The definitive Cheers program Thread

[SNJCruisers]

Others have found the policy not be fully enforced, too, on other ships. Obviously, it's not a big deal to Carnival since there was no hesitation on the bartenders' parts to ask for my card. Neither of was intoxicated or even mildly tipsy, which most likely is why they did that.

It does vary by ship because I made the mistake of "buying" a rum and coke for an acquaintance using my Cheers card and the bartender at the Piano Bar on the Breeze reprimanded me for it even though I did not blatantly do it out in the open. Consider your self lucky you were able to "share" your card illegally.

 

There have been many reports on the boards of serious beer drinkers being upset because they were cut off at 15 drinks and my response is to try to drink 15 long island iced teas. Unless you're really hardcore, that would be difficult to do. Or you could sail on any other cruise line that does not have a 15 drink limit with their drinks packages, some even have promotions that include it for free.

[Laurie S.]

How is it illegal when the bartender requests my card to charge the drink? Both of us had the Cheers program, unlike when you bought the illegal drink for someone. We didn't ask any of the bartenders to use my card, we figured he was done for the night. All of them said, no, we can use your card. The first time it happened, I hesitated because I didn't think it was allowed, and two of them said, no, it's okay. It really seems like there is a policy for them to do that in a situation such as ours. This happened in three different bars on board, identical responses from all of them.

[lola61]

How is it illegal when the bartender requests my card to charge the drink? Both of us had the Cheers program, unlike when you bought the illegal drink for someone. We didn't ask any of the bartenders to use my card, we figured he was done for the night. All of them said, no, we can use your card. The first time it happened, I hesitated because I didn't think it was allowed, and two of them said, no, it's okay. It really seems like there is a policy for them to do that in a situation such as ours. This happened in three different bars on board, identical responses from all of them.

 

They did the same thing for me and my hubby. No questions asked. Also we were able to get buckets of beer, they just ran our number every 10- 15 minutes. I was getting double Grey Goose Bloody Mary's in the morning. We tipped the bartender generously :D No Problems ;)

[SNJCruisers]

How is it illegal when the bartender requests my card to charge the drink?

Carnivals policy is 15 drinks per person, not 15 plus another 5 because my fiance can only handle 10 drinks over the course of a day. You met up with bartenders that were skirting the issue because maybe their palms were getting greased extra from you or at the very least because they were getting a larger slice of the shared tip pot because of the drinks that your fiance was drinking off of your card.

[Laurie S.]

So, you're an expert on Carnival policy? Really. No, we never tipped extra at any of the bars, so that argument is shot down. And, if they hadn't asked for my card for his drinks, I would have used them myself. No difference in the tip pool. And how do you explain the people who have been able to purchase drinks after No. 14? The policy clearly isn't set in stone and there obviously are facets of it that aren't made known to the customers.

[SNJCruisers]

So, you're an expert on Carnival policy? Really. No, we never tipped extra at any of the bars, so that argument is shot down. And, if they hadn't asked for my card for his drinks, I would have used them myself. No difference in the tip pool. And how do you explain the people who have been able to purchase drinks after No. 14? The policy clearly isn't set in stone and there obviously are facets of it that aren't made known to the customers.

Personally...I could care less. I'm Platinum on Carnival and I have moved on to other lines that treat you like adults and don't have rules like cutting you off at 15 drinks or making everyone in the cabin purchase the program. I paid for Cheers when it was 43 + 15% and I felt like I got my monies worth. But I have found an even better deal with the 1-2-3 Go promotion on Celebrity, where their basic alcohol package is included for free and it includes many things that are not included with the Cheers package, such as any espresso based coffee drinks, bottled water and fresh squeezed juices and you're not cut off at 15.

[PTPD2312]

Sure seems like you care being all "Platinum" and kept responding. Glad you've moved on to other lines. To each their own and stay with what makes one happy.

 

Oh the horror of a bartender skirting policy! Hahaha. While they may be breaking company policy I don't see that it was "illegal". Are you going to throw them in the cruise critic jail or fine them? :D

 

 

Now on to a real question that has perhaps been already answered.

 

I know I can't order alcohol through the room service and have it charged to my cheers program but can I order in the dining room and have a drink applied (if under $10) to the program?

 

Are there any other locations on ship that cheers does not work at?

 

 

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Edited March 18, 2014 by PTPD2312

[SNJCruisers]

can I order in the dining room and have a drink applied (if under $10) to the program? Of course.

 

Are there any other locations on ship that cheers does not work at?

