liquor purchases on board

[Old Broad]

Is it possible to purchase a bottle of say, gin, or scotch, at the bar or from room service to have for drinks in the cabin? I don't always feel like going to a lounge and what's the use of a veranda if you can't enjoy the sunset with a cocktail? If such a purchase is possible, what sort of prices do they charge?

[hammybee]

Your "handle" is cute. Of course you can order a bottle from room service and dance the night away in the privacy of your cabin and / or veranda.

I have no idea the cost as I have not done this. Someone who knows more than I will chime in soon.

[sail7seas]

You can call Ship Services prior to going on your cruise and order a bottle for your room. It will be waiting for you when you board.

1-800-541-1576 Have your booking number, date of cruise and credit card handy when you call.

Enjoy.

[CBJ]

Hi,
I asked this awhile back and from my understanding, you can either pre-order a bottle (with or without mixes) or just order from room service once you get on the ship.

Someone had posted a price list from a recent cruise - I don't have it, but as I recall, your run of the mill vodka/gin/whiskey/rum was about $30 for a litre bottle.

[boards]

We ordered a bottle of Cdn. Club from room service and it $34 + 5.10 service charge. We ordered one through Ship Services for $35 - no service charge.

[Karen H]

I just ordered liquor for our cabin on a HAL cruise we are taking next month. Here is the price list as e-mailed to me and it was dated April 2006:

ITEM DESCRIPTION PRICE
GINS
1687 GIN: BEEFEATER $26.90
1688 GIN: TANQUERAY $33.10
1686 GIN: BOMBAY SAPPHIRE $38.00

LIQUEURS
1316 LIQUEURS: AMARETTO $39.35
1317 LIQUEURS: BAILEYS IRISH CREAM $41.40
1320 LIQUEURS: COINTREAU $53.80
1321 LIQUEURS: DRAMBUIE $49.70
1323 LIQUEURS: GRAND MARNIER $74.50
1330 LIQUEURS: SAMBUCA - OPAL NERA $39.35
1325 LIQUEURS: SOUTHERN COMFORT $39.35
1326 LIQUEURS: TIA MARIA $39.35

RUM
1693 RUM: BACARDI GOLD $26.90
1694 RUM: BACARDI WHITE $26.90
1695 RUM: BACARDI LIMON $29.00
1692 RUM: MYERS $30.00

SCOTCH/WHISKEY/BRANDY
1707 SCOTCH: BALLENTINES $34.15
1714 SCOTCH: CHIVAS REGAL - 12 Y.O. $57.95
1706 SCOTCH: DEWAR'S White Label $39.35

1708 SCOTCH: J & B RARE $37.25
1716 SCOTCH: J. WALKER BLACK LABEL $70.40
1710 SCOTCH: J. WALKER RED LABEL $37.25

1728 BOURBON: JACK DANIELS BLACK $45.55
1722 BOURBON: JIM BEAM $24.85

1732 WHISKEY: CANADIAN CLUB $30.00
1736 WHISKEY: CROWN ROYAL $39.35
1738 WHISKEY: SEAGRAMS 7 $26.90
1734 WHISKEY: SEAGRAMS V.O. $26.90

1705 WHISKEY - IRISH: JAMESON $39.35

1701 COGNAC: HENNESSY VS $78.65
1702 COGNAC: REMY MARTIN VSOP $89.00
1703 COGNAC: REMY MARTIN XO $236.00

SHERRY
1656 SHERRY: HARVEY'S MEDIUM $60.05
1657 SHERRY: TIO PEPE $39.35
TEQUILA:
1697 TEQUILA: JOSE QUERVO GOLD $35.20
1696 TEQUILA: JOSE QUERVO 1800 $43.45

VODKA:
1698 VODKA: ABSOLUT $29.00
0698 VODKA: ABSOLUT - CITRON $31.05
0691 VODKA: STOLICH**** $24.85
1691 VODKA: SKYY $29.00
2691 VODKA: FINLANDIA $24.85
1690 VODKA: SMIRNOFF $24.85
0690 VODKA: CHOPiN $64.15
1699 VODKA: GREY GOOSE $68.30
3691 VODKA: TANGUERAY STERLING $31.05
3690 VODKA: BELVEDERE $64.15


All items have a 15% service charge included. Prices are subject to change.

[Blackneto]

I'll pay those prices. seems to be $10 tacked on to the price of things here in Illinois. the mark up is no where near what it is for wine.
None of my favorites on the list but theres nothing i'd turn my nose up at either. Except the Jack Daniels.
Can't bring myself to drink it since they've surreptitiously lowered the proof from 90 to 80 over the past 15 years. but thats a rant best left to a different venue.

