Can't bring soda on board anymore

[Nemanoxer]

Just a question from someone who never ever thought about bringing his own food or beverages on board of a cruise ship:

 

I would like to understand the "ado" about this issue. Is bringing soda on board of a cruise ship something essential maybe especially for passengers from the US / the Americas?

 

This question is 100 % serious, no joking or teasing. Why would I bring my own beverages onto a cruise ship?

[jm485]

I am actually okay with any or all of these new policies. Try again.

 

Good for you Kathy. Again, I suppose the bottom line is that until a policy change happens that you don't agree with, you are fine with anything NCL does and that's cool. Who knows, at some point -- you might end up with a private cruise ship! :)

 

ETA: And, on reflection, other than the dress code thing, the other changes wouldn't bother me -- except that they might be implemented on such short notice that all the grouchy folks might impact my ability to enjoy the trip.

Edited July 14, 2016 by jm485

[jm485]

While it sucks about this new policy and how NCL cloaked it with the reason of safety, it's not unreasonable. Think about when you go to a baseball game for example, you can't bring outside beverages or food in. Not saying that NCL is justified, but there are a lot of businesses in the food/beverage/entertainment/travel industry that have implemented this

 

and for those who don't want to pay the price for the bottled water, but still want filtered, search Amazon for "Brita 23.7 Ounce Hard Sided Water Bottle with 1 Filter, BPA Free"

 

And think of how you are saving the planet by not using and throwing away all those plastic bottles!

 

I've already done my part for the planet in other ways Aubrey. And since filtering the water does nothing to improve the already overfiltered taste, the Brita bottle wouldn't help. (I am planning to try the Tums someone suggested, though).

 

Thanks for the suggestions.

[Swells1]

Just a question from someone who never ever thought about bringing his own food or beverages on board of a cruise ship:

 

I would like to understand the "ado" about this issue. Is bringing soda on board of a cruise ship something essential maybe especially for passengers from the US / the Americas?

 

This question is 100 % serious, no joking or teasing. Why would I bring my own beverages onto a cruise ship?

 

The same reason bring on their own brand of shampoo or their own brand of underwear- because they have a preference and don't want to go an entire week or more using a product they don't like.

[swedish weave]

Just a question from someone who never ever thought about bringing his own food or beverages on board of a cruise ship:

 

I would like to understand the "ado" about this issue. Is bringing soda on board of a cruise ship something essential maybe especially for passengers from the US / the Americas?

 

This question is 100 % serious, no joking or teasing. Why would I bring my own beverages onto a cruise ship?

 

Two reasons I can think of --

 

One is the cost of buying sodas on the ship as compared to the cost at the supermarkets.

 

Second is the selection that is not available on the ship. Some people cannot stand the taste of the artificial sweeteners that are used in some sodas and actually have adverse effects from consuming them.

 

Many will say it is all the same, but compare this with generic drugs. Some are OK, but some do not have the same effects that the name brands have.

 

Sodas, Water, and some alcoholic beverages can have adverse effects on some people while others cannot see the difference.

[aubreyc1988]

You are in a ballpark for three or four hours--- NOT SEVERAL DAYS !!!

 

I don't know where you live, but in California, the plastic bottles don't end up in landfills. They are recycled into usable products.

 

The cruise ships also recycle everything they can and incinerate the rest.

 

well in some states, we separate our trash. And even if they are automatically recycled, it's still cheaper and more eco friendly to use something that you can reuse over and over, rather than throw it out. But I'm not getting on a recycling stand and insisted everyone recycle, but sometimes you are dealt a hand of cards you don't like, and you have to find a solution: Which I think buying a reusable water bottle with a filter in it is a good solution. I found one for 10 bucks shipped, and maybe you can find some cheaper, not sure, but thats cheaper than buying bottled water over and over and certainly takes up less space

 

like I said, while I am disappointed about the change and how its cloaked under the guise of safety, sometimes you just have to think of the best solution. For some, that might mean leave a cruiseline, but I am not going to leave a cruiseline over water. I'll buy the 10.00 waterbottle and stick it in my back pack instead of paying 300.00 more a person to sail on RCI and bring on water bottles.

[Jules**]

It's not as if you can't get free water on this ship at any bar? It's just some people I guess have a problem drinking the ships water, which to each their own, but don't make it like that water isn't drinkable and they are going to make you dehydrate yourself. And like I said before, you can bring a water bottle that has a filter built into it, problem solved.

 

And I hope that NCL does try to recycle, especially since they are making green efforts.

 

Of course the water is drinkable, but to me "drinkable" is different from refreshing or thirst-quenching. Especially when expending that kind of energy.

 

And yes, I would think that NCL does recycle as much as it can....yet YOU and several other folks continue to chastise the bottled-water drinkers about recycling as if saving the planet is up to just US. I simply wanted to remind the booze drinkers that they create a LOT of waste (plastic and otherwise) themselves.

[don1976]

Being from the UK, I can't comment on the American mindset, but certainly over here in the UK, it's a bit of a non-issue.

