Carnival Cruise blames passengers for strict drink policy after price hike outrage

Carnival Cruise Line is under fire for a 'flimsy' attempt to defend an unpopular policy on alcoholic drinks.

The world's largest cruise company demands that if just one person in a cabin buys an unlimited booze package then everyone in the cabin must do so.

The policy has come under scrutiny again after Carnival this month abruptly raised the price of its Cheers! package by 17 per cent.

And a brand ambassador for Carnival irked customers by saying there would be no change to the rule - because 'abused' the package. 

By contrast, rival Royal Caribbean allows non-drinkers to purchase a soft drinks package instead of a full booze bundle.

Customer Kristin Montoya slammed the Carnival's rule under a Facebook post on a page run Carnival brand ambassador John Heald, who answers questions from passengers.

'Between my parents and I, we have four cruises booked till 2026. We've always supported the Cheers! program, but it's insane when the price goes up without warning,' she wrote. 

'There needs to be an option for someone who doesn't drink alcohol to opt out. I get it, people break the rules, but come on.'

The Cheers! package, which includes a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, now costs $82.54 per person, per day, including an 18 percent gratuity, regardless of cruise length. 

Previously, guests on cruises of six nights or longer paid $70.74 per day, while those on shorter sailings already paid the higher $82.54 rate. The price for shorter trips remains unchanged. 

The Cheers! package allows up to 15 alcoholic drinks per day. 

Heald argued that even with the price increase, the cost per drink still works out to under $6, compared to the $14 price tag for most cocktails and wines.

And he  acknowledged the frustration but made it clear Carnival isn't budging: 'We did try allowing opt-outs when we first started the program, but it was abused - pure and simple. 

'The only way we can fairly control it now is to require everyone 21 and over to purchase it. I apologize, but we have no plans to change this.'

The policy aims to stop guests from sharing drinks to dodge the cost of multiple packages.

But with prices climbing and no flexibility for non-drinkers, many feel Carnival is punishing honest cruisers for the actions of a few.

As cruise-goers continue to voice their anger, Carnival's rigid stance might make waves long after passengers disembark.

Cruise operators have made other controversial changes this year. 

In October, Disney Cruises has increased its daily gratuity rates - following a similar move by Royal Caribbean. 

Guests in the best 'concierge' rooms will now pay $23.50 per person per night - up over 51 percent from $15.50.

Over a two week trip, that works out at a charge of $329 per person. For families, the such charges add hundreds or thousands to vacation costs.

Royal Caribbean recently raised gratuities too, though by smaller amounts. 

While daily gratuities on Disney and Royal Caribbean -  plus bigger rival Carnival - are technically optional, many passengers feel pressured to keep the charge to support the crew. 

Passengers can choose not to pay, but if they want to reduce or eliminate these charges, they must visit guest services - a process often marred by long lines, detracting from their vacation experience. 

Critics argue that cruise lines are shifting the responsibility of adequately compensating their crew onto passengers. 

If gratuities were included in the cruise fare, prices would likely rise, forcing cruise lines to advertise higher rates. 

For Disney, the recommended gratuity amount of $14.50 per night per guest is unchanged.

But the rate for guests in rooms that have a concierge rooms - which come with perks like free drinks, a special lounge and free alcohol and snacks -  has jumped from $15.50 to $23.50 per night.

This increase would add $224 to the bill for a family of four on a 7-day sailing. 

Rival Royal Caribbean recently upped its rates for the second time in a year, with an increase of 50 cents per person per day.

Gratuities are now $21 for suite guests and $18.50 for all other staterooms. 

Meanwhile, the best new cruise ships for 2024 have been revealed, and include a Cunard liner oozing retro glamour and a floating city with capacity for 7,600 passengers.

The 3,000-passenger Queen Anne is Cunard's first ship since it launched the Queen Elizabeth in 2010.

Designers have used archived furnishings from bygone Cunard liners as inspiration for its retro glamour. 

Dining includes a fresh take on classic pub grub in the Golden Lion, with a menu by two-Michelin star chef Michel Roux Jr, and Aranya, an Indian restaurant, as well as the Commodore Club, the place for cocktails and cabaret.

And Celebrity Ascent builds on elder sisters Edge, Apex and Beyond's success by replicating the amazing 'magic carpet' moving platform that glides up and down the outside of the ship. 

It also transforms into a wonderful bar and restaurant when it stops at different decks.