Diluted Drinks

[stllex88]

One of the few negatives I saw of the cruise - watered down drinks, at least in my opinion and of a few others who also post here. I realize no one wants people drinking and getting sick on the ship, but they when they stick you for $5+ for call liquor, I expect to get my money's worth. I had a very dry Grey Goose Martini that was basically straight Vodka that made me feel nothing and tasted the same. HAL serves a New Fashioned made with Bookers. My wife ordered it. Not much of a buzz if any. For those not in the know, Bookers is ~125 proof single batch bourbon. If that doesn't give you a buzz, what will? Wine, which they can't dilute, would put a buzz on you. I compared Crown and Coke, theirs and mine:D and mine made and measured carefully tasted significantly better (and stronger). We mostly did drinks of the day plus a few others and still dropped $80. Yea, we brought some stuff with us. Glad we did. Really enjoyed fine cocktails in the cabin while getting ready for dinner. There was no way I was going to order premium drinks and keep getting ripped off. Even when they made some of their "specialty" drinks, they didn't use what the recipe called for. They would sub rail for premium. I don't know how it is on other cruise lines, but if we sail HAL again, I'd bring my own again. I know some people here believe in following all of the rules, but I also believe in not getting ripped off. I'd be interested in other's observations who enjoy fine call cocktails - Goose, Crown, Johnny Black etc.

[dakrewser]

Even when they made some of their "specialty" drinks, they didn't use what the recipe called for. They would sub rail for premium.
Not to question your judgement or anything, but did you:

1) watch the bartender mix the drinks?
2) complain to the bartender?
3) complain to the food & beverage dept?

-dave

[MandyGirl]

I agree with Stllex -- hubby and I were on the same cruise (Zui). The drinks of the day for $3.75 had no kick (noticeably towards the end of the week), and several in our CruiseCritic group that met regularly noticed that as well. I attended one of the cocktail making classes on sea day ($10) and off-brands were used and measured to the line with the shot glass (hubby was with me and knows more about this stuff than I do). However, thinking back, if I ordered the drink at the bar and was there while it was made, it seemed to have more kick in it. (Ex: Kahlua Coloda - otherwise known as BBC from what the bartender told me - ordered that a few times at the aft pool bar like for sailaway, etc). I orderd the blue martini early in the week (drink of the day) - after sitting for half an hour in the Crow's Nest with nobody coming around to take a drink order (at around 5:00) I went to the bar to order it. They made it strong - but too strong it wasn't balanced. Guess they were trying to make up for the zero service I had while enjoying the view. (That was my first indication of a difference in service with the automatic tipping versus the service we had at Crow's Nest last year on Maasdam before automatic-tipping). But for $3.75 and me not being a big drinker at home (maybe a drink or two a week) I thought it would be fun to try the drinks of the day since a good price. I usually fall asleep if I have two drinks in one evening (at home) but did not experience that on the Zui.

Overall, I just thought the drinks of the day were cheaper because they were less potent. Or maybe with 2100 pax onboard they had to stretch the alcohol a little??;)

No, I didn't complain because it was pretty much my "drinks of the day" that were lacking and I thought they were cheaper because of lesser alcohol (pre-dinner regular-priced Cosmos were great!). However, I did mention it at the end of the week on the comment form but it wasn't something to make or break my cruise. But... wines at dinner were fine and I enjoyed the port I had the last night with dessert!

[gizmo]

Back in April, I don't think I would call the drinks I had "watered down" since this implies the booze is watered down in the bottle.

I did have some drinks that I would say a certain bartender poured "short", meaning not much booze and appeared not to be a full shot.
Yes, we watched the bartender pour. Our solution was to move to another bar.

[divinggirl]

I had the complete opposite experience! Eduardo in the Sports Bar on the Zuiderdam made me some NICE drinks, and even gave me all the "mistakes" he made, some of which I think he made "accipurposely"...I went there for a drink or two each day, and after the first night left him a little something, so I'm sure that helped. If you're going to tip them a little something anyway, give a bit at the beginning and they'll remember you, for sure. Needless to say, I took care of him at the end of the cruise--I did find out he hadn't been home in over a year, and that he had 2 sons at home, so that tugged at my heartstrings anyway.

Nikki

[Krazy Kruizers]

We noticed that the size of the drinks are much smaller. We like Absolut on the rocks. There were times when we barely got 1 and 1/2 ounces!

Drinks back in the cabin were better.:D

[bdmarine]

Bar Managers may very well get bonuses according to profits. This can lead to watering the bottles and refilling expensive brands with cheaper duplicates (Kahlua, Grand Marnier, and Baileys are especially prone to this).

The best way to get a good drink is to always frequent the same bars at the same times of day so they get to know you. Also it is much better to sit at the bar so you are closer to and can make friends with the king (the bartender).

[lipoppop]

I find when I order a stright drink in the Crow's nest that the waiter/waitress must walk very slowly because when I finally get the drink much of the alcohol has evaporated. Somebody said an ounce and a half in a drink. I'm lucky to see 3/4 of an ounce. What's worse they didn't have Irish whisky on my last cruise. Now you know why so many people feel justified in bringing their own booze on board.
:cool:

[tjcletsgo]

I was looking forward to my Oct 30th, 7 day cruise for 8 months, and I was gonna be BAD; eat and drink anything I wanted. The very first cocktail I ordered was a Love Connection; strawberry daqurie, pino colada and mango daqurie, layered. They didn't have mango. Going to Mexico and no mango!

