[yankeedame]

Cruise Ship = Booze Barge

Are they really? Not being a wise-apple, just asking. Never been on a cruise but have toyed with the idea now and then. But from what I'm reading here, and the fact that both hubby or I only very rarely partake of adult beverages...well...hummmm....

[Inspectorette]

It depends on the cruise line. Carnival is well-known for being a party cruise line. We went on a 7-day a few years ago. Never again. At 2:00 a.m. one night, there was a raucous bunch careening through the hallway outside our stateroom chanting, "Toga, toga, toga". They make it really easy to run up a huge booze bill - they issue you a ship credit card. The booze and the gambling are where they make their big money.

Check out some websites and see which lines cater to your demographic. Some are geared toward the geriatric set, others are luxury lines, etc.

[millerph]

Are they really? Not being a wise-apple, just asking.

It depends on the ship and you. I’ve gone on Carnival & Princess. Carnival goes after a younger crowd & is much more a party ship. Princess is geared for a more mature crowd. It also depends on the cruise. Carribean cruises have much more drinking.
Cruise prices are cheap. They make their money from alcohol, gambling and excursions. A 3000 passenger ship will have 25-30 bars if I remember correctly. There is no cash used on board, everyone has a card that is tied to a credit card so it’s easy to spend. You should see some of the bills they put under peoples doors the last night!

Don’t be scared off, I don’t drink or gamble and I love to cruise, but never again on Carnival.

[Res Nullius]

Cruise lines vary. Carnival, for example, has a reputation as party line. Princess [although owned by Carnival] and Royal Caribbean are more middle of the road. More importantly, the liquor is not free; you must pay - often at premium prices. We recently transited the Panama Canal, accompanied by another couple who do not drink liquor. Their trip was no less enjoyable than ours.