Lugging Drinks on Board

[esther e]

Why? I cannot understand why a person would drag Coke, bottled water or wine on board. They sell it on the ship and it's perfectly acceptable wine. If I want a glass in my stateroom, I'll order it from room service. Or buy a bottle and keep it in our stateroom. We buy beer and Coke from the mini-bar and bottled water. Often we ask the mini-bar to be emptied except for the water and soft drinks and beer.

I know I'm going to be attacked for this but I'm ready for it. There must be someone else out there in CC world who scratches their head when bringing suitcases filled with drinks is mentioned.

[Krazy Kruizers]

I totally agree.

Many, many times I have mentioned that the water on the ships is better than what we get at home.

And I have also stated that I wish HAL would stop people from brining cases of wine onto the ship. Maybe limit it to one bottle per person.

[jtl513]

Why? I cannot understand why a person would drag Coke, bottled water or wine on board.Many people like to bring a favorite wine which is not available on board, but most are probably trying to save a little money. We like to buy a bottle of local wine that seems "interesting" at ports along the way, particularly in Europe. We don't bother bringing other beverages.

[g-didi]

I don't see why it should bother others what someone else brings onboard - as long as its within the HAL guidelines and is consumed accordingly. If someone wants to lug around a bag full of cokes and wine bottles, thats ok by me.

I actually like that I get the option to bring on a few beverages of my choice. I do occasionally enjoy a Pepsi and I hear HAL is all Coke! I plan to bring a few beverages along when I sail. Perhaps not a suitcase full, but a 6 pack until we hit port again should get us through.

To each their own....

[FATJACK]

My wife and I will be returning from Italy on the Nieuw Amsterdam next month and will be bringing several cases of wine home with us. Much of the wine is not available in the United States or aboard the ship and /or much less expensive than is available in the United States, let alone the highly marked up prices of the ship.

[kazu]

When we cruise in Europe, there is tons of opportunity for interesting wines. We order from HAL in the dining room and public areas but we do enjoy a glass in our room and I far prefer the interesting wines and experiencing the cultures we are visiting to what is on the ship.

We don't bring cases of wine on board, but we do bring some bottles. I don't see anything wrong with following the rules :D We don't bother with water or soda.

[Linda VH]

I have looked at the wine lists and they don't have anything I particularly like and the only one I found acceptable was way overpriced. I'll bring a case of Pinot Gris (not Grigio) on board as, even with the $18 corkage, I'll save money AND have wine I really really like.

[STREETKING]

I don't see why it should bother others what someone else brings onboard - as long as its within the HAL guidelines and is consumed accordingly. If someone wants to lug around a bag full of cokes and wine bottles, thats ok by me.

I actually like that I get the option to bring on a few beverages of my choice. I do occasionally enjoy a Pepsi and I hear HAL is all Coke! I plan to bring a few beverages along when I sail. Perhaps not a suitcase full, but a 6 pack until we hit port again should get us through.

To each their own....

I agree ,why should what I choose to bring aboard (within the guidlines) effect another passenger on the ship,one way or another.:confused:

[catl331]

Some cruisers are addicted to Coke or Pepsi and drink it constantly; not occasionally.$$$ Here in the South, many people have it for breakfast. My husband and I have been off of soda for many years. We like to try wines from other cultures. The Fr. wine in Martinique is so cheap and so is the cheese so it was a treat!

As long as they can lug it to the ship, fine with me.

[arewethereyet]

Why? I cannot understand why a person would drag Coke, bottled water or wine on board. They sell it on the ship and it's perfectly acceptable wine. If I want a glass in my stateroom, I'll order it from room service. Or buy a bottle and keep it in our stateroom. We buy beer and Coke from the mini-bar and bottled water. Often we ask the mini-bar to be emptied except for the water and soft drinks and beer.

I know I'm going to be attacked for this but I'm ready for it. There must be someone else out there in CC world who scratches their head when bringing suitcases filled with drinks is mentioned.

Lug? Drag? How about "carry"? If you "know you're going to be attacked for this", you may be on the brink of understanding why.

You have individual preferences, as do others. I can't guess why some prefer to bring their own water or Coke (could be some other soft drink not available on the ship). But, they do, and it's not something that involves my participation. I sometimes bring wine aboard because the ship selection is too limited, IMO. You may be perfectly happy with the wines offered. Others may not - myself included. I can't imagine how my choice would affect your cruising experience in any way.

As always, YMMV

[woodley]

Probably the same reason some people use coupon in stores to cut their final bill and some chose to pay the higher price for the groceries, I say each to their own neither is right or wrong it all comes down to personal choice.

[Jade13]

On our last cruise we brought sparkling pear flavored water on-board that was not available on the ship, along with cans of pepsi that are also not available on the ship. My DH prefers diet pepsi and does not like diet coke. The taxi dropped us right at the pier and a porter took our box of drinks. It was not a big deal.

Next year we embark in Chile and will be visiting a winery on the way to the ship. I assume I will pick up a couple of bottles of wine.

Your question implies it is a matter of economics that people do not want to pay on the ship, but you would be wrong in our case because we have brought onboard drinks that would not be available. We do not always do this. Last time we were in Italy our driver offered to take us to a convenience store because I had emailed him about pepsi, but we decided not to bother that day.

When we went on Silversea you could pre-request anything (no charge), and I surprised my DH with the mini-frig stocked with diet pepsi. They only served coke in the restaurants. But, HAL has a limited offering of non-alcoholic drinks.

[CCKelly]

We love HAL's liberal wine policy and have no idea why some people on the board are opposed to it. It is especially fun when in European ports to shop for wine. Also, not sure why someone else would care what another person "lugs" on board, they are not asking you to carry it for them I assume. I think this is a definite perk that HAL offers (in relation to it's main competition Princess and Celebrity) and would not want to see the policy change.
I have not brought water and soda aboard previously, but may when leaving from Ft. L (we usually cruise from foreign ports). But the "coke" card seems like a pretty good value. If you are a Pepsi drinker, then you may want to bring your own soda.
I have always found mini bar prices to be excessively expensive whether on a cruise ship or in a hotel, and cannot imagine using the mini bar on a regular basis, but some people may have a lot more money to waste than others.

[Jade13]

I have looked at the wine lists and they don't have anything I particularly like and the only one I found acceptable was way overpriced. I'll bring a case of Pinot Gris (not Grigio) on board as, even with the $18 corkage, I'll save money AND have wine I really really like.

They do not have Gavi either, which I prefer.

[esther e]

I think you misunderstood me. My question was "why?" It doesn't affect my cruise one way or the other; I was just wondering why someone would "carry" on their own drinks. I certainly can understand a bottle of wine from Italy, Chili or Australia for example. But I'm still baffled about Coke or bottled water or cases of wine brought on from here. I guess my taste buds aren't as sophisticated as some. My absolute favorite is Sancere and HAL doesn't stock it. So I choose something else. I am a Coke drinker, but our favorite pizza restaurant only serves Pepsi. So I drink Pepsi.

If I offended anyone with my choice of words, I do apologize. "Lug, drag and carry" all mean the same to me.

[kazu]

I think you misunderstood me. My question was "why?" It doesn't affect my cruise one way or the other; I was just wondering why someone would "carry" on their own drinks. I certainly can understand a bottle of wine from Italy, Chili or Australia for example. But I'm still baffled about Coke or bottled water or cases of wine brought on from here. I guess my taste buds aren't as sophisticated as some. My absolute favorite is Sancere and HAL doesn't stock it. So I choose something else. I am a Coke drinker, but our favorite pizza restaurant only serves Pepsi. So I drink Pepsi.

If I offended anyone with my choice of words, I do apologize. "Lug, drag and carry" all mean the same to me.

Because we want to:):):) Seriously, for people who do it, and want a particular soda, whatever, it's worth it to them - :D:D

[taxmantoo]

IMy absolute favorite is Sancere and HAL doesn't stock it. So I choose something else.

