Can only buy 1 carton cigarettes onboard without getting letter to meet customs

[Computer Nerd]

it doesn't matter how much you smoked on board. What matters is that you purchased more than the allowed amount to take back with you. For issues like smoking a full carton or purchasing 4 at a time for 4 people in the room, you will have to explain that to customs. I assume if you smoke a whole carton on board and explain that to them and have only one carton, they will let you go.

 

But if you buy more than the allotted amount, you need to explain it.

 

Its not carnivals job to ensure you know the rules for customs so they just report anyone buying more than 1 carton.

 

yes it does matter how much you smoke because what matters to customs is not how much you purchased but what you are trying to bring back in the country. no where on the customs form does it ask how much you purchased but instead how much are you bringing in.

[Computer Nerd]

Full disclosure. I'm not a smoker. Neither is my husband.

 

That said, Carnival is running a scam, selling that many cartons and knowing most won't get to shore. At least legally.

 

You'll get a few like the original poster who has four in his party. But most travel as couples. Let's assume both are smokers. They buy their four cartons. However, they can only bring back two. On a seven day cruise (assuming they buy on the first day), they'd have to smoke a pack and a half a day to finish off their two cartons. Assuming ten minutes per cigarette, that's five hours wasted in the minimal smoking sections. Plus a lot of damage to their lungs.

 

I know it's up to the smoker to know the customs laws. However, many don't know the laws. And Carnival shouldn't take advantage of those cruisers.

 

i'll assume since you are not a smoker that one does not need to buy 4 cartons. cartons can be bought individually. in no way, shape, fashion, or form does carnival selling cigarettes constitute a scam. carnival isn't taking advantage of anyone and people are responsible for their own intelligence or lack thereof.

[Computer Nerd]

Finally! A crack down on buying excessive product and not reporting it to customs, so they come up with a more aggressive plan on preventing it from happening. Hopefully this is done on all cruise lines and not just Carnival.

 

Personally, I would like to see tobacco products on the ship, sold in only single packs, and not cartons. Ships should not be taking advantage on the backs of people's health.

 

better get rid of the booze, bacon, beef, sugar, anything fatty, etc.....while you're at it. :rolleyes:

[LadyBeBop]

i'll assume since you are not a smoker that one does not need to buy 4 cartons. cartons can be bought individually. in no way, shape, fashion, or form does carnival selling cigarettes constitute a scam. carnival isn't taking advantage of anyone and people are responsible for their own intelligence or lack thereof.

 

Sure you can buy individual cartons. However, don't you get a deep discount buying four or five cartons at a time? With Carnival knowing you can't smoke that much in a week?

[Galatz]

Sure you can buy individual cartons. However, don't you get a deep discount buying four or five cartons at a time? With Carnival knowing you can't smoke that much in a week?

 

But in the OPs case, he was in a party of 4. There is no reason why he cant purchase 4, divide it up as 1 per person, and keep all 4. Sure he might have to go on this special line, but if he thinks its worth it, than that is his right. No reason Carnival shouldnt be allowed to sell it to him.

[bubbadogmom]

It's not just on ships either.

 

For example, the duty free stores on each side of the land border crossings.

 

They always have specials and deals, like buy one carton, get one free - or vodka, 2 for $20. They are a store, and they are out to make money so they will sell you anything.

 

Then when you go through Customs, some people find themselves having to pay duty and tax or return it, because it is over their exemption (usually one carton and 1 (1.14litre) or one case of 24 beer).

 

They get upset because the duty free employee sold it to them and didn't tell them they would have to pay - but just like the Ship stores, unfortunately it is your responsibility to know the Customs regulations.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

[LadyBeBop]

But in the OPs case, he was in a party of 4. There is no reason why he cant purchase 4, divide it up as 1 per person, and keep all 4. Sure he might have to go on this special line, but if he thinks its worth it, than that is his right. No reason Carnival shouldnt be allowed to sell it to him.

 

True. :) But he is the exception, not the rule.

 

I guess it's buyer beware. And Carnival isn't going to warn them.

[hftmrock]

yes it does matter how much you smoke because what matters to customs is not how much you purchased but what you are trying to bring back in the country. no where on the customs form does it ask how much you purchased but instead how much are you bringing in.

 

that's not Carnivals Problem. that's for you do discuss with Customs. Just like buying 4 cartons for 4 adult family members on board. You meet with customs and explain it and you go on your way.

