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

[snownyet]

[quote name='SUGARCREEK45']Its not like Carnival doesn't make enough money. Who cares if someone is smuggling booze. If carnival doesn't want people sneeking booze on onbroad they shouldn't charge $5 a beer or $8 a drink. I mean come on the price carnival pays for a case of beer is like $20 because they buy in bulk, do the math 24 cans X $5 = $120 so they make $100 on each case of of beer, So dont say that it hurts there revenue because that's BULL.[/quote]


Every company has revenue goals, people with your mindset will just cause the costs of cruise fares and other items to go up to reach those goals. With increasing fuel and commodity costs, the cruiselines need to take every measure possible to keep costs down.

[ava_girl_123]

For all of you seasoned cruisers out there, and I mean really seasoned, 10+ cruises at least..Have you found that cruises have went up in price over the last 15+years, or have they went down in price? Maybe stayed the same?

[Kurbanfan]

[quote name='ava_girl_123']For all of you seasoned cruisers out there, and I mean really seasoned, 10+ cruises at least..Have you found that cruises have went up in price over the last 15+years, or have they went down in price? Maybe stayed the same?[/quote]

They have gone down........

[cruiser0807]

[quote name='Tapi']I know that many will disagree with me, but I'm actually happy that Carnival (and other cruise lines) are finally enforcing this rule.

Smuggling alcohol onboard means less revenue for the cruise line. Less revenue means spreading the cost among all passengers. So the passengers that DO follow the rules end up indirectly paying the tab of those trying to save a buck.[/quote]


I don't know why so many people automatically assume that smuggling equals less revenue for the cruise line. When I smuggle onboard, I still always drum up a sizable bar tab, and often I buy drinks from the bar when I'm already intoxicated from the booze I smuggled and therefore less appalled by the high drink prices. However, if my stuff were to get confiscated at check-in, I more than likely would be too pissed off to buy ANYTHING from the cruise line, little alone outrageously priced drinks. I may be alone in these circumstances, but I highly doubt it. And by the way, exactly what cost are you talking about that's being spread among the passengers? If you mean cruise fare, I haven't noticed any giant increase in that lately, so I'm not sure what you're talking about.

[albether7]

[quote name='snownyet']Every company has revenue goals, people with your mindset just cause the costs of cruise fares and other items to go up to reach those goals. This in turn has a negative effect on all the "honest" people cruising. Call it bull if you want, I'll call it theft.[/quote]

Al here,

Look, try cruising NCL and you'll find they're serious about confiscating all alcohol, and follow thru with the letter of the law to maintain budgeted non-booking revenue.

The spiriit of the law matches the letter of the law.

CCL by its inconsistant handling of this issue shows they have tolerance for a limited degree of smuggling.

How many drive 8-10 mph over the posted speed limit because the authorities have decided that that is the tolerated speed limit range, superceding and interpreting the law of the posted speed limit.

[Jimsedge]

[quote name='cruiser0807']I don't know why so many people automatically assume that smuggling equals less revenue for the cruise line. When I smuggle onboard, I still always drum up a sizable bar tab, and often I buy drinks from the bar when I'm already intoxicated from the booze I smuggled and therefore less appalled by the high drink prices. [B][COLOR=red]However, if my stuff were to get confiscated at check-in, I more than likely would be too pissed off to buy ANYTHING from the cruise line, little alone outrageously priced drinks[/COLOR].[/B] I may be alone in these circumstances, but I highly doubt it. And by the way, exactly what cost are you talking about that's being spread among the passengers? If you mean cruise fare, I haven't noticed any giant increase in that lately, so I'm not sure what you're talking about.[/quote]

This was the point I was trying to make, not the loss of revenues. You knew the rules when you booked, you chose to break the rules and then you get pissed when the cruise line does exactly what they said they would do and confiscate your booze. I like the response to my previous post much more where the poster said if the confiscate it I won't get mad, I knew I was taking that chance. Do be pissed if they say they are going to do something and actually do it.

[80sramfan]

[quote name='Sherman793']Just an FYI, my husband and I are not normally booze smugglers, in fact we have never bothered. This is our sixth cruise and we have never carried on more than allowed of anything. However my son and his girlfriend are not well off at the moment so they wanted to carry on beer. They asked us to put a case in our luggage so we went ahead and split it between my husbands luggage and mine. He also had a case is his in a container. Ours was loose in large plastic bags. We embarked around 11:30 so we were among the first on board. They got mine and my sons right away out of our luggage and left us a note that it would be redelived to our room on the last day of the cruise, which they did. My husband unfortunately locked his bag so he had to do the walk of shame down to the baggage area and unlock his bag to get it out. I was pretty mortified for him. :eek: For some reason my sons girlfriends plastic bottle of Jack Daniels that was in his bag also was left. I guess they just saw the beer and pulled that out.

Needless to say I will never be bothered to do this again no matter what I am asked. Having to drag all that back off the ship including all our stuff we bought was no fun. Cheating never pays!!!:)[/quote]

this is great to here.

[dan40]

[quote name='ava_girl_123']For all of you seasoned cruisers out there, and I mean really seasoned, 10+ cruises at least..Have you found that cruises have went up in price over the last 15+years, or have they went down in price? Maybe stayed the same?[/quote]


Cruise prices have constantly gone down. Booze prices aboard and smuggling have little to do with this. 40 years ago a ship with 700 pax was HUGE. Now they can pack over 3000 on a ship for a similar fuel cost, as propulsion technologies have improved dramatically in the same period. Its called "the economy of scale!"

They also found that sailing full was a highly important goal. So fares drop to be replaced by on board sales. Booze prices have increased, big surprise, so has everything, everywhere. Those who say the cruiseline is ripping them off with on board booze prices, simply must not get out much. The bar prices are the same or less than similar on land lounges. On board alcohol sales are simply part of a package. Photos sales are big, Casinos takes are big, Bingo takes are big, Souvenir sales are big, Excursion sales are HUGE.

I could go to a bar here in town and drink bottled beer for $2,2.50 a bottle. Probably won't be the cleanest place in town. Someone might try to steal my change, someone might want to pick a fight, and some piss-smelling wino might want to bend my ear about the strange things in his head.

OR

I can go to a decent place and get a bottle of beer for $3.50-$4.50 a bottle. Talk to regular people that have recently bathed.

OR

I could have a beer at any of our numerous beachside bars or hotel lounges, and pay $6.00 to $10.00 a bottle.

Booze prices are no excuse for smuggling. There IS no excuse for one violating one's own word. NONE

[scchasgal]

[quote name='ava_girl_123']For all of you seasoned cruisers out there, and I mean really seasoned, 10+ cruises at least..Have you found that cruises have went up in price over the last 15+years, or have they went down in price? Maybe stayed the same?[/quote]

My first cruise on Carnival in the early 90's was inside (1A equivalent with 1 upper and 1 lower) for 889 per person before taxes on a seven day cruise. They have definitely gone down.

[Kurbanfan]

[quote name='dan40']Cruise prices have constantly gone down. Booze prices aboard and smuggling have little to do with this. 40 years ago a ship with 700 pax was HUGE. Now they can pack over 3000 on a ship for a similar fuel cost, as propulsion technologies have improved dramatically in the same period. Its called "the economy of scale!"

They also found that sailing full was a highly important goal. So fares drop to be replaced by on board sales. Booze prices have increased, big surprise, so has everything, everywhere. Those who say the cruiseline is ripping them off with on board booze prices, simply must not get out much. The bar prices are the same or less than similar on land lounges. On board alcohol sales are simply part of a package. Photos sales are big, Casinos takes are big, Bingo takes are big, Souvenir sales are big, Excursion sales are HUGE.

I could go to a bar here in town and drink bottled beer for $2,2.50 a bottle. Probably won't be the cleanest place in town. Someone might try to steal my change, someone might want to pick a fight, and some piss-smelling wino might want to bend my ear about the strange things in his head.

OR

I can go to a decent place and get a bottle of beer for $3.50-$4.50 a bottle. Talk to regular people that have recently bathed.

OR

I could have a beer at any of our numerous beachside bars or hotel lounges, and pay $6.00 to $10.00 a bottle.

Booze prices are no excuse for smuggling. There IS no excuse for one violating one's own word. NONE[/quote]

I have no problem paying for alcohol while in a bar:D

[dan40]

[quote name='Kurbanfan']I have no problem paying for alcohol while in a bar:D[/quote]

Kurb,
I believe you.

But 9 of 10 smugglers mix drinks in their rooms to avoid the bar prices. They carry their "Bubba Jugs" with their smuggled booze in them all over the ship and think they're 'getting over.' All they're doing is making themselves "small!"

[lawskool10]

[quote name='Kurbanfan']I have no problem paying for alcohol while in a bar:D[/quote]

Me either. In fact, I've been know to buy $10 drinks. The price per drink won't be the reason I smuggle.

I wonder if people would be less inclined to smuggle if pax were able to buy the duty free stuff and consumer in their rooms.

I think the BV prices are high. I can understand a bit of a mark-up, but BV is WAY more than a bit.

IF I decide to smuggle, it will be with liquor purchased from Carnival on previous cruises. If it's taken, it won't be a big deal.

[dane225]

[quote name='ava_girl_123']For all of you seasoned cruisers out there, and I mean really seasoned, 10+ cruises at least..Have you found that cruises have went up in price over the last 15+years, or have they went down in price? Maybe stayed the same?[/quote]
The prices have definately come down in the past years. I have been cruising since 1978 and the prices are much cheaper now!!

[ava_girl_123]

[quote name='dan40']Kurb,
I believe you.

But 9 of 10 smugglers mix drinks in their rooms to avoid the bar prices. They carry their "Bubba Jugs" with their smuggled booze in them all over the ship and think they're 'getting over.' All they're doing is making themselves "small!"[/quote]



Bubba Jugs.. Lol..

If I smuggled I would not drink it out of a Bubba-Jug.. I will drink it out of the ships mugs that you can buy.. ;) BV is the way to go for me.. :D
I don't think 9 out of 10 do.. I have seen a ton of posters say that Carnival just does not have what they drink.. That is reason enough to some..
Again, to each his own.. (Shrugs shoulders)... Who cares..

[aspenchase66]

[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]

that is the same BS they say about making restaurants non-smoking.

In many cities near and around Dallas, the smokers threatened to stop going out to eat, and the industry would be crushed.
What happened was the entire business grew AFTER the smoking bans went into place and IN SPITE OF the econimic situation overthe last 2 years.

I put smokers in the same catagory as heavy drinkers and parents with un-ruly children. They should all be banner and shunned away.

[ava_girl_123]

[quote name='aspenchase66']that is the same BS they say about making restaurants non-smoking.

In many cities near and around Dallas, the smokers threatened to stop going out to eat, and the industry would be crushed.
What happened was the entire business grew AFTER the smoking bans went into place and IN SPITE OF the econimic situation overthe last 2 years.

I put smokers in the same catagory as heavy drinkers and parents with un-ruly children. They should all be banner and shunned away.[/quote]

Smoker
Some-what of a heavy drinker when I do drink
Un-Ruly children

I have all 3 ..... :cool:

Not a nice statement though...Your picture is upside down you non-smoking, light drinking, childless, or child having person with angels as children..

[aspenchase66]

[quote name='ava_girl_123']Smoker
Some-what of a heavy drinker when I do drink
Un-Ruly children

I have all 3 ..... :cool:

Not a nice statement though...Your picture is upside down you non-smoking, light drinking, childless, or child having person with angels as children..[/quote]

[SIZE=4]Pretty much sums up the downfall of this once great country.[/SIZE]

[ava_girl_123]

[quote name='aspenchase66'][SIZE=4]Pretty much sums up the downfall of this once great country.[/SIZE][/quote]


;)

So move to another country.. And your statement has exactly what to do with cruising may I ask?

[Tapi]

[quote name='ava_girl_123']For all of you seasoned cruisers out there, and I mean really seasoned, 10+ cruises at least..Have you found that cruises have went up in price over the last 15+years, or have they went down in price? Maybe stayed the same?[/QUOTE]

Ooooh yes. Cruise prices have definitely gone down

Some of my examples (all of these were standard oceanview staterooms):
(These are not adjusted for inflation)

1991: 7 night on Carla Costa: $780pp
1993: 7 night on Monarch of the Seas: $1013pp
1994: 7 night on Tropicale: $665pp
2008: 7 night on Carnival Liberty: $549pp
2010: 7 night on Carnival Triumph: $424pp

[Tapi]

[quote name='ava_girl_123']...you non-smoking, light drinking, person with angels as children..[/QUOTE]

Hey! That's my description! :rolleyes:

Seriously speaking, to call "smokers, heavy drinkers, people with unruly children the demise of this country" is [U][/U]not nice.

[joebat1]

[quote name='Tapi']Vanessa:

It doesn't matter if it was 20 years ago or today, the physics laws governing electricity are the same. And the reason why they are banning power strips is exactly because the engineers at Carnival are NOT "sitting around eating donuts". In order to keep you safe, they need to visualize "worse case scenarios". True, not every single person brings a power strip and plugs in their hair dryer, celphone, gps, fan, curling iron, Xbox, etc, but they can't "assume" that only a handful will.

"Assuming" kills people. In my career (which involves transporting hundreds of passengers on a daily basis) we're taught to always take the most conservative path. That's what the cruise lines are doing by preventing you from bringing that power strip. Chances are that something bad won't happen. But what if it does...?

[SIZE="3"][COLOR="Red"][B]How DARE them sacrifice your comfort in order to keep you safe? [/B][/COLOR][/SIZE][/QUOTE]

[COLOR="RoyalBlue"][SIZE="3"]Only in a make-believe or naive world would a cruise ship passenger think they were [B]SAFE[/B] ~~!!~~

Now that Carnival seems to know how to stop a few of the banned items, like liquor, power strips, extension cords, irons, & fans MAYBE they will devote a little of their time to close the open door where [B]EVERYTHING[/B] has a free pass thought security. This [B]"free pass"[/B] to bring everthing on board is repeated at every port stop. Shame on you Carnival, surly your security personnel are aware of this .....[/SIZE][/COLOR]

[ava_girl_123]

[B]TAPI[/B]- I am happy that you caught why I posted that to him.. ;)

[LordKrystic]

[quote name='arenfroe']After reading several threads on the subject, I have come to conclusion to just buy a couple of bottles from Bon Voyage. Here is what I've discovered:

1 litre bottle of Absolute vodka - home price = $27.99, BV price = $40
1 litre bottle of Makers Mark bourbon - home price = $29.99, BV price = $60

Conclusion: It will cost me $42 more to buy from Bon Voyage, have the drinks waiting for me in my room, no smuggling, no purchasing rum runners, and no walks of shame. Uh...yeah...I think I'll spring for the extra $42. I'll easily save that much by not purchasing as many drinks at the bar.[/quote]


I approve this post! Just finished our first cruise and bought one bottle of Stoli from BV. 40 bucks that produced probably 2 full days of drinking. I'll probably be buying three bottles the next time. The extra bucks are well worth not having to worry about anything being taken from the luggage.

[ava_girl_123]

[quote name='LordKrystic']I approve this post! Just finished our first cruise and bought one bottle of Stoli from BV. 40 bucks that produced probably 2 full days of drinking. I'll probably be buying three bottles the next time. The extra bucks are well worth not having to worry about anything being taken from the luggage.[/quote]



2 bottles per cabin is the max.. ;) Just an FYI

[aspenchase66]

the fact that Carnival has BV for liquor purchases (and its very reasonable IMHO) should end the booze smuggling discussion once and for all.

Why would ANYONE still smuggle booze when they can buy a bottle of Grey Goose for $60 and not have to break the rules?