Wines and corkage and bars, Oh my! (Signature Beverage Pkg, Beverage Cards & Corkage)

[POA1]

good article - up to 100/bottle corkage and in some places you can't bring wines that are on the list.

 

I had no idea it was that expensive. I've only ever seen people bring wine into restaurants that did not have a license yet....

 

 

never mind.... on reading ALL the way to the bottom - "Texas is an outlier in that it prohibits corkage at restaurants that hold a liquor license. But some restaurants are foregoing a liquor license because they see enough of potential pay-off in allowing diners to bring their own wine."

 

The sky high corkage fees tend to be in the places you'd expect to see them, like Manhattan and Los Angeles. One interesting thing we noticed is that in Napa, Sonoma, and Santa Barbara, California practically everyone brings their own wine. Corkage isn't usually too high, but the food prices are generally higher to make up for the lost wine profits.

 

The next time you are at a restaurant and someone orders wine, thank them. They're helping to keep the meal cost down. ;)

[POA1]

I wanted to post a quick update regarding the $50 beverage cards that are part of the Explore 4 and other Holland America promotions. Several CC posters have indicated that they received a refund of the unused portion of their promo cards. This was not the case for us, but the posters are decent, upstanding citizens and there's no reason to doubt what they have reported.

 

If you are going to be the recipient of a promotional, dollar value beverage card (Hooray for you!) and you don't think you are going to use the whole thing, please check the reverse of the card for the terms and conditions and make sure that you get a confirmation from either the Front Office or the concierge before you count on the refund. We have seen a few beverage cards - both paid and promo versions - and they have all had a disclaimer about the unused portion printed on the back. (See diagram 14d, below.)

 

FIGURE 14d

 

Since different people have had different experiences, it makes sense to check with someone in authority before you count on a refund.

Edited May 30, 2014 by POA1

[AlohaPride]

Your graphics almost make me want to learn how to make graphics. Almost.

[Mr. Dog]

thank u. A fun read and educational

[allisonfamily]

So I see that the price of certain liquors onboard (listed, for example, as Tanqueray) is $6.95 ... just under the $7.00 limit. Halfacts shows them on the bar menu as "PROPERS."

 

Does ordering your liquor with mixer in it put it over the $7.00 mark? Is that iconic Tanqueray & Tonic over $7.00? Rum and Coke? Or is the mixer considered a "free" extension of the PROPERS?

 

(I have to believe this simple question has been answered a zillion times before, but my crummy search skills couldn't find it!) Thanks!

 

(P.S. I haven't done the search for my second question, trying to find the cheapest way to get a bottle of Tanqueray in my suite for afternoon drinks)

Edited June 9, 2014 by allisonfamily

[bumperoo]

we were just on the Zuiderdan and really enjoyed the Signature beverage package but even after using it for a week I was left with many unanswered questions. Example -- I like Myers Rum Manhattans. Every rum is $5.95 a shot except Gosling Black Seal for $6.25 and Appleton's for $6.25. if I went to the bar and asked for a Myers rum Manhattan, I was not permitted to get it with my Signature beverage card because it was considered to be a "call drink" . I could get Myers on the rocks. I could get a regular Manhattan which was made with Jim Beam or Wild Turkey with the SBP. Jim Beam and Wild Turkey cost $5.95, Myers costs $5.95. Go figure.

 

However, I counted up my total drinks consumed and am happy to report I drank 93 beverages. The card was well worth it and I would definitely get it again.

[Alberta Quilter]

So I see that the price of certain liquors onboard (listed, for example, as Tanqueray) is $6.95 ... just under the $7.00 limit. Halfacts shows them on the bar menu as "PROPERS."

 

Does ordering your liquor with mixer in it put it over the $7.00 mark? Is that iconic Tanqueray & Tonic over $7.00? Rum and Coke? Or is the mixer considered a "free" extension of the PROPERS?

 

(I have to believe this simple question has been answered a zillion times before, but my crummy search skills couldn't find it!) Thanks!

 

(P.S. I haven't done the search for my second question, trying to find the cheapest way to get a bottle of Tanqueray in my suite for afternoon drinks)

 

I can confirm for you, from personal experience, that a Tanqueray and Tonic is under $7.00 and is covered by the SBP card. I had a few of them over a two week period recently! I suggest, that if you have the card, you skip purchasing the bottle for your stateroom and get yourself to a bar. But, you do have to wait five minutes between orders on the same card...

 

Enjoy your cruise!

Edited June 9, 2014 by Alberta Quilter

[POA1]

So I see that the price of certain liquors onboard (listed, for example, as Tanqueray) is $6.95 ... just under the $7.00 limit. Halfacts shows them on the bar menu as "PROPERS."