[AAAAmerican]

J W Blue I have had and seen aboard.

No divots either....:eek:

[noblepa]

Do you know if those bottles are a full liter or 750 ml? The bottles usually sold in stores around here (Cleveland, Ohio) are 750ml, while the bottles sold in the duty-free shops onboard are a full liter.

Paul Noble

[elmorejj]

They are definitely a full litre. One time we ordered, and rec`d 40oz bottles:cool:

[Blackneto]

well i'm set for the week. Just ordered a bottle of gin for me, and some strawberries and other trinkets for the wife.

Thanks for the list Karen

[boards]

I was wondering if it possible to pre-order a bottle of Canadian Club for cruise that is sailing out of Auckland, NZ in Nov.? Sounds like a dumb question, but the New Zealand is pretty far from here, maybe they don't bring that brand with them.

[we2cruisers]

I would just call ship services and ask, they are very helpful and nice. I just got off the phone with them and ordered Vodka and Rum for our cruise in Dec.

[Old Broad]

Thanks so much to you and all the others, this is great infromation.

[ricjac22]

Hi - just wanted to let everyone know, I just called HAL to order my liquor for my cruise. According to the rep, the size of the bottles are fifths, I think that's even smaller than the 750 ml right? They didn't have the kind I wanted, but wanted to pass on the info.

Happy cruising,
Jac

[elmorejj]

I think she gave you the wrong info.....what else is new.......they are definitely liters. I have ordered many, many times and that is what I always rec`d:cool:

[ricjac22]

Funny you should say that, when I told her that I was reading the cruise critic forum she told me not to do that because its filled with wrong info.

Truth be told, she sounded annoyed with my questions and anxious to get off the phone (boy do I hate that).

Other things she said, include, no jeans in dining room in the evening. Need notarized letter of consent from non-traveling parent. Does not have child count for cruising I'm taking.

Frankly, after what you just posted, I'm thinking her credibility is shot.

Happy sailing and thanks for the info,
jac

[Blackneto]

I talked to Gwen when I placed my order. She was nothing but pleasant.
That may be due to the fact that we had quite a few laughs during the call.

Gwen: Have a nice time on your trip
Me: I'll try
Gwen: You shouldn't have to try
Me: You're right, besides I'm lazy. I never do anything thats hard.

[ricjac22]

Did Gwen specifically say the size of the bottles are 1 litre? There's a big difference between a litre and a fifth! I've looked high and low on the HAL website to try to find the list that was posted to see if the size was in writing, but can't find it anywhere.

Happy sailings,
jac

[newmexicoNita]

I was wondering if it possible to pre-order a bottle of Canadian Club for cruise that is sailing out of Auckland, NZ in Nov.? Sounds like a dumb question, but the New Zealand is pretty far from here, maybe they don't bring that brand with them.
I don't know about that but we ordered a bar set up when sailing out of Dover, England last year and a cliant just did one who is sailing out of Barcelona next month. NMNita

[RuthC]

...Other things she said, include, Need notarized letter of consent from non-traveling parent. <snip> I'm thinking her credibility is shot.
She got that one right. If a child is traveling with less than two parents you need a permission statement signed by each absent parent.
If it's impossible to get written permission from a missing parent (death, whereabouts unknown, uncooperative) there are alternatives that can be brought.

[newmexicoNita]

Hi - just wanted to let everyone know, I just called HAL to order my liquor for my cruise. According to the rep, the size of the bottles are fifths, I think that's even smaller than the 750 ml right? They didn't have the kind I wanted, but wanted to pass on the info.

Happy cruising,
JacJac,I haven't ordered from HAL but 4 other lines in the past. They have always been liters and yes, a 5th is quite small. I didn't even know they still made 5th, I haven't heard that since my parents used to buy 4 Roses. LOL

[SnorkelBear]

A fifth usually refers to fifth of a gallon, or approx. 750ml.:)

[Blackneto]

Did Gwen specifically say the size of the bottles are 1 litre? There's a big difference between a litre and a fifth! I've looked high and low on the HAL website to try to find the list that was posted to see if the size was in writing, but can't find it anywhere.

Happy sailings,
jac

to tell the truth i didn't ask. I assumed it was a 5th (750ml).
I believe the list not on the HAL site but only available on request. At least this is the info i've gathered from this board.

[ricjac22]

Silly me, I was thinking a fifth was like a pocket size flask!!!

