Alcohol Policy Change?

[Alztybrn]

Rumors are....policy has reverted back to the original plan due to the overwhelming number of complaints.

 

[budbeerlady]

So would you change cruise lines because of it? Is a couple bottles of wine or scotch worth that $1600 to you? It certainly seems to be for some posters on this thread.

For that kind of money give me some sort of perk to take the sting out of it. Free soda, & bring on my own wine, that silly little $100ish amount it would charge me more stings, ALOT! Even though its not alot I booked under X, now they want me to do Y.

 

[DMMarla07860]

Here's the way I see it.....if I can afford to cruise, then I can afford to buy my drinks onboard.

If I CAN'T afford to buy my drinks onboard, then I either shouldn't be cruising, or I shouldn't be drinking.

I just save money 5 months or so before a cruise so I'll have money for drinks. Saves room for other stuff and I don't have to carry extra things onboard, not that I do since I am not a big drinker and drinks on the ship are just fine.

 

[DMMarla07860]

As I said in an earlier post - it doesn't appear that folks on DCL drink any less than on other cruise lines. What's different on DCL is WHERE they do the majority of their drinking.

I don't drink, so this new policy doesn't affect me in any way. I thought it was a "loophole" that DCL would eventually close - as they have been losing money from alcohol sales onboard. I think expecting DCL to wait until 2013 to implement this is unreasonable, but I do think they ought to wait until the earliest date deposits become non-refundable (90 - 120 days from now) to enforce the policy - such as Jan. 1, 2012.

I agree I think if DCL wanted to and enforced it before deposits were non-refundable it would be all good

 

[darkwing818]

It's important to note that plenty of folks sail on DCL without any children.

Oops sorry, you're correct there are many people who cruise DCL w/o children. In fact, we are cruising on the Dream in October sans children.

But i'm still confused , based on the # of unhappy postings; there just seems to be a lot of folks whose ability to have an enjoyable cruise is in direct correlation to the amount of liquor they are allowed to bring on board. But that's just the impression i'm getting after reading all of these posts.

Clearly this is a HOT TOPIC...

I do agree that DCL should make such a change, they must provide much more notice than 3 weeks. Perhaps when the 2013 schedules become available. This would allow folks to make their decisions with all of the cost factors at the time of booking.

 

[guntherkat]

Well, I did say I would no longer cruise Disney if they implemented this new policy and my reasons are twofold. First, when I booked the cruise it said I could bring on whatever alcohol I desired as long as it fit in my carry-on. As an attorney, I like a good, solid contract and have an expectation that what I paid for is provided. Second, the wine list on Disney leaves a bit to be desired. While we are not what some would deem "heavy drinkers", my husband and I enjoy expensive wine and plan on bringing a few bottles to enjoy at dinner or on our verandah. It would be most annoying to have these confiscated upon embarkation with no reimbursement.

 

[gdulaney]

Here's the way I see it.....if I can afford to cruise, then I can afford to buy my drinks onboard.

If I CAN'T afford to buy my drinks onboard, then I either shouldn't be cruising, or I shouldn't be drinking.

That is a pretty harsh statement. Just because I can afford to buy something doesn't mean I buy it. If that were the case I'd drive something other than a 2005 Ford Escape with over 100,000 miles on it.

Everybody has their own budget and their own comfort level. While you may feel that you can afford to buy onboard, others might prefer to use their money for something else. Me - I'd rather spend way too much in the gift shops.

 

[NancyIL]

And to be honest, I never said we couldn't afford to buy all our drinks from DCL. But who wants to pay hundreds of extra dollars for bottles of wine or fine liquor that you are enjoying back in the room. Never said we couldn't afford it. We just don't want to pay the extra. Quite a difference there.

That's how I feel about Disney cruises in general. I can afford to cruise with DCL, but I'd rather not pay a premium price to cruise with the Mouse vs. other cruise lines with similar itineraries. Unlike many of you - I can't justify DCL's prices based on alcohol or soda consumption, because I drink neither.

 

[ksucats]

I agree I think if DCL wanted to and enforced it before deposits were non-refundable it would be all good

I disagree. It should wait until new 2013 sailings are released if they are going to do it. Some with refundable deposits have already purchased airfare that is non-refundable. Airfare can be booked almost a year out. I won't like this change if they make it effective 2013, but I will understand and won't complain to them. If it affects my May 2012 cruise, you bet they will hear from me.

 

[El Cid 94]

Here's the way I see it.....if I can afford to cruise, then I can afford to buy my drinks onboard.

