Rare Mycruiseobsession Posted July 10 #1 Share Posted July 10 We have bitten the bullet and booked a P&O operated by Carnival Cruise next year! I have this feeling though, that they will make a change to the packages once P&O has officially exited in March. Much like how packages within P&O were changed last year. Once P&O is officially out I really can't see them managing different ships with different package inclusions if everything merges onto one Carnival website. We have nieces and nephews in their early 20's coming and they were asking about the packages. We decided to look at the differences between Carnival and P&O just incase said cruise will end up with Carnival inclusions. (Because nothing is guaranteed at this stage) Am I reading right? Carnival Australia do not have any packages that include cafe coffee? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CDaze71 Posted July 10 #2 Share Posted July 10 8 minutes ago, Mycruiseobsession said: Am I reading right? Carnival Australia do not have any packages that include cafe coffee? Correct. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Mycruiseobsession Posted July 10 Author #3 Share Posted July 10 Ok interesting! Thank you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare MicCanberra Posted July 10 #4 Share Posted July 10 True, or water Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare arxcards Posted July 10 #5 Share Posted July 10 59 minutes ago, Mycruiseobsession said: We have bitten the bullet and booked a P&O operated by Carnival Cruise next year! I have this feeling though, that they will make a change to the packages once P&O has officially exited in March. Much like how packages within P&O were changed last year. Once P&O is officially out I really can't see them managing different ships with different package inclusions if everything merges onto one Carnival website. We have nieces and nephews in their early 20's coming and they were asking about the packages. We decided to look at the differences between Carnival and P&O just incase said cruise will end up with Carnival inclusions. (Because nothing is guaranteed at this stage) Am I reading right? Carnival Australia do not have any packages that include cafe coffee? They are still talking about a transition period, as many who had already booked were expecting a P&O cruise and they are trying to keep both camps pleased so they don't have to offer refunds. I don't know if the drink packages will change straight away, or will be kept in the same format until 2026. For now, there is no mention of Carnival Adventure or Carnival Encounter on Carnival.com and no links to book from there either. Correct, Carnival's doesn't include coffee. However, Carnival will make most similar drinks in the price cap, where P&O's is pretty much just drinks listed on the menu (off menu drinks are priced by the sum of the parts). Carnival has some binge savings with 3 litre beer tubes and fishbowl cocktails. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Mycruiseobsession Posted July 10 Author #6 Share Posted July 10 41 minutes ago, arxcards said: Carnival has some binge savings with 3 litre beer tubes and fishbowl cocktails. OMGosh those sound dangerous!! I am sure my hubby would approve. Not for me. I am happy with a couple of glasses of wine or one beer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare ceeceeDee Posted July 10 #7 Share Posted July 10 No coffee on a drinks package????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ye gods. Another reason to shun Carnival!!!! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Mycruiseobsession Posted July 10 Author #8 Share Posted July 10 (edited) 50 minutes ago, ceeceeDee said: No coffee on a drinks package????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ye gods. Another reason to shun Carnival!!!! Right? I thought it was strange and I must of been missing something! They don't seem to have an all inclusive option of alcohol and coffee either. When I checked the USA currency ships, they do offer speciality coffee just not on the Aussie ones. 🤷♀️ USA https://www.carnival.com/drink-packages/cheers-package/cheers-SUM Aus https://www.carnival.com.au/drink-packages/cheers-package/cheers-BTA Edited July 10 by Mycruiseobsession Added links Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare arxcards Posted July 11 #9 Share Posted July 11 P&O used to be the same before they bought out their dearer package. At one stage also, their "unlimited" package was 15 drinks - including any waters and coffees. For the wine drinker, these bundles might steer a few away from drinks packages. Deluxe 5 bottle package - $180 Sparkling Chardonnay-Pinot Noir, Two Truths, Southeastern Australia, Australia Prosecco, De Bortoli Wines, King Valley Australia, Australia Prosecco Rosé, Brown Brothers, Victoria, Australia Sauvignon Blanc, Ruffled Feather, Eastern Australia, Australia Sauvignon Blanc, Ride On, Marlborough, New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, Andrew Peace, ‘Empress’ , Soanna Vineyard, Limestone