Please explain the fuss over X's alcohol policy

[lysolqn]

Please don't run me out of town, but I'm having trouble understanding all the fuss over Celebrity's onboard alcohol policy and the seemingly never-ending threads about is/isn't it enforced and how to beat X at it's own game by sneaking booze onto a ship. From what I've seen, drink prices on X are comparable to those at good restaurants, yet no one would attempt to "smuggle" beer, liquor or wine into a restaurant to avoid a bar tab; and, if you bring your own bottle to a restaurant that isn't BYO, you'll certainly be charged a corkage fee. Why should it be any different on a ship?

[Cruise Arizona]

Some people would like to have their own drinks in their own room, much like you would in a Hotel room.

 

Some people have wine that has a special meaning to them, or that they particularly love, and would like to bring it onboard for either in-room or dining rooom consumption.

 

The new policy states you can't bring your own alcohol from consumption in room or even wine onboard for consumption in the dining room with a corkage fee.

 

The policy also says no wine can be brough on board, but then in the same breath they raised the corkage fee to $25? How can you have a corkage fee if you can't bring your own wine onboard???

 

I have written celebrity and gotten a written response that I found addressed my particular issue, so I am no longer concerned about the issue.

[Drew B]

The comparison to a restaurant isn't really fair. You go to a restaurant for a couple of hours. You go on a ship for DAYS if not WEEKS.

 

I agree with Cruise Arizona. It's the hypocrisy of the increased corkage charge for bottles that aren't permitted in the first place that gets my goat! Beyond that, the fact that they refuse to stick to one explanation of the rules is also maddening. With every e-mail to management that gets presented here, it gets more and more confusing. In some cases, it seems that they are deliberately encouraging guests to break the rules. That doesn't sit well with me...

[caviargal]

From what I've seen, drink prices on X are comparable to those at good restaurants, yet no one would attempt to "smuggle" beer, liquor or wine into a restaurant to avoid a bar tab; and, if you bring your own bottle to a restaurant that isn't BYO, you'll certainly be charged a corkage fee.

 

Well, that is exactly the point! Do they or don't they? Not even X seems to know!

 

When I bring wine to a restaurant I pay a fair corkage. I find 25 per bottle ludicrous for a cruise line personally.

 

Now early reports from Century indicate a new wine list with mark ups as high as 500%. I consider wine an important part of my meal and we dine at nice restaurants that offer good wines at reasonable mark ups (2-3x). We also have a favorite Italian cafe with great food but swill for wine choices. They happily charge a $10 corkage which is just perfect for that level of restaurant.

 

X is not competitive with other lines like HAL who charges $15 corkage and has a straightforward policy. Instead they have a policy that states no wine then they respond to emails with a 2 bottle per person limit, and a $25 per bottle corkage fee.

 

I find it to be a bad business decision on the part of X and do not for a moment believe they are doing this due to overconsumption on board.

 

A premium line should behave in a classier manner.

 

JMO.

[Muushka]

Well I got sucked into this wine on board issue, so I called X last week after reading my cruise docs (which very clearly stated, NO ALCOHOL to be brought on board (or something like that)). I was just curious what they would say about how can there be a corkage fee if you don't allow alcohol to be brought on board?

 

Boy did I get an answer. This lady who answered my question was practically yelling at me "THERE IS NO CORKAGE FEE BECAUSE YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO BRING ALCOHOL ON BOARD" That lady bordered on rude, but it worked. I didn't ask her any more questions and I won't bring any wine on the ship! To those of you who do, more power to ya!

[cechase]

Four our last four cruise on Celebrity, we have given ourselves several bon voyage liquor packages so we can have cocktails in our suite. X recently raised the price on these packages by about $10.00 per package, and eliminated the middle package. I agree that a corkage fee of $25.00 is outlandish. We usually order the La Crema Chardonnay because the cost on Celebrity is less than two times retail, and it is something that we enjoy at home.

 

If you want to avoid Celebrity's nonsense with respect to alcohol and wine, do what we are doing next month. We are cruising on Silver Sea's Silver Shadow where they stock the bar in your suite with booze, cordials, wine, champagne, sodas, etc. and it is included in the fare. Tips are also included in the fare. Drinks at the bars on the ship are free, and at meals they serve complimentary wine.

[caviargal]

 

Boy did I get an answer. This lady who answered my question was practically yelling at me "THERE IS NO CORKAGE FEE BECAUSE YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO BRING ALCOHOL ON BOARD" That lady bordered on rude, but it worked. I didn't ask her any more questions and I won't bring any wine on the ship! To those of you who do, more power to ya!

 

I take it you did not consider that being "treated famously". Rudeness is no way to get a point across, valid or not.:(

[Drew B]

I take it you did not consider that being "treated famously". Rudeness is no way to get a point across, valid or not.:(

 

Agreed. Moreover, it's not as though their policy is clear, anyway! Not when other representatives of the company are sending e-mails saying you can bring 2 bottles, while still other representatives are saying that technically you're not allowed to bring any, but go ahead! The whole thing is a mess!

 

I would like to get a whole shipful of passengers to spend an entire cruise without spending a NICKEL on their accounts (other than tips). Then, in the comment cards, they could all say how the alcohol they used to bring aboard loosened their inhibitions and their pursestrings. Now, because of the fact that bringing alcohol aboard is veboten, they are able to save so much money. Thanks, X!

[Muushka]

I take it you did not consider that being "treated famously". Rudeness is no way to get a point across, valid or not.:(

 

Um no, I did not feel special at all. Sadly, this is our first X cruise:rolleyes: .

[newmexicoNita]

Obviously this is one of the hottest topics on these boards. I used to do the smuggling thing, but can't be bothered anymore. That was in the days before bar set ups were available in the cabins. I agee with wanting to have a bottle in the cabin, we always do and yes, hotels don't care, but most of the cruise lines are cracking down. Just order a bar set up, that solves the problem. If you are going to come back with, the price is out of line, then it becomes a issue of $$S not convenience. We need to be honest with ourselves and admit we don't want to spend $60 for a bottle.

 

One person mentioned, in a restaurant we are talking about 1 night and 1 meal. I agree, cruising we are talking about several days and more than one or two drinks a day, probably. It's time we will just have to start adjusting our cruise budget to include the extra cost of drinks.

