing when bookings first opened up 2 1/2 years ago for the Seaside. It was a slap in the face of their past cruisers when newbies were given black status without having ever sailed on MSC before. It was similar to when Carnival came out with FTTF a few years ago, which was a slap in the face towards Diamonds and Platinums. Both lines want to recruit new cruisers and whatever small percentage remain loyal to that line increases the monies in the coffers for that respective cruise line.

I would agree with this.

Pat

[cruziJenn]

I've found that we don't need unlimited drink packages, I never come close to even the 15 so that's fine with me. Plus, Cheers! is optional and not included in the price of the cruise itself.

 

And that is exactly the way that it should be for the many of us that don't have 15 drinks in a whole week on a cruise ship. Carnival and Royal drink policies are just fine with me.

[cruziJenn]

Yep drinks and Casino are where they make money. And I'd be willing to bet , Casino is the biggest money maker.

 

Yes from everything that I have ever heard and read the casinos are absolutely by far the biggest profit centers, but of course they obviously make tons of $$ from drink sales as well.

[jimbo5544]

That is simply BS. There is nothing not included in fare that you are required to purchase to have a similar experience as other mainstream lines.

Actually it is not....what he said was people charged more. It is a fact. Do you HAVE to? no, are there way more opportunities to do on an NCL ship, without a doubt. They market it as such, it starts with tall the for pay restaurants and goes on and on. I can give more details if you want....

[SNJCruisers]

Because the OP claimed NCL (and possibly MSC) had "free" drink packages which is false. I wanted to correct misleading (false) information. We won't even get into why you think I should not be allowed to post in this thread.

 

BTW, I don't like Tea either. I guess I'm a Soda/Watertotaler. :D

First of all, teetotaler has nothing to do with tea. Secondly, it is in fact true that the drinks perk on NCL is free. You pay 125 pp for the 20% gratuities. Just like if someone gives you a free certificate at a restaurant, you still tip your server.

[Bhern05]

First of all, teetotaler has nothing to do with tea. Secondly, it is in fact true that the drinks perk on NCL is free. You pay 125 pp for the 20% gratuities. Just like if someone gives you a free certificate at a restaurant, you still tip your server.

 

I think his point was that while it may be "free" as in its "included", you are likely paying a higher cruise fare that aims to recoup the cost of that "free" perk.

[ray98]

Actually it is not....what he said was people charged more. It is a fact. Do you HAVE to? no, are there way more opportunities to do on an NCL ship, without a doubt. They market it as such, it starts with tall the for pay restaurants and goes on and on. I can give more details if you want....

 

 

Yet I see that as anything but bad. Choice is a great thing.

[ray98]

what part is bs? Elaborate .....

 

 

To me 'nickle and diming' implies the consumer was misled and has to purchase various items to have a complete experience. That is not the case with NCL. They offer just as complete of an experience as the other lines. The passengers may have more opportunity to purchase other things but you can go the entire week without spending a $1 and have a complete experience. Voluntary spending isn't hoodwinking the consumer.

[jimbo5544]

Yet I see that as anything but bad. Choice is a great thing.

 

 

 

Lol, ok. More of a point on NCL and opportunities to spend more, but ok.

 

 

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[BlerkOne]

If I drive a Ford and am happy with Fords, there isn't a valid reason for me to try Chevrolet. That would be stupid. It is no different with cruise lines. When tried with spouses, it could be dangerous.

 

 

There will always a few dissatisfied with life's experiences and perhaps life itself who are compelled to keep searching for something that doesn't exist. Instead of a carrot, they follow perks on a stick. They think they find it, soon become bored, and move on. The grass only looks greener through their green tinted glasses.

 

 

There are no free carrots or perks.

[jimbo5544]

To me 'nickle and diming' implies the consumer was misled and has to purchase various items to have a complete experience. That is not the case with NCL. They offer just as complete of an experience as the other lines. The passengers may have more opportunity to purchase other things but you can go the entire week without spending a $1 and have a complete experience. Voluntary spending isn't hoodwinking the consumer.

 

 

Sounds like you drank the NCL koolaid to me. They are the epitome if nickel and diming. They openly admit it.

 

 

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[sparks1093]

To me 'nickle and diming' implies the consumer was misled and has to purchase various items to have a complete experience. That is not the case with NCL. They offer just as complete of an experience as the other lines. The passengers may have more opportunity to purchase other things but you can go the entire week without spending a $1 and have a complete experience. Voluntary spending isn't hoodwinking the consumer.

 

NCL has always been king of maximizing onboard revenue. I like walking through fields, even ones where there are cows, but I do prefer the fields without cows because I don't have to worry so much about where I'm stepping.