Why Bring Your Own Booze?

[luckyprincess]

For us it has NEVER been about the cost of alcohol. In fact I have never thought the drinks were expensive except for the ones in the soveneir glasses. Our local bars and restaurants charge about the same prices. For us it has ALWAYS been about convenience. We like to have an "adult beverage" while getting ready for dinner or just sitting out on our balcony watching the world go by. In the past when it was available we paid the $9 per bottle charge for the convenience of taking it back to our cabin (more revenue for RCCL) but they did away with that. I also paid approximately 3 times the price to have a "gift basket" delivered for our cruise on Mariner with 3 bottles of flavored vodka and then they did away with that. Believe me we order drinks at the pool, in the casino at dinner etc. We always have a substantial seapass bill at the end of the cruise. For us it is all about convenience.

The gift basket idea is nice. If they still did that I would send one to my sis when she cruises for a going away gift. Were you able to bring home the unused stuff or do they not check it on the way out? I think 3 bottles of vodka is overkill, obviously, for 7 nights (even in college I don't think I could do that! lol:D) but I'd love it if they let you send like, one bottle to someone as a gift. Doesn't seem like much of a difference between a wine package and a bottle of hard alcohol. I guess that Smith guy probably ruined it for everyone.:mad:

[Cruise Junky]

We wouldn't be costing the cruise line anything, because we're bringing on what they don't sell....hard liquor by the bottle. I'm not calling room service, and I'm not slogging to a bar when I want a drink in my room. If they sold it by the bottle for staterooms then we could talk about costing them revenue, but not now.

[sgatling7]

we always bring our own. and get juices from room services...i help in the cost otherwise i would cost a fortune. and i want to spend my money on

other things like casino or spa :)

[sgatling7]

also in you fly you cant bring in liquid on plane. but if get a limo service

from airport to take you to crusie ship they will stop you at liquor store

and we then pack it away before boarding. always work for us :p

[sailawayjack]

Hi Folks;

 

This is not a flame at people, nor is it a shot at people. I'm looking for an honest answer.

 

If you break down the cost of a cruise, it is pretty cheap all things considered. Even at say $200 a day for top of the line cabin and amenities, it still includes all of your ship board entertainment, and food. A resort in the Caribbean-a good one- starts at around that or more per day. I just had friends come back from Atlantis and pay 425 a night. This doesn't include food.

 

Now why to people feel a need to take money from the cruise line by bringing thier own booze on board? How much are you really saving? Is it worth the hassle to pack it carefully, worry about security finding it, or worse have your bottle of 12 year old scotch decorate your clothes?

 

Just being curious and looking for answers. I keep going back to something my travel agent told me... If you can't afford to go, come home one day early.

 

Thoughts?

 

:cool:My first cruise I brought 7 bottles of wine and/or champagne with me. I had them in my cabin, and drank them at my leisure. I still bought many drinks, and ordered a bottle of wine every night at dinner. It is nice to sit on your balcony and have a drink when you want to. You can still have wine ordered and delivered to your room, and that is what I do now. I still bring rum runners with Bailey's, vodka and rum for room happy hours, quiet drinks, or whenever I want one without running to some bar.

 

On 12 day Med cruise, it was nice to go to a port and bring back a bottle or two of local wine to sample and enjoy. RCCL used to let us do this. Now, for whatever reason, they do not. My first Carnival cruise in April, I brought two bottles of wine on. I also pre-ordered vodka, rum, and bailey's, delivered to my cabin prior to sailing. If RCCL allowed us to do this, I never would SMUGGLE. Until they do, I will continue to do so:cool:JACK IS SAILING AGAIN

[gin1235]

I prefer to bring my own booze. For me it's about money and convenience. I like having the option to have a drink in my room or at the bar. If I'm saving money on drinks then I'm probably spending it in the shops or elsewhere on the ship. I pack it in my luggage and if they find it so be it.

 

The comment made about "if you don't have enough money to cruise leave a day early" can be true. But if you can cruise one more day and self serve your wants (bringing your own beverages or whatever else you may want)...why not? Whether it's booze, soda or water, etc. I say do what you want and have a great time!!:D

[Ambrosia64]

You can fly with booze, just has to be in packed (tho I'd worry about breakage).

 

We flew into Ft. Laud, went to the liquor store when we got there, transferred to rum runners, and then had the cab stop at the grocery store on way to port for soda and water.