FYI - Sancerre is actually the name of a region in France in the Loire Valley. Nearly 100% of the "white" grape varietals grown in that region are in fact "Sauvignon Blanc". HAL has quite a few Sauvignon Blancs on their wine list.

[esther e]

Indeed they do and quite good, too.

[ceejay3377]

I'm an Aussie who has cruised on the Volendam out of Sydney twice. The first time we brought on a couple of bottles of a local champagne that is lower in alcohol (Zibbibio, by Brown Brothers - yum yum). Definitely not available on board.

On our second cruise we new more about the limitations of the ships wine list. It is heavy on American and European wines, and terribly pricy. I am afraid I do not have a high opinion of many of the Aussie wines on the list and they too are hugely overpriced.

So I brought on the wines that I enjoy - a couple of zibbibio's, a dolcetto, a moscato, and several sparkling shiraz's, as well as some nice lightly wooded chardonnays for in room drinking. (Now that makes me sound like a total soak :D but there are two of us, and it was 14 days!). There are a couple of good bottle shops close to the port, so it wasn't a big deal to nip out and grab them after boarding. I know what I like, and HAL are generous enough to allow me to enjoy these. I appreciate their generosity, and I am happy to pay the corkage if I choose to enjoy these wines with my meals.

Cheers,

[Softball20]

When we cruise in Europe, there is tons of opportunity for interesting wines. We order from HAL in the dining room and public areas but we do enjoy a glass in our room and I far prefer the interesting wines and experiencing the cultures we are visiting to what is on the ship.

We don't bring cases of wine on board, but we do bring some bottles. I don't see anything wrong with following the rules :D We don't bother with water or soda.

Us, too. I like HALs policy about wine. We like being able to try different wines in Europe. Plus, even with the $18 corkage fee, the cost still works out better than the many of the wines available (most of which don't usually interest me) on board. We don't bother with the water or sodas either. I don't drink soda at all, but what ever else we consume, we buy on board.

[eh2zed]

I too am a bit amazed about the number of threads on various boards questioning whether or not Coke or Pepsi is available and also some beer brands. I never realized what importance that had to some people. But so be it. Doesn't affect me. We will bring good local wines on board for cabin consumption and take home.

[fann1sh]

Esther E, I'm absolutely not offended, and I'm a "lugger".

I drink beer, red wine, and sparkling wine.

I don't drink beer aboard a HAL ship, because there's nothing but light lagers (except in Alaska). I drink ale/dark beer. So, if I want a beer, I get it in a port.

HAL doesn't stock any cava (Spanish equivalent of champagne). The sparkling wine HAL does stock is pretty bad.

Over the years, I've tried pretty much every HAL red wine (under $60 -75) and....no. Nothing like what I usually drink. I can always drink white instead.

What if I swear off booze except in ports? I've done that....but....I drink tea.

I can't get brewed/steeped tea on HAL ships (or anywhere in the U.S. for that matter). That's tea where water is poured over the tea bag in the kitchen while it's still boiling, instead of getting a hygienically wrapped beside a tepid pot of water. As for the Lido hot water machine....I know there are lots of people on this board who say the water is "hot enough" - sorry to be a holdout.

So, I switch to coffee while aboard.

My soft drink is Pepsi.

So, if I want any of my favourite beverages, I bring them. I've enjoyed cruises without them, but enjoy cruises more when I lug.

[Megsie1000]

I get the feeling you don't really want to try and understand why somebody else would do this, but I'll try to explain our reasons anyway.

We're on a budget. We have 3 small children and I only work part-time so that I can be there for them when they get home from school and so we don't have to put the 3-year old in daycare. Despite our financial situation, we also like to travel just like everybody else. My husband travels a lot for work and gets tons of airmiles, so sometimes trips are possible for us where they might not be otherwise.

We also like wine. We *really* like wine. :D We try and find ways we can save so that we can drink more wine. And one of those ways is to bring our own on board so that we can have a drink in my parents' suite before dinner or after dinner or whenever else. I am making us sound like lushes, but you know what I mean. :)

The wine mark-up on board HAL is considerable. And, as somebody else has already stated, the variety is somewhat limited. We mitigate both by bringing some on board ourselves. It also helps our bottom line probably by several hundred dollars over buying ALL of wine by the glass or bottle on board.

We don't pay the corkage fee. We usually buy a glass at dinner to enjoy. But we don't buy several glasses at dinner or before or after dinner or whatever.

Is a couple hundred a little compared to the cost of the cruise? Yep. But for us that is a lot of money. We find lots of ways to save so that we can cruise, and this is just one of them.

[tip]

To answer the OP's question...


...because I enjoy Diet Mountain Dew and enjoy drinking it on my balcony while I watch the sea go by!

...because I can buy a 12 pack of soda at my local supermarket on sale for about $2.50 which is just a little more than one can of soda would cost me on the ship. I keep the soda in my stateroom and don't have to run up or downstairs to a bar to get it.

...because it is easier than calling room service

...why do some people "lug" a special suit case full of shoes on board a ship? That is a question for another day for some people who have too much time on their hands!;)

[Randyk47]

I can understand bringing a special wine or wines and beverages that aren't readily available (i.e., Pepsi versus HAL Coke products, flavored water versus plain). Where I have a disconnect is hauling the same products, like just plain water or say regular Coke, on the ship. Typically we fly in the day before a cruise and try to schedule our arrival around noon to early afternoon. That way we're usually able to go directly to the hotel and get our room. We've been in Ft Lauderdale enough that's it not like we feel the need to tour and normally just relax that evening. The last thing that crosses our minds is going around gathering up stuff to carry on the ship with us. I guess if we consumed a particular wine or soda or whatever that wasn't available on a ship we'd spend the time.

[esther e]

Thanks for all your responses. I want to learn one new thing every day and today I have learned. Inquiring minds.............

And, tip, shoes and handbags are necessities -- not nice-to-haves!!!:D

It just dawned on me that my husband and I are probably old enough to be parents of all of you. So you gotta understand my question of "why." At my age "why" is for almost anything that requires any extra work.

[catl331]

Well, this was an exciting Monday morning; kinda dreary here!

[3rdGenCunarder]

Esther E, I'm absolutely not offended, and I'm a "lugger".

I drink beer, red wine, and sparkling wine.

I don't drink beer aboard a HAL ship, because there's nothing but light lagers (except in Alaska). I drink ale/dark beer. So, if I want a beer, I get it in a port.

HAL doesn't stock any cava (Spanish equivalent of champagne). The sparkling wine HAL does stock is pretty bad.

Over the years, I've tried pretty much every HAL red wine (under $60 -75) and....no. Nothing like what I usually drink. I can always drink white instead.

What if I swear off booze except in ports? I've done that....but....I drink tea.

I can't get brewed/steeped tea on HAL ships (or anywhere in the U.S. for that matter). That's tea where water is poured over the tea bag in the kitchen while it's still boiling, instead of getting a hygienically wrapped beside a tepid pot of water. As for the Lido hot water machine....I know there are lots of people on this board who say the water is "hot enough" - sorry to be a holdout.

So, I switch to coffee while aboard.

My soft drink is Pepsi.

So, if I want any of my favourite beverages, I bring them. I've enjoyed cruises without them, but enjoy cruises more when I lug.

I cannot imagine lugging/dragging/carrying on a whole case of anything. To me it isn't worth the effort, but we don't drink soda and we aren't all that picky about wine. But if the ship allows it and you want something in particular, then that's fine by me.