Coast, Australia Sauvignon Blanc, Kim Crawford, Marlborough, New Zealand Pinot Gris, Andrew Peace, ‘Empress’ , Soanna Vineyard, Limestone Coast, Australia Pinot Grigio, Devil’s Corner, Tasmania, Australia Pinot Gris, De Bortoli Wines, ‘LaBoheme‘ Act Three’ , Yarra Valley, Australia Chardonnay, Chatsworth Estate, South East Australia, Australia Chardonnay, AndrewPeace, ‘Empress’ , Wrattonbully, Limestone Coast, Australia Moscato, Seahorse Bay, Southeast Australia, Australia Moscato, Brown Brothers, King Valley, Australia Sémillon-Sauvignon Blanc, De Bortoli Wines, ‘Willowglen’ , Riverina, Australia Rosé, Andrew Peace, ‘Masterpeace’ , Victoria, Australia Rosé, De Bortoli Wines, ‘LaBoheme Act Two’ , Yarra Valley, Australia Pinot Noir, Moppity Vineyards, ‘Lock & Key’ , Tumbarumba, Australia Shiraz-Cabernet, De Bortoli Wines, ‘Willowglen’ , Riverina, Australia Shiraz, Chatsworth Estate, Southeast Australia, Australia Cabernet Sauvignon, St. Augustus, Langhorne Creek, Australia Cabernet Sauvignon, Two Truths, Coonawarra, Australia Cabernet Sauvignon, Andrew Peace, ‘Winemaker’s Choice’ , Langhorne Creek, Australia Grenache-Shiraz-Mourvèdre, D’Arenberg, ‘The Stump Jump’ , McLaren Vale, Australia Malbec, Alamos, Mendoza, Argentina Merlot, Andrew Peace, ‘Masterpeace’ , SouthEastern Australia, Premium 5 bottle package - $260 Sparkling Chardonnay-Pinot Noir, Tyrrell’s, Hunter Valley, Australia Sparkling Chardonnay, The Lane Vineyard Lois’Blanc De Blanc Adelaide Hills, Australia Sparkling Rosé, Petaluma ‘Croser’ , Adelaide Hills, Australia Sauvignon Blanc, The Lane, Adelaide Hills, Australia Sauvignon Blanc, Robert Oatley Vineyards Signature Series’ , Margaret River, Australia Sauvignon Blanc, Squealing Pig, Marlborough, New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, Pipers Brook, Tasmania, Australia Pinot Grigio, Santi‘ Sortesele’ , Veneto, Italy Chardonnay, De Bortoli Wines‘ The Estate Vineyard’ , Dixons Creek, Yarra Valley, Australia Chardonnay, Tyrrell’s Wines‘ Hunter Valley’ , Hunter Valley, Australia Albariño, Margan Estate, Hunter Valley, Australia Riesling, LeasinghamWines‘Bin7’ , Clare Valley, Australia Riesling, Jim Barry Wines, Clare Valley, Australia Sémillon, Tyrrell’s‘ Hunter Valley , Hunter Valley, Australia Sémillon, Brokenwood, Hunter Valley, Australia Vermentino, Bremerton, Langhorne Creek, Australia Viognier, Yalumba‘ YSeries’ , South Australia, Australia Rosé, Yalumba YSeries , South Australia, Australia Rosé, Maison Castel, Provence, France Pinot Noir, Rob Dolan Wines True Colours , Yarra Valley, Australia Pinot Noir, Terra Sancta‘ Mysterious Diggings , Bannockburn Central Otago, New Zealand Shiraz, De Bortoli Wines ‘Woodfired Shiraz’ , Heathcote, Australia Shiraz, Mount Langi Ghiran‘ Billi Billi’ , Grampians, Australia Shiraz, Chateau Tanunda, Barossa Valley, Australia Shiraz, KAP Bros Wines, McLarenVale, Australia Barbera, Margan Estate, Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia Malbec, Bleasdale‘SecondInnings’ , Langhorne Creek, Australia Merlot, Grant Burge Wines Hillcot Vineyard, Barossa, Australia Tempranillo-Graciano-Shiraz, Margan Estate ‘Breaking Ground’ Hunter Valley, Australia Stickies, Botrytis Viognier, Yalumba ‘FSW’ , Wrattonbully Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martin jenkins Posted July 11 #10 Share Posted July 11 i think the other question is what are carnivals cocktails like compared to p&o, i haven't been on carnival but p&o's cocktails are disgusting with hardly any alcohol in them. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare arxcards Posted July 11 #11 Share Posted July 11 They appear to be suitable strength. The barman in the Alchemy Bar said most of their cocktails/martinis were doubles. The newer bar staff are all being trained to make those standard P&O staples like Toblerones & Fruit Tingles, so even though they aren't on menus, they intend to carry them on. Just a few of the menus. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Mycruiseobsession Posted July 11 Author #12 Share Posted July 11 17 minutes ago, martin jenkins said: t p&o's cocktails are disgusting They were quite bad on the most recent trip - the mixers and cheaper spirits has changed from 2 years ago. We had the package included in our fare so I tried a few and I really didn't enjoy them, in the end I just drank wine and beer. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare cruiser3775 Posted July 11 #13 Share Posted July 11 You can pour your own beer from a vending machine in the buffet on Splendor. No idea what the quality is like though - I wasn't tempted. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare ceeceeDee Posted July 11 #14 Share Posted July 11 4 hours ago, arxcards said: They appear to be suitable strength. The barman in the Alchemy Bar said most of their cocktails/martinis were doubles. The newer bar staff are all being trained to make those standard P&O staples like Toblerones & Fruit Tingles, so even though they aren't on menus, they intend to carry them on. Just a few of the menus. No gin martinis? They've definitely lost me if so.