Question: Can We Bring Our Own Champagne? Zaandam Hawaii 1/5-20/07

[cruisersinsd]

First cruise to Hawaii on the Zaandam. Can we bring a bottle of champagne on board to drink in our room? Someone told us they usually pack it and HAL has never said anything. Any thoughts or suggestions? It is our anniversary and I wanted to bring our special bottle that is not sold on board. We were looking for a list of things we can and can't bring and it is not a lot of detail. We did read there is a $10 corking fee on HAL, so is it okay to pack in our suitcase or do we need to bring with us and hand over when we board?

Also, does anyone know what nights (dates) are formal nights on the ship, and how many nights are formal? Wondering how much formal attire to pack for this trip.

Any other suggestions from anyone would be appreciated. What to bring or not bring, etc. We've never been on a cruise to Hawaii nor have we been on a cruise for this length of days.

Thank you kindly. We are counting down the days!!! :) :) :)

[ndlamrow]

Cruisersinsd:
We went on the Zuiderdam in November to the Caribbean. We met friends in Florida prior to the cruise and they gave us a bottle of wine as a bon voyage gift. It was in a paper wine carrier with ribbon and a bow and we walked right on board with it. No problem whatsoever.
We had also sent ourselves a small bon voyage present of a couple of bottles of wine through a third party supplier and those we waiting in our room when we arrived all wrapped up. All we did was pack a corkscrew in our luggage -- and in fact when we arrived, there was one in the room probably left from the passengers before us. If you plan to drink the champagne in your room, just ask your room steward for a couple of champagne glasses. If you're going to drink it in the dining room, you very well may have to pay the corkage fee.

As fas as formal nights, I'm not sure on a 12 day. But I'd guess probably 3-4. Sorry, hope someone else can help you with that question.

Nancy

[cruisersinsd]

Thank you so much for your reply. This is great news that we can bring wine/champagne on board to drink in our room. There's a winery in Temecula, California, that we buy Almond Champagne from, it is fabulous and the flavor is absolutely wonderful. I believe this is the only winery in the United States that sells Almond Champagne?? Since HAL just upgraded us from the very bottom to the top, we will be spending lots of time now on our balcony instead of looking out our port hole window. I was excited before but now the thought of balcony with ocean view, all I can think about is sipping Champagne with my husband while enjoying the beautiful ocean view! Thanks again!

[spookwife]

Chateau Sinnet in Monterey County also does Almond sparkling wine (being a purist.. anything made stateside is NOT Champagne, of course.. the French get testy when California wineries try and place that label on their stuff)

I have a bottle in the fridge at the moment....

[cruisersinsd]

Thanks for the info on another winery that sells Almond Champagne. I'll have to try the one you suggested. If you love the Almond Champagne, check out this web site: http://www.wilsoncreekwinery.com/WineShop/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=ALMDCHAMP

We had a rather large party and served this champagne and everyone loved it and had never tried it before. We discovered it by going to a cocktail party and the caterer served this particular flavor/brand. It really is good.

Thanks for the info on the one you recommended. I look forward to giving it try, I'm sure I'll love it.

I know what you mean about the French not wanting us to call our sparking wine "champagne" -- The best champagne we've ever tasted was in Nice, France, it was the best in the world. We looked for it over here in the states but never found it, years later and I don't even remember the name.

Thanks again for your info. Happy New Year to You! :)