We go on holiday to relax. And, for many of us, that means some overindulgence, especially when it comes to food and drink. And when the food is free and all you can eat, you can see why cruise passengers are wont to put on a kilogram or two on holiday.
But overeating isn’t the only danger. Cruise ships do a roaring trade in alcohol. Most lines offer an all-you-can drink package that can cost as little as $30 per day.
But now one operator in the competitive US market has gone a step further — Norwegian Cruise Lines is offering “free unlimited beverages, including top-tier liquors” on Norwegian Sky sailings between Miami and the Bahamas.
Now this is the sort of promotion that would be banned under liquor laws in many jurisdictions. It could be argued that this is encouraging drunkeness, which is a proven problem on cruise ships because it can lead to violence, and an unhealthy lifestyle.
But, then again, we are all responsible for our own health and behaviour. As long as nobody is forcing anyone to drink, it’s probably OK by many people.
No doubt it’s a point of difference for NCL and one that will sway some potential passengers in their direction.
Personally, while I’d like drinks packages to be cheaper, what I really want on a cruise is free unlimited Wi-Fi.