I agree with you about beer. It's rare for a ship to have something I like. Guinness is available on some ships (I think QE2 used to get in an extra stock for DH!), but it's too rich for me. I like ales, but ales are hard to find on board. I think the rules against beer are discriminatory. I suppose a case of wine is upscale/classy but a case of beer looks like you're having a frat party? I don't really want a whole case of beer, but just as we like to buy a bottle or two of local wine in port, why can't we pick up some locally brewed beer? VERY frustrating! :mad:

And yeah, the champagne/sparking wines on HAL aren't great. Who chose Pol Clemente as a "house" bubbly?? :eek:

As for tea, I know what you mean. I do manage OK with the hot water at the Lido. Not perfect, but if I really want tea, it's better than nothing. Thank goodness the HAL tea bags are darjeeling, my fave. If not for that, a box of teabags would be my lug/drag/carry. Most of that Bigelow stuff looks like dust, and all tastes the same. IIRC, we were able to get small pots of tea with the HAL bag alredy in it in the MDR at dinner.

[Hobbsey]

I think the rules against beer are discriminatory. I suppose a case of wine is upscale/classy but a case of beer looks like you're having a frat party? I don't really want a whole case of beer, but just as we like to buy a bottle or two of local wine in port, why can't we pick up some locally brewed beer? VERY frustrating! :mad:

I agree that there seems to be a disconnect regarding other alcoholic beverages being disallowed but all wines being allowed. I guess it boils down to them not being to find a way to charge a "pop-toppage fee". Regarding loss of on-board revenue it'd be no different than bringing on board soft drink products.

Hey, does anyone know if Port, Cognac and other fruit based liquers are considered wine or are they on the do not bring aboard list?

[hrhdhd]

It just dawned on me that my husband and I are probably old enough to be parents of all of you. So you gotta understand my question of "why." At my age "why" is for almost anything that requires any extra work.

It's really not any work at all. We take two 12-packs of soda on in a rolling bag--no lugging involved, just pulling. (In fact, now that staterooms are available upon boarding and we can take all of our carryons there right away, it's not a big deal at all.) When the soda's removed from the bag, the empty bag becomes the bag for all that stuff we acquire on the cruise and have to get off the ship. Easy peasy.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

I
And yeah, the champagne/sparking wines on HAL aren't great. Who chose Pol Clemente as a "house" bubbly?? :eek:

I could not agree more that stuff is really bad, there was also another one they used as house bubbly that was even worse.:eek:

I can understand why others bring on cases of what they need/want and I can say we have done it only once in 31 cruises and that is because we were hosting a very large party and knew that we would be hosting several large parties all week and we brought onone case of bubbly that we really love that can only be purchased at Trader Joes (the bottle looks like Veuve and tastes very similiar) but after having done that one time DH said never again. We do most of the time bring on one or two bottles of this bubbly and often will bring a bottle of wine for a Captain or Hotel Manager that is something we think they might like and not available on the ship.

It is just a personal choice that we would rather just purchase on board the ship what we consume. If it cannot be easily carried on then it is too much of a hassle and I would rather pay a bit more for HAL to supply it.

If I was much younger, with a lot more energy, and drove to the port I might think otherwise :D

[3rdGenCunarder]

I could not agree more that stuff is really bad, there was also another one they used as house bubbly that was even worse.:eek:


<snip>


No offense, but I find that hard to believe--unless it was Pol Acker, Cunard's giveaway bubbly. Vile stuff! What does Pol mean in wine parlance? Yuck, perhaps?

[English_in_Spain]

I totally agree.

Many, many times I have mentioned that the water on the ships is better than what we get at home.

And I have also stated that I wish HAL would stop people from brining cases of wine onto the ship. Maybe limit it to one bottle per person.



Why are you so opposed to us bringing what we want to onto the ship? Why do you want to stop HAL allowing me to bring my case of wine onto the ship? I do not comment on the contents of your luggage.

We live in Spain. We are wine drinkers. We do not like cocktails, beer or sweet fizzy sodas.

HAL has a terrible selection of reasonably priced wines. Even when sailing in Europe they do not stock the really good local wines.

When sailing in Europe from Spain we bring a case of our favourite, local wines. When sailing from Ft Lauderdale we get a case of wines we like from Total Wine - they have a wonderful selection.

We do not lug or drag. We arrive by taxi at the port. The case of wine is loaded with our luggage and delivered to our cabin. Surely what we choose to bring onto the ship does not affect your enjoyment of your cruise.

[AmyinVail]

I think the OP posted a legitimate question....she simply wanted to know the thought behind a common practice! We've cruised all different lines and always abide by their policies - smuggling, lugging - it's a very common thing. It's not a vacation unless I have a mimosa in the morning. Sometimes I dine in the dining room and pay for it, other times I eat on the balcony and enjoy my "free" champagne from home. I would say that our mind-set is 80% economically driven and 20% convenience. Calling for it, deciding which bottle, going to retrieve, etc. - just easier to pop the cork and enjoy. My "beef" is folks that try to beat the system and smuggle, etc. There are always people who do it....always rule breakers. Our last cruise was on Celebrity and we were thrilled that it's a non-smoking ship...well, we smelled more smoke and saw people flicking their cigarettes into the sea!! On the other hand, I'm always amazed to see gorgeous evening gowns and think of the "lugging" of the garment bag!!

[surfergirle]

[quote=tip;30735162]To answer the OP's question...


...because I enjoy Diet Mountain Dew and enjoy drinking it on my balcony while I watch the sea go by!


I am also a Diet Mt Dew person. Its my one and only soda unless its a nostalgic bottled soda.

[Hobbsey]

[quote=tip;30735162]To answer the OP's question...


...because I enjoy Diet Mountain Dew and enjoy drinking it on my balcony while I watch the sea go by!


I am also a Diet Mt Dew person. Its my one and only soda unless its a nostalgic bottled soda.

A Dr. Browns Cream Soda or a frosty IBC Root Beer!!! MMMM

[surfergirle]

[quote=LAFFNVEGAS;30737270]I could not agree more that stuff is really bad, there was also another one they used as house bubbly that was even worse.:eek:

I agree- we live in the Southern CA wine country- some of our vines are over a decade old, and the many many choices of sparkling wines are very diff. from whats offered on board, and we love them. We have not found anything comparable to Almond Sparkling Wine & Decadencia Chocolate Port from Wilson Creek & or Ruby Cuvee from SouthCoast Winery which is near our home. And they ship directly to our hotel concierge. Since we are wine club members, its a GREAT deal to have exactly what we like. Instead of trying to find something close.

We only really drink sparkling, and ports.
Originally Posted by 3rdGenCunarder http://boards.cruisecritic.com/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=30735942#post30735942)
I
And yeah, the champagne/sparking wines on HAL aren't great. Who chose Pol Clemente as a "house" bubbly?? :eek:

[surfergirle]

[quote=surfergirle;30738302]

A Dr. Browns Cream Soda or a frosty IBC Root Beer!!! MMMM

YES! We LOVE nostalgic soda and always bring assorted ones, they are so fun!!

[Sea42]

For us the question would be why would you spend twice as much for a bottle of wine when you can just pick some up on the way to the ship? I use a six bottle wine tote that I use at home. It's handles slip right over the handle to my suitcase and it sits nicely on top of my suitcase while I roll it over to the porter. I can then just carry the tote onto the ship as I would if I were carrying it home from the store. I don't see the difficulty especially if I'm saving a nice amount of money.

[bcd2010]

And, tip, shoes and handbags are necessities -- not nice-to-haves!!!:D

Not for all of us - I've never understood the need/desire for many pairs of shoes or handbags (and don't want to, please don't waste any time/energy explaining - I'm fine with my limited wardrobe and accessories). But please do bring whatever you want in your luggage because...

I do not comment on the contents of your luggage.

...and am fine if you don't comment on what's in mine.

Now if you are truly trying to understand "why", many people have explained. Frequently it's because they can't get what they want on board, don't want to drink what is available, HAL allows it - and the best answer of all: because I want to. It's a treat/perk that we like.

[Bearnaise]

It just dawned on me that my husband and I are probably old enough to be parents of all of you. So you gotta understand my question of "why." At my age "why" is for almost anything that requires any extra work.
It's extra work upfront, but then the work is over. Why have to call room service and wait each time you want a glass of wine or if you run out of what's in the minibar? For us (me, since I'm the lugger), it's that extra bit of freedom, not just the personal taste issue. Since we're driving to our next cruise, we can lug a lot and we plan to.

