Smuggling Cubans onboard

[Cushing985]

We are heading up to Canada on the 7th on the beautiful Splendor. One of the guys at work asked if I could smuggle a box of Cubans (cigars not people!). Anyone out there who has tried this?

[LUPY48]

When I saw the title of your post, all I could think of was the Seinfeld episode.

[joge107]

We are heading up to Canada on the 7th on the beautiful Splendor. One of the guys at work asked if I could smuggle a box of Cubans (cigars not people!). Anyone out there who has tried this?

 

I carried my cubans, in my hand, through customs in NYC. There is a good cigar shop on the riverwalk in Halifax. I traded FUENTES, which they had a hard time getting, for cubans.

[gazingm42]

smuggling them onboard is NOT a issue. Its only smuggling them off the boat

when you get to the US port that is a problem.

 

To my understanding you can bring them onboard if you smoke it onboard in

smoking areas.

 

 

But bringing them into the US is too too risky. The fines are not cheap to

my understanding. Please remember your bags will be sniffed down by dogs.

[ladyd11933]

I have no use for cigars - even Cuban ones - but a couple of people in our last group just walked through customs with them in their pockets even though they were saying there was a huge fine for having them. I think 4 our of group did this.

[rebeljohn]

We are heading up to Canada on the 7th on the beautiful Splendor. One of the guys at work asked if I could smuggle a box of Cubans (cigars not people!). Anyone out there who has tried this?

Prices in Canada are EXTREMELY high due to the taxes on tobacco there. Save a bunch of money and order them online. It happens everyday............

[G'ma]

Well, we all make our own decisons..... However, remember that luggage is checked by dog sniffers. In addition, if you are caught, there are severe fines..

 

Here, from the Govt website:

 

Prohibitions on Cuban Cigars

The revival of interest in cigars and cigar smoking underscores the need to remind the public of the prohibitions that have been in place for many years with respect to cigars of Cuban origin. The number of attempted importations of Cuban cigars into the United States is rising and because dealing in such cigars may lead to Treasury enforcement actions, the public should be aware of — and make every effort to observe — the prohibitions which are in effect.

 

 

There is a total ban on the importation into the United States of Cuban-origin cigars and other Cuban-origin tobacco products. This prohibition extends to such products acquired in Cuba, irrespective of whether a traveler is licensed by Office of Foreign Asset Controls (OFAC) to engage in Cuba travel-related transactions, and to such products acquired in third countries by any U.S. Traveler, including purchases at duty-free shops. Contrary to what many people may believe, it is illegal for travelers to bring into the United States Cuban cigars acquired in third countries, such as Canada, United Kingdom, or Mexico.

 

Importation of Cuban-origin cigars and other Cuban-origin tobacco products is prohibited whether the goods are purchased by the importer or given to the importer as a gift. Similarly, the import ban extends to Cuban-origin cigars and other Cuban-origin tobacco products offered for sale over the Internet or through a catalog.

 

It is also illegal for U.S. persons to buy, sell, trade, or otherwise engage in transactions involving illegally-imported Cuban cigars. The penalties for doing so include, in addition to confiscation of the cigars, civil fines of up to $55,000 per violation and in appropriate cases, criminal prosecution which may result in higher fines and/or imprisonment.

 

These prohibitions are applicable to all goods of Cuban origin and are an important element of the comprehensive program of economic sanctions against the Cuban Government which have been in place since 1963. Those sanctions have had the support of the last seven Administrations.

The U.S. Treasury Department, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), administers the embargo of Cuba. Suspected embargo violations may be reported telephonically to OFAC Enforcement Division at (202) 622-2430 or via facsimile at (202) 622-1657.

[dommer573]

Never brought a box home, but carried a hand full in my front pocket a few years ago. However, last time I cruised, had to go through the booth with an agent in attendance, would make me think twice about it now. Good luck if you try and have a nice cruise. ;)

[yogi2929]

We are heading up to Canada on the 7th on the beautiful Splendor. One of the guys at work asked if I could smuggle a box of Cubans (cigars not people!). Anyone out there who has tried this?

