Sitting on a very dry Dawn now, alongside in Portland harbour and I can confirm that, as with Southampton on embarcation day, May 4th, no alcohol is being served until we reach "local international waters". I spoke with the Beverage Manager on the 4th and asked what the reason was for this and was simply told Customs and Border Protection regulations. I have not been able to find anything to support this on any UK Gov website. The ban did not occur in any other ports only Southampton and Portland. I have never experienced this on any cruise out of Southampton, my latest was Iona on Feb 28th. The 'all aboard' time tonight is 19.30 so I guess drinks service will commence around 21.00. Considering we disembark tomorrow I imagine it will be a very quiet night! Not blaming anybody here just providing factual, first hand and I hope, helpful information.
