Alcohol probs...

[engle]

My husband is a recently recovering alcoholic. We have been through 2 years of hell due to it and are looking forward to a relaxing 7 nighter onboard the Fantasy in December. Here are a few questions....

Is there alcohol in the room? Like a mini bar?

Is there a way to let Palo and Remy know, beforehand preferably, NOT to serve any included or complimentary drinks such as the Collette cocktail at Remy or the Limoncello they sometimes bring at Palo?

He is doing well but he really doesn't want to have it set down in front of him or right in our room.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

My husband is a recently recovering alcoholic. We have been through 2 years of hell due to it and are looking forward to a relaxing 7 nighter onboard the Fantasy in December. Here are a few questions....

Is there alcohol in the room? Like a mini bar?

Is there a way to let Palo and Remy know, beforehand preferably, NOT to serve any included or complimentary drinks such as the Collette cocktail at Remy or the Limoncello they sometimes bring at Palo?

He is doing well but he really doesn't want to have it set down in front of him or right in our room.

Unlike many other cruise lines, the fridge on Disney ships is not stocked (unless you are Concierge). If you're concierge, you can tell them what you want in the fridge.

I'd certainly suggest having a talk with the maitre d' at both those locations (preferably before the day of the meal) to clarify your requirements. You would have to do this once you board.

There will be roaming servers at the various parties (sail away, Captains Gala) with trays of beverages. Some are non-alcoholic.

 

[jdb in AZ]

We've never had alcohol in our stateroom mini-bar. If you find some, just ask the stateroom host to remove it.

You can contact the maître d' of Palo and/or Remy as needed to give them a heads up. We've eaten at both and alcohol has never been an issue. Remy's complimentary non-alcoholic beverage (in lieu of their pre-dinner cocktail) was really good.

 

[wilkeliza]

A big thing would also be staying away from the captain gala. They hand out alcoholic beverages at some of these and the do occasionally give adults who ask for non-alcoholic the alcoholic version by habit so be aware of that.

I'm not sure if he attends them but I've been on some cruises (even Disney) that have AA meetings on board. They are usually under the "Friends of Bill W" in the navigator if someone has organized it.

 

[Laundress]

I would wager that you are not the first person to have this concern. Have no hesitation in approaching the CM with your requests.
no mini bars on DCL. Wishing your husband a lifetime of success

 

[dclpluto]

A cruise is a very bad time for drinkers. I don't drink except for when I'm on a cruise might have one or two a day. Hope your husband doesn't drink.

 

[engle]

We've never had alcohol in our stateroom mini-bar. If you find some, just ask the stateroom host to remove it.

You can contact the maître d' of Palo and/or Remy as needed to give them a heads up. We've eaten at both and alcohol has never been an issue. Remy's complimentary non-alcoholic beverage (in lieu of their pre-dinner cocktail) was really good.

That's good to know that they offer something in lieu of alcohol. Thanks!

 

[diznymom]

I have read that there are meetings for friends of Bill W. I'm not sure this is accurate or if you are even interested.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I have read that there are meetings for friends of Bill W. I'm not sure this is accurate or if you are even interested.

Yes, they have meetings onboard.

I've seen such meetings on all cruises I've been on (not just Disney)

 

[Club Disney Chandler]

My husband is a recently recovering alcoholic. We have been through 2 years of hell due to it and are looking forward to a relaxing 7 nighter onboard the Fantasy in December. Here are a few questions....

Is there alcohol in the room? Like a mini bar?

Is there a way to let Palo and Remy know, beforehand preferably, NOT to serve any included or complimentary drinks such as the Collette cocktail at Remy or the Limoncello they sometimes bring at Palo?

He is doing well but he really doesn't want to have it set down in front of him or right in our room.

The first Friends of Bill W is usually at about 8:00 AM on the first full day of the cruise. I would suggest he goes to the first to be able to connect with others in recovery. I've always been able to meet someone on the ship. If he attends AA I would also suggest borrowing some Grapevines from other members to take on the ship. I always take those and my Big Book to read while on the ship.

I just celebrated 3 years of sobriety and have taken 3 cruises in that time and never once had a desire to take a drink. It can easily be done if thought about ahead of time.

Feel free to PM me if you have any questions or concerns. I wish you, your husband and your family well. Life in sobriety is amazing, I've never been happier.

 

[dcassetta]

I do not consume alcohol, and made a note of that on my Remy and Palo reservations. I was offered nonalcoholic options every time.

 

[mhconley]

I am a long-time friend of Bill W. There are meetings at 8:30 AM every morning of the cruise except on debarkation day. There were several other friends in attendance on my cruises. Unfortunately there are no Al-Anon meetings on board. (If you haven't already I recommend you find a local family group.)

We've dined at Remy on both our cruises and had no problem; one statement is all it takes. They make special non-alcoholic fruit juice mocktails for those that do not drink.

Do note that on embarkation day they do hawk alcoholic drinks and drink packages on deck. If he's shaky it may be best to avoid the deck around the pools on that first day.

Good luck!

Martin

 

[bumbershoot]

Unlike many other cruise lines, the fridge on Disney ships is not stocked (unless you are Concierge). If you're concierge, you can tell them what you want in the fridge.

But that's sodas and waters, not alcohol. Just to clarify for the OP.

I'm not sure if he attends them but I've been on some cruises (even Disney) that have AA meetings on board. They are usually under the "Friends of Bill W" in the navigator if someone has organized it.

Yep!

 

[Jeanwill]

Pablo brunch includes champagne or sparkling cider. We always request the cider.

 

[Jess_S]

Congratulations to your husband on his sobriety. Just wanted to offer some positive thoughts. I am the daughter of a recovered alcoholic and we did cruise growing up. I know that being around alcohol was sometimes difficult for my dad, but he still counts the cruises as some of our most memorable vacations and was happy he went.

I think DCL is actually a good line choice. Because of the family-atmosphere, there are lots of activities that do not focus on alcohol and I've encountered fewer sloppy drunks than on our other cruise vacations.

I would definitely note alcohol as a food restriction on your reservation. If you are comfortable with giving a reason, I would because your servers will be able to steer you clear of food items that might contain alcohol in sauces, etc. (You could always say it's an allergy if you prefer to be more private.) You might also consider requesting a private table at dinner to avoid the risk of being paired with a group that orders a few bottles of wine at every meal. I know that my dad feels more uncomfortable being forced to watch others drink than just being in a room where drinking is going on, but he can avoid looking at it.

 

[Karin1984]

Indeed congrats to your husband, but also to you for staying together. I know how hard that is. Another daughter of an alcoholic here, (recovering, I'm not really sure, relationship is weird) and I would definitely request a private table. Not just because for your husband, but also for your own peace of mind. If you are like me or my mother you will constantly focus on how he is doing and if he will manage to stay strong. If you see less alcohol around you, then you will also have a better chance to relax and enjoy.

I didn't know there were Friends of Bill W. meetings at DCL, I had heard about them being in the WDW area, but this is a really good initiave and customer service. Good to hear

 

[Flossbolna]

Do note that on embarkation day they do hawk alcoholic drinks and drink packages on deck. If he's shaky it may be best to avoid the deck around the pools on that first day.

There are a few other events that give you easy access to alcohol and there it is even free.

The Captain's Reception that takes place in the atrium on the first sea day (formal night). There will plenty of servers offering drinks, usually red and white wine, beer and two different types of cocktails. There are non alcoholic options, too. But the servers want to make you happy and therefore "push" the drinks quite a bit.

Also, if you are a DVC member, the welcome meeting for DVC members offers free drinks. This is usually in the afternoon on embarkation day and there was less of a push for alcoholic drinks. If you are not a DVC member, but want to go to a DVC presentation, once again free drinks.

 

[Club Disney Chandler]

If you are not a DVC member, but want to go to a DVC presentation, once again free drinks.

I wonder how many less DVC memberships they would sell if they didn't offer free drinks!!! LOL

 

[engle]

Thank you all for your kind words and help. It has been extremely trying and I have thought of giving up many times. With that said, we have been on several DCL cruises pre sobriety. Captains reception, DVC members receptions or the likes aren't our gig really. We have requested a private table and we have decided that we will skip the mdr if we are seated with others. Alcohol at the bars isn't an issue but right at our table isn't a great idea. He doesn't feel comfortable with that. And I will note it on our reservation as well as stop by Palo and Remy before our reservation to let them know we don't want any alcohol served.

He is hoping people show up for Friends of Bill W as that keeps him accountable. We went on another cruise where he was the only one that showed.

 

[wilkeliza]

Thank you all for your kind words and help. It has been extremely trying and I have thought of giving up many times. With that said, we have been on several DCL cruises pre sobriety. Captains reception, DVC members receptions or the likes aren't our gig really. We have requested a private table and we have decided that we will skip the mdr if we are seated with others. Alcohol at the bars isn't an issue but right at our table isn't a great idea. He doesn't feel comfortable with that. And I will note it on our reservation as well as stop by Palo and Remy before our reservation to let them know we don't want any alcohol served.

He is hoping people show up for Friends of Bill W as that keeps him accountable. We went on another cruise where he was the only one that showed.

Are you on the cruise group for your dates here? Perhaps another person in the group would be an accountability partner of sorts or you could find another family of non-drinkers who would be open to hanging out in an environment where alcohol isn't going to be the focal point.