Carnival Cruise Line is under fire for a “lame” attempt to defend an unpopular alcoholic beverage policy.
The world’s largest cruise line is requiring that if just one person in a cabin purchases an unlimited drinks package, everyone in the cabin must do so.
The policy has come under renewed scrutiny after Carnival this month abruptly increased the price of its Cheers! package by 17 percent.
And a brand ambassador for Carnival annoyed customers by saying there would be no change to the line – because he was ‘misusing’ the packaging.
Competitor Royal Caribbean, on the other hand, allows non-drinkers to purchase a soft drink package instead of a full drink bundle.
Customer Kristin Montoya criticized Carnival’s rule under a Facebook post one page features Carnival brand ambassador John Heald answering passenger questions.
‘My parents and I have four cruises booked until 2026. We have the Cheers! always supported! program, but it is insane when the price goes up without warning,” she wrote.
‘There must be an opportunity for someone who does not drink alcohol to opt out. I get it, people break the rules, but come on.”
Carnival Cruise Line requires that if one guest in a stateroom receives unlimited Cheers! drinks package, all adults in the cabin must also purchase this.
The cheering! The package, which includes a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, now costs $82.54 per person, per day, including an 18 percent gratuity, regardless of the length of the cruise.
Previously, guests on cruises of six nights or longer paid $70.74 per day, while guests on shorter sailings already paid the higher rate of $82.54. The price for shorter journeys remains unchanged.
The cheering! package allows up to 15 alcoholic drinks per day.
Heald argued that even with the price increase, the cost per drink still comes in at under $6, compared to the $14 price tag for most cocktails and wines.
And he acknowledged the frustration, but made it clear that Carnival isn’t giving in: “We tried to allow opt-outs when we first started the program, but it was abused – pure and simple.”
“The only way we can have fair control over it now is to require everyone 21 and over to buy it. My apologies, but we have no plans to change this.’
The policy is intended to prevent guests from sharing drinks to avoid the cost of multiple packages.
But with prices rising and no flexibility for non-drinkers, many feel Carnival is punishing honest cruisers for the actions of a few.
As cruise-goers continue to express their anger, Carnival’s inflexible stance could cause an uproar long after passengers have disembarked.
Cruise operators have made even more controversial changes this year.
In October, Disney Cruises increased daily tip rates – following a similar move by Royal Caribbean.
Guests in the best ‘concierge’ rooms now pay $23.50 per person per night – more than 51 percent more than $15.50.
For a two-week trip, that amounts to $329 per person. For families, such costs add hundreds or thousands to vacation costs.
Royal Caribbean also recently increased tips, albeit by smaller amounts.
Although daily gratuities on Disney and Royal Caribbean – plus larger rival Carnival – are technically optional, many passengers feel pressured to keep the surcharge to support crews.
Disney has increased tipping rates on its cruises. Pictured is the Disney Dream cruise ship departing from Nassau, Bahamas
For families, the increase could add hundreds of holiday expenses
Passengers can choose not to pay, but if they want to reduce or eliminate these fees, they must visit guest services – a process often marred by long lines, which detract from their vacation experience.
Critics say cruise lines are passing the responsibility for adequately compensating their crews onto passengers.
If gratuities were included in the cruise price, prices would likely increase, forcing cruise lines to advertise higher rates.
For Disney, tThe recommended tip amount of $14.50 per night per guest is unchanged.
But the rate for guests in concierge rooms – which come with perks such as free drinks, a dedicated lounge and free alcohol and snacks – has increased from $15.50 to $23.50 per night.
This increase would add $224 to the bill for a family of four on a seven-day sailing.
Rival Royal Caribbean recently raised its rates for the second time in a year, with an increase of 50 cents per person per day.
Tips are now $21 for suite guests and $18.50 for all other staterooms.
Meanwhile, the The best new cruise ships for 2024 have been unveiled, including a Cunard liner that oozes retro glamor and a floating city with a capacity of 7,600 passengers.
The Queen Anne (above) is Cunard’s newest ship – the first new ship since the Queen Elizabeth, which was launched in 2010
Celebrity Ascent (above two photos) will sail across the Mediterranean in July
The Queen Anne, which can accommodate 3,000 passengers, is Cunard’s first ship since the Queen Elizabeth was launched in 2010.
Designers have used archived furniture from bygone Cunard liners as inspiration for the retro glamour.
Dining includes a fresh take on classic pub dishes at the Gouden Leeuw, with a menu from chef Michel Roux Jr. with two Michelin stars, and Aranya, an Indian restaurant, as well as the Commodore Club, the place for cocktails and cabaret.
And Celebrity Ascent builds on the success of older sisters Edge, Apex and Beyond by replicating the amazing ‘magic carpet’ moving platform that slides up and down the outside of the ship.
It also turns into a beautiful bar and restaurant when it stops on different decks.