Wine Packages

[JMAUST]

When you purchase a wine package eg. Navigator are they available for consumption in all restaurants and your cabin or are they delivered to your cabin?

[OVgirl]

You can use the wine package in any dining venue and take a bottle to your stateroom. When you go to dinner you can ask for a bottle from the wine steward. They will have the list and if you don't finish it they will also store it for you until the next evening.

 

On our last cruise we purchased the 7 bottle package but found that by the last day we had only used 5 bottles. The ship removed the 7 bottle package and just billed us for the 5 bottles.

 

That was very nice as we don't always know how many bottles we might use. Some days you just drink more than other days.;)

Edited August 26, 2014 by OVgirl

[Krazy Kruizers]

Wait until you are on the ship before you buy a wine package. One time we pre-ordered a package and when we got to the dining room, our wine server told us that a couple of the wines listed for the Navigator package weren't available. Fortunately what we liked was still in stock.

We have moved up the Admiral's package -- there are a few better wines on it.

[rkacruiser]

OVgirl's experience is what one would expect on a well-run ship. That was very kind of the Front Office to do so. Alternately, one could have requested the unused 2 bottles and disembarked with them. Well within the alcohol importation limits, although Canada's might be different.

 

I echo KK's suggestion to wait until you board before ordering any wine package. On Embarkation Day, look for a Wine Steward. Ought be on the Lido Deck, maybe in the mid-ships foyer outside the Lido Restaurant or at the forward end of the Lido Deck near the entrance leading to the Forward elevators/staircase. He/she will have the list of wines available, one can order the package from him, and also request at that time what bottle you wish to have served to you in whatever dining venue that evening. That is a big help, I have found, if you can pre-order for the first night. The Wine Stewards in the MDR are so busy usually that first night that it may take awhile for them to check with your table. If you order a white wine, it will be on ice already and ready for the Steward to serve. Plus, if he knows you have pre-ordered, you are more likely to receive more prompt service than if you wait to do so that evening.

[taxmantoo]

Also keep in mind that if you plan on visiting a specific bar a few times, such as the Piano Bar or any other, you can ask them to deliver a bottle there and they will keep it for you. They will simply pour you a glass out of that bottle whenever you go and keep the bottle behind the bar.

[SilvertoGold]

Once our 3 bottle package was pre-ordered by out TS as a gift.

The 3 bottles were in the cabin upon embarkation and were not what we wanted. It was a bit of a hassle to get them exchanged, in the DR, all 3 at once...........

 

So, good advice to order once on board!

[aussiemandy]

I was wondering what the costs for the Wine Packages are, at the moment.

[Aruba]

Navigator:

3 bottles for $89

5 bottles for $149

7 bottles for $199

 

Admiral:

3 bottles for $118

5 bottles for $199

7 bottles for $269

 

plus 15% gratuity.

3-star Mariners get a 25% discount, 4- and 5-star Mariners get a 50% discount...although the gratuity is calculated on the non-discounted price.

[DaveOKC]

Navigator:

3 bottles for $89

5 bottles for $149

7 bottles for $199

 

Admiral:

3 bottles for $118

5 bottles for $199

7 bottles for $269

 

plus 15% gratuity.

3-star Mariners get a 25% discount, 4- and 5-star Mariners get a 50% discount...although the gratuity is calculated on the non-discounted price.

 

IMO, these prices are a bit high for the quality of wine you get. However, if you are a 4 or 5 Star, it becomes much more reasonable.

[SilvertoGold]

IMO, these prices are a bit high for the quality of wine you get. However, if you are a 4 or 5 Star, it becomes much more reasonable.

 

Exactly. So do you suppose the packages are sold to 4 and 5 stars mostly?

 

The Admirals package has some reasonably decent wines (for the (half) price, on a HAL ship!!!!!).