Bringing Unlimited Wine Policy Officially Change Yesterday

[PirateShark]

But it is not the non-drinkers that keep the profits from tanking -

they were already Zero profit folks - it's the drinkers that they need

to entice.

 

Hope it all works so everyone is happy with the new ideas.

 

M.A.

 

They could entice us by having a wine list not only with a thoughtful selection (to the wine drinker NOT the corporate bean counters) with a equally thoughtful mark up. I'd be more than happy not to schlep wine (whether one bottle or six) on board if I am given an option that makes it enticing to buy their wine. It's not that hard to figure out if they wanted to.

 

And before anyone gripes, I am willing and able to pay a mark up but the ones HAL has are beyond the ridiculous when compared to other cruise lines for HAL's inferior product. Heck, I'd even consult for free on their new and improved list :D

[Cashew14]

Oh, just in case I don't answer any more, I actually have a life. So I have to get up in the morning to play a golf tournament. :D

 

Wish you all a lovely weekend.

 

Andrea

[mjrider]

:mad: I think meet and greets will be an uncomfortable event for the invited crew members for the next while. :mad:

[lovetocruise2020]

We are select on X, i will miss my cabanas dearly on HAL as well as Tamarind.

 

The cabanas X has are not the same. But they do have the best beverage unlimited packages at sea, and i can try all i want till i find a wine that i like, i don't have to buy a bottle or glass blind and hate it.

 

The reason we have not booked X recently, is that on the ships they have the cabanas (alcoves) they do not have the Pan Asian rest, Silk Harvest. Its one, or the other but not both.

Edited July 27, 2013 by surfergirle

[kazu]

I can reassure you we already pay an extortionate price. So therefore this does not even come into it. And I don't quite frankly care how much alcohol is as I don't drink. Just like the smokers don't care how much I pay for ciggies. And I disagree with you regarding the impact of alcohol on other people. It destroys actually marriages, friendships and so on...I think you understand what I am saying. I don't appreciate other people drinking just like others don't appreciate me smoking. I stay out of their way, I expect others to stay out of my way. ;)

 

And again I don't either want to turn this into any smoking thing, just like you. The habitual moaners on here don't really help the cause anyway, they just get boring and more boring. I do however like a civilised conversation just like with you.

 

Andrea

 

I think you meant non smokers in your statement Andrea - but we get it.

 

Honestly - you don't know who smokes and who doesn't here. So don't make assumptions please.

 

The same for a glass of wine.

 

The habitual moaners???? who are they??? some would call me a cheerleader and I am moaning - I don't complain about much - and I wouldn't have minded some changes - the writing was on the wall - but this is too extreme and knocks HAl out of the competitive ball park IMO.

 

Some of us like the line and care about it - so sending an email can be helpful - they stand to lose a lot of business.

 

What troubles me the most is that although they can send me an email reminding me to book shore excursions (of which none are available yet) they can't send an email to advise of the new policy.

 

So, those not on cruise critic could be hit with a big surprise. let's face it - when you book - you look at 'know before you go'. One is not expected to go back every day to re check the policies.

 

Have a great golf game - most of us do have a life btw - this just happens to be a topic of interest to many of us:D

[Linda&Vern]

Yessssss!!!!

HAL is working hard to give celebrity some serious Clientele. 2 things come to my head :

1- celebrity might have plans to buy HAL and straighten up their " ship"

2- HAL is acting like a government cruise line. Like a cruise line owned by the Chinese government or something from that sort.

You say what? :eek: I can no longer be silent. May I ask how many HAL cruises you have been on and what did you not enjoy about them? I'm really curious.

[sail7seas]

just like the non-smokers betray the smokers ;)

 

 

Huh? :confused: Betray?

 

Edited July 27, 2013 by sail7seas

[Lotsasmiles]

I too do not like the new policy. We took a couple of bottles of wine on board each also, but still managed to buy a bottle from HAL selection with dinner.

I have just tried to email my displeasure - but the site has timed out. Guess there are a lot of us!!!!

[Thebes]

We are select on X, i will miss my cabanas dearly on HAL as well as Tamarind.

 

The cabanas X has are not the same. But they do have the best beverage unlimited packages at sea, and i can try all i want till i find a wine that i like, i don't have to buy a bottle or glass blind and hate it.

 

The reason we have not booked X recently, is that on the ships they have the cabanas (alcoves) they do not have the Pan Asian rest, Silk Harvest. Its one, or the other but not both.

 

I'm not sure what u taking about. What is select x ?

[serendipity1499]

:mad: I think meet and greets will be an uncomfortable event for the invited crew members for the next while. :mad:

 

Don't understand why a meet & greet would be contentious or uncomfortable..Officers on board do not make Corporate policy..:(

The purpose of the Meet & Greet is not to voice complaints, which should be done only in private with the appropriate Officer.. The poster in charge of booking the Meet & Greet with HAL Seattle, should remind everyone that this is not the place to voice your unhappiness with any policy nor is it the place to discuss private shore excursions! :(

A Meet & Greet 's purpose is for CC participants to meet & get to know each other.. If participants start to voice complaints you can be sure that HAL will no longer welcome CC members or supply an area with coffee pastries etc.

IMO the change in HAL's wine policy was bound to happen since prices of cabins have not significantly increased in the past 10 years & there were many who took advantage of the Wine policy by "slapping a luggage tag on a case of wine"..Give someone an inch they take a mile..

But do agree, the new policy is very restrictive & perhaps everyone should e-mail HAL with their suggestions such as: charging a corkage fee for additional bottles & permitting some to bring a bottle on board in countries where wine is produced especially on the longer cruises..

 

Betty

[Linda&Vern]

We are not wine drinkers, so the new policy does not personally change anything for us. I do have a question for those familiar with HAL's wine list. Obviously you cannot compare the prices on the ship to purchasing at say a Total Wine, etc. But - what is the difference between HAL's wine pricing at dinner and wine pricing at finer (like 4*+) restaurants?

[serendipity1499]

I too do not like the new policy. We took a couple of bottles of wine on board each also, but still managed to buy a bottle from HAL selection with dinner.

I have just tried to email my displeasure - but the site has timed out. Guess there are a lot of us!!!!

 

Is it possible to compose your e-mail in a WORD program on your P.C or I-pad & then do a copy & paste to the WEB site before it times out?