 

Others say they have their own favorite wines; well, this may be true, but the ship really has quite a good selection to choose from. Of course, just like in any decent restaurant the price is jacked up; again we can gripe all we want, but most likely the cruise lines are not going to re-consider in the near future. Someone mentioned it was a poor business decision. You have to be kidding. What are we going to do about it? Find another cruise line with rules we can accept? What line would that be and if it is out there don't expect it to be there long.

 

Whether we are happy with the policy or not, it is here to stay I am afraid. I do think wine should be allowed. NMnita

[Drew B]

WHATEVER the stupid policy is, though, it should be clear and consistent throughout the line. It should be explained uniformly by every X representative and it should be enforced uniformly across the fleet! If that were the case, at least we would be clear as to what we are ticked off about!!!:D

[caviargal]

 

Others say they have their own favorite wines; well, this may be true, but the ship really has quite a good selection to choose from. Of course, just like in any decent restaurant the price is jacked up; again we can gripe all we want, but most likely the cruise lines are not going to re-consider in the near future. Someone mentioned it was a poor business decision. You have to be kidding. What are we going to do about it? Find another cruise line with rules we can accept? What line would that be and if it is out there don't expect it to be there long.

 

Yes, I think so. HAL allows wine and a reasonable corkage. I hope that does not change anytime soon.

 

I do vote with my wallet and cruises are not the only game in town. I am perfectly happy with a land vacation that gives me what I want without imposing arbitrary rules and also enforces things like dress code, etc. A high quality adult only AI is a great alternative for my tastes. Or a trip to Europe which can be had for the price of a nice cruise when all costs are considered.

 

Cruising is take it or leave it for me these days and no great shakes.

 

In the future, I will opt for cruise lines that are inclusive, or have reasonable policies or stick to land vacations. There are positive aspects to each IMO. And there are plenty to replace me as cruise lines work hard to appeal to the newbies who have nothing to compare it to:cool:.

[dkjretired]

Please don't run me out of town, but I'm having trouble understanding all the fuss over Celebrity's onboard alcohol policy and the seemingly never-ending threads about is/isn't it enforced and how to beat X at it's own game by sneaking booze onto a ship. From what I've seen, drink prices on X are comparable to those at good restaurants, yet no one would attempt to "smuggle" beer, liquor or wine into a restaurant to avoid a bar tab; and, if you bring your own bottle to a restaurant that isn't BYO, you'll certainly be charged a corkage fee. Why should it be any different on a ship?

 

The big fuss recently is that I believe it was in June, they issued NEW policies which forbid taking anything on board including wines. Many of the threads since have been to see if they are enforcing their own policy which as on so many things, they apparently are not. They also changed the drinking age at the time they set the new policies.

[tnt10]

Not to add fuel to this fire, (it certainly has enough), I was told by the Director of Customer Relations that the new alcohol policy allows 1 or 2 bottles of wine/champagne to be brought on at embarkation only. If served in the dining rooms, then the corkage fee will apply.

Hard alcohol, and any other purchased during the cruises at ports, will be confiscated until the end of the cruise.

Was also told that printed literature took time to update.

While this sounded very simple at the time, I'm not sure why everyone is getting so many different answers when calling Celebrity directly and speaking with a customer Rep. They should all be giving out the same info!

Try to compare the Celebrity alcohol prices with a 4-5 star hotel/resaurant. Very comparable, and we are, nonetheless, staying in a 4-5 star non-inclusive resort.

I'd like to hear any feedback from anyone who followed the above guidelines, and then experienced a problem.

Cruise On,

Tim

[caviargal]

Not to add fuel to this fire, (it certainly has enough), I was told by the Director of Customer Relations that the new alcohol policy allows 1 or 2 bottles of wine/champagne to be brought on at embarkation only. If served in the dining rooms, then the corkage fee will apply.

Hard alcohol, and any other purchased during the cruises at ports, will be confiscated until the end of the cruise.

Was also told that printed literature took time to update.

While this sounded very simple at the time, I'm not sure why everyone is getting so many different answers when calling Celebrity directly and speaking with a customer Rep. They should all be giving out the same info!

Try to compare the Celebrity alcohol prices with a 4-5 star hotel/resaurant. Very comparable, and we are, nonetheless, staying in a 4-5 star non-inclusive resort.

I'd like to hear any feedback from anyone who followed the above guidelines, and then experienced a problem.

Cruise On,

Tim

 

Yet another version of the "policy" and the plot thickens:).

 

I will post what I see and learn when I return on the 27th from Century.

 

IMO, some X ships may be compared to a 4 star hotel but none IME rate a 5 star comparison. JMHO.

[Drew B]

While this sounded very simple at the time, I'm not sure why everyone is getting so many different answers when calling Celebrity directly and speaking with a customer Rep. They should all be giving out the same info!

 

Therein lies the problem. I'm not the type of traveller who wants to expend a lot of energy getting a straight answer (when it should be simple). Nor am I the type to risk doing something that MAY violate the rules and wind up in embarassment. So now, I'll just fume about how absurd it is that they can't even get their policy straight!

[l929]

I would have to say the reason I have an issue with it is because when I last cruised X, just 2 years ago, there was no limitation to how much wine you could bring and the corkage was just $12 in the main dining room and $15 in the specialty restaurant.

 

I booked my upcoming trip in May, the only difference in the rules at that time was that the corkage was raised to $15 across the board, no biggie.

 

FF two years and post final payment and now they say you cant bring wine at all, but if you do its limited to 2 bottles (a person? a cabin?) and the fee is now $25!

 

I will be totally honest, the main reason I like to bring wine on board is to save money. There I said it and flame away! In addition, there are certain bottles I like, but the main reason is because the mark up is so great. And yes, when I go to a fine restaurant I would never bring my own and I suck it up and pay the ridiculous price for wine as I pay the ridiculous price for the food I'm eating. But, after being able to bring my own wine on cruises in the past, it became one of the nice perks of cruising. Going on a cruise is a different experience than any other vacation isnt it? Isnt that why we do it? Think about it, are there any boards like this for land based vacations?

