Houston, embarkaton liqour questions

[Bimmie Girl]

We are sailing out of Bayport on Feb. I have heard that the casinos and shops do not open until you reach International waters, which takes about 4 hours or more, right?

 

what about liquor the first night? what drinks can your order on board? what about wine for dinner? have been told that only Texas liquors can be sold but what does that mean? Can we take a bottle of wine on board and drink it with dinner that first, night? what beers can we get when we get on the ship or mix drinks until we are in International waters? Please be specific as to what is allowed and not allowed while in the ship channel, thanks.

[Rudyard]

From people I've spoken with who sailed Princess out of Bayport last year, it's closer to a two to two and a half hour trip to international waters. I measured it on Google Earth and it's only about 25 miles or so from the cruise terminal and down the ship channel to the Gulf.

 

When we've cruised out of Galveston it's only taken about half an hour to reach international waters. As soon as we've reached them the bar staff swaps out the drink menus. I can't recall exactly what was available while still in Texas waters, but it was still a pretty decent list of beers and mixed drinks. Hopefully someone who has cruised recently can shed some more light for you.

[Saving Up To Be Eccentric]

The limits are only what the ship's sailing you are on has paid TABC $$ to sell. Most cruise ships will have wine, beer, and liquor, but in modest amounts, because they plan to switch to their stock that doesn't require Texas taxes fairly soon after the cruise begins.

[Bimmie Girl]

The limits are only what the ship's sailing you are on has paid TABC $$ to sell. Most cruise ships will have wine, beer, and liquor, but in modest amounts, because they plan to switch to their stock that doesn't require Texas taxes fairly soon after the cruise begins.

 

OK, this makes sense then, that it is taxed liquor. thanks for explaining. I was confused when someone referred to it as Texas liquors only.