 

It doesn't matter from a Carnival Perspective. they allow you to buy more because there are legitimate reasons for purchasing more. its up to you to explain those reasons to customs.

[Computer Nerd]

Sure you can buy individual cartons. However, don't you get a deep discount buying four or five cartons at a time? With Carnival knowing you can't smoke that much in a week?

 

carnival has no idea how many people are going to smoke those cigarettes and people would probably get into an uproar if carnival asked. also, on my last cruise, the deepest discount i saw for what i smoke was by the carton the first night of the cruise. we bought 3 cartons.....specifically came aboard with none.....and between my wife and i and a couple of people who bummed a smoke, we smoked 1 carton and took two ashore meeting custom's requirements. now personally, i wouldn't have cared if customs had the info that i bought three cartons and if asked i would have told him the same thing and he can go through my luggage for proof if he wants. but even if the deepest discounts are on say a 4 carton package, it's still up to the people to know how many they can bring in legally and do what is right. it's not carnival's job to monitor people's ethics. carnival is simply out to make a profit and good for them for doing so.

[Computer Nerd]

that's not Carnivals Problem. that's for you do discuss with Customs. Just like buying 4 cartons for 4 adult family members on board. You meet with customs and explain it and you go on your way.

 

It doesn't matter from a Carnival Perspective. they allow you to buy more because there are legitimate reasons for purchasing more. its up to you to explain those reasons to customs.

 

not sure which angle you are arguing from but i'll make my position clear. carnival nor customs care how much you bought, customs only cares about what you try to bring into the country. carnival only cares about making money so they don't care how many you buy. the only person breaking the law or doing anything wrong is the one trying to bring more than allowed into the country.

 

now i will assume customs is using the data from carnival to try and weed out the liars......someone buys 10 cartons but doesn't claim any or only claims one carton......but cutoms couldn't care less about someone who buys 2, 3, or 4 cartons as long as they are bringing them into the country legally...4 cartons, 4 people.....2 cartons, 2 people.....and so on.

[hftmrock]

not sure which angle you are arguing from but i'll make my position clear. carnival nor customs care how much you bought, customs only cares about what you try to bring into the country. carnival only cares about making money so they don't care how many you buy. the only person breaking the law or doing anything wrong is the one trying to bring more than allowed into the country.

 

now i will assume customs is using the data from carnival to try and weed out the liars......someone buys 10 cartons but doesn't claim any or only claims one carton......but cutoms couldn't care less about someone who buys 2, 3, or 4 cartons as long as they are bringing them into the country legally...4 cartons, 4 people.....2 cartons, 2 people.....and so on.

 

I didn't understand your position and that's on me. I believe we are on the same page

[Brighton Line]

That said, Carnival is running a scam, selling that many cartons and knowing most won't get to shore. At least legally.

 

How is it a scam?

No different then leaving the US on an international flight and buying from the Duty Free shops in the airport. Bring that stuff back into the US and you are over the limit, pay your duty. Duty free shops in airports are now running a scam too?

 

You are not limited on how many cartons you bring back. You are limited on the number you bring back without paying DUTY on.

 

Bring back 50 cartons, just be sure to declare it on your form and be prepared to pay the duty on 49 of them.

It is very simple, Carnival is making a profit it is up to the consumer to follow the law as a US citizen.

[LadyBeBop]

How is it a scam?

No different then leaving the US on an international flight and buying from the Duty Free shops in the airport. Bring that stuff back into the US and you are over the limit, pay your duty. Duty free shops in airports are now running a scam too?

 

You are not limited on how many cartons you bring back. You are limited on the number you bring back without paying DUTY on.

 

Bring back 50 cartons, just be sure to declare it on your form and be prepared to pay the duty on 49 of them.

It is very simple, Carnival is making a profit it is up to the consumer to follow the law as a US citizen.

 

Maybe scam is too harsh. But Carnival should at least point out the consequences of buying too much. Hey, you're on vacation; you found a good deal; you'd take advantage of the deal, not knowing what you're doing is technically illegal. I know it's up to the consumer to know the rules. But someone should, at least, enlighten them on the rules.