 

That being said, after the increase, even with a written confirmation that I can bring wine on board from Jamie Porkolab (from X), I am doubtful that I will. I compared the prices between X's wine list (albeit last years) and the list from the wine store in Ft. Lauderdale that I was going to buy my wine at, and in my price range ($40-50 in the store) X was about---$25 more for comparable bottles. So the savings would only be in the 15% gratuity, which with the hassle of having to carry the wine on to me becomes a wash.

 

So to answer the OP's inquiry, this is my explanation.

[C 2 C]

Please don't run me out of town, but I'm having trouble understanding all the fuss over Celebrity's onboard alcohol policy and the seemingly never-ending threads about is/isn't it enforced and how to beat X at it's own game by sneaking booze onto a ship.

 

And you started it all over again.... it's not about the alcohol, it's about the whine...

 

The reality is there is no new policy in effect... just the same old confiscation threat after you leave the boarding port... Once you have to go through Celebrity scanners in ports of call the chance of confiscation rises.

 

In Barcelona there is a duty free store after check in. No one stopped anyone, including me, from buying my month's cabin supply on the way to the ship. I did the same with the same success in San Diego in February.

[Bisous3]

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say the policy is what it is because the cruise line wants to make money. Crazy idea, I know but last time I checked it was a business and if businesses don't generate enough revenue, they go under.

 

You have already paid for your cruise,which by the way when you look at what you get for what you are paying is a BARGAIN beyond BARGAINS. The only other way to make money from the passengers is on alcohol and in the casino. I know there are other on board possibilities like the boutiques and auctions, but I am sure the bar is a major source of income.

 

All I know is I am paying the same amount for my Connie cruise that I paid 5 years ago for my Century cruise. You tell me what prices do not go up IN FIVE YEARS???? Look at the rising fuel costs alone. The rates I've been paying on my cruises have not reflected this increase in fuel costs.

 

 

I know I am going to get flamed within an inch of my life for this post, so give me a sec to put my asbestos suit on!!! Before you let me have it, let me just say I just wanted to bring to light another P.O.V. No harm was meant...

[caviargal]

 

 

You have already paid for your cruise,which by the way when you look at what you get for what you are paying is a BARGAIN beyond BARGAINS. The only other way to make money from the passengers is on alcohol and in the casino. I know there are other on board possibilities like the boutiques and auctions, but I am sure the bar is a major source of income.

.

 

No flames but I am paying 250 per day per person for a 4 night Century cruise and my friends paying 400 pp pd same cruise. I have taken many short cruises and paid much less. Bargain is a relative term. I paid 299 pp person for a three night cruise on RCI in August.

 

At the price I am paying on X, IMO I should not be hassled over bringing on a few bottles of wine. This will not make or break X but losing customers, in the long run, will take a toll.

 

It is a gross generalization to label all X cruises as bargains as some are and some are not. As far as X goes, they are no EasyCruise.:)

 

JMO.

[m steve]

That seems to be the new policy from X. It's not that we will just hold the liquor until the end of the cruise but we can put you off the ship anywhere we feel like and you have to make it home on your own. That way they can not only show they are in control but they will save money not having to feed you for the rest of the voyage. I think of a ship as a hotel on water that is including 3 meals a day. No hotel prohibits you from bringing a bottle or 2 of liquor to your room. Why should a ship? It couldn't be money, could it?

I will bet that anyone who has drinks in their cabin also buys lots of drinks in the bars, by the pool, in the casino and before and after dinner. It's the hypocracy of the thing and the threats. I have always brought a couple of bottles with me and they sit on the counter in my cabin, the steward brings us lots of ice each afternoon and no one says a thing. When we settle up the cruise line gets another $1000 for purchases, tips, tours, etc. If they remove anything from my bags I won't spend a cent on the cruise and would never sail with them again.

And selling a bottle for $60 is over the top when I paid $20 on Princess (2X the price in their DFS).

As for the restaurant comment, no I wouldn't bring my own mixed drinks into a restaurant but I don't see the comparison.Had I not found that I would lose my deposit I could have switched to HAL or Princess for about the same cost and a similar itinerary at the time. We used to like X but now I am not excited about sailing with them again. I will find out in Dec. when I take my cruise if I am overreacting. I hope I am.

[Muushka]

The sad thing is that if they lowered their prices on wine and drinks, I am sure they would sell a lot more. Well, I know that I always look at a price of something before I buy it (whether I am on vacation or at Walmart, does not matter).

 

I honestly did not find this a big deal till I called and got the reaction from the rep that I got. Sounds like X has some serious control issues.

 

But my cruise is not dependent on whether or not I can have a glass of wine.

I will simply abstain! Not a problem.

[TravelDoc]

This is the most up to date wine list from X. It was updated last in 7/05 but the prices are now only about $4 more per bottle give or take. Some are high but others are not that bad.

 

wine list - celebrity

 

Beverages at a Glance:

WINES BY THE GLASS

Glass

CHAMPAGNES / SPARKLING WINES

Celebrity Vintages, France $ 6.00

A dry, crisp, lively sparkling wine.

Michel Roux, Brut, Tours-sur-Marne, France $ 12.00

A perfect marriage of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Subtle, elegant and dry.

Mumm's Napa Cuvée Brut Prestige, Napa Valley $ 7.00

A dry, crisp, lively sparkling wine.

Perrier-Jouët "Grand Brut" Epernay, France $ 9.00

An elegant and stylish champagne with fresh flavors of honey, apple and bread toast.

WHITE

Chardonnay, Celebrity Cruises, Private Label, Russian River Valley $ 9.50

Lush, tropical fruit, full-bodied with a long finish.

Chardonnay, La Crema, Sonoma $ 7.75

A medium to full bodied wine, with aromas of golden apple, citrus and pear.

Chardonnay, LinCourt, Santa Barbara $ 8.25

A soft, fruity wine with subtle, tropical fruit flavors.

Cuvée Georges Duboeuf $ 5.75

A fresh, medium-bodied wine, with a clean, crisp finish.

Pinot Grigio, Bollini, Trentino $ 7.00

Elegant and fruity with a clean, flinty quality on the palate.

Sancerre "Les Tuilières" Michel Redde $ 9.00

A dry, crisp, youthfully fruity wine, with a distinctive bouquet.

ROSÉ/BLUSH

Rosé de Provence, Domaine de la Berle, mise Château Minuty $ 5.75

Crisp, clean, dry and well-balanced with a lovely bouquet.

