Any tips on BOGO or Happy Hours

[coffee59]

Hi

Leaving in one week on Adventure. We are Canadian cruisers that are being stung by the USD exchange rate. So, are there any tips on getting a better price on fancy drinks. We only drink 2 per day each by the pool so paying for two drinks packages $958 CAD would not be wise.

 

Are there some drinks that are always priced lower? Will all I need to know be set out in the daily planner such as the bars with happy hours? Will every bar have a drinks menu with prices? I am aware of the drink of the day but it is not always what I like.

 

I am being laid off in April so those that want to tell me to "suck it up" because you are on a cruise and money should be free flowing must not waste time replying. :D I just want to enjoy myself but still be frugal.

[39august]

Basic drinks like rum and Coke or gin and tonic will be the least expensive. Frozen drinks, specialty drinks, and high end wines will be the most expensive. And there may or may not be any "happy hours" as these vary from ship to ship and sailing to sailing. Just read your Compass every day to see if there are any specials. BTW, drink of the day is usually $9.95 before 18% gratuity so they are no bargain. Some bars will have menus and others will not.

[Arzeena]

Hi

Leaving in one week on Adventure. We are Canadian cruisers that are being stung by the USD exchange rate. So, are there any tips on getting a better price on fancy drinks. We only drink 2 per day each by the pool so paying for two drinks packages $958 CAD would not be wise.

 

Are there some drinks that are always priced lower? Will all I need to know be set out in the daily planner such as the bars with happy hours? Will every bar have a drinks menu with prices? I am aware of the drink of the day but it is not always what I like.

 

I am being laid off in April so those that want to tell me to "suck it up" because you are on a cruise and money should be free flowing must not waste time replying. :D I just want to enjoy myself but still be frugal.

 

On our Anthem cruise in January, they always advertised these specials in the daily....not in big print:D. Many times $1 mimosas and bloody mary was offered, usually in the casino though. There were a couple of buy one get one half off specials as well. Read your daily planner thoroughly to catch the deals.

[Aerya]

A trick I heard is if you want the drink that comes in the fancy glass, ask for it in a normal glass. The price will be lower because you're not paying for the fancy one.

 

Also, if you're able to do a cash account instead of using your credit card, you'll be able to avoid the credit card currency transfer fee and only pay the service fee when you get the cash at the bank or exchange counter. It'll also make you more aware of how much you're spending during the cruise as you'll have a limit.

[ultimatecruisemaster]

Just got off Independence... and fancy, frozen drinks were around $11 US each.

 

Other options for alcohol... starting around $7 would be... wine by the glass, beer and cider. Had a couple apple and pear ciders on the trip... and they're tropical feeling enough, haha.

[CMurph]

Sometimes mimosas and/or bloody marys & screwdrivers are offered for a special price in the mornings, but not at all bars. As someone mentioned, you need to read your cruise compass carefully. The casino may have $1 mimosas on sea days , but only from noon to 1:00 in the afternoon. If you like champagne you can get a glass at special events, such as art auctions and jewelry store.

[ultimatecruisemaster]

Also... don't forget... you can bring on board, two bottles of wine per stateroom!

 

Even if you aren't a wine drinker... grab something fruity and easy drinking like white zin ... and enjoy your juice, at just $7 per bottle

[Ocean Dancer]

Don't forget you're allowed two bottles of wine and it can be carried/drank anywhere on the ship.....even the MDR.

[Merly]

The 'art sales' usually have free champagne. And if you are a repeat cruiser don't forget the welcome back party.

[sockmonkeygirl]

I've heard some RCI cruises offered drink cards for about $78 that were for 10 drinks. The drinks can be split between you and your travelling partner. Seems the offering generally comes mid-cruise. I'd wait for this myself, but I can't find any pattern or probability as to know which cruises may or may not offer it.