Carnival Cruise Passengers Raise Foul Over Strict Drink Policy: ‘Savage’

Carnival Cruise Line is facing backlash over a controversial policy change.

The world’s largest cruise line is now asking all adults 21 and older in a cabin to buy its Cheers! unlimited alcohol package if only one person in the cabin chooses it.

This rule has shocked and fueled considerable discontent, especially after the company raised the price by 17%.

Guests on cruises of six nights or more who paid $70.74 per day for The Cheers! package, which covers alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, is now charged $82.54 per person daily, including an 18% gratuity.

Those on shorter trips were already paying the higher rate, but guests traveling for a week or longer are upset about paying more for drinks they might not even drink themselves.

The strict rule aims to prevent people from splitting drinks to avoid buying multiple packs. However, guests have complained that while the company offers a cheaper Bottomless Bubbles soft drink package ($8.20 per day for children, $11.21 for adults over 21, both including service charge), the company still states that adults who do not feed on others who buy Cheers ! must also purchase that program.

Carnival brand ambassador John Heald defended the policy on Facebook, where countless “upset” and “disappointed” travelers slammed the sudden change, calling it “outrageous,” “very frustrating” and “unfair.” .

Heald argued it was a response to “abuse” of the program.

“We tried to allow exceptions when we first started the program, but it was abused – pure and simple,” he said.

“I apologize, but we have no plans to change this.”

He explained that the only fair solution the company could come up with was to require everyone in a booth to buy the package. Heald noted that, even with the price increase, the cost per drink is still less than what guests would pay for cocktails or individual wines on board, which can cost about $14 each.

However, this argument has done little to quell the anger of passengers, who feel penalized for the actions of some.

The reaction comes at a time when cruise lines, including Carnival, are raising costs in other areas as well.

For example, Disney Cruise Line recently increased its daily gratuity rates, following a similar move by Royal Caribbean. Guests staying in top concierge rooms now face a 51% increase in rewards, from $15.50 to $23.50 per person per night.

The cap can add hundreds of dollars to a family’s total bill for a weeklong cruise.

But those with the cash to splash on their cruises need look no further than MSC Seaside’s gorgeous Yacht Club – where a week-long trip can cost around $12,000.