Betty

[kazu]

We are not wine drinkers, so the new policy does not personally change anything for us. I do have a question for those familiar with HAL's wine list. Obviously you cannot compare the prices on the ship to purchasing at say a Total Wine, etc. But - what is the difference between HAL's wine pricing at dinner and wine pricing at finer (like 4*+) restaurants?

 

for the most part the finer 4* restaurants would be offering better wines - mark up is around double - which is fair ball.

 

Many of HAL's wines are not that great and certainly would not be seen in many 4* restaurants;) Mark up is larger - I'm not so concerned about the mark up - it's the selection or the lack thereof. Not to mention not being able to bring a nice bottle on board in Europe - which cannot be obtained on HAL or here

[Jade13]

Dear Hal

 

Thank you very much for adjusting your alcohol policy. I found it incredibly disturbing to see so many people acting in a very inpropriate way at so many occasions. I also thank you for taking action against all smokers causing a disturbance to so many people, so did the drunks.

With your action all cruisers thinking they can take unlimited alcohol on board it will be a joy to enjoy a "no nonsens" cruise and enjoy an "alcohol free" environment which will be for the better of all of us cruisers.

 

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

 

A non alcoholic Andrea ;)

 

I don't understand your comments. HAL's intent is not for an alcohol free environment, but HAL plans to sell more alcohol.

Edited July 27, 2013 by Jade13

[serendipity1499]

We are not wine drinkers, so the new policy does not personally change anything for us. I do have a question for those familiar with HAL's wine list. Obviously you cannot compare the prices on the ship to purchasing at say a Total Wine, etc. But - what is the difference between HAL's wine pricing at dinner and wine pricing at finer (like 4*+) restaurants?

 

That's an excellent question which I've been pondering too...I would like to take it further by comparing other cruise lines wine menu & prices.. Many are saying that Celebrity's & RCL's packages & pricing is much better but none have given examples of the better pricing..

When we go on long cruises we purchase HAL's Wine packages & have been satisfied, but we are not wine connoisseurs..;)

 

Betty

[Jade13]

That's an excellent question which I've been pondering too...I would like to take it further by comparing other cruise lines wine menu & prices.. Many are saying that Celebrity's & RCL's packages & pricing is much better but none have given examples of the better pricing..

When we go on long cruises we purchase HAL's Wine packages & have been satisfied, but we are not wine connoisseurs..;)

 

Betty

 

Someone posted this on the Celebrity board last year. There were 12 posts and this is about half of them. Maybe it will give HAL some ideas.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1566983&highlight=celebrity+wine+list

 

1- 2012 Celebrity Cruises Wine List (Main Dining Rooms) – Intro

 

2- MDR – Wines By the Glass (Part I)

3- MDR – Sparkling & Champagne (Part II)

4- MDR – White Wines (Part III)

5- MDR – Rose & Blush Wines (Part IV)

6- MDR – Red Wines (Part V)

7- MDR – Late Harvest, Fortified, Non-Alcoholic (Part VI)

8- MDR – Reserve Wines (Part VII)

9- MDR – Rare Wines (Part VIII)

10- MDR – Half Bottles (Part IX)

11- MDR – Taste of the Vineyards Packages (Part X)

 

12- Important Considerations on the MDR Wine List

 

2012 CELEBRITY CRUISES WINE LIST (PART I)

 

MAIN DINING ROOM

 

WINES BY THE GLASS

 

 

CHAMPAGNES & SPARKLING WINES

 

$ 7.00 – Fantinel, PROSECCO EXTRA BRUT, “Cuvee Prestige”, Italy

 

$ 14.50 – Domaine Chandon, ROSE, “Etoile”, California, USA

 

$ 9.00 – Domaine Chandon, BRUT, “Classic”, California, USA

 

$ 7.00 – Codorniu, CAVA BRUT, “Anna du Codorniu”, Spain

 

$ 18.00 – Perrier-Jouet, GRAND BRUT, Champagne, France

 

 

WHITE WINES

 

$ 12.00 – Conundrum, WHITE BLEND, California, USA

 

$ 7.00 – J&H Selbach, RIESLING, KABINETT, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany

 

$ 7.50 – Bollini, PINOT-GRIGIO, Trentino, Italy

 

$ 6.50 – Raimat, ALBARINO, “Castell de Raimat”, Costers Del Segre, Spain

 

$ 8.50 – Clifford Bay, SAUVIGNON BLANC, Marlborough, New Zealand

 

$ 6.00 – Jean-Luc Colombo, VIOGNIER, “La Violette”, Languedoc, France

 

$ 7.50 – Ken Forrester, CHENIN BLANC, Stellenbosch, South Africa

 

$ 9.00 – Anton Bauer, GRUNER VELTLINER, “Gmork”, Wagram, Austria

 

$ 11.00 – Michel Redde, POUILLY-FUME, “La Moynerier”, Loire, France

 

$ 16.00 – Grgich Hills, CHARDONNAY, Napa Valley, California, USA

 

$ 6.50 – St Francis Vineyards, CHARDONNAY, Sonoma County, California, USA

 

$ 8.50 – Celebrity Cruises, CHARDONNAY, “Cellar Master”, California, USA

 

 

BLUSH / ROSE WINES

 

$ 5.50 – Beringer, WHITE ZINFANDEL, California, USA

 

$ 7.00 – Jean-Luc Colombo, ROSE, “Cape Bleue”, Cotes de Provence, France

 

$ 5.50 – Torres, ROSADO, Catalunya, “Sangre de Toro de Casta”, Catalonia, Spain

 

 

RED WINES

 

$ 8.50 – Kendall-Jackson, PINOT NOIR, “Vintner’s Reserve”, California, USA

 

$ 17.00 – Ponzi, PINOT NOIR, Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA

 

$ 6.50 – Cune, TEMPRANILLO, Crianza, Rioja, Spain

 

$ 8.50 – Nozzole, CHIANTI CLASSICO, “Villa di Nozzole”, Tuscany, Italy

 

$ 7.50 – Rutherford Ranch, MERLOT, Napa Valley, California, USA

 

$ 7.00 – Montgras, CARMENERE, “Reserva”, Colchagua Valley, Chile

 

$ 8.50 – Celebrity Cruises, CABERNET SAUVIGNON, “Cellar Master” California, USA

 

$ 8.50 – Bodega Catena Zapata, MALBEC, “Catena”, Mendoza, Argentina

 

$ 12.00 – Dry Creek Vineyard, ZINFANDEL, “Old Vines”, Sonoma County, California, USA

