Bar prices

[ScottC4746]

I have decided to try and switch loyalty to HAL. How are the bar prices compared to normal on land prices?

[CDRMark]

SNIP..... How are the bar prices compared to normal on land prices?
Higher than the "Dew Drop Inn", less than Baccarat Bar at Bellagio.
I think they are fine. Others will disagree.
One may purchase a bottle of liquor for in-room consumption. Bottle prices onboard are more expensive than duty-free shops, less expensive than hotel room service. This will lower ones per-drink cost.
Before someone chimes in OT, I have not once experienced "cheap" pours in four cruises.
Cheers
Mark

[cf_chuck]

I have decided to try and switch loyalty to HAL. How are the bar prices compared to normal on land prices?

Welcome aboard. In my experience, they are about what a mid tier restaurant would charge. There's a question floating about the pour for liquor, I can't address that. In my experience, they're less expensive than hotel bars. Definitely more expensive than the neighborhood pub in most locations. The house wines tend to be less expensive than what you could get at a mid tier restaurant, and IMO, about the same quality. The daily specials on liquor drinks are a comparative deal when contrasted to the regular price or what you would pay in a mid tier restaurant when not on special.

[ScottC4746]

Welcome aboard. In my experience, they are about what a mid tier restaurant would charge. There's a question floating about the pour for liquor, I can't address that. In my experience, they're less expensive than hotel bars. Definitely more expensive than the neighborhood pub in most locations. The house wines tend to be less expensive than what you could get at a mid tier restaurant, and IMO, about the same quality. The daily specials on liquor drinks are a comparative deal when contrasted to the regular price or what you would pay in a mid tier restaurant when not on special.
I think, if memory serves, the prices on RCCL was about the same as Outback restuarants...around $8 for a basic martini.

[airlink diva]

To me the pricing is reasonable. I know one thing, HAL bartenders can make a great lemon drop martini :D :D !!

[Northshorecruisers]

We have found the cost to be comparable with going out for a drink in our home area. We always take a few bottles of wine to have while relaxing on our verandah or to have a glass prior to dinner.

[Hoyaheel]

Some actual HAL prices could help here:p I think the drink of the day is $6? Wine by the glass $5-8? Martinis $8? Just trying to remember what others have posted recently....

What things cost near your house is going to vary widely depending on where we all live....

[ScottC4746]

Some actual HAL prices could help here:p I think the drink of the day is $6? Wine by the glass $5-8? Martinis $8? Just trying to remember what others have posted recently....

What things cost near your house is going to vary widely depending on where we all live....
To me that is in line with land prices...part of that depends on what land you are talking about. I live in Los Angeles area so it is in line with the neighborhood prices. LA Hotels can be HIGH! I moved from Las Vegas and it is high for neighborhood prices matches the hotel/casino prices. I am from Houston originally and it is spot on everywhere.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Depending on the bar tender that you get you might say -- gee that is expensive for the 1 ounce that we got. Then on another ship you might say that it is reasonable because you got 1 1/2 ounces.

We have witnessed some bar tenders barely fill the shot glass to the white line and didn't care if he spilled the alcohol on the counter.

[O2B@C]

You can get a cocktail card which may save you some $. However, the per-drink price on the card may not be much different than the price for the "drink-of-the-day" special. (Since I have at most one or two drinks a day, I confess I didn't pay much attention to prices.)

HAL has some really fun specialty cocktails that I have not seen offered elsewhere (but then, I don't get out much:o ). I particularly liked the mango mojito and cosmo cubana.

[ScottC4746]

You can get a cocktail card which may save you some $. However, the per-drink price on the card may not be much different than the price for the "drink-of-the-day" special. (Since I have at most one or two drinks a day, I confess I didn't pay much attention to prices.)

HAL has some really fun specialty cocktails that I have not seen offered elsewhere (but then, I don't get out much:o ). I particularly liked the mango mojito and cosmo cubana.
Its a cruise so I usually go for the "foo foo" drinks or martinis.

[PathfinderEss]

Its a cruise so I usually go for the "foo foo" drinks or martinis.
If you like the martini's or foo-foo's you will want to get a cocktail card it keeps them more reasonable but really I think drinks on cruise ships do run a little under what we pay here in the OC.