White Zinfandel, Beringer, Napa Valley $ 5.75

Moderately sweet, refreshing crisp, simply packed with fruit.

RED

Cabernet Sauvignon, Celebrity Cruises, Private Label, Sonoma $ 9.50

Ripe tannins, medium bodied, silky texture with cassis and blackberry flavors.

Cabernet Sauvignon, St. Francis, Sonoma $ 8.00

A rich, full-bodied Cabernet with intense fruit and notes of vanilla.

Château Castera, Médoc, Bordeaux $ 7.75

The aromas of raspberries, blackberries and blackcurrant with great purity.

Cuvée Georges Duboeuf $ 5.75

Rich, spicy and well-structured with a lovely bouquet.

Merlot, Rutherford Ranch, Napa Valley $ 8.50

A smooth and peppery nose with a lingering soft finish.

Pinot Noir, Reserve, Reliz Creek, Wente, Monterey $ 7.25

Very good color and nose with good concentration.

Shiraz, Peter Lehmann "The Barossa" Australia $ 8.50

Dark purple color with flavors of blackberry, plum and spicy characters.

PORT

Fonseca "Late Bottled Vintage Port" $ 6.75

Firm and full bodied with intense full character and a voluminous finish.

C-CLASS 8/04

CELLAR MASTER'S SELECTIONS

Bin Bottle

CELEBRITY COLLECTOR'S BOTTLE

002 Celebrity Cruises Collector's Bottles, Cabernet Sauvignon,

San Francisco AVA 23.00

Black Currant flavors and medium bodied with specially designed silk-screened bottles.

001 Celebrity Cruises Collector's Bottles, Chardonnay, San Francisco AVA 23.00

Tropical fruit flavors and full-bodied, with specially designed silk-screened bottles.

WHITE WINES

302 Chardonnay, Far Niente Winery, Napa Valley 2001 85.00

Beautifully balanced with classic aromas of minerals and tropical fruits.

Rich and full bodied.

300 Chardonnay “John’s Creek Vineyard”

Nickel & Nickel Single Vineyards, Napa Valley 2001 75.00

Very rich bouquet. A vintage full of charm, lots of finesse with silky tannins.

301 Chardonnay “Ovation” Joseph Phelps, Napa Valley 2000 79.00

This wine is rich with apple and lemony flavors and well-integrated oak throughout a very long finish.

303 Corton Charlemagne “Grand Cru” Bonneau du Martray,

Burgundy, France 1999 198.00

A rich buttery wine with a pleasant lingering aftertaste.

RED WINES

404 Cabernet Sauvignon, Far Niente, Napa Valley 1999 135.00

Intense and focused with supple currant, toast, berry and plum flavors, meaty quality on the finish.

401 Cabernet Sauvignon, Jordan, Sonoma 1999 86.00

Deep ruby in color, exceptionally smooth and possesses fruit forward aromas.

400 Cabernet Sauvignon "Signature Reserve" Chappellet, Napa Valley 2000 70.00

From the famous Pritchard Hills Vineyards, long benchmark of American Cabernets.

402 Cabernet Sauvignon “Sullenger Vineyard” Nickel & Nickel

Single Vineyards, Napa Valley 2000 105.00

Very rich bouquet. A vintage full of charm, lots of finesse with silky tannins.

406 Château Beychevelle, 4ème Cru Classé, Bordeaux, France 1988 195.00

Rich and muscular, intensive ripe cherry aromas with silky and seductive bouquet.

405 Château Cantemerle, 5ème Cru Classé, Bordeaux, France 1988/1990 145.00

Ready-to-drink, medium-garnet color. Earthy, plum and cassis aromas.

Medium-bodied, with soft ripe tannins and long finish. Great vintage.

407 Château Pichon Longueville, Comtesse de Lalande,

2ème Cru Classé, Bordeaux, France 1989 285.00

Medium full color with good fruit. Long and complex.

403 Le Corton, Grand Cru, Bouchard Père et Fils, Burgundy, France 1997 130.00

A rich and full flavored Pinot Noir with flavors of cherry and red currant.

Intense wine with tannic and complex finish.

CHAMPAGNES

Bin Bottle

TÊTE DE CUVÉE

10 Louis Roederer, Cristal Brut 1996/1997 250.00

A superb, full-bodied champagne with intense, mellow fruit flavors and a rich, toasty finish.

11 Moët & Chandon, Cuvée Dom Pérignon 1995/1996 155.00

An exquisite champagne with impeccably balanced flavors and a lovely bouquet.

14 Perrier-Jouët “Fleur de Champagne” 1996 135.00

Noted for its delicacy and finesse, with great complexity and

a subtle and refined bouquet, one of France’s finest champagnes.

12 Taittinger Comtes de Champagne, Blanc de Blanc 1995 140.00

Full bodied with good length exhibiting flavors of fresh breadcrumbs and

brioche. A regal wine of exceptional quality with very limited availability.

ROSÉ

20 Laurent Perrier Rosé, nv 95.00

Elegant berry flavors complement the earthy bouquet of fresh bread toast.

PROPRIETARY

32 Michel Roux, Brut, nv 55.00

Subtle with a hint of age and yet elegant and dry on the palate.

33 Mumm’s "Cordon Rouge" nv 50.00

Distinctive elegant style, dry with great finesse.

34 Perrier-Jouët "Grand Brut" nv 45.00

A dry, full-bodied champagne of an outstanding blend and consistent quality.

30 Taittinger Brut "La Française" nv 70.00

A delicate, complex, and exceptionally elegant champagne.

31 Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin “Yellow Label” nv 68.00

A delicate, complex, and exceptionally elegant champagne.

SPARKLING WINES / MÉTHODE CHAMPENOISE

003 Celebrity Vintages, France 24.00

A dry, crisp, lively sparkling wine.

43 Domaine Carneros Brut by Taittinger 2000 36.00

Superb sparkling wine blended from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes

Ripe tropical and white fruit flavors in the elegant Taittinger style.

40 Domaine Carneros “La Réve” by Taittinger 1997 45.00

Complex blanc de blanc sparkling wine characterized by melon, citrus and white

fruit aromas and flavors with toasty notes set in a balanced, creamy texture.