 

$ 7.50 – Ross Estate, SHIRAZ, “Lights Out”, Barossa Valley, Australia

 

$ 10.00 – Yangarra Estate, GRENACHE, “Old Vines”, McLaren Vale, Australia

 

$ 10.00 – Chateau Castera, MEDOC CRU SUPERIEUR, Bordeaux, France

 

$ 16.00 – Freemark Abbey, CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Napa Valley, California, USA

 

$ 7.00 – Wente Vineyards, CABERNET SAUVIGNON “Heritage Blend”, San Francisco Bay, California, USA

 

 

LATE HARVEST WINES (Lush & Silky)

 

$ 26.00 – Peller Estates, VIDAL BLANC, Ice Wine, “Signature Series”, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario Canada

 

$ 8.00 – Barton & Guestier, SAUTERNES, Bordeaux, France

 

$ 12.00 – Pacific Rim, RIESLING, “Vin de Glaciere, Selenium Vineyard”, Columbia Valley, Washington, USA

 

$ 10.00 – Oremus, Late Harvest, TOKAJI, Hungary

 

 

FORTIFIED WINES (Rich & Refined)

 

$ 9.50 – Chateau de Jau, MUSCAT DE RIVESALTES, Roussillon, France

 

$ 6.00 – Fonseca, LATE-BOTTLED VINTAGE PORT, Porto, Douro, Portugal

 

$ 7.00 – Taylor Fladgate, TAWNY PORT, Porto, “10 Year Old”, Douro, Portugal

 

$ 13.00 – Taylor Fladgate, TAWNY PORT, Porto “20 Year Old”, Douro, Portugal

 

 

NON-ALCOHOLIC WINES

 

$ 5.00 – Fre by Sutter Home, SPARKLING, Brut, California, USA

 

$ 5.00 – Fre by Sutter Home, CHARDONNAY, California, USA

 

$ 5.00 – Fre by Sutter Home, PREMIUM RED, California, USA

 

$ 5.00 – Fre by Sutter Home, WHITE ZINFANDEL, California, USA

 

 

2012 CELEBRITY CRUISES WINE LIST (Part II)

 

MAIN DINING ROOM

SPARKLING WINES & CHAMPAGNES

 

 

CHAMPAGNES

 

$ 117 (117) – Louis Roederer, BRUT, “Premier”, Champagne, France

 

$ 107 (125) – Taittinger, BRUT, “La Francaise”, Champagne, France

 

$ 127 (120) – Robert Moncuit, BRUT, BLANC DE BLANCS, “Grande Cuvee”, Champagne, France

 

$ 127 (114) – Colin, BRUT, BLANC DE BLANCS, “Millesime”, Champagne, France

 

$ 69 (124) – Perrier-Jouet, “Grand” BRUT, Champagne, France

 

$ 127 (113) – Brice, BRUT, Verzenay, Grand Cru, Champagne, France

 

 

ROSE CHAMPAGNE & SPARKLING WINES

 

$ 35 (144) – Fantinel, ROSE SPUMANTE, Friuli, Friuli-Venezia, Giulia, Italy

 

$ 129 (133) – Moet & Chandon, BRUT ROSE, “Imperial”, Champagne, France

 

$ 111 (130) – Brice, BRUT ROSE, Champagne, France

 

$ 58 (158) – Domaine Chandon, ROSE, “Etoile”, Napa-Sonoma Counties, California, USA

 

 

SPARKLING WINES

 

$ 29 (143) – Fantinel, PROSECCO, BRUT “Cuvee Prestige”, Friuli, Italy

 

$ 37 (152) – Domaine Chandon, BRUT, “Classic”, California, USA

 

$ 29 (141) – Celebrity Vintages, BRUT, Saumur, Loire, France

 

$ 29 (156) – Codorniu, CAVA, BRUT, “Anna de Codorniu”, Catalonia, Spain

 

$ 58 (142) – Domaine Carneros, BRUT, Carneros, California, USA

 

$ 42 (148) – Mumm Napa, BRUT, “Prestige”, Napa Valley, California, USA

 

 

OFF-DRY CHAMPAGNE AND SPARKLING WINES

 

$ 49 (140) – Banfi, BRACHETTO D’ACQUI, “Rosa Regale”, Piedmont, Italy

 

$ 76 (155) – Heidsieck & Co. Monopole, DEMI-SEC, “Green Top”, Champagne, France

 

$ 40 (159) – Pacific Rim, BRUT, RIESLING, “White Flowers”, Washington, USA

 

2012 CELEBRITY CRUISES WINE LIST (Part III)

 

MAIN DINING ROOM

 

WHITE WINES

 

 

CRISP AND REFRESHING

Light to Medium-Bodied Wines, Low to Moderate Fruit, High Acidity

 

$ 32 (350) – Bollini, PINOT GRIGIO, Trentino, Italy

 

$ 43 (358) – Bertani, PINOT GRIGIO, “Velante”, Veneto, Italy

 

$ 32 (377) – La Scolca, GAVI, “White Label”, Piedmont, Italy

 

$ 45 (309) – Michel Redde, SANCERRE, “Les Tuilieres”, Loire, France

 

$ 88 (228) – Joseph Drouhin, CHABLIS, Premier Cru, France

 

$ 41 (371) – Paco & Lola, ALBARINO, Rias Baixas, Galicia, Spain

 

$ 27 (368) – Raimat, ALBARINO, “Castell de Raimat”, Costers del Segre, Spain

 

$ 40 (291) - Vina Dona Paula, SAUVIGNON BLANC, “Estate”, Mendoza, Argentina

 

$ 37 (337) – Lucien Albrecht, RIESLING, “Reserve”, Alsace, France

 

$ 35 (411) – Ca’Rugate, SOAVE CLASSICO, “San Michele”, Veneto, Italy

 

$ 38 (413) – Anton Bauer, GRUNER VELTLINER, “Gmork”, Wagram, Austria

 

$ 77 (307) – De Ladoucette, POUILLAY-FUME, Loire Valley, France

 

$ 32 (292) – Wild Rock, SAUVIGNON BLANC, “The Infamous Goose”, Marlborough, New Zealand

 

 

BRIGHT AND AROMATIC

Light to Medium-Bodied Wines, Moderate Fruit, High Acidity

 

$ 41 (308) – Michel Redde, POUILLY-FUME, “La Moynerie”, Loire, France

 

