International waters

[Debviktorin]

How far from the port of Galveston until you hit international waters?

[Heidi13]

9 minutes ago, Debviktorin said:

How far from the port of Galveston until you hit international waters?

 

As per UNCLOS, the Territorial Seas extend 12 miles off-shore.

[chengkp75]

And the state of Texas' jurisdiction ends at 3 nautical miles.  The US, like most nations, also claims an "Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)" that extends out 200 nautical miles.  

[Flatbush Flyer]

4 hours ago, Debviktorin said:

How far from the port of Galveston until you hit international waters?

If you’re thinking “drug deal,”’ you’re going to need a bigger/faster boat.😎

[AustinCruise]

Bars switch out to the better booze around 8-9pm for a 4:30pm departure. At least on our last trip. 

[Flatbush Flyer]

2 hours ago, AustinCruise said:

Bars switch out to the better booze around 8-9pm for a 4:30pm departure. At least on our last trip. 

Huh?

Joe’s Discount Cruise Line?

[AustinCruise]

35 minutes ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

Huh?

Joe’s Discount Cruise Line?

When in Texas waters they can only sell booze purchased in Texas with Texas taxes paid on it. As a result they have a limited bar menu until they get out far enough.  They also hold things like TA provided alcohol gifts until day 2 (we always get a bottle of champagne from Amex).

[Flatbush Flyer]

10 hours ago, AustinCruise said:

When in Texas waters they can only sell booze purchased in Texas with Texas taxes paid on it. As a result they have a limited bar menu until they get out far enough.  They also hold things like TA provided alcohol gifts until day 2 (we always get a bottle of champagne from Amex).

Assuming ships that cruise from Texas are home ported there, provisioning them there (and paying taxes there) would not be a problem. Then all the ship would need to do is add the user tax (as a surcharge) to the price of the drink if purchased while in Texas.

Alcohol surcharges on cruise ships while in certain countries that mandate taxation is a standard cruise industry practice. 
“Hiding the good booze” would only serve to limit the ship’s revenue.

[Texas Tillie]

1 hour ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

Assuming ships that cruise from Texas are home ported there, provisioning them there (and paying taxes there) would not be a problem. Then all the ship would need to do is add the user tax (as a surcharge) to the price of the drink if purchased while in Texas.

Alcohol surcharges on cruise ships while in certain countries that mandate taxation is a standard cruise industry practice. 
“Hiding the good booze” would only serve to limit the ship’s revenue.

 

You don't think that Carnival and Royal Caribbean (the lines that homeport at Galveston) haven't figured out what is the most efficient way to maximize their profits?

[Flatbush Flyer]

13 minutes ago, Texas Tillie said:

 

You don't think that Carnival and Royal Caribbean (the lines that homeport at Galveston) haven't figured out what is the most efficient way to maximize their profits?

They certainly have and probably do all sorts of “loss leader” things to maintain a facade of inexpensiveness. But, it comes at a cost of limiting a better experience for passengers that prefer the finer things and could care less about a few extra bucks.

[Texas Tillie]

1 hour ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

They certainly have and probably do all sorts of “loss leader” things to maintain a facade of inexpensiveness. But, it comes at a cost of limiting a better experience for passengers that prefer the finer things and could care less about a few extra bucks.

I’d think that those people probably choose to sail with a line higher up the food chain than Carnival and Royal Caribbean!🤪

[Flatbush Flyer]

18 minutes ago, Texas Tillie said:

I’d think that those people probably choose to sail with a line higher up the food chain than Carnival and Royal Caribbean!🤪

Yes - but the great irony for folks pursuing a cruise bargain is the bottom line of non-inclusive vs inclusive cruise pricing. That cabin price looks so reasonable and then they get the final bill on the last day.

 

[Host Kat]

4 hours ago, Texas Tillie said:

You don't think that Carnival and Royal Caribbean (the lines that homeport at Galveston) haven't figured out what is the most efficient way to maximize their profits?

 

Yes, this has been "cussed and discussed" many times here on this forum. I think a good answer regarding booze & Texas & cruise lines is post # 8 by chengkp75 in last year's thread Booze and Texas.

 

[BallFour4]

On 9/19/2021 at 7:05 PM, AustinCruise said:

Bars switch out to the better booze around 8-9pm for a 4:30pm departure. 

The bars switch as soon as they can, and that is usually within 90 min or less from cruising. They lock some of the beer cases and open the balance. The tax paid liquor is put away and the full compliment comes out. We've been on everything that floats from Galveston and the process is the same for Carnival fleet wide.
 It's a revenue thing, they want it ASAP!

.