wine on board the westerdam hal ship

[kevinrn99]

just need to get the wine thing straight on the westerdam.I heard that you can bring wine on board and drink it in your room no fee? corrrect and when you pass customs do you just walk on board with it nop questions asked?

[SSUS_NJ]

Hi Kevinrn99... Yes, that's the policy. Wine and Champagne can brought on without problem. Hard liquor, though, not allowed. Of course, I'm sure you'll find people who report their wine was confiscated as well. If you check the FAQ's on the Holland America website though, the official policy is as above. I sailed on the Rotterdam in '02, and brought several bottles of wine on board in various ports with no problem.

You can drink said wine in your cabin without problem or charge. However, if you bring the wine bottle to the dining room, you will be charged a "corkage fee". I've heard some people say they've got around that by opening the bottle in their cabin and bringing it open to the table, but (a) that's really not "classy" and (b) they still may charge you the corkage fee anyway, since the waiter serves the wine.

Hope that helps!!