45 Martini & Rossi, Asti Spumante, nv, Italy (Méthode Charmat) 25.00

A fragrant, sparkling dessert wine produced from the Moscato Bianco grape.

44 Mumm Napa Cuvée Brut Prestige, Napa Valley, nv 28.00

The naturally ripened fruit selected from more than 50 separate vineyards

yields a beautiful rose petal aroma. Further layers reveal crisp yet creamy

qualities, rich and lingering.

41 Roederer Estate Brut, Anderson Valley, nv 39.00

Rich and toasty aromas up front; focused and complex lemon, grapefruit,

apple and pear flavors follow up. Bright and clean on the finish.

42 Schramsberg Blanc de Blanc, Napa Valley 1999 38.00

Outstanding and rich flavours of apple, honey and bread toast.

LATE-HARVEST WINES

Bin Glass Bottle

234 Château d’Yquem, Sauterne, Bordeaux, France 1991 .375 ml 220.00

This Premier Grand Cru Classe Sauterne is widely recognized as the world's best.

A true luxury of intense bouquet and perfectly balanced sweetness.

233 Dolce, Far Niente Winery, Napa Valley 1999 .375 ml 19.00 95.00

The California rival of Yquem is named Dolce. It has rich, exotic fruit

flavors and the honeyed botrytis character of the wine are complemented

by toasty oak overtones that are balanced by a long, clean finish.

230 Muscat “Vin de Glacière”, Bonny Doon, California 2001 .375 ml 8.50 34.00

Exceptionally well-balanced with a wonderfully bracing acidity,

an aromatic explosion of apricots, pineapple, lychee,

cardamom, lime, tangerine and mango.

231 Sauterne, Barton & Guestier, Bordeaux, France 1999 .750 ml 45.00

A wine of deep color, with “roasted” aromas and an exquisite

fullness on the palate with hints of apricots and lime-tree.

232 Zinfandel "Late Harvest", Alden Vineyard,

Edmeades Vineyards 2001 .750 ml 7.50 49.00

Tobacco, cherries, honey and mountain fir fill the nose.

Luscious, chewy, rounded, cherry pie, and candied apples.

HALF-BOTTLES

Bin Bottle

243 Beaujolais-Villages, Georges Duboeuf 2001 .375 ml 13.00

242 Mâcon-Villages, Joseph Drouhin 2002 .375 ml 14.00

240 Michel Roux, Brut, nv .375 ml 28.00

241 Mumm’s Cordon Rouge, nv .375 ml 25.00

NON-ALCOHOLIC WINES

Bin Glass Bottle

250 Champagne - Sutter Home, “Fré” 5.00 19.00

251 Chardonnay - Sutter Home, “Fré” 5.00 19.00

252 Premium Red - Sutter Home, “Fré” 5.00 19.00

253 White Zinfandel - Sutter Home, “Fré” 5.00 19.00

WHITE WINES

Bin Bottle

CHARDONNAY – Full-bodied

Chardonnay’s origin is still a matter of opinion but where it grows its very best is in Burgundy in France.

Known to grow well in parts of the world, it develops its best flavors when grown in the cool coastal

and valley areas. Common flavors are pear, apple, tropical fruit, and citrus aromas and flavors. Great

with a wide variety of foods, from creamy pasta to seafood, pork, veal and chicken dishes

64 Chablis Premier Cru, Joseph Drouhin, Burgundy, France 2001/2002 47.00

Elegantly full-bodied, perfectly balanced, with a silky texture and dry finish.

56 Chablis “Vieilles Vignes” Domaine Daniel-Etienne Defaix 2001 32.00

Bright acidity, flavors of ripe melon, golden apple that finishes long with mineral tones.

55 Chardonnay, Benziger, Carneros 2001/2002 29.00

A delicious wine with abundant fruit. Very well balanced,

rich and concentrated. Very long and complex.

004 Chardonnay, Celebrity Cruises, Private Label, Russian River Valley 35.00

Lush, tropical fruit, full-bodied with a long finish.

51 Chardonnay, Cavas Hill, Spain 2003 23.00

A racy wine with good depth and an intense flowery fruit.

59 Chardonnay, Kendall Jackson "Vintner’s Reserve" Lake County 2002 35.00

Full-bodied texture, balancing ripe fruit and oak flavors, with an intense varietal bouquet.

57 Chardonnay, La Crema, Sonoma 2003 31.00

A distinctive medium to full bodied wine, with aromas of golden apple, citrus and pear.

58 Chardonnay, LinCourt, Santa Barbara County 2001 33.00

Very exotic tropical rose followed by classic spicy flavors. Great depth and long finish.

60 Chardonnay "Riva Ranch Reserve" Wente Vineyards, Monterey 2001/2002 36.00

Rich and delicious pineapple and guava flavors with buttery, toasty taste of new oak.

50 Chardonnay, Santa Carolina, Chile 2003 22.00

Bright with a soft yellow color, buttery overtones with a hint of oak on the bouquet.

61 Chardonnay, Sequoia Grove, Carneros, Napa Valley 2001/2002 39.00

A well balanced wine, fat and rich on the palate. It has good structure and balance.

54 Chardonnay, St. Francis, Sonoma 2002 28.00

A soft, fruity wine with subtle, tropical fruit flavors,

culminating in a crisp clean finish.

65 Cervaro Castello Della Sala, Marchesi Antinori, Tuscany 2001 49.00

Aromas of ripe pineapple and honey complement this full-bodied wine with rich fruit flavors.

53 Mâcon-Villages, Joseph Drouhin, Burgundy, France 2002 27.00

A good well balanced fresh acidic wine with good flavor of apple and pear and an aroma of violet.

62 Pouilly Fuissé - Joseph Drouhin, Burgundy France 2002 41.00

A round wine with lively freshness and much character.

63 Pouilly-Fuissé, Louis Jadot, Burgundy, France 2002 42.00

Round, full and vigorous, with a touch of oak, yet possessing a remarkable freshness.

52 Unoaked Chardonnay, Delatite Winery, Victoria, Australia 2003 29.00

A ripe buttery scent with a good concentration of fruit on the palate, with an elegant finish.

Bin Bottle

SANGIOVESE – Medium to full-bodied

Sangiovese, literally “Blood of Jupiter”, is the basis of Italian Chianti and the sister of the Brunello

grape. Its lush texture, medium weight and balanced tannins make Sangiovese famously foodfriendly.