We're already spending plenty on our SC suite and will still buy drinks at the bars and restaurants so I don't think there's anything wrong with saving some money where we can, by bringing our own mixer for the bottle of rum we've purchased from HAL for instance, or by avoiding the triple markup on HAL's mediocre winelist by bringing our own to dinner.

Besides the convenience of having our own stock and the savings from doing so, it's nice when we don't have to settle for what the ship offers. DW likes Diet Pepsi and last time, when we got a bottle of vodka instead, I brought along Diet Tonic Water which I'm pretty certain isn't available on the ship. Can you begrudge someone wanting to cut a few calories? We'll also bring come caffeine-free Diet Pepsi as well in case we want to be able to go to sleep at night.

Just on wine alone, by bringing what we want to drink and only paying a net of $50 for wine that HAL will sell for $90 + 18%, we're effectively saving almost $50 per night, or $350 on a seven-night cruise. Add in the savings of a glass of wine here or there and even the savings from not purchasing Cokes, I bet we'll realize close to $500. That's a lot more than the credit from my Carnival shares.

Yes, it will be a bit more work getting the stuff aboard, but I'm willing to work a little to save $500.

[esther e]

Now may I ask another question? What would all of you do if HAL decided not to allow wine to be brought aboard? I'm just curious.

[Sea42]

Now may I ask another question? What would all of you do if HAL decided not to allow wine to be brought aboard? I'm just curious.
I'd probably go back to Princess. :)

[sportsmum]

I was just thinking- we just booked NCL (first time) and I believe they serve Pepsi. Will I still bring it? Yep, I will. Partly $'s, mostly I can have it in my room, undiluted, cold, fresh and in my underwear if I like!That's why I 'haul' my fat behind to the store and 'lug' it all the way to the taxi where the porter 'carries' it to my room. :D

A suitcase of shoes is important to some. Not to me. I have often been asked where I got my Pepsi, but never heard anyone asked where their shoes came from. It's probably been asked but since it didn't concern me....:)

Lastly, since this DOES affect some of my cruise enjoyment, the more important question is: Why, when it's just as easy to pack proper bathing suits, do Speedo's still make an appearance? When will they start collecting those at the beginning of the cruise and return when it's over?

[CCKelly]

Esther,

Not sure why it is so important to you or irritating to you as to what others bring on board, as long as it is allowed by HAL. As mentioned by many others, it is a nice perk and gives HAL just an edge as far as some of us are concerned. We would definitely have look at other cruiselines if the policy was changed.

[kfrost72]

I have looked at the wine lists and they don't have anything I particularly like and the only one I found acceptable was way overpriced. I'll bring a case of Pinot Gris (not Grigio) on board as, even with the $18 corkage, I'll save money AND have wine I really really like.

I'm in the same "boat". I've looked at the wine list and it seems not very stellar and way over priced. But then again I am lucky enough to live in one of the best wine country's in the US (best if you ask me). I can get a case of really good Oregon and Washington wines for an average of $12 a bottle for reds and less than $20 for whites. They charge $80 for the same Sokol Blosser I can buy at the grocery store for $16 without any case discount.

And then I have a much wider selection that is more tailored to my taste if I bring my own.

[Boytjie]

Now may I ask another question? What would all of you do if HAL decided not to allow wine to be brought aboard? I'm just curious.

Buy wine onboard. :) And nix the idea of having 'champagne at sunset' parties on our balcony. :(

BTW, we do buy HAL wine onboard already.

[arewethereyet]

Now may I ask another question? What would all of you do if HAL decided not to allow wine to be brought aboard? I'm just curious.

Is this a joke? If HAL decided to not allow wine to be brought aboard, then I wouldn't bring wine aboard.

Am I on Candid Camera?

[esther e]

That's funny! Thank God I haven't seen a Speed-O in years! Even on a fit 20-year old male.....:eek:

Thanks for the answers. I really appreciate them. I had no idea people were so adamant about Pepsi vs. Coke or other soft drinks. Nor did I have any idea about wine. Either I'm too easily pleased or have no taste buds for the good stuff!:)

[3rdGenCunarder]

Is this a joke? If HAL decided to not allow wine to be brought aboard, then I wouldn't bring wine aboard.

Am I on Candid Camera?

You must not have read the threads on other boards about smuggling wine/booze on the lines that don't permit it. :D

[3rdGenCunarder]

<snip>

Lastly, since this DOES affect some of my cruise enjoyment, the more important question is: Why, when it's just as easy to pack proper bathing suits, do Speedo's still make an appearance? When will they start collecting those at the beginning of the cruise and return when it's over?

And if they took away the Speedos what would those guys wear? :eek: :eek: :eek:

[kfrost72]

You must not have read the threads on other boards about smuggling wine/booze on the lines that don't permit it. :D

Someone at work actually recommended saving up large shampoo bottles and smuggling booze in that way. Yuck!!

Luckily wine is my beverage of choice.

[Boytjie]

Lastly, since this DOES affect some of my cruise enjoyment, the more important question is: Why, when it's just as easy to pack proper bathing suits, do Speedo's still make an appearance? When will they start collecting those at the beginning of the cruise and return when it's over?

So what exactly is a "proper bathing suit', oh Fashion Policeanista? :rolleyes:

[wiseguycruising]

Now may I ask another question? What would all of you do if HAL decided not to allow wine to be brought aboard? I'm just curious.

HAL will lose a lot of customers. At least I will be cruising with Princess. Do you see what Netflix did? do't piss off the customers. I don't think HAL want to repeat that.

[Middle Aged and Happy]

I am one of those people who lug wine, pop and water on board. As for the pop, I am a Dr. Pepper x 3 every morning rather than coffee. As for the water, I like to put it in my bag (just like I do when I am at home) and drink it throughout the day while in ports. I don't have to stop in anywhere for a drink with I am bicyling, hiking or boating. And finally the wine - I like good wine and I find that good wine to be marked up by about three times on the ship, if it is available at all. I don't mind paying the corkage fee on the boat to drink what I like rather than adventuring into bottles that probably cost a lot more with less enjoyment. The lug is worth it to me.

[JR767]

I know I'm going to be attacked for this but I'm ready for it. There must be someone else out there in CC world who scratches their head when bringing suitcases filled with drinks is mentioned.

Well, I for one won't attack you :)

I will say though that I do love HAL's policy of allowing wine on board. My wife and I do enjoy good wines, and we bring wine aboard. For example, on our last Carribean cruise out of Fort Lauderdale we pre-ordered half a case of select bottles, had our taxi from the airport make a detour there, and dropped it off with the stevedores. Easy peasy.

You are correct in that there are good wines aboard HAL. However, in the Pinnacle you may pay $100 or so for a nice red, when I can purchase an outstanding red for $50 or so, and even with the corkage come out ahead both in terms of price and quality. And, for our private sailaway we enjoy a bottle of champagne - one could order a mediocre bottle of Champagne aboard ship and have it sent up, but for the same price enjoy a simply outstanding Champagne when we bring our own.

But to your point - if you are bringing relatively inexpensive wine on board it probably isn't worth the hassle. For fine wine though, planning ahead and bringing your own can be worth it both in terms of price and quality. Not to say we don't drink plenty of HAL wine as well - we tend to imbibe aboard ship much more than we do on land :o

[SJSULIBRARIAN]

Call me lazy but it seems like a lot of work to lug wine, soda, etc. on board. But to each is own and if that's what people want to do, so be it. We pack light - no extra purses, shoes, etc. and that's our thing. Plus, HAL does offer wine, soda, etc. that we like so for that I guess we are lucky.

[Hobbsey]

That's funny! Thank God I haven't seen a Speed-O in years! Even on a fit 20-year old male.....:eek:

:)

UGHHH, You would have either cracked up or gagged a the guy we saw at Jax Beach a few weeks ago. About 50, Pasty white, Belly over hanging and cheeks protruding from behind. It was nasty!!!