[cf_chuck]

If you like the martini's or foo-foo's you will want to get a cocktail card it keeps them more reasonable but really I think drinks on cruise ships do run a little under what we pay here in the OC.


Also check out the daily cocktail special which is even less expensive. Often foo foo for you.

[cf_chuck]

Some actual HAL prices could help here:p I think the drink of the day is $6? Wine by the glass $5-8? Martinis $8? Just trying to remember what others have posted recently....

What things cost near your house is going to vary widely depending on where we all live....

Drink of the day was about what you stated in Feb this year. House wine was around $5 but other options could be higher than $8 depending on the venue and the brand. Don't do martinis, so can't comment, but IIRC some of the drink of the day specials were martinis of some sort (that I wouldn't recognize by watching 007 movies).

[Copper10-8]

Here are HAL's bar prices:

Cocktails of the Day @ $5.25:

Hand Shaken Mojito
Fresh Grapefruit Cosmopolitan
Hand Shaken Champagne Dream
Fresh Lime Margarita
Fresh Squeezed Lemon Drop
South Seas Aviation
Cucumbur Lime Smash

Signature Cocktail List & HAL Tropical Specialties @ $6.45:

Cosmo Cubana
Ultra-Strawberry Lemonade
"Tropical Tom"
Blue Coco Mojito
Luxury Espresso Martini

Cuban Mojito
Fresh Handshaken Margarita
Epic Lido Spiced Daiquiri
Tropical Cable Car
Sexy Citrus Cosmopolitan
Fresh Lemon Drop

Sunsicle
Strawberry Banana Ecstasy
The Raspberry Seabreeze
The Pool Side Car
The Classic Pina Colada

Tanqueray 0010 Martini
New Fashioned - Bermuda Style
New Fashioned - Kentucky Style

Ice Cold Martini
Manhattan
Mimosa
Side Car
Fresh Hand Pressed Sour
The Classic Tom Collins

Extraordinary Mocktails @ $3.25:

Fresh Grapefruit "Not a Cosmo"
Cool as a Cucumbur
Ice-Cold Sunshine Lemonade
The Ultimate Unleaded Margarita
The Fruit Smoothie

I've got HAL's prices for Vodka, Gin, Tequila, Brandy/Armagnac/Cognac, Rum, Canadian & Irish Whiskey, Scotch, Single Malt Whiskey, Bourbon (this is starting to sound like a Wang Wang:eek: ) plus Aperitif, Liqueur, Port & Sherry, Wine by the Glass (White & Blue/Red/Sparkling/Champagne), Beer (Domestic & Imported), Refreshing Alternatives, Coffee, Coffee Specialties, Chocolate Specialties & HAL Logo Beverage Souvenier Articles.

Yell, if you're looking for something in particular!

[Copper10-8]

A cocktail card will cost you $64.69 and will get you a total of ten separate cocktails

[Sunshine91]

Thanks Copper, for posting those prices. Saves me from digging thru my receipts. ;)

However, to his prices, you have to add a 15% service charge. This fee is automatically added to all bar service.

Since I always try to order the drink of the day special, I decided not to buy the cocktail card. You only come out ahead with that if you drink the regular cocktails.

And that grapefruit cosmo & champagne dream - OMG, yummy! :) :)

[Copper10-8]

Thanks Copper, for posting those prices. Saves me from digging thru my receipts. ;)

However, to his prices, you have to add a 15% service charge. This fee is automatically added to all bar service.

Since I always try to order the drink of the day special, I decided not to buy the cocktail card. You only come out ahead with that if you drink the regular cocktails.

And that grapefruit cosmo & champagne dream - OMG, yummy! :) :)

Bon soir, petite fromage;) Say hi to John for me!

And, yes, you are of course correct, "A 15% service charge will be automatically applied to any bar and beverage purchases" so, as an example, a Signature Cocktail or HAL Tropical Specialty @ $6.45 will come out to $7.42

[mikjr]

The best way of making sure you get what you pay for is to get your drink "straight up" with a chaser back!!

In other words... get a shot glass of what you drink, scotch, rum, Jack, Jim, Jose... and then get a glass of water, coke, seven up, on the side... and mix it yourself.

That way you can see whether the bartender pours short. So many do!!