Automated wine concierge in the Library Bars on the Breeze and the Sunshine

 

...

[n6uqqq]

It does vary by ship because I made the mistake of "buying" a rum and coke for an acquaintance using my Cheers card and the bartender at the Piano Bar on the Breeze reprimanded me for it even though I did not blatantly do it out in the open. Consider your self lucky you were able to "share" your card illegally.

 

There have been many reports on the boards of serious beer drinkers being upset because they were cut off at 15 drinks and my response is to try to drink 15 long island iced teas. Unless you're really hardcore, that would be difficult to do. Or you could sail on any other cruise line that does not have a 15 drink limit with their drinks packages, some even have promotions that include it for free.

 

A serious challenge for beer drinkers would be to drink 15 Foster's which are 25 ounces each. That is the same as 31 twelve ounce beers :D with a fraction more!

[goduckies05]

I ordered wine in the MDR on cheers. Took forever though. One night I wad done with dinner before the drink arrived. I stayed for the drink but not the signature. ..

 

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[PeteyPeek]

Do double shots in single drinks count as 1 or 2?

[1kaper]

Do double shots in single drinks count as 1 or 2?

 

Doubles are not allowed. Some drinks are typically served with a floater on top (a mixed drink with an extra shot poured overtop), these are not allowed either. Some have said that you can order the extra shot but you have to wait the 5 minutes between drinks. So each extra shot would be considered a drink.

[ABQmom]

I know that you can get unlimited sodas with the Cheers program, but wanted to know if you can get them in unopened cans? I have read about people getting unopened cans of beer, so it stands to reason that you could get an unopened soda. I would like to have a couple to take off the ship. Anyone know?

 

With Bottomless Bubbles do the sodas come in cans or from a fountain? I would think the would be served the same way with Cheers.

 

Thanks!

[Laurie S.]

Yes, you can get a can if soda. I did, but had to wait five minutes because I also was getting a beer. There wouldn't have been a wait if I took the soda in a glass, but I needed a can to replace the one my fiancé took from the fridge.

[ABQmom]

Yes, you can get a can if soda. I did, but had to wait five minutes because I also was getting a beer. There wouldn't have been a wait if I took the soda in a glass, but I needed a can to replace the one my fiancé took from the fridge.

 

Thanks for the info Laurie S...that is exactly what I needed to know!

[Rue21]

I know that you can get unlimited sodas with the Cheers program, but wanted to know if you can get them in unopened cans? I have read about people getting unopened cans of beer, so it stands to reason that you could get an unopened soda. I would like to have a couple to take off the ship. Anyone know?

 

With Bottomless Bubbles do the sodas come in cans or from a fountain? I would think the would be served the same way with Cheers.

 

Thanks!

 

I'm thinking YMMV just got off the Splendor yesterday and can confirm No cans given and I tried at every bar. And you will still have to wait 5 minutes between orders. Good Luck:)

[Matlily]

I think it will be hard to drink 15 drinks for days in ports and that's when I think the cheers program would not be worth it. Sailing from Texas we already have to purchase drinks the first night, card would be used for the next day, then the following three days would be in port off ship most of the day and then on ship for one whole day and night, with this program you have to take it the whole time you cannot say I want it just for the first and last days? Right?

[SNJCruisers]

I think it will be hard to drink 15 drinks for days in ports and that's when I think the cheers program would not be worth it. Sailing from Texas we already have to purchase drinks the first night, card would be used for the next day, then the following three days would be in port off ship most of the day and then on ship for one whole day and night, with this program you have to take it the whole time you cannot say I want it just for the first and last days? Right?

The program must be purchased on day 1 or 2 and because of the quirky Texas laws, it would kick in on day 2 for you for the remainder of your week, but you would not be charged for day 1. Remember, depending upon what you drink, all you need to do is consume 6 drinks that are 8.50 or 5 that are 9.95 each to be breaking even. When you're in port, you're back on the ship by 500, so that still gives you 9 hours to consume those 6 drinks. 2 before dinner, 2 with dinner, 2 after dinner....easy peasy.

[1kaper]

I think it will be hard to drink 15 drinks for days in ports and that's when I think the cheers program would not be worth it. Sailing from Texas we already have to purchase drinks the first night, card would be used for the next day, then the following three days would be in port off ship most of the day and then on ship for one whole day and night, with this program you have to take it the whole time you cannot say I want it just for the first and last days? Right?

 

Yes, you have to buy the package for all the days it is available (I say that because Texas it isn't until the second night). You cannot just buy for one or two days of the trip.