 

also in you fly you cant bring in liquid on plane. but if get a limo service

from airport to take you to crusie ship they will stop you at liquor store

and we then pack it away before boarding. always work for us :p

[RetireeWannabee]

Convenience, mostly. I like to be able to mix a drink when I want a drink, I like knowing that my brand is in stock. The money is secondary as I don't drink THAT much.

[alwayshappytocruise]

Two words of advice my friends.....Rum Runners. Google them. They are wonderful, I have even taken them (filled, natch) in my carry ons without any problem. They are made of a strong plastic with a plastic screw top lid. The plastic doesn't contaminate the taste of the liquid at all. They are awesome for putting wine in because you can squeeze the air out thus keeping your vino fresh.

Lynda

[luckyprincess]

:cool:My first cruise I brought 7 bottles of wine and/or champagne with me. I had them in my cabin, and drank them at my leisure. I still bought many drinks, and ordered a bottle of wine every night at dinner. It is nice to sit on your balcony and have a drink when you want to. You can still have wine ordered and delivered to your room, and that is what I do now. I still bring rum runners with Bailey's, vodka and rum for room happy hours, quiet drinks, or whenever I want one without running to some bar.

 

I hope this doesn't sound snide or with malice or anything, as its not meant to be. I'm just curious and since everyone seems to be posting about it nicely I'll venture to ask a question. I don't care who smuggles, by the way - doesn't bother me! If all they had on board were wines I detested or were priced 10x retail or something I probably would, too!:p But were you on a longer than 7 night cruise with the posting above? If you had a bottle of wine every night with dinner, 7 bottles of wine/champagne in your cabin, and also ordered many drinks throughout that seems like a healthy bit of alcohol. That's 14 bottles of wine/champagne plus other alcohol. Either I'm a total lightweight (possibly :p) or I'm a cheapskate :D but I did the three wine bottle package and maybe 5 mixed frou frou drinks on a 6 night cruise and thought that was a lot! Lol :p

[jmezmom]

Doug.........you are a man after my own heart! I used to purchase several bottles of different liquors onboard, to be able to have friends in to our cabin for a cocktail at sailaway, or just enjoy great companionship.

 

We are D+ and always sail in a full suite........so we have access to the concierge lounge.....or the alternate........so we have free liquor anytime after 5 PM that we choose...........oh, yea...up till 8 or 8:30 PM, depending on the late dinner hour.

 

Why do I continue to have liquor in my cabin? To be able to offer someone a drink, which is the social thing to do........still in this day and age.

 

No one has ever been kicked off.........or not been allowed to board...because they have liquor with them........that I'm aware of!

 

The day that it's taken from me......is the day that I say "good bye" to RCCL!

 

Rick

 

Rick,

 

I have read many of your posts and find you very knowledgeable about RCI and its policies but.......don't you think that posting so often about breaking the rules and how to do it helps RCI confiscate more alcohol?

 

Posting about taking cash from the casino to earn double points caused a change in those policies.

 

Abusing the CL has caused a change in those policies.

 

People need to learn to keep their activities to themselves to allow us all to continue to enjoy the loopholes.

 

You in particular seem to brag alot about alcohol smuggling and upgrades.....many posts give people a bad impression of us plussers....just chill and do your thing and try not to broadcast it so much....and you won't ever have to worry about RCI taking anything from you.

 

Sorry if this seems harsh but I say what I mean and mean what I say. I worked hard for my benefits and don't want to lose them to any loose lipped posters.

[Turtle Girls]

Are you able to purchase a full bottle of liquor from room service? I'm trying to get info for my upcoming FOS cruise. Also, why would I smuggle- I would like to have a cocktail while the kids are napping and I can't leave the room!

[stones902]

Hi Folks;

 

This is not a flame at people, nor is it a shot at people. I'm looking for an honest answer.

 

If you break down the cost of a cruise, it is pretty cheap all things considered. Even at say $200 a day for top of the line cabin and amenities, it still includes all of your ship board entertainment, and food. A resort in the Caribbean-a good one- starts at around that or more per day. I just had friends come back from Atlantis and pay 425 a night. This doesn't include food.

 

Now why to people feel a need to take money from the cruise line by bringing thier own booze on board? How much are you really saving? Is it worth the hassle to pack it carefully, worry about security finding it, or worse have your bottle of 12 year old scotch decorate your clothes?