 

Usually when we go on holiday, we're visiting new countries, sampling new things, experiencing new cultures, eating new foods, drinking new drinks.

 

However, certainly from reading these boards I've discovered how loyal some people are to their brands of soft drinks, if loyal is the right word.

 

We do have similar British holidaymakers with a similar mindset. The hoards that migrate to the likes of Benidorm and Magaluf to only drink lager and eat fast food, home from home.

 

Each to their own I suppose, whatever floats your boat.

 

 

 

 

Sent from my ONE A2003 using Tapatalk

[aubreyc1988]

Of course the water is drinkable, but to me "drinkable" is different from refreshing or thirst-quenching. Especially when expending that kind of energy.

 

And yes, I would think that NCL does recycle as much as it can....yet YOU and several other folks continue to chastise the bottled-water drinkers about recycling as if saving the planet is up to just US. I simply wanted to remind the booze drinkers that they create a LOT of waste (plastic and otherwise) themselves.

 

I really didn't think I was chastising, just providing a "hey, this is a happy byproduct of using a reusable water bottle, the silver lining", but if I came across as chastising I apologize.

 

I was just trying to provide an affordable solution besides buying overpriced water bottles offered by NCL.

 

Anyhow, I'm not going to discuss this further, I wasn't even going to post at all, but I made a stupid decision and I will go back to lurking.

[BrandoMan13]

Just a question from someone who never ever thought about bringing his own food or beverages on board of a cruise ship:

 

I would like to understand the "ado" about this issue. Is bringing soda on board of a cruise ship something essential maybe especially for passengers from the US / the Americas?

 

This question is 100 % serious, no joking or teasing. Why would I bring my own beverages onto a cruise ship?

 

I'm american and I dont really get the outrage as far as the policy itself. The implementation of it and the way it was announced and went into effect so quickly and for people who couldn't cancel if it bothered them, that outrage I do get.

 

I love diet soda, its my main vice. I happen to be one of the only people on earth apparently who prefers diet pepsi to diet coke. Regardless, I buy whichever is on sale. When I'm out at a restaurant, movie, ballpark, etc. I drink whatever brand they sell.

 

If it is just a matter of preference and you feel so strongly that you couldnt possibly stomach a week of pepsi products, then dont cruise ncl. They've forced that issue by not allowing you to bring coke.

 

If its a dietary or medical issue and you can't have caffeine or certain sweeteners, I get that too.

 

I'm new to cruising, and I actually enjoy all inclusive resorts because I don't have to bring anything. I'm cruising because we have the UBP included and we've never been to Bermuda so we are trying something new. We would have brought along a case of water being we live in NYC and only need to take a short uber ride to the port. It sucks that we'll have to buy a few bottles at extortion pricing but im also happy to have one less thing to lug along with us.

 

If there is any part of the policy I really don't care for, it would be the no bottled water, because they have such a high markup on the bottled water. That being said, anytime you actually buy a bottle of water or any drink at a hotel or casino or resort, its usually marked up pretty high.

[Jules**]

No apology necessary, Aubrey. I think you might have been the last in a long line of recycling-reminder folks. :)

[Sissaaaaaa]

The same reason bring on their own brand of shampoo or their own brand of underwear- because they have a preference and don't want to go an entire week or more using a product they don't like.

 

I certainly wouldn't use cruise line underwear :confused:

[ChicagoBarb]

I certainly wouldn't use cruise line underwear :confused:

 

Thanks - co-workers are now looking at me like I'm nuts 'cause I'm sitting at my desk laughing out loud.:D

Edited July 14, 2016 by ChicagoBarb

[Annmeat]

well in some states, we separate our trash. And even if they are automatically recycled, it's still cheaper and more eco friendly to use something that you can reuse over and over, rather than throw it out. But I'm not getting on a recycling stand and insisted everyone recycle, but sometimes you are dealt a hand of cards you don't like, and you have to find a solution: Which I think buying a reusable water bottle with a filter in it is a good solution. I found one for 10 bucks shipped, and maybe you can find some cheaper, not sure, but thats cheaper than buying bottled water over and over and certainly takes up less space

 

like I said, while I am disappointed about the change and how its cloaked under the guise of safety, sometimes you just have to think of the best solution. For some, that might mean leave a cruiseline, but I am not going to leave a cruiseline over water. I'll buy the 10.00 waterbottle and stick it in my back pack instead of paying 300.00 more a person to sail on RCI and bring on water bottles.

 

Royal doesn't allow water to be carried on . It's on their website and u have seen water confiscated on last 3 RCL cruises .

Some have been fortunate to get it water in the ship, but it is expressly forbidden ..in theory

[Sizzlechest]

Just a question from someone who never ever thought about bringing his own food or beverages on board of a cruise ship:

 

I would like to understand the "ado" about this issue. Is bringing soda on board of a cruise ship something essential maybe especially for passengers from the US / the Americas?

 

This question is 100 % serious, no joking or teasing. Why would I bring my own beverages onto a cruise ship?

 

Do you ever wake up at night with a dry throat? It happens often on a cruise. Would you like to get dressed and trudge on down to the buffet for a lemonade or glass of water?

 

You know how many rooms have coffee makers in them? Some people like to stay in their room and make coffee before they leave. I'm not one of those folks, but I do like a cold soda in the morning. Considering there's a refrigerator in my room and I'm willing to bring the cans of soda I like with me, why should NCL prevent me from doing this?

[ColinIllinois]

<snip> Considering there's a refrigerator in my room and I'm willing to bring the cans of soda I like with me, why should NCL prevent me from doing this?

 

 

Their house, their rules.

[Feelin' Nauti']

there's a refrigerator in my room

Can I have the steward empty the fridge so I can fill up my portable water bottle and stick it in there to keep chilled?

[ltjn]

Recently, did a B2B on the Adventure, carried on 6 pack of water it was not confiscated. I even saw cases with room tags being accepted, and in hallway waiting to be delivered.

 

I agree it is posted on Royal's website, but rarely enforced except during spring break with young people.

 

I do expected Norwegian to fully enforce the rule starting tomorrow.

Edited July 14, 2016 by ltjn

[Sizzlechest]

Their house, their rules.

 

My money. Now watch me spend it elsewhere.

 

Can I have the steward empty the fridge so I can fill up my portable water bottle and stick it in there to keep chilled?

 

AFAIK, you can still ask the steward to empty the refrigerator.

[jm485]

People were pretty openly bringing non-alcoholic beverages on board when we went on Liberty last summer. In fact, my husband and I brought a couple of ginger beers (no booze) back with us on our last day in Bermuda. However inconsistently enforced it might be on RCCL, NCL's new policy is the same on paper.

 

And the bottled water packages on RCCL are really expensive, too. I thought about getting one until I realized that the beverage package we were planning to buy anyway included bottled water.

 

To summarize: both RCCL and NCL prohibit bringing any beverages on board and both have crazy high prices for bottled water packages.

 

However, RCCL has at least one beverage package that includes bottled water. NCL has zero beverage packages that include bottled water.

 

All NCL would have to do to make me happy is add bottled water to the beverage package, or create a new beverage package that can be added to the UBP for a fee (let's say $10 a day/person plus 18% service charge!) that would include bottled water, specialty coffee and fresh juice. NCL would then have a beverage package offering that is truly in-line with what other lines offer --- even if it would be one of the (if not THE) most expensive if you paid the full retail price.

[aubreyc1988]

Royal doesn't allow water to be carried on . It's on their website and u have seen water confiscated on last 3 RCL cruises .

Some have been fortunate to get it water in the ship, but it is expressly forbidden ..in theory

 

I had the beverage package when I sailed three years ago, so didn't know this. Plus I drink the ships water, only used the bottled water i got from RCI beverage package to take on shore. Now i will just bring my waterbottle, so no big deal for me, personally. But thanks for the info, I haven't done RCI since 2012 so I forget a lot about that line. I went on Carnival last year and I saw some people carrying beverages on. I didn't, personally. Not sure what CCL policy is.

Edited July 14, 2016 by aubreyc1988

[aubreyc1988]

Can I have the steward empty the fridge so I can fill up my portable water bottle and stick it in there to keep chilled?

 

You can, but last time I had a horrible time getting my room steward to do it - I asked him over and over, wrote him notes, always said he would get to it. By day 2, I simply carefully emptied the minifridge out on top of the vanity and put my stuff in, and the stuff that was in the fridge never disappeared, but I never got charged for it either. But normally, I don't have a problem with having them remove it for me.

[NittanyCruise]

While it sucks about this new policy and how NCL cloaked it with the reason of safety, it's not unreasonable. Think about when you go to a baseball game for example, you can't bring outside beverages or food in. Not saying that NCL is justified, but there are a lot of businesses in the food/beverage/entertainment/travel industry that have implemented this

 

and for those who don't want to pay the price for the bottled water, but still want filtered, search Amazon for "Brita 23.7 Ounce Hard Sided Water Bottle with 1 Filter, BPA Free"

 

And think of how you are saving the planet by not using and throwing away all those plastic bottles!

 

I don't know what ballparks you've been to, but every MLB stadium I've gone to they have let people bring in food and sealed bottles of water.

[ColinIllinois]

I don't know what ballparks you've been to, but every MLB stadium I've gone to they have let people bring in food and sealed bottles of water.

 

 

Yep. I bring water and snacks every time I go down to Busch Stadium to watch the Cardinals.

[Warm Breezes]

Do you ever wake up at night with a dry throat? It happens often on a cruise. Would you like to get dressed and trudge on down to the buffet for a lemonade or glass of water?

 

You know how many rooms have coffee makers in them? Some people like to stay in their room and make coffee before they leave. I'm not one of those folks, but I do like a cold soda in the morning. Considering there's a refrigerator in my room and I'm willing to bring the cans of soda I like with me, why should NCL prevent me from doing this?

 

We solve the dry throat by stopping by the Lido before heading back to our room for the night and getting a couple glasses of Ice Tea, water, or lemonade and stick them in the refrigerator to keep cold. No need to go out in the middle of the night.