 

You don't have to drink 15 drinks to break even. I think its around 7 or so, depending on what type of drinks you choose (there is a breakdown on the first page). Beer is a little more because they are cheaper.

 

Whether its worth it depends entirely on one's drinking habits, how much and what you drink. It can also depend on how long you are going to be off the ship. Some of the stops we did on our last cruise were very short. And some people don't get off the ship.

 

We looked at it on our 12 night Mediterranean cruise and decided it wasn't worth it for us. I think we only had two sea days, and our port days were very long, like 7 or 8 am until 6 or 7 in the evening, we planned to spend as much time in port as possible.

My husband would have gotten it on our last cruise, even with only two sea days due to the short port stops, but I wasn't able to participate and buying two packages for one drinker didn't make sense.

[SNJCruisers]

...buying two packages for one drinker didn't make sense.

That's one of the reasons why the packages offered on Celebrity and Royal are better than the Cheers program since everyone that is 21 in the cabin does not have to purchase it.

[1kaper]

That's one of the reasons why the packages offered on Celebrity and Royal are better than the Cheers program since everyone that is 21 in the cabin does not have to purchase it.

 

Yeah, for sure. I'm still bitter after being told by a Carnival rep we would be given an exception because I was pregnant (I posted it in here) only to find out we wouldn't be.

[hereisjohnny]

Tip of the day. What one person experiences does not make it policy for others. Below is the program for those who care to read. If you know you're going to spend more than $50/day then buy otherwise don't . Please don't try to cheat the system it only makes you look cheap.

 

CHEERS! Beverage Program

CHEERS! is now offered on ALL ships with the exception of the Carnival Ecstasy, Carnival Imagination, Carnival Inspiration, Carnival Sensation and Carnival Spirit.

Under the CHEERS! Beverage Program, guests can enjoy a wide variety of wine, beer and spirits, along with sodas and non-alcoholic frozen cocktails throughout the voyage at one convenient, flat rate. The cost for this program is $49.95 per person, per day ($42.95 on cruises in Europe), plus a 15% gratuity added on at the time of purchase of the program.

Note: This program is not offered on 2-day cruises, charter cruises and at Half Moon Cay and Little Stirrup Cay.

Guests can sign up for CHEERS! at the Atrium Bar, Casino Bar or the bar at the main pool area. Here are the program details about our awesome new beverage program- CHEERS!

With the new purchase of this program, you will enjoy the ease and convenience of paying one flat price for your spirited beverages (yep, that’s with alcohol) all cruise long! At only $49.95 per person, per day ($42.95 on cruises in Europe), plus a 15% gratuity, this program is an amazing value! Simply use your newly-stickered Sail & Sign Card and you’re ready to enjoy!

 

Beverages included in the program are:

· All spirits (including cocktails), as well as beer and wine by the glass with a $10.00 or lower menu price

· Sodas and non-alcoholic frozen cocktails

 

In addition, guests who purchase CHEERS! are entitled to:

· 25% discount off the menu price for bottled water

· 25% discount off the menu price for any spirits or wine above $10.00 per drink

· 25% discount off the menu price for wine and champagne by the bottle

 

Beverages excluded from the program are:

· Non-alcoholic beverages other than soda and non-alcoholic frozen cocktails

· Beverages promoted and sold in souvenir glasses

· Bottles of liquor

· Bottled water (offered at a 25% discount)

· Wine and champagne by the bottle (offered at a 25% discount)

· All spirits or wine above $10.00 per drink (offered at a 25% discount – drinks count toward the 15 drink total per 24 hour period)

· Beverages offered at gangway while debarking

· Beverages offered through room service as well as mini bars and/or other in-stateroom beverage programs

· Sharing cocktails, floaters, pitchers, tubes and buckets

· Beverages offered through Enomatic wine machines

· Coffee beverages and food items

· All other beverage-related programs including cookbooks and bar books, beverage seminars and classes, as well as cigars

 

The following restrictions apply:

· Must be 21 years or older to purchase and agree not to give to minors

· Each adult assigned to the same stateroom must purchase the program

· Only one drink at a time may be ordered. No sharing is permitted

· Applicable state and local taxes will be charged to the guest folio when this program is used within US waters

· For ships sailing from Texas, due to state laws, CHEERS! cannot be purchased on embarkation day but will be available for purchase on the 2nd day of the cruise

· Program allows for up to 15 alcoholic drinks per 24 hour period (6:00am-6:00am); once the limit is reached, the guest will not be served any additional alcoholic drinks

· Program allows for unlimited soda and non-alcoholic frozen cocktails

· Carnival reserves the right to refuse service for any reason

· Program is non-refundable

· Guests must purchase the program for the entire cruise - this program is not offered on a per day basis

· The program cannot be used at Half Moon Cay or Little Stirrup Cay

· The program is not available for purchase on Charter cruises

· The program is not available for purchase on 2-day cruises

 

 

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[Aftastic]

Does everyone know your name?

