Is it ok to share a beverage package?

[PQJ]

Personally, if I saw that happen I would have no reservations about noting his name and reporting him.

 

Shame on you. If you're inclined to do something this sinister in the future, consider for a second that he may be supporting multiple family members on the relative pittance of a salary (including tips) that he gets. Consider also that what he is doing has zero effect on you. Zero.

[caladezi]

Shame on you. If you're inclined to do something this sinister in the future, consider for a second that he may be supporting multiple family members on the relative pittance of a salary (including tips) that he gets. Consider also that what he is doing has zero effect on you. Zero.

 

What he is doing is stealing from Celebrity by giving away something that is not his to give away. I see no difference between this and someone sharing a drink package which is something that has been deemed very wrong on this very forum. You can not have it both ways and now it's up to you to decide right or wrong. The bartender is the one who should have remembered the family that he supports.

[AMAC86]

What he is doing is stealing from Celebrity by giving away something that is not his to give away. I see no difference between this and someone sharing a drink package which is something that has been deemed very wrong on this very forum. You can not have it both ways and now it's up to you to decide right or wrong. The bartender is the one who should have remembered the family that he supports.

There is a HUGE difference. One is an employee of the ship and might even be instructed to relax the COMPANY POLICY. The other is an abuse of the system by the CUSTOMER.

 

Apparently you've never gotten a free drink at a bar on land before. I wonder why.

[NLH Arizona]

There is a HUGE difference. One is an employee of the ship and might even be instructed to relax the COMPANY POLICY. The other is an abuse of the system by the CUSTOMER.

 

Apparently you've never gotten a free drink at a bar on land before. I wonder why.

You are making a big assumption that he MIGHT be instructed to relax the company policy. Let's face it, some crew members know how to work the system for tips. I've seen "chair hogs" tipping deck personnel not to remove their stuff and guess what they don't remove it, even if you tell them it has been there for hours. I've seen people tip in the casino staff to make sure a certain slot machine is held for them. I guess the only way to find out if bartenders are told to relax the policy is to ask when you purchase your card if it is okay to share the package. But I would guess if the person asking is told no, they will continue to share.

[AMAC86]

It is a big assumption, but it is none of a passenger's business to be meddling in the internal affairs of the cruiseline to begin with.

 

I'm not sure how people even find the time or desire to be worried about this sort of behavior by the crew on the ship. What's next? Going into the galleys and make sure that the crew isn't eating cracking open cans of soda for themselves or snacking on mashed potatoes because it's "not theirs to have"? Or eating pillow chocolates?!

[dkjretired]

You are making a big assumption that he MIGHT be instructed to relax the company policy. Let's face it, some crew members know how to work the system for tips. I've seen "chair hogs" tipping deck personnel not to remove their stuff and guess what they don't remove it, even if you tell them it has been there for hours. I've seen people tip in the casino staff to make sure a certain slot machine is held for them. I guess the only way to find out if bartenders are told to relax the policy is to ask when you purchase your card if it is okay to share the package. But I would guess if the person asking is told no, they will continue to share.

 

All casinos on ships and stateside allow you to hold a slot machine, it is nothing nefarious, it is a common practice. As a courtesy when you come back, it is generally appropriate to tip the person holding the machine. People are very superstitious about their machines and do have to go to the bathroom or do other things...Nobody is working the system on this and I would guess it is company policy that they do so, my guess is they would probably get in trouble if they did not...

[NLH Arizona]

It is a big assumption, but it is none of a passenger's business to be meddling in the internal affairs of the cruiseline to begin with.

 

I'm not sure how people even find the time or desire to be worried about this sort of behavior by the crew on the ship. What's next? Going into the galleys and make sure that the crew isn't eating cracking open cans of soda for themselves or snacking on mashed potatoes because it's "not theirs to have"? Or eating pillow chocolates?!

Wait a minute - it was brought up on this site by the person that got the free drink from the bartender, not someone meddling. If I were to purchase a drink package and saw a bartender giving away free shared drinks to another passenger (for an extra tip or not), you bet I would ask a supervisor why I wasn't getting the same kind of customer service as they were. After all, if we are to assume that he was told to relax the rules, then he should be relaxing the rules for everyone. BTW, I don't think anyone cares what a crew member is doing, except when it comes to how they are being treated.

[NLH Arizona]

All casinos on ships and stateside allow you to hold a slot machine, it is nothing nefarious, it is a common practice. As a courtesy when you come back, it is generally appropriate to tip the person holding the machine. People are very superstitious about their machines and do have to go to the bathroom or do other things...Nobody is working the system on this and I would guess it is company policy that they do so, my guess is they would probably get in trouble if they did not...

Yes, I've asked for a machine to be held to go to the restroom and yes I do tip them, but I'm talking about hours. On my next cruise, I'll ask how long they can hold a machine and report back.