 

Just being curious and looking for answers. I keep going back to something my travel agent told me... If you can't afford to go, come home one day early.

 

Thoughts?

 

I haven't read all the posts on this thread but here's my best answer.....

 

Back in the mid '80's and even well into the '90's when we cruised, it was commonplace to purchase beer and liquor in port and even at the duty free shops in the cruise terminal building to carry on board the ship. This was a common practice and it was not necessary in any way to sneak any of these purchases past security.

 

Within the past couple of years, RCL and other lines changed their policy to prohibit bringing alcohol on the ship. Everyone has their own opinion why - I am sure there are many valid reasons - but IMHO the main reason is to increase their receipts. RCL and other lines after all are businesses and doing this to make as much profit as possible. Given that their fares have not appreciably increased over the years they have pressure to make profit elseware...namely specialty restaurants, photos, excursions, casino and of course booze sales.

 

The problem comes in when something is now prohibited that was previously allowed. People get used to being allowed to bring liquor on board with them and resent it when they are told it is no longer possible.

 

This is the best answer that I can provide. I'll also add that I have been a booze smuggler myself.

[Ambrosia64]

No you can not.

 

Are you able to purchase a full bottle of liquor from room service? I'm trying to get info for my upcoming FOS cruise. Also, why would I smuggle- I would like to have a cocktail while the kids are napping and I can't leave the room!

[marci22]

I think they should allow a minimum of one bottle of wine or champagne per adult to be brought onboard. That can't possibly detract from their bottom line, and when people are drunk they spend more money anyway.

 

Listen to me Richard and Adam!

[critterchick]

I don't think anyone would deny them a profit. However, if as someone earlier posted a £6.50 bottle of wine is £33 onboard then that is a huge mark up, and one that cannot be explained away as a fair/reasonable profit margin, even allowing for overheads.

 

I was talking in dollars, not pounds.:) And as I said, it's the lower end wines where the markup is, to me, unconscionable. So I pay more for a better deal (and IMHO much better wines).

 

There are several on that list I can get locally for under $10.00 and they have $40+ prices on them. My husband bought them and enjoyed them Its just a shame RC feels they have to gouge the customer.

 

I agree.

 

I don't smuggle alcohol because I'm pretty much a wine drinker, and I can get the package on board. I don't really care about the mark ups because its about the same in any good restaurant here. I wouldn't think to compare the price of a bottle in a retail wine shop to the same bottle at a restaurant - of course there will be mark ups. I'm not going to bring in my own risotto either, even though I can get it for less!:D I just see that as a price of vacation. Then again, I don't really drink enough to get upset by it.

 

I compare what I see in a restaurant to what I see in a store, too. I've always believed that a fair markup is 2-3 retail, so if I know that the markup is more than 3x retail, I won't order it. And plenty of land restaurants overcharge at the lower end - I saw a wine list for a restaurant in Long Beach (the Daily Grill) that charges MORE for La Terrible than RCI does.:eek: Then again, I've never seen that brand in the market, so perhaps they sell wholesale only.

[critterchick]

I haven't read all the posts on this thread but here's my best answer.....

 

Back in the mid '80's and even well into the '90's when we cruised, it was commonplace to purchase beer and liquor in port and even at the duty free shops in the cruise terminal building to carry on board the ship. This was a common practice and it was not necessary in any way to sneak any of these purchases past security.

 

Within the past couple of years, RCL and other lines changed their policy to prohibit bringing alcohol on the ship. Everyone has their own opinion why - I am sure there are many valid reasons - but IMHO the main reason is to increase their receipts. RCL and other lines after all are businesses and doing this to make as much profit as possible. Given that their fares have not appreciably increased over the years they have pressure to make profit elseware...namely specialty restaurants, photos, excursions, casino and of course booze sales.

 

The problem comes in when something is now prohibited that was previously allowed. People get used to being allowed to bring liquor on board with them and resent it when they are told it is no longer possible.

 

This is the best answer that I can provide. I'll also add that I have been a booze smuggler myself.

 

Other lines, including RCI's sisters Celebrity and Azamara, at least allow people to bring wine and champagne onboard. X and AZ limit it to 2 bottles per cabin (easily circumvented) but Princess, HAL, etc. allow unlimited amounts to be brought onboard.

 

I think they should allow a minimum of one bottle of wine or champagne per adult to be brought onboard. That can't possibly detract from their bottom line, and when people are drunk they spend more money anyway.