[Northshorecruisers]

John,

Thank you for posting the list of cocktails. I can hardly wait to try as many as I can during our upcoming cruise.
I've heard from many that the Lemon Drop is great......anyone have any other favorites?

[ScottC4746]

Those are not too out of line. I guess the fact that they poor short helps to ensure that HAL does not become a booze cruise.

[Texas Tillie]

I've been wondering and guess this is as good a place as any to ask - exactly what is a Wang-Wang?? Should I assume it's something like a Long Island Ice Tea? (One of those things that walks softly but carries a big stick!:D ) Is it on the menu in HAL bars or is it something that the bartenders just "know" how to make? Thanks for educating me.

[m steve]

a little light. I usually order a double which is usually a little less than 2 drinks. They save on mixer and ice. The best buys are high end scotch and bourbon especially if they free pour.Paid $10 for a JW Blue/Chivas royal salute in a snifter that looked like a good size drink. They are about $140 duty free. Haven't found any happy hour 2/1 drinks on board like our local restaurants offer. (of course, they are measured carefully)

[ScottC4746]

a little light. I usually order a double which is usually a little less than 2 drinks. They save on mixer and ice. The best buys are high end scotch and bourbon especially if they free pour.Paid $10 for a JW Blue/Chivas royal salute in a snifter that looked like a good size drink. They are about $140 duty free. Haven't found any happy hour 2/1 drinks on board like our local restaurants offer. (of course, they are measured carefully)
I have never found 2 for 1 on cruises before. Maybe the "booze cruise" party lines do. RCCL I think in their coupon book might have a 2 for 1.

[Copper10-8]

I've been wondering and guess this is as good a place as any to ask - exactly what is a Wang-Wang?? Should I assume it's something like a Long Island Ice Tea? (One of those things that walks softly but carries a big stick!:D ) Is it on the menu in HAL bars or is it something that the bartenders just "know" how to make? Thanks for educating me.

Yes, the best way to describe a Wang Wang is to compare it to a Long Island Ice Tea. The Wang Wang contains the following ingedients:

1/4 oz Vodka
1/4 oz Gin
1/4 oz White Rum
1/4 oz Scotch
1/4 oz Bourbon
1/4 oz Tequila
1/4 Triple Sec
1/4 oz Brandy

Top it off with Pineapple and Orange Juice

Add a splash of Grenadine.

The Wang Wang used to be but is no longer on the HAL coctail menus but the majority of the bar staff and bartenders onboard will know what you're talking about when you ask for one

[ScottC4746]

Yes, the best way to describe a Wang Wang is to compare it to a Long Island Ice Tea. The Wang Wang contains the following ingedients:

1/4 oz Vodka
1/4 oz Gin
1/4 oz White Rum
1/4 oz Scotch
1/4 oz Bourbon
1/4 oz Tequila
1/4 Triple Sec
1/4 oz Brandy

Top it off with Pineapple and Orange Juice

Add a splash of Grenadine.

The Wang Wang used to be but is no longer on the HAL coctail menus but the majority of the bar staff and bartenders onboard will know what you're talking about when you ask for one

Wow! Don't smoke when you drink this, the drink will explode with that that liquor.

[Copper10-8]

Wow! Don't smoke when you drink this, the drink will explode with that that liquor.

It helps when you wear a helmet and goggles;) - I was driving the bike path on the beach in your city yesterday while working, nice day!

[ScottC4746]

It helps when you wear a helmet and goggles;) - I was driving the bike path on the beach in your city yesterday while working, nice day!
I need to do that too some day. Getting back from foot surgery, but that is totally off topic. Would love to bike down the beach like that.

[Tampa Girl]

Love the Tanquery Ten martini - so smooth. I was introduced to it on the Zuiderdam. It has replaced the standard gin martini for me.

[Taxguy7]

Wow! Don't smoke when you drink this, the drink will explode with that that liquor.
The bartenders don't drink on the job, in case you order one.:D

[codyody]

mmmmm...Lemon Drop! First drank as drink of the day, then drank on other days...as for the prices on board, MUCH less than Harry's Bar or any place in St Mark's Square in Venice. You pay for the ambiance (a ship's ambiance being worth more, to me, than your local watering hole). DH is a prolific beer drinker; that stuff can add up! Buying by the bucket is IMHO, the most cost effective way to enjoe beer.