$ 25 (363) – Tamas Estates, PINOT GRIGIO, Central Coast, California, USA

 

$ 25 (321) – Chateau Ste Michelle, RIESLING, Dry, Columbia Valley, Washington, USA

 

$ 35 (387) – Erath Vineyards, PINOT BLANC, Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA

 

$ 27 (418) – Tapiz, TORRONTES, Mendoza, Argentina

 

$ 40 (338) – Pewsey Vale, RIESLING, Eden Valley, South Australia

 

$ 36 (290) – Clifford Bay, SAUVIGNON BLANC, Marlborough, New Zealand

 

$ 48 (339) – Pfeffingen, RIESLING, Kabinett Trocken, “Ungsteiner Nussriegel”, Pfalz, Germany

 

$ 25 (419) – Cepas Y Bodegas, VERDEJO, “Vinalcasta”, Rueda, Castilla Y Leon, Spain

 

$ 63 (357) – Elk Cove, PINOT GRIS, Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA

 

$ 45 (361) – King Estate, PINOT GRIS, “Signature Collection”, Oregon, USA

 

$ 30 (294) – Wairau River, SAUVIGNON BLANC, Marlborough, New Zealand

 

$ 45 (293) – Villa Maria, SAUVIGNON BLANC, “Private Bin”, Marlborough, New Zealand

 

$ 45 (365) – Navarro, GEWURZTRAMINER, Anderson Valley, California, USA

 

$ 41 (269) – Honig, SAUVIGNON BLANC, Napa Valley, California, USA

 

$ 59 (362) – Lucien Albrecht, PINOT GRIS, “Cuvee Cecile”, Alsace, France

 

$ 37 (264) – Chateau Ste Michelle, SAUVIGNON BLANC, “Horse Heaven Vineyard”, Horse Heaven Hills, Washington, USA

 

$ 26 (271) – Kendall-Jackson, SAUVIGNON BLANC, “Vintner’s Reserve”, California, USA

 

$ 25 (409) – Jean-Luc Colombo, VIOGNIER, “La Violette”, Languedoc, France

 

$ 30 (351) – Fantinel, PINOT GRIGIO, “Borgo Tesis”, Friuli Grave, Italy

 

$ 52 (289) – Ata Rangi, SAUVIGNON BLANC, Martinborough, New Zealand

 

$ 64 (263) – Cakebread Cellars, SAUVIGNON BLANC, Napa Valley, California, USA

 

$ 38 (354) – Fantinel, PINOT GRIGIO, “Vigneti Sant’Helena”, Collio, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy

 

$ 33 (366) – Ken Forrester, CHENIN BLANC, Stellenbosch, South Africa

 

$ 26 (416) – La Bastide St Dominique, BLANC, COTES DU RHONE, Rhone, France

 

$ 101 (336) – Balthasar Ress, RIESLING, Gold Cap, Erstes Gewachs, “Hattenheim Nussbrunnen”, Rheingau, Germany

 

$ 26 (274) – Murphy-Goode, SAUVIGNON BLANC, “The Fume”, North Coast, California, USA

 

$ 35 (367) – Michel Picard, VOUVRAY, Loire, France

 

 

RICH AND EXPRESSIVE

Full-Bodied Wines, Predominant Fruit, High Acidity, some with Hints of Oak

 

$ 52 (412) – Lucien Albrecht, GEWURZTRAMINER, “Reserve”, Alsace, France

 

$ 54 (716) – Mollydooker, VERDELHO, “The Violinist”, McLaren Vale, South Australia

 

$ 30 (205) – Kendall Jackson, CHARDONNAY, Vintner’s Reserve, California, USA

 

$ 35 (168) – Penfolds, CHARDONNAY, “Koonunga Hill”, South Australia

 

$ 33 (398) – Eberle Vineyards, VIOGNIER, Paso Robles, California, USA

 

$ 35 (207) – Bodega Catena Zapata, CHARDONNAY, “Catena”, Mendoza, Argentina

 

$ 25 (167) – Man Vintners, CHARDONNAY, Coastal Region, South Africa

 

$ 45 (169) – Familia Zuccardi, CHARDONNAY, “Q”, Mendoza, Argentina

 

$ 35 (215) – Vina Santa Ema, CHARDONNAY, “Select Terroir”, Maipo Valley, Chile

 

$ 45 (173) – Cambria, CHARDONNAY, “Katherine’s Vineyard”, Santa Maria Valley, California, USA

 

$ 35 (200) – St Francis Vineyards, CHARDONNAY, Sonoma County, California, USA

 

$ 29 (178) – Celebrity Cruises, CHARDONNAY, The Artist Collection, San Francisco Bay, California, USA

 

$ 29 (194) – Wente Vineyards, CHARDONNAY, “Riva Ranch Reserve”, Arroyo Seco, California, USA

 

$ 44 (165) – Craggy Range, CHARDONNAY, “Kidnappers Vineyard”, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand

 

$ 36 (217) – Vina Morande, CHARDONNAY, “Gran Reservea”, Casablanca Valley, Aconcagua, Chile

 

$ 88 (172) – Cakebread Cellars, CHARDONNAY, Rutherford, Napa Valley, California, USA

 

$ 64 (166) – Grgich Hills, CHARDONNAY, Napa Valley, California, USA

 

$ 40 (177) – Celebrity Cruises, CHARDONNAY, “Cellar Master”, California, USA

 

 

POWERFUL AND COMPLEX

Full-Bodied Wines, Low to Moderate Fruit, High Acidity, some with Hints of Oak

 

$ 50 (223) – Daniel-Etienne Defaix, CHABLIS, “Vieilles Vignes”, Burgundy, France

 

$ 34 (230) – Joseph Drouhin, MACON-VILLAGES, Burgundy, France

 

$ 50 (417) – Scala Dei, BLANCO, “Les Brugueres”, Priorat, Catalonia, Spain

 

$ 35 (364) – Sartori De Verona, GARGANEGA, Verona, Veneto, Italy

 

$ 56 (234) – Louis Jadot, POUILLY-FUISSE, Burgundy, France

 

$ 98 (193) – Nickel & Nickel, CHARDONNAY, “Searby Vineyard”, Russian River, California, USA

 

$ 44 (182) – Freemark Abbey, CHARDONNAY, Napa Valley, California, USA

 

$ 60 (190) – Il Borro, CHARDONNAY, “Lamelle”, Tuscany, Italy

 

