Cruise.co.uk
Q: Aboard oceania cruise ships, is there a wine package available? Do they have a happy hour? Any idea to the cost of drinks? Are expressos included? 6 answers
2673 views
Submitted by: tremlett, Ferragudo - United Kingdom on 7th Oct 2008
Subject: Oceania Cruises Drink Packages
Report this question

Add a COMMENT about     Ask a QUESTION about     ANSWER  Question

Answer by Harvey, Henley-in-Arden (23 Feb 09 15:39) to a QUESTION by tremlett (07 Oct 08 20:04)
If you're hoping for a good strong cup of (filter) coffee at breakfast etc, or a proper espresso (ie. with a thick, orangey crema on it), prepare to be a bit disappointed. We basically asked for "double espresso" on every occasion, and ended up with strong-ish coffee - to which I added milk for breakfast and took neat after dinner. But it is NOT what I call proper espresso.
Answer by Green, Heathfield (27 Nov 08 12:49) to a QUESTION by tremlett (07 Oct 08 20:04)
Although wine packages are not available there is a happy hour between 5-6 pm in "Martinis" and the "Horizons" Lounge where selected cocktails and other drinks are riced at "2 for 1". All speciality teas and coffees, including espressos are complimentary. Wines start at approx $6.50 per glass and $26 per bottle; beer starts at $4.50 per glass; spirits start at $6.50 per glass. There is an 18% servce charge added to all drinks. Hope this helps.
Comment by burke, chipstead (11 Dec 08 15:59) about an ANSWER by Green (27 Nov 08 12:49)
There are discounts for multiple quantities of certain more expensive wines on their list, and also you can drink your own wine, purchased on shore, in their restaurants, for a corkage of $20 & no service charge.
Comment by Harvey, Henley-in-Arden (23 Feb 09 15:35) about a COMMENT by burke (11 Dec 08 15:59)
Having just got off Nautica, where people were carrying top quality Australian and NZ wines onboard by the armful, as far as I know, no-one was paying corkage, they were drinking it in their cabins. Having travelled around NZ North Island before the cruise, we were paying between 2 and 5 NZ dollars (£1 - £2.50) in BYO restaurants, thus US$20 was outrageous. Incidentally, I would be surprised if Oceania DIDN'T add 18% to the corkage charge (why wouldn't they; it's all going on your bar bill, and this normally attracts the 18%). But note, that if you're unhappy about the 18%, you could always refuse to pay it.
Comment by burke, chipstead (23 Feb 09 22:51) about a COMMENT by Harvey (23 Feb 09 15:35)
As I said, the corkage is for wine consumed in the restaurants (you can do what you like in the privacy of your cabin!).
Comment by Harvey, Henley-in-Arden (25 Feb 09 10:01) about a COMMENT by burke (23 Feb 09 22:51)
Obviously my comment was insufficiently clear for Burke. For the avoidance of doubt, what I should perhaps have written was: "...[having bought fine wine ashore] no-one was paying corkage [of US$20+18%] to drink it in the restaurants], they were drinking it in their cabins [instead]."