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

[BillOh]

I was on the same sailing and also got called down for water in my bag. We packed a shrink wrapped 6 pack of water in my wife's and my suitcases, yet they only held my bag. I went down there and showed the man that it was only sealed water bottles. He told me, "ok no problem" and sent me on my way. But I also saw some very irate individuals down there.

 

So how much time did it take you to retrieve your bag? If I had nothing wrong in my bag, but had to spend an hour of my vacation to prove it, that would put me toward the irate side and it takes a lot to get me there on a cruise.

[steve ch]

We were taken to a wine tasting on a ship's tour during our recent Madeira trip on IOS. Lots of encouragement to buy some. The trouble is, there is no facility for handing over the bottles when going back aboard. All alcohol is "illegal" and results in a trip to the naughty room.

 

It would be really helpful if there was someone you could approach on returning to the ship so you can hand the bottles over in a civilised manner without all the drama.

[KathyPet]

This entire thread is just too too funny! I shake my head in amazement at people who are spending all this money on a nice cruise to have a nice vacation and then try to do end runs around the no liquor and wine carried aboard rule because, I assume, they are trying to save a few bucks on their bill. It just astounds me.

[smallchange]

So how much time did it take you to retrieve your bag? If I had nothing wrong in my bag, but had to spend an hour of my vacation to prove it, that would put me toward the irate side and it takes a lot to get me there on a cruise.

 

My total time (except waiting for the elevator) was about 10 minutes. And as I said it was an interesting cruise experience, nothing to get upset about.

[mikemike404]

This entire thread is just too too funny! I shake my head in amazement at people who are spending all this money on a nice cruise to have a nice vacation and then try to do end runs around the no liquor and wine carried aboard rule because, I assume, they are trying to save a few bucks on their bill. It just astounds me.

 

Because after spending thousands of dollars some people would like to save a few bucks where possible. Ne need to shake your head at anyone or judge.

 

 

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[travelquick]

I smuggled in once split it up between my wife, mom & myself. They took my wife’s and mine, but not my mom. Till this day I wonder if they didn't, because she was a senior citizen or they just didn't check hers. I wasn’t upset, because you take a chance. You are not suppose to do it, so why get mad when you get caught :p

[awicky]

Thx for sharing. Will be on FOS 4/1, have my mom with, and she only drinks a certain bottled water. So I plan to have a case in pkg & untouched. Bummed about not being able to bring not even 1 btl of wine but will take advantage of the " deals".

[KathyPet]

Because after spending thousands of dollars some people would like to save a few bucks where possible. Ne need to shake your head at anyone or judge.

 

 

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They could probably save a few more bucks by stiffing the staff on tips too!

[mikemike404]

They could probably save a few more bucks by stiffing the staff on tips too!

 

One thing has NOTHING to do with the other. WOW

 

 

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[KathyPet]

The individuals who attempt to bring liquor or wine on board fit into the category of "I am very, very special and so the rules that all the rest of the poor slobs follow do not apply to me and I am choosing to ignore the rule because I don't think it's a good rule". They either knew or certainly should have known that this was not allowed. To deliberately attempt to circumvent the rule is a indication of of the mind set of these people which says "MEEEEE! It's all about MEEEEE!

If they don't like the rule than there are other lines which do allow at least limited carry on of wine at least. However to deliberately choose a line that does not permit it and then attempt to get around the rule and complain bitterly when they are caught breaking the rule just sets my teeth on edge.

[pcur]

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.

 

You're really Dave Barry posing as a common cruiser, right? Toooooo funny!

[ALSEAU]

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.

 

For me I have always taken my favorite brand of alcohol with me. When I first started cruising none of the ships had it on board. Now it is a habit, a challenge and very convenient to have in the room. In over 30 cruises I have had it taking away only once.(Oasis of the Seas) The irony is my bar bill was the cheapest it had ever been because I drank beer instead of a mix drink. It appears the drinks in my stateroom prime the pump and loosen the purse strings to make more purchases while exploring the ship in the evenings.

[ALSEAU]

Like others have said, some people prefer their own water and sodas that aren't available on the ship. But booze is the biggie. The cruise ships make a lot of money selling alcohol and don't want to lose that revenue by allowing people to bring their own. Plus, in theory, it's a way to "regulate" alcohol consumption (i.e. cut people off when they're stumbling over themselves drunk).

