drink secrets that cruise lines don't tell you
It is no secret that Terry and I are fans of drink packages when we cruise. But sometimes, there are a few "loopholes" like these that we tend to stick to on occasions that we don't purchase a drink package. Mind you, each cruise line has different rules and some "drink secrets" don't apply on each cruise line.
Open Containers
There's no "open beverage" rule onboard. You can bring drinks from a bar or buffet to your cabin or elsewhere on the ship and no one will bat an eye. (Same goes for food.)
Wine On Reserve
It's often cheaper to buy a bottle of wine than a few glasses -- but what do you do if you don't finish the bottle? Cruise ship waiters can mark the bottle with your room number and save it for another night, even for dinner in another onboard venue. (But, beware of restaurant corkage fees if you bring your own bottle of wine.)
Buckets of Beer
Groups of beer drinkers can save by ordering buckets of beer. You get four or five beers in a souvenir bucket at a per-beer cost slightly cheaper than ordering individual bottles.
Soda Savings
On most lines, soda is not free -- but iced tea in the dining room usually is. Save on soda by buying a soda card, offering a set price for unlimited soft drinks.
BYO Limits
Most cruise lines prohibit passengers from bringing beer and liquor onboard, but do let you bring a bottle or two of wine or Champagne. Some lines (such as Holland America and Princess) also let you bring a reasonable amount of nonalcoholic drinks onboard -- which helps save on pricy shipboard sodas and bottled waters. Royal Caribbean and Norwegian passengers are prohibited from bringing any nonalcoholic beverages onboard, while Carnival only allows limited amounts of soda and juice as long as the drinks are in cans or cartons (and not glass containers or plastic bottles).
Souvenir Cup Perks
Enticed by all those special drinks in a souvenir glass? You can refill those glasses at a discount -- or ask to have the drink of the day in a regular glass to save money. Also, watch your daily program for drink specials or happy hours with reduced-price beverages.