201 Chianti Classico Riserva, Nozzole, Estate Bottled, Italy 2000 35.00

An elegantly full-bodied wine, exceptionally smooth and round, with a rich, aromatic bouquet.

202 Brunello di Montalcino, Frescobaldi, Italy 1998 94.00

A full wine with lots of fruit, well balanced and dry tannins.

200 Grangiovese, Sesti, IGT Toscana - Castello di Argiano, Italy 2000/2001 26.00

Flavors of cherries, raspberries and clove. This wine is medium bodied and has a good balance of its components.

TEMPRANILLO – Medium to full-bodied

Tempranillo is also known in Spain as Tinto Fino. It is a versatile grape that blends well and have

flavors of dried cherry, stone fruit with good acidity and smooth tannins. It goes best with all red

meats, tapas and grilled fish.

212 Marqués de Griñon Reserva “Colección Personal” Spain 1999 36.00

An opulent wine with good depth of fruit.

211 Torre Oria Gran Reserva, Spain 1994 29.00

Medium mature color, aromatic with aspect of leather and chocolate with

a ripe concentrate fruit. A complex wine, which will still improve.

210 Torre Oria Reserva, Spain 1996 25.00

Ample, rich and spicy with a touch of oak. Long and elegant with a delicate finish.

OTHER RED VARIETALS – Medium bodied to Medium full-bodied

222 Barbera d’Alba “Poderi Podio e Carretta” Piobesi d’Alba, COVA, Italy 35.00

A pleasant full body wine with lots of fruit, deep ruby color.

223 Barolo “Cannubi” Tenuta Carretta, Piobesi d’Alba, COVA, Italy 79.00

A full wine well balanced smooth and rich.

221 Grande Reserve "Naoussa" Boutari Estates, Greece 35.00

Xinomavro grape variety. Subtle aroma of dried fruit that also gives off a woody scent.

Robust wine with body characterized by an abundance of mature tannins.

220 Valpolicella Classico Superiore, D.O.C. Masi Agricola S.P.A., Italy 2002 25.00

The wine has lively, fresh flavors on the palate. A versatile partner

to many foods, chicken, veal, lamb, pasta with red sauce.

Bin Bottle

67 Chardonnay, Cakebread Cellars, Napa Valley 2002 60.00

A classic, medium-gold Chardonnay with subtle toasty nuances, elegant, and full-bodied.

66 Meursault, Louis Jadot, Burgundy, France 1998/2001 56.00

A full-bodied, deliciously smooth wine with subtle depth and a delicate, slightly nutty bouquet.

68 Puligny Montrachet, Labouré Roi, Burgundy, France 2000 69.00

Stylish fruit on the nose, round ripe with a good acidity. Fresh and well balanced.

SAUVIGNON BLANC / FUMÉ BLANC / SEMILLON – Medium bodied

Sauvignon Blanc wines have crisp acidity with flavors of melon, herb, citrus and fig. Fume Blanc

is a term that describes an oaky style of Sauvignon Blanc - “fume” means “smoke” in French and

refers to the oaky character imparted into this wine when it is fermented and/or aged in barrel.

78 Fumé Blanc, De Loach, Russian River Valley 2001 33.00

A rich wine with a delicate aroma of herbs, vanilla and a hint of citrus.

Ripe, luscious melon-like flavors enhanced by toasty oak.

81 Pouilly-Fumé “La Moynerie” Michel Redde, Loire Valley 2001 38.00

An elegantly fruited, dry, white wine with smoky nuances and a distinctive fragrance.

83 Pouilly-Fumé, Domaine de Ladoucette, Loire Valley 2001 40.00

A delicate, lemony nose, with the long and stylish characteristics of the Sauvignon grape.

Dry and well balanced with a lovely finish.

82 Sauvignon Blanc, Cakebread Cellars, Rutherford, Napa Valley 2002 39.00

A wine with herbal qualities and fresh berry and floral nuances, offset with a touch of oak.

75 Sauvignon Blanc, Cousiño Macul, Chile 2003 23.00

Complex dry flavor and pleasant finish

77 Sauvignon Blanc, Delatite Winery, Victoria, Australia 2003/2004 30.00

Wonderful herbaceous nose with passion fruit aromas. It is clean and fresh

on the palate, with an excellent depth of flavor and lovely long finish.

76 Sauvignon Blanc, Nobilo, New Zealand 2003 29.00

Hints of gooseberries and ripe passion fruit with herbaceous overtones.

Clean and soft on the palate.

80 Sancerre “Les Tuilières” Michel Redde, Loire Valley 2002 38.00

A dry, crisp, youthfully fruity wine, with a distinctive bouquet.

79 Semillion, White Vendimia, Murrieta’s Well, Livermore Valley 2001 34.00

A rich white wine, this blend is impressively balanced with good acidity and

a long, lingering finish. Honey melon aromas and flavors of Bosc pears.

RIESLING – Light to Medium-Bodied

Riesling, a German variety, is a versatile grape that can produce dry, tart wine or lusciously sweet

late-harvest wine. Effusive fruit aromas and floral flavors of peach and honeydew, balanced by

clean acidity makes this wine a great companion for seafood, lighter meats, fruits and salads.

Bin Bottle

GAMAY – Medium-bodied

Gamay has raspberry and strawberry flavors, low tannins and crisp acidity make it a versatile match

for all types of cuisine.

171 Beaujolais-Villages, Georges Duboeuf, France 2002 22.00

Dry, well-balanced and medium-bodied with a fruity bouquet.

170 Cuvée Georges Duboeuf, France 20.00

Rich, spicy and well-structured with a lovely bouquet.

172 Morgon “Domaine de Bellevue” Georges Duboeuf, France 2002 28.00

Medium full color, rich and fresh on the nose. Lovely fruit: black currant, cherry and slightly spicy.

ZINFANDEL – Full-bodied

Zinfandel, at its best, makes red wines that have deeply concentrated berry fruit, with jammy

character, intriguing spice notes and a big finish. Suited to many styles of cuisine, Zinfandel shows

especially well with hearty and flavorful foods such as roasted meats, hearty pasta, and rich cheese

or desserts.

180 Zinfandel, Château Souverain, Dry Creek Valley 2001 30.00

Earthy aromas with a soft lingering dry finish.