 

I think bottled water is a big deal because it can be emptied and replaced with something else. Even shrink wrap isn't a sign that it hasn't been tampered with. The best smuggling job I've ever seen was a girl on one of my Carnival cruises who took an 8 pack of water and emptied three of them, replaced them with water, then managed to re-seal the caps and shrink wrapped the whole thing. It looked straight off the shelf! You couldn't tell it was tampered with at all. I, however, am too lazy for anything like this. I'd rather just buy my booze then deal with that hassle!

 

 

On the last Carnival cruise I took (2009) one of our cruise critic member's put a case of his favorite beer in a suitcase and it made it to his room. Had his cabin steward empty his fridge so he could put his beer in it.

[gcvt]

The individuals who attempt to bring liquor or wine on board fit into the category of "I am very, very special and so the rules that all the rest of the poor slobs follow do not apply to me and I am choosing to ignore the rule because I don't think it's a good rule". They either knew or certainly should have known that this was not allowed. To deliberately attempt to circumvent the rule is a indication of of the mind set of these people which says "MEEEEE! It's all about MEEEEE!

If they don't like the rule than there are other lines which do allow at least limited carry on of wine at least. However to deliberately choose a line that does not permit it and then attempt to get around the rule and complain bitterly when they are caught breaking the rule just sets my teeth on edge.

 

Have you ever exceeded the legally posted speed limit?

[ALSEAU]

The individuals who attempt to bring liquor or wine on board fit into the category of "I am very, very special and so the rules that all the rest of the poor slobs follow do not apply to me and I am choosing to ignore the rule because I don't think it's a good rule". They either knew or certainly should have known that this was not allowed. To deliberately attempt to circumvent the rule is a indication of of the mind set of these people which says "MEEEEE! It's all about MEEEEE!

If they don't like the rule than there are other lines which do allow at least limited carry on of wine at least. However to deliberately choose a line that does not permit it and then attempt to get around the rule and complain bitterly when they are caught breaking the rule just sets my teeth on edge.

 

It is apparent that people trying to sneak beverage on a cruise ship personally upsets you. I have never been to the naughty room to hear anyone raging over loosing their liquids. Everyone I know that has had a problem accept the fact that they were warned and the ship has every right to confiscate it if they so chose. No big deal. BTW the one time I got caught security knocked on the door. They asked if I had alcohol in my room I told them yes. They took my open bottle and my sealed bottle. I was doing a B2B. They returned the sealed bottle the last day of the second week.

 

The cabin steward still received his tip for both weeks.

[Moeve]

When we arrive in Florida we go shopping for items we either don't get in Europe or taste differnt in Europe due to other recipes - amoungst thoses are certain sodas. We pack them up and put them into a certain suitcase we keep under our beds. We truely do not intend to consume these items while onboard (trust me they are strictly rationed out after our vacation at home!!!)

 

We can't get them after the cruise since we always fly home the same day and it is always a packing thing which is easier to do in your cabin than on the airport or supermarket floor.

 

As far as we go they can keep it until the end of the cruise - just RETURN IT THEN or I would be less than a happy camper - since it was never intended for the cruise. Oh and we almost always have drink packages to proof it.

[nu_2_cruze]

I managed to get a bottle of vodka on IOS last month. Just wrapped it up with hubby's birthday pressies and got through no probs. Bought bottle of port through hand luggage too and no one bothered. Not sure why it upsets other people tho. We pay a fortune for these holidays and the amounts were talking about equate to a drink before dinner, not denying the bar any money. Job's worths do my head in. Live and let live I say. If people want to try it let them and move on, dont get all high and mighty about it and try live a little.

[Moeve]

I managed to get a bottle of vodka on IOS last month. Just wrapped it up with hubby's birthday pressies and got through no probs. Bought bottle of port through hand luggage too and no one bothered. Not sure why it upsets other people tho. We pay a fortune for these holidays and the amounts were talking about equate to a drink before dinner, not denying the bar any money. Job's worths do my head in. Live and let live I say. If people want to try it let them and move on, dont get all high and mighty about it and try live a little.

 

It is more about those idiots who fall over board after getting themselves completely beyond it. The lines have insurers who insit on them controlling it to reduce such cases. This means they have to have the means of being able to cut off any individuals who seem over intoxicated - this includes the sercret personal booze being smuggled onboard.

