Can we purchase a Fishbowl on Day One out of Galveston?

[babygrljaz]

11 minutes ago, leafsnation said:

Why cant you use cheers day one outta Galveston?? Other cruises can use it day one. Can you use the soda package day one?

My wife has cheers for her only on a casino deal. I wonder if host will comp me and look at my sea pass card?

bob

TABC law or policy whatever.... other cruise lines written around it by limiting the alcohol used. Carnival doesn't. Yes bubbles does start on day 1.

[leafsnation]

Thanks! Never gone outta Galveston before! Trying to find a relaible and reasonable transfer from Houston. On Dream Dec 2 but arrive galveston Nov 29.

Bob

[VentureMan_2000]

4 hours ago, leafsnation said:

Why cant you use cheers day one outta Galveston?? Other cruises can use it day one. Can you use the soda package day one?

My wife has cheers for her only on a casino deal. I wonder if host will comp me and look at my sea pass card?

bob

Texas State law and TABC rules prohibit any practice which could reasonably be interpreted to allow or encourage overconsumption of alcohol. This includes “all you can drink” packages or other promotions which allow unlimited alcohol for a buy-in price. These standards would apply to any alcoholic beverages served or sold within Texas territory, including any waters over which Texas claims jurisdiction. Once a vessel is outside of Texas territory, the state’s laws no longer apply.”

 

This appears to be the reason that Carnival waits to sell their drink package until the morning after sail-away from Galveston.
 

But what about Royal Caribbean? Frankly, we’re not sure. It seems that offering the drink package while the ship is still in Texas waters wouldn’t be allowed given Texas laws. However, there may be special circumstances that allow the cruise line to comply with the law for its specific situation.

[roguebandit1441]

Happen to have the special Texas drink menu available on the first day. Carnivals regular drink menu will not start until 6am the next day. If you have free drinks while gambling will apply because will be out of state waters when casino opens.

Texas-Welcome-Menu(1).pdf

[Despegue]

The legality of this law is of course questionable since foreign flagged vessels need to comply with the laws of the State in which the port is situated ( Port state jurisdiction), however, the IMO and UN consider the Port State as USA as this is the UN Member State. Texas does not exist as an independent UN State, and thus, one could contest that the Texas State Law and TABC is not applicable. In reality, the cruiselines do not want to risk any issues in getting port permits, and thus comply with this regional legislation.

[StephPS79]

My understanding was it had more to do with alcohol tax than consumption.  I can't recall a source, just some recollection that Royal Caribbean, or other lines that allow drinks in Galveston, pay a certain amount of tax to allow this on a limited menu, while Carnival does not choose to pay that tax, and just waits until day 2.  Again, just chatter, but it made sense.

[PayneAS]

12 minutes ago, StephPS79 said:

My understanding was it had more to do with alcohol tax than consumption.  I can't recall a source, just some recollection that Royal Caribbean, or other lines that allow drinks in Galveston, pay a certain amount of tax to allow this on a limited menu, while Carnival does not choose to pay that tax, and just waits until day 2.  Again, just chatter, but it made sense.

That's the same thing I heard. This is the first I'm hearing about TABC. Very interesting. Technically though Carnival's drink package isn't unlimited. You are limited to 15 (alcoholic) drinks. Subtracting 8 hours of sleep from 24 hours means you are getting (slightly) less than 1 drink per hour you are awake. So It makes me wonder if it really is TABC or the taxation instead.

[BallFour4]

Here is the reason Cheers isn't offered the first day on Carnival. Profit. I've cruised forty-one times on everything from the original Mardi Gras to number forty-three booked on the Icon in March. Thirty-six on those cruises have been with Carnival. My wife and I have sailed on everything with a funnel from here in Galveston since the Celebration bounced into port. Worthless information, so on to my explaination.
 

TABC laws have been in effect for decades here, and the Cheers package is not unlimited. As others have posted the drink limit is fifteen. Carnival (and other mass market lines) shift the need for profit to alcohol, casino, shore excursions and spa costs. Every cruse a total spend per passenger is calculated based on a mean per passenger. When school is out there are more kids, less alcohol consumption per passenger, casino spends. etc.

 Carnival dearly loves a hot day here in Galveston with throngs of people dropping their card down for alcohol purchases. They must pay TABC their percentage until the ship crosses into international waters twelve miles out. Stand near any bar and watch what happens. Coolers are padlocked as those have tax paid, hard liquor bottles with tax stamps are put away and the changeover happens. It's quick, and once done the bars return with a full drink menu.

 Royal Caribbean charges $91.99 (as of today for our upcoming cruise on the Icon) for a Deluxe Beverage Package. (Side note, CoCo Cay excursions and cabanas are dynamically priced. Check the costs on Icon of the Seas sailings.)

 Carnivals website states Cheers is from $59.95. Neither line wants you to meet the daily drink maximum. It's not unlike a insurance policy. Get lots of people to buy it, and not everyone reaches their maximum return for the investment. That is why they make the No Sharing Policy.

 I am not a drinker, I make a living talking economics and returns on cost. Using those limited skills I hope I have shown you the drink package benefits the cruise line first, and the cruiser second.

 See you at sea...

.

[mamiamjo]

On 9/22/2023 at 3:23 PM, ObstructedView2 said:

🍹🍷🍾🍸🍻🍺🥂🍸

 

 

Below information is located Here

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

🍹

Thanks, that's the whole reason I was asking. I'm thinking that we can purchase the fishbowl on Day One since Cheers doesn't take effect until Day Two. Of course we will only be able to refill it on day one also.

[mamiamjo]

On 9/22/2023 at 8:55 PM, babygrljaz said:

I've gotten 3 fish bowls sailing out of Galveston on embarkation day. And yes i purchase Cheers. Haven't tried the refill on Cheers though. Might try it on my next one

Thanks. We'll be trying to get one in November 😊

[babygrljaz]

16 minutes ago, mamiamjo said:

Thanks. We'll be trying to get one in November 😊

It almost $50 but SO worth it! I was buzzed within about 15 min 🫣

20230925_133555.heic

Edited September 28, 2023 by babygrljaz
Picture

[mamiamjo]

39 minutes ago, babygrljaz said:

It almost $50 but SO worth it! I was buzzed within about 15 min 🫣

20230925_133555.heic 5.37 MB · 3 downloads

Thanks. We will probably share one

[UpstateCruizer]

On 9/22/2023 at 3:04 PM, bartzcrew said:

I know its at least this list, the Caribbean cocktails..

Is the $36.95 for the souvenir fishbowl that you get to keep? I can’t find the refill prices shown anywhere on the new bar menu. 

[bartzcrew]

Price was on first image I posted, refill too