[AMAC86]

Wait a minute - it was brought up on this site by the person that got the free drink from the bartender, not someone meddling. If I were to purchase a drink package and saw a bartender giving away free shared drinks to another passenger (for an extra tip or not), you bet I would ask a supervisor why I wasn't getting the same kind of customer service as they were. After all, if we are to assume that he was told to relax the rules, then he should be relaxing the rules for everyone. BTW, I don't think anyone cares what a crew member is doing, except when it comes to how they are being treated.

By meddling, I mean taking action by writing a letter to the cruiseline in an attempt to get a particular employee fired. Why would you try to get someone fired for offering you a discounted/free drink under the table? (I know it's not you that suggested doing this.)

 

I agree with you, if they relax the rules, they should relax them equally for everyone. There's no reason to believe this isn't the case (maybe not all bartenders are relaxing the rules, but I imagine the bartenders that are do it for everyone--at least in similar situations).

Edited April 5, 2012 by AMAC86

[AMAC86]

Do you people have nothing better to do than go on & on about something so very trivial???????

Trying to pass the time before I go on my cruise!!!! (Being bored at work don't help!):D:p

[PartyAllDaTyme]

I see absolutely nothing wrong if I share a drink with my spouse & actually it would be nobody's business but ours. Also, if I want to get 2 drinks for me on my package & my spouse drinks one -- this is not theft ---- I paid big bucks for the package..... & don't tell me that 100% of you would not do the same ---

LOL

 

Sorry, I'm telling you that I would not do the same. The big bucks you paid for was for one package that is not to be shared. If the terms are not acceptable to you, don't buy the package. Since drink pilfering affects the price of the package that I purchase, that makes it my business. And just saying "this is not theft" does not mean it's not theft.

[dkjretired]

Do you people have nothing better to do than go on & on about something so very trivial???????

 

I see absolutely nothing wrong if I share a drink with my spouse & actually it would be nobody's business but ours. Also, if I want to get 2 drinks for me on my package & my spouse drinks one -- this is not theft ---- I paid big bucks for the package..... & don't tell me that 100% of you would not do the same ---

LOL

 

Actually if you were on land in most of the states in the US it would be theft....In the state I was a Police Officer, it is covered under the shoplifting statute.

 

Not giving an opinion, just a fact...

[sloopsailor]

I really need to stop reading these types of posts. It is amazing that when alcohol is involved, some people won't think twice about finding ways to steal it, whether it's purchasing one drink package and sharing it, or finding new ways to smuggle it on board. The number of posts on these boards from people justifying, rationalizing, excusing or just bragging about stealing drinks is depressing. No matter how they spin it, sharing a drink package or smuggling alcohol is against the policy of the cruise line, and is a complete disregard for what is morally right. It is no different that shoplifting. Yet another example of the ever more common "entitlement" attitude from people who only think of themselves and do whatever they can get away with to make their petty lives meaningful.

 

I shudder to think what other abhorrent behavior they may exhibit if stealing drinks is acceptable to them. Truly disgusting. :mad:

Edited April 5, 2012 by sloopsailor

[Leo Jay]

There is actually an interesting moral debate to be had here (because there are, in fact, some legitimate shades of gray) but sanctimony only pollutes it.

:D

Edited April 5, 2012 by Leo Jay

[AMAC86]

is amazing that when alcohol is involved

And here I thought everyone was talking about stealing bottled water.

[KaththeTaff]

I wouldn't question the statement of a poster, but I think it is the case of some Used Car Salesman telling a buyer what they want to hear....no, its OK to share a drink package. The packages...all of them...are explicitly defined to be used by one. The Celebrity website states very clearly drink packages is for the Buyer Only. It isnt a group deal.

 

So yes, maybe some sales person on a cruise said its "OK', but we all know in reality that the packages are for the buyer....or am I mssing something in basic business, what the Celebrity website says and what it says on the documents when you buy the package on board.....yup, it it quite explict that it isnt a 'group package'.

 

Den

 

I'm more than happy to report that bar staff were also quite happy for my husband to share my drink, and they sometimes gave him his own. he usaully drinks beer but sometimes he likes a sip or two of a soft drink if he has a bit of a thirst!

 

I would not have complained if a member of staff had objected. I was intending to buy a soda card anyway (I drink a lot of the stuff). I didn't need a hard sell and the information was given freely - I didn't even ask about it.

[AMAC86]

I'm more than happy to report that bar staff were also quite happy for my husband to share my drink, and they sometimes gave him his own. he usaully drinks beer but sometimes he likes a sip or two of a soft drink if he has a bit of a thirst!

 

I would not have complained if a member of staff had objected. I was intending to buy a soda card anyway (I drink a lot of the stuff). I didn't need a hard sell and the information was given freely - I didn't even ask about it.

1-877-485-1764 Celebrity Cruises Drink Package Anonymous Tipline

 

I hope you got his name.

