Bringing Wine onto the Cruise ship

[jmdpsca]

Please confirm if this is truly what is charged $ 18.00 or plus gratuity. Thanks!

 

QUOTE=sail7seas;47245700]$18 per bottle. Largest bottle permitted is 750 ml

[RuthC]

Please confirm if this is truly what is charged $ 18.00 or plus gratuity. Thanks!

Corkage charge on a bottle of wine brought by the passenger is $18. That amount includes the gratuity; there is nothing additional required.

If you purchase a bottle of wine on the ship, a 15% gratuity is added to the sale price; there is no corkage, however on HAL products.

 

The difference is who is supplying the wine.

[richarduk]

Yes, that's quite correct, we did a couple of HAL wine excursions in NZ, whilst on Oosterdam, during Nov/Dec of last year.

 

All quite simple and very efficiently managed: On re-boarding the ship there is a separate desk, manned by crew who have ready prepared lists of passengers names and cabin numbers, relating to those who have been on HAL organized Wine excursions that day.

 

They like to see your excursion sticker (so don't peel it off too early) and your cruise pass to check off your name. Then they simply put a coloured disc on the bottle, then its yours to take with you and enjoy and savour at your leisure.

Enjoy!

 

Peter.

 

This "quirk" in the new rules makes me sick quite frankly. Why change the rule because HAL has a wine tour? Ah, yes because they make money out of that.

 

Another case of one rule for them and one rule for the others.

 

In my opinion, if you're going to amend a wine policy, stick to it.

 

In my eyes, there's no difference between bringing on board a bottle each from any port as opposed to from a winery.

 

THIS make a usually mellow person quite angry:mad:

Edited July 27, 2015 by richarduk

[kazu]

This "quirk" in the new rules makes me sick quite frankly. Why change the rule because HAL has a wine tour? Ah, yes because they make money out of that.

 

Another case of one rule for them and one rule for the others.

 

In my opinion, if you're going to amend a wine policy, stick to it.

 

In my eyes, there's no difference between bringing on board a bottle each from any port as opposed to from a winery.

 

THIS make a usually mellow person quite angry:mad:

 

actually, I think it's only fair that if you are doing a HAL wine tour, you should be able to bring a bottle on. In fact you should be able to bring more than one bottle without corkage fee. How are the wineries going to want to continue to want to do tours with HAL if no one buys there wine?

 

We can all choose whether we want to do a HAL tour or not. I will do the odd small excursion one, but otherwise, I'll opt for private and if I wish to bring wine back I will pay the corkage with no ill feeling for those that did not on a HAL tour. Trust me, they have more than paid for it in the price 99% of the time.

[Fouremco]

This "quirk" in the new rules makes me sick quite frankly. Why change the rule because HAL has a wine tour? Ah, yes because they make money out of that.

 

Another case of one rule for them and one rule for the others.

 

In my opinion, if you're going to amend a wine policy, stick to it.

 

In my eyes, there's no difference between bringing on board a bottle each from any port as opposed to from a winery.

 

THIS make a usually mellow person quite angry:mad:

Gee, people on HAL's shore excursions get priority disembarkation or tendering while I have to wait till they've gone until I can get on with my day ashore, but I don't get my knickers in a twist over it. HAL excursions tend to be more expensive than virtually identical tours booked independently, so if there's an $18 perk for those taking a HAL wine tour, good for them.

[erewhon]

We did, we did!

 

I'd always had a particular fondness for Sauvignon Blanc's from the Marlborough region.

So visiting the Cloudy Bay winery and others was always going to be something of a very special pilgrimage.

 

Excellent day out, and in beautiful weather too!

 

We totally loved New Zealand, full stop!

 

Peter.

 

Am pleased that you had such a good experience,..... and you would not need a corkscrew to open the wine bottle(s):D

Maybe you will return for another visit.

[richarduk]

Gee, people on HAL's shore excursions get priority disembarkation or tendering while I have to wait till they've gone until I can get on with my day ashore, but I don't get my knickers in a twist over it. HAL excursions tend to be more expensive than virtually identical tours booked independently, so if there's an $18 perk for those taking a HAL wine tour, good for them.

 

First of all, I don't wear knickers, so nothing get in a twist.

 

Secondly, and more importantly, my point was about EQUALITY. A policy is a policy. It seems unfair to just amend if in a particular circumstance and expect me not to wish to express my views. I'm sure I'll not be the only one that feels like this.

 

Historically, we took a small amount of wine back onboard from some ports, plus also some at embarkation. That was a nice part of our holiday experience. When HAL amended their policy to charge $18 per bottle, that killed that particular pleasure as in becomes financially unsound.

Edited July 28, 2015 by richarduk

[Beejay4016]

Apparently there has been a amendment to these rules.

 

If you go on a HAL excursion to a winery you are allowed to bring back one bottle of wine each free.

 

We are going to NZ next year and will be testing this out. :)

 

Hi Stratheden,

 

Yes, after I posted that I realised that the NZ comment probably meant nothing to most people, but as a fellow Australian you know what I mean. We're also off on a cruise there next year. We may take a couple of bottles of nice bubbly on board with us in Sydney, but other than that we wouldn't bother until we visit NZ. I wonder if that allowance of a bottle after an excursion applies when it's an independent excursion or if it has to be a HAL one.

 

Cheers .. Bev

[kazu]

Hi Stratheden,

 

Yes, after I posted that I realised that the NZ comment probably meant nothing to most people, but as a fellow Australian you know what I mean. We're also off on a cruise there next year. We may take a couple of bottles of nice bubbly on board with us in Sydney, but other than that we wouldn't bother until we visit NZ. I wonder if that allowance of a bottle after an excursion applies when it's an independent excursion or if it has to be a HAL one.

 

Cheers .. Bev

 

From all reports, it must be a HAL excursion.

[Fouremco]

First of all, I don't wear knickers, so nothing get in a twist.

 

Secondly, and more importantly, my point was about EQUALITY. A policy is a policy. It seems unfair to just amend if in a particular circumstance and expect me not to wish to express my views. I'm sure I'll not be the only one that feels like this.

 

Historically, we took a small amount of wine back onboard from some ports, plus also some at embarkation. That was a nice part of our holiday experience. When HAL amended their policy to charge $18 per bottle, that killed that particular pleasure as in becomes financially unsound.

You just need to reframe the issue. The policy is applied equally to all passengers, but one $18 charge is included in the cost of the shore excursion.

[dakrewser]

First of all, I don't wear knickers, so nothing get in a twist.

 

Secondly, and more importantly, my point was about EQUALITY. A policy is a policy. It seems unfair to just amend if in a particular circumstance and expect me not to wish to express my views. I'm sure I'll not be the only one that feels like this.

 

Historically, we took a small amount of wine back onboard from some ports, plus also some at embarkation. That was a nice part of our holiday experience. When HAL amended their policy to charge $18 per bottle, that killed that particular pleasure as in becomes financially unsound.

 

When some (quite a few, actually) pax abused the previous policy, HAL imposed the limits and wine police. Which they applied equally to everyone.

[taxmantoo]

When HAL amended their policy to charge $18 per bottle, that killed that particular pleasure as in becomes financially unsound.

 

Financially unsound only if your plan is to bring on lower priced wines. Actually a bargain if bringing on high-priced wines ;)

[kazu]

Financially unsound only if your plan is to bring on lower priced wines. Actually a bargain if bringing on high-priced wines ;)

 

as well as unique wines that are not carried by HAL :) some things are just priceless ;)

[federalexpress]

One small nuance on bringing wine on board. I recently cruised on Eurodam and brought a case on board (bought at Copenhagen Duty Free on arrival which had some good bottles at fair prices). I paid $180 for 10 bottles then 2 free.

 

But I had brought a bottle of port to drink in the cabin. I had checked this beforehand with HAL UK, pointing out that it is 'Port wine', that it certainly isn't a spirit or liquor and that it was not included on the on board 'by the bottle' offer for your room (incidentally, if spirits are your thing, this is very reasonable, about $35 per bottle so really not worth bringing spirits on board, even if it was allowed- which it isn't) HAL UK said they didn't know the policy for port but that it should be OK.

 

Not so at embarkation. I had the bottle confiscated and they suggested I talk to the beverage manager. Cue a long discussion in his office where he said the policy was no fortified wines. I replied by saying HAL UK did not tell me this, I was not trying to dodge the corkage charge, that the bottle was useless as I couldn't take it home with me and that if port was excluded from bringing on board, why were they not selling it at a decent price per bottle, as they were doing with every other liquor.

 

In the end, having held my ground, he gave in and waved it through. I realise not too many people enjoy port nowadays but for those who do, you might want to know this.The beverage manage did later tell me he would be willing to do a deal on a bottle of port, not based on the single measure price (which would have led to an absurd $80-90 cost)

 

Bizarrely, I had a bottle of Muscat de Beaumes de Venise waved through even though it is also fortified- presumably because it justs look like a white wine.

[Fouremco]

One small nuance on bringing wine on board. I recently cruised on Eurodam and brought a case on board (bought at Copenhagen Duty Free on arrival which had some good bottles at fair prices). I paid $180 for 10 bottles then 2 free.

 

But I had brought a bottle of port to drink in the cabin. I had checked this beforehand with HAL UK, pointing out that it is 'Port wine', that it certainly isn't a spirit or liquor and that it was not included on the on board 'by the bottle' offer for your room (incidentally, if spirits are your thing, this is very reasonable, about $35 per bottle so really not worth bringing spirits on board, even if it was allowed- which it isn't) HAL UK said they didn't know the policy for port but that it should be OK.

 

Not so at embarkation. I had the bottle confiscated and they suggested I talk to the beverage manager. Cue a long discussion in his office where he said the policy was no fortified wines. I replied by saying HAL UK did not tell me this, I was not trying to dodge the corkage charge, that the bottle was useless as I couldn't take it home with me and that if port was excluded from bringing on board, why were they not selling it at a decent price per bottle, as they were doing with every other liquor.

 

In the end, having held my ground, he gave in and waved it through. I realise not too many people enjoy port nowadays but for those who do, you might want to know this.The beverage manage did later tell me he would be willing to do a deal on a bottle of port, not based on the single measure price (which would have led to an absurd $80-90 cost)

 

Bizarrely, I had a bottle of Muscat de Beaumes de Venise waved through even though it is also fortified- presumably because it justs look like a white wine.

I always enjoy port discussions and whether or not they are "wine" in the intended definition of the policy writers. I think that the average oeneologist, sommelier and purchaser, not to mention HAL policy makers, would not include port within the general category of "wine", and it's only when passengers try to take bottles aboard do they try to convince anyone otherwise.

 

In any event, more power to you and I hope that you enjoyed it! :)

[taxmantoo]

I think that the average oeneologist, sommelier and purchaser, not to mention HAL policy makers, would not include port within the general category of "wine", and it's only when passengers try to take bottles aboard do they try to convince anyone otherwise.

 

Trust me when I say that during my preparation, research and practice for my final sommelier exam, port was most definitely included in the general category of wine ;) both in theory and in practice! ... and I can assure you that I am average ;)

Edited July 28, 2015 by taxmantoo

[Fouremco]

Trust me when I say that during my preparation, research and practice for my final sommelier exam, port was most definitely included in the general category of wine ;) both in theory and in practice! ... and I can assure you that I am average ;)

Now you're being modest! :)

[Beejay4016]

From all reports, it must be a HAL excursion.

 

Thanks Kazu. It would probably still be worth it, particularly when boarding and taking a couple of bottles of really nice champagne on board, or visiting some of those NZ wineries.

 

Cheers .. Bev

[Boytjie]

When some (quite a few, actually) pax abused the previous policy, HAL imposed the limits and wine police. Which they applied equally to everyone.

 

How was the policy "abused" if the policy was that you could bring onboard as much wine as you wanted to? :confused:

Edited July 29, 2015 by Boytjie

[dakrewser]

How was the policy "abused" if the policy was that you could bring onboard as much wine as you wanted to? :confused:

 

The policy was that you could bring on as much wine as you wanted to drink in your cabin. Should you wish to enjoy it in the dining room there was a corkage charge.

 

Too many folk, it seems, would pour glasses of wine in their cabins then carry them to the DR. Some even had the temerity to get up from the table to get a refill then return. Others would carry their glasses all over the ship (to the bars, casino, show lounge, etc,) so they wouldn't have to pay for drinks or corkage.

 

It's really sad how cheap, and devious, some people can be.

[Boytjie]

The policy was that you could bring on as much wine as you wanted to drink in your cabin. Should you wish to enjoy it in the dining room there was a corkage charge.

 

Too many folk, it seems, would pour glasses of wine in their cabins then carry them to the DR. Some even had the temerity to get up from the table to get a refill then return. Others would carry their glasses all over the ship (to the bars, casino, show lounge, etc,) so they wouldn't have to pay for drinks or corkage.

 

It's really sad how cheap, and devious, some people can be.

 

Do you have evidence to back that statement up regarding how many people carried wine into the dining room?

 

It would have to be a very large amount of people to affect HAL that badly.

[dakrewser]

Do you have evidence to back that statement up regarding how many people carried wine into the dining room?

 

It would have to be a very large amount of people to affect HAL that badly.

 

Please. You've been on these boards at least as long as I have, if not longer. The many, many anecdotal reports of folks carrying wine glasses from their room to the DR, while not a scientific sample, is enough to convince me. YMMV

[Boytjie]

Please. You've been on these boards at least as long as I have, if not longer. The many, many anecdotal reports of folks carrying wine glasses from their room to the DR, while not a scientific sample, is enough to convince me. YMMV

 

 

I have seen a few, hardly a lot. And the percentage of HAL cruisers that post on Cruise Critic is rather low, so your inference does not carry much weight.

 

The accusation about abusing the policy has also at times been aimed at people that brought cases of wine onboard. And again, how many people did that?

[Lizzie68]

The policy was that you could bring on as much wine as you wanted to drink in your cabin. Should you wish to enjoy it in the dining room there was a corkage charge.

 

Too many folk, it seems, would pour glasses of wine in their cabins then carry them to the DR. Some even had the temerity to get up from the table to get a refill then return. Others would carry their glasses all over the ship (to the bars, casino, show lounge, etc,) so they wouldn't have to pay for drinks or corkage.

 

It's really sad how cheap, and devious, some people can be.

 

How do you know they didn't get their wine at the bar before going into dinner? With the servers being run off their feet on top of having to take glass of wine orders, that's the best way of ensuring you have your wine with your dinner. Please don't make assumptions.

[dakrewser]

How do you know they didn't get their wine at the bar before going into dinner? With the servers being run off their feet on top of having to take glass of wine orders, that's the best way of ensuring you have your wine with your dinner. Please don't make assumptions.

 

I make no assumptions. I'm simply reporting what I've read on these boards over the years.