 

 

Come join the roll call! We have almost 100 already.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=798179&page=52

[mistyinca]

Can a dog detect the difference in the scent of a Cuban cigar vs one from the Dominican Republic?

[trock]

Can a dog detect the difference in the scent of a Cuban cigar vs one from the Dominican Republic?

 

 

LMAO

Highly unlikely... I am sure they are not spending $100gs of dollars to train them for cigars.. when there are other things to worry about! LOL:)

[mistyinca]

LMAO

Highly unlikely... I am sure they are not spending $100gs of dollars to train them for cigars.. when there are other things to worry about! LOL:)

 

LOL...that's what I thought! :p I'm sure the sniffers are looking for pot and other drugs.

[Hedobound1202]

I have never done this but have heard of people switching out the cuban cigar box/bands with box/band brand that is allowed to come into the states.

[woodey]

for me it is not worth the risk...tell your friend sorry...

[4bolts]

LOL...that's what I thought! :p I'm sure the sniffers are looking for pot and other drugs.

 

And sodium nitrate or other bombing material too.

 

It isn't worth it to smuggle cause if you are caught there are the fines and the hugh data base where your name will go for future "reference" when traveling.

[dan40]

LMAO

Highly unlikely... I am sure they are not spending $100gs of dollars to train them for cigars.. when there are other things to worry about! LOL:)

 

But people 'smoke' that stuff too!

 

Walk through customs with 4 Cuban cigars in my pocket. @$55,000.00 EACH, that's Enuff for anybody to quit smoking,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,ANYTHING.

[killian25]

Just put them in your suitcase I did it and had no problem

[Cushing985]

When I saw the title of your post, all I could think of was the Seinfeld episode.

 

I know...it was one of my favorites! Anyway, thanks for all of the responses. I've decided not to go for it. I just know I would be sweating bullets and Customs would pull me aside and perform all kinds of indignities on me!:eek:

[iowagirl411]

When do these dogs sniff the self-assist luggage? I've never seen one.

[bigdaddyvoges]

Just do it. No Worries!!! (As long as it is not like 40-50)

[Upandadam]

We are heading up to Canada on the 7th on the beautiful Splendor. One of the guys at work asked if I could smuggle a box of Cubans (cigars not people!). Anyone out there who has tried this?

 

I doubt it's a US customs priority, but if you're worried, just buy a box of Swisher Sweets and put the cubans in there.

[Sherman Oaks]

We are heading up to Canada on the 7th on the beautiful Splendor. One of the guys at work asked if I could smuggle a box of Cubans (cigars not people!). Anyone out there who has tried this?

Just wait until you see the prices... I love a good cigar:D but no way would I pay $40-$75 each. When we got off in Long Beach the just waved us through, no checking or anything, just collected the declaration forms. If you get caught you just bought an agent a nice gift.

[klfrodo]

We are heading up to Canada on the 7th on the beautiful Splendor. One of the guys at work asked if I could smuggle a box of Cubans (cigars not people!). Anyone out there who has tried this?

 

Just My Opinion

 

If it was me and I wanted the cigars and I was aware of the possible penalties (I'm old but I'm still too pretty for prison :eek: ), I might try to smuggle them in.

 

For a friend,,,,, who doesn't have the worries of the possible ramifications,,,, NO WAY

[ginger and professor]

I think Bill Clinton had some ideas on "undercover" hiding of cigars. But I also heard that this gave rise to the Monica syndrome.

[Crusin6]

I carried my cubans, in my hand, through customs in NYC. There is a good cigar shop on the riverwalk in Halifax. I traded FUENTES, which they had a hard time getting, for cubans.

The Splendor is on Pacific Canada not Atlantic Canada