After 7 days of really working at it, I never even got a glow.....with the exception of sail away, when we had our own champagne!

On the Monarch of the Seas last February, I had to be really careful how much liquor I had, the drinks were really good, especially the LOVE CONNECTIONS! This was a major disappointment for me (and I bought my own booze)!

[stllex88]

I watched the bartender make the drinks on several occasions. We did go to one particular bar where the bartender did make them correctly and even at that, the strength of the liquor had to be reduced. We encounted similar drinks at Sandals in Jamaica. Given the amount of Absolut I drank there, I should have been passed out, but was not even close.

I dinged HAL on the comment card. When I made my comparator drink, I used a 1 oz plastic shot glass to insure I didn't over pour. I didn't notice them short pouring. They did use shot glasses to measure.

Let me also be clear, this did not diminish the amount of fun we had or what we thought of the ship. It's one of my minor criticisms. I really wonder if the distilleries sell special bottles to cruise lines and AI hotels that are reduced in strength. It's hard to water whiskey without killing the color. I know the bottles in Sandals had special stickers on them.

[elmorejj]

Re watering down the liquor, or pouring cheap brands into an "expensive" brand bottle, I don`t think so!! I have drank J&B scotch for more years than I care to mention and it would take a very good bartender to fool me! I usually sit at the bar, get to know the bartender, tip always, and watch them pour my drinks. I have never been short poured, and always receive what I order. Drinks of the day are probably weaker, reflected by the cost, but I don`t usually drink them. As always, JMHO.....jean :cool:

[Randyk47]

My wife and I pretty much stick to our old standards of Tanguray martini and Tanguray and tonic. Not much they can do to a straight martini and I'd know that difference if it weren't Tanguray. Suppose they could mess with a Tangurary and tonic....like pour light.....but DW didn't ever mention it and she's a ex-bartender so has some background. Now, interestingly, we did order one of the drinks of the day....a Coral Lemon Drop....in the Crow's Nest one night. Liked them so much that DW got the recipe from the bartender. She makes them at home and let's just say they have a lot bigger kick than on the Oosterdam.....and she follows the measurements exactly. Maybe they do fudge just a little on the fro-fro drinks. However, generally we've not felt we were "cheated" at the bar on any HAL cruise.

[ekerr19]

The drink of the day is the worst, IMO. Hardly any alcohol to speak of. We usually frequent two bars, the Ocean Bar and The Crow's Nest - on the Noordam it was the Silver Bar & Shanty Bar. Get to know a bartender or two and in our experience, most will free pour if you ask them to make it a bit stronger. DH had to ask for more coke for his Bacardi & Coke, he found it way too strong a couple of times.

Also, we avoid the house liquor. On the Noordam, the house vodka was called "Chateau", I mean, let's get real - I don't mind a decent house vodka, but I must admit to never seeing "Chateau" before. I stick with Absolut - and they had all flavors, surprisingly.

[Roadwork]

We have never experienced watered down drinks. What we usually find is some bartenders pour better than others.

[RuthC]

I don't know the reason---and probably wouldn't understand it anyway---but I did notice a difference from bar to bar on the Rotterdam last Summer.

When I had my cocktail in the Ocean Bar it tasted weak. No "kick". No nice little feeling afterward. :(
Same cocktail from the Piano Bar tasted like a drink. I knew there was real booze in it. :)

Same ship should have the same liquor in every bar. :confused:
It's a puzzlement.

[dakrewser]

Same ship should have the same liquor in every bar. :confused: It's a puzzlement.
The liquor is the same, it's the bartender that's different....

:) -dave

[tomc]

Might as well weigh in as a non-drinker and tell you what might work for both of us.

Sit near the bartender and keep a smiling eye contact as he works.

I absolutely cannot have alcohol, for medical reasons (well, a wee sip at Mass is ok) and sometimes my friends don't realize that "no alcohol" means "no alcohol." They think it means, "oh, a little bit won't hurt him." So I often go into their kitchens on some pretext ("Let me help you carry those") and watch them pour my 7-Up sans ETOH.

For you, a smiling presence can take care of any tendency to ease off on the Featured Ingredient in favor of more bubbly or H-two-OhOh!NotSoFastBuddy.

[trubey]

Perhaps HAL buys European liquor? The alcohol content is ALWAYS lower: generally 70 proof instead of the 86--94 proof of stuff sold in the US. The bottles are also 70 cl instead of 75.

Next cruise, ask to see the bottle and look. I ordered a Bombay Sapphire Martini (normally 94.4 proof gin) and agree it was weaker than I was used to --- and I watched the bartender open a new bottle.

All that said, I think their drinks are a ripoff. $7.00 for a martini? you're strokin' me, right? I can buy a litre of Bombay Sapphire in a discount liquor store for 9.50 euros.

lane

[dakrewser]

Perhaps HAL buys European liquor? The alcohol content is ALWAYS lower: generally 70 proof instead of the 86--94 proof of stuff sold in the US. The bottles are also 70 cl instead of 75.

All that said, I think their drinks are a ripoff. $7.00 for a martini? you're strokin' me, right? I can buy a litre of Bombay Sapphire in a discount liquor store for 9.50 euros.

