Cheers! Exceptions?

[marne001]

The Cheers! plan has been discussed alot!

 

I heard myths about getting an exemption from one of the >18 year old cabin companions due to a medical reason.  A friend and I are planning our next cruise.  We are contemplating two solo cabins so one (cat 1A) can enjoy Cheers! and the other can enjoy her balcony, albeit alcohol free.  OR we can share a suite (actually less in this situation).  OK, I like to drink!  My friend cannot drink most sodas or adult drinks and avoids caffeine due to a medical condition.  Spoke to my PVP, a 30 year CCL veteran, who informed it is a decision made once we are on the ship.  Yikes!  Gamble with my ethanol intake????

 

Does anyone have experience getting the onboard exemption to both adults sharing a cabin to the Cheers! mandate of both purchasing this program?

 

Thanks a bunch and praise GOD we are sailin' again,

Marne, the Cruisin' Fool

 

The worst day at sea is better than the best day on land.

 

I was infected with the cruisin' virus in 1967, whilst aboard the SS Delta del Sud. 

Sadly, there is no cure for the cruise virus, only treatment, another cruise!

[1025cruise]

There are no exceptions to the Cheers requirement.

[ray98]

No.

[Virga]

The only exception I've heard of working lately has been the casino exception - and it's not really an exception, it's just that they're supposedly willing to count the casino Drinks on Us Everywhere as they would a paid Cheers purchase.  I say supposedly because I haven't actually done it yet, just have an email from the casino folks telling me that it's possible onboard.  

 

In your case, up against paying for two Cheers pax even you only want one, you might be better off buying liquor for the suite and getting fewer drinks at the bars?  I know it's not optimal, but when you're trying to balance dollars vs ethanol intake, it's worth considering.

[Elaine5715]

30 minutes ago, Virga said:

The only exception I've heard of working lately has been the casino exception - and it's not really an exception, it's just that they're supposedly willing to count the casino Drinks on Us Everywhere as they would a paid Cheers purchase.  I say supposedly because I haven't actually done it yet, just have an email from the casino folks telling me that it's possible onboard.  

 

In your case, up against paying for two Cheers pax even you only want one, you might be better off buying liquor for the suite and getting fewer drinks at the bars?  I know it's not optimal, but when you're trying to balance dollars vs ethanol intake, it's worth considering.

This is because the casino has purchased the CHEERS package for one guest.  

[Virga]

30 minutes ago, Elaine5715 said:

This is because the casino has purchased the CHEERS package for one guest.  

 

Like I said, it's not really an exception - but I'm just not convinced it's *actually* coded as a Cheers purchase, because it requires an override and a knowledgeable / understanding employee onboard.  I've heard just enough stories of people being denied that I don't think it's as simple as normal Cheers charged to the casino.  

 

It's definitely *functionally* just Cheers paid for by the casino - but then, my cabinmate being allowed to purchase a solo Cheers package onboard when I have DoUE is *functionally* an exception to the 'must buy two' rule the online system enforces.  

 

Doesn't seem to matter too much either way to the OP, unless perhaps they gamble some on land and could snag a casino match and an offer?  

Edited February 16, 2022 by Virga

[Elaine5715]

1 hour ago, Virga said:

 

Like I said, it's not really an exception - but I'm just not convinced it's *actually* coded as a Cheers purchase, because it requires an override and a knowledgeable / understanding employee onboard.  I've heard just enough stories of people being denied that I don't think it's as simple as normal Cheers charged to the casino.  

 

It's definitely *functionally* just Cheers paid for by the casino - but then, my cabinmate being allowed to purchase a solo Cheers package onboard when I have DoUE is *functionally* an exception to the 'must buy two' rule the online system enforces.  

 

Doesn't seem to matter too much either way to the OP, unless perhaps they gamble some on land and could snag a casino match and an offer?  

The "free" Cheers is paid for by the casino to Carnival like DOU drinks are billed to the casino.  That is the only reason the current exception if one person has the DOUE that the second person can purchase is permitted.  It probably has a special code or authorization just for better control. 

[1kaper]

16 hours ago, marne001 said:

 Spoke to my PVP, a 30 year CCL veteran, who informed it is a decision made once we are on the ship.  Yikes!  Gamble with my ethanol intake????

