Hello, 2 weeks sober here. The band I work for is the entertainment for a cruise we are going on next month. I was informed that a fan of the band purchased everyone an unlimited drink package. I am super stressed because I am brand new to sobriety, they do not even know that I am trying. I do not know what to do.
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Hey Maddie,
Congratulations on your 2 weeks of sobriety. That sounds like a tough situation. If your sobriety is the most import thing in your life like mine was when I started my journey then I wouldn’t go.
If you think you can’t not drink when you go. Don’t go.
Frankly it’s sounds like a lot of fun. I would tell everyone you’re in recovery. Maybe they would support you. I’m proud of my recovery. I have no trouble telling people. Recovery is becoming more popular these days.
Build yourself a support group and go sober and have a great time. How proud of yourself would you be after that.
Whelp,
Those are my thoughts.
Give this a read if you’re willing.
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Wow, in your first post you mentioned “going overboard” when you drink. You could literally go overboard on that booze cruise. That sounds like torture to me. At least you have a reason to be there other than drinking. How long will you be trapped on that ship?
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It is a 5 day cruise. The tour is 2 weeks. I think I can do it.
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In my experience people are really supportive and understanding. I have a pretty hard drinking friend group that I’ve grown up with, and all of them have been awesome.
My work colleagues are also pretty supportive when its come up.
We’re all adults, and generally know whats up. If its whats best for you people will be all good
But at the same time man thats a tough spot to be in early on in recovery. People don’t always make it back from a relapse, this could be your chance at sobriety so protect it, whether you go on the cruise or not
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That sounds like on tap temptation 24/7. If you are serious about sobriety, as a minimum tell your band mates so they can keep you accountable or at least hopefully not try to encourage you.
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In a situation like this, it’s quite difficult to decide to skip the cruise and join the band after that. That is not to say that isn’t one viable option. If you are going to go, you might consider getting on Antabuse now and continuing it throughout the tour. Antabuse by itself is not a cure or even a treatment for alcoholism, but it did give me the confidence that I could get through a day without drinking. Put that together with attending the “Friends of Bill” meetings that are held daily on cruise ships, and you could have a solid plan for not drinking.
Keep us up to date, and check in regularly. Blessings on your house 
as you begin your journey.
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It also strikes me that one big source of discomfort for you in all this is going a little more public with your sobriety. Undertaking this trip will be so much more difficult if you do not let your bandmates know you are going sober, and more difficult if you are unwilling to attend meetings on board the cruise for fear of being recognized. People are sober all around us, it’s no shame to simply say “I’m sober” and turn down a drink.
I’ve never been on a cruise, but any environment that is so “all-inclusive” is going to be designed in large part to support alcohol consumption and abuse. Face your fears and concerns squarely, name them and claim them, before you set foot on board the ship. You will be in the small minority of non-drinkers - but there will be others on the cruise. And what other people think of you and of your sobriety - that’s their business, not yours. Protect your sobriety and you can feel proud in ending the cruise sober.
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ive been on about 15 cruises now and i always look out for friends of bill w meetings on the ship im sure soft drinks are included in the drink package wish you well
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Hello! Congrats on 2 weeks! It only gets better from here! I went on a cruise with the unlimited beverage package when I was 2 months sober. I found a bartender that I liked, tipped him upfront, and told him I was in recovery and only liked to drink soda water and cranberry (or your soda of choice). Every time I went back to the bar and he saw me in line, he would quickly make my drink and put it up on the bar, even if there were people waiting in front of me. Then I never had to order and it was waiting for me. We had the same waitresses at dinner every night and I also told them the first night that I was in recovery and each night after that my drink was waiting for me at the table. All cruise ships also have “Friends of Bill” meetings that I went to every day and that really helped. I hope this helped! Good luck!
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I would happily drink me through all mocktails, ginger ales, fancy tonics, fresh fruit juices and whatever they offer without alcohol. You have to work, work & drink alcohol don’t match.
Find meetings on the ship, tell your bandmates you don’t drink anymore. Honesty kills doubts.
Have a great time!
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Plan ahead and write down everything you have to do to avoid it.
-no bars
-no dinner drinks
-no pre-gaming
Write it out and see if you think you can still handle it. Then I would tell your band mates and be honest so they can support you 
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I have been on a cruise a few times, of course took advantage of the drink package. Very easy to get caught up in the fun and drink. So you will need to come up with a plan before you step onto the ship. You have two weeks sober,keep it going.Sobriety is hard especially at the beginning. But I promise you, it will be worth it. Also every cruise line has support (friend of Bill’s) and it would be a great way to meet some sober people. Keep us updated on how it goes. I will be sending you postive thoughts.
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Congrats on your two weeks! Everyone pretty much said it all, you absolutely have to tell your bandmates. People in the music circles are generally very understanding of that. A lot of fallen soldiers. Do you have a few drinks when you play? If you don’t, it’s not as much as an issue. But if you do, it’s gonna be really tough man. For me, it was like learning how to play again. But the good news is, once she Gets sober you’re playing will be so much better, everything is better. On the one hand I’m with everybody that says that you should cancel. But I also know when you are in a band, you make a commitment to others. It’s not just like not going to a birthday party or something. Unless someone can fill-in for you, I’m not sure what kind of a gig you got going on. But come on here early and often, the first time I went fishing, people helped me like three times! Best wishes
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Of course you can do it, but what happens if you get shipwrecked on a deserted island for the next 2 years. That would be a trigger I am sure, but by the time you are rescued, you could be the survivor with the longest sobriety 
I realize I am being flippant on a serious recovery decision. I do hope you would try to somehow check in regularly with us during your adventure(even from the island).
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I recommend finding out, as soon as you board the ship, where the Friends With Bill meetings are. Go every day. And tell your mates you are not drinking. Maybe they can change your package to a sodas package to ease your temptations. I’ve cruised a few times now. The first one was stressful but I stayed sober. Since then it is easier.
YOU CAN DO IT!!
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you can say : alcohol is not good for me now. please respect my decision
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Congrats on your two weeks. I would decline the unlimited drink band form your friend. Remove that temptation but if you’re not comfortable with that is ok, too. You can do it! You can stay sober on this trip. Order all yummy mocktails telling the bartender you are in recovery is a good ideal.
Let your friends drink, get there hangovers and be miserable in the morning. While you enjoy feeling good and enjoying the other boat activities. I promise, you will not be the only sober person on the boat.
I’m not saying it will be easy but you can do it. You will be so happy and proud of yourself. When get off that ship 30 plus day sober. You be regretting if you don’t. Play the tape forward. It is one day, minute at time. @Maddie26
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Now that I think of it….the last cruise I was on we had two free drink packages. I’m pretty sure I was able to request to change it to soda instead…. Can’t hurt to ask.
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