U.S. booze is now generally 80 proof. But you really can't compare the cost of a drink to the price in a liquor store - that's apples and oranges. At our favorite local restaurant, for example, martinis range from $6.50 to 9.00 which is certainly comparable.

-dave

[johnnycruise]

Not to question your judgement or anything, but did you:

1) watch the bartender mix the drinks?
2) complain to the bartender?
3) complain to the food & beverage dept?

-daveI have to agree with thought #2 ... why didn't you send it back instead of letting the thought you were cheated fester deep inside? Some people like weak drinks so it's easier to add liquor than take it away. Of course you can always blame HAL's recently changed tipping policy for this as well. A 15% gratuity is automatic so there is less incentive to impress. The auto-gratuity on beverages, however, is a standard practice with all the large cruise lines. Does anyone know if the bartender gets to keep 100% of his 15% or does the baker get a cut?:D

[trubey]

U.S. booze is now generally 80 proof. But you really can't compare the cost of a drink to the price in a liquor store - that's apples and oranges. At our favorite local restaurant, for example, martinis range from $6.50 to 9.00 which is certainly comparable.

-dave
Hey, I can compare whatever I want, but that doesn't mean I'm not full of B.S.:)

Sometimes I like to grouse at things that aren't really all THAT important. If I want a buzz I can buy Mad Dog or Ripple, right? How about a "Cheapskate Bar" on the boat instead of a Martini bar or a Champagne bar? Bet it gets more business . . .

lane

[bdmarine]

What's really annoying is that the ship probably pays tax free port prices for the booze so they are charging the same price as land based bars even though the liquor costs half as much. Add to that mornings spent watering down the booze, short pouring, and other tricks and what you have is a major profit center based on cheating a captive audience.

[thulewx]

A couple years ago I did 3 weeks on the Zuiderdam and, on the first day, I met the Bar Manager, Mark Zeller. I told him I was on for 3 weeks and asked if they had Bacardi "O" orange flavored. He said no, and I said "Oh, well, no big deal." Later that night he came up to me, quite proudly, and said, "We now have Bacardi O in all the bars!" WOW !! Talk about service! I later found out, he'd gotten off the ship, went to a liquor store, and bought 10 bottles out of his own pocket! (Poor guy didn't realize they had it in their own duty-free store).
Mark is one of the best cruise staff I've ever met, and I've heard he takes after his late father, Dirk Zeller, who used to be head Hotel Manager for HAL. I've also heard he's continuing to move up the ladder - GO MARK!! :D

[dakrewser]

What's really annoying is that the ship probably pays tax free port prices for the booze so they are charging the same price as land based bars even though the liquor costs half as much. Add to that mornings spent watering down the booze, short pouring, and other tricks and what you have is a major profit center based on cheating a captive audience.
Lots of accusations there, some pretty serious (even criminal) - but what I don't see is any evidence. Care to back up your rash claims?

-dave

[sail7seas]

Thanks for your post, Dave.


I've been thinking the same thing but simply was not in the mood to 'get beat up' again and called HAL's cheerleader.....once again. So, I resisted writing what I was thinking.

[xpcdoojk]

Lots of accusations there, some pretty serious (even criminal) - but what I don't see is any evidence. Care to back up your rash claims?

-dave
Thanks Dave. Why is it that people can slander a cruiseline in this forum, but if you say something about a fellow forum member you are a bad poster. I get sick and tired in all of the various cruiseline forums here at CC of posters throwing out wild baseless accusations against the cruiselines. I just wonder why that kind of slander is allowed.:confused:

jc

[gizmo]

What's really annoying is that the ship probably pays tax free port prices for the booze so they are charging the same price as land based bars even though the liquor costs half as much. Add to that mornings spent watering down the booze, short pouring, and other tricks and what you have is a major profit center based on cheating a captive audience.
I will agree with the tax free prices for the booze and the short pouring but I cannot agree with the watering down comment and I don't know what the other tricks are.

Dakrewser and Sails wanted evidence.

Mr. Gizmo and I both observed some bartenders pouring short. If you don't believe me or a couple of others well that is your choice.

No, I don't know what Hal pays for booze, but they do sell bottles on board at tax free prices. I don't see why they would not be paying the same prices for the booze they sell in the bars. This may not be evidence but seems logical to me.

I don't believe Hal waters down the booze since I have seen many new bottles opened by the bartender. Maybe some of the complaints are more related to pouring short.

[sail7seas]

Speaking for myself, I find some of the things written here to be 'over the top'. Yes, I think that people should be able to back up what they say. I realize it is next to impossible to 'prove' what they think might be the case. I do not think these sort of accusations should be left unchallenged.

I drink wine. They cannot and do not do anything to it.

DH must be lucky. The bartenders on all the HAL ships in all the bars have poured drinks for him that he enjoys.

[Orcrone]

On barbecue night HAL was offering unlimited Pina Coladas for $11.95. Figured "what the heck". Try as I might I could not get a buzz. The closest I got was brainfreeze.:D

[tommy]

Some drinks baileys for instance were short I had a STRAWBERRY margaretta I thought was a virgin it was so weak,And the beer they cant shortchange you on they charge 4 times more than the norm.Not complaining just stating my expierience.It seems like if you dont agree with some of the regulars on here they simply question your honesty. tom

[dakrewser]

Mr. Gizmo and I both observed some bartenders pouring short. If you don't believe me or a couple of others well that is your choice.