 

Does ordering your liquor with mixer in it put it over the $7.00 mark? Is that iconic Tanqueray & Tonic over $7.00? Rum and Coke? Or is the mixer considered a "free" extension of the PROPERS?

 

(I have to believe this simple question has been answered a zillion times before, but my crummy search skills couldn't find it!) Thanks!

 

(P.S. I haven't done the search for my second question, trying to find the cheapest way to get a bottle of Tanqueray in my suite for afternoon drinks)

 

For regular, two ingredient drinks. the price you see listed for the liquor is the price of the drink. It only gets a little complicated when you have one of the Signature cocktails that cost $6.95 with the "base model" liquor. In those cases, you cannot typically decide that you want your drink with an upgraded, extra cost liquor because that would push the cost over the $7.00.

 

Example: There is a drink called the "Strong Island Iced Tea" on the B.B. King drink menu. It's Vodka, Rum, Gin, Tequila, Triple Sec, Sour Mix, Cola and it costs $6.95. You can order it with no problem, but you couldn't decide that you wanted it made with Ketel One, Bacardi Silver, Taqueray, and Cointreau.

 

We ran into a couple of situations where you would have expected the booze upgrade to push you over the $7 mark - such as the Bloody Mary Bar - but it did not.

 

If your second ingredient is an alcohol, like in a Martini, you may run into problem. We prefer ours dry. So dry, in fact, that we substitute a moment of silence for the vermouth.

[POA1]

Example -- I like Myers Rum Manhattans. Every rum is $5.95 a shot except Gosling Black Seal for $6.25 and Appleton's for $6.25. if I went to the bar and asked for a Myers rum Manhattan, I was not permitted to get it with my Signature beverage card because it was considered to be a "call drink" . I could get Myers on the rocks. I could get a regular Manhattan which was made with Jim Beam or Wild Turkey with the SBP. Jim Beam and Wild Turkey cost $5.95, Myers costs $5.95. Go figure.

 

I think the problem is the vermouth for some reason. I don't know if it has to do with the way they ring the drinks on their POS system, or what. The ability to have the Jim Beam or Wild Turkey (101 proof, hint, hint.) Manhattan is a head scratcher. I would have expected you to be limited to the well bourbon.

 

However, I counted up my total drinks consumed and am happy to report I drank 93 beverages. The card was well worth it and I would definitely get it again.

 

I'm glad it worked out for you. It's definitely convenient.

[POA1]

 

(P.S. I haven't done the search for my second question, trying to find the cheapest way to get a bottle of Tanqueray in my suite for afternoon drinks)

 

Either pre-order for room delivery or order from the room service bottle list. They have been priced the same. People have reported that tax is charged on the pre-orders in certain ports. If you want to avoid the tax, you can wait and order once you board.

[kazu]

Either pre-order for room delivery or order from the room service bottle list. They have been priced the same. People have reported that tax is charged on the pre-orders in certain ports. If you want to avoid the tax, you can wait and order once you board.

 

I think all the pre- orders are now geared to at sea so you skip the tax. But just in case, make sure it is 'at sea'.

 

If you are ordering on board, make sure you are in International Waters (not hard to tell, the casino and stores open) otherwise you could be charged tax.

[Jb-lhr]

Dear POA1,

Thanks very much for your 'labour of love'! A lot of time and energy was expended in compiling all this information and I could not be more grateful. In the interest of 'thoroughness', I have read every post (yes, it took some time, but well worth it).

I do have one question, however. You mention house wines, and as we are almost exclusively wine drinkers, and wish to purchase a SBP, this information is important to us. None of the wine lists you published mentioned 'house wines', and only one list has a wine under $7. Should I worry?

Thanks again VERY much for the research!!

John

[POA1]

Dear POA1,

Thanks very much for your 'labour of love'! A lot of time and energy was expended in compiling all this information and I could not be more grateful. In the interest of 'thoroughness', I have read every post (yes, it took some time, but well worth it).

I do have one question, however. You mention house wines, and as we are almost exclusively wine drinkers, and wish to purchase a SBP, this information is important to us. None of the wine lists you published mentioned 'house wines', and only one list has a wine under $7. Should I worry?

Thanks again VERY much for the research!!

John

 

Thanks for the compliment, John.

