Succesful carrying bottled water on Royal Caribbean ?

[worldspan]

Well, it might be my 130th cruise but for the first time I am going to attempt to bring my own bottled water on board, in this case for my November 20th sailing on Allure of the Seas. Just sick and tired of paying $3-$4 for a bottle of water every time i hit the gym. Even the pre-purchased packages of Evian water with RCCI are a rip-off. I can get a case of 24 bottles of spring water here at Publix in South Florida for just $3.99.

 

That said, to those who have been succesfull getting it on, did you (1)send it through as checked luggage OR (2) Did you carry-it on board with you through security ?

 

Your thoughts/comments are appreciated!

 

Worldspan

129 cruises strong

[mjm325]

sailed on Majesty about 2 weeks ago and I put one of my luggage tags on the 24 pack of water ($3.99 also from Publix =)~ ) gave the porter $5 and kindly asked him to make sure it got to our room. It showed up no problem... as did our suitcases with rumrunners in them. I figure, if the water didn't make it, it's only a $4 loss. =)

[debshomespun]

If anyone plans to pick up bottled water while at any ports, and carry it on, be sure it has not been opened. At security, they will not let you take on any type of water/drinks that has been opened. You can however, take on water/pop that has not been opened.

[Miss Fig]

sailed on Majesty about 2 weeks ago and I put one of my luggage tags on the 24 pack of water ($3.99 also from Publix =)~ ) gave the porter $5 and kindly asked him to make sure it got to our room. It showed up no problem... as did our suitcases with rumrunners in them. I figure, if the water didn't make it, it's only a $4 loss. =)

 

I'm so tempted to do this when we board at San Juan Saturday!!!!

 

Did you wrap the bottled water in duct tape? I heard some people do that - is it necessary?

[Cruisin MarcnFran]

Well, it might be my 130th cruise but for the first time I am going to attempt to bring my own bottled water on board, in this case for my November 20th sailing on Allure of the Seas. Just sick and tired of paying $3-$4 for a bottle of water every time i hit the gym. Even the pre-purchased packages of Evian water with RCCI are a rip-off. I can get a case of 24 bottles of spring water here at Publix in South Florida for just $3.99.

 

That said, to those who have been succesfull getting it on, did you (1)send it through as checked luggage OR (2) Did you carry-it on board with you through security ?

 

Your thoughts/comments are appreciated!

 

Worldspan

129 cruises strong

 

We drink water all day, every day. Because of this, we go through several bottles per day and restock the frig as needed from the case under the bed. Whenever we drive to a port - we check a full case from Costco/BJ's. We put a luggage tag on it and tip the porter extra. So far, never a problem.

 

I do not feel one bit guilty about this as the cruise line gets plenty of money from us in other ways... specialty restaurants, alcohol, excursions, shops on board, etc. It just makes your life easier.

 

Fran

[cb at sea]

You could bring a refillable bottle and refill as needed...that wouldn't even cost $3.99..it would cost nothing!!!

[HMH G]

You could bring a refillable bottle and refill as needed...that wouldn't even cost $3.99..it would cost nothing!!!

 

That's the best idea!

 

We packed a couple of "water" bottles in our luggage and they went through just fine :D

 

Didn't have a big 12 or 24 pack though, so I'm not sure how that would work. Maybe spread them out all over between a few bags?

[Big_G]

Does anyone have the price list for the water package?

[Let'sGo!]

I'm a confessed water snob... but really, I LOVE the filtered water on the ship! Best investment I've ever made was an insulated thermos/water bottle type thing I bought at a sporting goods store. We fill it with ship water and ice and take it into ports with us.

 

Now we DO buy sodas at the port and take them on with us... hubby is a Mountain Dew freak and they definitly don't have that on the ship, and its hard to find in many ports. (Someone offered him $5 for a 16oz bottle of MD while we were in Puerto Vallarta this year!)

 

Frankly, I think I have enough to deal with just getting my usually heavy suitcase to the port. I would hate to be dragging a case of water with me too!

 

Ann

[tactic]

although we bought a soda package we also took 12 waters and 12 diet cokes on vos in August - in hand luggage no problem - have done it lots in past and never been a problem. Sometimes its just easier to have a drink to hand I often need one overnight and its so much easier :)

[frierpie]

I agree with those above who suggest just bringing a sports bottle and filling it with the free water available everywhere on board, saves any hassle and cost!

[PH8]

I agree with those above who suggest just bringing a sports bottle and filling it with the free water available everywhere on board, saves any hassle and cost!

and if someone isnt sure about the water,get one of the Rubbermaid or Brita water bottles with built in filters!!