No, I don't know what Hal pays for booze, but they do sell bottles on board at tax free prices. I don't see why they would not be paying the same prices for the booze they sell in the bars. This may not be evidence but seems logical to me.

Short pours are something that should immediately be brought to the bartender's attention. If they don't respond, then the F&B mgr should be contacted.

As to the duty free shops, I believe they are operated by a third party under contract to HAL. But no bar (except in Pennsylvania) pays liquor store prices anyway, they buy wholesale. Most countries which allow duty free sales, by the way, only allow it to be sold to the final consumer (another reason HAL couldn't buy it in their on board shop, and tangentially confirmed by thulewx in the post about Bacardi O).

-dave

[dakrewser]

Some drinks baileys for instance were short I had a STRAWBERRY margaretta I thought was a virgin it was so weak,And the beer they cant shortchange you on they charge 4 times more than the norm.Not complaining just stating my expierience.It seems like if you dont agree with some of the regulars on here they simply question your honesty. tom
I do question anyone who accuses a licensee of watering the booze, yes. Its a very serious, criminal, accusation and needs to be backed with proof - not simply bandied about.

But, what is the cruise ship "norm" for a bottle of beer? Or another 'upscale' saloon?

-dave

[tommy]

Upscale saloons a cruise ship? Anyway a upscale saloon probably wouldnt serve your $4.75 beer in a can.When we go out to eat and if Ido get a beer its usually around $1.50.Anyway if some one thionks thier drinks were weak and I know some I had were its thier[mine] opinion.How and why should they document this for you. TOM

[peaches from georgia]

For Lord's sake, this is a message board where people are posting opinions , not a court of law. Has it really gotten to the point here that the loyalists are insisting that you have to bring back food or alcohol samples from your cruise and have them chemically analyzed before you can utter the opinion that the drinks are weak or the 'prime' rib is really 'choice'?

If Walt thought there was intent to libel HAL he would remove posts and ban the posters. Lighten up.

[xpcdoojk]

For Lord's sake, this is a message board where people are posting opinions , not a court of law. Has it really gotten to the point here that the loyalists are insisting that you have to bring back food or alcohol samples from your cruise and have them chemically analyzed before you can utter the opinion that the drinks are weak or the 'prime' rib is really 'choice'?

If Walt thought there was intent to libel HAL he would remove posts and ban the posters. Lighten up.I, personally, am very light. :p However, people throw accusations around here like slop to hogs, and I think it is funny as H E double hockey sticks when they feel like they are being attacked. :D I have never been on a HAL cruise, but the BS that folks spread is funny as can be, and people that are trying to prove some unproveable point need to be challenged instead of letting their BS stand. JMHO and YMMV.

So take one of your own lighten pills, and take some responsibility to try to give opinions of value to a majority of readers.:p

jc

[gizmo]

Short pours are something that should immediately be brought to the bartender's attention. If they don't respond, then the F&B mgr should be contacted.

As to the duty free shops, I believe they are operated by a third party under contract to HAL. But no bar (except in Pennsylvania) pays liquor store prices anyway, they buy wholesale. Most countries which allow duty free sales, by the way, only allow it to be sold to the final consumer (another reason HAL couldn't buy it in their on board shop, and tangentially confirmed by thulewx in the post about Bacardi O).

-daveWe are not the type to go running to a manager everytime something displeases us. It happened with one bartender on one cruise, who not only poured short but was very slow with service also. We moved to another bar and the drinks and service exceeded our expections. We also had it happen on another cruise. In this case it was isolated to one bartender also.


I am still not buying that Hal does not by booze duty free. Maybe someone on this board knows for sure but so far no one has been able to show that they do or do not. A lot of assumptions are being made, including mine, but I did clarify it seems logical.
I don't doubt thulewx's post about the Bacardi O but this doesn't prove that Hal does not buy liquor duty free. I have a similiar story. On one cruise they ran out of the brand of champagne we were drinking with dinner every night, while in port more was purchased.

[dakrewser]

For Lord's sake, this is a message board where people are posting opinions , not a court of law. Has it really gotten to the point here that the loyalists are insisting that you have to bring back food or alcohol samples from your cruise and have them chemically analyzed before you can utter the opinion that the drinks are weak or the 'prime' rib is really 'choice'?

"Watering the booze" is not a matter of opinion.

[anniecat]

on our trip last August to Alaska on the Amsterdam, I took my Mom to the Crow's Nest for a pre-dinner cocktail. Her Manhatten's were consistantly strong and good. But I decided since the color of a Blue Bombay Martini is just the color of glaciers that I had to have one of those. Some of the strangest concoctions arrived...white (not clear!) with an olive, plain martini's, something sort of pinkish. Everytime I sent the wrong one back, thinking at first that the server didn't understand what I wanted...so I carefully pointed out on the menu what I wanted ...and still the same server 5 nights in a row brought wierd drinks with no explaination. It was funny trying to guess what I might get though :p
The one that finally arrived was the right thing and excellent. great watching an alaskan sunset with a blue martini!!!!!
merely amusing to me but I'd guess some people would be furious
and the drink of the day cocktails served after dinner were too strong!

[HeatherInFlorida]

Wow! This is the most amazing and amusing thread from my point of view as a non-drinker for the past 18 years. Have to say that the Virgin Pina Coladas on the Oosterdam were excellent:rolleyes: .

But reading everyone's comments positively exhausted me. I picture all of you running from bar to bar, up/down, stern/bow, all over the ship trying to get a decent drink! I just have to tell you it's a really funny picture:D .

