Bringing alcohol onboard?

[GatorTide]

I have seen some posts related to bringing wine onboard. We would definitely be interested in doing that, and possibly a bottle of liquor to save money. My questions: do they search your luggage for these items and confiscate them if they find them? Or can you just bring wine and then have them cork it for you in the dining room? I think we would like to enjoy our wine or cocktail in the room before dinner. Is this possible?

[dmarch@islc.net]

X is OK with bringing wine on board because they charge a $15 corkage fee for it in the dinning room. They do have rules against bringing booze, but lots of people do it anyway. We always carry a bottle or two of vodka and some Zing Zang bloody Mary mix in our checked luggage. Never a problem. We always get plastic bottles. Less fragile and no distinctive "ching ching" noise. LOL

[Longboysfan]

Same here. Not a problem.

This is not a big thing with Celebrity.

[newmexicoNita]

We did get busted in San Juan as did several passengers. The duty free store is right by the ship; probably everything would have been ok if we hadn't had so many bottles. It looked like we were flaunting it. In fact the gentleman collecting the liquor right outside the ship wanted us to surrender the wine as well. We finally convinced the less than friendly crew member we could bring it on board. Again, one bottle is a little different, we did bring a bottle of scotch on with no trouble and in Florida a few months ago, we brought a few bottles on. The most important thing is: don't flaunt it!!! NCL is very strict about allowing bottles to be brought on board and Carnival is getting stricted. I hope other lines are not about to follow. NMNita

[jperkin1]

We brought a little (okay, maybe more than a little...) of everything with us, and it was no problem.

[daytrader]

You might try http://www.rumrunnerflasks.com they make reusable heavy duty collapsible flasks in a number of sizes. The flasks are oval so the large ones just lay on the bottom of your checked luggage without rolling around.

[Champagne]

I have a little experience in this area. When boarding I have been paying more attention to this and here is what I’ve noticed. The person running the x-ray machine will most likely stop you if they think you have any type of liquor or wine in your carry on. They refer you to a Celebrity representative who makes the judgment call on if you can bring it on. So this is where bias comes in. I've seen a cheerful well dressed family come through with a case of wine and they let them though. My husband also saw a man who was raising his voice complaining about the long lines get stopped with a couple bottles of wine. This is the bias and discrimination as well as the reason why no one has the exact answer to how much you can bring on. My advice, they seem to not let people bring hard liquor on so if you brought one bottle of liquor and two bottles of wine they will probable confiscate it all. If you just brought the two bottles of wine they will most likely let you through. If possible you could securely place the liquor in you checked in baggage, but make sure it well packed or it will break. If anyone one else has any experience I would like to hear.:o

[CStorm]

X is OK with bringing wine on board because they charge a $15 corkage fee for it in the dinning room. They do have rules against bringing booze, but lots of people do it anyway. We always carry a bottle or two of vodka and some Zing Zang bloody Mary mix in our checked luggage. Never a problem. We always get plastic bottles. Less fragile and no distinctive "ching ching" noise. LOL

 

This is an email I received on Wed, Mar 22nd from the Captain's Club when I emailed them and asked if we could bring wine on board with us. After I got this response I replied asking them what the $15 corkage fee was for and have not heard from them. I will repost if and when I do.

 

Thank you for your email. We appreciate the opportunity to respond.

1. No alcoholic beverages may be brought onboard for consumption.

2. You may purchase alcohol through our Bon Voyage department that can be consumed in your stateroom. Please contact Bon Voyage directly for more information at 1-800-242-6374.

We hope you have a wonderful time onboard Celebrity Cruises.

Thank you for choosing Celebrity Cruises.

John Balboa

Customer Service Representative

[THREAD ID:1-1ZFEI1]

 

 

After reading this, we are still going to put wine in our checked luggage but we're not going to try and walk on with it until we hear some success stories from pax this Alaska season on Infinity.

