Carrying on your luggage / beer / alcohol

Hey all,

First of all I just want to say I am not starting this thread to get into an ethical debate whether or not you think carrying / smuggling your own alchohol onboard is ok. So please don't start a flame war over this.

First I normally put a bunch of beer / wine / champagne into a "checked" bag. I also put a clapsible cooler in to fill with ice. This allows me to throw a sail away party out on my balcony with friends and family.

The problem I have run into in the past is that I have everyone in the room while we are cruising out and my "checked" luggage has not arrived.

I then have to buy wine / beer etc for everyone from the cruise line.. Gotta tell you, last time it cost me up around $300.00 for my little shin-dig.

My questions are:

1. have any of you tried not checking bags and carrying them with you when you board? (is this even allowed?)

2. had them pull out alcohol when it goes through the scanner?

Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks again.

Hey all,

 

First of all I just want to say I am not starting this thread to get into an ethical debate whether or not you think carrying / smuggling your own alchohol onboard is ok. So please don't start a flame war over this.

 

First I normally put a bunch of beer / wine / champagne into a "checked" bag. I also put a clapsible cooler in to fill with ice. This allows me to throw a sail away party out on my balcony with friends and family.

 

The problem I have run into in the past is that I have everyone in the room while we are cruising out and my "checked" luggage has not arrived.

 

I then have to buy wine / beer etc for everyone from the cruise line.. Gotta tell you, last time it cost me up around $300.00 for my little shin-dig.

 

My questions are:

 

1. have any of you tried not checking bags and carrying them with you when you board? (is this even allowed?)

 

2. had them pull out alcohol when it goes through the scanner?

 

Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks again.

1. Since 9/11 they do not let you carry on any luggage unless it fits through the same size x ray machines as the airport uses.

2. It was just posted on here by another CC that they got to the ship early to board and made it on with bottles in their carry on. But, they also posted that RCCL did set up a check point and took the alcohol from the passengers embarking after him from their carry ons in San Juan. They are getting very strict since the new alcohol policy.

Yes, they have pulled from my bags returning from ports and almost everyone else on my last cruise got theirs taken when searched/scanned on re boarding.

It is a hit and a miss as to who gets it confiscated.

My last cruise it went in my checked luggage and made it to the cabin before we sailed.

AHH that helps.. I know that when you return from ports of call they are "very" strict.. However, do you know if they have pulled alcohol from "checked" bags?

Also, I am staying in a junior suite and my family in a grand suite.... Does anyone know if this effects how fast they get the luggage to your room? Are they faster with the suites or is it a luck of the draw?

AHH that helps.. I know that when you return from ports of call they are "very" strict.. However, do you know if they have pulled alcohol from "checked" bags?

 

Also, I am staying in a junior suite and my family in a grand suite.... Does anyone know if this effects how fast they get the luggage to your room? Are they faster with the suites or is it a luck of the draw?

It was also posted on here, more than once, that some people have been called/paged down to a "luggage holding room" and asked to open their suitcases. Then it was taken from them.

I smuggled 2 big bottles of Kahlua in my checked luggage on my last B2B cruise. It was the first time I have ever done that and I was a wreak that I would get called.

It made it through to my cabin. :o

REALLY? never heard of that.. Wow.. VERY VERY surprised I didn't get called last time.. I put 18 miller lights and 2 bottles of champagne in one bag and it came through no problem.

This was on a Carnival ship, not a RCCL..... Do you think one is stricter then the other?

I thind it's all in the luck of the draw, so to speak. We've always smuggled in checked luggage and have never had anything questioned. They probably, for example, pick every 50th bag to inspect by hand (or 100th,etc.) and we've been lucky enough to avoid being the deadly number. I do admit, though, I do worry more now than I used to!:eek:

When I sailed on Voyager in 2005 out of Bayonne, NJ I carried on a cooler with a bottle of vodka, a bottle of rum, a 12 pack of Coke and a couple of bottles of water. The security at the port opened up the cooler, looked in, closed it up and sent me on my way.

I think they were employees of the port and not RCCL so I assume as far as they were concerned I was not breaking any laws.

We even saw people with rolling coolers who seemed to be getting on board without any problems. What they had in them is anybodys guess.

I plan on doing the same thing next time. If they take it away they take it away. It's worth a shot.

When I sailed on Voyager in 2005 out of Bayonne, NJ I carried on a cooler with a bottle of vodka, a bottle of rum, a 12 pack of Coke and a couple of bottles of water. The security at the port opened up the cooler, looked in, closed it up and sent me on my way.

I think they were employees of the port and not RCCL so I assume as far as they were concerned I was not breaking any laws.

We even saw people with rolling coolers who seemed to be getting on board without any problems. What they had in them is anybodys guess.