I will tell you that when I did drink I never thought I got a full shot in any bar, lounge, or restaurant anywhere! Always needed several to think I got a "buzz" ... maybe that was the problem;) .

[dewhit6959]

We prepurchased our liquor from Seattle for the November 20th cruise and it was delivered to the cabin on the 21st. We bought a varied lot of standard premium bar liquors and the cost was under $250.00 We hosted a few planned mixers and quite a few unplanned mixers and enjoyed not having to lug the extra weight or potentially damage baggage content. We had a box of our favorite mixers, along with drink condiments purchased locallythe morning of the cruise checked in and labeled as liquid freight. No problems. Several friends had cases of wine that were handled very well.However, our case of water never arrived in the cabin. The funny thing was the curbside checkin hostess who advised us to hand carry the water. I told her no. The longshoreman rolled his eyes behind her back and said it was no problem.
As for purchased drinks, we always tip a dollar a drink or two for poolside buckets and all our lounge drinks were "topped" off reasonably and extra ice brought to our buckets without being requested. These tips could not have been more than thirty-forty dollars. Our steward found us olives at an odd hour and we rewarded him additionally with the remnants of our cabin bar when we disembarked. I asked for only banana's and oranges in the fruit basket and never saw another grape.
I truly believe a couple of dollars and a smile and a handshake will remedy any drink concerns. Possibly, a kind word and a bit of conversation will accomplish as much as the dollar ! I noticed some passengers who would worn their drinks if I had been addressed as rudely as they addressed some wait staff.

[gizmo]

Running from bar to bar, up/down, stern/bow, all over the ship is a huge exaggeration.
Stopping in the Ocean Bar instead of the Casino is the reatlity of it.

dewitt,
The couple of dollars, a smile and a handshake did not seem to make a difference in our case. The kind words and conversations also took place but that did not seems to work either. The bartender was kind of indifferent to everyone. Mr. Gizmo even commented to me that the guy must be nuts since he was blowing good tips.
I do agree this usually works, but in our case it did not. I would say this is not common on a Hal ship. They were isolated cases. We have always sat at the bar and experienced wonderful conversations and service.

[HeatherInFlorida]

Running from bar to bar, up/down, stern/bow, all over the ship is a huge exaggeration.......

Hello!!!! It was a joke!!! You kids can't take a joke??? If you read the thread you'd know why I made the joke. I'm gone. This is silly.

[tommy]

Heather,running from deck to deck trying to get a drink,those are some serious charges.I want some documented proof of that. TOM [ Joking]

[bdmarine]

Cruise ship bars are a perfect environment for cheating the customer. There is no alcoholic beverage commission for cruise ships. They can essentially do anything they want. Those of you who feel that the essential goodness of mankind will stop these kinds of activities must be living in a much better world than I.

[tomc]

Heather,running from deck to deck trying to get a drink,those are some serious charges.I want some documented proof of that. TOM [ Joking] Check her "Passport To Fitness" book to see how many miles she ran during the cruise.

[xpcdoojk]

on our trip last August to Alaska on the Amsterdam, I took my Mom to the Crow's Nest for a pre-dinner cocktail. Her Manhatten's were consistantly strong and good. But I decided since the color of a Blue Bombay Martini is just the color of glaciers that I had to have one of those. Some of the strangest concoctions arrived...white (not clear!) with an olive, plain martini's, something sort of pinkish. Everytime I sent the wrong one back, thinking at first that the server didn't understand what I wanted...so I carefully pointed out on the menu what I wanted ...and still the same server 5 nights in a row brought wierd drinks with no explaination. It was funny trying to guess what I might get though :p
The one that finally arrived was the right thing and excellent. great watching an alaskan sunset with a blue martini!!!!!
merely amusing to me but I'd guess some people would be furious
and the drink of the day cocktails served after dinner were too strong!
Just thought, you should know, that as a regular Bombay Saphire drinker that Bombay "Blue" Saphire is as clear as clear water. The "Blue comes from the bottle which is coated with a blue coating. Saphire is the preferred Bombay because the alcohol is 94.7 proof versus I think 84 proof for the regular Bombay. In other words the server brought you a Gin Martini made as most would drink a gin martini.:D

jc

[CDRMark]

Only purchased two mixed drinks on the recent cruise (Maasdam). Martini seemed OK in quantity and strength, "Farewell to Paradise" was very strong, but small (lots of ice). I drank it before the ice melt could affect it. Liqueurs (mostly Brandy) were large pours and full strength. No complaints here, but polling sample was small.

Cheers
MarkB

[tomc]

I make my own when nobody's around. It's done right and it's never poured short.

(1) Heat the mug with hot water. Let stand for half a minute or so, until hot to the touch.
(2) Ditch the water.
(3) Open fresh tea bag, arrange it so bag forms a circle; place in pre-heated mug.
(4) Carefully dispense new hot water into the middle of the teabag so it flows thru the bag.
(5) Ignore stares of ignorant peasants around you who don't have a clue as to how a proper mug of tea should be made.
(6) Let stand for three minutes.
(7) Add just a bit of sugar to taste.
(8) Add just enough milk to bind the tannin and neutralize it.
(9) Proceed to window table in Lido and relax, knowing that you are partaking of the most enjoyment you can legally have at a dinner table without scandalizing the elderly, shocking the children or stampeding the cattle.

