Bourbon Man Needs Help With Wine/Spa

[dewhit6959]

I would be most appreciative if one and all would advise me of the selection of a wine package. I am a bourbon drinker, however my wife has become rather fond of wine with meals since the children are gone. I do not know one wine from another, but was wanting to order a wine package thru ships services before our sailing November 20th. Should I have the local wine person at our liquor store make suggestions for me to request? Would the sommelier on board choose the wines or will I be asked to make the choices? Also, should I skip ship services and place this order with my cabin bourbon order when I arrive? Please tell me of the difference in the regular wine package and the "Admiralty" package as I do not want to disappoint my wife because I cannot tell a difference in any with the exception of color. Many thanks.


P.S. Not to press my luck, but should her spa treatments be ordered thru ship services or thru the concierge? Thanks once again.

[jazzsea]

Those two words are heaven to my ears.

First the spa. Make the appointments onboard. Some days there are specials offered on treatments, especially on port days.

Order the wine package, either four bottles or six bottles from ship services. The wine steward will discuss the wines with you and your wife can give her input. You know, red or white; sweet or dry.

Also write down the info on the labels from the wine that she drinks now. This info will help the wine steward find the type of wine she likes.

Order your bourbon through ships services in advance. You will be able to pick your brand.

November 20. Is that the Zaandam?

[Krazy Kruizers]

:)

By ordering through Ship Services in advance, your bourbon will be ready for you when you sail away and you won't have to pay the 15% gratuity charge or the 7% Florida tax (added on if you order when you get on the ship if Florida waters) - other wise you have to wait till you are about 10 miles out to sea to avoid the Florida tax.

:)

[dewhit6959]

Dear Jazz & Krazy Cruisers,

Thank you for the information. I am trying to make most of the arrangements my self and have a few surprises in place for the wife, but I am more accustomed to business travel and pleasure cruising is different. For me to order wine is like picking out dresses at the store for the madam, I get close, but not exact!! It is better for me to write the check in that regard. I will call ship services and go from there. I thought I would go thru the wines at home and make choices, but gathered that several are undesirables, gifts or "orphans" from functions that are just collecting dust.
As for the spa, are there any particular types of manicure/pedicure/rubs or other that you would recommend? Would the concierge be helpful in this regard or should I visit the spa on boarding and do this myself? I have no intention of being rubbed with salt and limes,or having hot rocks laid on me but several women in the office said it sounded good. It is hard for me to believe you pay money to have these things slathered about your person, but to each their own.
Jazz, we will be on the Maasdam. I would like to try the Zuiderdam at some time in the future.
Thanking all for the answers and directions.

[cruzinchar]

:)

By ordering through Ship Services in advance, your bourbon will be ready for you when you sail away and you won't have to pay the 15% gratuity charge or the 7% Florida tax (added on if you order when you get on the ship if Florida waters) - other wise you have to wait till you are about 10 miles out to sea to avoid the Florida tax.

:)

I've been wondering whether to bother ordering wine ahead or buying it on the ship. With dinner, I'm sure we can buy a wine package once we board, can't we? For use in the dining room? I did get a list from Ship Services with liquor prices and wine prices if you ordered ahead and they all included what they called a 15% service charge. I realize that this is to consume in the cabin, not take to dinner. Is what you call the 15% gratuity charge the same as a service charge? I'll order ahead if it saves lots of money, otherwise, I'll just wait, I guess. Am I on the right track?

[elmorejj]

When we ordered scotch ahead of time it wasn`t delivered until we were in International waters, it was about 6pm when we got it. No tax or service was added to it.....jean :cool:

[Krazy Kruizers]

:)

The wine packages that are available for purchase can either be consumed in the cabin or in the restaurant. Wine packages aren't limited to just the cabin. It is the hard alcohol that is to be consumed in the cabin.

We ordered a bottle of Absolut when we got to the cabin on the Maasdam in May. It cost $26 with a 15% gratuity ($3.90) plus a 7% Florida tax ($1.82) for a total of $31.72.

Last Friday we ordered 2 bottles of Absolut (for October cruise) for $29 each which included the 15% gratuity. So we saved by ordering over the phone.

:)

[DFD1]

Dear Dewhit6959: LOL Your post about the hot rocks and lime was the best reading I've had all day. WHAT A HOOT!...and my sentements exactly. I know I'll never have the chance, but I'd love to meet you. Great wit. Have a grand time of your cruise. You're sailing on a really fine ship; one of my favorites. Oh, and one more thing, Your wife should be really happy about all the effort you're going to for her. Must be true love!

[merryecho]

All I can say is, your wife must be pretty wonderful to have found such a thoughtful, loving husband. I'm sure you will have the trip of a lifetime.

[gizmo]

I've been wondering whether to bother ordering wine ahead or buying it on the ship. With dinner, I'm sure we can buy a wine package once we board, can't we? For use in the dining room? I did get a list from Ship Services with liquor prices and wine prices if you ordered ahead and they all included what they called a 15% service charge. I realize that this is to consume in the cabin, not take to dinner. Is what you call the 15% gratuity charge the same as a service charge? I'll order ahead if it saves lots of money, otherwise, I'll just wait, I guess. Am I on the right track?
You are on the right track. They will have packages available when you board. There will be tables set up in the Lido and probably in the waiting area at the dock. You can also order a bottle of wine during the day to be delivered to your table that evening.

Yes the 15% is a service/gratutity charge. I don't think ordering ahead is going to save you that much money. I think the package sold on board might be the same, but maybe someone else can verify this .
Enjoy your cruise.