Wine

[FrannyK]

We will be flying into Tampa, then taking a taxi to the Tampa port for the Legend. Is there anywhere inbetween/nearby to pick up wine?

[patrickmoran]

I believe Carnival's official policy is one bottle of wine or champagne per person. I usually bring 3 for a 7 day cruise and never had a problem.

Regarding the corkage fee, the dining staff is suppose to charge it every time they open a bottle. Over 9 Carnival cruises, I have never been charged the corkage fee. I just tip the head waiter or the assistant waiter, whoever opens the bottles (usually the ass't), a few extra $$s on the last night. Some people tip upfront but the staff knows that you will take care of them if they take care of you.

[NCTribeFan]

Check the Ports of Call for wherever you're sailing from. Lots of questions about where to buy booze/wine on those boards and locals to answer the questions.

 

Since I normally fly, it just isn't worth using the valuable luggage space to pack a bottle of wine. I'm just not going to take a spare suitcase to load up with booze.

 

BUT, since I'm driving this year, I can take as many suitcases and pack as many goodies as I want. :D

 

I just have to be sure they're well packed with lots of insulation in case the porters aren't as careful as I would hope! Or buy the new boxes, gift wrap them, label them "fragile" and give a nice tip.

[funship freddy]

I am serious about my wine and have a cellar that I have been building since the 80's. I bought a great 12 btl. "armor plate" travel case several years ago (bountyhunterwine.com) that is always with me when I cruise (or do land vacations) It is a SERIOUS case that always delivers the wine intact. I can enjoy wines I have been waiting to grow...who cares about the corkage...they don't sell what I drink on cruise ships.

[FrannyK]

Check the Ports of Call for wherever you're sailing from. Lots of questions about where to buy booze/wine on those boards and locals to answer the questions.

 

Since I normally fly, it just isn't worth using the valuable luggage space to pack a bottle of wine. I'm just not going to take a spare suitcase to load up with booze.

 

BUT, since I'm driving this year, I can take as many suitcases and pack as many goodies as I want. :D

 

I just have to be sure they're well packed with lots of insulation in case the porters aren't as careful as I would hope! Or buy the new boxes, gift wrap them, label them "fragile" and give a nice tip.

 

Good idea. Just noticed there is a "Florida Departures" board.

[Nave8]

My husband and I solved this problem by purchasing a $5 bag called Wine Mummy to transport wine and spirits in checked luggage. It's a padded, zip-sealed bag that protects bottles when transported inside checked luggage. It held both sizes, our wine and champagne bottles. Found it at winemummy.com

[DreDre]

I was told when booking my cruise the we are allowed one bottle a person to be carried on. If we would like to bring the wine to dinner there will be a corkage fee.

 

I was wondering if we were able to also bring on a pack of coke or water?

Does anyone know?

[atcsat64]

I was told when booking my cruise the we are allowed one bottle a person to be carried on. If we would like to bring the wine to dinner there will be a corkage fee.

 

I was wondering if we were able to also bring on a pack of coke or water?

Does anyone know?

 

Yes, rules say (or said on my last two sailings) a "reasonable amount" of soda or bottled water can be carried on. One bottle of wine or champagne and one 12-pack sodas each is what we carry on, no problems, no need to hide them, no worries....