I contacted
DCL about doing a private event today. I found out from someone who recently cruised that they had a private gathering that had a full open bar for 1 hour. It was $13.75 per person with a minimum 25 people. if you think about the cost of drinks on the cruise (avg $6-7 a piece), 2 drinks would be just about that. If we could do this, would anyone be interested? (gonna post on facebook group too)
A few thoughts ...
1) Make sure you are versed on exactly what is and is not included in an open bar (ie: beer, soft drinks, iced tea, etc.). Typically, these are not included in a land based open bar, at are sold individually (if available). Does it include only certain brands of liquor ... does it exclude specific brands (sometimes, portable bars are not staffed with a full accompaniment)? What mixed drinks will not be available, based upon availability of liquor and/or mixers (ie: is cream available for a White Russian).
2) If you are interested in setting up an event, you would need to decide (with or without public input) whether an open bar would welcome those who are under 21 (let alone, much younger). I guess my point would be, what type of event are YOU seeking? We will already have the typical Meet-N-Greet event ... a family event, typically located in close proximity of an unlimited, cash bar. Are you interested in a general event, open to adults ... or ... perhaps a specific alcohol tasting event. In the case of the latter, DCL sets up a private tasting event ... your choice of beer, wine, tequila, martini, mixology (etc). If you set up a private event, DCL usually wants names and stateroom #'s of those attending, so their account can be charged the appropriate fees. Cancellations generally are not permitted (though, you are often able to send someone in your place).
3) The Meet-N-Greet is usually held on embarkation day, with attendance based upon individual schedules. If you are scheduling a pay-event, people will not know when the event will take place. Be prepared for people wanting to cancel, based upon reservations for brunch, dinner, and other gatherings (such as Gold/Platinum mixer, DVC mixer ... as well as various public alcohol tastings). Though you are able to make specific requests, DCL does not guarantee specific locations, dates or times.
4) Butlered events are available, but are typically more expensive, based upon the need for additional cast members. The same would be the case with hors d'oeuvres and/or desserts.
5) DCL typically sets a maximum number of guests permitted, based upon the room or area being utilized (of course, based upon availability). Similar to hosting a Champagne event at Oooh-La-La, if your event is an open bar (or private tasting), you will have to consider whether the number of those not drinking (or those wanting to share with others) will impact the number of those who will be drinking ... and what fee (if any) is charged to those who do not drink (especially if trying to meet the minimum number of attendees). You would have to address whether or not there is a charge for those who are not of drinking age (I am not personally aware as to whether DCL has a way of knowing who has paid for drinks, versus those who share, versus those who are not drinking).
6) One option to consider ... whether for you, or others ... is that DISer's have the ability to "take over" a public DCL tasting event. In the past, I have taken names and stateroom numbers of those who have interest in various public tastings. Once boarding the ship, a list of public tastings is generally available from Guest Services. In the past, I have been able to write down the dates of the respective tastings, and slip a note under the door of the guests who previously expressed an interest (I have also left voice mail messages as well). Those who do not have any conflicts are able to book the public tastings (ASAP), as some of the public tastings sell out the first day (even though they are held later in the cruise). In one instance, DIS'ers accounted for 13 of the 15 spaces in a public beer tasting event. Also, sometimes, the public tasting events are often SLIGHTLY cheaper than private tastings.
7) Since we will only have one sea day, the chances of conflicting events (whether Platinum, DVC, brunch, etc) will be greater, as compared to cruises with two sea days, or longer cruises.
I mention these tidbits ... not to dissuade you ... but to provide insight from past events. Good luck!
Steven