 

HINTS OF SUGAR

Full-Bodied Wines, Off-Dry to Sweet, High Acidity

 

$ 60 (406) – Conundrum, WHITE BLEND, Caymus California, USA

 

$ 45 (335) – Pacific Rim, RIESLING, “Wallula Vineyard”, Columbia Valley, Washington, USA

 

$ 29 (328) – S.A. Prum, RIESLING, “Essence”, Mosel, Germany

 

$ 27 (330) – J&H Selbach, RIESLING, Kabinett, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany

 

$ 47 (332) – Selbach-Oster, RIESLING, Spatlese, Mosel, Germany

 

2012 CELEBRITY CRUISES WINE LIST (Part IV)

 

MAIN DINING ROOM

 

ROSE & BLUSH WINES

 

 

FRESH AND DELICATE

Light-Bodied Wines, Low to Moderate Fruit, Dry

 

$ 31 (432) – Gaga, ROSE, Jackson Family Wines, California, USA

 

$ 25 (433) – Chakana, MALBEC ROSE, “Yaguarete Collection”, Mendoza, Argentina

 

$ 42 (427) – Chateau d’Esclans, ROSE, “Whispering Angel”, Provence, France

 

$ 30 (420) – Jean-Luc Colombo, ROSE, “Cape Bleue”, France

 

$ 25 (434) – Torres, ROSANDO, Catalunya, “Sangre de Toro de Casta”, Catalonia, Spain

 

 

HINTS OF SUGAR

Light-Bodied Wines, Moderate Fruit, Sweet

 

$ 24 (423) – Beringer, WHITE ZINFANDEL, California[/b

2012 CELEBRITY CRUISES WINE LIST (Part V)

MAIN DINING ROOM

 

RED WINES

 

 

GRACEFUL AND ELEGANT

Light to Medium-Bodied Wines, Low to Moderate Fruit, High Acidity, Hints of Earth and Oak

 

$ 26 (971) – Georges Duboeuf, BEAUJOLAIS-VILLAGES, “Flowers Label”, Beaujolais, France

 

$ 87 (796) – Louis Jadot, GEVREY-CHAMBERTIN, Burgundy, France

 

$ 94 (807) – Joseph Drouhin, NUITS-ST-GEORGES, Burgundy, France

 

$ 132 (779) – Joseph Drouhin, CHAMBOLLE-MUSIGNY, Burgundy, France

 

$ 34 (964) – Joseph Drouhin, FLEURIE, Beaujolais, France

 

$ 40 (969) – Vietti, BARBERA D’ASTI, “Tre Vigne”, Piedmont, Italy

 

$ 27 (1018) – Cune, TEMPRANILLO, Crianza, Rioja, Spain

 

$ 39 (906) – Nozzole, CHIANTI CLASSICO, “Villa di Nozzole”, Tuscany, Italy

 

 

CHARMING AND FRAGRANT

Light to Medium-Bodied Wines, Moderate Fruit, High Acidity, Hints of Oak

 

$ 32 (965) – Joseph Drouhin, MOULIN-A-VENT, Beaujolais, France

 

$ 39 (742) – Kendall-Jackson, PINOT NOIR, “Vintner’s Reserve”, California, USA

 

$ 45 (778) – Joseph Drouhin, PINOT NOIR, “Vero”, Burgundy, France

 

$ 79 (731) – Benton Lane, PINOT NOIR, Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA

 

$ 47 (760) – Innocent Bystander, PINOT NOIR, Victoria, Australia

 

$ 45 (762) – Whitehaven, PINOT NOIR, Marlborough, New Zealand

 

$ 47 (734) – Byron, PINOT NOIR, Santa Maria Valley, California, USA

 

$ 46 (759) – Steele, PINOT NOIR, Santa Barbara County, California, USA

 

$ 35 (761) – Matua Valley, PINOT NOIR, Central Otago, New Zealand

 

$ 35 (827) – Finca La Linda, MALBEC, Luigi Bosca, Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina

 

$ 63 (738) – Domaine Carneros, PINOT NOIR, Carneros, California, USA

 

$ 127 (739) – Domaine Drouhin, PINOT NOIR, Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA

 

$ 68 (757) – Ponzi, PINOT NOIR, Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA

 

$ 26 (840) – Calina, MERLOT, Maule Valley, Reserva, Central Valley, Chile

 

$ 45 (736) – La Crema, PINOT NOIR, Russian River Valley, California, USA

 

$ 65 (740) – Foley Vineyards, PINOT NOIR, “Rancho Santa Rosa”, Santa Rita Hills, California, USA

 

 

HARMONIOUS AND BALANCED

Medium-Bodied Wines, Predominant Fruit, Medium Tannins, Hints of Oak

 

$ 35 (946) – Penfolds, SHIRAZ, “Thomas Hyland”, South Australia

 

$ 35 (443) – Beringer, CABERNET SAUVIGNON, “Founders Estate”, California, USA

 

$ 59 (560) – Il Borro, SYRAH / SANGIOVESE, “Pian di Nova”, Tuscany, Italy

 

$ 36 (849) – Rutherford Ranch, MERLOT, Napa Valley, California, USA

 

$ 42 (972) – Calina, Carmenere, Maule Valley, Chile

 

$ 33 (552) – Allegrini, VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO, Veneto, Italy

 

$ 32 (922) – Chateau Mont-Redon, COTES DU RHONE, Rhone, France

 

$ 35 (943) – Chateau St Michelle, SYRAH, Columbia Valley, Washington, USA

 

$ 50 (837) – Kiona, MERLOT, Columbia Valley, Washington, USA

 

$ 35 (839) – Sebastiani, MERLOT, Sonoma County, California, USA

 

$ 50 (907) – Antinori, SNAGIOVESE / CABERNET SAUVIGNON / MERLOT, “Villa Antinori”, Tuscany, Italy

 

$ 53 (454) – Mission Hill, CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Okanagan, British Columbia, Canada

 

$ 41 (867) – Yalumba, CABERNET SAUVIGNON / SHIRAZ, “The Scribbler”, Barossa Valley, South Australia

 

$ 35 (958) – Renwood, ZINFANDEL, Sierra Foothills, California

 

$ 38 (475) – Celebrity Cruises, CABERNET SAUVIGNON, “Cellar Master”, California, USA

 

$ 45 (948) – Wolf Blass, SHIRAZ, “President Selection”, South Australia

 