[Matlily]

I have to chat it over with the BF, he can drink a bottle of crown no problem but not sure it would be worthwhile for me, i am more couple of drinks by the pool, glass of wine at dinner maybe one or two later in the evening. was really trying to see what others had done and definitely not trying to get one over on the cruise line could smuggle stuff if that was the case.

[scgirlatheart]

Tip of the day. What one person experiences does not make it policy for others. Below is the program for those who care to read. If you know you're going to spend more than $50/day then buy otherwise don't . Please don't try to cheat the system it only makes you look cheap.

 

CHEERS! Beverage Program

CHEERS! is now offered on ALL ships with the exception of the Carnival Ecstasy, Carnival Imagination, Carnival Inspiration, Carnival Sensation and Carnival Spirit.

Under the CHEERS! Beverage Program, guests can enjoy a wide variety of wine, beer and spirits, along with sodas and non-alcoholic frozen cocktails throughout the voyage at one convenient, flat rate. The cost for this program is $49.95 per person, per day ($42.95 on cruises in Europe), plus a 15% gratuity added on at the time of purchase of the program.

Note: This program is not offered on 2-day cruises, charter cruises and at Half Moon Cay and Little Stirrup Cay.

Guests can sign up for CHEERS! at the Atrium Bar, Casino Bar or the bar at the main pool area. Here are the program details about our awesome new beverage program- CHEERS!

With the new purchase of this program, you will enjoy the ease and convenience of paying one flat price for your spirited beverages (yep, that’s with alcohol) all cruise long! At only $49.95 per person, per day ($42.95 on cruises in Europe), plus a 15% gratuity, this program is an amazing value! Simply use your newly-stickered Sail & Sign Card and you’re ready to enjoy!

 

Beverages included in the program are:

· All spirits (including cocktails), as well as beer and wine by the glass with a $10.00 or lower menu price

· Sodas and non-alcoholic frozen cocktails

 

In addition, guests who purchase CHEERS! are entitled to:

· 25% discount off the menu price for bottled water

· 25% discount off the menu price for any spirits or wine above $10.00 per drink

· 25% discount off the menu price for wine and champagne by the bottle

 

Beverages excluded from the program are:

· Non-alcoholic beverages other than soda and non-alcoholic frozen cocktails

· Beverages promoted and sold in souvenir glasses

· Bottles of liquor

· Bottled water (offered at a 25% discount)

· Wine and champagne by the bottle (offered at a 25% discount)

· All spirits or wine above $10.00 per drink (offered at a 25% discount – drinks count toward the 15 drink total per 24 hour period)

· Beverages offered at gangway while debarking

· Beverages offered through room service as well as mini bars and/or other in-stateroom beverage programs

· Sharing cocktails, floaters, pitchers, tubes and buckets

· Beverages offered through Enomatic wine machines

· Coffee beverages and food items

· All other beverage-related programs including cookbooks and bar books, beverage seminars and classes, as well as cigars

 

The following restrictions apply:

· Must be 21 years or older to purchase and agree not to give to minors

· Each adult assigned to the same stateroom must purchase the program

· Only one drink at a time may be ordered. No sharing is permitted

· Applicable state and local taxes will be charged to the guest folio when this program is used within US waters

· For ships sailing from Texas, due to state laws, CHEERS! cannot be purchased on embarkation day but will be available for purchase on the 2nd day of the cruise

· Program allows for up to 15 alcoholic drinks per 24 hour period (6:00am-6:00am); once the limit is reached, the guest will not be served any additional alcoholic drinks

· Program allows for unlimited soda and non-alcoholic frozen cocktails

· Carnival reserves the right to refuse service for any reason

· Program is non-refundable

· Guests must purchase the program for the entire cruise - this program is not offered on a per day basis

· The program cannot be used at Half Moon Cay or Little Stirrup Cay

· The program is not available for purchase on Charter cruises

· The program is not available for purchase on 2-day cruises

 

 

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I have seen multiple postings that say you must wait 5 minutes between drink orders, but where does it say that in these guidelines? Am I missing it somewhere? Also, does the 5 minute rule apply to virgin frozen drinks and soda? Thanks!