The other side of the Freedom/tobacco story

[bajathree]

Seems like a few details were left out of Hager350's story http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=4819

[retiredgram]

Yes, this has been an interesting story. Will be waiting for future update to see if they get their money refunded in full.

[reallyitsmema]

Originally Posted by bajathree

Seems like a few details were left out of Hager350's story http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=4819

Interesting, there always seemed to be something missing from the beginning.

[bunker1706]

If they are innocent, why hide it in the first place?

[39august]

Hmmm. I feel for them and hope they get their money back from RCI. But, I now know why he was deemed a "high risk" person. If he hadn't tried to hide it in the faux spray can, they probably would have let them board after the test.

[PhoenixCruiser]

Imagine that....it appears a lot of "little" details were missing, not that I'm surprised.

###

[macruisefan]

Hid the tobacco in a hair spray can with a false bottom?

But they thought it was okay?

I'm totally with RCI on this one. It's a judgment call, but they considered them a "risk", and I don't blame them. Stupid enough to try and smuggle tobacco on board, be it legal or not..... I don't want you on my cruise either. Get a life and get a clue...

[CruiseMore1]

Thanks for the link, Steve. Good to read "the rest of the story."

The husband definitely used poor judgment in his packing. I do think RCI should have let them reboard after the testing showed negative. Hope they get a refund.

[knittinggirl]

While it takes up more space in the luggage, I always bring my medicine bottles, and have my vitamins packaged in labeled packets. If they'd brought the tobacco in the original packaging preferably sealed, they probably would have been allowed to board.

[Langley Cruisers]

"But because they were denied boarding for breaching the guest conduct policy, Royal Caribbean's Martinez says they will not receive a refund for the cruise, on which the couple say they spent almost $3,000."


Interesting.

[knittinggirl]

Originally Posted by Langley Cruisers

"But because they were denied boarding for breaching the guest conduct policy, Royal Caribbean's Martinez says they will not receive a refund for the cruise, on which the couple say they spent almost $3,000."


Interesting.

Wondering if travel insurance would pay.

[macruisefan]

Originally Posted by knittinggirl

Wondering if travel insurance would pay.

There's not a policy in the world that is going to compensate someone for being denied boarding for violating policies.

[Cotswold Eagle]

Oh, OK. I defended the OP on the other thread, but things much clearer now. Typical 'dummy run', Captain worried they are going shopping for something in the islands, which they will smuggle back onboard the same way, therefore high risk.

They are getting nothing, with or without a lawyer, I think. Unless the Captain was actually misinformed that the test was positive (but even then I think RCI will ignore the refund request).

[Langley Cruisers]

Originally Posted by Cotswold Eagle

...but things much clearer now. Typical 'dummy run', Captain worried they are going shopping for something in the islands, which they will smuggle back onboard the same way, therefore high risk.

Agree with you, Eagle. Good call.

Wonder if OP will comment in this new thread?

[Rockfordcruiser]

Always the other side.... Just a trial run maybe to see if the item would make it aboard...??

[ksuds]

Funny, she excluded the faux hairspray can in her story to all of CC.

Regardless, it appears that each side is bending the truth a little. RCI states that the tabacco was confiscated and disposed of. The "report" states it was given back.

I'm confused, how did they breach the guest conduct policy. Even though they were sneaky and very suspicious about their tobacco, it was still something that is allowed to be brought on.

[knittinggirl]

Originally Posted by Cotswold Eagle

Oh, OK. I defended the OP on the other thread, but things much clearer now. Typical 'dummy run', Captain worried they are going shopping for something in the islands, which they will smuggle back onboard the same way, therefore high risk.

They are getting nothing, with or without a lawyer, I think.

I thought that too, but was afraid to speak up. I suspect the OP figured he would throw it away if security balked.

Just saying, if you think you can outsmart cruise security, think again. They've probably seen more then any of us could come up with.

[Debde]

Originally Posted by ksuds

I'm confused, how did they breach the guest conduct policy. Even though they were sneaky and very suspicious about their tobacco, it was still something that is allowed to be brought on.

I'm also wondering the same.
If my husband thinks I quit smoking so I get creative and hide a pack and Royal finds it-are we getting thrown off because I hid them???

[pseudoware]

Ok, not the best PAX judgement, but what part of the guest policy was violated? If that's RCI's stand, yes, very interesting...

Sent from my Desire HD using Tapatalk 2

[Langley Cruisers]

Originally Posted by Debde

If my husband thinks I quit smoking so I get creative and hide a pack and Royal finds it-are we getting thrown off because I hid them???

You don't think hiding "a pack" of cigarettes is somewhat different than hiding a baggie of (what may or may not be) tobacco and a pipe?