How to save having a small party/gathering on a budget on cruiseship??

[Ballaholic29414]

Ill be on the Carnival Fantasy March 11-16th 2015 for my dads bday. cruise. His actual Bday is March 12 during the first day at sea. I have a group booking of about 36 people and about 25 of them actually drink. I enquired about having a cocktail party for 1.5 but was told Id have to pay 27.60 per person even if they don't drink also plus 80 dollars for a dj for 1.5 hours. I want to try to do something but Id rather not have to pay 27.60 each for 11 people that don't even drink alcohol. My travel agent told me he wouldn't advise me to pay for people that don't even drink but also could help with suggestions. Right now I looking at about $1,073. I'm trying to come up with a cheaper alternative. Any Help will definitely be appreciated.

[cherylandtk]

You could ask for a no-host bar and then generously inform the bartender that you will pay the first round for everyone. Maybe even two. If they are setting up with a DJ, you probably will have a suitable location for that.

[Ballaholic29414]

Thanks. I also thought about maybe having a get together at the night club and opening up a bar tab but I have no idea what time does the night clubs usually open on the ships or on the carnival fantasy.

[cb at sea]

Why not just name a place to meet and let everyone do their own thing? Give your Dad some money on his account, if you want,to cove his drinks....let everyone else do their own thing.

[Ballaholic29414]

Thanks I think im going to do that.

[paul929207]

You could probably arrange with the cruise ship to give each person one or more drink coupons good only at your party. People could then pay for extras. Don't give coupons to the non-drinkers. Have a max value on the coupons.

[Ballaholic29414]

I thought drink coupons were no longer used on carnival ships but ill look into that also. Thanks

[Ballaholic29414]

Does anyone know what time does the nightclub open on the carnival fantasy or any carnival ship?

[zoncom]

They would probably use one of the smaller bars for your private party.