You know though, Speedo is making "regular" trunks now. I guess even they are getting grossed out by their own reputation.

[esther e]

Esther,

Not sure why it is so important to you or irritating to you as to what others bring on board, as long as it is allowed by HAL. As mentioned by many others, it is a nice perk and gives HAL just an edge as far as some of us are concerned. We would definitely have look at other cruiselines if the policy was changed.

Hmmm, I didn't realize I sounded irritated or gave the impression what one brings on board is of importance to me. I simply asked why people bring on suitcases of wine when it can be purchased on board. Now I know. Rarely do I get irritated, and when I do it's quite obvious.;)

[Hobbsey]

Just had a chat with HAL and no to anything not specifically described as WINE or Champaigne So, No to the other grape based alcoholic beverages.

[sportsmum]

So what exactly is a "proper bathing suit', oh Fashion Policeanista? :rolleyes:

Trunks, that's the word! I stunned myself so much by the thought of small Speedo's / large buffets that my brain froze!! Thanks for helping there, Hobbsey.

Anything big enough to cover pasty white, belly hanging, cheeks protruding....oh Hobbsey, I take that thank you back...........:p

[sportsmum]

Someone at work actually recommended saving up large shampoo bottles and smuggling booze in that way. Yuck!!

Luckily wine is my beverage of choice.

Okay, since I grossed myself out on the post above, I'll do this too before doing something less productive!

Depends. You use depends to wrap the smuggled booze in. New ones. That way if the bottle breaks it's absorbed (and can be wrung out if your doing it on the cheap). Also, no one really wants your smuggled booze that badly as to dig that deep......:)

FYI: I just drink pop so that's a thought not a tested theory!!

[Hobbsey]

I wrap mine up in my speedo

[George C]

last Hal cruise we bought some red wine for 80 dollars on the ship. I can buy the same bottle for under 20, I will be bringing on a bunch of bottles, this is one of the reasons we are cruising with Hal.

[sportsmum]

I wrap mine up in my speedo

Do they make Speedo brand Depends? Or maybe you're just a light drinker???

[Boytjie]

I wrap mine up in my speedo

Small bottle or big speedo? :D

[esther e]

Do they make Speedo brand Depends? Or maybe you're just a light drinker???


OMG, that's quite a visual!!!:D

[sportsmum]

Payback.........

[AmyinVail]

Celebrity has a policy, two bottles of wine/champagne per stateroom, which is what we did. Norwegian has a stellar upsell program, so we've always been able to upsell to a very high end suite which comes with 3 bottles of liquor and champagne (stewards kept the bottles coming). My two Carnival cruises? I had a $1,000 tab. So, we adhere to the cruiseline policies. There is a whole underground system called "rum runners"....now, I do enjoy my spirits....but the whole sneaking thing just requires too much energy...but, it's done and frequently!

Marking off my G-string from my packing list.....:rolleyes:

[Hobbsey]

Small bottle or big speedo? :D

Gulp....I got the bottle on an airline...

[Beebob1]

I drink coke only of course they have it on the ship. Whatever I drink must have ice, coke, milk, tea or orange juice etc. I don't drink coffee or anything hot!

Do you know how long it takes the little "frig" to cool a drink down as to where it doesn't melt the ice. I'm on a cruise and don't have time to let the stewards rotate drinks in hope of having a cold coke. I'll oversee this problem and make sure I have what I want and be happy on my cruise.

So that is why I bring my own cokes aboard. Just not going to settle for less.

If the policy should change then I will buy extra upon boarding and still handle the problem myself.

[dogo88]

Why are you so opposed to us bringing what we want to onto the ship? Why do you want to stop HAL allowing me to bring my case of wine onto the ship? I do not comment on the contents of your luggage.

We live in Spain. We are wine drinkers. We do not like cocktails, beer or sweet fizzy sodas.

HAL has a terrible selection of reasonably priced wines. Even when sailing in Europe they do not stock the really good local wines.

When sailing in Europe from Spain we bring a case of our favourite, local wines. When sailing from Ft Lauderdale we get a case of wines we like from Total Wine - they have a wonderful selection.

We do not lug or drag. We arrive by taxi at the port. The case of wine is loaded with our luggage and delivered to our cabin. Surely what we choose to bring onto the ship does not affect your enjoyment of your cruise.


Sorry, but HAL has no reasonably priced wines. For wines that I would pay $10-12 HAL charges $40-50. I don't consider that reasonable.
Dan

[dogo88]

Buy wine onboard. :) And nix the idea of having 'champagne at sunset' parties on our balcony. :(

BTW, we do buy HAL wine onboard already.

Exactly.

[RuthC]

Hmmm, I didn't realize I sounded irritated
You didn't. You sounded like someone who is curious about people and what motivates them to do the things they do. Nothing more.
Several posters were projecting.

[esther e]

Thank you, Ruth.

[surfergirle]

Now may I ask another question? What would all of you do if HAL decided not to allow wine to be brought aboard? I'm just curious.

Jump the boat to Celebrity.

[English_in_Spain]

I think a lot of people's comments may be in reaction to post #2 not the original post. My comments certainly were.

Re the Speedos. I liked the comment of the CD on our recent cruise - "If you can't see your Speedos, don't wear your Speedos" :D :D

[Bobblsc]

Gee whiz, they do not have prosecco available on the HAL wine lists. This is a great sparkling wine which is catching on in the U. S. and elsewhere. It is reasonably priced. I bring prosecco and other wines on board because HAL has the good sense to allow this. I may even bring some "cheap white wine on board." :D

Bob :cool:

[Linda VH]

KFROST72 - When I first discovered Pinto Gris I realized it was from your area which really surprised me. I have to say I told DH that he could forgo the Napa trip and go to Oregon instead. I have had some good Pinto Gris from Russian River Valley as well though.

Soda card don't work for DH as he doesn't like the stuff out of a gun but rather a can. Not sure if he'll bring any on - probably won't have enough room with all my wine ;)

[George C]

Jump the boat to Celebrity.

same here

[happy cruzer]

To have my beverage of choice, save money, and stay fit. To many of us it's not that much extra effort to roll on what we like. The day I have to go on a cruise that does not provide me an affordable way to enjoy a meal with my beverage of choice that is as good as I have in my own home is the day that I stop cruising and travel a different way.

[CCKelly]

I think a lot of people's comments may be in reaction to post #2 not the original post. My comments certainly were.



Correct! Didn't mean to be rude, but not sure why she is questioning the entire policy that would not appear to have any effect on her enjoyment of a cruise.

[Hobbsey]

Correct! Didn't mean to be rude, but not sure why she is questioning the entire policy that would not appear to have any effect on her enjoyment of a cruise.

Was she questioning the policy or simply asking about the mind set of folks who exercise their options under the policy?

[RuthC]

Soda card don't work for DH as he doesn't like the stuff out of a gun but rather a can.
The soda card is for cans.

[English_in_Spain]

Was she questioning the policy or simply asking about the mind set of folks who exercise their options under the policy?


I would say the comment

"And I have also stated that I wish HAL would stop people from brining cases of wine onto the ship. Maybe limit it to one bottle per person"

is questioning HAL's policy and trying to stop those of us who like to bring on a case of wine.

[esther e]

I am the OP and was just questioning the mindset. I sure didn't mean to stir up a wasp's nest!:eek: This is almost as bad as a dress code thread or smoking thread, and that was definitely not my intention! I just was curious.

[RuthC]

I would say the comment

"And I have also stated that I wish HAL would stop people from brining cases of wine onto the ship. Maybe limit it to one bottle per person"

is questioning HAL's policy and trying to stop those of us who like to bring on a case of wine.
It wasn't the OP who made that comment, yet it is the OP who has been put on the defensive about her thoughts.