If I CAN'T afford to buy my drinks onboard, then I either shouldn't be cruising, or I shouldn't be drinking.

Perhaps the most ridiculous post thus far...

Congratulations! You took over the #1 spot by beating out the post that said the upset people "needed alcohol" to have fun with their kids

That's the way i see it...

 

[Christy323]

Oops sorry, you're correct there are many people who cruise DCL w/o children. In fact, we are cruising on the Dream in October sans children.

But i'm still confused , based on the # of unhappy postings; there just seems to be a lot of folks whose ability to have an enjoyable cruise is in direct correlation to the amount of liquor they are allowed to bring on board. But that's just the impression i'm getting after reading all of these posts.

Clearly this is a HOT TOPIC...

I do agree that DCL should make such a change, they must provide much more notice than 3 weeks. Perhaps when the 2013 schedules become available. This would allow folks to make their decisions with all of the cost factors at the time of booking.

I can't comment for others, as I can only speak for myself, but I can say that there is no correlation for me personally regarding amount of alcohol consumption and level of enjoyment. I have plenty of fun with and without alcohol.

My own personal issue with the policy change is just what you mentioned in your last paragraph: the lack of adequate notice. The only reason we all know of this policy change is because we post on this board. There are thousands of folks cruising after Sept. 19th who will show up to port to find out that (a) they cannot bring any hard alcohol on the ship; and (b) to be able to enjoy whatever drinks they thought they were going to enjoy in their staterooms, they will now have to spend money that they did not budget for and may not have.

I think phasing in this policy even earlier than 2013 would be okay. Maybe so that it affects all cruisers who have booked but have not yet reached the date that incurs a penalty for cancelling?

 

[jilljill]

As has been posted several times, dcl has decided to revert back to their original policy about carrying on alcohol.

 

[NancyIL]

I disagree. It should wait until new 2013 sailings are released if they are going to do it. Some with refundable deposits have already purchased airfare that is non-refundable. Airfare can be booked almost a year out. I won't like this change if they make it effective 2013, but I will understand and won't complain to them. If it affects my May 2012 cruise, you bet they will hear from me.

I think January 1, 2012 is sufficient notice of a change in alcohol policy. While airfare is non-refundable, it isn't too late for those who decide to cancel their Disney cruise to make alternative plans in the Orlando area - including sailing with another cruise line.

 

[justmestace]

That is a pretty harsh statement. Just because I can afford to buy something doesn't mean I buy it. If that were the case I'd drive something other than a 2005 Ford Escape with over 100,000 miles on it.

Everybody has their own budget and their own comfort level. While you may feel that you can afford to buy onboard, others might prefer to use their money for something else. Me - I'd rather spend way too much in the gift shops.

Perhaps the most ridiculous post thus far...

Congratulations! You took over the #1 spot by beating out the post that said the upset people "needed alcohol" to have fun with their kids

That's the way i see it...

I see nothing harsh or ridiculous about it. For one thing....I'm talking about MYSELF.
For another.....when I take a vacation, I have to plan out everything. The cost of airfare, transportation, hotels, FOOD & DRINKS.
If there is something that needs to be paid for, and I can't afford it...then I can't do it. If I can't afford to feed myself on a vacation, then obviously, I won't be going on vacation. Same thing with alcohol on the ship.

I just think it's hysterically funny that people are willing to pay sometimes $1000 more to cruise with Disney over another cruise line, same itinerary, same room category....but they don't want to pay for booze? Is that TRULY the reason that everyone likes to cruise with Disney???
Used to be, everyone said they chose Disney for a better quality of service....among a few other things.

I just don't get it.

And personally, I don't think it would matter one fig WHEN they decided to implement this change. SOMEONE would complain no matter what.

 

[Disney Dreams]

I had no clue that alcohol was such a huge deal to people. (That's not judging, it's just eye-opening to me.) We don't like to hassle with carrying on alcohol so we just factor buying it onboard the ship into our cruise budget. Is it more expensive, sure, but it's just easier.

That is the "Post of the day!!"'

Where's that tag fairy when needed?

... Glasses of wine on the ship are minimum $10 (+tip). Let's say my group of four adults averages two glasses of wine a night on our 7-night MR cruise. That's $80 per night, or $560 for the trip. That's a lot of money.

But to be fair, that's only half the picture. How much do those same glasses of wine cost you when you carry them on? You have to subtract that cost from the $560 to really show the "cost" of this policy change.

...I have a feeling that this will cause us to cancel.

