Laminator Posted July 29, 2013 #826 Share Posted July 29, 2013 I just sent a letter regarding the wine allowance. I told them if it isn't changed back immediately, I will never pay the service charge again. I'll buy wine with the tip money. I'll make you a deal. If we're ever on the same cruise together leave the service charge on for the workers. I'll buy your wine for you...Jeez...Let's take it out on the crew. Brilliant!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geocruiser Posted July 29, 2013 #827 Share Posted July 29, 2013 Here is a list of the drinks that is included on Azamara. http://www.azamaraclubcruises.com/plan-your-voyage/onboard-packages/complimentary-beverages When we were on Azamara only the wine, soft drinks, bottle water, coffee, teas etc wee included. Now there is a lot more. My DH liked the wines and they keep pouring until you said stop! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wastegirl Posted July 29, 2013 #828 Share Posted July 29, 2013 I spoke to HAL in Sydney, Australia yesterday morning as soon as I heard about the change in the wine policy. They had not been told and were as surprised and shocked as I was. So that is another mark against HAL, not only did they arbitrarily introduce this new policy, overnight, but they did not inform their own staff. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christine Frances Posted July 29, 2013 #829 Share Posted July 29, 2013 Right, but that is not the recipe alot of restaurants are using here in CA. Its wine, vodka, simple syrup and fruit. Sometimes flavored vodka. Its because they are making it by the glass. Its essentially a mixed drink. I prefer either homemade sangria or bottled versus what most restaurants are touting as "sangria"... Either way, not one or the other is on a HAL menu. Www.quintllc.com best ive ever had. I am going to have to try Sangria:D Here is the recipe from Qsine on X for White Sangria - What do you think? Is it worth trying at home? http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=34644078&postcount=22 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doublebzz Posted July 29, 2013 #830 Share Posted July 29, 2013 I sent an email through the HAL website right after I read the original post here (http://www.hollandamerica.com/contactUs/Main.action) Her recommendation was to send our emails to: guestrelations@hollandamerica.com I understand people's frustration with the new policy but I doubt sending individual emails, threathening cruise cancellations and alike will alter HAL's decision making. What is needed is a large scale peaceful demonstration on a dock where a HAL ship is berthed to attract media attention and arouse the cruise minded public as well. We might even be able to hire the Reverend Al Sharpton to organize such an event. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kamac56 Posted July 29, 2013 #831 Share Posted July 29, 2013 I sent mine to the following and so far it has not been returned so we'll see. skruse@hollandamerica.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
canadarocks Posted July 29, 2013 #832 Share Posted July 29, 2013 if you wish to add him to the email dist gbernhoft@hollandamerica.com Thanks, I have forwarded a message to him as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Expo67 Posted July 29, 2013 #833 Share Posted July 29, 2013 We once bought a wine package.When they showed us the list from which we could choose, we immediately cancelled the wine package. We looked at both Navigator and Admiral. Perhaps the list changes but at the time we decided to try it, there was not a single wine we wanted. Ditto. Almost all their wines are in the $8 - $10 range and even in the package are way overpriced. Would certainly not mind paying the package price if wines were drinkable. Considering not one we have tried even compares to box quality wines they have a long road of improvement before we ante up. Last slap in the face was going upon on the price of the wine packages with no upgrades in wine quality. Sent from my Nexus 7 using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lovetocruise2020 Posted July 29, 2013 #834 Share Posted July 29, 2013 To me personally, bottled sangria sounds wrong; I think it needs to be recently made, with real fruit etc. :D You do add real fruit, but its the only convent way to have it on a ship. Quint is the best i have ever had, homemade from scratch or otherwise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
canadarocks Posted July 29, 2013 #835 Share Posted July 29, 2013 if you wish to add him to the email dist gbernhoft@hollandamerica.com Thanks, I have forwarded a message to him as well. Just received an automated response: Am under the weather so will be out of the office Monday July 29th. Please contact our Mariner Loyalty Department at mariner_society@hollandamerica.com or 800-547-9139 for assistance in my absence. Thank you, Gerald Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sapper1 Posted July 29, 2013 #836 Share Posted July 29, 2013 I just sent a letter regarding the wine allowance. I told them if it isn't changed back immediately, I will never pay the service charge again. I'll buy wine with the tip money. That has to be one of the most pathetic, knee jerk reactions I have ever heard of. Do you realise how bad it makes you look? The crew are entirely innocent in this whole affair and yet you would make them suffer for it. I had better stop now before I say something to get me in trouble with the mods. I suspect I am not the only person horrified by your suggestion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scottb80 Posted July 29, 2013 #837 Share Posted July 29, 2013 if you wish to add him to the email dist gbernhoft@hollandamerica.com I've gotten another email address as well: Officeofthepresident@HollandAmerica.com Not sure if any will get read when a thousand come in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lovetocruise2020 Posted July 29, 2013 #838 Share Posted July 29, 2013 (edited) We need to get the person in charge if the beverage departments email. I will be emailing him if i have to buy a case of everything i want. Idiots. If i was made to buy a case of all 12 bottles i want, thats a dam 144 bottles and a fortune. Edited July 29, 2013 by surfergirle Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lovetocruise2020 Posted July 29, 2013 #839 Share Posted July 29, 2013 I would need to know the exact quantity you are looking for. Are you just requesting 1 bottle of each listed? Typically we can only order wine by the case (12 bottles) so I will see what the ship can advise. Also, please list the wines you are mainly interested in. As we work with outside vendors it would be extremely hard to get 12 different quotes. Thank you and kind regards, __________ Ship Services Coordinator Holland America Line PHONE: 800 541 1576 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lovetocruise2020 Posted July 29, 2013 #840 Share Posted July 29, 2013 It would depend on the pricing. Yes we wanted 1-5 bottles of each all depending on price. I know it is absolutely not your fault, but HAL should have had a plan in place to accommodate their clients before dropping something so huge on people that have given them money in good faith under the old policy. It is not fair to you (makes your job very hard) or me, or anyone else who gave them money in good faith. Ordering a case is not an option, and if HAL does that to their clients, then I can tell you there will be a lot of unhappy people. Forcing a case upon a client, would be absolutely horrible, considering how this has been rolled out. I sure do hope something can be worked out, and I really truly appreciate any assistance you can provide me with this matter. HAL is not prepared for this, it would be best if they had a special order department, for all of the work ahead I cannot imagine you will have to do this for all of the guests who require special orders. As well, I am understanding that Travel Agents have not been notified yet so I hope there is someone in your department to help you when more find out as I cannot even begin to imagine the work load. Again, I thank you for all that you do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jade13 Posted July 29, 2013 #841 Share Posted July 29, 2013 Here is a list of the drinks that is included on Azamara. http://www.azamaraclubcruises.com/plan-your-voyage/onboard-packages/complimentary-beverages When we were on Azamara only the wine, soft drinks, bottle water, coffee, teas etc wee included. Now there is a lot more. My DH liked the wines and they keep pouring until you said stop! Complimentary Beverages (Azamara) Who doesn't love extra amenities? We all do. And who doesn't love more options at a great price? We love that, too. That's why Azamara Club Cruises® is expanding inclusive beverage selections and introducing new value-priced beverage packages beginning in spring 2013. Ship bars and dining rooms will offer complimentary select standard spirits, international beers and a changing daily selection of red and white wines by the glass. SPIRITS Finlandia vodka Seagram's Seven Crown whisky José Cuervo Especial Silver tequila Smirnoff vodka Jim Beam bourbon Mount Gay Eclipse Silver rum Gordon's gin Cutty Sark scotch whisky Peppermint Schnapps Beefeater gin Crème de Cacao Dark Sloe gin Anisette Crème de Cacao White Sour Apple Pucker Apricot Brandy Crème de Cassis Triple Sec Blackberry Brandy Crème de Menthe Green Vermouth Dry Blue Curaçao Crème de Menthe White Vermouth Sweet Butterscotch Schnapps Kirsch Cherry Brandy Orange Curaçao Crème de Almond Peach Schnapps Crème de Banana COCKTAILS AND LONG DRINKS Appletini Greyhound Rob Roy Bay Breeze Kamikaze Rum Runner Bloody Mary Long Island Iced Tea Salty Dog Blue Wave Mai Tai Sea Breeze Cape Cod Manhattan Screwdriver Caribbean Sunset Margarita Tequila Sunrise Daiquiri Martini Tom Collins Gibson Old Fashioned Vodka Stinger Gimlet Piña Colada Whiskey Sour Grasshopper Planter's Punch Zentini BOTTLED BEER DRAUGHT BEER Budweiser Beck's Bud Light Beck's BOUTIQUE WINES Kato Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand) Bulletin Place Shiraz (Australia) Gérard Bertrand Chardonnay Réserve Spéciale (France) Gérard Bertrand Cabernet Sauvignon Réserve Spéciale (France) Caposaldo Pinot Grigio (Italy) Melini Laborel Chianti Classico (Italy) Main Street Chardonnay (California) Castle Rock Pinot Noir (California) Stellenzicht Sauvignon Blanc (South Africa) Stellenzicht Pinotage (South Africa) Cousiño Macul Riesling Reserva (Chile) Cousiño Macul Cabernet Sauvignon Antiguas Reservas (Chile) Bogle Chardonnay (California) The Crusher Merlot (California) Serra da Estrela Albariño (Portugal) JMF Periquita (Portugal) Joel Gott Sauvignon Blanc (California) Cline Zinfandel (California) Clos Clementine Rosé (France) * All selections are subject to change and availability. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare kazu Posted July 29, 2013 #842 Share Posted July 29, 2013 I am going to have to try Sangria:D Here is the recipe from Qsine on X for White Sangria - What do you think? Is it worth trying at home?http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=34644078&postcount=22 my first reaction is YUCK - sorry, that's not real white sangria - grapefruit??? what is all this other stuff? It might be very good - but I'll stick with my authentic one - thanks:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Typhoon1 Posted July 29, 2013 #843 Share Posted July 29, 2013 Page 22 and growing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lovetocruise2020 Posted July 29, 2013 #844 Share Posted July 29, 2013 my first reaction is YUCK - sorry, that's not real white sangria - grapefruit??? what is all this other stuff? It might be very good - but I'll stick with my authentic one - thanks:D rose petals and grapefruit. no way lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jig Posted July 29, 2013 #845 Share Posted July 29, 2013 Hi, We are both 4 star and want to put my two cents in. As 4 star we get 50% off the wine packages. 7 bottles for $130 incl the 15%. So you can't beat that. However as we are usually have some special days on the ship we have brought several bottles of fine Australian Champagne on board. no we will be limited to 2 and that sucks. There will be a lot of unhappy grand cruisers and WCers very very unhappy and they pay the freight. Friends of ours that are long time HAL WCers took a seabourne cruise and are not ooking back. $ for $ it was the same and oh so much better, so they say. As far as the selection getting better or the prices going down, dream on. In what world does a business do away with it's competition and lower prices or give better service. If anything the prices will go up. My wife likes the wine she orders so we have no problem. And to be honest $20 is a lot when added to the price of the wine. There are many shore ex that go to winery's. What happens to that? However, there is a way around. Those on B2B on the last day the shop lets you take what you buy. And they deliver what they took back to you so on the next one and one after you will have whatever you want. We do several at a time, so I put that in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
startwin Posted July 29, 2013 #846 Share Posted July 29, 2013 That has to be one of the most pathetic, knee jerk reactions I have ever heard of. Do you realise how bad it makes you look? The crew are entirely innocent in this whole affair and yet you would make them suffer for it. I had better stop now before I say something to get me in trouble with the mods. I suspect I am not the only person horrified by your suggestion. No, you're not - I cannot believe anyone would go so far as to punish the hardworking crews for the idiocy of upper management - who don't even communicate with anyone beneath their rank.:mad: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare kazu Posted July 29, 2013 #847 Share Posted July 29, 2013 Somehow I get the feeling that Seattle isn't scared of anything. You don't take back a years old policy that people are expecting on no notice, if you are afraid of the repercussion. Let's face it---they just don't care. They were slick.....otherwise, they would have lost revenue at final payment, if people knew ahead of time. The bean counters figured this was a more lucrative way of implementing the new policy. I don't know Linda - there is Conde Nast, Travel & Leisure and a few other places - they might be interested in a very good story. I sent my email and if they don't value my business that's fine, I'll talk, like you with my wallet. We'll see. If they are really not going to listen to everyone who has faithfully paid (full price and early) then they are really dumb. They have the oldest fleet in the competitive market. Many people want new ships - they are chasing away the people who liked the older ships and put up with some of the idiosyncrasies that went with them when they balanced if off with other things (including the wine, the crew, etc.). They should be very afraid - if they become 4th choice among many here - even though we are a small sampling of HAL cruisers - if it's anything like a poll then it will be representative of what a number could do. Perhaps I'm wrong - I often am - but what they have done is wrong. I called today too and was told that the policy had been in effect for over 8 years and that HAL has no intentions of cancelling it - sad no? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christine Frances Posted July 29, 2013 #848 Share Posted July 29, 2013 (edited) rose petals and grapefruit. no way lol K - guess I won't make it then lol Edited July 29, 2013 by Christine Frances Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irish Eyes Are Sailing Posted July 29, 2013 #849 Share Posted July 29, 2013 Complimentary Beverages (Azamara) Who doesn't love extra amenities? We all do. And who doesn't love more options at a great price? We love that, too. That's why Azamara Club Cruises® is expanding inclusive beverage selections and introducing new value-priced beverage packages beginning in spring 2013. Ship bars and dining rooms will offer complimentary select standard spirits, international beers and a changing daily selection of red and white wines by the glass. SPIRITS Finlandia vodka Seagram's Seven Crown whisky José Cuervo Especial Silver tequila Smirnoff vodka Jim Beam bourbon Mount Gay Eclipse Silver rum Gordon's gin Cutty Sark scotch whisky Peppermint Schnapps Beefeater gin Crème de Cacao Dark Sloe gin Anisette Crème de Cacao White Sour Apple Pucker Apricot Brandy Crème de Cassis Triple Sec Blackberry Brandy Crème de Menthe Green Vermouth Dry Blue Curaçao Crème de Menthe White Vermouth Sweet Butterscotch Schnapps Kirsch Cherry Brandy Orange Curaçao Crème de Almond Peach Schnapps Crème de Banana COCKTAILS AND LONG DRINKS Appletini Greyhound Rob Roy Bay Breeze Kamikaze Rum Runner Bloody Mary Long Island Iced Tea Salty Dog Blue Wave Mai Tai Sea Breeze Cape Cod Manhattan Screwdriver Caribbean Sunset Margarita Tequila Sunrise Daiquiri Martini Tom Collins Gibson Old Fashioned Vodka Stinger Gimlet Piña Colada Whiskey Sour Grasshopper Planter's Punch Zentini BOTTLED BEER DRAUGHT BEER Budweiser Beck's Bud Light Beck's BOUTIQUE WINES Kato Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand) Bulletin Place Shiraz (Australia) Gérard Bertrand Chardonnay Réserve Spéciale (France) Gérard Bertrand Cabernet Sauvignon Réserve Spéciale (France) Caposaldo Pinot Grigio (Italy) Melini Laborel Chianti Classico (Italy) Main Street Chardonnay (California) Castle Rock Pinot Noir (California) Stellenzicht Sauvignon Blanc (South Africa) Stellenzicht Pinotage (South Africa) Cousiño Macul Riesling Reserva (Chile) Cousiño Macul Cabernet Sauvignon Antiguas Reservas (Chile) Bogle Chardonnay (California) The Crusher Merlot (California) Serra da Estrela Albariño (Portugal) JMF Periquita (Portugal) Joel Gott Sauvignon Blanc (California) Cline Zinfandel (California) Clos Clementine Rosé (France) * All selections are subject to change and availability. All I can say is, I am not impressed with Seagrams 7 Crown and Jim Beam Bourbon, even if it is "complimentary". I'd rather pay and get what I want. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare TiogaCruiser Posted July 29, 2013 #850 Share Posted July 29, 2013 Page 22 and growing. And It's still an impressive total when you remove posts not related to the policy change. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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