[Boytjie]

Sorry, but HAL has no reasonably priced wines. For wines that I would pay $10-12 HAL charges $40-50. I don't consider that reasonable.
Dan

What would be a reasonable upcharge? And how does HAL's upcharge compare to restaurants you frequent?

[Hobbsey]

I would say the comment

"And I have also stated that I wish HAL would stop people from brining cases of wine onto the ship. Maybe limit it to one bottle per person"

is questioning HAL's policy and trying to stop those of us who like to bring on a case of wine.

Yes, that comment does question the policy, but I don't find anywhere that the OP made that statement??? It would be a good policy to name the source of a quote.

[Boytjie]

The day I have to go on a cruise that does not provide me an affordable way to enjoy a meal with my beverage of choice that is as good as I have in my own home is the day that I stop cruising and travel a different way.

What do you do when you eat out in restaurants?

[English_in_Spain]

I didn't say it was the OP.

In fact, if you see what I said at post #77 you will see I made it clear it was not the OP's comments I was commenting on.

[Hobbsey]

I didn't say it was the OP.

In fact, if you see what I said at post #77 you will see I made it clear it was not the OP's comments I was commenting on.

OIC, I thought "she" was referring to the OP. I was unaware that Krazy Kruiser had an identifiable gender. If she is the "she" in question then yes, indeed, "she" IS questioning the policy.

My mistake. Still, citing a source would be useful.

: )

[RuthC]

I didn't say it was the OP.

In fact, if you see what I said at post #77 you will see I made it clear it was not the OP's comments I was commenting on.
You said that in the context of a discussion of the attacks on the OP's intent. You were saying that the attacks were not on OP, but rather on KK, who is the author of post #2.

It is that with which I disagree. The OP was most certainly attacked for her innocent question.

[Jean1946]

On our last cruise we saw many people bringing glasses (one each) into the dining room. We were told by one of the waiters at happy hour that we could purchase the happy hour glasses of wine and take one into the dining room. We did that a couple of times, and ordered a single glass at others.

I do like the idea of bringing your own wine onboard. We bought at several ports and enjoying trying new brands, types, etc. I think all the waiters at the piano bar and crowes nest knew us by name. So, we spread the wealth around, but did enjoy our wine on our balcony and in the room.

I only drink TAB, so nobody sells that on any ship, so when I'm able too, I do lug, carry, drag, etc., all I will need for the trip.

[Boytjie]

On our last cruise we saw many people bringing glasses (one each) into the dining room. We were told by one of the waiters at happy hour that we could purchase the happy hour glasses of wine and take one into the dining room. We did that a couple of times, and ordered a single glass at others.

I have often done that since it can take a while for some of the wine stewards to take an order once seated. After that we'd order by the glass or by the bottle depending on how many want wine.

[Linda VH]

Haven't been on HAL since 2007 and then the soda card was from the gun only. Good to know that it is for cans now. Will inform DH - will make him happy!

[kfrost72]

KFROST72 - When I first discovered Pinto Gris I realized it was from your area which really surprised me. I have to say I told DH that he could forgo the Napa trip and go to Oregon instead. I have had some good Pinto Gris from Russian River Valley as well though.

Soda card don't work for DH as he doesn't like the stuff out of a gun but rather a can. Not sure if he'll bring any on - probably won't have enough room with all my wine ;)


Come to Oregon!! Not only is it beautiful, but we've definitely got the best Pinot Gris AND Pinot Nior.

[kfrost72]

What would be a reasonable upcharge? And how does HAL's upcharge compare to restaurants you frequent?

Looking at the wines I recognize, HAL's prices are a little steeper.

The other thing, restaurants I frequent have a broader selection of wines (and of NW wines specifically).

[Boytjie]

Looking at the wines I recognize, HAL's prices are a little steeper.

The other thing, restaurants I frequent have a broader selection of wines (and of NW wines specifically).

Just remember you are on a ship. ;) Space limitations and how to restock a moving target. :)

[kfrost72]

Just remember you are on a ship. ;) Space limitations and how to restock a moving target. :)

Which is completely understandable and why I would prefer to bring my own wine.

[Beebob1]

What do you do when you eat out in restaurants?

I'll answer that as well. Sweet tea yet HAL doesn't even offer that. Ever tried to melt sugar in a cold drink? A lot of times we dine in our room from the main menus. Simply because we want to enjoy our meals. It is not about dressing up and chatting with others just to be seen. We truely like what we like and in no way is it at the expense at others.

[Boytjie]

I'll answer that as well. Sweet tea yet HAL doesn't even offer that. Ever tried to melt sugar in a cold drink? A lot of times we dine in our room from the main menus. Simply because we want to enjoy our meals. It is not about dressing up and chatting with others just to be seen. We truely like what we like and in no way is it at the expense at others.

Not sure how that relates to my question. :confused:

[3rdGenCunarder]

Not sure how that relates to my question. :confused:

I think Beebob1 did anwer your question. The answer was sweet tea. They didn't say what they drink on the ship, but it sounds like they don't drink wine there, either.

You don't have this drink in Brooklyn. It's a southern thing. VERY sweet iced tea. You have to start with the tea hot in order to dissolve sufficient sugar to make the tea really sweet. Then you cool it. It's way too sweet for my taste. When my SIL lived in Charleston she told me the recipe is one tea bag and a pound of sugar in one quart of water. I think that's an exaggeration, but you get the idea.

But don't feel bad that you don't have sweet tea in Brooklyn. They don't have egg creams in the south. :D

[NMLady]

Why? I cannot understand why a person would drag Coke, bottled water or wine on board. They sell it on the ship and it's perfectly acceptable wine. If I want a glass in my stateroom, I'll order it from room service. Or buy a bottle and keep it in our stateroom. We buy beer and Coke from the mini-bar and bottled water. Often we ask the mini-bar to be emptied except for the water and soft drinks and beer.

I know I'm going to be attacked for this but I'm ready for it. There must be someone else out there in CC world who scratches their head when bringing suitcases filled with drinks is mentioned.

There are some brands of soda not sold aboard ship -- folks who can't do without their daily soda(s) bring the soda aboard, enough for the cruise.

Wine aficionados have their own favorite wine, which isn't sold by the cruise line so they bring it aboard instead.

As for bottled water -- some folks don't know/believe that water aboard ship is good to drink. Or maybe they have delicate stomachs that can't handle 'unfamiliar' water.

[Beebob1]

I think Beebob1 did anwer your question. The answer was sweet tea. They didn't say what they drink on the ship, but it sounds like they don't drink wine there, either.

You don't have this drink in Brooklyn. It's a southern thing. VERY sweet iced tea. You have to start with the tea hot in order to dissolve sufficient sugar to make the tea really sweet. Then you cool it. It's way too sweet for my taste. When my SIL lived in Charleston she told me the recipe is one tea bag and a pound of sugar in one quart of water. I think that's an exaggeration, but you get the idea.

But don't feel bad that you don't have sweet tea in Brooklyn. They don't have egg creams in the south. :D

You're right it is southern, I use a cup of sugar to a gallon of tea.

Have no idea what "egg creams" are :confused:

[rr96817]

Total newbie here. I didn't know you could bring alcohol on board. Please, someone explain to me what their policy is. I'm not a soda drinker and neither is DH. But he likes his wine at dinner. How does it work if we bring our own wine at dinner. Again, a newbie cruiser on HAL.

[Honeybearhollow]

To answer the OP's question...


...because I enjoy Diet Mountain Dew and enjoy drinking it on my balcony while I watch the sea go by!

...because I can buy a 12 pack of soda at my local supermarket on sale for about $2.50 which is just a little more than one can of soda would cost me on the ship. I keep the soda in my stateroom and don't have to run up or downstairs to a bar to get it.

...because it is easier than calling room service

...why do some people "lug" a special suit case full of shoes on board a ship? That is a question for another day for some people who have too much time on their hands!;)
Okay, I drqw the line on shoes. All the women know how important they are. If DH says I have to choose between cokes and shoes, I will definitely have to go with shoes. DH actually did say I have to cut down on the next cruise. I did have a suitcase last time, but it wasn't a very BIG suitcase.