I plan on doing the same thing next time. If they take it away they take it away. It's worth a shot.

I have heard of people with those rolling coolers... I would absolutely LOVE to be able to do that..... Would solve all my problems, but I can't see them allowing that... I think you are just asking to get caught.

Anyone else ever use a wheel on cooler "with Alcohol"?

I ordered some items to be delivered to my stateroom when we arrive. I ordered them thru

"Just Because of You". The prices were extremely reasonable (couldn't believe how much I will receive for the money I spent) not to mention the service. She will make your "basket" with whatever you want in it....

The website is...

http://justbecause.addictscay.com/

Best of all...you don't have to lug it on and worry that it will be taken anyways.

I ordered some items to be delivered to my stateroom when we arrive. I ordered them thru

"Just Because of You". The prices were extremely reasonable (couldn't believe how much I will receive for the money I spent) not to mention the service. She will make your "basket" with whatever you want in it....

 

The website is...

 

http://justbecause.addictscay.com/

 

Best of all...you don't have to lug it on and worry that it will be taken anyways.

When you say basket.. do you mean an "alcohol" basket???? so if I wanted 2 cases of beer, 2 bottles of wine etc. etc. they can do it? When you say reasonable... is that reasonable for the cruise lines or if we purchased it off the ship with a small increase?

When you say basket.. do you mean an "alcohol" basket???? so if I wanted 2 cases of beer, 2 bottles of wine etc. etc. they can do it? When you say reasonable... is that reasonable for the cruise lines or if we purchased it off the ship with a small increase?

OCDACTIVE:

1. If you don't want a debate, don't join one. If you had ignored yogimax, it would have been a one-post blip in this thread. Instead, you have dragged it out. (This is your Mother speaking. :))

2. Shelley will tell you that she is able to keep doing this by NOT delivering outlandish amounts of stuff to any one cabin. I suggest diminishing your order.

First of all, one "basket" of beer will only be one 12 pack, not a whole case. She won't deliver four "baskets" of beer, (I think). Two bottles of wine certainly could be a basket.

She delivered to us two 12-packs and one wine basket (4 bottles), and it was "three baskets", for $15 delivery charge ($5 per basket). She obviously also has to charge you a markup for her services on the cost of the beer and wine.

You may want to do this. I enjoyed talking to Shelley VERY MUCH, and I think that she does a great job. But for me, I think that I'll just buy my booze on board from now on. Royal Caribbean has succeeded in making it too much of a hassle for me.

JMO YMMV

I ordered some items to be delivered to my stateroom when we arrive. I ordered them thru

"Just Because of You". The prices were extremely reasonable (couldn't believe how much I will receive for the money I spent) not to mention the service. She will make your "basket" with whatever you want in it....

 

The website is...

 

http://justbecause.addictscay.com/

 

Best of all...you don't have to lug it on and worry that it will be taken anyways.

Just called down.. Apparently there is a 12 pack limit. Normally this would be fine if it was just me, however I started the conversation because I am cruising with a rather large group and plan on having a sail away party in my room. The last time I did this I had 14 people. I had tried to sneak a case of beer and 2 bottles of champagne on board. It did arrive but 3 hours after the party. LOL.. just my luck.. So I ended up purchasing about 3 cases from the cruise line.. at approximately $4 a piece I was up around $300.00. Quite a hefty bill for a small party.

But The Basket Idea is GREAT!!!.. My parents are sailing on the same ship and I will use her to send them a nice basket. I have used some of the on board services but 'Just Because of You' seems to have much more of a selection..

Thanks for the idea!

OCDACTIVE:

 

1. If you don't want a debate, don't join one. If you had ignored yogimax, it would have been a one-post blip in this thread. Instead, you have dragged it out. (This is your Mother speaking. :))

 

2. Shelley will tell you that she is able to keep doing this by NOT delivering outlandish amounts of stuff to any one cabin. I suggest diminishing your order.

 

First of all, one "basket" of beer will only be one 12 pack, not a whole case. She won't deliver four "baskets" of beer, (I think). Two bottles of wine certainly could be a basket.

 

She delivered to us two 12-packs and one wine basket (4 bottles), and it was "three baskets", for $15 delivery charge ($5 per basket). She obviously also has to charge you a markup for her services on the cost of the beer and wine.

 

You may want to do this. I enjoyed talking to Shelley VERY MUCH, and I think that she does a great job. But for me, I think that I'll just buy my booze on board from now on. Royal Caribbean has succeeded in making it too much of a hassle for me.

 

JMO YMMV

Thanks.. I got your post after I posted my last.. Thank you for the advice on ignoring.. I was just trying to be polite.. Sometimes doesn't work.. But thanks anyway..

