BuffetPantsPls Posted April 7, 2014 #1 Share Posted April 7, 2014 When you guys BYOB on board, what are the types of wines you guys bring? My understanding is still unlimited bottles, 15$ corkage fee. While some prices onboard are reasonable they still usually tack up 15% on top of what one pays at retail and even more for the lower end stuff. Add that to the fact you're already paying alot for the cruise makes me see byob as a more favorable proposition. As one of the previous posters mentioned, Champers seem to be the best bet as the selection is few, and the mark up is pretty high. But, onto topic, what labels do you guys usually bring aboard? Anybody bring some grand cru burgundies? 1st growth bordelais? some cult napa cab ? or perhaps some old guard napa names like caymus, heitz? my byob list is going to have a few birth year wines from the 70s 3 bottles of sparklers: Bollinger, Krug and Pol Roger most likely a few cali chards like ZD and a bunch of cali cabs: Larkmead, Myriad, Stefania, Conn Valley apologies in advance for the wine geek talk! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garycarla Posted April 8, 2014 #2 Share Posted April 8, 2014 ...my byob list is going to havea few birth year wines from the 70s 3 bottles of sparklers: Bollinger, Krug and Pol Roger most likely a few cali chards like ZD and a bunch of cali cabs: Larkmead, Myriad, Stefania, Conn Valley apologies in advance for the wine geek talk! We all have various tastes in wine. Some are happy with White Zin in a box. We drink lots of Chardonnay. Some we like, some not so much. Usually bottles in the $10-$15 range are fancy stuff for us. Barefoot works just fine. So, I would guess none of the above wines would be on our list. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BuffetPantsPls Posted April 8, 2014 Author #3 Share Posted April 8, 2014 We all have various tastes in wine. Some are happy with White Zin in a box. We drink lots of Chardonnay. Some we like, some not so much. Usually bottles in the $10-$15 range are fancy stuff for us. Barefoot works just fine. So, I would guess none of the above wines would be on our list. it's more along the lines of vacation budget, i tie it in with. but it does pain me to pay, the 40$ for a beringers white zin for example when it can be had retail for 12$. tack on the 15$ byob charge and it's still cheaper! even on the very expensive bottles the krug is 125$ retail but they're charging 200$ for it!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ex-Calgarian Posted April 8, 2014 #4 Share Posted April 8, 2014 For us it's a matter of having a well stocked cellar and for the price of carrying some extra weight in our luggage and paying $15 per bottle, we can enjoy something we know we will enjoy. Nothing wrong with expanding our palette but that might be best done in Napa or Santa Ynez. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
don't-use-real-name Posted April 8, 2014 #5 Share Posted April 8, 2014 This is the wine deal (package) that my crowd is really hit on. * Alice White, Chardonnay – Southeastern Australia - THIS WAS MY FAVORITE ! Use it to make comparisons for what you might lug on board from your private wine cellar or local liquor wine merchant: NOTE - THE $15 CORKAGE FEE IS PAID AND INCLUDED but not the Gratuity ! VIVA VINO by Norwegian Cruise Line Please list the number of bottles for your selection The Enthusiast 4 Bottles - $88 6 Bottles - $132 8 Bottles - $176 ___ Beringer, Sparkling White Zinfandel – California ___ Lindemans, Bin 90 Moscato – Australia ___ Ruffino, Pinot Grigio – Delle Venezie, Italy ___ De Aureo Spirito, Sauvignon Blanc – Langeudoc, France ___ Woodbridge by Robert Mandavi, White Zinfandel – California __*_ Alice White, Chardonnay – Southeastern Australia ___ Colores Del Sol, Malbec – Mandoza, Argentina ___ Ravenswood, “Zen of Zin” Zinfandel – California ___ Errazuriz, “Estate” Merlot – Colchagua Valley, Chile ___ Black Opal, Shiraz/Cabernet – Southern Australia The Aficionado Including selections from the “Enthusiast” category plus the following 4 Bottles - $98 6 Bottles - $146 8 Bottles - $196 ___ Rosemont, Riesling – Southeastern Australia ___ Estancia, Pinot Grigio – California ___ Matua Valley, Sauvignon Blanc – Marlborough, New Zealand ___ Robert Mandavi Private Selection, Chardonnay – California ___ Estancia, Pinot Noir – Monterey, California ___ Rancho Zabaco, “Heritage Vines” Zinfandel – Sonoma, California ___ Sylvester Winery, “Kiara Reserve” Merlot - California ___ Avalon Cabernet Sauvignon – Napa Valley, California The Connoisseur Including selections from the “Enthusiast” and “Aficionado categories plus the following 4 Bottles - $110 6 Bottles - $162 8 Bottles - $216 ___ Dry Creek, Fume Blanc – Sonoma, California ___ Isabel Mandavi, Deep Rose’ – Napa Valley, California ___ Wild Horse, Chardonnay – Central Coast, California ___ Spellbound, Petite Sirah – California ___ Chareau St. Jean, Cabernet Sauvignon – California A 15% gratuity will be added to your check for all beverages orders. Prices are subject to change. Your check may reflect applicable VAT for certain ports or itineraries Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