[English_in_Spain]

Total newbie here. I didn't know you could bring alcohol on board. Please, someone explain to me what their policy is. I'm not a soda drinker and neither is DH. But he likes his wine at dinner. How does it work if we bring our own wine at dinner. Again, a newbie cruiser on HAL.

Here is HAL's policy

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES BROUGHT ON BOARD
Except for wine and champagne, alcoholic beverages purchased in the ship’s stores or otherwise brought on the ship cannot be consumed on the ship. Bottles and other containers will be collected for safekeeping and delivered to your stateroom on the last day of the voyage. The ship’s stores sell liquor for take-home only at reduced tax-free prices. These purchases will be delivered to your stateroom on the last day of the voyage. A corkage fee of US$18.00 (subject to change) applies to wine and champagne brought to the restaurants or bars for consumption. In-Room Dining offers reduced-price stateroom beverage packages for in-stateroom consumption of alcoholic beverages.

Basically, you can bring on as much wine and soft drinks (not beer or spirits) as you like at the start of the cruise or at any of the ports of call for drinking in your stateroom.

If you take the wine to a restaurant or bar you will be charged for drinking it there.

[Boytjie]

I think Beebob1 did anwer your question. The answer was sweet tea. They didn't say what they drink on the ship, but it sounds like they don't drink wine there, either.

You don't have this drink in Brooklyn. It's a southern thing. VERY sweet iced tea. You have to start with the tea hot in order to dissolve sufficient sugar to make the tea really sweet. Then you cool it. It's way too sweet for my taste. When my SIL lived in Charleston she told me the recipe is one tea bag and a pound of sugar in one quart of water. I think that's an exaggeration, but you get the idea.

But don't feel bad that you don't have sweet tea in Brooklyn. They don't have egg creams in the south. :D

I don't know how sweet tea crept into the discussion.... The thread has been bringing your own drinks on a ship. And I asked the question after this post:

Originally Posted by happy cruzer http://boards.cruisecritic.com/images/buttons/viewpost.gif (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=30748701#post30748701)
To have my beverage of choice, save money, and stay fit. To many of us it's not that much extra effort to roll on what we like. The day I have to go on a cruise that does not provide me an affordable way to enjoy a meal with my beverage of choice that is as good as I have in my own home is the day that I stop cruising and travel a different way.My question meant to get an answer to the question whether people bring their own favorite soda etc. into a land based restaurant; since apparently it happens at sea a lot. I don't see a big difference between eating in a restaurant on land and a dining facility on a ship.

As for sweet tea, I am well aware of what it is, even though I am living in Brooklyn. There are actually southern restaurants in New York City! :rolleyes:

I do travel and expose myself to different things. I am from a part of the world where hot tea is the norm, with milk, thanks. I have come to like iced tea but since I don't take sugar in tea or coffee, sweet tea is just not my... uh... cup of tea. ;)

[JR767]

And I have also stated that I wish HAL would stop people from brining cases of wine onto the ship. Maybe limit it to one bottle per person.



Please tell us - why would the amount or type of wine passengers choose to bring aboard affect you in the slightest.

In fact, please tell us why what passengers bring aboard - as long as it's not illicit or dangerous - is any of your business at all, whatsoever?

[m steve]

you got that right even if you are new to this site. It's really not anyone's business what and how much you bring on board. I like egg creams, don't like sweet tea.

[mor mor]

Please tell us - why would the amount or type of wine passengers choose to bring aboard affect you in the slightest.

In fact, please tell us why what passengers bring aboard - as long as it's not illicit or dangerous - is any of your business at all, whatsoever?

Well you are right of course. But I might ask why someone does something just to see if I might learn something - a reason to do something I hadn't thought of.

[JR767]

Well you are right of course. But I might ask why someone does something just to see if I might learn something - a reason to do something I hadn't thought of.

Sure, and that's fine. I wasn't commenting on the OP asking why people bring (or lug) wine or soda aboard. My comment was directed at the poster Krazy Kruiser who stated that she believes that HAL should limit the amount of wine passengers bring aboard to one bottle per person. I was asking Krazy Kruiser why it was any of her business what pax bring aboard.

[Sea42]

My question meant to get an answer to the question whether people bring their own favorite soda etc. into a land based restaurant; since apparently it happens at sea a lot. I don't see a big difference between eating in a restaurant on land and a dining facility on a ship.
;)
The difference for us is that with a land based restaurant you're looking at about 3 hours without your favorite beverage where with a cruise it may be anywhere 7 to 14 days (or much longer for some lucky people). I do see a big difference there. And if you have brought a few bottles of your favorite wine along with you on the ship, and if it's allowed, why not enjoy a bottle with your evening meal? For me it would be a waste of money to pay for a wine that I might not care for when it's permissible to bring one that I enjoy for half the price.

[jtl513]

I was asking Krazy Kruiser why it was any of her business what pax bring aboard.She has stated before that she believes if HAL did not allow wine to be brought aboard, that would lead to a lowering of the prices on board. I disagree with the theory.

[esther e]

I'm the OP. Just to clarify "lug" which seems to bug some people, I "lug" everything from a vacuum cleaner to a laundry basket to my cats. Some
"bring," "carry," or "lug." I'm a lugger.

[jtl513]

I'm the OP. Just to clarify "lug" which seems to bug some people, I "lug" everything from a vacuum cleaner to a laundry basket to my cats. Some
"bring," "carry," or "lug." I'm a lugger.I schlep! :D

[Softball20]

I'm a schlepper, too, and I'll be schlepping wine that I'll buy in the various ports, along with several pairs of shoes that I'll be schlepping from home :)

[Boytjie]

The difference for us is that with a land based restaurant you're looking at about 3 hours without your favorite beverage where with a cruise it may be anywhere 7 to 14 days (or much longer for some lucky people). I do see a big difference there. And if you have brought a few bottles of your favorite wine along with you on the ship, and if it's allowed, why not enjoy a bottle with your evening meal? For me it would be a waste of money to pay for a wine that I might not care for when it's permissible to bring one that I enjoy for half the price.

I have no issue with one's own wine taken to a dining area - and paying a corkage fee. It's specifically allowed by HAL. I personally have an issue with bringing food and/or beverages into a dining establishment (unless its permitted, like a BYOB restaurant).

And I have no issue with bringing beverages onboard (according to the rules).

[Beebob1]

What would be a reasonable upcharge? And how does HAL's upcharge compare to restaurants you frequent?

What do you do when you eat out in restaurants?

I don't know how sweet tea crept into the discussion.... The thread has been bringing your own drinks on a ship. And I asked the question after this post:
My question meant to get an answer to the question whether people bring their own favorite soda etc. into a land based restaurant; since apparently it happens at sea a lot. I don't see a big difference between eating in a restaurant on land and a dining facility on a ship.

As for sweet tea, I am well aware of what it is, even though I am living in Brooklyn. There are actually southern restaurants in New York City! :rolleyes:

I do travel and expose myself to different things. I am from a part of the world where hot tea is the norm, with milk, thanks. I have come to like iced tea but since I don't take sugar in tea or coffee, sweet tea is just not my... uh... cup of tea. ;)

I was going by your question of "restaurant"s outside of sailing. The point of sweet tea is that IS an option eating out back home. However HAL doesn't have the choice of sweet tea. Glad to know others are aware of sweet tea up north but in the south it is a drink of choice. Since I don't drink any type of hot drink then hot tea isn't my cup of tea ;)

After all this :confused: think I may need a stiff drink :D

[Boytjie]

I was going by your question of "restaurant"s outside of sailing. The point of sweet tea is that IS an option eating out back home. However HAL doesn't have the choice of sweet tea. Glad to know others are aware of sweet tea up north but in the south it is a drink of choice. Since I don't drink any type of hot drink then hot tea isn't my cup of tea ;)

After all this :confused: think I may need a stiff drink :D

So do you brew your own sweet tea on a cruise? :D

[aikensbest]

As a person that does not drink wine, I find it offensive that wine is allowed but other spirits are not. I enjoy a nice Bourbon, or Vodka, but not allowed to bring it on board. Can anyone tell me why? I have to spend $6 or more to enjoy a drink while sitting on my balcony, while wine drinkers can bring their own bottles. Makes no sense to me.

