Security Screening and Prohibited Items Policy

[travelntreats]

I actually prefer RCI, but that wasn't my point. What I'm saying is for years people have posted about smuggling, asked & given advice on how to do so, bragged that they will do what they want. Others have warned that the cruise lines may be monitoring posts. If they did do this to curtail smuggling, don't you think that some of these postings may have given them a clue as to how prevalent it may be.

 

BTW - RCI is getting a reputation as the toughest on enforcing no booze policy. Not an issue for me, but may be for some who want to switch to avoid search.

Glad to see I am not the only one here thinking on the same lines.....

 

There has to come a point (and I believe it has finally been reached) that the cruiseline says "This is outta control".....Just a bunch of folks here that are now going to whine about being more easily caught than in the past.

 

Changes happen in any business and there will always be those that will balk the changes no matter what you say... here is another prime example of some who resist changes no matter how good or bad..... they will always find fault in the decision makers when it goes against their practices or purchases.

[G'ma]

Host Mach has been in touch with John Heald to get details and hopefully answer some questions.

 

Keep an eye on his "sticky" at the top of the Carnival page.

 

He talked to John today about this and is expecting some further information shortly.

[ib4cruzn]

They told me I couldn't have the hammer

 

No getting hammered on THIS cruise!

 

I know exactly the hammer set you are talking about! I can't imagine what horror you could cause with it though. I suppose you could hit somebody with it. But you'd have to do it several times for them to notice.

[msjennigirl]

HEAR, HEAR! I will NOT have some third-world grunt pawing through my wife and my luggage.

 

Wow- "Third-world grunts," as you call them, make your cruise possible. Why be derogatory about people? Insulting others doesn't make a statement about them; it makes a statement about YOU.

[twinmommy08]

I'm WILL lock my bags with TSA approved locks. If they have a problem they can unlock it with the approved key or I can escort my bags. I WILL not leave my bags unattended.

 

How inconsiderate of the cruise line to "force" people to leave their personal property unguarded. It's bad enough they hold no responsibility if something comes up missing.

 

It ticks me off when TSA agents tell me to unlock my bags before I hand them over. I always tell them their approved locks and never had a problem.

[jas1178]

My 2 cents on this issue:

 

If they want to inspect my bags...so be it. Setup security prior to the porters, and once screened, I'll lock my bags and turn them in.

 

Think this was a poorly thought out policy. With the limited liability for luggage compared to air. If they want to crack down on the booze, go for it...I don't smuggle anything.

[TooFunny]

We've done self disembarkation twice before and it was very easy. I'm thinking this time we'll go the "self embarkation" route.

From the Carnival website: In many ports, guests have the option of carrying luggage on board at embarkation and off the ship at the end of the cruise as long as it does not exceed 24"w x 16"h.

I measured my biggest case which is about as big as the airlines will take and it would fit. We just strap the carry-on bags to a wheely suitcase and away we go.

[grandmato4]

Plain and simple, the motivation behind this is to crack down on booze smuggling. This is what happens when many not only take their entire liquor cabinet with them when cruising but boldly proclaim so on boards like these. It matters not if every single piece of luggage is actually scanned and then searched for suspect items or not the perception is taken by the passengers that with unlocked luggage that will happen, hense much less booze attempted to be smuggled. Searching of some luggage by the cruiseline which will be reported here by cruisers that they had their booze taken away and fewer pasengers will attempt to smuggle.

 

Yes, luggage can be easily broke into by anyone even if locked if they know what they are doing but by removing any locks the risk is far greater of thief. The major problem I see of cruise passengers is that Carnival has almost completely removed their liablity for any thiefs by the language in the contract passengers are required to sign. Change the new policy to one that allows for some type of locking device if one wishes or change the policy whereby CArnival does accept more liability for thiefs and Carnival will win the back to their side those that truly do object because of the increased possibility of thief. Those that are using the thief issue as as cloud to their real issue of impacting their ability to smuggle booze will remain unhappy and have to decide for themselves what they wish to do.

[travelntreats]

Just remember that you will be schleping luggage around with you till the staterooms are available for access.... usually about 1 - 1:30pm

[Kurbanfan]

Plain and simple, the motivation behind this is to crack down on booze smuggling. This is what happens when many not only take their entire liquor cabinet with them when cruising but boldly proclaim so on boards like these. It matters not if every single piece of luggage is actually scanned and then searched for suspect items or not the perception is taken by the passengers that with unlocked luggage that will happen, hense much less booze attempted to be smuggled. Searching of some luggage by the cruiseline which will be reported here by cruisers that they had their booze taken away and fewer pasengers will attempt to smuggle.

 

 

Really? I've never locked up my smuggled booze;)

[hartskys]

Does it matter what kind of locks you have on your suitcase or does it have to be some kind of approved lock and if so where do you find them?

[travelntreats]

doesn't matter what type of locks... they want them UNLOCKED !

[CRUZN CHICK]

What are cable ties? I've never locked my luggage, but now I'm thinking maybe we should do something. We cruise in two weeks.

[steveNcindy]

What are cable ties? I've never locked my luggage, but now I'm thinking maybe we should do something. We cruise in two weeks.

 

[Dspcentury]

Hello Everyone.......

 

I have contacted Carnival's guest relations department about the rules about the unlocked baggage. I had ask them who inspects the luggage at the port and they told me "Homeland Security". When they told me that I had ask since Homeland Security and the TSA are both Federal agencies would they have the keys to unlock the luggage? They could not give me an answer and they told me that I should call back the day before I cruise to get an answer.

