per epic: no water or sodas !

[angelsonefive]

Water, soda...I don't care. They take the vodka, gin or beer off and I'm a gonner.:D

 

Rum runners !!!!!!! :eek::D;)

[suzieqmia]

I sailed on the Epic on 9/4. We brought 1 litre each of Dr. Pepper and Diet Dr. Pepper and 4 sports bottles of water. I put them in our dive bag so if they exploded no harm done. We had no problems except our dive bag and another suitcase was missing - delivered to the wrong cabin.

 

I don't worry about NCL making money. They made plenty with the dinners and massages we got plus the on board shopping and the drinks we did buy (19.95 for 2 Bahama Mamas poolside) Ouch.....The Malibu and cokes were not quite as bad. If the cruise lines didn't tripple the price of drinks they would probably make more money because people would buy more and wouldn't smuggle quite so much of their own....

[bucklind2]

Straight from NCL Q&A page: What can't I bring onboard?

Passenger is not allowed to bring on board the vessel any intoxicating liquors, or beverages, firearms, weapons of any kind, ammunition, explosive substances or any goods of a dangerous nature, nor animals of any kind, except service or guide animals, provided the passenger notifies Carrier prior to the cruise of his intention to bring such animal and agrees to take sole responsibility for any expense, damage, injuries or losses associated with or caused by such animal.

 

That being said, I also a have soft side cooler on wheels that I have taken on board as a carry on, full of Coke products, DH will NOT drink Pepsi products. Our 1st cruise on the Gem we purchased $50 soda package. When they switched to Pepsi, started taking our own. Never had anyone object. Have had to open cooler and show customs the contents. :)

[bestdent]

I see these posts all the time and have a good laugh. I have never responded, but here it goes. A case of pop cost about $12-14. An unlimited drink sticker cost about $45. There is roughly a $30 difference. Lets see, for the people who fell so compelled to do this, do any of you smoke(I dont but cigs are not cheap give up smoking). Do any of you go in the casino at all? DO any of you eat at the specialty restaurants. See where I am going with this. It is $30 difference. Get over it already and keep the cooler at home.

[angelsonefive]

Straight from NCL Q&A page: What can't I bring onboard?

Passenger is not allowed to bring on board the vessel any intoxicating liquors, or beverages,

Beverages MEANING beer and wine!! I have never read that NCL or any other cruise line has taken away sodas or bottled water. Unless of course they thought the water bottle had been tampered with and there was something in it other then water:D:eek:

[Tomct]

How much soda do people drink? The sodas aboard a ship is about as much as a soda in a movie theater or any restaurant. I drink maybe two sodas a day, one for the morning break and one for the afternoon break. I drink coffee and orange juice for breakfast, tea or lemonade for lunch and dinner. Plus a beer or two during the evening hours.

 

I can not understand why folks attempt to save less than $30 per person on a cruise for a week when they spent probably $1000 per person for the cruise to begin with... Their parking fee at the home port cost more... One of their shore excursions cost more... If you are so tight with your purse, don't cruise and save yourself a ton of money...

 

I rather pay for the sodas aboard than to lug the twelve pack around... I can save more money by changing the setting on my air conditioner or furnace a few degrees... :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

 

I can't believe you Bestdent, and others choose to bash everyone who brings or considers bringing soda or water on board. As many have already indicated, it's much more than saving a few bucks, especially concerning colas, specifically Coke vs. Pepsi. Toss in bottles vs. cans, caffeine free, sugar free, different sweeteners, etc. and it's difficult for a host to please everyone, or even a majority. Caffeine can be a significant problem for many people, health wise or otherwise, yet at the same time many of these people want to enjoy their favorite cola or two everyday, especially on vacation.

 

We won't be lugging any water or soda on our upcoming cruise, but I do understand the desire for others to do so for whatever reason they choose. After all, NCL does allow you to carry on your preferred wine if not offered on board, so long as you pay the appropriate fees.

 

By the way; I'm a long time Pepsi fan, but when I want a "Captain & Coke", it's always with Coke Classic, despite what my going preference might be for one "without".

