Cocktails/Wine
 

The last time we cruised on HAL (2007, Alaska, Statendam) we were required to purchase a card in order to drink wine or a bar drink. I think we got a card that had 20 wine hits and a cocktail card that had, maybe, only 10 hits. Is this still the way that they do it on the Statendam, or can you purchase it one at a time?

I've never heard of anything like that being a requirement to buy drinks. Was there anything special about your Statendam cruise, such as it being a charter or you were in a large group?

We just returned from the Zaandam - - there is no requirement for a beverage card. We've been on HAL 5 times since 2000 and have never been required to purchase a card - just order and give the smiling bar tender or server your key card.

Again, thanks for updating me on their policy. But, I could not buy a cocktail from the bar unless I had that damn card in 2007...

You can buy beverage cards - in fact, I bought one as a gift for my husband. We found it a pain, because he had to carry a second card to use. It might be easier to to pre-purchase an on-board credit - same thing, different name. . . Also, all of the bar/lounge servers carried beverage cards for sale during the entire cruise. Not sure the purpose of that, but, there ya go, I'm not a marketing major. Anyway, when the dollars on the beverage card were used up, we were still able to buy things in the bars and lounges....

Just returned from my Panama Canal 14 day cruise. They still offer drink cards i.e. for $45 (or $90) you can get $50 in drinks (or $100) but the drinks still cost that same. Only benefit is that you get a $5 ($10) up front cut in price. Ocean bar and Crows Nest happy hour (2 for 1) is still tops.

Happy Hour
 

I have been on several HAL cruises and didn't know there was a happy hour. Are they listed on daily program?

Cate M.

Yes. It was the first thing that I looked for daily, in addition to the drink of the day.