 

 

 

I sailed pregnant back in 2014. I was told by our Carnival PVP prior to getting onboard that I would be able to get an exemption.  We did not. They were quite clear, no exemptions. 
I have never seen anyone say they have successfully gotten an exemption.  

[wsurrette2424]

You said the suite price was less $$$ than the two cabins... how much less?  If it's close to the price of the cheers package, I'd just go with the upgraded cabin and buy cheers for both of you and just not use the second cheers package.

 

Plus... if you are a *big* drinker... the second package eliminates your 15 drink/day limit!

 

Win win, I'd say.

 

Gusman

[marne001]

22 minutes ago, wsurrette2424 said:

You said the suite price was less $$$ than the two cabins... how much less?  If it's close to the price of the cheers package, I'd just go with the upgraded cabin and buy cheers for both of you and just not use the second cheers package.

 

Plus... if you are a *big* drinker... the second package eliminates your 15 drink/day limit!

 

Win win, I'd say.

 

Gusman

Dear Gusman,

 

Thanks for the reply.  I have heard of the exemption fairy myth to be far more elusive that the free upgrade fairy! 

 

Your suggestion is exactly what I will do, along with my friend who does not drink, toting a bottle of wine (hehe, for me).  Not smuggling.

 

I learned from my 30 year CCL PVP, the decision to exempt one pax on Cheers! is made once we are onboard.

[wsurrette2424]

 

No worries Marne... Have a great cruise in your suite!

 

Also, considering your friend doesn't drink alcohol, caffeine or sugary drinks, I'm guessing water is the primary beverage of choice.  Since cheers includes unlimited bottled water, that would certainly save some $$$ as it is a bit pricey on board at the bars.

 

Cheers!

 

Gusman

[Elaine5715]

6 minutes ago, marne001 said:

Dear Gusman,

 

Thanks for the reply.  I have heard of the exemption fairy myth to be far more elusive that the free upgrade fairy! 

 

Your suggestion is exactly what I will do, along with my friend who does not drink, toting a bottle of wine (hehe, for me).  Not smuggling.

 

I learned from my 30 year CCL PVP, the decision to exempt one pax on Cheers! is made once we are onboard.

That is only if one guest has the Drinks on US Everywhere casino offer and it allows just the second guest to purchase CHEERS.

[Scotto97]

So if a woman can provide medical proof that she's pregnant, they still will force her to purchase Cheers if she's in a cabin with someone else? Won't they allow her to purchase Bottomless Bubbles instead?

Interesting if true, as the media could easily frame this as Carnival "Encouraging / almost forcing" a pregnant person to drink and possibly harm the unborn child.

[mz-s]

4 minutes ago, Scotto97 said:

So if a woman can provide medical proof that she's pregnant, they still will force her to purchase Cheers if she's in a cabin with someone else? Won't they allow her to purchase Bottomless Bubbles instead?

Interesting if true, as the media could easily frame this as Carnival "Encouraging / almost forcing" a pregnant person to drink and possibly harm the unborn child.

 

I don't know how many times we have to say "there are no exceptions" before it sinks in.

 

If one person in the cabin over the age of 21 purchases Cheers, then every person over the age of 21 must purchase it. It doesn't matter if they're pregnant, Mormon, or on a feeding tube.

Edited February 16, 2022 by mz-s

[nwcruiselover]

2 minutes ago, Scotto97 said:

So if a woman can provide medical proof that she's pregnant, they still will force her to purchase Cheers if she's in a cabin with someone else? Won't they allow her to purchase Bottomless Bubbles instead?

Interesting if true, as the media could easily frame this as Carnival "Encouraging / almost forcing" a pregnant person to drink and possibly harm the unborn child.

That is correct.  Being pregnant doesn’t mean Carnival will exempt her from buying Cheers if her cabin mate wants Cheers.  Same with people with medical conditions that don’t allow alcohol use.  The rule is absolutely no exemptions.  That doesn’t encourage or almost force a pregnant person to drink alcohol.  There are lots of non-alcoholic beverages included in Cheers, like mocktails, specialty coffees, milkshakes, etc.