Thanks Ruth for the input on documentation requirements. Our agent did not mention it. I know that Mexico relaxed its rules regarding this requirement awhile ago, but much better safe than sorry since my hubby is quite available (and a little unhappy not to be going) to sign a letter.

I've cruised on several different lines, but judging by what I read here, I think that HAL is quickly going to become my favorite. I'm jumping out of my skin in anticipation, but trying not to be toooo happy when hubby is around!!

31 days and counting!
Jac

[waterbug1]

Ricjac22 –
Here is an example of a permission to travel letter that is acceptable to the cruise lines. Please note that they would like it notarized. We had to have one when we cruised to Mexico (and anytime we have left the country.) Have a great trip!:)

Just copy and paste this link to the address line:
http://www.singleparenttravel.net/Writing/Documentation/NotarizedLetter.htm

[Capt. & Teach]

I just ordered Irish Mist from Shera at HAL. The ship does not usually carry it, but she said they would have it the room waiting for me when I get there. Really nice person.

Capt&Teach:)

Sorry I got on the wrong site.

[Capt. & Teach]

The Zuiderdam does not usually carry Irish Mist, but Shera at HAL told me that they would get some and have it in my room when I arive. Such a nice lady to work with.
:)
Capt & Teach

[ricjac22]

Thank you Waterbug, have a sent it off to my sister as well (since we're both ditching our hubbies for the cruise)!

Appreciate all the help!
Jac

[Capt. & Teach]

We just ordered two bottles--one they have and the other they are ordering especially for us. She was very pleasant and actually e-mailed me back after she e-mailed the ship to see if they had it on board. Promised to have it in our cabin when we board on the 30th. She told me they were 750--or possibly larger. I am sure they will try their best to get what you want. D&J SORRY TO REPEAT INFORMATION--DON WAS DOING THE SAME THING ON ANOTHER COMPUTER.

[RedmondCruiser]

The liquor store on board is a concession. With the halting of taking a bottle back to your stateroom, their sales had to go down. Now with the new regualtions on airline travel people cannot take that four pack onto the plane. Sales have dropped again. --- talked to a person who worked in the liquor store when the new regualtions took place. He said that several hundred orders were cancelled. The only people taking liquor off the ship will probably be those people who are not flying home. Therefore with sales dropping can it be long before liquor sales disappear ?

[elmorejj]

Maybe they`ll start to let us take it back to the cabin again.........at a little less cost than Seattle charges. At least HAL would get some commission. I am sure there are a ton of travellers who know nothing about ordering ahead from ships services:cool:

[ricjac22]

The Zuiderdam does not usually carry Irish Mist, but Shera at HAL told me that they would get some and have it in my room when I arive. Such a nice lady to work with.
:)
Capt & Teach

Hey Capt & Teach -

I wanted Bacardi Silver and they do not carry it for shipboard orders. I did call back and speak with a very nice gentlemen who said he would look into getting it for me and email me back.

He did email back (very promptly) but said that they could not provide the liquor in my cabin, but I could purchase it when I get onboard.

I emailed right back asking where, since I thought the policy was you couldn't purchase onboard and consume in your room. Scott got right back to me again and said I could purchase it from the my cabin steward or one of the bars. Buying a bottle from the bar seems like a big loophole in their policy.

Anyone have any experience with this? I printed out the email from Scott to bring onboard.

Thanks for all the input,

Jac

26 days to go

[Krazy Kruizers]

We have gone all three routes. Sometimes we have ordered from ship services - no 15% gratuity added on.

Other times we have waited until we have gotten on the ship and ordered through room service - 15% gratuity added on. And if you cruise out of a Florida port and don't wait till the ship is 10 miles out to see, another 6% Florida tax will be added on.

And then one time we were getting a little low and knew one of the bar tenders - had sailed with him a couple of other times -- and ordered a bottle from him. He went and got the bottle and he got the 15% gratuity.

[HJK001]

Can you bring your own alcohol on board? We just traveled on the Disney Wonder, and we brought on our own drinks. THAT was really nice, and saved a lot of $$ on board.

[sail7seas]

We are permitted to only bring wine or champagne aboard with us. We are not permitted to bring any other liquor including beer.

You can bring water and soda/pop if you wish.

[HJK001]

Thanks for the tip on the wine and champagne!!!!
Heidi

[noblepa]

Can you bring your own alcohol on board? We just traveled on the Disney Wonder, and we brought on our own drinks. THAT was really nice, and saved a lot of $$ on board.

At the risk of starting a flame war regarding the smuggling of booze on board, I will just say that HAL probably doesn't check too closely for booze that is in your checked luggage.