[RuthC]

I enjoy a nice Bourbon, or Vodka, but not allowed to bring it on board. Can anyone tell me why?
Pure and simple: Because HAL says so.
HAL is the one who gets to make the decision on this. They have also decided that you may purchase a bottle of hard liquor to have in your cabin, so that you may also sit and enjoy a drink on your balcony.

[Beebob1]

So do you brew your own sweet tea on a cruise? :D

To be honest if HAL would allow it I would love to bring my tea maker along. I don't believe they allow items like that to be brought on plus the frig is to small for a gallon size.

[3rdGenCunarder]

To be honest if HAL would allow it I would love to bring my tea maker along. I don't believe they allow items like that to be brought on plus the frig is to small for a gallon size.

The fridge probably couldn't get a gallon of anything cold enough. A lot of the HAL fridges don't get very cold.

I travel with a large plastic travel mug to make iced coffee. I get a mug of coffee at the Lido, put in a small amount of sugar, then dump it over a lot of ice cubes in my mug. (Obvoiusly, I don't mind if it gets somewhat weak.) You could do something similar at the Lido by making a mug of hot tea, putting in lots of sugar, then when the sugar is dissoved, dump that onto a bunch of ice cubes. It means brewing each glass, but it's better than nothing.

[JR767]

She has stated before that she believes if HAL did not allow wine to be brought aboard, that would lead to a lowering of the prices on board. I disagree with the theory.



Ah. I guess I jumped on that too quickly. Thanks for letting me know that Krazy had a reason for her statement.

I disagree with the theory as well, but her angle on that makes her statement more understandable, in a sense.

[3rdGenCunarder]

Ah. I guess I jumped on that too quickly. Thanks for letting me know that Krazy had a reason for her statement.

I disagree with the theory as well, but her angle on that makes her statement more understandable, in a sense.

Ae HAL's wine prices more than those of lines that don't let you take on wine?

[JR767]

I'm the OP. Just to clarify "lug" which seems to bug some people, I "lug" everything from a vacuum cleaner to a laundry basket to my cats. Some
"bring," "carry," or "lug." I'm a lugger.

Ah - in the military, we would 'hump'.

Of course, that has some unfortunate connotations, so I guess 'lug' and 'schlep' are perfectly acceptable. :)

[Boytjie]

As a person that does not drink wine, I find it offensive that wine is allowed but other spirits are not. I enjoy a nice Bourbon, or Vodka, but not allowed to bring it on board. Can anyone tell me why? I have to spend $6 or more to enjoy a drink while sitting on my balcony, while wine drinkers can bring their own bottles. Makes no sense to me.

Who that HAL knows....

[George C]

many people sneak scotch etc on board, there are random checks but it is not hard to do (not that I would ever think about briniging a bottle or 2 of cognac on board ), since I am also from brooklyn and like pefer egg creams.

[Beebob1]

The fridge probably couldn't get a gallon of anything cold enough. A lot of the HAL fridges don't get very cold.

I travel with a large plastic travel mug to make iced coffee. I get a mug of coffee at the Lido, put in a small amount of sugar, then dump it over a lot of ice cubes in my mug. (Obvoiusly, I don't mind if it gets somewhat weak.) You could do something similar at the Lido by making a mug of hot tea, putting in lots of sugar, then when the sugar is dissoved, dump that onto a bunch of ice cubes. It means brewing each glass, but it's better than nothing.

Cool idea, thanks will work when I'm near there.

[jtl513]

As a person that does not drink wine, I find it offensive that wine is allowed but other spirits are not. ... Can anyone tell me why?I believe they started the policy because there are many more variations in wine that people prefer than there are differences between liquors or beers. I would like to be able to bring some good dark beer aboard (legally), but they say I can't so I don't.

[Jo-Bob]

I believe they started the policy because there are many more variations in wine that people prefer than there are differences between liquors or beers. I would like to be able to bring some good dark beer aboard (legally), but they say I can't so I don't.


Exactly. 1000's of different wines....a few dozen different scotch's, et al.

[cruise kitty]

Hi Esther,

We've only had on HAL cruise, & we definitely were "luggers" on it! We brought a small carry on bag filled with wine for DH & cheap champagne for me. Also, 2 gallon sized bottles of water & our reusable water bottles. We very much enjoyed the convenience of having a glass (or 2 or 3:D ) on our balcony whenever we wished. The fact that it saved us several hundred dollars definitely added to the enjoyment.

We still ordered wine with dinner, & bought drinks around the pool, in fact we bought a discounted drink card, I think it was $50 in drinks for $45.

If we couldn't bring on wine/champagne the revenue would not switch over to HAL, we probably just wouldn't order room service wine or use the mini bar, too expensive for us.

[Beebob1]

Hate to ask but what are egg creams?

[fann1sh]

Egg creams have neither egg nor cream. :)

A chocolate soda of chocolate syrup, milk, and soda water.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Egg_cream

As that article notes, it's a beverage that can't be bottled - has to be made fresh.

[bepsf]

Dad likes to bring a case of vino or bubbly when we take longer cruises - and he leaves space in the case for a few bottles of his favorite organic Ginger Ale. He's not really "Lugging" it as the case is tagged and sent aboard the ship with the rest of the luggage...
...the wine is something he enjoys sharing with our friends at dinner or during parties - the Ginger Ale isn't available aboard ship and helps settle his tummy, and he still enjoys a beer from the bar in the afternoon or a cocktail before his dinner.

If it makes him happy, it makes me happy.
:)

[fitters]

I don't see why it should bother others what someone else brings onboard - as long as its within the HAL guidelines and is consumed accordingly. If someone wants to lug around a bag full of cokes and wine bottles, thats ok by me.

I actually like that I get the option to bring on a few beverages of my choice. I do occasionally enjoy a Pepsi and I hear HAL is all Coke! I plan to bring a few beverages along when I sail. Perhaps not a suitcase full, but a 6 pack until we hit port again should get us through.

To each their own....

DITTO!! If you are worried about what others are bringing on board, you need to start worrying about yourself. I bring soda on board and I will continue to bring soda onboard.....

[fitters]

I don't see why it should bother others what someone else brings onboard - as long as its within the HAL guidelines and is consumed accordingly. If someone wants to lug around a bag full of cokes and wine bottles, thats ok by me.

I actually like that I get the option to bring on a few beverages of my choice. I do occasionally enjoy a Pepsi and I hear HAL is all Coke! I plan to bring a few beverages along when I sail. Perhaps not a suitcase full, but a 6 pack until we hit port again should get us through.

To each their own....

DITTO!! If you are worried about what others are bringing on board, you need to start worrying about yourself. I bring soda on board and I will continue to bring soda onboard.....

[AmyinVail]

I don't know about the revenue to the line in regards to the wine policy. It is true that my bar bill is lower when I'm allowed to bring items onboard...but not terribly lower. With the money we're saving on random drinks (mimosa in morning, a glass of wine on the balcony in the afternoon, etc.), we due tend to splurge on higher ticket items through the ship; a bottle of Dom or Veuve after dinner, specialty martinis.....don't know how that equates out to the bottom line to the ship. Granted, most of us abide by the rules; no smoking, no bringing onboard alcohol of any kind, etc. But, let's be honest....to a large percentage, it doesn't matter. People sneak on booze & far too many smokers on my last Celebrity cruise. Wouldn't it be dandy if we could all just follow the policies??? :rolleyes: