My 1st Trip to the "Naughty" Room--FOS

Just off the FOS (3/11/12) and thought I'd share my first trip to the Naughty Room. Although we were onboard my 11:15 am, our luggage arrived much later than we have experienced before. Don't think it was a security problem, no one on our hallway received it for hours. When it finally arrived we noticed one small duffel bag missing. The same for friends travelling with us and in cabin beside ours. Our cabin attendant phoned me and explained security had my bag and I was the only one who could open it. Not real concerned because there was no alcohol in that bag, but water bottles (2) and a 12-pack of Diet Cokes. Another small bag was delivered to our room with 3 water bottles and a 12-pack of soda inside.

I went to Deck 1 (as told) and there was luggage everywhere! Down hallways, under stairs, etc. Some people were very irate and yelling. I went to one of the tables set up (1 screaming man there already and another man came in behind me in good humor) and was escorted by security to the various areas to find my bag. Immediately, the security guy said to me, "We have found alcohol in your bag." I told him there was no alcohol in my bag (I almost said there is no alcohol in that bag.) He asked if there were liquids in that bag and I replied yes--water bottles and soda cans. I opened the bag, handed him the 2 water bottles, he checked the cap seal, and handed them back to me. He was not interested in the soda carton (in plain sight) nor the toiletries bags. I zipped everything up and headed to the elevators.

While waiting for the elevator, there were other security personnel having passengers open their bags. I observed rum runners being taken. I wondered if something else triggered the bag being held. Thought rum runners were undetectable. Also witnessed someone's 6-pack of water being taken. This man had a different uniform than the other security personnel--ship's officer??? The woman was mad and yelling "I always bring a few bottles of water on." The man looked at me and asked "Did you have liquids?" I politely replied, "Yes, two water bottles." He then said in a very stern and loud voice, "Did they take them?" And I politely lied and said yes. It wasn't so much that I had to have those 2 water bottles. I didn't want to get the security guy with me in trouble. I then knocked down two people to get on the elevator. (Not really)

Two others on the elevator with me--a young lady who had 3 bottles of wine confiscated (to be returned at the end of cruise) and the gentleman that came in behind me while waiting at the table initially. He said he still had 9 bottles of champagne in his suitcase. When asked how he managed that, he said I saw my suitcase and I just took it. I think what he did was follow me and my security escort as if he were with me. Then he just took his bag as if it had already been searched. He was always near me in the area and no one was in the area without a security person. Smart guy!

When I returned to our cabin, I had a recorded message on the phone saying that they had found alcohol in my luggage. My friend in the next cabin still did not have his bag. After dinner we went back to the naughty room. The first thing said to him was "We have found alcohol in your luggage." He replied politely, "No, sir, there are water bottles, but there is no alcohol." They examined the shrink-wrapped 6-pack of water, handed it back, and let us go.

I think security's stating we have found alcohol is a tactic and I guess they think a person will say Yes, yes, and I'm so sorry. My advice is if you are carrying rum runners, don't put anything else that may be suspicious in the same bag.

Overall, going to the Naughty Room, was no big deal, just a shipboard experience. Be polite--they are just doing their job. No use starting your vacation being upset. If you smuggle (and I knew that water and sodas were not allowed), be aware that they may be taken. BTW, the Frozen Lemonade w/ vodka drink is absolutely delicious. I had one just about every day. Also the On-Air Bar had BOGO Margaritas every day between 4:30-7:30. We also took advantage of that offrer many times. Two drinks for $7.15 (including their gratuity) was a deal.

I'm still confused about the water/soda situation. Does RC allow you to bring on water/soda or not? It sounds like you were able to while others were not?

Interesting post, thanks for sharing.

I'm still confused about the water/soda situation. Does RC allow you to bring on water/soda or not? It sounds like you were able to while others were not?

Officially, you are not allowed to take alcohol, water, soda onboard--stated in their policy.

But in most ports passengers have brought water and soda (in reasonable amounts) on board with no problem. I personally have taken a 12-pack of soda on in Ft Lauderdale several times. And in Port Canaveral, one bag that had identical items in it was delivered to room and one not.

Most passengers who were opening their luggage for security had water and soda returned (liquor & wine held), but this one guy was taking it.

RCI states that NO beverages of ANY KIND are allowed....however, they do seem to be very inconsistant with water and/or soda. They reserve the right to take any beverages they find.

I'm still confused about the water/soda situation. Does RC allow you to bring on water/soda or not? It sounds like you were able to while others were not?

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/customersupport/faq/details.do?pagename=frequently_asked_questions&pnav=5&pnav=2&faqSubjectName=Comida+e+bebida&faqId=260&faqSubjectId=336&faqType=faq

technically no...however in the second paragraph they say, to paraphrase, if we find ALCOHOL it will be tossed...nothing about soda/water...though the 1st paragraph says no alcohol/non alcoholic bevs

Just a thought...Maybe they are being a bit more careful this month with the college spring breakers...So, I plan on doing what we do...bring a case of water with a luggage tag on it..if it gets taken away, oh well, its only 5 bucks, but if you get to keep it...score! Just my take...5 days til liberty!!

Thank you for posting this information for us! And a good reminder not to pack rum runners with bottled water or soda!

How did you smuggle your alcohol on board then? You said that you "almost said there was no alcohol in that bag"?

I usually put mine with my snorkel gear - it's all plastic and blends in well with the flippers ;)

Thank you for posting this information for us! And a good reminder not to pack rum runners with bottled water or soda!

 

How did you smuggle your alcohol on board then? You said that you "almost said there was no alcohol in that bag"?

 

I usually put mine with my snorkel gear - it's all plastic and blends in well with the flippers ;)

Rum runner inside a wet suit. No other bottles or liquids in dive bag.