182 Zinfandel, Murrieta’s Well, Livermore Valley 2001 49.00

Intense aromas of blackberry and spice. Full-bodied with good grip and length.

181 Zinfandel “Old Vines” St. Francis, Sonoma County 2000 38.00

A medium to full color wine with good fruit. Quite spicy with freshness and substance.

SYRAH / SHIRAZ, GRANACHE & BLENDS – Full-bodied

Syrah generally makes a wine similar to, but more intense and earthy than Zinfandel. This wine

matches well with hearty, richly textured and intensely flavored cuisine such as roast game, rich

pasta, stews and cheeses.

194 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Château Mont-Redon, France 2000 43.00

A robust, full-bodied wine of intense fruit depth, slightly peppery nuances and a penetrating bouquet.

93 Conde de Valdemar “Garnacha Reserva”

Bodegas M. Bujanda, Spain 1997/1999 39.00

A full flavored wine, ripe and spicy with a complex and delicate finishes.

190 Côtes-du-Rhône, Château Mont-Redon, France 2002 29.00

An aromatic, full-fruited, robust wine with peppery overtones and a sunny, fragrant bouquet.

191 Shiraz, Greg Norman Estates “Limestone Coast” Australia 2001/2002 32.00

This is a rich wine with outstanding black cherry and blueberry flavors.

The smooth tannins, and bright acidity, combine with a full-bodied feel on the palate that lingers with a spicy finish.

192 Shiraz, Peter Lehmann “The Barossa” Australia 2001 35.00

Dark purple color with flavors of blackberry, mulberry, plum, as well as spicy characters.

This rich and full bodied wine has intense flavor but is soft and mellow on the palate.

Bin Bottle

93 Johannisberg Riesling, Chateau Ste. Michelle, Columbia Valley,

Washington State 2003 25.00

Light, clean and fresh with a just off-dry ending.

94 Piesporter Goldtröpfchen Riesling, Spätlese, Kreusch,

Mosel-Saar-Ruwer 2002 33.00

This wine has richness and complex aromas of apple, grapefruit and yellow flowers.Well balanced.

92 Piesporter Riesling, Qualitätswein, Deinhard, Mosel, FRG 2002/2003 25.00

A wine with a fine, fruity body and an elegant, racy acidity; superbly balanced.

GEWÜRZTRAMINER – Medium Bodied

Gewürztraminer is known for floral aromas and flavors of citrus, lychee and spice. In fact,

“Gewürz” means spiced in German. The Alsatian style wines are bone dry.

100 Gewürztraminer, Léon Beyer, Alsace, France 2002 28.00

Dry, medium-bodied, with a unique spiciness and an aromatic bouquet.

OTHER WHITE VARIETALS – Medium bodied to Medium full-bodied

111 Chenin Blanc, Callaway Vineyards, Temecula 2001 23.00

Delicate aromas of pears, peaches and tropical fruit.

110 Cuvée Georges Duboeuf, France 20.00

A fresh, medium-bodied wine, with a clean, crisp finish.

118 Gran Viña Sol, Torres, Penedès 2001/2002 32.00

Lively and intense with ripe fruit and a good finish.

116 Grüner Veltliner "Strassertaler" Weingut Allram, Kamptal, Austria 2002 26.00

Grüner Veltliner is Austria's signature grape. Star bright, straw color with citrus

notes and a fresh, perfumed bread dough aroma. It is medium-bodied with

crisp acidity, and a refreshing character. Allram is an excellent producer.

112 Pinot Blanc, Léon Beyer, Alsace, France 2001/2002 24.00

Marvelous balance of fruit and acidity with a slight touch of spice.

115 Pinot Grigio, Bollini, Trentino 2002 26.00

Elegant and fruity with a clean, flinty quality on the palate and an especially fragrant bouquet.

117 Roero Arneis, Tenuta Carreta, Piedmont COVA 33.00

Sometimes called “white Barolo”, it is clear brass in color, with delicious

aromas of honey and almonds and fruits like kiwi and star fruit.

Full-bodied texture with good, crisp acidity for balance.

114 Santorini, Boutari Estates, Greece 2001/2002 25.00

Assyrtiko grape variety. This is a fresh white wine with an exuberant citrus aroma.

Lively with a rich body and a long aftertaste.

113 Soave Classico Superiore, D.O.C. Masi Agricola S.P.A. 2002 25.00

Lovely nose, fruity, well balanced with long persistence.

Bin Bottle

MERLOT – Medium to full-bodied

Merlot, a traditional blending grape from Bordeaux that has become a star of its own, displaying

aromas and flavors of black and red cherry and vanilla. It tends to be softer than Cabernet and can

be matched to many of the same foods.

151 Merlot “Founders’ Estate” Beringer, North Coast 2001 30.00

Black and bing cherry fruit is complemented by spicy qualities from aging in oak barriques.

154 Merlot, Matanzas Creek, Sonoma 2001 56.00

Exuberant wine, with modest tannins and crisp acidity supporting the strawberry and cherry flavors.

150 Merlot, Robert Mondavi “Private Selection” North Coast 2002 28.00

The luscious layers of berry, raspberry and spice with light oak nuances

from barrel aging reflect this medium to full-bodied wine’s richness.

152 Merlot, Rutherford Ranch, Napa Valley 2001 34.00

A smooth and peppery nose with a lingering soft finish.

153 Merlot, St. Francis, Sonoma Valley 1998/1999/2000 41.00

Rich and full-bodied with superb fruit depth and voluptuous

ripe berry flavors carrying into a long, lovely finish.

PINOT NOIR – Medium to full-bodied

Pinot Noir, the great red grape of Burgundy in France, is difficult to grow, but can yield incredible

wines. It displays layers of cherry, raspberry, and spice aromas and flavors, often with earthy

complexities, and a silky texture. Pinot makes a versatile companion for different meats or grilled

fish.

161 Pinot Noir "Carneros" La Crema 2001/2002 35.00

Good color, lovely nose. Rich concentrated flavors of bing cherries with good structure.

164 Pinot Noir, Domaine Carneros, Napa Valley 2001 53.00

Complex and multi-layered with rich fruit tones of black cherry, plum

and strawberry overlaid with spices of cinnamon, cola, cocoa and clove.

