Carnival Cruises

[HogieWan]

My fiancee and I have decided that the honeymoon will be a 7 day carribean cruise on one of Carnival's newest ships, Conquest, out of New Orleans. The question is if there is good beer on the cruise ship or any of ports: Montego Bay, Jamaica; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; Cozumel, Mexico

[newportstorm]

Probably best to bring your own stash. Some cruise lines might put up a fuss if you start wheeling cases on board, but a 12-pk/case might fit nicely in a small rolling suitcase. Here's one link that might interest you:

Beer cruising (http://www.beeradvocate.com/forum/read.php?thread=367452)

I wouldn't expect too much in the way of great brew in the Caribbean. Might be able to grab some Dragon Stout in Jamaica:

Enter the Dragon (http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/rate_results/221/747/)

Though, rum might be a better bet for ya. Sometimes, good beer just isn't available and you have to switch it up for a short time. Enjoy some fine Caribbean rums, fresh fruit juices, etc. Enjoy!

Cheers!

[HogieWan]

I'm sure they'll have some good scotch aboard.

[fretlessman71]

You might look for Guinness Foreign Extra Stout - you can't get it here, and I hear that it's one of the best stouts you'll ever have. And if you find some, bring me back a bottle or two - I'll make it worth your while! :D

[chazwicke]

A few years ago when I cruised Alaska I was told that they would take my beer away when I boarded but I managed to bring some Smoked Porter in bombers on board with no hassle.

I'm with Fret, look for Guinness Foreign Extra Stout.

[HogieWan]

I'll see how much the wife (sounds funny to say it) will allow.

[Fly Creek]

Grand Cayman has a micro brewery - Stingray or something like that. They don't have a huge selection, but they did make a lighter-bodied wheat-type brew that was relatively low in alcohol % and perfect on a 90-degreee afternoon.

I think there's a brewpud down there too, but I never made it out there. I think it's located right in the midlle of the busiest part of town.

I'm heading back down there next week. If the beers are worth reporting about, I'll let you know.

J

[HogieWan]

Please do

[shooterms]

If you port in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, you can get all the Red Stripe and Guiness you want.

[fretlessman71]

Say it like a mantra.... Foreign Extra Stout.... MMMMmmmm.... :)

[chazwicke]

Hey! You stole my mantra!;)

[Fly Creek]

Grand Cayman is not a beer lover's paradise, BUT the place is so nice in other aspects that you may actually forget that you are a beer lover...

Stingray, the local micro, has two bottled offerings. The names appear to be "Stingray" and "Stingray Dark." The first is a slightly "wheaty" relatively light bodied beer. I believe it is an ale (the packaging reveals very little about the ingredients). My recollection from last year was correct: this is not the sort of beer I would choose on a mild Upstate New York day, but on a 90-degree beach it really hit the spot.

Their dark beer is not what I think of as dark, it's more of a copper color with a llittle more malt presesnce and a little more hop aroma (higher alcohol content too). Again, in the world of dark beers, it's on the light-body-and-flavor end of the spectrum, but again I found it satisfying in the weather. (I'm a huge fan of the big Stone Brewery beers, but not so sure I would want one while baking in the sun...)

There is also a brewpub called Hammerhead which is located in the busy port area of the island. I never went as I spent my time avoiding crowds. It did look pretty cool though.

I hope I don't sound negative on the local offerings - when you consider the whole package: tropical weather, beach, snorkeling, tennis, etc., the beers are a great fit.

...but as far as the Cuban rum and cigars go, we are really missing out on some good stuff here in the States. :mad:

[Lamprey]

In the carribean(sp?), go for the rum. I've found that the warmer/nicer the climate is, the worse the selection of beer.

Back in the old days, I went on 3 Carnival cruises. The best thing to drink was the rum. The buckets of bud and icehouse did nothing but make me feel sick in the sun.

Congrats and happy honeymoon.

(if it's any consoloation, my wife and I went to Bermuda for our honeymoon last Sept. After, "Yes, we have Guiness, but it spent the last month in the sun on the dock" and " we have light colored beer and we have darK-colored beer", the "darK and stormy's" (rum and ginger), were tasting great. I say take a break and look forward to some good beer when you return.)

[Richard English]

Quote "...I've found that the warmer/nicer the climate is, the worse the selection of beer...."

Except in Sri Lanka. Lion beers are grand and their stout incredible.

[fretlessman71]

Agreed - their Stout is unbelievable! And even better in the tulip-shaped glass that Lion has made for them. :)

[HogieWan]

I'm looking forward to wine and whiskey on this trip. Except in Jamaica - I'll be sure to get some guiness foreign and a dragon stout