[Seayalater]

We're going on our 1st HAL cruise, the Osterdam in January. You all are making me very thirsty. The lemon drop sounds delicious.
How about the wine list at dinner? I imagine they offer a nice selection.
Maria

[CDRMark]

We're going on our 1st HAL cruise, the Osterdam in January. You all are making me very thirsty. The lemon drop sounds delicious.
How about the wine list at dinner? I imagine they offer a nice selection.
Maria
...sigh
If you go back to my first post (#2) and substitute 'wine'for 'cocktail' in any inference you will get my opinion
Very good wine list with some excellent Northwest wines. Some are overpriced in relation to a wine shop, but all are comparable to hotel/restaurant prices.
HAL allows you to bring in wine if you so choose, so if you are very particular that is a viable option.
Wines by the glass are also a great option imo, and not small pours.
Cheers
Mark

[nckvilledudes]

If you pre order a couple of bottles of liquor to have in the room are the prices fairly reasonable??? I know they will be higher than buying land based.

Dan and Miguel

[PathfinderEss]

Those are not too out of line. I guess the fact that they poor short helps to ensure that HAL does not become a booze cruise.
Hey ScottC, is that supposed to be pour short because they really don't do that. If you like Martini's try an Expresso Martini, oh so good, especially if your into coffee. It like a double hit on caffeine and booze. If you call a liquior by name, let say you like your Martini made with Grey Goose, it will cost you an extra dollar. cf_chuck is right on doing the drinks of the day if your into foo-foo drinks. That can save you some money on your drinks. I had forgotten about that, too.
Now not to many Wang-Wangs, you won't be able to find your room. LOL

[CruiseLiz]

John,

Thank you for posting the list of cocktails. I can hardly wait to try as many as I can during our upcoming cruise.
I've heard from many that the Lemon Drop is great......anyone have any other favorites?

People have mentioned the Lemon Drop, but they also have a Coral Drop which is similar and very good.

Here is the recipe for a Coral Drop from the HAL Signature of Excellence Cookbook:

2 wedges lemon, plus 1 extra wedge for garnish
1 1/2 oz mandarin-orange flavored vodka
1/8 oz black rasberry liqueur, such as Chambord
1 1/2 oz homemade sour mix (the recipe is in the book, but you could probably use store-bought mix)
Sugar for rim

In a pint glass, hand-press 2 lemon wedges with a muddler. Fill glass with ice. Add vodka, black rasberry liqueur and sour mix. Cap with shaker can and shake vigorously. Strain into a chilled martini glass with a sugared half rim. Garnish with remaining lemon wedge.

YUM!

[CDRMark]

Snip....
One may purchase a bottle of liquor for in-room consumption. Bottle prices onboard are more expensive than duty-free shops, less expensive than hotel room service. This will lower ones per-drink cost.
Before someone chimes in OT, I have not once experienced "cheap" pours in four cruises.
Cheers
Mark
Asked and answered.
Cheers
Mark

[m steve]

which in my mind is an average drink. The combination is enough to make you sick or give a hangover, not the quantity. Never mix, never worry-Edward Albee- Who's afraid of Virginia Wolff

[Krazy Kruizers]

Ugh!! double post

[Krazy Kruizers]

Before someone chimes in OT, I have not once experienced "cheap" pours in four cruises.
Cheers
Mark

You were fortunate not to have experinced any time in 4 cruises "cheap" pours.

We certainly have -- over 40 cruises on HAL alone.

[Krazy Kruizers]

...sigh

Wines by the glass are also a great option imo, and not small pours.
Cheers
Mark

Some ships -- we have gotten 2 ounces -- some ships 3 ounces -- some ships 4 ounces.

Doesn't seem to be a standard rule -- the bar staff pour what they feel like.

[Krazy Kruizers]

If you pre order a couple of bottles of liquor to have in the room are the prices fairly reasonable??? I know they will be higher than buying land based.

Dan and Miguel

Price List:

VODKA: CHOPIN
$70.15
VODKA: STOLICHNAYA
$29.90

VODKA: ABSOLUT - CITRON
$32.20
Kahlua
$36.80

Vodka & Tonic Package
$34.50
Bourbon & Coke Package
$39.10

Rum & Coke Package
$39.10
SHERRY: HARVEY'S MEDIUM
No price found for this item.