[xpcdoojk]

I make my own when nobody's around. It's done right and it's never poured short.

(1) Heat the mug with hot water. Let stand for half a minute or so, until hot to the touch.
(2) Ditch the water.
(3) Open fresh tea bag, arrange it so bag forms a circle; place in pre-heated mug.
(4) Carefully dispense new hot water into the middle of the teabag so it flows thru the bag.
(5) Ignore stares of ignorant peasants around you who don't have a clue as to how a proper mug of tea should be made.
(6) Let stand for three minutes.
(7) Add just a bit of sugar to taste.
(8) Add just enough milk to bind the tannin and neutralize it.
(9) Proceed to window table in Lido and relax, knowing that you are partaking of the most enjoyment you can legally have at a dinner table without scandalizing the elderly, shocking the children or stampeding the cattle.
Does the milk actually bind the tanins? I have finally learned something reading this thread! Thank you Tom C!:D

jc

[tomc]

Yes; that's why you add it. Check a tea mug if you have not used milk and you will find it stains quicker. I think it helps your insides, as well.

[elmorejj]

Unless, of course, your hide needs tannin(g) from the inside!!....jean :cool:

[Oceanwench]

I'm glad someone started this thread, even if it has caused some ruffled feathers.

I don't drink a lot, and when I do, it's usually a dark beer [Becks, Negra Modelo].
But the Oosterdam did not have dark beer.
So I decided to try the drink of the day - $4.75.
I had my first Cosmo ever in the Explorer's Lounge ... hmmm ... went down smooth & fast. Tasted fruity.
My sister warned me to slow down, cosmos are potent.
Had a second right away. Again, I drained the glass quickly.
No effect whatsoever ... except maybe raising my blood sugar.

No, I didn't go running to complain to the bartender or the food & beverage manager.

Tried a bunch of other drinks o' the day ... all $4.75. Margaritas, lemon drops, lime something-or-others.
Same thing. Tasty, sweet ... but no effect.
Most of these were imbibed in the Piano Bar.

A couple of Canadians joined us at the bar and they were obviously feeling no pain, singing along, laughing ...
I should have asked the bartender, "Give me what they're drinking."

I have to agree with Peaches in Georgia about the need to lighten up and allow others to have different opinions.

We have the right to sound off on this bulletin board.

And I don't think the *victim* [here, the person who feels shortchanged by the bartender] should be attacked with, "Well, did you go and complain?"

[Orcrone]

I also found the mixed drinks weak. In fact, the sailaway drink had obviously been made in advance, and been sitting with ice melting for a long time. Tasted like water.

When we went to Sandals in 1998 for our honeymoon we had the same revelation. How much some people were drinking, they should have been falling all over themselves. However, no one appeared to be drunk.

We had a room in which they supplied about 5 bottles of various alcohol. Throughout the location they had a bunch of machines that contained something similar to 7-11 slurpees. We often would get a couple and add the alcohol that was in our room. That's about the only times that drinks seemed like they contained alcohol.

[MandyGirl]

And I don't think the *victim* [here, the person who feels shortchanged by the bartender] should be attacked
Good point... unfortunately some remarks on some of these HAL threads sometimes discourage posters from posting past cruise experiences here, and thus remain as lurkers. I appreciate stllex for sharing his insight and opinions, and certainly enjoyed meeting him and his terrific wife onboard! :)

[xpcdoojk]

Good point... unfortunately some remarks on some of these HAL threads sometimes discourage posters from posting past cruise experiences here, and thus remain as lurkers. I appreciate stllex for sharing his insight and opinions, and certainly enjoyed meeting him and his terrific wife onboard! :)
Nobody minds a bit when someone relates their experiences, but when they accuse someone or in this case the cruiseline of systemic illegal (or highly unethical) activity they should provide some proof. Since it is impossible to provide proof in a forum such as this, their comments should be taken with a healthy dose of skepticism. If you are not bright enough after ordering multiple drinks to figure out whether they are made properly, and you don't complain if you do figure it out, what kind of credibility do you really have? I don't do the pre-made drinks, that the servers carry around on a tray, looking for a home. In my opinion a good drink is fresh, the ice and the alcohol are separate. If the ice is melting the drink is not fresh. I go to the bar and watch the bartenders make my drinks, and if the bartender makes a drink that doesn't meet my needs I will mention it to him/her. If I get another after that from them, I won't be getting my drinks from him/her anymore. Some posters here have implied that HAL actually waters the alcohol down in the bottle, and in my opinion any one stating such a thing has the burden of proof upon them. My gut feeling is that anyone stating such a thing is a crackpot. IMHO.:D

jc

[Orcrone]

Nobody minds a bit when someone relates their experiences, but when they accuse someone or in this case the cruiseline of systemic illegal (or highly unethical) activity they should provide some proof. Actually, I think the cruise line should provide some proof. 80 would be nice.;)

[Oceanwench]

I guess I object to the attitude of "I do it this way, therefore, it is the correct way."

I also object to the: "I didn't experience it, therefore, I don't believe you."

I recall posting that I saw people wearing jeans in the dining room of the Zuiderdam last year ... wow, I was taken to task for saying that!
And no, I didn't have my camera to take pix to have proof that it happened.
But you know what, I saw people in jeans in the dining room of the Oosterdam this year!!!

