ineedbeachtime

I agree, there's a lot of negativity. It concerns me sometimes, as this is my first cruise, and I joined an existing family group, so I had no choice on which ship, etc.

I will post mine as well, afterward, but won't be home till mid July. Everyone's been so helpful here, I am happy to reopen the favor!

Following, as I leave in 2 weeks!

How about putting an app in the machines to have them send an alert to your phone when the load is done. :D;)

I was thinking the same thing. My son's college dorm has those washer/dryers. Brilliant idea!

From the Pinnacle I'd hit the Signature store at Alberni & Bute - has the better-trained staff just like Cambie, and a wider selection than the run-of-the-mill stores. Also open Sundays if that's relevant.

Thank you! I was willing to go on our way to the hotel from the airport, for the knowledgeable staff, but this sounds even easier. I'd love to try some local wine, but not without guidance! Walking a couple blocks is perfect!

Have you viewed the informative Excel spreadsheet created by 'Steelers36'?

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=372694&d=1452007348

 

It compares the total cost for wine purchased onboard with the non-sale prices at Total Wine in Florida and the list is still similar as on our April cruise.

Yes, I did. Thank you. It confirmed my suspicions that it would be worthwhile to buy our wine ahead. But the "sin tax" concerned me. This spreadsheet made me think it would still be worthwhile.

You have all been so helpful. You've saved me stress and money. Yay!!!

The largest BC Liquor Store in Vancouver is at 39th and Cambie, which is conveniently on the way from the airport to the pier. You could even make an easy stop there if you're taking the Skytrain from the airport:

 

http://www.bcliquorstores.com/store/locator/160

 

They will have a large selection of wines across the price ranges. Costco in Canada does not sell wine FYI.

Exactly what I needed to know. Thanks. We're staying at the Marriott Pinnacle, but no reason we can't take a ride! I really couldn't figure out be searching online, whether Costco carried wine. Looks like it's specific to province, as to where you can buy wine... there's a Costco liquor store in one province.... can't remember where, but not Vancouver!!. Thanks again!

We stayed at the Marriott Pinnacle and walked the long block down Pender to the Coal Harbor Liquor Store. They had a nice selection and reasonable prices for Vancouver. BC Liquor on Hastings is about the closest to Canada Place if you are walking from the port after being dropped off there. This is where we are staying, as well. Your info is just what I needed! Thanks so much.

 

The wines by the glass listing is fairly uninspiring but the wine list by the bottle has some very good choices. At the bar at La Patisserie on Plaza deck they may offer wine buy the glass or wine flights from the full wine menu.Good to know!

 

You can bring your own bottled water on board or available for preorder only you can get 12 half liter bottles for I believe $6.95 or you can drink the ship's water. Most of the time the ship's water is produced from sea water by reverse osmosis or flash evaporation and is purer than any bottled water. On some cruises they will top off their water tanks from ports with reliable water supplies.

Thank you so much for all this info. it answers almost all of my questions!

 

Someone asked the Maitre'D at a wine tasting why they didn't carry a particular brand of wine. He said two things of interest - wine that needs decanting doesn't travel well on a ship due to constant motion; and Princess only buys wine by the thousand case lots, so you won't see limited production wines.

Thanks, LeeW. That explains a lot - and it makes sense. I'm not a wine snob, but after living near Lodi, CA for 17 years, I love small wineries and unusual wines. And it's hard for me to spend 4x retail for a wine they bought in massive bulk.

Deb,

I did not see this menu, which is awesome. Thank you. Still not excited about these wines, or the prices attached to them!!! Thank you so much, though.

Hi all! I have searched and can't find a definitive answer to my questions, so I apologize if my search wasn't thorough and there are answers already out there. My questions are specific to the Island Princess...

I like wine - pretty decent wine. I have seen what's available on the cruise personalizer to pre-order, and I've seen a picture of the wine menu. Neither offer wines I'm too excited about. Are there other wines available, since there is no "Vines" on the Island? Is there a secret wine list I should know about?

If not, does anyone have a suggestion for wine buying in Vancouver? We are travelling from Calif to Vancouver via plane. We will likely want more than the Canadian customs allows, two bottles, especially since we're travelling in a group of 11 adults! I would just like to find decent wine at a decent price... but I've read a bit about "sin" tax in Canada, so I'm wondering what that means for wine. I'm looking for someplace with decent pricing near Canada Place, or within an easy public transport ride. Does Costco in Vancouver carry wine????

Next, regarding bringing soda on board. I know I've read that it's ok, but want to confirm with someone who has been aboard recently. I feel like some of the water/soda/alcohol answers become outdated with the cruiseline changing policies. I've read (on very recent posts) that you can bring your own water aboard. I'm guessing that's outdated, but can't tell when the poster last cruised.

Any help you can offer will be greatly appreciated!!