A Wine Bargain

[FloridaFan]

My husband and I are going on a 5-day cruise in May. We thought we'd order some wine for dinner on the cruise, so I decided to become familiar with some of the wines offered by RCI before going. So far, I've tested 5 of the wines that RCI offers on its Wine Cellar Collection. I bought the wines at local specialty shops, and the wines were very nice.

 

This morning, though, I saw a real bargain. One of the wines on the RCI list was featured at our local Rite-Aid for $4.99. It's price on the RCI list: $28.95 (a 480% mark-up). I'm going right out to get it now. Regardless of whether I buy this wine on the ship or not, as I sip it here at home, I'll feel like I got a great bargain.

[velocity6]

most of the wines on their menu retail for $12 or less. By the case, many are around $5 - $8 / bottle.

[HorrorFan]

I wouldn't judge a bargain based on comparing to the RCI price. Like velocity said most of the bottles on the RCI wine list are marked up ...a LOT. 400-500% isn't too unusual.

[skandls]

If you want a reasonable markup on RCI wines be prepared to spend over $50 per bottle. The more expensive wines seem to have a 3x markup rather than the outrageous pricing on the less than $10 (retail) wines.

[lady_cruiser]

The price of wine on cruise ships are similar to those prices you find in find 4 or 5 star restaurants. Their markup is extremely high.

[elron]

If you want a reasonable markup on RCI wines be prepared to spend over $50 per bottle. The more expensive wines seem to have a 3x markup rather than the outrageous pricing on the less than $10 (retail) wines.

Indeed! They sell more of the less expensive wines than they do expensive wines and make most of the wine revenue that way.

[Happy ks]

If you want a reasonable markup on RCI wines be prepared to spend over $50 per bottle. The more expensive wines seem to have a 3x markup rather than the outrageous pricing on the less than $10 (retail) wines.

 

 

I've never really thought of that :rolleyes:. We'll have to try that on our next cruise, since we are so disappointed in the $25 - 35 price range wines onboard.

 

We don't spend a lot of money in other areas, such as casino, shopping, we might buy one photo and a couple of drinks a day. Since we budget for our wine with dinner, it's not a real big deal to go up another $15-20 per night. Neither of us are big wine connoiseurs, we just enjoy a good bottle when we do come across one.

 

Any suggestions? We prefer red, but will drink a white that isn't a Chardonnay.

[GrammyJill]

I am not very welled versed in wine brands either. I love the idea of trying them before the cruise. Too bad you can't buy vino on Sunday.

[booze brothers]

My husband and I are going on a 5-day cruise in May. We thought we'd order some wine for dinner on the cruise, so I decided to become familiar with some of the wines offered by RCI before going. So far, I've tested 5 of the wines that RCI offers on its Wine Cellar Collection. I bought the wines at local specialty shops, and the wines were very nice.

 

This morning, though, I saw a real bargain. One of the wines on the RCI list was featured at our local Rite-Aid for $4.99. It's price on the RCI list: $28.95 (a 480% mark-up). I'm going right out to get it now. Regardless of whether I buy this wine on the ship or not, as I sip it here at home, I'll feel like I got a great bargain.

 

 

Could you tell me what the wine was? Although in PA we have to go to a State store to buy wine and liquor. The are just starting to supply some grocery stores, which is really nice.

[alwayshappytocruise]

I've never really thought of that :rolleyes:. We'll have to try that on our next cruise, since we are so disappointed in the $25 - 35 price range wines onboard.

Any suggestions? We prefer red, but will drink a white that isn't a Chardonnay.

 

Suggest Caymus Conundrum. It's a blend and has a screw top (just introduced about three years ago...the screw top... not the wine!). We've been drinking this blend for years, never disappointed. You should be able to buy it for $25'ish to $30'ish at home to try it, on RCL it's around $52. The Vouvray is nice, a little less pricey but nice. Also, there is a Viogner on Mariner that we really like, not too much of a price rip!!

 

 

White Wines

Item# 1128

Fumé Blanc, Robert Mondavi Winery

$39.95 USD

 

Item# 1227

Fume Blanc, Ferrari-Carano,

$43.70 USD

 

Item# 1235

La Terre, Chardonnay

$25.30 USD

 

Item# 1238

Chardonnay, Stone Cellars by Beringer

$31.05 USD

 

Item# 1282

Chardonnay, Torres, Gran Vina Sol, Penedes

$33.35 USD

 

Item# 1283

Semillon / Chardonnay, Lindemans, Bin 77

$36.80 USD

 

Item# 1285

Chardonnay, Penfold's Koonunga Hill

$43.70 USD

 

Item# 1288

Chardonnay,Sonoma-Cutrer

$56.35 USD

 

Item# 1295

Sauvignon Blanc, Caliterra, Valle Central, Chile

$29.90 USD

 

Item# 1305

Riesling Spätlese, L Kreusch, Piesporter Michelsberg

$26.45 USD

 