I guess I'm not "bright enough" to complain about the drinks o' the day I had, that definitely were made with a light touch on the rum/vodka/tequila bottle.
Shame on me.
Right?

That's my point.
It's shame on them ...

[Oceanwench]

Actually, I think the cruise line should provide some proof. 80 would be nice.;)


Love your humor!

[Oceanwench]

I don't do the pre-made drinks, that the servers carry around on a tray, looking for a home.

jc

BTW, the drinks of the day are not the pre-made type ...
I've seen the bartender [from a distance] making them. But I didn't stand by him and watch him measure the ingredients.

And another note: Not everyone can sit at the bar. Sometimes circumstances warrant sitting in another area more accessible to all in the party.

[dakrewser]

I have to agree with Peaches in Georgia about the need to lighten up and allow others to have different opinions.
"The drinks are weak" is a matter of opinion. "The liqur is watered down" is not, it's a statement of fact.

I haven't mentioned it before, but there also seems to be an undercurrent of "I want a cheap buzz" to some posters' notes which I find mildly offensive. I would hope HAL never gets to the Carnival level of selling "buckets of beer" to those who equate a cruise with an NBA game...

-dave

[Orcrone]

I would hope HAL never gets to the Carnival level of selling "buckets of beer" to those who equate a cruise with an NBA game...

-daveOn our Maasdam cruise last month there was one day that they sold a "bucket of beer" at the aft pool. Four Coronas in a bucket (with ice, I hope) for about $13.00.

BTW, a cruise will never be equated to an NBA game until an entertainer runs into the audience to attack a fan.:eek:

[tomc]

Some of you people are pessimists who say, "The glass is half empty."
Others are optimists who say, "The glass is half full."
I say, which ever way it is, it means it's time for a refill.

[Orcrone]

Some of you people are pessimists who say, "The glass is half empty."
Others are optimists who say, "The glass is half full."
I say, which ever way it is, it means it's time for a refill.I first finish the drink in the half full/half empty glass.

[dakrewser]

On our Maasdam cruise last month there was one day that they sold a "bucket of beer" at the aft pool. Four Coronas in a bucket (with ice, I hope) for about $13.00.


No!!!! IT's the end of civilization as we know it!! The Barbarians are at the gate!

:rolleyes:

[Orcrone]

No!!!! IT's the end of civilization as we know it!! The Barbarians are at the gate!

:rolleyes:Well don't just stand there, go throw some steaks on the barbecue! They may be barbarians, but that's no excuse for us not to be gracious hosts.;)

[tomc]

HAL, the Norwegian barbarian, has to defend his Celebrity Princess from this Carnival atmosphere.

[MandyGirl]

And another note: Not everyone can sit at the bar. Sometimes circumstances warrant sitting in another area more accessible to all in the party.
With almost 2100 passengers onboard the Zui last week (2072 I believe), I can certainly relate to this (same cruise original poster was on). :) Our CC group usually met on 3rd deck by the atrium to hear the piano music (or band) at 7:30 before our 8:00 dinner seating - and the bar was not right there where we were watching the bartender. Maybe we should have been sitting right at the bar for our nightly get-together predinner drink. :confused:

[ekerr19]

I would hope HAL never gets to the Carnival level of selling "buckets of beer" to those who equate a cruise with an NBA game...

-dave

Hey, we like the bucket of Coronas!!!!

What's the matter with a bucket of beer? :(

[xpcdoojk]

I guess I object to the attitude of "I do it this way, therefore, it is the correct way."

I also object to the: "I didn't experience it, therefore, I don't believe you."

I recall posting that I saw people wearing jeans in the dining room of the Zuiderdam last year ... wow, I was taken to task for saying that!
And no, I didn't have my camera to take pix to have proof that it happened.
But you know what, I saw people in jeans in the dining room of the Oosterdam this year!!!

I guess I'm not "bright enough" to complain about the drinks o' the day I had, that definitely were made with a light touch on the rum/vodka/tequila bottle.
Shame on me.
Right?

That's my point.
It's shame on them ...
I think I stated early on page 1 that I have never been on a HAL cruise, and therefore am not a cheerleader for HAL. I have cruised and travelled and drank all over the world, and I can tell pretty much immediately if a drink is good or not. However, if you are drinking foo foo drinks the sugars and flavors can overwhelm a lot of alcohol, and considering how sick everyone would get if they consumed as much alcohol as they think they are consuming drinking those foo foo thingees HAL is probably doing them a favor!:D ;) As far as shame on you, I really can't say, as I haven't had the pleasure of hanging out with you yet. I do say shame on those that make blanket accusations of the cruiselines, and then cry and whine about anyone making a statement about them as being unfair. Unfair is as unfair does, to paraphrase Forest Gump. :p

Got it?

jc

[Oceanwench]

If I wanted a cheap buzz, I would have packed my own alcohol.
:-)

I have to think most people do not purchase the alcoholic beverages just because they enjoy the little umbrellas.

[xpcdoojk]

If I wanted a cheap buzz, I would have packed my own alcohol.
:-)

I have to think most people do not purchase the alcoholic beverages just because they enjoy the little umbrellas.
PS, it is my understanding from reading the HAL forum for about a year now, daily, that you can prebuy alcohol for your cabin. So you don't have to pack your own, HAL will sell you a bottle at a reasonable price, and you can make your own! O darn it you want those foo foo thingees with the umbrellas, it is risky to get drunk on those nasty things, but if you must, I guess you will have to bring your own blender too! :D ;)

jc

[Oceanwench]

PS, O darn it you want those foo foo thingees with the umbrellas, it is risky to get drunk on those nasty things, but if you must, I guess you will have to bring your own blender too! :D ;)

jc
Waiter, I need a few boat drinks ...

Like I said before, I am a beer drinking girl. But HAL doesn't have dark beer, and I am definitely not a Bud girl.

[bookworm0911]

I think I stated early on page 1 that I have never been on a HAL cruise, and therefore am not a cheerleader for HAL.
jcDo you have a HAL cruise booked? :confused:

[dakrewser]

Hey, we like the bucket of Coronas!!!!

What's the matter with a bucket of beer? :(
Nothing, really. It goes quite well with the meatloaf....



<ducking, and running away very fast!:rolleyes: >

-dave

[jan7487]

I'll be ousted from the loyal HAL club for thinking that this is the funniest thread I have ever read!

[xpcdoojk]

Do you have a HAL cruise booked? :confused:
O yes indeedy I do! My friends have warned me about the multitude of walkers, wheel chairs, rude line butting in blue hairs. Empty bars after 10pm.... They have told me that they wouldn't be caught dead on a HAL cruise, as they are too young! ;) In other words it sounds wonderful, if those bartenders are going to short pour me their only customer in the evening they are extraordinarily dumb! :D We are a drink in the cabin before dinner while dressing folks, and then a cocktail before wine with dinner, and then an evening nightcap. I am not a big drinker by the pool, because I don't like to hang out by the pool, and if I drink in the middle of the day, I want to take a nap, and I hate naps! :eek:

I am booked along with my beautiful wife, and 2 other couples (one from another continent) for the Rotterdam VI in South America sailing 11/20/2005. In other words, I am going to be hanging out with my new HAL friends daily for about another year! We booked back in February.

jc

[ekerr19]

Nothing, really. It goes quite well with the meatloaf....



<ducking, and running away very fast!:rolleyes: >

-dave

Yeah, you better watch out! That meatloaf's gonna come right upside your head!

The bucket o' beer is a great bargain! HAL has had it for years, oops... better not say it's a bargain - it'll be gone! ;)

[gizmo]

Did someone say Meatloaf ???? :D Hope that "wine sauce" is not diluted.

[dakrewser]

Did someone say Meatloaf ???? :D Hope that "wine sauce" is not diluted.
The unofficial rule of Usenet newsgroups is that the word "Hitler" or "****" in a posting officially ends the thread. Perhaps we could give that status to the word "meatloaf"?

<and I know I was the first one to use the word in this thread :rolleyes: >

-dave

[Orcrone]

The unofficial rule of Usenet newsgroups is that the word "Hitler" or "****" in a posting officially ends the thread. Perhaps we could give that status to the word "meatloaf"?

<and I know I was the first one to use the word in this thread :rolleyes: >

-daveIt would be like a Gong Show version of this web board. Get tired of another dress code thread - just throw the MEATLOAF. Love it!!!!

[johnnycruise]

Wow! This is the most amazing and amusing thread from my point of view as a non-drinker for the past 18 years. Have to say that the Virgin Pina Coladas on the Oosterdam were excellent:rolleyes: .

But reading everyone's comments positively exhausted me. I picture all of you running from bar to bar, up/down, stern/bow, all over the ship trying to get a decent drink! I just have to tell you it's a really funny picture:D .

I will tell you that when I did drink I never thought I got a full shot in any bar, lounge, or restaurant anywhere! Always needed several to think I got a "buzz" ... maybe that was the problem;) .
Heather makes several valid points (the last paragraph in particular), but still some postings make me think ... YOU'RE ALL A BUNCH OF DRUNKS! :D (Did you notice how low her cabin charges were on a previous post compared to the drinkers on this board?) If you want a cheap "buzz,' then bring a bottle of Everclear and have shots in your stateroom. Nobody will complain about short pours. If you go to a lounge/bar and don't like the drink, tell the bartender IMMEDIATELY so he/she can correct the problem and leave you satisfied. And if you want a STRONG drink, don't expect it in a Pina Colada or a Daiquiri. Us hardcores order Martinis, Manhattans and Gin Rickeys.

[tomc]

Nobody will complain about short pours. You know, I've heard of drinking from a woman's shoe, but I'm not so sure about this one.

[Oceanwench]

I, for one, don't want a *cheap buzz.*
But when I order a mixed drink, allegedly containing alcohol, I expect it to provide that je ne sais quoi that adds a glow to the end of the day.

Otherwise, I'd order the virgin drink o' the day.
Then again, I wasn't sure I'd qualify.

[Ted]

I, for one, don't want a *cheap buzz.*
But when I order a mixed drink, allegedly containing alcohol, I expect it to provide that je ne sais quoi that adds a glow to the end of the day.

Otherwise, I'd order the virgin drink o' the day.
Then again, I wasn't sure I'd qualify.

If you are no longer sure whether you "qualify" for that status, then you have already had enough.

[xpcdoojk]

If you are no longer sure whether you "qualify" for that status, then you have already had enough.
I think you misunderstand Oceanwench. I think she was joking about whether she can order a virgin drink.... because she might not be one... maybe I should just let you continue to misunderstand!;) :D

jc

[tomc]

Oceanwench -- But if you're not sure, we can put your doubts to rest.