 

Post #126 has your house wine info. There is a Chardonnay, a Pinot Grigio, a Merlot, and a Cabernet Sauvignon. Each is $5.95/glass and covered by the SBP.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=41925086

 

 

You'll also be able to have a glass of Prosecco under the plan. For dessert, there is a Port (tawny or ruby - I can't recall) or a late harvest white of some sort. We tried each of the wines, with the exception of the dessert white and they were fine in our opinions. Since we brought on so much wine to take to dinner, we merely sampled the house selections one day at lunch. That said, we would gladly drink them.

Edited June 12, 2014 by POA1

[bumperoo]

Just for fun, a few of our cocktails that we enjoyed on the SBP

[AlohaPride]

Just for fun, a few of our cocktails that we enjoyed on the SBP

 

What are the 2nd and 4th drinks?!? Those look sooooo good!!

[bumperoo]

Aloha Pride -- The second drink was one of the cocktails of the day called a Crazy Canuck -- Dark and white rum, triple sec, pineapple and orange juice with a touch of grenadine.

 

The fourth drinks were specialty coffees

 

The flamed Spanish coffee prepared with Sambuca, Kahlua and Cointreau and finished with cinnamon and nutmeg and whipped cream and a caramelized sugar rim.

 

Almond Dream Coffee was made with Amaretto and Bailey's Irish Cream

 

All the drinks were under $7.00 so qualified for the SBP! I need one right now!

[allisonfamily]

Either pre-order for room delivery or order from the room service bottle list. They have been priced the same. People have reported that tax is charged on the pre-orders in certain ports. If you want to avoid the tax, you can wait and order once you board.

 

Let me be the 8 millionth person to say thank you for all your terrific advice, suggestions and collected knowledge on these topics. Thank you.

...

So I've figured out that HAL really wants you to drink at their bars and restaurants. Got it. But for me, I'm traveling with family, we booked a Neptune suite for us to all get together, maybe play a little bridge and hang outside on the balcony. Of course we'd like to have our drinks *there* ... not in a bar. Room service drinks not covered by SBC. Mini-bar not covered by SBC. Not a big deal, I think, this should be easy to solve. Buy a couple of bottles and setups. Nothing fancy. Gin and tonic, bourbon and 7 up, just a couple of different setups. HAL doesn't let you bring your own bar--gotta buy from them--not a problem, I'm fine with that.

 

On your advice I looked up the bottle list. OK, we're getting close. There's the Tanqueray. And Bacardi Gold. And while I don't see Knob Creek, I see ... well I thought I saw Jack Daniels somewhere. Got that part covered. Now the tonic, and 7-Up, or coke. Hmmm. How do I get that?

 

OK, here, the bottle list shows gin and tonic, rum and coke, bourbon and coke. Again we're getting close. I'm sort of stunned though. 1 liter of gin and three 12 oz cans of tonic? Wow, those are gonna be some *really* strong gin and tonics. (By my reckoning, that's about a 50/50 mix ... way too strong for a family get together.) Plus those brands ... Myers Rum, Jim Beam, Bombay Original. Not what I was looking for. This is getting to be harder than I thought.

 

Boils down to three questions:

 

1. Is there any way to buy higher-end bottles for my stateroom? Gentleman Jack, Maker's Mark, Knob Creek ... or even just regular Jack Daniels. I see that if I buy it in duty-free or Signature Shops, they put it away and don't let me drink it in the suite. Is this bottle list the only way to buy a bottle?
   
2. Is there any way to buy a couple of six-packs, or even 2-liter bottles, of things like Coke, 7-up or tonic water for use in the suite? I'd love for those sodas to be covered on my SBC, but even if I have to pay separately for it, I'm not seeing a way to get it done. At all. It looks like I need to go to the Lido, pick up a soda, carry it back. Then go back 5 minutes later, pick up a soda, carry it back. Rinse and repeat until the room is stocked up.
   
3. Maybe the Neptune Lounge can help me out? Maybe I'm still stuck with the 5 minute wait. Does the Neptune Lounge have those setup drinks--heck that might even be SBC covered! Or better yet, does the Neptune Lounge have a bar ... that would solve the problem completely!
   

I get it that HAL wants to make their profits. And I'm happy to contribute to my share of their profit margin. But it looks like they're working overtime to keep me from having a few drinks on the balcony of my suite! These exact same drinks--in the bar--are covered on SBC. But in my suite ... Nope.

 

Ironically, getting bottles of wine for my suite is fantastically easy. Even high-end bottles of wine. But for simple liquor mixed drinks ... the only option is cheaper choices and make 'em super-strong. Seems like the antithesis of a HAL option set.

 

Suggestions? What do you think?

Edited June 13, 2014 by allisonfamily

[POA1]

Let me be the 8 millionth person to say thank you for all your terrific advice, suggestions and collected knowledge on these topics. Thank you.

...

So I've figured out that HAL really wants you to drink at their bars and restaurants. Got it. But for me, I'm traveling with family, we booked a Neptune suite for us to all get together, maybe play a little bridge and hang outside on the balcony. Of course we'd like to have our drinks *there* ... not in a bar. Room service drinks not covered by SBC. Mini-bar not covered by SBC. Not a big deal, I think, this should be easy to solve. Buy a couple of bottles and setups. Nothing fancy. Gin and tonic, bourbon and 7 up, just a couple of different setups. HAL doesn't let you bring your own bar--gotta buy from them--not a problem, I'm fine with that.

 

On your advice I looked up the bottle list. OK, we're getting close. There's the Tanqueray. And Bacardi Gold. And while I don't see Knob Creek, I see ... well I thought I saw Jack Daniels somewhere. Got that part covered. Now the tonic, and 7-Up, or coke. Hmmm. How do I get that?

 

Thanks for the compliment. We appreciate it. It was hard, hard work, but helping others is what we do.

 

The bottle preorder list and the room service list aren't exactly the same. Somehow we failed to get a picture of the room service liquor list. (In our defense, we had been drinking.)

 

On this particular trip, we wouldn't have needed to order room service bottles, given the all the wine we took along and the fact that we had the SBP cards. That said, we have order bottles from room service in the past. We were celebrating some big birthdays - you know the ones that end in zero or five - and wanted to have some in-room cocktail parties.

 

Since bourbon is in my wheelhouse, I can speak to it directly. If you want to preorder, you are limited to Jim Beam ($38.75 for a 1 liter bottle.) Once you are on the ship, your options open up. We ordered Maker's Mark, but I don't recall the price.

 

OK, here, the bottle list shows gin and tonic, rum and coke, bourbon and coke. Again we're getting close. I'm sort of stunned though. 1 liter of gin and three 12 oz cans of tonic? Wow, those are gonna be some *really* strong gin and tonics. (By my reckoning, that's about a 50/50 mix ... way too strong for a family get together.) Plus those brands ... Myers Rum, Jim Beam, Bombay Original. Not what I was looking for. This is getting to be harder than I thought.

 

Boils down to three questions:

 

 

• Is there any way to buy higher-end bottles for my stateroom? Gentleman Jack, Maker's Mark, Knob Creek ... or even just regular Jack Daniels. I see that if I buy it in duty-free or Signature Shops, they put it away and don't let me drink it in the suite. Is this bottle list the only way to buy a bottle?
  

You can either call Ship's Services 800-541-1576 or 206-626-7396 to see if they can help you, or you can wait until you board. One of the bartenders told me that you can get most anything from room service. There might be some exceptions if it's an item that is not widely stocked. In that case, the beverage department might be hesitant to give up a whole bottle. Knob Creek is fairly ubiquitous, so I think you'd be fine there. Jack Daniels should be a non-issue.

• Is there any way to buy a couple of six-packs, or even 2-liter bottles, of things like Coke, 7-up or tonic water for use in the suite? I'd love for those sodas to be covered on my SBC, but even if I have to pay separately for it, I'm not seeing a way to get it done. At all. It looks like I need to go to the Lido, pick up a soda, carry it back. Then go back 5 minutes later, pick up a soda, carry it back. Rinse and repeat until the room is stocked up.
  

Yes, you can order six packs of soda. You pay by the can, but they will deliver them to your room. If you have an SBC, you can just sort of accumulate sodas in your handy Holland America tote bag while you are out and about. It's up to you whether you think this is worthwhile or if you'd rather pay room service.

• Maybe the Neptune Lounge can help me out? Maybe I'm still stuck with the 5 minute wait. Does the Neptune Lounge have those setup drinks--heck that might even be SBC covered! Or better yet, does the Neptune Lounge have a bar ... that would solve the problem completely!
  

Sadly, the answer is probably no. It doesn't hurt to ask though. My DBIL likes to relax with a few Coors Lights before changing for dinner, so he would order some, unopened, while he was at the pool in the afternoon. He'd take the "road sodas" back to his room and put them on ice. That way, he had them when he wanted them, and they were covered by the SBP.

I know this is probably a basic assumption, but ask for your sodas to be unopened when you order them.

 

I get it that HAL wants to make their profits. And I'm happy to contribute to my share of their profit margin. But it looks like they're working overtime to keep me from having a few drinks on the balcony of my suite! These exact same drinks--in the bar--are covered on SBC. But in my suite ... Nope.