Really? I am not really addressing this to eva directly, but to all those who have said they will possibly cruise on another line/cancel/comments about the cost of Disney vs. other lines. Really?

Every time someone posts, "Why DCL?" people reply, the service, the characters, the fireworks, the theming, the ships, the magic. I don't think I have ever seen someone post, "I can bring my own booze." This thread has gone from 0-18 pages fast it's amazing.

It's fascinating to me that this is such a big deal. Oh the things you learn about your fellow cruisers.

- Dreams

 

[Christy323]

But to be fair, that's only half the picture. How much do those same glasses of wine cost you when you carry them on? You have to subtract that cost from the $560 to really show the "cost" of this policy change.

For me personally, nope, it's the whole picture. I've got friends who work at wineries in Napa

 

[SoCaOC-Mom]

What I find funny is thaq amount of people who prefer DCL because of the family-friendly atmosphere and entertainment but yet complain about limitations about the amount of liquor they can bring on-board. Lots of liquor and family-friendly doesn't go together for me.

Sorry but saying that you are going to change to another line because of this seems kind of foolish to me. They all have the same restrictions on alcohol.

Doesn't adult only areas and family friendly seem go together?
How about R rated movies?

I think the primary reason that those effected were upset is the way it was handled, with no notice and ridiculous and deceptive explanations as to why the policy changed.

 

[ksucats]

I think January 1, 2012 is sufficient notice of a change in alcohol policy. While airfare is non-refundable, it isn't too late for those who decide to cancel their Disney cruise to make alternative plans in the Orlando area - including sailing with another cruise line.

I sure hope that Disney doesn't take that position. I have a trip booked on based my decision on what the policies were at that time. I don't want to do anything else in the Orlando area. I want the cruise that I have booked (and paid for over half of so far). If they change this policy on me, I will not be happy.

 

[mmouse37]

I hope that we will not be constantly asked now if we would like a drink, by the roaming waiters.

Other cruise lines don't allow alcohol to be brought on, but it's 24/7, "would you like a drink".

That's what I like about Disney- you can partake if you want, but can be left alone if you don't. Hope this doesn't change.

In all fairness to other cruiselines....DCL HAS BEEN pushing the alcohol more recently. No so much on our Dream cruises but last year on the Magic and this time on the Wonder in Alaska, every time we set down in the theatre we were asked at least a dozen times (different servers) if we wanted a drink at the show. On the Magic last year it was so bad by the adult pool that a drink server actually woke my obviously napping husband up and asked him if he wanted a drink....that is just not acceptable and I mentioned it on our comment card. As mentioned we were asked at least a dozen times if we wanted the wine package on that first day.

There have been many posts wondering if DCL would be taking away the "free" soda perk next.....I don't think so....they DID use to charge for soda and implemented the "free" soda program only a few years ago.....I would hope they would not now take that away. You know they would get even more guff for that than the short lived new alcohol policy.

I don't drink, so this new policy doesn't affect me in any way. I thought it was a "loophole" that DCL would eventually close - as they have been losing money from alcohol sales onboard. I think expecting DCL to wait until 2013 to implement this is unreasonable, but I do think they ought to wait until the earliest date deposits become non-refundable (90 - 120 days from now) to enforce the policy - such as Jan. 1, 2012.

I totally agree that this was never an advertised "perk" but a loophole and a policy they chose not to enforce...like others they have about the shorts in the dining rooms, etc.

MJ

 

[IknowDoYou?]

But to be fair, that's only half the picture. How much do those same glasses of wine cost you when you carry them on? You have to subtract that cost from the $560 to really show the "cost" of this policy change.

But that's only part of the story, too.

To me it's not about quantity, it's about quality and economy of scale. If I want to bring a bottle of Scotch that will provide me a glass or two a day for a seven-day cruise, that ~$35-40 bottle will save me a lot of money ($8-10 a drink x 2 x 7, maybe even more depending on how big their pours are). And that money will go to other things that Disney will make more money on.

On the quality front, what if I want to bring in a bottle of wine that they don't carry? I hardly expect Disney to carry every varietal, appellation and year of wine (of which there are thousands), so why shouldn't I provide the product and they get free money for uncorking it? It's easy money for them.

I'm not looking to bring a bar with me, but a bottle of wine on a seven-day cruise would end up being less than a glass a day. Maybe they need to look at a tiered system where 3-4 night cruises allow one bottle per person, 5-7 nights allow two, and 8+ allow three. Or allow one bottle of liquor. Not a whole bag full. One.