Are Drinks Packages A Good Thing?

Oh I am going to cause some good old discussions here I think!  The reason I am asking is because recently I heard from one of my clients about some people who had to get taken off a ship because fighting had broken out between them and some other clients  all fuelled by drink.

When we look at the cruise we want we probably all think smashing, drinks are included which will save me money – so all good yes? Obviously though there are some people who will drink a lot and perhaps (and not always) not able to control themselves. Are the cruise lines then responsible for letting these people get so drunk they can cause trouble or not able to look after themselves properly?

The cruise lines have a guest conduct policy which requires the passengers to act responsible and permits the cruise line to take them off the cruise when they act badly, I also believe they have a “safe serve” policy where they will not serve a passenger who has too much to drink. But, are these rules really used?  If you have a drinks package where you can drink as much as you want – does that not defeat the purpose of the rules? – If you get my drift.

I hear grumbling about some cruise lines now not offering drinks packages on mini cruises – maybe this is a reason why.  A Lot of people have also said that if P&O cruises do bring in the drinks package they have been trailing it is limited – yes, it is but again could this be why?

It certainly is the age old question about alcohol and one I guess which will go on and on for a number of years. Perhaps P&O cruises may have it right and only limit people to so many drinks a day (if this is what they decide on). I know from my personal experience the times i have purchased a drinks package we have not used it to its full potential. I think i would have been very ill if i had!

I would welcome your comments on this!

Till next time x