The end of last year went on a cruise and got a balcony for the first time and loved it. One thing I wish I could have a set up was to have drinks in the room without having to run to the bar each time. We usually would just have our morning coffee on the balcony, but I would have liked to end the evening with a couple of drinks out there or , maybe a break during the day. Getting ready to book another cruise with a balcony, and hope I can figure this out before I go.
The three options I've found:
Some cruise lines allow you to bring on your own wine or champagne, generally 2 bottles per cabin or 1 per person. Ask your room attendant for a corkscrew and glasses (if not already in the room).
Some lines, such as HAL, have a bar setup option you can purchase beforehand. It's pretty pricey for what you get - a small bottle of liquor plus a few cans of soda - but if you're not a wine drinker, that's your option.
What I do:
- Bring a large Yeti/reusable cup with you, like 24+ ounces. Stop at a couple of bars on the way to your room (or one bar, but most have a wait time between ordering drinks) and dump your cocktails into your cup. If you're a beer or seltzer drinker, just ask for an unopened bottle or can and stock your fridge. I have also asked for shots at each bar, poured those in my cup, then asked for a can of soda, that way I can mix my own drinks.
On HAL if you have a fridge it's stocked with beer, wine, canned cocktails, and Coke. If you're 4 star, it's all 1/2 price, which makes it very reasonable.
Yes, but all fridge/mini-bar items are an additional (high) charge. I doubt most of us are 4-star Mariners, so that's a full-price premium.
I asked my steward to remove the items so I could stock it myself with water and soda from my drink package.
Yes, but no more costly than stopping at a bar, getting a couple of drinks, and putting in a cup to take to your room. Unless I misread (always a possibility, lol) OP was not asking about the cheapest options or how to smuggle booze on, just how to have drinks in their room. Minibar is a good alternative. Even the canned cocktails aren't bad.
You're right, OP didn't mention the cheapest option. I am a very cost-conscious person, and always try to avoid spending extra money. My original response assumed OP would have a drink package, therefore no additional cost for drinks at bars, while a bar setup or mini-bar use would incur charges. I also assumed that people that want to drink in their rooms consume as much alcohol as I do, which warrants a drink package - cruise lines lose money on me!
Ah, got you. Thx. I am cheap ass person. I never get the drinks package. I am at least 4 star. I get my morning latte 1/2 price, go to the one bar with the 1/2 price happy hour (not star level related) and get wine packages for 1/2 price. If I get a decent offer for a last-minute upgrade from my cheap interior (all but 2 of my cruises), I get the 1/2 price minibar. Even before I hit the right level, I didn't buy the package. I just drank less.