$ 38 (1008) – Yangarra Estate, SHIRAZ, McLaren Vale, South Australia

 

$ 45 (828) – Pascual Tosco, MALBEC, “Reserve”, Mendoza, Argentina

 

$ 45 (953) – St Francis Vineyards, ZINFANDEL, “Old Vines”, Sonoma County, California, USA

 

$ 33 (464) – Kendall-Jackson, CABERNET SAUVIGNON, “Vintner’s Reserve”, California, USA

 

$ 49 (1004) – Decendientes de Jose Palacios, MENCIA, “Petalos”, Priorat, Spain

 

$ 26 (820) – Bodega Catena Zapata, MALBEC, “Catena”, Mendoza, Argentina

 

$ 45 (961) – Kunde, ZINFANDEL, Sonoma Valley, California

 

$ 35 (999) – Altovinum, GARNACHA, “Evodia”, Calatayud, Aragon, Spain

 

$ 29 (457) – Celebrity Cruises, CABERNET SAUVIGNON, “The Artist Collection”, San Francisco Bay, California, USA

 

$ 40 (998) – Yangarra Estate, GRENACHE, “Old Vines”, McLaren Vale, South Australia

 

$ 45 (718) – Nelms Road, CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Washington, USA

 

$ 44 (917) – Kinton, SYRAH, Santa Barbara, California, USA

 

$ 32 (947) – Ross Estate, SHIRAZ, “Lights Out”, Barossa Valley, South Australia

 

$ 59 (845) – Matanzas Creek, MERLOT, Bennett Valley, California, USA

 

$ 45 (838) – Raymond, MERLOT, “Reserve”, Napa Valley, California, USA

 

 

CLASSIC AND EARTHY

Medium to Full-Bodied Wines, Moderate Fruit, Medium to High Tannins, Hints of Oak

 

$ 40 (963) – Luigi Tacchino, DOLCETTO D’OVADA, Piedmont, Italy

 

$ 43 (569) – Tenuta di Argeno, SUPER TUSCAN, “Prima Voce”, Tuscany, Italy

 

$ 66 (982) – Familia Deicas, TANNAT BLEND, “Preludio Barrel Select”, Juanico, Uruguay

 

$ 35 (1027) – Condesa de Laganza, TEMPRANILLO, “Condesa”, Crianza, La Mancha, Spain

 

$ 83 (526) – Ata Rangi, PINOT NOIR, Martinborough, New Zealand

 

$ 72 (921) – Chateau Mont-Redon, CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE, Rhone, France

 

$ 25 (862) – Gerard Bertrand, SYRAH / CARIGNAN, Minervois, Languedoc, France

 

$ 36 (860) – Sogrape, “Callabriga”, DOURO, Portugal

 

$ 30 (967) – Montgras, CARMENERE, “Reserva”, Colchagua Valley, Chile

 

$ 29 (580) – Vina La Rosa, CABERNET SAUVIGNON / MERLOT, “La Capitana”, Cachapoal Valley, Central Valley, Chile

 

$ 37 (1019) – Bodegas Ramon Bilbao, TEMPRANILLO, “Edicion Limitada”, Rioja, Spain

 

$ 119 (624) – Reserve de la Comtesse, PAUILLAC, Bordeaux, France

 

$ 31 (905) – La Braccesca, ROSSO DI MONTEPULCIANO, “Sabazio”, Tuscany, Italy

 

$ 80 (870) – Alfredo Prunotto, BARBARESCO, Piedmont, Italy

 

$ 40 (956) – Nederburg, PINOTAGE, “The Winemaster’s Reserve”, Western Cape, South Africa

 

$ 44 (1016) – Aspaldi, TEMPRANILLO, Reserva, Rioja, Spain

 

$ 41 (600) – Chateau Castera, MEDOC, CRU SUPERIEUR, Bordeaux, France

 

$ 64 (598) – Chateau Senejac, HAUT-MEDOC, Bordeaux, France

 

$ 74 (868) – Ca’Viola, NEBBIOLO, Langhe, Piedmont, Italy

 

 

RICH, BOLD AND JUICY

Full-Bodied Wines, Predominant Fruit, Bold Tannins, Hints of Oak

 

$ 35 (722) – Columbia Crest, CABERNET SAUVIGNON, “H3”, Horse Haven Hills, Washington, USA

 

$ 48 (960) – Dry Creek Vineyard, ZINFANDEL, “Old Vines”, Sonoma County, California, USA

 

$ 67 (863) – Hess Collection, CABERNET SAUVIGNON / MALBEC / SYRAH, “19 Block Cuvee”, Mount Veeder, California, USA

 

$ 56 (959) – Sbragia Family, ZINFANDEL, “Ginos”, Dry Creek Valley, California, USA

Mendoza, Argentina

 

$ 80 (950) – Chiarello Family, ZINFANDEL, “Giana”, Napa Valley, California, USA

 

$ 88 (568) – Poggio Al Tesoro, BOLGHERI, “Sondraia”, Tuscany, Italy

 

$ 54 (720) – Powers, CABERNET SAUVIGNON, “Coyote Vineyard Reserve”, Wahluke Slope, Washington, USA

 

$ 35 (486) – Wente Vineyards, CABERNET SAUVIGNON, “Heritage Blend”, Livermore, California

 

$ 84 (450) – Atalon, CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Napa Valley, California, USA

 

$ 51 (717) – Murrieta’s Well, CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Livermore, California, USA

 

$ 85 (452) – Chiarelo Family, CABERNET SAUVIGNON, “Bambino”, Napa Valley, California, USA

 

$ 96 (555) – Gaja, Ca’ Marcanda, SANGIOVESE / MERLOT / SYRAH, “Promis”, Tuscany, Italy

 

$ 68 (821) – Bodega Renacer, MALBEC / CABERNET FRANC, “Enamore”, Mendoza, Argentina

 

$ 173 (525) – Vin Perdu, CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Atlas Peak, Napa Valley, California, USA

 

$ 64 (723) – Freemark Abbey, CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Napa Valley, California, USA

 

$ 152 (451) – Nickel & Nickel, CABERNET SAUVIGNON, “Sullenger Vineyard”, Oakville, California, USA

 

$ 55 (714) – Langmeil, CABERNET SAUVIGNON, “Jackman’s”, Barossa, South Australia

 

$ 92 (944) – Boekenhoutskloof, SYRAH, Coastal Region, South Africa

 