🥴 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare ceeceeDee Posted July 11 #15 Share Posted July 11 4 hours ago, Mycruiseobsession said: They were quite bad on the most recent trip - the mixers and cheaper spirits has changed from 2 years ago. We had the package included in our fare so I tried a few and I really didn't enjoy them, in the end I just drank wine and beer. They weren't too bad on Encounter 14 months ago, but things change I guess 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare arxcards Posted July 11 #16 Share Posted July 11 6 hours ago, ceeceeDee said: No gin martinis? They've definitely lost me if so.🥴 Vodka or gin martinis, your choice on Carnival as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Mycruiseobsession Posted July 11 Author #17 Share Posted July 11 8 hours ago, ceeceeDee said: They weren't too bad on Encounter 14 months ago, but things change I guess I was on was Explorer. I am going on Encounter later this year so I will compare. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare ceeceeDee Posted July 11 #18 Share Posted July 11 9 hours ago, arxcards said: Vodka or gin martinis, your choice on Carnival as well. Still don't think Carnival's my thing, but good to know. Now if I can just convince them to stir, not shake...................... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare arxcards Posted July 11 #19 Share Posted July 11 8 minutes ago, ceeceeDee said: Still don't think Carnival's my thing, but good to know. Now if I can just convince them to stir, not shake...................... Carnival is a bit different, but not all that different to P&O. All swings and roundabouts, and P&O will no longer be an option in the years ahead. Carnival is only a plan B option for us anyway. Just find the good bar for the good mixologists. It is the quality of the mixologist, not the brand of ship, that determines whether you can get a good martini. A good mixologist will usually appreciate that you know what you like when you order your drink. The only thing they are not geared for is a naked martini, but the QM2 Commodore Club has been the only place I have been able to get one of those on a cruise. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare ceeceeDee Posted July 12 #20 Share Posted July 12 7 hours ago, arxcards said: Carnival is a bit different, but not all that different to P&O. All swings and roundabouts, and P&O will no longer be an option in the years ahead. Carnival is only a plan B option for us anyway. Just find the good bar for the good mixologists. It is the quality of the mixologist, not the brand of ship, that determines whether you can get a good martini. A good mixologist will usually appreciate that you know what you like when you order your drink. The only thing they are not geared for is a naked martini, but the QM2 Commodore Club has been the only place I have been able to get one of those on a cruise. I had to google naked martini! I had visions of being asked to perform a strip tease in order to get one! 🤣 Wouldn't be a pretty sight, but I'd be assured of having the bar to myself after horrified patrons exited en mass!😮 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
possum52 Posted July 12 #21 Share Posted July 12 4 hours ago, ceeceeDee said: I had to google naked martini! I had visions of being asked to perform a strip tease in order to get one! 🤣 Wouldn't be a pretty sight, but I'd be assured of having the bar to myself after horrified patrons exited en mass!😮 I did a google search too. It wasn't what I expexted! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clairebearinaus Posted July 13 #22 Share Posted July 13 On 7/11/2024 at 11:11 PM, Mycruiseobsession said: I was on was Explorer. I am going on Encounter later this year so I will compare. I recommend the little bar right up the front of the ship next to the theatre. Can't remember the name, both Adventure and Encounter have them but themed slightly differently. The drinks are a bit more expensive but excellent, and it's a lovely atmosphere, though sadly often empty. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare ceeceeDee Posted July 13 #23 Share Posted July 13 (edited) That sounds like The Bonded Store. Our absolute favourite and never crowded. And the martinis are excellent!!! Well, they are/were on Encounter. Edited July 13 by ceeceeDee 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clairebearinaus Posted July 13 #24 Share Posted July 13 1 hour ago, ceeceeDee said: That sounds like The Bonded Store. Our absolute favourite and never crowded. And the martinis are excellent!!! Well, they are/were on Encounter. That's the one! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Mycruiseobsession Posted July 14 Author #25 Share Posted July 14 Yes we love the Bonded store but actually prefer the Explorer's version. That's definitely something I will miss about Dora. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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