Yes she was VERY nice!!!.. I definately will use her in the future.... What a service! I am surprised the cruise line allows that.. She obvioulsy must have to do quite the kick back to them.

Have a great day!

It's not "niceness" - they charge her $5 for each delivered basket. It's a nice little scheme. ;)

Send a basket to each cabin.

Thought of that too... I might end up doing that and bringing my own.. That way we can have more then one party....

Boy do I love cruising!. :D

As far as suites getting their bags delivered sooner I haven't found

that to be the case. But, the last time we just went down the hall

where they were sorting the bags out. We found ours in the huge

pile and they were more than happy that we took them ourselves

and I was happy we could get a jump start on unpacking.

As far as suites getting their bags delivered sooner I haven't found

that to be the case. But, the last time we just went down the hall

where they were sorting the bags out. We found ours in the huge

pile and they were more than happy that we took them ourselves

and I was happy we could get a jump start on unpacking.

I have been on 3 cruises in the past.

1st cruise (carnival spirit) they were at the room before we even got to it.

2nd cruise (RC Enchantment) we thought they lost them. They never arrived. We were just about to panic because we had already departed and I found them in a small pile.

3rd cruise (carnival Glory) the one in question where I had my party. They arrived before dinner but not in time. The weird part was I literally was the first person on board. I arrived at 9 am and had a suite so we bypassed the masses and were the first in line. You would think first on board (along with the luggage) first to get it.. Well I couldn't have been more wrong.

So now I just roll with it and hope for the best...

What i find ironic is that a company can send a basket with alcohol to your stateroom but you can't bring it on yourself? What is the logic behind that???

What i find ironic is that a company can send a basket with alcohol to your stateroom but you can't bring it on yourself? What is the logic behind that???

I think it is all about the almighty dollar.. Today was the first time I heard about companies being able to do that.. The cruise lines know their business so I would assume they are earning somewhere along the line for sure...

The mark up is so large and I spend so much when I go on these I have no trouble sleeping at night bringing my own on board.

What i find ironic is that a company can send a basket with alcohol to your stateroom but you can't bring it on yourself? What is the logic behind that???

logic? you want logic?

We don't need no stinkin' logic! :D

logic? you want logic?

 

We don't need no stinkin' logic! :D

I second that motion.. If everything made sense in the world we wouldn't need these discussions.

here here merion_mom! :D

...if you really need to carry it on, get a very sealed soda case, unseal it very carefully, put the soda aside, load desired beer, reseal with a hot glue gun. I can get two 12packs on in my carry on this way without any problems or worries about confiscation. You will not have any problems. you can also put some in your checked baggage in case that does make it on time!!!

Good luck and have a great cruise!

...if you really need to carry it on, get a very sealed soda case, unseal it very carefully, put the soda aside, load desired beer, reseal with a hot glue gun. I can get two 12packs on in my carry on this way without any problems or worries about confiscation. You will not have any problems. you can also put some in your checked baggage in case that does make it on time!!!

 

Good luck and have a great cruise!

Thanks Guy... Very sophisticated!.. I have heard also that if you use a hairdryer you can open the soda case easy..

Glue gun.. That is a great idea..

Do you use a roll on cooler?

I have also has a friend put draft beer in a 2 liter Ice Tea plastic bottle...;)

Yogimax writes, "My problem is with those who knowingly and willingly choose to violate their cruise contract". Are you serious? Reminds me of a line from Animal House..."Is that a pledge pin on your uniform?" There are no cruise ship detectives looking to investigate an alleged beer smuggler. You will not be "back roomed" like a Vegas casino, and you will not be read your rights or placed in the brig. Cruise lines want happy customers. Contract? Yeah, I suppose it would be applicable if we were talking about firearms, explosives, illegal drugs, or anything else that can't be exported.

Now, as for your question, I would recommend to you that you put your beer in your suitcase and check-it. Then go find it when you get on the boat. More importantly, find your cabin steward and tip him well. Tell him you need your luggage asap for a party you're gonna throw in your room, and ask him if he can find your luggage for you. I'm gonna bet you will be prioritized. Is that a violation of the cruise contract too?

Anyway, I would also recommend bringing a collapsible cooler. My experience is that the steward is happy to fill it with ice for you for the week.

Hope this helps, love the thread.

Thank you.. all great ideas!! love the thread as well (well except for one individual) hopefully they take the hint.

You bring up a great point about tipping.. I also found on my last cruise that bringing a collapsible works great.. I tipped the room steward $60 at the beginning (not only for the ice but to take care of a few other items for my wife) and he was tremendous.. Not to mention there was not a spot open in that cooler where he could fit another cube of ice the entire trip.

Thanks for the good points. I will also ask about the luggage when I tip him.

Not trying to fan the the flames but if it was such a violation then why would the room steward keep filling the "illegal" cooler.. LOL......