Bringing beverages on board

[madaroch]

Of late what has been the practice at the pier. We have always brought our own pop/soda and our own rum. We don't like to buy in ports that have duty free shops because it's then held by the ship which is useless to us Canadians because even if it's duty free you still have to claim upon return to Canada, therefore.....not duty free.....let me drink now.

Also the "fountain pop" card. Just got doc's. today. Charge is $43 for 10 day. Is this all the soda you can drink or is it only fountain pop and only so many per day. Anybody have insight on that one.

[Esme]

For quite some time now they only allow you to bring on board wine, champagne, pop and water. No liquour or beer.

Some people put it in their checked luggage, but you take the chance of it being broken.

HAL does have liquour packages that you can pre-order so check it out on their web site.

The soda card if for fountain pop, but some posters said that at some of the bars they will give you a can of pop. I believe it for all the pop you can drink.
You can tell we are Canadians calling it pop and not soda. To me soda is soda water! :D

[palmgirl]

The soda card is only for fountain soda but there is no limit to the amount you can get in a day.
Our friend always has a soda card and he brings a large plastic travel cup, the bartenders always fill it.
We haven't traveled since last April. At that time you could carry on soda, wine and champagne. If you wanted hard liquor it was best to pack it in your suitcase. In April we were checked for liquor when boarding at each port. I read on a recent thread that checking for liquor has not been as frequent lately.

Hope this helps, Have a great trip.

[crusingmama]

From what I have seen people smuggle the liquor in the checked luggage after packing it in bubble wrap and placing in a zip loc bag, this is not a problem with me cause I don't drink that much anyway maybe 1 or 2 a day. I have always bought the soda card and the drinks are for as many as you want. Also I have only gotten can drinks in a glass never the whole can. When I was in Dominica and Aruba earlier this year I did buy some Dr Pepper in port and was allowed to bring on board....the cruiselines only carry Mr. Pibb....it just doesn't taste the same. We are going again 1-9-05 and I will NOT buy one this time, I will try to take me some Dr Pepper on board. This card is for one person only if there are 2 people they will make you pay for the 2nd card, unless you go to the next bar and give your card to your mate....so she can get her a soda of her choice.

[jhannah]

Another twist on soda pop ... on our recent Prinsendam cruise we purchased a soda card for $24.95 plus 15% service charge. That was for 20 sodas. Not unlimited. And my DW was always given the entire can.

[lknick]

The 'no carry-on booze' policy is rather strictly enforced, including booze hidden in your bags.

If it is found, it will be confiscated and returned at the end of the cruise. You also may be called aside to open your bag before a HAL employee...the point being embarrassment.

So why bother. If you want handy booze, buy it from ship's services or room service.

[KCat]

We plan on bringing our own wine. We were wondering if every cabin is supplied with a corkscrew? If not, if you ask for one, will they have one to give to you for the week?

Thanks.

[tommy]

Wine is no problem,They do say no beer,but we brought it on in 2 different ports just in a plastic bag and it went right thru the x-ray we also had a 6 pack of coke on top they kind of peeked in the bag and let it go.I talked to other people who did the same thing.You can buy a 6 pack in any port for less than the ship charges for 1 beer. TOM

[michmike]

I always pack a plastic fifth of gin in my checked luggae, in a zip loc bag. Have never had a problem and no question about our carryon tonic and limes. 2 weeks ago on Volendam we came back from both Dominica and Barbados with bottles of booze in my wife's quilted tote bag and passed it right thru the xray machine and no one bothered us about it at all. They didn't mention it and did not confiscate it. Can't promise that will be the case with all ships and all staff. Personally I think it is rather discriminatory to allow you to bring on wine and champagne but disallow beer and liquor.

It's not as though we don't frequent the bars, but I like being able to have a drink in my room w/o paying their exorbitant charge for the booze.

[1cruiselvr]

We have always brought our own bottle packed in our luggage and it's never been a problem. They don't look thru checked luggage, heck, they don't look thru carry-on baggage and we've been on 3x cruises per year for 10 yrs. Nothing has ever been confiscated. So take what you want, just don't mention it on this board or you will get postings that swear the liquor mafia will get you if you do.

[sail7seas]

lcruiselvr...

Things have changed in regards to bringing liquor aboard. In the past you could (and people did) bring half a bar aboard. No more.

I personally have seen the confiscated liquor both at initial embarkation and upon return to the ship when in port.

They DO take and hold bottles of liquor. If you do not mind risking embarrassment and them confiscating and it doesn't bother you to do what you have been asked to not do......take your chances.

[sail7seas]

KCAT.......

I would advise you bring your own corkscrew packed in your checked luggage. We've been at bars in the past when pax have come to the bartenders and asked to 'borrow' their corkscrew promising they would return it immediately. They do not have spares to hand out. They need the one they have.

[DrivesLikeMario]

KCAT - Some ships' gift shops have a very small travel-style corkscrew you can buy for $2-$3. We bought one and always bring it with us. Had a friend send us a beautiful wine basket to our cabin and there wasn't a corkscrew. Used ours and it was a lifesaver. If you can't find them in HAL's shops, try a basket-making store. Often times, they'll have small ones they include in baskets of wine.

[tommy]

lcruiselvr...

Things have changed in regards to bringing liquor aboard. In the past you could (and people did) bring half a bar aboard. No more.

I personally have seen the confiscated liquor both at initial embarkation and upon return to the ship when in port.

They DO take and hold bottles of liquor. If you do not mind risking embarrassment and them confiscating and it doesn't bother you to do what you have been asked to not do......take your chances.
Thanks for your permission.

[Arubalisa]

KCAT - Some ships' gift shops have a very small travel-style corkscrew you can buy for $2-$3. We bought one and always bring it with us. Could also try your local liquor store. They usually sell the cheapo's for a buck or two. You usually find them right around the cash register.

[sail7seas]

Thanks for your permission.

Tommy.....It is no interest of mine whether you bring a whole distillery with you. I am reporting here what I have viewed.

Do what you wish and enjoy!!!

[tommy]

s7s,Iam glad its no concern to you.If I get any good meatloaf recipes Ill get back to you. TOM

[johnnycruise]

We plan on bringing our own wine. We were wondering if every cabin is supplied with a corkscrew? If not, if you ask for one, will they have one to give to you for the week?

Thanks.
A corkscrew doesn't take up much room in your suitcase.;)

[sail7seas]

s7s,Iam glad its no concern to you.If I get any good meatloaf recipes Ill get back to you. TOM

Thanks, but no thanks. I don't care for meatloaf and won't be making anyone's recipe for it.

[Krazy Kruizers]

When the "Alcohol will be confiscated" policy first began last February, we did notice that someone was at the gangway at each port (also embarkation) to collect any hard liquor.

But on our last cruise, after the first couple of ports, no was on duty, and no one was collecting any bottles. And we did notice that some passengers were bringing alcohol on board.