 

Another reason and this gets too all of us is the price of cruising. In order to keep basic pricing down so far they need to up onboard revenue and if you choose to booze it up on your private stock in your cabin it means the lines are not making what they need to cover the cruise and this in turn leads to even higher prices which in turn gets all of us.....

[Bakincakes]

I thought Carnival allowed their pax to buy booze for their cabins that is actually delivered to the cabin for them? And yet Carnival pax still smuggle?

 

So much for the argument that it isn't about $$$ but convenience. How much more convenient do people want it?

[Sequim88]

I thought Carnival allowed their pax to buy booze for their cabins that is actually delivered to the cabin for them? And yet Carnival pax still smuggle?

 

So much for the argument that it isn't about $$$ but convenience. How much more convenient do people want it?

 

On Carnival it may indeed be for reasons of cost that people smuggle. But I suspect that overall Carnival has a lower percentage of PAX smuggling. RCI would too if they allowed bottle purchase for use in cabin. Then the remainder who still smuggle would be like Carnival and for cost only. But since this dicussion is for RCI's Naughty Room the Carnival difference is irrelevent.

[smallchange]

The individuals who attempt to bring liquor or wine on board fit into the category of "I am very, very special and so the rules that all the rest of the poor slobs follow do not apply to me and I am choosing to ignore the rule because I don't think it's a good rule". They either knew or certainly should have known that this was not allowed. To deliberately attempt to circumvent the rule is a indication of of the mind set of these people which says "MEEEEE! It's all about MEEEEE!

If they don't like the rule than there are other lines which do allow at least limited carry on of wine at least. However to deliberately choose a line that does not permit it and then attempt to get around the rule and complain bitterly when they are caught breaking the rule just sets my teeth on edge.

 

Having been on these boards prior to my cruises, I sort of knew that starting this thread could bring on some criticism. But having heard of the Naughty Room before is not the same as experiencing it, so I thought it would be enlightening to others for me to post.

 

Now for the answer as to why I smuggle. After much thought I reply, I'm not quite sure why I do, but it certainly isn't because it's all about me. Actually in real life (and maybe being on a cruise is not 'real life' to me) I'm a stickler for rules. I only take one of a sample, come to a complete stop at a stop sign, and count my grocery items before getting in the express lane. But I smuggle the booze and Diet Coke. I don't even drink the bourbon. For me to do that I also would have to smuggle the bag of limes, the sour mix, and a blender. I ordered drinks from a bar each day. My husband likes the simple bourbon drinks and it was easier/more convenient to have it in the room. He's not one to overindulge (and he told me not to admit this), but we also had to smuggle booze off the ship. How's that for being lightweights?

 

So smuggling might be a bit for saving some money and a bit for convenience, but I think some of it is simply the challenge and the walk on the wild side for me. So give me a break and let this retired first grade teacher feel daring and reckless and young at heart for a week. I'll be back to patiently waiting my turn in line at a check-out the next week.

[MrsPete]

I think the most important point the OP made was that he was POLITE to the people at the desk. I don't know why people get upset about problematic situations and start screaming at the staff. Has that ever in the history of ever put someone into a better mood or made someone want to help you out? Of course not. I can only assume that screamers are attempting to be intimidating, which doesn't actually come out that way.

 

Getting several thousand people off /on the ship in one day is a massive undertaking. Some percentage of people will be inconvenienced. Not really a big deal in the grand scheme of things.

[sgalbo]

 

So smuggling might be a bit for saving some money and a bit for convenience, but I think some of it is simply the challenge and the walk on the wild side for me. So give me a break and let this retired first grade teacher feel daring and reckless and young at heart for a week. I'll be back to patiently waiting my turn in line at a check-out the next week.

:D good for you! Not that you need to explain anything to anyone here!

[Sequim88]

Cheap or Convenient - smugglers please vote in poll.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=32994678&posted=1#post32994678

 

As someone noted they smuggled to have the brinf they like that is not served onboard. Count that as a form of Convenience since A) it probably costs more than ship drinks and B) with risk of confiscation it could REALLY cost more - so definitely not a Cheap reason.

[smallchange]

Cheap or Convenient - smugglers please vote in poll.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=32994678&posted=1#post32994678

 

As someone noted they smuggled to have the brinf they like that is not served onboard. Count that as a form of Convenience since A) it probably costs more than ship drinks and B) with risk of confiscation it could REALLY cost more - so definitely not a Cheap reason.

 

I need more options. See my post #96 above.