I know that the rules say only wine and champagne may be brought aboard, and I've never tried to smuggle hard liquor. However, you can probably get away with it, if it will fit in your luggage.

On our Mexican Riviera cruise on the Oosterdam last April, we went ashore in Puerta Vallarta and brought back a bottle of Tequila. I was carrying it in a plastic bag and put it on the conveyor to go through the x-ray machine. I didn't bring it up and no one asked what was in the bag, although the shape made it clear that it was a bottle. It went through without question. I had expected them to confiscate it and return it just before arrival back in San Diego.

I'm not advocating smuggling, so please don't flame me. I'm just pointing out that it is not that hard to do, if you're so inclined.

Me, I prefer tot travel much lighter than that. I'd like to travel with nothing but my ticket, passport and a credit card, if I could, and buy everything I need along the way.

Paul Noble

[Krazy Kruizers]

With the way airlines and crew at the docks and on the ships handle luggage, I wouldn't risk having anything broken and ruining clothes.

Cheaper to buy alcohol on Board than new clothes.

[Capt. & Teach]

This is exactly the opposite of what we did. We ordered 2 different things--they had the Baileys but not the Irish mist.
Shera Lewis
Ship Services
800 541 1576
206 508 8559 Fax
ext. 2786
slewis2@hollandamerica.com This is the lady that did it for us and e-mailed the ship and made arrangements for the irish mist that they didn't have. Don and Judi

[Capt. & Teach]

This is the lady that did it for us. She was very helpful and pleasant. Arranged to get the liquor ordered for us and promised it would be in the cabin when we got there. Don and Judi
Shera Lewis
Ship Services
800 541 1576
206 508 8559 Fax
ext. 2786
slewis2@hollandamerica.com

[Capt. & Teach]

Sorry I didn't put your name on the previous post--to much on the mind today. Hope it helps you-- with what you want. Judi

[PSR]

This is exactly the opposite of what we did. We ordered 2 different things--they had the Baileys but not the Irish mist.
Shera Lewis
Ship Services
800 541 1576
206 508 8559 Fax
ext. 2786
slewis2@hollandamerica.com This is the lady that did it for us and e-mailed the ship and made arrangements for the irish mist that they didn't have. Don and Judi

Don and Judi:

Just a question...hope I'm not nosy...but are you in a suite? Wonder if she would do this for all cabin categories. We have ordered from ships services several times with good results (and LARGE bottles), but we didn't try to ask for an item not on their list. I am pretty sure you can always purchase a bottle from one of the bars, too. We didn't even think to buy a bottle from the bar of something that we couldn't order pre-cruise. Whoops!!!

Penny:rolleyes:

[Capt. & Teach]

We are not in a suite--but a wake cabin. She didn't even ask me where we were on the ship until we got ready to make arrangements to have the liquor delivered. I don't think that makes a difference at all. She was very pleasant and very helpful. Judi

[JR Ewing]

It's not that hard. If what you drink isn't available in plastic bottles you can easily find plastic screw top flasks. Just load them up - make the seal tight and double-ziploc and place inside your luggage. If you buy the flasks with a metal top that can double for a shot glass - leave that off. They set off alarms. We pack 2 750's in each suit case - right in the middle as we drink different things and in case one case is lost we're set. We drive and don't fly to port so we may have an advantage. The booze is always in plain sight and never touched by staff while on the cruise. This is after 10 cruises. We pack our mixers - diet tonic (never available) and club soda in our carry on. Easy deal and zero issues. Of course our bar tab is still huge but when we want to toss back a couple while getting ready for dinner I won't pay their prices.

[PSR]

We are not in a suite--but a wake cabin. She didn't even ask me where we were on the ship until we got ready to make arrangements to have the liquor delivered. I don't think that makes a difference at all. She was very pleasant and very helpful. Judi

Thanks for the info. Nice to know!

Penny
:)

[FLACRUISER99]

And if you cruise out of a Florida port and don't wait till the ship is 10 miles out to see, another 6% Florida tax will be added on.


As soon as the Casino opens FL tax is off.

[sswitenki]

I called ships services and ordered dinner for 2 at the Pinnacle - old rate $20 per person, Crown Royal for $39.35, Beefeater Gin $26.90 and Tonic Water $6.03. These will be in my suite on the Volendam January 12, 2007. Thanks to all for letting me know I could order ahead and take advantage of the cheaper rates at the Pinnacle! January will be here before I know it. The planning is almost as fun - well not quite - but enjoyable anyway.

[skyedoggie]

Does anyone know if Vermouth is available when ordering through Ship Services? I haven't seen any mention of it. Need it for making our beloved martinis:D