[Computer Nerd]

I didn't understand your position and that's on me. I believe we are on the same page

 

it's all good. sometimes hard to convey a message properly here. :)

[Computer Nerd]

Maybe scam is too harsh. But Carnival should at least point out the consequences of buying too much. Hey, you're on vacation; you found a good deal; you'd take advantage of the deal, not knowing what you're doing is technically illegal. I know it's up to the consumer to know the rules. But someone should, at least, enlighten them on the rules.

 

unless one is a complete newbie to leaving the country in general......and yes, i'm aware there are some like that.......everyone has seen a customs form before. the best one could hope for is that carnival could post a customs form at each cash register because there's a lot more to it that just cigarettes and it would take ages for the cashier to explain each possible option that a person could be violating for every sale.

 

of course, we all know how many people would actually take the time to read a form taped to the cash register. :(

[MtnDweller]

Maybe scam is too harsh. But Carnival should at least point out the consequences of buying too much. Hey, you're on vacation; you found a good deal; you'd take advantage of the deal, not knowing what you're doing is technically illegal. I know it's up to the consumer to know the rules. But someone should, at least, enlighten them on the rules.

 

Nope. It's up to consumers to do their own research.

[Computer Nerd]

i'm just wondering how anyone would feel if your first port during a cruise was cozumel and you bought a bottle of alcohol and merchant was required to notify all other alcohol merchants so during a stop in roatan you were denied the ability to purchase a bottle because the merchant knows you can only carry one bottle into the us and also knows you can't drink it on ship. anyone think business should work this way :confused:

[Lil2Angelic]

Seems to me I remember there being someone on each of the Carnival ships who is a shopping specialist and gives talks on this sort of stuff. I haven't been to one of those shopping seminars on the ship in awhile, but I know in the past I've heard the customs issue discussed..i.e. what you do and don't need to declare and how much of certain items you are allowed..that sort of stuff.

[cruzelover55]

Seems to me I remember there being someone on each of the Carnival ships who is a shopping specialist and gives talks on this sort of stuff. I haven't been to one of those shopping seminars on the ship in awhile, but I know in the past I've heard the customs issue discussed..i.e. what you do and don't need to declare and how much of certain items you are allowed..that sort of stuff.

 

I'm glad you brought this up. I have never been to one. But, will do so on my upcoming cruise. Will be interesting to see just what is said.:)

[TerReuv]

Maybe scam is too harsh. But Carnival should at least point out the consequences of buying too much. Hey, you're on vacation; you found a good deal; you'd take advantage of the deal, not knowing what you're doing is technically illegal. I know it's up to the consumer to know the rules. But someone should, at least, enlighten them on the rules.

 

These people buying cigarettes are adults. They should find out things like that themselves. Why should Carnival be responsible for making sure the adult knows the law/rules? No reason for Carnival to treat their customers like children and give them the custom's rules. I looked that up myself before we cruised for the first time. As they always say - ignorance of the law does not excuse you!

 

Also, remember that Carnival does not own the Fun Shops. They are run by a third party.

[Central Oregon Gal]

So I am wondering if this is for all ports or just Charleston? Has anyone else encountered this issue at other ports?

Also, we are going to St Martin, St Kitts, San Juan and Grand Turk - do they sell cigarettes at those ports?

Happy Cruising to All

Micki

 

I have purchased in St. Martin and San Juan about the same as the ship give or take a buck or two

[Central Oregon Gal]

just like the person that had 4 people with them and had to explain 4 cartons (one for each), it sounds like you would have to explain smoking 200 cigarettes in 7 days

 

when you put it like that it makes it sound like a lot of cigarettes - dang maybe I should think about quitting ;)

[hftmrock]

when you put it like that it makes it sound like a lot of cigarettes - dang maybe I should think about quitting ;)

 

rounding a little its about 1 every 33 minutes for 7 days (if you sleep 8 hours a day) I think that is a lot (just my opinion)

[Central Oregon Gal]

rounding a little its about 1 every 33 minutes for 7 days (if you sleep 8 hours a day) I think that is a lot (just my opinion)

 

1 every 33 minutes is about right - here's the thing a "normal smoker" typically smokes a pack a day - a 7 day cruise - 7 packs - but then there is the casino - and this is where chain smoking can become an issue -

[Computer Nerd]

1 every 33 minutes is about right - here's the thing a "normal smoker" typically smokes a pack a day - a 7 day cruise - 7 packs - but then there is the casino - and this is where chain smoking can become an issue -

 

or playing backgammon on deck. ;)