Bottomless Bubbles & Cheers

All You Can Drink

Fun Ship Style

One of the latest trends added by the cruise lines has been beverage programs which makes cruises on par with all-inclusive resorts.  One big difference between the two is that the cost isn't included in the base pricing. That is beneficial to those that don't want to partake in unlimited bubbly and therefore don't pay the premium.

Carnival Conquest Programs

Continuing our coverage of Embarkation Day aboard Carnival Conquest, let's look at two beverage programs that you might want to consider.   Bottomless Bubbles is a soda package that can be optionally purchased that provides unlimited soda fountain drinks, consisting of several Coca Cola products, throughout your voyage.   It must be purchased on Embarkation Day and it is valid for the entire sailing.

The cost on Carnival Conquest during our recent cruise was $4.00 per day for Children and $6.00 per day for Adults.   You can also purchase a Carnival Tumbler for $4.95.   The total price including tip is added to your card and a sticker is affixed to your Sail & Sign card showing proof of purchase.   You simply show your card to the bartender or server and they'll fill up your tumbler if you have one or bring you a glass of soda of your choosing. 

Normal price for a "Coke" on the ship was $1.95, so for those that like 3 or more sodas a day, you can break even or be ahead very easily.

Tip:  For families that don't want children drinking soda, there are other choices in the buffet such as lemonade, ice tea, and juices.     Hot coffee, tea, and hot chocolate are also available without cost.  

Cheers

For our Adult guests that wish to partake in the "flavor of the day" drink specials and other alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine, and mixed drinks, the Cheers Beverage Program can be purchased for $49.95 per day.  That's a $350+ investment per person on a 7 day cruise.

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Is this program worth it? The answer depends on what you like to drink, and how much. Prices for drinks can range from $4.95 for domestic beer to $7.50 for a frozen invention. Wines could be more depending on the selection. There are restrictions, so be aware that not every drink will be included.
Complete details can be obtained onboard and we encourage you to carefully consider whether it is better to purchase as you go or opt in for this program.

Regardless, please do drink responsibly as we don't want to read about you in the news.

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TIP:  Check on Deck 9 either before or after you welcome aboard lunch for these and other Embarkation Day specials.

We did take advantage of the Bottomless Bubbles program but decided to purchase our alcoholic beverages as desired during the voyage.  This combination worked fine for us.

Next up:  A special dinner that we arranged during the open house.

Royal Caribbean Drinking Policy Change

Minimum Drinking Age Changed to 18

Royal Caribbean Ships Sailing from

South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand  

In Spring 2012, new alcoholic beverage rules take effect for Royal Caribbean ships sailing from International ports (South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand). 

Currently, 18- to 20-year-old passengers cruising in the aforementioned regions are allowed to purchase alcohol onboard -- as long as their parents sign a waiver. Under the new policy, parents will no longer be required to sign the waver. 

The minimum drinking age on Royal Caribbean ships sailing from North America will remain at 21.

RCI says that the change is to "better accommodate the cultural norms in the regions of the world where Royal Caribbean ships sail." 

This change brings Royal Caribbean ships in line with its competitors. The onboard drinking ages generally reflect laws in the region in which the ship is sailing. For instance, the minimum drinking age for Costa Cruises is 18 for any vessel leaving from a non-U.S. port and 21 for any cruise leaving from the United States. Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Lines and others have similar policies.

While the policy gets parents off the hook for signing a waiver - it shouldn't get them off the hook for the actions of their children.  The last thing we want to be writing about in future columns would be any accident connected with the change in this policy.  Please drink responsibly and make sure everyone in your party, regardless of age, does so also.