Just back of Carnival Dream and the alcohol confiscating IS WAY UP!!!

[clearwatergirl]

[quote name='ava_girl_123']Did you read the whole thread..? That is exactly what I said...;)[/quote]

Yes, matter of fact I did, but I don't memorize everyone's post.

[CruisingAmazona]

[quote=ava_girl_123;24388722No one on this board will ever know if I smuggle or not.. None of anyones business..[/quote]

:-) you just did! In my world -- where I spend long hours each day -- you just openly admitted you do. If you didn't, you'd be as vocal and vehemently opposed as the rest of the anti-smugglers!

I smuggle, I just don't share my techniques!

My next cruise is not on Carnival...one of these days I'll decide to hop over to that board......one of these days! Carnival's board is just so much fun I can't stay away!

[BILNAN]

I find this entire thread very interesting. I have been on several cruises, some where I admit that I broke the rule and did smugle on and some where I acted like and adult and did not. The interesting part is that on the cruises that I smugled on I ended up spending way more on my S&S card then the cruises where I did not. The way I see it at least for me is that the cruise line made out on me smugling because I did not think twice about playing bingo where if I did not have a buzz I would never play it. I ended up spending more in the shops and playing more in the casino. But when I did not smugle I was much more careful where I spent my money. Agian this is just me and the way I see it for me is the cruise line always makes out better when I do smugle verses not. We all have to live with ourselves and are actions and I find people throwing the stones never look in there own backyards. Just my 2cents

[ava_girl_123]

[quote name='Jimsedge']Doesn't really matter in my opinion. Length of either is no excuse, just an attempt to justify breaking the rules. In both scenarios:

1) Alcohol is available for purchase.
2) Rules are the same.
3) You don't have to go if you don't like the rules.[/quote]



[B]Why does it tick non-smugglers off so much? Really.. just a question..[/B]
Have you never broken rules in your life? Everyone on this board has,I am sure of that.. Speeding, cut in line, not paid a bill on time because of whatever..
I plan on buying my alcohol from Bon Voyage, again only as it just seems like to much to worry about, but [U]why the heck would I care if the next guy smuggles.. [/U]
This thread has kind of already established lines need on average each passenger to spend approx $750 each to make a profit at the end of a cruise.. Most, not all but most threads that people have started about smuggling say that the bill was still several hundreds of dollars at the end.. I have seen non drinkers post that they have only spent $100, but yet down a smuggler for smuggling booze onto a ship even after they paid a bill of over $700... Is each of us smuggler or not doing their share to make sure these lines don't go under? I for one think that these lines will never sink, billions are spent on cruises each year, so do not misunderstand what I am saying. I am just tired of seeing smugglers put down for not listening to the "rules" because it hurts the cruise industry..

[B][U]I like this saying "He who is without a sin may cast the first stone"..[/U][/B]

[ava_girl_123]

[quote name='clearwatergirl']Yes, matter of fact I did, but I don't memorize everyone's post.[/quote]


Well as you can see I agree with everything you said before you even said it..;)

[ava_girl_123]

[quote name='CruisingAmazona']:-) you just did! In my world -- where I spend long hours each day -- you just openly admitted you do. If you didn't, you'd be as vocal and vehemently opposed as the rest of the anti-smugglers!

I smuggle, I just don't share my techniques!

My next cruise is not on Carnival...one of these days I'll decide to hop over to that board......one of these days! Carnival's board is just so much fun I can't stay away![/quote]


No, dude really, I am not going to.. I am just a "To each his own" type of person.. I don't care what you do, nor should you care what I do unless I am hurting someone... That is just me though..;)

[Jimsedge]

[quote name='vacruisin']Ok, let's say I won't. Let's say all the smugglers and all those that think alcohol prices are too high have decided to not go on anymore cruises. Do you think you'll be able to afford to go on one? Be careful what you ask for. :p

I don't think most of you are thinking before you type. But I'd bet it sure sounds good on paper though! ;)

Let's say hypothetically that smuggling does bring down Carnival's profits some; still I'd bet it would bring the profits down more if all of those smugglers decided not to cruise on Carnival. Drinkers are going to drink and spend money onboard whether they smuggle or not![/quote]


I thought this was Cruise Critic, not Drinkers Critic. My guess is more people on these boards would give up smuggling before they'd give up cruising. Most of the people posting have been on NUMEROUS cruises, so my guess is they love it.

If scamming the system makes you enjoy your cruise more, so be it. My argument is not that you are cheating the cruise line out of income. My argument is that this is the only "event" where people B**** about rules being enforced. Try going on an airplane and saying I have a right to carry on my bottle of rum. I guess I don't understand how people can love cruising so much, but get so worked up about something that is as trivial as this. Would you stop cruising if you were in the situation the OP was in & had your stash confiscated?

[CruisingAmazona]

[quote name='ava_girl_123']I don't care what you do, nor should you care what I do unless I am hurting someone... That is just me though..;)[/quote]

I so totally agree with you!