$ 96 (415) – Mollydooker, CABERNET SAUVIGNON, “Gigglepot”, South Australia

 

 

OPULENT AND ROBUST

Full-Bodied Wines, Moderate Fruit, Bold Tannins, Hints of Earth and Oak

 

$ 49 (456) – Casa Lapostolle, CABERNET SAUVIGNON, “Cuvee Alexandre”, Colchagua Valley, Chile

 

$ 123 (463) – Jordan, CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Alexander Valley, California, USA

 

$ 108 (558) – Il Borro, Toscana, MERLOT / CABERNET / SYRAH, Tuscany, Italy

 

$ 115 (710) – Vina Altair, CABERNET SAUVIGNON / SYRAH, Cachapoal Valley, Chile

 

$ 50 (968) – Abadia Retuerta, TEMPRANILLO / CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Sardon de Duero, “Selection Especial”, Castilla Y Leon, Spain

 

$ 37 (1000) – Bodegas Espana Autentica, GARNACHA, Piorat, “Zeta Z”, Catalonia, Spain

 

$ 108 (931) – Lagier Meredith, SYRAH, Mount Veeder, California, USA

 

2012 CELEBRITY CRUISES WINE LIST (Part VIII)

 

MAIN DINING ROOM

 

RARE WINES

 

********************

 

OLD WORLD REDS – FRANCE

 

BORDEAUX – ST-ESTEPHE

 

$ 495 (690) – Chateau Cos d’Estournel, 1988

 

 

PAUILLAC

 

$ 342 (620) – Chateau Pichon-Longueville, Comtesse de Lalande, 1990

 

$ 450 (614) – Chateau Lynch-Bages, 1995

 

$ 1023 (626) – Chateau Lafite-Rothschild, 1995

 

$ 1250 (608) – Chateau Lafite, Rothschild, 2002

 

$ 1200 (605) – Chateau Latour, 1998

 

$ 995 (606) – Chateau Latour, 1999

 

 

ST JULIEN

 

$ 950 (704) – Chateau Leoville-Las Cases, 1990

 

$ 575 (705) – Chateau Leoville-Las Cases, 2003

 

 

RHONE – COTE-ROTIE

 

$ 195 (927) – M. Chapoutier, La Mordoree, 2004

 

 

HERMITAGE

 

$ 175 (535) – Maison Cheval Fou, 2005

 

$ 295 (928) – M. Chapoutier, Le Meal, 2004

 

 

OLD WORLD REDS – ITALY

 

TUSCANY

 

$ 218 (566) – Tenuta San Guido, Sassicaia, Toscana, Antinori, 2007

 

$ 173 (584) – Famiglia Sinatra, La Voce, Toscana, 2008

 

 

VENETO

 

$ 982 (712) – Romano Dal Forno, Recioto Della Valpolicella, 1994 (1.5 L)

 

 

NEW WORLD REDS – USA, CALIFORNIA

 

MERLOT

 

$ 154 (853) – Coup de Foudre, Napa Valley, 2007

 

$ 300 (537) – Amuse Bouche, Napa Valley, 2008

 

 

CABERNET SAUVIGNON

 

$ 350 (440) – Au Sommet, Atlas Peak, Napa Valley, 2008

 

$ 950 (510) – Abreu Vineyards, Madrona Ranch, Napa Valley, 1999

 

$ 1049 (513) – Colgin, Herb Lamb Vineyards, Napa Valley, 1995

 

$ 795 (514) – Colgin, Herb Lamb Vineyards, Napa Valley, 1997

 

$ 772 (436) – Bryant Family Vineyard, Napa Valley, 2000

 

$ 718 (435) – Bryant Family Vineyard, Napa Valley, 2008

 

$ 5812 (523) – Screaming Eagle, Oakville, 2006

 

$ 150 (439) – Sinatra Family Estates, “Come Fly With Me”, Napa Valley, 2007

 

 

SYRAH

 

$ 206 (942) – Pharoah Moans, Paso Robles, 2006

 

 

PROPRIETARY BLENDS

 

$ 905 (518) – Harlan Estate, Oakville, 1991

 

$ 1785 (519) – Harlan Estate, Oakville, 1994

 

$ 600 (441) – Harlan Estate, Oakville, 2006

 

$ 140 (581) – Bond, “The Matriarch”, Napa Valley, 2006

 

$ 360 (522) – Bond, “The Melbury”, Napa Valley, 2005

 

2012 CELEBRITY CRUISES WINE LIST (Part X)

 

MAIN DINING ROOM

 

TASTE OF THE VINEYARDS

 

********************

 

CLASSIC PACKAGE

 

SPARKLING WINE

* Bouvet Signature, Loire France

 

WHITE WINES

* Chardonnay - Penfolds, Koonunga Hill, Australia

* Chardonnay - Santa Ema, “Select Terroir”, Chile

* Pinot Grigio - Fanitnel, Borgo Tesis

* Sauvignon Blanc - Villa Maria, Private Bin, New Zealand

* Sauvignon Blanc - Murphy Good, California, USA

* Riesling - S.A. Prum, “Essence”, Germany

* Vouvray (Chenin Blanc) - Michel Picard, Loire, France

* White Zinfandel - Beringer, California, USA

 

ROSE WINES

* Gaga Rose, by Kendall-Jackson, California, USA

 

RED WINES

* Cabernet Sauvignon - Beringer, Founders Estates, California, USA

* Cabernet Sauvignon - Columbia Crest “H3”, Horse Heaven Hills, Washington, USA

* Pinot Noir - Matua, New Zealand

* Garnacha - Altovinum, “Evodia”, Spain

* Malbec - Luigi Bosca, “La Linda”, Argentina

* Merlot - Sebastiani, California

* Syrah - Chateau Ste Michelle, Washington, USA

* Tempranillo - Condesa de Leganza, Spain

* Zinfandel - Renwood, Sierra Foothills, California, USA

 

=== === === === === === ===

 

TASTE OF THE VINEYARDS

 

********************

 

PREMIUM PACKAGE

 

SPARKLING WINE

* Domaine Carneros by Taittinger

 