 

Listen to me Richard and Adam!

 

And go with the X and AZ policies!

[yogimax]

For us it has ALWAYS been about convenience.

 

I know I'll get flamed for this but I find it hard to believe the "convenience" justification given by many.

 

It seems to me that the whole process of smuggling is totally inconvenient!

 

If you're flying - it's extra weight, less luggage space, worrying about the possibilty of breakage, extra wrapping, buying special bottles, worrying about being discovered, etc., etc..

 

Just seems that smuggling booze is one of the least convenient activities there is.

[RetireeWannabee]

Sure drink prices can be reduced, and then cruise prices would raise, we cannot have it both ways.

I disagree. This is not cause and effect.

 

There are plenty of amenities that could suddenly become pay for use. Dining arrangements could become a cafeteria plan of "benefits".

 

My point is that revenue and expenses are not completely dependent on alcohol. Yes, it is a major profit center for them, but it's not as tho they are without other revenue generators.

 

But suddenly I find myself interested in the history of drink pricing. Have they been roughly the same for 10 years or have they creeped up like everything else in life?

[stones902]

But suddenly I find myself interested in the history of drink pricing. Have they been roughly the same for 10 years or have they creeped up like everything else in life?

 

Drink prices have risen over the years. I recall purchasing a can of Miller Lite on board for $2 on the old Nordic Empress. Frozen "foo foo" type drinks have risen more.

 

Another change is that you used to be able to purchase full bottles of spirits from room service (and pay a premium room service charge for same). That practice has also been dropped.

[stones902]

I know I'll get flamed for this but I find it hard to believe the "convenience" justification given by many.

 

It seems to me that the whole process of smuggling is totally inconvenient!

 

If you're flying - it's extra weight, less luggage space, worrying about the possibilty of breakage, extra wrapping, buying special bottles, worrying about being discovered, etc., etc..

 

Just seems that smuggling booze is one of the least convenient activities there is.

 

Some of us purchase from a local establishment during our pre-cruise stay but otherwise your point is well taken.

[Ambrosia64]

Just because you find it an inconvenience doesn't mean others do.

 

We flew in last trip, stopped at the liquor store on our way back from dinner, filled rum runners in hotel room, threw them in suitcase - this is no more hassle than anyone else picking up things before boarding. No hassle, no trouble, no inconvenience. We weren't worried at all about being caught - no stress there. Rum runners were very inexpensive, are reusable (we're being green lol!), can be used when we motorcycle tour, were very convenient for pre-dinner drinks or nightcaps on our balcony, and we saved money too.

 

 

 

I know I'll get flamed for this but I find it hard to believe the "convenience" justification given by many.

 

It seems to me that the whole process of smuggling is totally inconvenient!

 

If you're flying - it's extra weight, less luggage space, worrying about the possibilty of breakage, extra wrapping, buying special bottles, worrying about being discovered, etc., etc..

 

Just seems that smuggling booze is one of the least convenient activities there is.

[xpcdoojk]

Are you able to purchase a full bottle of liquor from room service? I'm trying to get info for my upcoming FOS cruise. Also, why would I smuggle- I would like to have a cocktail while the kids are napping and I can't leave the room!

 

Nope, no full bottles are sold of alcohol. Only wine or beer.

 

jc

[Ladylouwho]

I am of the thought process that alcohol in the room leads to higher bar tabs. If you have a few drinks before you go out, then have one at the bar, you are more likely to be a little more "loose" with your spending and that $12 martini doesn't seem so bad because you are having a good time. If you have to spend that on your first drink, you still may have the judgment to hold back and not order a second.

 

Not to mention the $$$ one might leave behind in the casino, lol!

 

Colleen

[luckyprincess]

 

 

I compare what I see in a restaurant to what I see in a store, too. I've always believed that a fair markup is 2-3 retail, so if I know that the markup is more than 3x retail, I won't order it. And plenty of land restaurants overcharge at the lower end - I saw a wine list for a restaurant in Long Beach (the Daily Grill) that charges MORE for La Terrible than RCI does.:eek: Then again, I've never seen that brand in the market, so perhaps they sell wholesale only.

Hmmmm.....maybe because I was in hospitality for so long I just never really thought much about the mark up. It's common for them to do a 200% mark up on wines, usually. At least around here.. Wow - I've never seen RCCL's house brand out either - it's got to be wholesale, like you said.:)