[pens429]

It makes me laugh how seriously some people take this - I'm going to get the drink package ... and I'm going to let my wife taste my drink if she wants ... and I'm not going to feel bad about it

 

Just like when I (and everyone else on this board) go over the posted 55mph speed limit on the highway ... although I'm officially breaking the law, nobody (not even the law-enforcers) care, as long as you don't go overboard ... at least with the drink package there is no safety issue

 

Maybe I'll go to hell for these "sins" ... but at least I will have enjoyed my cruises, not having worried about what others were doing

[gymjudge55]

It makes me laugh how seriously some people take this - I'm going to get the drink package ... and I'm going to let my wife taste my drink if she wants ... and I'm not going to feel bad about it

 

Just like when I (and everyone else on this board) go over the posted 55mph speed limit on the highway ... although I'm officially breaking the law, nobody (not even the law-enforcers) care, as long as you don't go overboard ... at least with the drink package there is no safety issue

 

Maybe I'll go to hell for these "sins" ... but at least I will have enjoyed my cruises, not having worried about what others were doing

 

Amen. I have the package, DH doesn't. He drinks maybe one per day. We will buy his drinks a la carte. However, if he wants a sip or two of my drinks, he will have them and I won't feel guilty at all. I may be done with a drink and he may finish it, better than tossing it.

[AMAC86]

Amen. I have the package, DH doesn't. He drinks maybe one per day. We will buy his drinks a la carte. However, if he wants a sip or two of my drinks, he will have them and I won't feel guilty at all. I may be done with a drink and he may finish it, better than tossing it.

This is the attitude I have about the drink packages. I think it's pretty reasonable.

[Grumpy100]

Amen. I have the package, DH doesn't. He drinks maybe one per day. We will buy his drinks a la carte. However, if he wants a sip or two of my drinks, he will have them and I won't feel guilty at all. I may be done with a drink and he may finish it, better than tossing it.

I think they should have several sips. No one cares........next will be another dress code.

No not another one of those....:confused::confused:

[sloopsailor]

It makes me laugh how seriously some people take this - I'm going to get the drink package ... and I'm going to let my wife taste my drink if she wants ... and I'm not going to feel bad about it

 

Just like when I (and everyone else on this board) go over the posted 55mph speed limit on the highway ... although I'm officially breaking the law, nobody (not even the law-enforcers) care, as long as you don't go overboard ... at least with the drink package there is no safety issue

 

Maybe I'll go to hell for these "sins" ... but at least I will have enjoyed my cruises, not having worried about what others were doing

 

Amen. I have the package, DH doesn't. He drinks maybe one per day. We will buy his drinks a la carte. However, if he wants a sip or two of my drinks, he will have them and I won't feel guilty at all. I may be done with a drink and he may finish it, better than tossing it.

 

Having a taste of someone's drink is much different that sharing a drink so the 2nd person doesn't have to buy theirs, or ordering another drink, again to avoid paying for a drink for the 2nd person. No one is suggesting that a sip or a taste is breaking the rules. It's when someone plays the system to avoid buying that other drink that is the issue. No need to get sarcastic about this difference. We're not that stupid.

Edited April 5, 2012 by sloopsailor

[gymjudge55]

Having a taste of someone's drink is much different that sharing a drink so the 2nd person doesn't have to buy theirs, or ordering another drink, again to avoid paying for a drink for the 2nd person. No one is suggesting that a sip or a taste is breaking the rules. It's when you are avoiding buying that other drink that is the issue. No need to get sarcastic about this difference. We're not that stupid.

 

? I was NOT sarcastic, NEVER said anyone was stupid, and YES some of the comments in the 15 pages did sound like many felt that even that was morally wrong.

There is positively no need to be so incredibly rude. Some of us are first time cruisers and really trying to understand. :(

[sloopsailor]

? I was NOT sarcastic, NEVER said anyone was stupid, and YES some of the comments in the 15 pages did sound like many felt that even that was morally wrong.

There is positively no need to be so incredibly rude. Some of us are first time cruisers and really trying to understand. :(

 

My comment was mostly aimed at pens420. No, you didn't specifically say anyone was stupid. But, the fact that you said "Amen" to pens429's post tells me you agreed with that sarcastic take on the situation, including the comment about laughing at those of us who take this subject seriously. This implies that you also think we are being foolish at the very least.

 

So, yes, I feel you were being sarcastic by that agreement. If you felt I was rude, you unfortunately brought it upon yourself. You might want to reconsider what you agree with in the future so that you won't be guilty by association.

 

If you honestly didn't agree with his sarcastic post, then you should state so, and we can make up and move on.

 

Whether being a first time cruiser, or a veteran of many, the fact is that the drink packages are not to be shared, and to do so is breaking an agreement made with the cruise line when the package was purchased. No need for excuses, justifications, rationalizations, or sarcasm. It is what it is.

Edited April 5, 2012 by sloopsailor

[gymjudge55]

Maybe I just need to be done here. I don't take things that literally. I was

'amening' to the part about my husband being allowed to have a sip out of my drink. My goodness, I can't believe this sparked such a nasty response. I don't feel I brought your rudeness upon myself, there is never an excuse for bad behavior.