[David C]

On prior RCCL and Holland America cruises, I've placed (carefully packed) bottles of gin in the checked bags and have had no problems getting them to the room. However, in anticipation of our next cruise (Celebrity's Galaxy Eastern Mediterranean), I decided I'm tired of playing that game and just ordered a bottle of gin (and six cans of mixers) from Celebrity's Bon Voyage department to be delivered to our cabin. Maybe I've gotten too old (52) or something, but I'm just not into stressing any longer over whether the bottles will break open or whether they'll be discovered (and I'll be busted!). The overall cost is maybe $20 more than doing it myself. The overall value is, however, well beyond the extra $20 it has cost me, especially when I consider how frequently, and carelessly, I throw away $20 on other ultimately worthless items/purchases. Just my opinion. Others may, of course, feel differently and are free to do so.

[shipperx]

I had a carryon suitcase filled with 7 bottles of wine 3 champagne 1 vodka and some mixers, last year on Constellation no problem, walked right through.

[MayrMN]

We boarded the Connie in late January in San Juan. We carried two bottles of wine from home, and knew that wouldn't be a problem, but then we stopped at the duty free in the ships terminal. We knew full well that what we just purchased could get confiscated, but we thought we'd try anyway.

 

The only x-ray used upon boarding the ship was in the terminal, and it wasn't manned by the ships crew, it was the people who run the terminal, and I they didn't appear to care we had 2 bottles of wine and a bottle of Absolute.

 

When we came down the gangway though, we noticed there was a memeber of the shipps crew that was checking bags before you boarded. We boarded, I kept walking toward the ship (with the liquor) and when the guy asked my DH if he had any liquor, he didn't lie, I had the liquor and I was almost on board the ship. (where there was no x-ray)

 

I really got the feeling, that if when you are asked if you have liquor, you could easily say 'no' and that would be it (unless you look like you're dragging a heavy load) and you're bags would not be searched automatically.

 

Honestly, imagine if they really searched all bags upon boarding, too difficult IMHO.

[newmexicoNita]

We boarded the Connie in late January in San Juan. We carried two bottles of wine from home, and knew that wouldn't be a problem, but then we stopped at the duty free in the ships terminal. We knew full well that what we just purchased could get confiscated, but we thought we'd try anyway.

 

The only x-ray used upon boarding the ship was in the terminal, and it wasn't manned by the ships crew, it was the people who run the terminal, and I they didn't appear to care we had 2 bottles of wine and a bottle of Absolute.

 

When we came down the gangway though, we noticed there was a memeber of the shipps crew that was checking bags before you boarded. We boarded, I kept walking toward the ship (with the liquor) and when the guy asked my DH if he had any liquor, he didn't lie, I had the liquor and I was almost on board the ship. (where there was no x-ray)

 

I really got the feeling, that if when you are asked if you have liquor, you could easily say 'no' and that would be it (unless you look like you're dragging a heavy load) and you're bags would not be searched automatically.

 

Honestly, imagine if they really searched all bags upon boarding, too difficult IMHO.

I think the secret is the 2 words: San Juan. That is where they nailed us. There was a table set up and if you were carrying anything that appeared to be liquor you got stopped. I guess you could have kept walking but I would have been too embarrassed. NMnita

[glenna1]

We brought a whole case of Merlot that we bought in Santiago, Chile on board the Zenith for our repositioning to NYC. Not a problem. We tried to have it delivered to the Wine Steward for our consumption in the dining room. He said they did not have enough space to store it, and sent it to our cabin. So I guess it is just the departure port.

 

Glenna

[Direstraits]

Was on the Mercury Mexico Riviera cruise Feb. 26-Mar. 7th (thankfully just before all the Norovirus issues) and found that the security crew on the ship was quite militant about bringing anything on board once at sea. We had purchased the Bon Voyage package prior to leaving but once we arrived in Puerto Vallarta we ran out and decided to bring a single bottle of vodka on board.

 

Security on the ship, once you put your hand held items in the metal detector at the dock, stopped us. They then asked for our room number and stated they would bring the bottle to us on the evening of departure. I reminded them that the alcohol was personal property and they had no right to confiscate, even if for 48 hours. The security guard kep mentioning that it was the "law" and their policy to do this. I responded back that there was no such law and that by having a policy like this only means they can apply it just like any other policy on board the ship - such as not reserving deck chairs which was clearly violated and not enforced.

 

The security guard was confused and suggested that I go to guest services which I did. I wanted to see just how far Celebrity was willing to take this policy. A nice guest services rep agreed with my position but stated firmly that there was nothing she could do. Later that afternoon I received a call from the ship's hotel manager explaining the policy and I reiterated my concern that they have a policy which conflicts with personal property rights ( I am not a lawyer). The hotel manager kindly suggested that I write a note to the president of RCI to complain about this but there was really nothing they could do. I also added that I thought it was unreasonable to pay security guards to protect the security of the ships passengers AND also look for bottles of booze at the same time. Since our dining companions were right in front of us and sneaked a bottle of Tequila through with no problem, they were not really doing a very good job either.

 

Later the next day, in the afternoon, the bottle was delivered to us so we could have a party with some friends on board.

 

In the end, my suggestion is that if you want to bring anything on board, you check it with your luggage unless this policy is changed. An easy way to do this would be to hand carry it on the airplane and stick it in your bags just prior to delivering them to the transportation company who is responsible for delivering them to the ship. That way you would reduce any chance of breaking, at least by the airlines.

[WatchHill]

On my last three Celebrity cruises, Alaska our of Vancouver, Baltics out of Dover and repo out of SJU, I brought two bottles of wine on at embarkation without any problem. One was packed in my carry-on and the other in my luggage.

When I fly, I put liquor in my carry-on, then before I board, I usually put it into the luggage. I wrap the wine in a couple of layers of bubble wrap to prevent it from banging against the frame of the suit case.

The only place I have ever had a problem with liquor is NY. DH had a flask of fine brandy that security attempted to confiscate, but DH told the guard it was cologne. Another time in NY, security took a bottle of vodka. We anticipated this happening, so we put a bottle of the cheap stuff on top that they confiscated and underneath was Ketle One. Never got the cheap stuff returned...no loss.

I agree with many posters that the price of drinks is getting out of control. Years ago, drinks on board were very reasonable, so we never bothered with our own liquor/wine. More and more guests are coming on board with their own liquors due to the high prices.

We enjoy a drink on our verandah when we return from shore, or a late evening drink. Cruise lines are being very unreasonable with their liquor policies and prices. However, I don't see the cruise lines dropping drink prices...it's all about $$$.

 

Darcy

[newmexicoNita]

Was on the Mercury Mexico Riviera cruise Feb. 26-Mar. 7th (thankfully just before all the Norovirus issues) and found that the security crew on the ship was quite militant about bringing anything on board once at sea. We had purchased the Bon Voyage package prior to leaving but once we arrived in Puerto Vallarta we ran out and decided to bring a single bottle of vodka on board.

 

Security on the ship, once you put your hand held items in the metal detector at the dock, stopped us. They then asked for our room number and stated they would bring the bottle to us on the evening of departure. I reminded them that the alcohol was personal property and they had no right to confiscate, even if for 48 hours. The security guard kep mentioning that it was the "law" and their policy to do this. I responded back that there was no such law and that by having a policy like this only means they can apply it just like any other policy on board the ship - such as not reserving deck chairs which was clearly violated and not enforced.

 

The security guard was confused and suggested that I go to guest services which I did. I wanted to see just how far Celebrity was willing to take this policy. A nice guest services rep agreed with my position but stated firmly that there was nothing she could do. Later that afternoon I received a call from the ship's hotel manager explaining the policy and I reiterated my concern that they have a policy which conflicts with personal property rights ( I am not a lawyer). The hotel manager kindly suggested that I write a note to the president of RCI to complain about this but there was really nothing they could do. I also added that I thought it was unreasonable to pay security guards to protect the security of the ships passengers AND also look for bottles of booze at the same time. Since our dining companions were right in front of us and sneaked a bottle of Tequila through with no problem, they were not really doing a very good job either.

 

Later the next day, in the afternoon, the bottle was delivered to us so we could have a party with some friends on board.

 

In the end, my suggestion is that if you want to bring anything on board, you check it with your luggage unless this policy is changed. An easy way to do this would be to hand carry it on the airplane and stick it in your bags just prior to delivering them to the transportation company who is responsible for delivering them to the ship. That way you would reduce any chance of breaking, at least by the airlines.

The policy of all cruise lines is: you may not bring liquor on the ships for consumption and yet, you claim it is your personal property and your right to do as you please. Would you walk into a restaurant and insist they allow you to bring your own liquor in? I guess you would? NMnita

[WatchHill]

A ship is like a floating hotel. Yes, I would bring a bottle and enjoy it in my room, but I would not bring it to the hotel's dining room...unless they said it was OK and simply charged me a corkage fee.

 

Darcy

[SunshineCity]

I just recently took a 15 night cruise and brought in my Carry On Luggage a bottle of Jack Daniels, not camoflaged, and coke.

 

In my checked luggage, I had some more coke, a 12 pak of beer and a bottle of Crown Royal.

 

Not a problem. They screened my carry on and when it went through I picked it up and proceeded to check in. No one stopped us at all.

 

We did however leave from Fort Lauderdale, not San Juan.

[finucane]

Sounds like to much stress to worry about..........

My thoughts, spring the $'s on board and enjoy you vacation!

Just a thought...

[MarkandStacie]

If you are a good ole Seminole, put some in your carry on. We are just back from Century and had some in the check in and our carry on....I said we were Noles!

 

NewMexico...You question people doing this AFTER saying you were busted doing the same? Shame on you. This is not a restaurant or a football game, it is YOUR room for a week. You paid for it. Bring a drink and skip the $6 beers.

 

Should I also feel bad for taking a picture of my family and skipping the $20 one they took?

[CRUZBUDS]

The picture example was excellent!

 

I hope I don't get in trouble for playing video poker on my laptop instead of the in casino ;) Maybe it will be OK if I do it in the privacy of my own cabin. Wait... that logic doesn't work with alcohol...

 

That makes about as much sense as comparing a ship cabin to a restaurant rather then a hotel room

 

I get fustrated when people equate a private room with a restaurant or bar.

[BB5953]

We always bring a few bottles with us.... it has never been a problem. We don't try to disquise them we just put them in our carry-on and carry them right onto the ship.

[usha]

"No alcoholic beverages may be purchased ashore for consumption onboard."

 

That's copied and pasted directly from Celebrity's website. You might not agree with it, but it's their policy. If you disregard it, they might well confiscate your booze and hold it until the last night.

[finucane]

We always bring a few bottles with us.... it has never been a problem. We don't try to disquise them we just put them in our carry-on and carry them right onto the ship.

 

How about trying this if you must:

As BB stated, bring a couple in your carry on if they take it that is there choice, if they don't then that's OK!

It is the ships policy and it has nothing to do with "personal property", it's there cruise ship and they like us are entitled to either obey buy the policy or not. Again, there choice, it is your choice to not sail with them....

It's not a legal pillar thing, it's just there policy. I have my own policies within my house and that works for me and maybe not someone else, they don't have to come over.

If you feel like you have to make a federal case over some booze, why do it.

Ships policy is there choice, it's there ship!!!!

If you feel you have to break there policy, knock your socks off....

That's an issue these days, everybody wants what they want instead of whats right or wrong for the mass......

That's my policys and many disagree, thats OK! :confused:

[candelle]

Could someone kindly tell me if I can bring (for example, 48) caffeine-free diet cokes on board without any problems? (I only drink these and do not think they sell them on board the ship).