Texas First Day Drink Menu

[not-enough-cruising]

It seems to be asked frequently what is available at the bar when embarking from Texas. We were told full menu will be available about 2 hours after embarkation. 

[RCCL Fan]

And what's the rationale for this law?   This menu has like almost every type of alcohol on it.

 

 

[KelJ]

1 minute ago, RCCL Fan said:

And what's the rationale for this law?   This menu has like almost every type of alcohol on it.

 

 

Texas alcohols.

[RCCL Fan]

of course!

[not-enough-cruising]

As stated, while in TX Waters they can only serve TX taxed alchohol. 

[LeeW]

15 minutes ago, RCCL Fan said:

And what's the rationale for this law?   This menu has like almost every type of alcohol on it.

 

 

 

Until the ship is in international waters all alcohol must have been bought in Texas with associated taxes paid.  So they have a limited number of brands and bottles they are pouring from.  You can get any drink mixed with those, but only those.  You will have a similar issue with getting off in Texas.  There is a table collecting Texas taxes on everything you bought even if you are flying out the same day.  While most folks just walk past them they are as aggressive as vendors on some islands.  FYI, the tax on a miniature bottle is $.50 for the alcohol plus the $3/bottle fee. 

[not-enough-cruising]

somewhat related note; deluxe beverage package was $63 PPPD upon boarding. 

[George C]

This is just one of the reasons why I perfer leaving from other ports even though I live in Texas. 

[hapster85]

 
Until the ship is in international waters all alcohol must have been bought in Texas with associated taxes paid.  So they have a limited number of brands and bottles they are pouring from.  You can get any drink mixed with those, but only those.  You will have a similar issue with getting off in Texas.  There is a table collecting Texas taxes on everything you bought even if you are flying out the same day.  While most folks just walk past them they are as aggressive as vendors on some islands.  FYI, the tax on a miniature bottle is $.50 for the alcohol plus the $3/bottle fee. 

We've only sailed from Galveston once, in 2016, but totally missed that. I guess we were focused on finding the exit and the airport shuttle.

[whitshel]

2 hours ago, LeeW said:

 

Until the ship is in international waters all alcohol must have been bought in Texas with associated taxes paid.  So they have a limited number of brands and bottles they are pouring from.  You can get any drink mixed with those, but only those.  You will have a similar issue with getting off in Texas.  There is a table collecting Texas taxes on everything you bought even if you are flying out the same day.  While most folks just walk past them they are as aggressive as vendors on some islands.  FYI, the tax on a miniature bottle is $.50 for the alcohol plus the $3/bottle fee. 

I guess I never thought that they buy all of their alcohol in different countries.  When you're in the port of departure and you see all those pallets lined up waiting to get on the ship,  I just assumed the alcohol was on them too. I guess not.

[1025cruise]

Oh, there's alcohol on those pallets. They'll have some bought with the Texas stamp, and the rest bought through their normal supplier.

[time4u2go]

2 hours ago, George C said:

This is just one of the reasons why I perfer leaving from other ports even though I live in Texas. 

Yeah it seems like a racket.  Do any other states do this?

[George C]

12 minutes ago, time4u2go said:

Yeah it seems like a racket.  Do any other states do this?

Not that I know of I know Florida and New York does not . The other stupid thing is they attempt to charge a Texas tax for any bottled booze that was bought on cruise. 

[PigsCanFly]

Thanks for the info.  I was aware of the limits at the start, but not aware of the tax on liquor bought onboard.  I will avoid buying any.  Does the tax also apply to the wine and/or champagne given to us from the casino folks?  I guess I will have to drink the champagne and regift the wine to a wine drinker onboard.  We usually bring them home and gift them to family wine folks.

[George C]

1 hour ago, PigsCanFly said:

Thanks for the info.  I was aware of the limits at the start, but not aware of the tax on liquor bought onboard.  I will avoid buying any.  Does the tax also apply to the wine and/or champagne given to us from the casino folks?  I guess I will have to drink the champagne and regift the wine to a wine drinker onboard.  We usually bring them home and gift them to family wine folks.

Tax is not that much , after paying it one year , I just ignored them after that they do not check luggage like customs may.