Here's a link to the Wine Packages on our site:
http://psiklops.brinkster.net/Trips/ShowDoc.aspx?TripDateID=1&DocumentID=15
We originally chose the Classic package, but later upgraded to the Premium package. The reason being that the wines in the Classic package were mostly ones we had tried before and since we were on vacation we thought we'd try some that we hadn't had. Does the taste of the Premium package wines justify the extra expense? Its up to your tastes, your willingness to try new wines if you've already had some of them, and, ultimately you budget. We felt it did, so we went for it.
As far as the wines go, we had the Iron Horse, Caymus, La Crema, and Chateau Mont Redon. We also upgraded a few of the bottles. Our server recommended particular wines with particular dishes which turned out to be excellent advice since all of the wines we had complimented the food rather well.
They actually have the "regular" wine list and a "reserve" list which has some of the finer wines and we upgraded to some of the wines on this "reserve" list. One of the wines we upgraded to was the Mondavi Opus One - $225.00. We were originally going to have it at Palo's, but our server Ronald pointed out that it really didn't compliment the Italian Cuisine that they served at Palo's. We wound up, upon Ronald's recommendation, having it on the Captain's Gala Dinner night. This turned out to be excellent advice as we had it with our surf 'n turf dinner (filet mignon and lobster tail) and it was outstanding.
One thing to note is that when you order these more expensive wines, they present the wine on the table in an elaborate wine holder and then when you decide to have it they pour it into an elegant decanter.
As I did note in my trip report for the day that we had the Opus One (
http://psiklops.brinkster.net/Trips/ShowReport.aspx?TripDateID=1&TripDay=6), I didn't think the taste of this particular wine justified it's cost, but the price was justified by us trying something we hadn't before (plus now we've got a nifty cork!)
When you purchase any bottle, either through the package or just by itself, its YOURS. You can take it with you to the room, you can save some for a later time if you don't finish - your server will move it with you to the resturant for when you want to finish it. You can take the full, unopened bottle back to the room if you so desire. If you don't get all of the wines that came with your package during your cruise, you have the option of taking the rest with you, having them credited back, or a combination of the two.
As far as getting glasses goes, you should have no problem. You could either just ask for a couple of glasses or simply take the ones you used with dinner. I remember going into clubs, getting a drink, and taking it back to the room so I don't see why they would have a problem with you taking the wine glasses back. Also, I'm sure that if you asked your steward for glasses they would have them to you in a matter of minutes.
I think getting a wine package is an excellent idea if you like wine. It's pretty much a "no risk" way to get a discount on the wines.
Just to address Dancind's comment, I think they would still charge you the $15.00 corking fee if you brought your own wine (even already opened) into the dining room - just another way to get money, I suppose.
- Just my 2¢
Anyway, I guess I've rambled on enough - hope it helps!
- Jim