don't-use-real-name Posted April 8, 2014 #6 Share Posted April 8, 2014 We all have various tastes in wine. Some are happy with White Zin in a box. I too love the inexpensive BOX wines BUT sadly NCL does not permit BOX wine on board (the stuff just goes a heck of long way to destroy NCLs profit) ! 2 BOXES in the mini-fridge and I would be ready to do B2B cruises most anywhere ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LocardsChild Posted April 8, 2014 #7 Share Posted April 8, 2014 We're very picky about our reds, so that's usually what we bring and then buy the whites on board. Having been lucky enough to be stationed in Europe, we bring on the German Frankish bottles (the low oval ones) and some of the spanish varieties. Sitting aside for the Star right now are some Schwarzreislings and a couple of Blauer Portugeiser. If we ever drive to the port, I'd bring the whites too... Even buying the wine in a shop, plus the corkage fee, I'm still usually paying less for the wine than I would buying the bottle on board (even with the wine packages). But it's just too heavy for the bags when we fly - we're a bottle with dinner at night type of couple! Happy Cruising! B Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garycarla Posted April 8, 2014 #8 Share Posted April 8, 2014 This is the wine deal (package) that my crowd is really hit on....- THIS WAS MY FAVORITE !....NOTE - THE $15 CORKAGE FEE IS PAID AND INCLUDED but not the Gratuity !... Just a clarification. The CORKAGE FEE is not paid. That is because there is no corkage fee on bottles purchased direct from NCL. That fee is only for bottles brought aboard that are purchased elsewhere. Yes, they mark up the bottles compared to what you would buy at home. The price is closer to a mid range restaurant at home. Still way cheaper than anything you would buy at a concert or ballpark. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunfunsun Posted April 8, 2014 #9 Share Posted April 8, 2014 Dear Don't, Thanks so much for that VivaVino detail!! Going on first cruise in Aug (Alaska/Pearl) and have already read far too much on wine confusing the heck out of me. I had seen the full wine list for NCL and was content with the choices/prices. I thought it was worth the little extra $ to avoid running around Seattle when we land to find wine to bring onboard. We were all set to do about 6 bottles in the Vina Vino and then buy individual drinks "as needed", but this list doesn't have a great selection of reds IMO so back to being undecided again. I really appreciate the info! I'd rather know now than standing at the desk making my selections with no option to BYOB. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
don't-use-real-name Posted April 8, 2014 #10 Share Posted April 8, 2014 Dear Don't,Thanks so much for that VivaVino detail!! Going on first cruise in Aug (Alaska/Pearl) and have already read far too much on wine confusing the heck out of me. I had seen the full wine list for NCL and was content with the choices/prices. I thought it was worth the little extra $ to avoid running around Seattle when we land to find wine to bring onboard. We were all set to do about 6 bottles in the Vina Vino and then buy individual drinks "as needed", but this list doesn't have a great selection of reds IMO so back to being undecided again. I really appreciate the info! I'd rather know now than standing at the desk making my selections with no option to BYOB. It is probably different on each ship where the Viva Vino package can be purchased - on the NCL SUN it was in the elevator atrium near Registration/ Guest Services and also on the Lido (Pool) deck. So when you get on board just ask. The wine list I copied and pasted here may change from time to time as well as the prices (doesn't everything always go up?) My crowd ate in a different place every evening and the wine followed us to that location without a hitch. On a multiple day trip remember to order enough to last the voyage although running out would not be a tragedy on the last night. As I understand it the Viva Vino package is only offered the first day/night of the voyage. My crowd viewed what we initially ordered and went back for more realizing that it would not be offered again. So whatever works or floats your ship - enjoy ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skings Posted April 8, 2014 #11 Share Posted April 8, 2014 Are the bottles sold on the ship 750 Thanks for info Sandra Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpcruiseguy Posted April 8, 2014 #12 Share Posted April 8, 2014 When allowed to BYOB (once on Celebrity), I brought a couple of Dalla Valle; Lewis Cellars; Diamond Creek; Cornerstone Cellars; Frank Family & a few Mumm's DVX sparklers. Plan on packing more of the same for our Holiday Cruise in Dec. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
don't-use-real-name Posted April 9, 2014 #13 Share Posted April 9, 2014 Are the bottles sold on the ship 750Thanks for info Sandra The answer is YES ! There is enough for about 3 servings at 8 ounces = 250ml enough to fill a wine glass but not anywhere near overflowing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patt0Butter Posted April 9, 2014 #14 Share Posted April 9, 2014 I have only recently come to like red wines. A great friend suggested "You just haven't found the right wine for you yet" and he was right. I'm partial to Italian Amarone or Ripasso. None of that on NCL lists - so hitting the wine store prior to boarding. We have a day prior to boarding to hit a store. Just need to ensure we have some means of carrying on board that is not too cumbersome. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garycarla Posted April 9, 2014 #15 Share Posted April 9, 2014 ...Just need to ensure we have some means of carrying on board that is not too cumbersome. The roll aboard/carryon that folks use on the plane all the time is just right. You can put quite a few bottles in there. Leave some shirts/PJ's etc in that bag to separate bottles. But the bottles towards the bottom of the bag and it will roll just fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jkgourmet Posted April 9, 2014 #16 Share Posted April 9, 2014 (edited) When you guys BYOB on board, what are the types of wines you guys bring? My understanding is still unlimited bottles, 15$ corkage fee. While some prices onboard are reasonable they still usually tack up 15% on top of what one pays at retail and even more for the lower end stuff. Add that to the fact you're already paying alot for the cruise makes me see byob as a more favorable proposition. As one of the previous posters mentioned, Champers seem to be the best bet as the selection is few, and the mark up is pretty high. But, onto topic, what labels do you guys usually bring aboard? Anybody bring some grand cru burgundies? 1st growth bordelais? some cult napa cab ? or perhaps some old guard napa names like caymus, heitz? my byob list is going to have a few birth year wines from the 70s 3 bottles of sparklers: Bollinger, Krug and Pol Roger most likely a few cali chards like ZD and a bunch of cali cabs: Larkmead, Myriad, Stefania, Conn Valley apologies in advance for the wine geek talk! We are wine drinkers and belong to several wine tasting clubs. frankly, if we could afford that level of wine and truly appreciate its quality, we would be cruising on more upscale, luxury cruise lines. Don't get me wrong - we like NCL as well as other mass market lines. Also a correction to PP incorrect information. You can buy the wine packages throughout the cruise - except the last night. They just don't set up the table. Go to any bar or ask your waiter in the dining rooms. Sent from my DROID RAZR using Forums mobile app Edited April 9, 2014 by jkgourmet Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdvmd Posted April 9, 2014 #17 Share Posted April 9, 2014 We use this: http://www.thewinecheck.com and will bring at least a case with us. Definitely the big boy reds from Napa. Some favorites include Lewis (I love that someone else mentioned them already). Great stuff. Brown, Buccella, Caldwell, Switchback Ridge, Detert, Schrader, Bryant Family, B & H Erna Schein, Pride etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BuffetPantsPls Posted April 9, 2014 Author #18 Share Posted April 9, 2014 We use this: www.thewinecheck.com and will bring at least a case with us. Definitely the big boy reds from Napa. Some favorites include Lewis (I love that someone else mentioned them already). Great stuff. Brown, Buccella, Caldwell, Switchback Ridge, Detert, Schrader, Bryant Family, B & H Erna Schein, Pride etc. psst, when you sailing? ;-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdvmd Posted April 9, 2014 #19 Share Posted April 9, 2014 psst, when you sailing? ;-) Happy to share at any time!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BuffetPantsPls Posted April 9, 2014 Author #20 Share Posted April 9, 2014 Happy to share at any time!!! sweet, I'm on the oct 19th breakaway if you want to do an impromptu wine tasting. I can match a few of those with some beckstoffer vineyard bottlings, or stuff like the caymus ss. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
russianmom Posted April 9, 2014 #21 Share Posted April 9, 2014 Last month on Jewel my husband brought a 6 year vertical of Seavey Cabs. (I think it was 2000-2005) I don't drink reds so I wasn't really paying attention :eek: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sinned19 Posted April 9, 2014 #22 Share Posted April 9, 2014 We are NCL newbies who just booked on the Breakaway,we have cruised on Carnival which allows 1 bottle per passenger . I was wondering what the NCL policy is?thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BuffetPantsPls Posted April 9, 2014 Author #23 Share Posted April 9, 2014 We are NCL newbies who just booked on the Breakaway,we have cruised on Carnival which allows 1 bottle per passenger . I was wondering what the NCL policy is?thanks 15$ / btl unlimited Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdvmd Posted April 9, 2014 #24 Share Posted April 9, 2014 We are NCL newbies who just booked on the Breakaway,we have cruised on Carnival which allows 1 bottle per passenger . I was wondering what the NCL policy is?thanks As many as you would like to bring! You will pay a $15 per 750-ml bottle corkage fee. This allows you to enjoy the wine anywhere on the ship: dining rooms, specialty restaurants, bars AND in your cabin/balcony. No free bottles on NCL. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdvmd Posted April 9, 2014 #25 Share Posted April 9, 2014 Last month on Jewel my husband brought a 6 year vertical of Seavey Cabs. (I think it was 2000-2005) I don't drink reds so I wasn't really paying attention :eek: Good stuff! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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