SHERRY: TIO PEPE
$57.50
VODKA: SMIRNOFF
$27.60

VODKA: SKYY
$28.75
TEQUILA: JOSE QUERVO GOLD
$34.50

VODKA: ABSOLUT
$32.20
VODKA: GREY GOOSE
$69.00

COGNAC: HENNESSY VS
$93.15
COGNAC: REMY MARTIN VSOP
$97.75

COGNAC: REMY MARTIN XO
$225.40
WHISKEY - IRISH: JAMESON
$42.55

Cutty Sark
$32.20
WHISKEY: CANADIAN CLUB
$32.20

WHISKEY: SEAGRAMS V.O.
$29.90
WHISKEY: CROWN ROYAL
$42.55

WHISKEY: SEAGRAMS 7
$29.90
6-pack Miller Genuine Draft domestic beer
$21.85

6-pack Heineken imported beers
$23.00
Scotch & Soda Package
$36.80

Gin & Tonic Package
$36.80
6-pack Budweiser domestic beer
$21.85

6-pack Bud Light domestic beer
No price found for this item.
6-pack Miller Lite domestic beer
$21.85

6-pack Amstel Light imported beer
$23.00
6-pack Corona imported beer
$23.00

VODKA: FINLANDIA
$29.90
VODKA: BELVEDERE
$70.15

VODKA: TANGUERAY STERLING
$35.65

[CDRMark]

You were fortunate not to have experinced any time in 4 cruises "cheap" pours.

We certainly have -- over 40 cruises on HAL alone.
It's probably just me.:)
Another reason to have set-ups in ones cabin. Short pours are self-inflicted.
Cheers
Mark
ps Thanks KK for always having menus and price lists available. They are invaluable to these discussions.
-M

[mikjr]

You were fortunate not to have experinced any time in 4 cruises "cheap" pours.

We certainly have -- over 40 cruises on HAL alone.

This was my major complaint on Princess and Celebrity... water-downed drinks. I don't mind paying 8$ bucks for a drink, but at least put some booze in it. On most of the daily specials, you can't even taste any alcohol.

You figure... if the bartender pours short on every drink, and as many drinks that are served over the cruise, that's a big dollar savings over time!

Only way to avoid this is a straight shot!!

[Krazy Kruizers]

It's probably just me.:)
Another reason to have set-ups in ones cabin. Short pours are self-inflicted.
Cheers
Mark
ps Thanks KK for always having menus and price lists available. They are invaluable to these discussions.
-M

You are welcome!!:)

[Krazy Kruizers]

We do not buy any of those fuzzy drinks, mixed drinks or daily specials -- I have seen them being made and very little alcohol goes in them.

Thus we stick to shots on the rocks.

And we buy bottles for our cabin for when we are sitting out on the verandah.

[CruiseLiz]

Many of the martinis are heavier on the alcohol...much more so than probably any frozen drink I've had onboard.

Once on a RCCL cruise, I ordered a cosmopolitan at that special bar on the top level of the ship (a lot like the crow's nest) and it was so strong that I couldn't drink the whole thing!

[nckvilledudes]

Krazy Kruisers,
Thanks you very much for the price list. That was very nice of you and very helpful.

Dan

[ScottC4746]

Many of the martinis are heavier on the alcohol...much more so than probably any frozen drink I've had onboard.

Once on a RCCL cruise, I ordered a cosmopolitan at that special bar on the top level of the ship (a lot like the crow's nest) and it was so strong that I couldn't drink the whole thing!
Well if you think about it, a martini is nothing more then gin or vodka (depending which you prefer) and a drop or two of vermouth. The bar you refer to is Viking Crown Loungs on the RCCL line.
What I do is try all the relaxing type bars the frist couple of days to scout out a good bartender. The rest of the cruise I will walk from stern to aft to get a drink from them...and treat them nicely with an extra gratuity at the end of the cruise.