[1kaper]

6 minutes ago, nwcruiselover said:

That is correct.  Being pregnant doesn’t mean Carnival will exempt her from buying Cheers if her cabin mate wants Cheers.  Same with people with medical conditions that don’t allow alcohol use.  The rule is absolutely no exemptions.  That doesn’t encourage or almost force a pregnant person to drink alcohol.  There are lots of non-alcoholic beverages included in Cheers, like mocktails, specialty coffees, milkshakes, etc.

 

And to add, you aren't forced to buy it. 

I did have proof.  Back then you had to have a form filled out because you aren't allowed to sail after 24 weeks.  I can't seem to find the form now so that may be changed. 

 

 

[cruizergal70]

2 hours ago, Scotto97 said:

So if a woman can provide medical proof that she's pregnant, they still will force her to purchase Cheers if she's in a cabin with someone else? Won't they allow her to purchase Bottomless Bubbles instead?

Interesting if true, as the media could easily frame this as Carnival "Encouraging / almost forcing" a pregnant person to drink and possibly harm the unborn child.

Media? What media? When did the media get involved? The Cheers policy makes sense.  The pregnant woman is not required to drink the drinks. Just have to pay for them. 

 

FYI, personally,  I think buying the drink package is dumb anyway.  I've never heard of anyone doing vacation planning and allocate $500-$1300 just for alcohol.  Yet, on a cruise folks do it all the time.

[mz-s]

14 minutes ago, cruizergal70 said:

Media? What media? When did the media get involved? The Cheers policy makes sense.  The pregnant woman is not required to drink the drinks. Just have to pay for them. 

 

FYI, personally,  I think buying the drink package is dumb anyway.  I've never heard of anyone doing vacation planning and allocate $500-$1300 just for alcohol.  Yet, on a cruise folks do it all the time.

 

You don't have to use the Cheers program just for alcohol. That horse has been beaten to death as well.

 

It's not hard to drink ~$50 worth of beverages per day on a cruise, alcoholic or not.

[1kaper]

17 hours ago, mz-s said:

 

You don't have to use the Cheers program just for alcohol. That horse has been beaten to death as well.

 

It's not hard to drink ~$50 worth of beverages per day on a cruise, alcoholic or not.

 

This. And it's allocate it or spend more.  

[nascartim]

Add up, the difference in cost between the 2 rms vs 1 rm, and the cost of the cheers pkg, and decide if you will drink that much monies worth of beverages vs just buying them alacart. Like a previous poster mentioned, you can buy a bottle(though a bit expensive) and still save quite a bit of money.

[dave_k58]

On 2/15/2022 at 6:17 PM, 1025cruise said:

There are no exceptions to the Cheers requirement.

We got one on board from the F&B beverage when my wife had had a recent surgery and the doctor ordered her not to drink alcohol, sodas or coffee.  

[Elaine5715]

20 hours ago, Scotto97 said:

So if a woman can provide medical proof that she's pregnant, they still will force her to purchase Cheers if she's in a cabin with someone else? Won't they allow her to purchase Bottomless Bubbles instead?

Interesting if true, as the media could easily frame this as Carnival "Encouraging / almost forcing" a pregnant person to drink and possibly harm the unborn child.

That assumes that Carnival is responsible to prevent a pregnant woman from consuming alcohol , they aren't.   

[1025cruise]

3 hours ago, dave_k58 said:

We got one on board from the F&B beverage when my wife had had a recent surgery and the doctor ordered her not to drink alcohol, sodas or coffee.  

Then you got very lucky.

[MrMarc]

If there is one thing I have learned about cruise lines, it's that there are no absolute rules except for muster and smoking.

[Drazil65]

If true, as the media could easily frame this as Carnival "Encouraging / almost forcing" a pregnant person to drink and possibly harm the unborn child.

 

Just because a woman would have to purchase the cheers pkg if cabin mate did does not mean she is obligated to drink alcohol.  It is common knowledge that there are no exceptions for cheers and to say CCL is encouraging alcohol consumption by a pregnant woman is ridicules especially since there are many non alcoholic choices on the cheers menu.  

Edited February 17, 2022 by Drazil65