First timer trying to make sense of alcohol policy

[CBJ]

So you're not allowed to bring liquor on the ship, except for wine and champagne and then you pay a corkage fee to drink these in the dining room.

Then there are bottles of booze you can buy from the duty free, but you can't consume them on the ship.

Then there are bottles of booze you can order (from room service?) for consumption in your room, some of them are packaged together with mix (ie: bottle of gin and 3 cans of tonic). I believe it was about $29 for a litre of vodka, which may be crazy prices for the States but are not so bad compared to Canadian liquor store prices.

I read somewhere about prepaying for drink tickets (4 for $19 I think) and using those in the bars. Does HAL do this?

If I'm wrong in any of the above, can someone set me straight?

Thanks very much :)

[sail7seas]

So you're not allowed to bring liquor on the ship, except for wine and champagne and then you pay a corkage fee to drink these in the dining room.

Then there are bottles of booze you can buy from the duty free, but you can't consume them on the ship.

Then there are bottles of booze you can order (from room service?) for consumption in your room, some of them are packaged together with mix (ie: bottle of gin and 3 cans of tonic). I believe it was about $29 for a litre of vodka, which may be crazy prices for the States but are not so bad compared to Canadian liquor store prices.

I read somewhere about prepaying for drink tickets (4 for $19 I think) and using those in the bars. Does HAL do this?

If I'm wrong in any of the above, can someone set me straight?

Thanks very much :)

Yes, you have stated it accurately.

I have never heard of HAL having drink tickets. They have soda cards.....so many sodas for a certain amount of money. (We hardly drink soda so I don't know the specifics.)

[Cruising Illini]

The Veendam had wine by the glass cards last winter -- a good choice of about 4 house wines.

[seaisme]

On the Oosterdam we were able to purchase drink coupons...I don't remember how many were in the pack...something like 5-6. Saved $$$ on the drinks. Won't tell you how many packets we purchased! (it was a "girls only cruise")...without spouses... ;). Not certain if they have continued this offer (was last year). HAL is more flexible than other lines, at least they allow you to bring on wine...which we love to enjoy on our balcony with appetizers before dinner (remember...room service will bring you appetizers, etc.). And HAL isn't missing out on selling liquor...we always purchase their wine package for enjoyment with each dinner. I think HAL is more flexible because the customer base is usually a mature audience ...not your High School/college kids out for the time of their lives.

I have also purchased HAL's liquor packages for our cabin. Convenient...and it's easier than "sneaking" booze on board. If you REALLY want a treat...order the chocolate covered strawberries for in your cabin upon departure...yum!!! Makes for a very special sail-away!

Have fun on your cruise.
Cass