[pipedreams62]

When You drink with me.http://pipedreams62.eaph2.com/share/afunstuff/lloyd011.jpg

[sazcowboy]

Here are HAL's bar prices:

Cocktails of the Day @ $5.25:

Hand Shaken Mojito
Fresh Grapefruit Cosmopolitan
Hand Shaken Champagne Dream
Fresh Lime Margarita
Fresh Squeezed Lemon Drop
South Seas Aviation
Cucumbur Lime Smash

Signature Cocktail List & HAL Tropical Specialties @ $6.45:

Cosmo Cubana
Ultra-Strawberry Lemonade
"Tropical Tom"
Blue Coco Mojito
Luxury Espresso Martini

Cuban Mojito
Fresh Handshaken Margarita
Epic Lido Spiced Daiquiri
Tropical Cable Car
Sexy Citrus Cosmopolitan
Fresh Lemon Drop

Sunsicle
Strawberry Banana Ecstasy
The Raspberry Seabreeze
The Pool Side Car
The Classic Pina Colada

Tanqueray 0010 Martini
New Fashioned - Bermuda Style
New Fashioned - Kentucky Style

Ice Cold Martini
Manhattan
Mimosa
Side Car
Fresh Hand Pressed Sour
The Classic Tom Collins

Extraordinary Mocktails @ $3.25:

Fresh Grapefruit "Not a Cosmo"
Cool as a Cucumbur
Ice-Cold Sunshine Lemonade
The Ultimate Unleaded Margarita
The Fruit Smoothie

I've got HAL's prices for Vodka, Gin, Tequila, Brandy/Armagnac/Cognac, Rum, Canadian & Irish Whiskey, Scotch, Single Malt Whiskey, Bourbon (this is starting to sound like a Wang Wang:eek: ) plus Aperitif, Liqueur, Port & Sherry, Wine by the Glass (White & Blue/Red/Sparkling/Champagne), Beer (Domestic & Imported), Refreshing Alternatives, Coffee, Coffee Specialties, Chocolate Specialties & HAL Logo Beverage Souvenier Articles.

Yell, if you're looking for something in particular!

I'm glad I found your posting , my dw and I will be going on our first cruise in october '08. From what I've read you've covered all the tuttie fruity drinks , but I;m would like to know if you could tell me what type of Bourbon they have as well as if they would have Grand Mairner. As these are the two main drinks i would have. I'm kinda particular to Wild Turkey 101 and Rare. Per chance if you still do have this list would you know the prices as well.

Thanks
Semper Fi
Steve

[nsjohan]

...and treat them nicely with an extra gratuity at the end of the cruise.

Is it standard to tip the bartender per drink as well as the 15% added - - or do you just add at the end for good service? I'm not trying to forego tipping for good service -- and I know there are probably different opinions on this - - but thought it might be helpful to hear what others do.

[RuthC]

Is it standard to tip the bartender per drink as well as the 15% added - - or do you just add at the end for good service?
It's strictly a personal decision whether or not to tip above the 15% service charge. If you feel the service is deserving, then feel free to tip extra.
If you are going to frequent a particular watering hole, then tipping at the end of the cruise (or at the end of intervals if on a longer cruise) is customary.

Since the ship is basicly cash-free, it's easy not to have anything for tipping. You'll see your stewards again---they aren't going anywhere. ;)

[mudscraper]

"Never,ever tell a bartender he made your drink too strong".
Modern Drunkard Magazine

[Krazy Kruizers]

"Never,ever tell a bartender he made your drink too strong".
Modern Drunkard Magazine

You don't have to worry about that on HAL -- we have never had a strong drink made a bar tender -- 45 cruises on HAL alone and still waiting for a good drink.

[GmaPajama]

If you're looking for a drink worth it's weight in booze, try a Spanish Coffee in the Crow's Nest. Then walk directly to your cabin, very slowly and very carefully. :)

[Krazy Kruizers]

I don't drink coffee.

DH has had a couple of them -- some were good and some you could barely find the alcohol -- all coffee -- we watch when they make them.

[CinWin]

Do they have Drambuie and what is the price? That is all my DH drinks. He gets a shot (straight up) with water on the side. I like the foo foo drinks or a champagne cocktail while watching a show or in a lounge. That is the only time we drink except for a glass of wine when relaxing on the verandah or maybe at dinner.

[james j feller]

KRAZY,

All you have to do is ask him to make it stronger and they will, no extra charge.

JIM

[bodget]

what price is a good cold lager