 

 

Did check in a case of water once..............never finished it..........wont do that again

[Cruisin MarcnFran]

http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/cancer_scare_over_cruise_ships_suspect_kbLaWxtn6MoxxC9qo1ESML

[johneeo]

I can get a case of 24 bottles of spring water here at Publix in South Florida for just $3.99.

 

 

I can get one million gallons of water on the ship out of the tap for free.:eek:

 

And it is better than the bottled water that you lug around an pay for.:rolleyes:

[Drico]

It is interesting how some people jump on those who post about smuggling booze on board but say nothing about water.

[MrsPete]

I'm so tempted to do this when we board at San Juan Saturday!!!!

 

Did you wrap the bottled water in duct tape? I heard some people do that - is it necessary?

I say, "Yes, it's necessary". Know how cases of water tend to be wrapped in plastic, and you just reach in to pull out the first bottle on the side? And how once the first bottle is removed, the case isn't so sturdy as it was when all the bottles were intact? Well, as the stewards move your case to your room, it's almost certain that the bottles'll come out of the sides.

 

Personally, I like to put my case into an XXL ziplock bag and then wrap the whole thing with duct tape around the edges.

[MrsPete]

You could bring a refillable bottle and refill as needed...that wouldn't even cost $3.99..it would cost nothing!!!

Absolutely true, and I've done it onboard; however, I also like to have a couple disposable bottles that I can take ashore and, if they're lost, I don't care. At home I never buy bottled water.

[Miss Fig]

Well, I'm back from my cruise and I successfully brought my case of water on board! We made a quick stop enroute to the ship at CVS and I bought the water. We tipped the porter and he escorted us to front of security line AND my water was delivered to cabin just fine. In fact, it arrived before rest of luggage.

 

We also had our steward clear out the fridge & stored the water & snacks in there. It was so convenient to grab a few bottles and head out to the So Carib ports!

[worldspan]

Well just returned from my Allure sailing and yes indeed was able to bring the water through security. Did not tip anyone or anything, however.......the woman from security had me take it over to a side desk. There she broke the plastic seal which fully encased the 24 bottles of water and get a load of this! She proceeded to shake each and every bottle, yes all 24 of them! I just looked at her in amazement and kept my usual big mouth shut. After she "shook all 24 bottles " she then sent me on my way, with bottles in my hands.

 

Go figure!

 

Worldspan

130 cruises strong

[sailawaygrl]

I just have to throw in my two cents here. I haven't been on the boards since 2008, WOW, I just realized how long it has been. The reason is that I was diagnosed with an awfully painful disease that year and haven't travelled at all since then. I am feeling better now (though not cured, just being treated by a good Dr) and want to attempt to take a trip somewhere. I think a cruise would be easiest for me. I looked at this thread because I too will have to bring my water with me. I drink bottled water, not because I am a "water snob" but because my water has to be a certain PH or it will cause me a lot of pain with my disease. The bottled water I drink is cheap, it comes from the dollar store, but it isn't filtered it is spring water and it is the only kind that doesn't cause me problems.

 

So, I just wanted to share that not everyone that is bringing water onboard is being ridiculous. It should be anyone's perogative to do so, but for some of us it is actually a medical reason. Years ago I would have thought it odd for someone to do this, now I look at a lot of things people do differently. You just never know what someone's story is.

[FrostyPeach]

Miss fig, how much did you tip your porter?

[Merion_Mom]

Well just returned from my Allure sailing and yes indeed was able to bring the water through security. Did not tip anyone or anything, however.......the woman from security had me take it over to a side desk. There she broke the plastic seal which fully encased the 24 bottles of water and get a load of this! She proceeded to shake each and every bottle, yes all 24 of them! I just looked at her in amazement and kept my usual big mouth shut. After she "shook all 24 bottles " she then sent me on my way, with bottles in my hands.

 

Go figure!

 

Worldspan

130 cruises strong

 

Amazement? Why? Do you not know that they check for smuggled alcohol this way? You are lucky that they did this right at the pier - you could have been forced to go stand in line on Deck 1 to claim your luggage later.

[Merion_Mom]

Miss fig, how much did you tip your porter?

 

The porters only get the luggage TO the ship. They have nothing to do with delivering things to the cabin.

[Miss Fig]

Miss fig, how much did you tip your porter?

 

Since you asked - - - - we left from the San Juan port. I had a $10 in my pocket, but then the porters stopped for a long, long time to slowly collect the bags that were dropped off, and I saw another porter letting folks cut in line. So I replaced my $10 with a $5 and when he came over to collect our things, I gave him a big smile and thanked him for looking out for my stuff. :D

[Puffinater]

The porters only get the luggage TO the ship. They have nothing to do with delivering things to the cabin.

 

Agree, but they sure want you to belive they do.