A major cruise line has one rule which often confuses passengers who buy its controversial drinks package. Taking a cruise is a popular option for a holiday as travellers get to visit multiple locations and can enjoy the ship between stops. Carnival Cruise Line is one popular option but its Cheers! Drinks package has led to some confused passengers.
The package allows passengers to pay a daily fee for all-inclusive drinks, including alcohol, reports Daily Mail. Passengers don’t have to pay for their drinks as they go with this option making it easy and convenient for cruisers.
However, there are some rules on the package, depending on where you start your cruise.
This is where passengers often run into problems and struggle to understand the rules.
Guests who set sail with Carnival from the U.S. ports of New York, Norfolk (Virginia) and Texas won’t be able to use their Cheers! package for the first 24 hours of their cruise.
Travellers shared their frustrations on Facebook, Lloyd Dikes posted: “First time cruising with Carnival and have a few questions about drink packages. Sailing out of Texas, so no alcohol until day two…am I still paying for day one when purchasing?”
Another person replied: “You can get alcohol on day one, you just pay for it, no you do not get charged for day one.”
Pat Lumpkin adds: “The drink package is charged by the day that you can actually use it. So no. You don’t pay double.”
The drinks package confusion has been addressed by Carnival’s official brand ambassador, John Herald, has explained why people can’t use the drinks package on day one.
John said: “I get this asked all the time. According to the Virginia state rules, we are not allowed to use the Cheers program on the first day.
“It is against their legislation, they have asked not to do the drinks program on the first day. So there you go, you can only use that on the second day.”
This means that passengers with the drinks package will have to pay for their drinks separately on the first day and their package will start from day two.
The package starts at £63.69 and includes all spirits and beer and wine by the glass. Passengers should also be aware that not all drinks are included in the package.