HAL Wine

[jam82]

Can someone explain the different levels of wine packages that HAL sells? Where do you find out which wines are available of each package?

[taxmantoo]

Can someone explain the different levels of wine packages that HAL sells? Where do you find out which wines are available of each package?

The HAL website is always a good place to start :rolleyes:

5-Bottle Navigator Wine Package ($171.35 or $228.85 for 7 bottles)
This package allows you to choose 5 wines of a wonderful selection that includes Mondavi Private Selection J Riesling, Monkey Bay Chardonnay, Caliterra Chardonnay, Danzante Pinot Grigio, Blackstone Sauvignon Blanc, Sylvester Kiarra Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Three Blind Moose Cabernet Sauvignon, Laboure Roi Pinot Grigio, Veramonte Merlot, Ravenswood Zinfandel, Remole I Frescaboldi and Twin Fin Shiraz.

5-Bottle Admiral Wine Package ($228.85 or $309.35 for 7 bottles)
This upgraded package allows you to choose 5 wines of a wonderful selection that includes Four Emus Chardonnay, Gewuerztraminer Columbia Winery, Silverado Sauvignon Blanc, Laboure Roi Macon Villages, Franciscan Chardonnay, I AM ROSE, Spellbound Cabernet Sauvignon, The Jobe Pinot Noir, Niner Merlot, Chianti Castiglioni Frescaboldi, Blackstone Syrah and Icon Ravenswood.

They also have Sommelier packages offering wine, dinners, tastings, etc varying in price according to the lenght of the cruise.

As mentionned above, all of these can be found on the HAL website under Onboard Gifts.

[Krazy Kruizers]

There are also 3 bottle packages available in the above mentioned sellections.

Navigator 3 bottle - $102.35
Admiral's 3 bottle - $135.70

[maxmia]

Is it possible to select a different type of wine each night , or do you have to preselect from the category on payment of the package?

[fann1sh]

Is it possible to select a different type of wine each night , or do you have to preselect from the category on payment of the package?

If you buy the package, you must decide Navigator or Admiral when purchasing. Then, you may pick any of the included wines each night.

In Alaska this past summer, I sat with someone who had bought the Admiral package, and wanted to try one of the Navigator (cheaper) wines. Not allowed.

[parrotfeathers]

Most posts I have read relating to wine say purchasing HAL selections is a waste of money and the wine is inferior. Is the wine considered in these packages considered acceptable or mediocre by wine connoisseurs here? Also, what is considered an acceptable champagne that HAL offers? This new years I had a nice half bottle of something from France that was about $20.

[fann1sh]

Most posts I have read relating to wine say purchasing HAL selections is a waste of money and the wine is inferior. Is the wine considered in these packages considered acceptable or mediocre by wine connoisseurs here? Also, what is considered an acceptable champagne that HAL offers? This new years I had a nice half bottle of something from France that was about $20.

HAL selections are definitely overpriced. In the Admiral's package, I was quite satisfied with Four Emus Chardonnay....but it retails at under $10.

The sparkling wines options are very poor. The lowest priced sparkling wine I find acceptable is the Domaine Chandon (California) at around $50 (retails under $15). Chase Limogere is cheaper, but IMO poor. There are no Spanish Cavas. There are no French Sparkling Chardonnays.

I dislike Mumm's - it's HAL's lowest priced French Champagne. There is no Veuve Cliquot. :eek: !!

[SALMARK]

Most posts I have read relating to wine say purchasing HAL selections is a waste of money and the wine is inferior. Is the wine considered in these packages considered acceptable or mediocre by wine connoisseurs here? Also, what is considered an acceptable champagne that HAL offers? This new years I had a nice half bottle of something from France that was about $20.

I have to agree that the wines are vastly overpriced. But then wines in restuarants generally are. We found that depending on your cruise stop locations, it is cheaper to go to a grocery store, buy a bottle (usually superior to what is offered in the packages), and pay the corkage fee. This was esp. true in Chile. If you want a good bottle of wine and are willing to pay HAL price, you can always go into the Pinnacle Grill and order one of their wines for your dining table. I have done this when we were truly missing a good NW wine esp. an Oregon pinot noir.

[dag144]

You can book your wine package on the first day out. There is no advantage in booking the package before sailing. (Royal Caribbean gives you a discount, but HAL doesn't.) HAL will let you bring whatever wines you wish onboard. There is a corkage charge in the dining rooms, but no other charges.

As you know liquor and wine sales are a huge source of profit and help to subsidize the cost of a cruise. In fact profits are so great that I now get my wine package at a fifty percent discount because of my past cruise status.:)

[DaveOKC]

I have a 3 bottle Navigator package for an upcoming trip (received as a gift). Can anyone walk me thru how to handle this and what I need to do. I assume I will be drinking all 3 bottles at dinner (MDR), although at least one bottle I would like to save for a Pinnacle dinner night.

Do I receive a card ot something in my cabin when I board? I would like to start using them on the first night as it is only a 6 night cruise. I assume they save partial bottles for you, but what if you are going to the Pinnacle the next night, can they transfer the bottle?

My wife is a non-drinker, so 3 bottles is enough for just me for 6 nights at dinner.

Any advice appreciated.

DaveOKC

[pris993]

I agree most of the wines on most ships are way over priced.

We always try to buy wine in a few ports. We are willing to pay a fair price for a good wine and that is always cheaper then what HAL charges for the inferior ones on the lower end of their price range.

If we are in foreign ports we ask for recommendations if we don't recognize the wines. Often locals will steer you in the right direction.

We have enjoyed trying wines when traveling.

[SALMARK]

I have a 3 bottle Navigator package for an upcoming trip (received as a gift). Can anyone walk me thru how to handle this and what I need to do. I assume I will be drinking all 3 bottles at dinner (MDR), although at least one bottle I would like to save for a Pinnacle dinner night.

Do I receive a card ot something in my cabin when I board? I would like to start using them on the first night as it is only a 6 night cruise. I assume they save partial bottles for you, but what if you are going to the Pinnacle the next night, can they transfer the bottle?

My wife is a non-drinker, so 3 bottles is enough for just me for 6 nights at dinner.

Any advice appreciated.

DaveOKC

You should have a gift card acknowledgement in your cabin. You can inquire at the front desk but I assume if you just take that to your dining table the staff can help you. Yes, they save partial bottles and the bottle will just appear on your table the next night. I have bought Pinnacle wine and had it served in the dining room so I assume the reverse is true. I have found that the staff on HAL is very accomodating.