 

Ironically, getting bottles of wine for my suite is fantastically easy. Even high-end bottles of wine. But for simple liquor mixed drinks ... the only option is cheaper choices and make 'em super-strong. Seems like the antithesis of a HAL option set.

 

Suggestions? What do you think?

 

 

Plan of Attack:

 

• Call Ships' Services to see if you can pre-order your preferred liquors.
  
• If that doesn't work, check the room service bottle menu when you get to your room.
  
• If you strike out there, consult a bartender.
  
• If you want to order mixers from room service, you can do that through the Neptune Concierge or you can call room service.
  

Your bar staff will know how the system works and if you are nice to them, they will take good care of you. If you are trying to accumulate mixers, your server can hold onto your card and run it for a Coke, or tonic water every five minutes while you sip your regular drink. We always take small bills to tip our bar servers. Some people think that we shouldn't do that, but since we tip more than 15% on land, we're not about to penalize our servers at sea. HAL has some really excellent bartenders and servers and we like to show our appreciation.

 

Hopefully I answered your questions. If not, let me know.

Edited June 13, 2014 by POA1

[allisonfamily]

Hopefully I answered your questions. If not, let me know.

 

You are a *monster* answerer. Thank you!

 

(It was a kind of long-winded question. Thank you for taking the time to go long-winded on the answers. VERY much appreciated.)

Edited June 13, 2014 by allisonfamily

[Freon]

First, I am impressed that you are still willing to answer questions so long after your cruise!

 

I took your advice and called Guest Services and they confirmed that most items in the bar can be ordered by the bottle from room service. Don't despair by the rather plebian offerings on the Indulgences list.

 

The funny thing is that apparently Beefeater's Gin has been hard for HAL to get....REALLY!!

[Freon]

By the way, I think it is possible to bring your own mixers on board. We have done this with water/sparkling water by the case. We just slap one of our luggage tags on the shrink wrapped or boxed container and it gets delivered with our luggage.

[POA1]

First, I am impressed that you are still willing to answer questions so long after your cruise!

 

When you publish this kind of scholarly research in an important journal such as this, you have to expect a certain amount of peer review. If we want to obtain future grants, we have to be available to answer the queries about our work.

 

I took your advice and called Guest Services and they confirmed that most items in the bar can be ordered by the bottle from room service. Don't despair by the rather plebian offerings on the Indulgences list.

 

The funny thing is that apparently Beefeater's Gin has been hard for HAL to get....REALLY!!

 

That was our experience as well. It's been a while since we ordered bottles from room service, and sometimes things change. Thanks for confirming it. :) The AlisonFamily will probably be happy to know.

 

By the way, I think it is possible to bring your own mixers on board. We have done this with water/sparkling water by the case. We just slap one of our luggage tags on the shrink wrapped or boxed container and it gets delivered with our luggage.

 

You can bring your own sodas, cans of tonic, etc. I would recommend sturdy packaging.

 

Thanks again for making the phone call and contributing to man's greater understanding.

[jagger16]

Thanks to POA1 and the research team for this superb report. Very helpful for those of us that have a Beverage Package. And even if I didn't have one, I'd still read this scientific study for it's entertainment value. ;)

[honey-bunny]

Signature Beverage Package is valind for all ay of the cruise I will be on maasdam carribean cruise for 11 days and I would like to find out if we can use the SBP every day including the Sea day ? here is a info from HAL ----------

Free Signature Beverage Package is available only to ocean-view and above category staterooms. The Signature Beverage Package has a daily limit of 15 beverages priced $7.00USD or lower. Signature Beverage Package excludes beverages priced over $7.00USD and purchases made in Signature Shops, Mini Bar and In Room Dining, or beverages on Half Moon Cay. Signature Beverage Packages are not transferable or refundable and may be used only on the cruise portion of Land+Sea Journeys. Participants may order only one drink at a time, must be 21 years or older and agree not to give alcoholic drinks to minors. No sharing is permitted. Beverage management reserves the right to revoke the Signature Beverage Package if misused and reserves the right to refuse service for any reason, including refusing service of alcoholic beverages to intoxicated guests. Signature Beverage Package has a retail value of US$50 per person per day, including service charges

Edited July 30, 2014 by honey-bunny

[POA1]

Signature Beverage Package is valind for all ay of the cruise I will be on maasdam carribean cruise for 11 days and I would like to find out if we can use the SBP every day including the Sea day ?

 

Not only can the SBP Card be used on a sea day, it can be used hard. ;)

 

You can use it any day of the cruise, but I am pretty sure that it won't work at breakfast on the day you are leaving the ship. We didn't check that.