WHITE WINES

* Albarino – Paco and Lola, Rais Baixas, Spain

* Chardonnay – Cambria “Katherine Vineyard”, Santa Barbara, California, USA

* Chardonnay – Zuccardi, Q, Mendoza, Argentina

* Pinot Grigio – Bertani, Veneto, Italy

* Pinot Gris – King Estate, Oregon, USA

* Sancerre – Michel Redde, Loire, France

* Sauvignon Blanc – Chateau Ste Michelle, Horse Heaven Hills

* Riesling – Pacific Rim, Wallula Vineyard, Washington, USA

 

ROSE

* Whispering Angel, Provence, France

 

RED

* Cabernet Sauvignon – Rosemount, Snow Reserve, Mudgee, Australia

* Cabernet Sauvignon – Nelms Road, Washington, USA

* Grenache – D’Arenburg, “The Custodian”, Barossa Valley, Australia

* Miguel Torres, “Coridllera”, Chile

* Malbec – Pascual Toso, Reserve, Argentina

* Merlot – Raymond Reserve, Napa Valley, California, USA

* Pinot Noir – Joseph Drouhin, Vero, France

* Pinot Noir – Whitehaven, Marlborough, New Zealand

* Super-Tuscan – Tenuta di Arceno, Prima Voce, Tuscany, Italy

* Shiraz – Wolf Bass, Gold Label, South Australia

* Zinfandel – St Francis, Sonoma, California, USA

* Zinfandel – Kinde Estate, California

Edited July 27, 2013 by Jade13

[iancal]

To answer the question...my experience is that HAL's wine prices are very high in comparison to similar wines, similar venues.

 

My experience is also that HAL has an exceptionally mediocre wine list-both in terms of size, variety, and quality.

 

On our last Celebrity cruise the red selection ran into pages. Good selection, good variety, and fair prices-that is to say comparable to land based restaurants. Cannot comment on the whites or others.

 

HAL would do well to brush up theirs.

[sandthrush]

In the future, I will take the my $10 Chardonnay (that HAL charges $52 dollars for) and take it on Princess. Princess policy is to charge a $15 corkage fee for any number of bottles over 1 bottle per adult. They will make $15 to do nothing, I will have my wine at what I feel is a reasonable price, and we will both be happy.:)

[Saphire]

We are disappointed to hear this news. We had a little tradition going of visiting Total Wine in FLL (the most fun and informative wine shop ever) and choosing wines that were good and unique to us. We bought some for our room, some to bring to dinner. And we always felt that it was a perk that HAL allowed. I feel kind of sad that our tradition has ended. :(

[Watson's aunt]

On my last cruise to Alaska we celebrated Indonesia Independence day. Lets just say there was a big party that night and a lot of waiters with not feeling to well.

 

 

 

 

 

Many Indonesians do not drink alchohol so your leftover wine may have gone down the drain..... or perhaps was handed to a friend who drinks.

 

We never bring liquor aboard with us so the change in policy means nothing to us personally. We always manage to find a wine from either the Pinnacle or MDR wine list to enjoy. We've consumed many a nice wine on board the ships. :)

[harborchick]

Wow, my cruise leaves in 6 days.

 

I certainly hope HAL plans to contact (via email, their travel agent, etc. )customers who have already booked regarding this significant change in policy/pricing. Had I not read it on Cruise Critic, I would be both embarrassed and angry at the pier.

 

I worked in Customer Service for many years and this is the type of change in terms that would certainly send customers to competitors. I haven't checked my cruise contract and am assuming there is language to cover such changes. But the BEST service is when a company honors the letter and SPIRIT of a policy. It seems the spirit of this policy at a bare minimum requires more notice (the best companies don't "spring" a big change on customers when boarding) and more detailed, publicized execution plan (what are they doing to improve onboard wine offerings, packages, etc.).

 

And I say this and we're not even big drinkers...just planned on bringing 6 bottles of wine on board. I guess it's more the principal of changing terms so last minute. This is my first HAL cruise and last minute changes--especially those that have are not emergency or safety-based--without reasonable notification is very disappointing.

[happyglobetrotter]

People are mentionning drinking their own wine on a verandah or paying the corkage fee to bring it in the MDR. This is acceptable.

 

However, what about the couples who walk into the MDR EVERY night with their own glass of wine in their hands, is this acceptable...I do not know of any restaurant ashore where you can walk in the restaurant with your own glass of wine.

 

There has been a lot of abuse; and for me, it is time that HAL does something about it. On grand voyages, people also brought cases and cases of wine. sometimes shipped at HAL expense.

 

HAL has been very liberal, I think they now realize that people are abusing.

[startwin]

People are mentionning drinking their own wine on a verandah or paying the corkage fee to bring it in the MDR. This is acceptable.

 

However, what about the couples who walk into the MDR EVERY night with their own glass of wine in their hands, is this acceptable...I do not know of any restaurant ashore where you can walk in the restaurant with your own glass of wine.

 

There has been a lot of abuse; and for me, it is time that HAL does something about it. On grand voyages, people also brought cases and cases of wine. sometimes shipped at HAL expense.

 

HAL has been very liberal, I think they now realize that people are abusing.

 

How do you know there has been a lot of abuse? I have seldom seen anyone carry a glass from their cabin into the MDR - if ever. I have seen one couple, in all these years, carry glasses of their own wine around the ship, but just one. As for cases and cases of wine - really, how often have you seen that?

[Watson's aunt]

just wait till the world cruises see this.. I think it will be droped maybe one or two bottles per port

[LindaM]

Wow....I go away from CC for 6 hours and my worst nightmare has come true!! I truly hate to say it, but "I told you so" to those people who were on my case about this recently. I knew this was coming, but I really thought HAL policy would be similar to Princess---not worse. I wonder why they want it to be even more strict?

 

I plan on voting with my feet. I am also hoping that they will not enforce this in Europe. It is possible.... I bought beer in Oslo---totally forgot about the rules!! I plan on buying a bottle to test the waters....in France in Sept. I will let you know!! The worst is that I will have to drink it our last night, or bring it to the hotel in Barcelona! We have a 2014 cruise planned...unfortunately, no other cruiseline has a comparable itinerary. After that....we will not sail HAL because of this pettiness. At least when I tolerated smoke on my balcony, it was easier with a glass of wine in hand! HAL has a terrible loyalty program anyway. I love Prinsendam, but I just can't sail a cruiseline that allows smoking and disallows wine, especially after allowing it for years. And, springing this on us last minute!

 

HAL ....are you listening??? There's a group of us Prinsendam loyalists who can easily switch to Oceania, Regent, Azamara or the new Ocean Viking. The price for a balcony cabin is comparable!