 

Now here is the kicker......when I orginally called customer service they wanted me to locate this ruling on their own website..can you imagine?

No one in this place is well informed -only us on cruisecritics!!:D

 

 

David........................:)

[Kurbanfan]

doesn't matter what type of locks... they want them UNLOCKED !

 

 

LOL! Now people that normally don't lock want to lock:rolleyes:

[travelntreats]

lol! Now people that normally don't lock want to lock:rolleyes:

rotflmao !!!

[travelntreats]

What are cable ties? I've never locked my luggage, but now I'm thinking maybe we should do something. We cruise in two weeks.

You never locked luggage before, Cruiseline now wants luggage left UNLOCKED and you want to now start locking your luggage ??? Geeeeesh !:rolleyes:

[Nannersmom]

How much of a background check has been done with the screeners? In order to work as a SECRETARY at the Florida Department of Revenue, I had to pass a criminal background check and a full credit check. (They did not just go by what my credit report said, they called each company to verify my accounts were in EXCELLENT standing -as late payments only show up on reports if they are more than 30 days late) My fingerprints were processed by the FBI. These checks were done prior to being employed and then verified at random times to make sure I was honest. I was just a secretary, I did not handle any monies - I would expect these screeners to have to just as much of a background check and regular random checks. If they don't why should I trust them with my luggage or personal belongings???

On another note, should we discuss the baggage handlers in Miami that were caught placing items into unlock luggage to "ship" to the other baggage handlers in another airport? My bags will be locked...if they want in they can call me to unlock them and search them in my plain view.

[Kurbanfan]

rotflmao !!!

 

LOL! I seriously don't see what the big deal is........too funny!:D

[travelntreats]

Adios Mio..... so many with their stories and defense of locking luggage.... Oy Vay !

[happy cruzin]

If that were the case.........what took them so long:confused::p

 

....and why are they saying that it is for "security reasons" :confused:

[cruiseawaits]

Ok, Mach - you asked for it... :p:D

 

• Porters do not work for the cruise line and Carnival limits baggage responsibility. I am supposed to just hand over unlocked luggage and HOPE that everyone is honest? Even the TSA lets you lock bags as long as the TSA approved locks are used. This allows the TSA in for security checks but helps keep out other roving hands from porters, baggage handlers, ticket agents, etc.
  
• Locks help keep zippers from accidentally coming open
  
• Most thefts are crimes of opportunity with the thief going for an easy target such as an unlocked bag. While I never carry valuables in a checked bag, I would still rather not give a thief that opportunity. It's peace of mind for me.
  
• Requiring the bag to be unlocked allows anyone who feels like it to easily open my bag without my permission. I do realize that I agree in the cruise contract to allow search of my bags but I expect this to be with just cause by the proper authorities - not just anyone who feels like opening my bag because it's unlocked.
  

 

Host Mach,

 

Sailing the Victory on 2/14/10 and "ditto" on the above for me. Please forward this concern to John Heald and, hopefully, he can get the attention of the "powers that be" to rethink this policy. Thank you

[cruise_crazy68]

Well from listening to alot of people here say they will just lock their luggage anyway and have to be called down to inspect their bags. Don't you think this is inconsiderate to other passengers you travel with? If they have to call all these people down to inspect their luggage we will never leave the port.

 

I know I know but read on here....

 

Now that they have CHANGED the policy and told you NOT to lock your luggage they dont have to call you down to inspect anything. They can cut the lock and do as they wish you have already broke one of their policies by locking your luggage and it makes you the same as those of us that take on a bottle of liquor. Carnival technically NEVER had to call you down to inspect your luggage before. They did this as a courtesy to you, the airlines dont always do it.

 

Maybe this is why they changed the policy due to all the people that they had to call down for inspection prior to this.

 

We usually take one bottle of something in our luggage yes I know breaking the rules but we arent wine drinkers so I figured at the time what was 1 litre of liquor compared to the 4 bottles or more of wine your neighbors would get to bring on without hassle. However yes we were still breaking the rules I admit it.

 

I have since called Bon Voyage and my 1 bottle will come from there this trip. DH and I discussed the whole locking luggage issue and decided as many have said it really doesnt keep a thief out. As far as flying open zippers we have decided we can use a bread tie, string or yarn even to stop that from happening.

 

So no harm no foul.

 

We will still have a great cruise and will not stop cruising Carnival over a luggage lock, those that have said they would really have a false sense of security anyway.

 

We cruise Carnival for the ports, prices and due to we can drive to the port of Galveston.

 

Sounds as though many were cruising it for the rules that can be broken, lots of other cruiselines have been thoroughly inspecting luggage for a long time.

 

just my 2 cents and dont spend too much time trying to yell at me its my opinion and no matter what you say this is how I feel.

 

Have a great day!!

[RICKO]

I totally agree with above poster. You all need to read your existing cruise contract. It says Carnival assumes no responsibility for ( carry on luggage ) not checked bags. So if your checked bags are broken into Carnival is responsible. So that in itself gives them the right to look at bags just as they are at Airports. Eveything else in that message is also covered in the current cruise contract. Sorry folks you all are making a Mountain out of a Molehill as usual. My opinion also is that locked bags are like a flashing light for a thief no matter where. If someone wants to steal your stuff they will find a way. You all are only kidding yourselves. Now go ahead and disagree!