[intrepid_guy]

How much soda do people drink? The sodas aboard a ship is about as much as a soda in a movie theater or any restaurant. I drink maybe two sodas a day, one for the morning break and one for the afternoon break. I drink coffee and orange juice for breakfast, tea or lemonade for lunch and dinner. Plus a beer or two during the evening hours.

 

I can not understand why folks attempt to save less than $30 per person on a cruise for a week when they spent probably $1000 per person for the cruise to begin with... Their parking fee at the home port cost more... One of their shore excursions cost more... If you are so tight with your purse, don't cruise and save yourself a ton of money...

 

I rather pay for the sodas aboard than to lug the twelve pack around... I can save more money by changing the setting on my air conditioner or furnace a few degrees... :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

 

Well, I will take that... I bring soda aboard and I buy the soda package (every time) however I like to have soda in the morning or late at night in my room. I cannot get soda in my room with my soda package via room service, so instead of tromping around looking for one (sometimes when the bars are closed) or paying room service more money I bring my own. It is just what I do......

 

Not everyone does what you do or lives the life you do. Roll your eyes all you want.

 

 

~Intrepid <-- savin' a few bucks and proud of it.

[Dadmech]

Well, I will take that... I bring soda aboard and I buy the soda package (every time) however I like to have soda in the morning or late at night in my room. I cannot get soda in my room with my soda package via room service, so instead of tromping around looking for one (sometimes when the bars are closed) or paying room service more money I bring my own. It is just what I do......

 

Not everyone does what you do or lives the life you do. Roll your eyes all you want.

 

 

~Intrepid <-- savin' a few bucks and proud of it.

 

I'm with you Intrepid! :cool:

[Don Haynes]

Really... Everyday there are people posting NCL should enforce the rules. From babies swim diapers to dining room dress codes, but have a blind eye for smuggling booze and sodas aboard... :(:(:(

 

I see no difference... :eek::eek::eek:

[rickechambers1@aol.com]

Realizing this is a large profit center for cruise lines, perhaps NCL (if you're reading this) should charge a $2 per can/bottle convenience fee for this. OR...have the option to pre-order soda/water in quantity to be available in the cabin upon arrival. Then it is a win-win situation; the guest will have the brand they prefer and NCL is still working toward profitibility.

[FineB4U]

I can't believe you Bestdent, and others choose to bash everyone who brings or considers bringing soda or water on board. As many have already indicated, it's much more than saving a few bucks, especially concerning colas, specifically Coke vs. Pepsi. Toss in bottles vs. cans, caffeine free, sugar free, different sweeteners, etc. and it's difficult for a host to please everyone, or even a majority. Caffeine can be a significant problem for many people, health wise or otherwise, yet at the same time many of these people want to enjoy their favorite cola or two everyday, especially on vacation.

 

 

I am one of those people! My Dr has told me to avoid caffeine. So what besides water, is available in cold sugar-free, caffeine-free, no-additional-cost offerings? Iced tea has caffeine so it's out. We're going to be sailing for 2 weeks and I will definitely want to drink a soda or two while sitting on my balcony. I have been thinking of bringing a couple cases of caffeine-free diet pepsi onboard because it's so hard to find and most places that hold you hostage to buy their drinks (ie movie theatres, concerts, sporting events and oh yeah... cruise lines) don't carry it.

[biker@sea]

Just off NCL and there is a water special that is offered. I think it is packaged up in buy 5 get 1 free. Not exactlly a ackage like the soda, but similiar. Further I think the price was comparable with what one would buy at any grocery store.

 

I would go for this package as I always bring 3 -4 bottles of water in my backpack when leaving the ship for a day of fun.

[darrengs]

Where is this policy? The policy is no "intoxicating liquors, or beverages", since they removed the cocaine from Coke a while ago, I do not think it is intoxicating. If they do not offer a soda/juice that somebody prefers why do people care if they bring them on? Again according to NCL's site there is no rule against it. The NCL apologists never cease to amaze me, accusing people of drinking too much soda or being too cheap to buy soda is the standard here.

 

Talk about your double standard, last month on my cruise a NCL staff member in the Duty Free Shop aboard the Dawn was telling people how to hide their purchases from Customs and how to "SMUGGLE BOOZE" and cigarettes through without paying the duty (we did pay all of our obligated duty). But I guess the NCL fanboys as well as NCL corporate have no problem with this as it not take any of that deserved money from NCL.

[DaddyDex]

I find it amazing that some of you people care more about the soda issue than NCL does. Don't you think if they really cared they would enforce the issue?

 

Is it OK if I bring my own Splenda to sweeten the iced tea? Or maybe NCL should put a sticker on that too.

[darrengs]

I find it amazing that some of you people care more about the soda issue than NCL does. Don't you think if they really cared they would enforce the issue?

 

Is it OK if I bring my own Splenda to sweeten the iced tea? Or maybe NCL should put a sticker on that too.

 

I don't find it amazing at all I find it pretty standard around here. As for the Splenda they did have it on the Dawn last month.

[Tomct]

 

. . .

 

Talk about your double standard, last month on my cruise a NCL staff member in the Duty Free Shop aboard the Dawn was telling people how to hide their purchases from Customs and how to "SMUGGLE BOOZE" and cigarettes through without paying the duty (we did pay all of our obligated duty). But I guess the NCL fanboys as well as NCL corporate have no problem with this as it not take any of that deserved money from NCL.

 

My experience in the shops has been quite the opposite on all 9 of our cruises. I've asked about the process every time, and each time I get a very conservative answer, that being it is unpredictable, preparing me for the worst case scenario. My first experience was on our 3rd cruise, when my (young adult) daughter could not resist the great prices, and bought a few bottles. We were advised to get to customs early to avoid the rush, and also get there before anyone ticked off the agents. At that point we had to report to a meeting room, where she was 3rd in line, about 7:30 am on departure day. I went and got breakfast food for her, and stood in line as she waited. She was the 2nd person to see her particular agent, and she charged her $3 per bottle, the most I have ever heard. CC'ers at the time were quite shocked, as most were either not getting charged, or maybe a dollar at the most. Customs was normally just concerned with the heavy hitters, those with volume and/or expensive jewelry.

 

The occasional times I have purchased a few bottles, I've been charged little or none.

[Buggers06]

I'm sailing 9/25 and just emailed epic to do our bar set up for our cabin. In doing so I also inquired about their water/soda carry on restrictions. I was hoping to carry or ck in as luggage a case of water or sodas for my kids. Their responce was no water or sodas are premitted to be brought on board no matter carrying on or checked with bags. so has anyone brought water or sodas on and if so how?????:rolleyes: only 6 more days !

 

I just got off her on Saturday... had bar set up and we brought 6, 12 packs of coke and a 12 pack of red bull. We put a luggage tag on it and it was deliveried to your door. No problem.

 

HTH!!

 

Melissa

[darrengs]

My experience in the shops has been quite the opposite on all 9 of our cruises. I've asked about the process every time, and each time I get a very conservative answer, that being it is unpredictable, preparing me for the worst case scenario. My first experience was on our 3rd cruise, when my (young adult) daughter could not resist the great prices, and bought a few bottles. We were advised to get to customs early to avoid the rush, and also get there before anyone ticked off the agents. At that point we had to report to a meeting room, where she was 3rd in line, about 7:30 am on departure day. I went and got breakfast food for her, and stood in line as she waited. She was the 2nd person to see her particular agent, and she charged her $3 per bottle, the most I have ever heard. CC'ers at the time were quite shocked, as most were either not getting charged, or maybe a dollar at the most. Customs was normally just concerned with the heavy hitters, those with volume and/or expensive jewelry.

 

The occasional times I have purchased a few bottles, I've been charged little or none.

 

The duty for 1 liter bottles last month was over $3.00 per bottle, I don't remember the exact amount.

 

I also corrected them twice when I over heard them telling other passengers that they were allowed 3 liters duty free for 2 passengers which was not true. As this was my first NCL cruise I can't say if this is normal or not, but on my previous 10 cruises I never experienced this.

[Chewmonkey]

The people bringing soda on board are usually the people with vodka in their mouthwash....(like me)

 

I don't understand all this talk about $50 soda packages. If you cruise often enough, you just peel the the sticker off of your last card, and stick it on your new card, right?

 

I guess my Coke stickers won't work anymore, now that they switched to Pepsi.

[Tomct]

The duty for 1 liter bottles last month was over $3.00 per bottle, I don't remember the exact amount.

 

I also corrected them twice when I over heard them telling other passengers that they were allowed 3 liters duty free for 2 passengers which was not true. As this was my first NCL cruise I can't say if this is normal or not, but on my previous 10 cruises I never experienced this.

 

I doubt I will be buying anything this time, since we will be flying home instead of driving from NYC.

[darrengs]

I doubt I will be buying anything this time, since we will be flying home instead of driving from NYC.

 

 

Flying definitely forces you to think differently.

[luv4cruisin]

It's just like the movies. There is a sign outside that says to outside food/drink. if you do bring them in, nobody searches you and takes them.

As far as people being cheap, I don't think that is the case. My DH and I enjoy a ginger ale in the morning, but there is only one in the fridge. So we just bring a case and spend the money on our mixed drinks. NCL is still getting my money, no worries.

[newmexicoNita]

Where is this policy? The policy is no "intoxicating liquors, or beverages", since they removed the cocaine from Coke a while ago, I do not think it is intoxicating. If they do not offer a soda/juice that somebody prefers why do people care if they bring them on? Again according to NCL's site there is no rule against it. The NCL apologists never cease to amaze me, accusing people of drinking too much soda or being too cheap to buy soda is the standard here.

 

Talk about your double standard, last month on my cruise a NCL staff member in the Duty Free Shop aboard the Dawn was telling people how to hide their purchases from Customs and how to "SMUGGLE BOOZE" and cigarettes through without paying the duty (we did pay all of our obligated duty). But I guess the NCL fanboys as well as NCL corporate have no problem with this as it not take any of that deserved money from NCL.

 

This is not the normal advise staff members would give cruisers. Are you saying staff members as in management or are you referring to the crew?

 

As for smuggling stuff back into the states, I don't think most of us even worry. On the declaration card they simple ask you what you purchased and did you spend over X number of $$S. We have always listed misc and the amount we have spent. Never have the customs people bothered with asking us to pay extra if we went over on the booze. As for going over on the duty free stuff in the shops, unless one buys a very expensive piece of Jewelry this is pretty unlikely as well.

 

Nita

[adow76]

I'm sailing 9/25 and just emailed epic to do our bar set up for our cabin. In doing so I also inquired about their water/soda carry on restrictions. I was hoping to carry or ck in as luggage a case of water or sodas for my kids. Their responce was no water or sodas are premitted to be brought on board no matter carrying on or checked with bags. so has anyone brought water or sodas on and if so how?????:rolleyes: only 6 more days !

 

we packed a 12 pack of soda in a bag and had no problems. we just sailed 9-11 through 9-18. I did see people with a 24 pk of water and/or soda on board with no problems.

[smoothdancer]

I also tend to think that the custom agents go easy on cruisers.

Earlier this year we vacationed in Cancun. I bought our 2 carton limit (one per person) but while in the airport in a store the clerk told me it was 2 per person, which is incorrect.....

 

So on my customs form I noted the 4 and was sent to the customs "room"... I have to tell you all it was very scary. The people in line before me we being drilled really hard. One lady, the agent slit all her cartons, I think looking for something else then cigs...

 

When it came our turn we ended up with a very nice agent and he did explain the limit and just sent us to the cashier but people before me were really being drilled very hard and it was very scary. I have never seen this treatment on a cruise, but it completely cured me of not knowing the rules or attempting to "sneak" something by them. The savings is not worth it once you have seen what that can and will do....

 

Just my own experience, and a word of warning.