I need extensive therapy to get me off the Carnival Boards. I'm sure there's a roll-call somewhere on the other board waiting for me, but I'm addicted!

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

[quote name='Vanessa L']And how is it that they haven't noticed this before now????? It's like the electrical guys suddenly woke up and said, "Oh my God...people are plugging stuff in!! Holy crap! We can't have that, it'll fry the whole ship, Jim!!!"

Honest to God this is the most ridiculous subject to come down the pike in ages.[/quote]

"Scotty, I need more power"...

"Captn', I'm given er all she's got."

:D

[Jimsedge]

[quote name='ava_girl_123'][B]Why does it tick non-smugglers off so much? Really.. just a question..[/B]
Have you never broken rules in your life? Everyone on this board has,I am sure of that.. Speeding, cut in line, not paid a bill on time because of whatever..
I plan on buying my alcohol from Bon Voyage, again only as it just seems like to much to worry about, but [U]why the heck would I care if the next guy smuggles.. [/U]
This thread has kind of already established lines need on average each passenger to spend approx $750 each to make a profit at the end of a cruise.. Most, not all but most threads that people have started about smuggling say that the bill was still several hundreds of dollars at the end.. I have seen non drinkers post that they have only spent $100, but yet down a smuggler for smuggling booze onto a ship even after they paid a bill of over $700... Is each of us smuggler or not doing their share to make sure these lines don't go under? I for one think that these lines will never sink, billions are spent on cruises each year, so do not misunderstand what I am saying. I am just tired of seeing smugglers put down for not listening to the "rules" because it hurts the cruise industry..

[B][U]I like this saying "He who is without a sin may cast the first stone"..[/U][/B][/quote]

I'm not saying that I haven't broken rules in the past. I'm saying that if I get caught because I break them, I have no right to complain & neither should anyone here. Do you refuse to drive when you hear there is going to be stepped up enforcement of the seatbelt rule by the police? Do you not fly after liquids were limited in carry on bags?
As I said in my last post, my point isn't about the lost revenues for the cruise line. It's about those that chose a line, know there rules, and then complain when they are enforced. Also it's about those with numerous past cruises who say they love cruising, post on a cruise website & then say they will give up what they love if they can't get their own way.

[ava_girl_123]

[quote name='Jimsedge']I thought this was Cruise Critic, not Drinkers Critic. My guess is more people on these boards would give up smuggling before they'd give up cruising. Most of the people posting have been on NUMEROUS cruises, so my guess is they love it.

If scamming the system makes you enjoy your cruise more, so be it. My argument is not that you are cheating the cruise line out of income. My argument is that this is the only "event" where people B**** about rules being enforced. Try going on an airplane and saying I have a right to carry on my bottle of rum. I guess I don't understand how people can love cruising so much, but get so worked up about something that is as trivial as this. Would you stop cruising if you were in the situation the OP was in & had your stash confiscated?[/quote]



I think it is a matter of how long you spend on a cruise vs a plane.. I see both sides of it, but, I dare not cast judgement on someone for it because I myself is not without sin in my life..
I do agree that those who "Brag" about it on a board like this look ridiculous doing it.. Whatever you have came up with as far as smuggling is concerned, someone else before you has done already.. And, not to mention, the cruise lines have people who I am sure read boards like this.. ;)
Yes, and if you are caught, don't complain, you took the chance, you lost, but most will not stop cruising.. They will try again.. So be it..

[Hondu]

[quote name='Tapi']Any way that you try to justify smuggling alcohol onboard, it still hurts the cruise line's bottom line. [/QUOTE]

Not really! I simply refuse to buy the overpriced drinks. As a social drinker, if I can't smuggle, the 2 allowed bottles in carry-ons will definitely suffice.

[vacruisin]

[quote name='Jimsedge']I thought this was Cruise Critic, not Drinkers Critic. My guess is more people on these boards would give up smuggling before they'd give up cruising. Most of the people posting have been on NUMEROUS cruises, so my guess is they love it.

If scamming the system makes you enjoy your cruise more, so be it. My argument is not that you are cheating the cruise line out of income. My argument is that this is the only "event" where people B**** about rules being enforced. Try going on an airplane and saying I have a right to carry on my bottle of rum. I guess I don't understand how people can love cruising so much, but get so worked up about something that is as trivial as this. Would you stop cruising if you were in the situation the OP was in & had your stash confiscated?[/quote]

I was responding to your saying either follow the rules or don't cruise. If the smugglers decided on the latter and not the former it would impact your cruise rates a lot more than a few bottles of booze being smuggled on! That was my point. Never said I would not cruise anymore. I don't smuggle..I will have a bottle of Crown waiting in my room on my upcoming cruise from the Bon Voyage Dept. However, I don't begrudge the smugglers one bit. I'd bet the average smugglers spends more money onboard than you.

[grneyedgirl]

I think the important thing to remember is that almost everyone has a "rule or guideline" that they can justify breaking. For one person it is smuggling booze, for another person it is wanting to wear their bathing suit in the MDR, for another it is wanting to share a soda card for their family of 4, for another it is wanting to wear shorts on elegant night, etc. etc. etc.

When I get frustrated with people smuggling, I try to remember that the same people I am complaining about are probably complaining about one of the rules that I break (intentionally or unintentionally). :D

Kumbaya...

[onthehighseas606]

[quote name='Vanessa L']

DH and I typically bring a 12 pack of soda, 1 box of wine and 2 other bottles of wine (white if red is in the box). That goes over the allotment by a couple of bottles and is maybe less than some bring on but more than others. [B]If they wouldn't charge $20 for a wine that I can get for $5 then I would not feel the need to bring extra on board. [/B]:rolleyes::p:eek:[/quote]

Exactly my thoughts as well.

[CruisingAmazona]

[quote name='grneyedgirl']Kumbaya...[/quote]

I was a chair-hog and Cruise Critic reformed me from my sinning ways. Maybe one day I will be cured of my smuggling sins! RIGHT! NOT!

BTW, I've been caught.....on NCL, and it was fine with me. It's a risk we take and if caught we have to own up to it. I wasn't freaked out, embarassed, ashamed, only annoyed that I was losing time at that crap. All they wanted from me was an up-front corkage fee and then they sent me on the way!

[dan40]

[quote name='vacruisin']How long is that game? Now, how long is your cruise? :eek:[/quote]

Who FORCED you on the cruise?

[Heirloom]

One thing a large corporation needs to do is make/improve PROFIT.

If smuggling of booze were to continue and/or increase, guess what...
the cabin prices on Carnival......currently a great value.....

will INCREASE !

Us light or non-drinkers wouldn't appreciate that.....so THERE ! Stick to the rules if you must drink large quantities ! (perhaps you'll feel healthier if you cut down ? ).

[Kurbanfan]

[quote name='Heirloom']One thing a large corporation needs to do is make/improve PROFIT.

If smuggling of booze were to continue and/or increase, guess what...
the cabin prices on Carnival......currently a great value.....

will INCREASE !

Us light or non-drinkers wouldn't appreciate that.....so THERE ! Stick to the rules if you must drink large quantities ! (perhaps you'll feel healthier if you cut down ? ).[/quote]

I have been cruising and smuggling since 1999 and the cruise fares have gone only down;)

[Jimsedge]

[quote name='vacruisin']I was responding to your saying either follow the rules or don't cruise. If the smugglers decided on the latter and not the former it would impact your cruise rates a lot more than a few bottles of booze being smuggled on! That was my point. Never said I would not cruise anymore. I don't smuggle..I will have a bottle of Crown waiting in my room on my upcoming cruise from the Bon Voyage Dept. However, I don't begrudge the smugglers one bit. I'd bet the average smugglers spends more money onboard than you.[/quote]

I actually had to look back and see where I said "don't cruise". I meant it as a last resort for those whose vacation would be "ruined" without there stash, but didn't really think anyone on these boards would chose that option. However I can see how you read it.

As far as smugglers spending more than me...maybe. I don't look at it as a competition, I spend what I want when I want. If you read back, I have consistently said my views had nothing to do with the money aspect of this issue.

[ava_girl_123]

[quote name='Jimsedge']I actually had to look back and see where I said "don't cruise". I meant it as a last resort for those whose vacation would be "ruined" without there stash, but didn't really think anyone on these boards would chose that option. However I can see how you read it.

[B]As far as smugglers spending more than me...maybe. I don't look at it as a competition, I spend what I want when I want[/B]. If you read back, I have consistently said my views had nothing to do with the money aspect of this issue.[/quote]



I just think that the smugglers get harsh treatment by some for not "pulling the weight".. Stealing money from the industry and such.. When from what I read, they tend to spend more on a ship then allot of other cruisers..

[lawskool10]

[quote name='Heirloom']One thing a large corporation needs to do is make/improve PROFIT.

If smuggling of booze were to continue and/or increase, guess what...
the cabin prices on Carnival......currently a great value.....

will INCREASE !

Us light or non-drinkers wouldn't appreciate that.....so THERE ! Stick to the rules if you must drink large quantities ! (perhaps you'll feel healthier if you cut down ? ).[/quote]

I'm a light drinker who may smuggle for the first time. I have YET to see any difference in cruise prices. If I had never found this board, I wouldn't have known smuggling was going on. IMO, cruise lines are losing more money on the light and non-drinkers than they are with those that smuggle.

[kelkacric3]

[FONT=Comic Sans MS]If they are trying to catch "Booze Smugglers" why don't they ban cigarettes and make everyone buy those on board as well?[/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS]Just a thought............[/FONT]

[Kurbanfan]

[quote name='kelkacric3'][FONT=Comic Sans MS]If they are trying to catch "Booze Smugglers" why don't they ban cigarettes and make everyone buy those on board as well?[/FONT]
[FONT=Comic Sans MS]Just a thought............[/FONT][/quote]

Actually most smokers do buy them on board.......they are cheaper;)

[kelkacric3]

Hmmmm....See I think I just found a way for Carnival to increase their profits.....;)