Port Merchant: All of your alcohol and tobacco needs! Tax Free with liquor you cannot find in USA!

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2 жыл бұрын

The Port Merchant is the liquor store on Royal Caribbean cruise ships that sells liquor and tobacco products, some that CANNOT be found in the USA including Hennessey White! By buying liquor or tobacco on the cruise ship, you can SIGNIFICANTLY save money as they are tax and duty/royalty free (within customs limits). The liquor sold on cruise ships is also normally 1 LITER versus the 750ml you buy in the states. If going on a weekend cruise, consider bringing an extra bag to help carry back your favorite liquor or cigarette back with you. Take a look at some of the unique items you can buy and see if the prices on the cruise ship are actually cheaper than what you can get at home.
Recorded on Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas 3-night weekend cruise to the Bahamas from Port Miami in August 2021. Prices and availability may vary by sailing and are subject to change.

Пікірлер: 67

@704musicent Жыл бұрын

Just wanted to say thanks for showing the liquor duty free. A lot of channels manage to leave this part of the ship out.

@TheWeekendCruiser Жыл бұрын

My pleasure! I really should update this video as it was right after COVID and supply chain issues were everywhere. Thank you for the reminder!

@JJCruise 2 жыл бұрын

So glad you went over Henny as we get that question all the time!! 👏🏽

@TheWeekendCruiser 2 жыл бұрын

Yes! It is a very popular item and have brought it back several times for friends.

@DS-od7kz 8 ай бұрын

Thanks for the video. I'ma first timer who dont drink as much and this video really helps.

@TheWeekendCruiser 7 ай бұрын

I don't drink either but still manage to have an amazing time!

@juliejensen7370 2 жыл бұрын

Thanx for all the details! Appreciated!

@TheWeekendCruiser 2 жыл бұрын

Always!

@vickyhunter80 2 жыл бұрын

This was very helpful. Thanks!🙂

@TheWeekendCruiser 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Vicky! Never hurts to price shop before you sail! Hope I covered an item you might be interested in!

@JJCruise 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the tips! A bottle of rum is always a good idea 😏

@TheWeekendCruiser 2 жыл бұрын

I mean, how do you go wrong!! We are on the high seas, it’s only appropriate!

@chrisgallup9384 Жыл бұрын

Ugh. Thank you so much! Gonna stick with my Bacardi but sucks that they don’t have prices on them. Although that nifty bag when you get 2 Crown Royals is tempting just for the bag for a friend that’s not making the cruise

@TheWeekendCruiser Жыл бұрын

good present to give someone too!

@timothycollins3829 8 ай бұрын

One other item to remember is many of the port areas will also have liquor stores with a wider variety and often very good prices. The stuff you find on the ship is often the international/duty free shop offerings from large distilleries and is similar to what can be found in duty free areas at airports or at the border. One item in particular I look for when traveling in the Caribbean is rums or liqueurs made on island I am visiting. A lot of islands have one or more rum distilleries andthe local rums are often dirt cheap. For example, Barbados has a couple of really good distilleries ( Mt. Gay and Foursquare). They are places where you can get anything from a basic rum to a high quality aged rum for significantly less than you would pay in U.S. I've found things in these stores I've never seen in the U.S.

@TheWeekendCruiser 7 ай бұрын

Great feedback! Thanks Timothy!

@gregt996 2 жыл бұрын

Just a warning that prices aren't always better on the ship. Makers Mark 101 is available at Total Wines in CA for $30.99 for a 750ml bottle. If the sign was right, it looks like the price on the ship was 2 for $90. Bottles of alcohol on the ship tend to be 1 liter, but is the price difference worth it for the extra 250ml.

@TheWeekendCruiser 2 жыл бұрын

I certainly wouldn’t carry home 2 liters of liquor to save a dollar or two! Would have to be stronger savings than that! Since the covid shutdown, prices have gone up and you definitely want to check local prices before assuming it is a steal.

@chevysnfirst 2 жыл бұрын

Great video! Only 177 days until I am on Freedom of the Seas. My ports are Nassau and Perfect Day, I am wondering if there is a pharmacy in Nassau.

@TheWeekendCruiser 2 жыл бұрын

There is but not like in Cozumel if that is what you are comparing too. I believe the restrictions are more similar to the US regulation but can swing by this week and check.

@ferdiefranco6906 Жыл бұрын

Nice video sir..ty

@TheWeekendCruiser Жыл бұрын

Thank you Ferdie!

@kevinr7344 2 жыл бұрын

I buy a 3 liter bottle every cruise. This video is great !

@TheWeekendCruiser 2 жыл бұрын

What is your bottle of choice?? And thank you!

@kevinr7344 2 жыл бұрын

I like Jack Daniels & Grey Goose but I haven't found a large Captain Morgan bottle anywhere.

@felipemendezrios9904 2 жыл бұрын

Hello thanks for the tips. Is the VOM device really necessary to get wifi on the cruise? I will take the freedom of the seas cruise on October 11 and I don't know if to buy to purchase the alcohol package with the device or not

@TheWeekendCruiser 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Felipe, this is a loaded question and honestly needs its own video. The easiest answer, yes, you will need to purchase wifi on the ship (it isn’t a device but a wifi plan you buy and access with your device). However, check your cellular providers service to see what they offer as you will have reception with BTC in CocoCay and Nassau. It’s only in the evenings when the ship is not in port that you cannot access a roaming cell signal. Do not under any circumstances except emergencies use your phone for data or calling if it says “cellular at sea”

@AB-ze2ho 6 ай бұрын

Woodsford Reserve double oaked is BIG DEAL!! 1L in total wine is $70 bucks and they are selling it 2 for $90!!

@VacationsCruisesAllinclusives 2 жыл бұрын

Hi! I bought a bottle of Ciroc French Vanilla vodka on the Oasis - have you seen it on the Freedom? It’s so delicious!! And I can’t find it in a liquor store.

@TheWeekendCruiser 2 жыл бұрын

If I was there this weekend I would take a look. I don't recall seeing Ciroc vanilla. I am back Aug 5 I'd you still want someone to check.

@901reactions7 Жыл бұрын

Hey I find your video very informative thanks quick question so if i buy liquor on the ship am i able to bring it back home once the cruise is over and also i will be heading to cozumel in January am i able to purchase on the island and bring it on the to bring home thanks lol also what’s the current price of henny white thanks sorry for all the questions

@TheWeekendCruiser Жыл бұрын

Hey 901! Great questions. Yes, if you buy liquor on the ship you can bring it home but depending on the country you live, there are custom restrictions before you need to declare it. I have not seen this enforced but there are rules. Same rules would apply to your trip to Mexico. Heading to Liberty of the seas today and let me check Hennessy White for you. I can tell you, it has def gone up in price! help.cbp.gov/s/article/Article-190?language=en_US

@TheWeekendCruiser Жыл бұрын

Checked on Liberty of the Seas and they are sold out of Hennessy White. Sounded like they have been for a while.

@keithmccaston8965 Жыл бұрын

Are you able to purchase and drink on the cruise???? Instead off buying the drink package

@TheWeekendCruiser Жыл бұрын

You are not. They figured that one out ages ago! Once purchased, they will deliver to your room the last night of the cruise.

@miriamjenkins3560 Күн бұрын

Can we get white henny going to Jamaica

@oluwadurotimiokwemba6823 Жыл бұрын

do Nassau Bahamas has a duty free shop for liq and cig

@TheWeekendCruiser Жыл бұрын

Yes, multiple locations. Just walk out of the port and one block over on Bay street. Though, if you come back on the ship, the liquor will be confiscated if they see if on the x-ray machine and returned when you cruise is ending.

@UPCOMINGTRUE-SELF91767 9 ай бұрын

Do they have matches or lighters for sale? I leave in two days

@TheWeekendCruiser 9 ай бұрын

I have to imagine they do... though, cruise ships and fire do not get along together. If not, I am sure you can find them at your first port of call.

@geepope1135 Жыл бұрын

Is there a limit on how much you can bring home?

@TheWeekendCruiser Жыл бұрын

There is! It is one-liter of alcohol per person duty free. Though, not sure I have heard of folks having an issue here. help.cbp.gov/s/article/Article-190?language=en_US

@jammer4life619 2 жыл бұрын

How much are we allowed to bring back and through customs?

@TheWeekendCruiser 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Jammer, it is my understanding you can buy as much as you want. The difficulty is when do you need to declare the items when going through customs. This will depend on the port you sail out of and where your cruise goes. The Port Merchant store employees will be able to best answer but believe it will traditionally be 6 liters of spirits and 4 cartoons of cigarette. I will also say, buying 6 liters of alcohol is very heavy and you have it off the ship and get it home! Lessons I’ve learned the hard way lol

@andylui3333 2 жыл бұрын

Technically its 1 liter and 200 cigarettes (1 carton) per a person but customs usually let you slide if you are honest and just declare them. They won't tax you unless you are unlucky and got a person who is in a bad mood.

@maralejandro7160 2 жыл бұрын

Hi...now in 2022 I can buy Tito's for use at the cruise??

@TheWeekendCruiser 2 жыл бұрын

I am there this weekend. Will try and check if they have it in stock.

@TheWeekendCruiser Жыл бұрын

It is on Freedom! $24.99 for a 1L bottle.

@maralejandro7160 Жыл бұрын

@@TheWeekendCruiser thank you, I appreciate it.

@lynnwilliams9968 2 жыл бұрын

Is tax added in the price

@TheWeekendCruiser 2 жыл бұрын

No tax on the ship. It is considered duty free.

@gemini365ayear Жыл бұрын

Can I bring them on the plane

@TheWeekendCruiser Жыл бұрын

If you check your bag. That's the downside to flying down as it does make it difficult to get them home.

@complexgrafix 2 жыл бұрын

Hennessey is a cognac dwarts is whiskey

@TheWeekendCruiser 2 жыл бұрын

Apologies if I got that wrong in the shop! I have actually never been a liquor guy, so some of this was definitely new to me.

@EscribeconOliver 2 жыл бұрын

They don’t carry any Gin brands ?

@TheWeekendCruiser 2 жыл бұрын

I can check again this next weekend but it is all based on supply and what they can get. Will also depends on the ship but I want to eat I have seen gim before

@EscribeconOliver 2 жыл бұрын

@@TheWeekendCruiser thank you boo 😘😘😘

@stevemccord7118 9 ай бұрын

How does that delivered to your room transaction occur?

@TheWeekendCruiser 9 ай бұрын

The stateroom attendant will bring it or you have the option to go pick it up from the store now. That's what I see more people doing at this point

@stevemccord7118 9 ай бұрын

@@TheWeekendCruiser My thought was going to Caribbean Island rum distilleries that have products not available in the states. My neighbors go RC all the time. He said the bottles were left outside his cabin door that morning and he was convinced the kids next door "acquired" one of his bottles.

@TheWeekendCruiser 9 ай бұрын

@@stevemccord7118 Same principle applies if you buy a bottle of liquor at a port. They will take it and deliver it last night outside your room. Though, back when I used to drink, they didn't catch my bottle and that lead to all kinds of bad decisions one night hahahah

@Kw_Torres 2 жыл бұрын

Why can’t you drink it in your room?

@TheWeekendCruiser 2 жыл бұрын

The cruise lines all of policies on how much alcohol you can bring onboard: for Royal, it is 2 bottles of wine only. The want to monitor alcohol consumption and sell you more drinks at the bar 😜 advanced cruisers which do 2 cruises in a row will order their alcohol on the first cruise, have it delivered the last night of the sailing and be able to enjoy drinking it the entire 2nd cruise.

@christopherchristianvanlan1809 2 жыл бұрын

I don't see any rum , wine or beer!

@TheWeekendCruiser 2 жыл бұрын

They should have had rum, def no beer or wine. It's liquors, cigars, and cigarettes. They also are being hit with supply chain issues, so it could be off in any given sailing.

@TheWeekendCruiser 2 жыл бұрын

Just walked into the Port Merchant to check. They do have rum to the left of the cashier. Captain Morgan's sppiced, Shipwreck coconut rum, Sailor Jerry, Captain Morgan Private, Diplomatico Reserva, Flor de Cana 12, Santa Teresa 1796, and Zacapa