160 Pinot Noir, Reserve, Reliz Creek, Wente Vineyards, Monterey 2001 29.00

Very good color and nose with good concentration of fruit.

Stylish and gently oaky on the palate.

165 Pommard, Labouré Roi, France 2000 59.00

Full vigorous color. A rich wine with slightly spicy fruit,

round with depth and elegance.

162 Santenay, Joseph Drouhin, France 1999 39.00

Round, well balanced and supple with rich, deep flavors.

163 Savigny-Les-Beaune 1er Cru "Clos des Guette"

Domaine Gagey, France 2001 44.00

Intense fruit aromas with ripe fruit flavors and a firm structure.

166 Vosne Romaneé, Louis Jadot, France 2000 69.00

Good Color, rich and concentrated with perfect Pinot Noir flavors.

A complex wine with a stylish finish.

BLUSH WINES

Bin Bottle

121 White Zinfandel, Beringer, Napa Valley 2003 22.00

Moderately sweet, refreshingly crisp, simply packed with fruit.

120 Rosé de Provence, Domaine de la Berle, mise au Château Minuty,

Proprietaire Michel Roux 2003 20.00

Crisp, clean, dry and well-balanced with a delightful freshness.

RED WINES

CABERNET SAUVIGNON – Medium to full-bodied

The full-bodied wines from this family of grapes are well suited to rich cuisine, and matches well

with everything from grilled meats to bittersweet chocolate.

134 Cabernet Sauvignon, Benziger, Sonoma 2000 36.00

A wine with fine color and lovely ripe nose. Stylish without being

too concentrated. It has a good depth and a fine finish.

005 Cabernet Sauvignon, Celebrity Cruises, Private Label, Sonoma 35.00

Ripe tannins, medium bodied, silky texture with cassis and blackberry flavors.

131 Cabernet Sauvignon, Cousiño Macul, Chile 2002/2003 25.00

Full bodied Cabernet with a vigorous and distinctive character.

135 Cabernet Sauvignon, Guenoc, North Coast 2001 37.00

A good smooth wine, soft fruits and delicate tannins.

133 Cabernet Sauvignon, Kendall Jackson “Vintner's Reserve” 2000/2001 35.00

Excellent dark berry fruit with a rich long finish.

130 Cabernet Sauvignon, Reserva, Santa Carolina, Chile 2002/2003 23.00

Garnet red in color and aroma of black currants and blackberries on the palate,

full-bodied with well balanced fruit acidity and a hint of tannins.

136 Cabernet Sauvignon, Sequoia Grove, Napa Valley 1999/2000 45.00

An extremely elegant, beautifully balanced wine with a rich,

full body and ripe fruit flavors.

132 Cabernet Sauvignon, St. Francis, Sonoma 2000 32.00

A rich, full-bodied Cabernet with intense fruit and notes of vanilla.

137 Cabernet Sauvignon, Vendimia, Murrieta’s Well Winery,

Livermore Valley 1999/2001 56.00

Very good color, the wine is rich and opulent. It is full and very accessible

on the palate and an elegant wine with good fruit. An excellent grip

and lots of finesse. Organically farmed, estate grown grapes.

Bin Bottle

PROPRIETARY CABERNET SAUVIGNON BLENDS – Medium to full-bodied

Proprietary blends of red wines allow a winemaker to create a harmonious balance of flavors,

resulting in a wine with layers of complexity.

141 Château Castera, Cru Bourgeois Supérieur, Médoc 2000 32.00

The wine has a dense color, a superb nose and is powerful and yet

very delicate at the same time. The aromas of fruits, raspberries,

blackberries and blackcurrant are very pronounced with great purity.

140 Château Chicane, Graves, Bordeaux, France 2000 30.00

The wine has a dense color, a superb nose and is powerful and yet

very delicate at the same time. The aromas of fruits, raspberries,

blackberries and blackcurrant are very pronounced with great purity.

145 Château Malescot Saint Exupéry, 3ème Cru Classé,

Margaux, France 1998/1999 76.00

An exceptional Margaux with the classic style, elegant structure

and inimitable fragrance of this famed wine-producing region.

143 Preludio “Barrel Select Lote N° 49” Juanico, Uruguay 2000 45.00

A special selection of cask wines from five varieties: Tannat, Cabernet Sauvignon,

Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot.

144 Réserve de la Comtesse, Château Pichon Longueville

Comtesse de Lalande, Pauillac, France 1999 59.00

Very rich bouquet. A vintage full of charm, lots of finesse

with silky tannins and complex aromas.

142 Saint-Èmilion, Jean-Pierre Moueix, France 2000/2001 37.00

Deep ruby in color, with a balance of full body, round warmth,

earthy richness and a fine aromatic bouquet.

147 Tenuta Guado al Tasso, Bolgheri D.O.C. Superiore, Antinori, Italy 2000 86.00

Extraordinary intense ruby red color. Intensely fruity, more of cherry than cassis,

with hints of toast, coffee and dark chocolate. Finely structured and complex;

balanced, with soft tannins and a lingering finish.

146 Tignanello, IGT, Marchesi Antinori, Italy 1999/2000 78.00

Intensely fruity and complex on the nose, full-bodied, rich and complex.

There is exceptional structure and lengthy finish.

[dbh62ark]

At the price I am paying on X, IMO I should not be hassled over bringing on a few bottles of wine. This will not make or break X but losing customers, in the long run, will take a toll.

Although the new policy is not an issue for me (I'm a light drinker and drink the fruity mixed drinks like daquiris and margaritas), but I think the outrage from passengers is very clear--so why another thread to ask for clarification because it's perfectly clear to me???--and Celebrity has really blown it. When I was monitoring the Oceania boards prior to our cruise this year, Oceania reps made a mistake, and the president of the company came on to let everyone know he was making things right. What a concept. I was impressed with Oceania's handling of the situation and have been decidedly unimpressed with Celebrity's service or lack thereof. The pres of Oceania actually reads the boards and responds to his customers. It's no wonder that his company is doing well.

 

Donna

[beefstew25]

I have a question. On the Century 5 day cruies, are you able to buy bottles of booze on board at the duty free shop, and if so can you take those back to your room? I sailed on the RCCCL Mariner and we were able to do that (after we paid an extra $9 a bottle).