Alcoholic Of The Seas

I don’t know about you but I’m genuinely pretty hacked off about the increasing emphasis to drinking on board the various different cruise lines out there.

I’ve never been a fan of the booze culture that now seems to be engulfing all the biggest cruise lines out there. What are we all alcoholics nowadays or something?

Don’t get me wrong, friends, colleagues and even my own customers will tell you that Freddie is a bloke that loves a drink, and they are bang on. Beer, wine, cocktails, spirits, you pour it, I’ll drink it. But do I take into consideration what I am going to be drinking when I book a holiday? No definitely not.

But recently I have been getting more and more enquiries that say things like, ‘ 2 adults, balcony, Manchester flights, free drinks’

No mention of itinerary………….

So you mean to tell me you’re not bothered where you go, or when for that matter, as long as you have free drinks? Yep!

Wow……..

This sort of enquiry comes through probably 1 in every 5. Meaning 20% of us are just looking to get smashed at sea?

Of course I’m exaggerating here but what I’m saying is that booze didn’t used to be much of a consideration when I started in the industry 12 years ago, but that has changed massively. Now everyone wants free drinks or cheap packages etc.

Got to wonder why this is?

Do we need booze to make our holidays better?

Are we going on holiday to forget our troubles at home?

Do we just love a good old hangover?

I personally just find it odd.

You wouldn’t go into your local pub and offer them £50 for all inclusive would you? Or go into your favourite restaurant and ask for a drinks package with your meal right? So why do we feel the need to do it on holiday?

The fact is, these cruise ships are now designed with a plethora of entertainment, cinemas, pools, gyms, theaters, shows, dancing, comedians, even surfing machines and mini golf courses on some! Not to mention all the tours and extra activities they do – why do you need to even think about booze? So if you answered yes to needing booze to make the cruise better, why?

Unfortunately it’s a sign of the times, when mass consumerism is king, and we just want everything in huge proportions. It’s sad really.

But I’m not going to sit here and preach to you, that would make me a total hypocrite! I too indulge beyond normal levels on holiday, it’s what you work hard for all year and you want to play as hard as you work on your hols right.

But what I’m saying is, drinks shouldn’t be a consideration when actively looking for your perfect cruise. It should very much be an after thought. I genuinely don’t think about booze until I’ve checked in, had a shower, got my luggage in the cabin, and go out to an on board bar for my first holiday mojito. And I’m a 31 year old travel agent, so surely I fall into the boozy Brits abroad category? Nope, it’s just not me.

So come on folks, I ask you, start thinking, itinerary & time of year first, rather than ship and free booze.

Love to know if people agree or disagree with me, so all comments invited.

Thanks for reading, and as always, until next time…………..