Rum runner inside a wet suit. No other bottles or liquids in dive bag.

Thanks - looks like we are thinking along the same lines :cool:

I'm guessing that just like in the real world where cops have better things to do than write tickets to everyone they stop, security has better things to do than seize every water bottle they see. I'll bet attitude goes a long way in that decision...but then again, there's always that one guy who would seize his grandmother's prune juice.:rolleyes:

My only experience with the Naughty room was on Celebrity. I brought a case of water (the desalinated water on the ships makes me bloat) and two bottles of wine (which are allowed on Celebrity). The steward was the nicest man, he went downstairs with me, waited and then helped me carry the bag up to the cabin. They had me open the bag and once they saw the water, they said I could go. Can you imagine someone bringing a case of water bottles that weren't really water? A case???:eek::eek: Anyway, just thought I'd share.

Perhaps RCI says “No water or soda”, so they can just confiscate the water or soda if they are suspicious that it might contain alcohol.

If they think the water or soda might be tainted, they might just confiscate it as water or soda without having to prove there was alcohol.

If they think it is really just water or soda they won’t enforce the no water or soda rule.

Perhaps RCI says “No water or soda”, so they can just confiscate the water or soda if they are suspicious that it might contain alcohol.

If they think the water or soda might be tainted, they might just confiscate it as water or soda without having to prove there was alcohol.

If they think it is really just water or soda they won’t enforce the no water or soda rule.

That makes a lot of sense. Great point!

Sailing Friday on the NOS.....:)

Any freedback on carryring on a 6-8 pack of water??? (besides the hassle of lugging it.)

I may pick it up on the way to the pier..will have in plastic bag from where ever..

Thanks

That's the best naughty room story I've here yet - thanks for sharing!

Good to see that RCI is cracking down on smuggling.

I'm sure they also appreciate knowing that many pax stow their smuggled alcohol with their scuba gear.

I think security's stating we have found alcohol is a tactic and I guess they think a person will say Yes, yes, and I'm so sorry.

Definitely a tactic. Common one too. When suspecting something make a bold accusation that either requires an admission or an equally bold denial. Most guilty persons will find the prospect of later being proven lying less acceptable than admitting to it. A good security person will usually sniff out a false denial (things like body language, flushing, facial twitches or pupil change in eyes) and even if they don't and the person gets caught in the lie they have a defnite power position when a person has not cooperated with the authority. I believe there is wording in the section on Guest Conduct about "deliberately concealing" banned items and enhanced consequences. Sort of - if you don't hide it and admit to it it just gets confiscated but if you hide it and lie about it we can threaten to deny boarding - which is odd since you are already onboard at that point.

Last cruise one bag did not show up until 9pm. I had decided not to call about it until we had sailed. Then it just showed up. Never knew if I was supposed to have gone to "the room" and they maybe just gave up waiting for me.

can someone please explain to me why there is so much effort taken to sneak beverages on board? I mean is the bottle water or coke that serious? I could maybe see liquor if you're a huge drinker.

Sailing Friday on the NOS.....:)

 

 

Any freedback on carryring on a 6-8 pack of water??? (besides the hassle of lugging it.)

 

 

I may pick it up on the way to the pier..will have in plastic bag from where ever..

 

 

Thanks

As others have said, the rule is there so they don't get bogged down checking every last bag for booze. No liquids means theoretically they shouldn't have to check so many bags.

But many of us have brought water on board; the best way is to buy a case that is shrink wrapped all together in plastic. One quick look on xray and its obvious they are all wrapped together and that will tell them it has not likely been tampered with, and they can send your bag on its way. We've never had a problem with a small 12 pack of water bottles in our checked bags. Never been called to the naughty room ever.

can someone please explain to me why there is so much effort taken to sneak beverages on board? I mean is the bottle water or coke that serious? I could maybe see liquor if you're a huge drinker.

Some people have very specific sodas they like that aren't available on board.

We bring 12 water bottles so we have 2 to bring into each port with us and avoid having to fill a refillable bottle ( which we use at home) in one of two unsanitary ways- from our sink ( hmmm, did the last occupant have Noro?) or at the beverage station ( putting our bottles up to the filler is not sanitary for others and filling them with glasses of water is just unwieldy and time consuming.)

Carrying out 2 bottles for oursleves is much easier and we leave the partial or empty bottle in port as its not allowed back on board opened. When on board we buy whatever beverages we need or drink the free ones.

I should add we always have the steward leave ice because the melted remains of this make the perfect ice cold glass of water once we get back on board!

Deck #1? Before the ship got underway or after.

I'm gonna have to wander down there and see this circus for myself. Sounds entertaining.

Anyone stops me I'm just wandering checking out the ship and got lost.

can someone please explain to me why there is so much effort taken to sneak beverages on board? I mean is the bottle water or coke that serious? I could maybe see liquor if you're a huge drinker.

As I mentioned, I am sensitive to the desalinated water (wasn't when I was younger - oh, well) and I drink 3-4 bottles of water a day. at $2.50 a pop, that's $10 a day to drink water. That's why I bring it, not sneak it on. Others have preferences for sodas that are not carried by the cruise line (e.g. diet root beer, etc).

As others have said, the rule is there so they don't get bogged down checking every last bag for booze. No liquids means theoretically they shouldn't have to check so many bags.

But many of us have brought water on board; the best way is to buy a case that is shrink wrapped all together in plastic. One quick look on xray and its obvious they are all wrapped together and that will tell them it has not likely been tampered with, and they can send your bag on its way.

We've never had a problem with a small 12 pack of water bottles in our checked bags. Never been called to the naughty room ever.

And I was a virgin before this first time also.

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And I was a virgin before this first time also.

We dont cruise during spring break, I think they are on high alert code red around this time of year!:eek: