HAL has a great website. And if you don't find the answer there, the Cruise Critic message boards will definately have the answer. I used them extensively to plan my Alaska cruise with my Mother, and have been brushing up again for this cruise. If you all don't mind, I'd be happy to post tips and random bits of info regarding HAL - things I found useful to know last time around and stuff that first-time cruisers might not know. I see we've got a few of those signed up so far.
Today's topic - Beverages
HAL provides lots of beverages for free at meals, and during any hours when the Lido Buffet is open. These can very according to the meal but they include fruit juices, milk, lemonade, fruit punch, iced tea, coffee and water. At meals you can also get cappucino or espresso with your dessert.
HAL serves Coke products - and you can usually purchase the following either from room service, at the dining room, or in bars - Coke, Diet Coke, Coke Zero, Sprite, Sprite Zero and Fanta Orange. Sometimes there is another option or two as well. If you buy one of the $25 soda cards you will get $50 worth of soda with it (about 22 cans). The unused balance ($25 you paid) can be returned to your onboard account at voyages end to pay for other things.
HAL also offers specialty coffee drinks (think Starbucks) in their Explorations Cafe. The prices are approximately 1/2 Starbucks price, and you get a free pastry or snack with your drink.
Besides the Soda card, you can also get Beverage Cards (all non-alcoholic) and Alcoholic Beverage cards for 10% off ($45 for $50 and $90 for $100). The unused balance will be returned to your onboard account just like the soda card - up to the price you paid but not including the discounted portion.
ALL beverage purchases automatically include a 15% gratuity and you do not need to tip on top of that. You of course can throw down a few more dollars from time to time to reward particularly good service.
Beverage cards typically cannot be used during the Happy Hour or Drink Special hours because you'd be double discounting. However, sometimes they can. It falls under don't count on it working, but try once and see what happens. Complimentary appetizers are served every day, check your schedule to see when.
You are allowed to bring all of the water and soda you want onboard. So if you fly in the day before you can stop before hand and pick up some to bring back on the ship. You can bring a small quantity of wine (check HAL FAQ to see how much), but NO liquor. You can bring limes and cocktail shakers etc though.
Bottles of Booze can be ordered through the Indulgences section on the HAL website and delivered to your room as well.
When ordering wine, booze, soda cards, beverage cards etc - if you specify for them to be delivered to you while AT SEA vs before embarkment you will not be charged Florida sales tax. Most people find that everything they ordered is in their cabin when they arrive anyway, regardless of what they specified.