Item# 1307

Soave Classico, Botter, Verona, Italy

$33.35 USD

 

Item# 1308

Pinot Grigio, Danzante, Venezie, Veneto, Italy

$37.95 USD

 

Item# 1311

Vouvray, Remy Pannier, Loire, France

$33.35 USD

 

Item# 1312

Due Uve, Bertani

$43.70 USD

 

Item# 1313

Conundrum, Caymus, Napa

$56.35 USD

 

Item# 1420

Sauvignon Blanc, Brancott, Marlborough

$33.35 USD

 

Item# 1421

Chardonnay, Footprint, Western Cape

$27.60 USD

 

Item# 1422

Organic Chardonnay, Badger Mountain

$32.20 USD

 

Item# 1424

Chardonnay, Woodbridge Twin Oaks

$27.60 USD

 

Item# 1435

Chardonay Baron Herzog(Kosher)

$41.40 USD

 

Item# 1437

Chardonnay, Alice White Se Aus

$29.90 USD

 

Item# 1446

Pouilly Fuisse, Laboure Roi Fr

$40.25 USD

 

 

/.///.

[cmalibu1]

My husband and I are going on a 5-day cruise in May. We thought we'd order some wine for dinner on the cruise, so I decided to become familiar with some of the wines offered by RCI before going. So far, I've tested 5 of the wines that RCI offers on its Wine Cellar Collection. I bought the wines at local specialty shops, and the wines were very nice.

 

This morning, though, I saw a real bargain. One of the wines on the RCI list was featured at our local Rite-Aid for $4.99. It's price on the RCI list: $28.95 (a 480% mark-up). I'm going right out to get it now. Regardless of whether I buy this wine on the ship or not, as I sip it here at home, I'll feel like I got a great bargain.

 

I know liquor in any serving industry is marked up enormously....But, thats seems crazy to me! Its a bummer to be in the position where you are charged SO much for something simple.

 

I realize they want to make money, but man!

[tortugas]

I think the La Terre is their "house" wine...at least it was on Majesty last year when we cruised. It's really not too bad for the price point.

 

As a side note... if you like Conundrum, try Evolution by Sokol Blosser ( I think i just mangled the wineries name!!!) It's really, really good, and not quite as pricey. (don't think it's on the ships, but def worth seeking out if you are a Conundrum fan!)

[RN7997]

Ok this maybe a dumb question, but I'll ask anyway. I am rather a cheap wine drinker. So far I have never had a red or white wine I liked. I do not drink beer and avoid liquor now that I have kids.....lol....anyway I do like white zin (usually sutter home) and yes Arbor Mist!!! Don't freak..I know cheap cheap cheap!! I drink those because I really do like that taste. Iam wondering if anyone could suggest a new wine I might try that would appease to my taste buds???? I'd like to try something here at home and maybe take a lil with me on our next cruise if I like it.

[skandls]

If you are on a ship with Vintages - you can usually get 'tasting' pours of many of the wines. That way you can try before you buy.

[skandls]

I've never really thought of that :rolleyes:. We'll have to try that on our next cruise, since we are so disappointed in the $25 - 35 price range wines onboard.

 

We don't spend a lot of money in other areas, such as casino, shopping, we might buy one photo and a couple of drinks a day. Since we budget for our wine with dinner, it's not a real big deal to go up another $15-20 per night. Neither of us are big wine connoiseurs, we just enjoy a good bottle when we do come across one.

 

Any suggestions? We prefer red, but will drink a white that isn't a Chardonnay.

 

There is a posting of the new complete wine list somewhere on this board. You can print the list and take it with you when you buy wine. That way you can try some of the wines before you go. And you have an idea of how much the retail prices are.

 

My favorite wine from the list is gone - it was the Byron Pinot Noir.

[Merion_Mom]

Any suggestions? We prefer red, but will drink a white that isn't a Chardonnay.

Hey, that sounds like me! ;)

[Merion_Mom]

I know liquor in any serving industry is marked up enormously....But, thats seems crazy to me! Its a bummer to be in the position where you are charged SO much for something simple.

 

I realize they want to make money, but man!

 

cmalibu, their markup for the lowest price wines is high, but it's not really fair to compare a price found on sale at a Rite Aid!!! :eek:

[a-tx-brit]

Dreaded double post!!!!

[a-tx-brit]

Ok this maybe a dumb question, but I'll ask anyway. I am rather a cheap wine drinker. So far I have never had a red or white wine I liked. I do not drink beer and avoid liquor now that I have kids.....lol....anyway I do like white zin (usually sutter home) and yes Arbor Mist!!! Don't freak..I know cheap cheap cheap!! I drink those because I really do like that taste. Iam wondering if anyone could suggest a new wine I might try that would appease to my taste buds???? I'd like to try something here at home and maybe take a lil with me on our next cruise if I like it.

If you like a sweet wine try sutter home moscato.For the price it's a good desert wine.