Beating the bar tab

[theduffys]

Cruiseoften,
I sent an e-mail to HAL Ships Services and the next day they sent me a list of all their bottle prices. I then called the 800 number they sent me and ordered a liter of Dewars for $35 (a $7 increase over my local store). The nice lady who took my order said the bottle would be waiting for us in our stateroom. She also said that the same brands can be ordered on the ship, at the same prices, from room service. This just seems so much easier then trying to wrap a bottle protectively in our checked luggage and then hoping not to be found out.
Hope this helps.

[sail7seas]

So this whole conversation about how to smuggle liquor on board the ship has been about saving $7.00 over liquor store prices?


That does put some perspective on some of the posts IMO

[ryansmemom]

Just an FYI:

From a recent (June 8) CC e-mail newsletter, a link to a CC tip page with all of the cruise lines policies on bringing alcoholic beverages on board. Before judging HAL as the big bad dragon, compare it to the others. And, I'm not just talking about the Carinival Corp. group.

[URL=http://www.cruisecritic.com/tips/tipsarticle.cfm?ID=99]Cruise Line Alcohol Policies[/URL]



Linda

[joeinwpb]

Hi Gizmo :)

Here is a federal government chart showing what is extracted on what is often called "The Sin Tax". There is a State tax also to factor in. I don't know how much it effects Alcohol, but Tobacco state tax is sky high.

Fed. Tax on alcohol has stayed constant, through the years Smokers are paying now, big time Big increase, and state tax is now huge, on a pack of cigarettes. We non smokers owe the people paying all that tax for us, a big debt of gratitude. Please don't quit on us. That's a lot of money.

[URL= [url]http://www.ttb.gov/alcohol/info/atftaxes.htm#Tobacco] [/url]

[theduffys]

[quote name='sail7seas']So this whole conversation about how to smuggle liquor on board the ship has been about saving $7.00 over liquor store prices?


That does put some perspective on some of the posts IMO[/QUOTE]
My thought exactly.

[RevNeal]

[QUOTE]Dewars for $35 (a $7 increase over my local store).[/QUOTE]

Based upon Christopher's listings (which he made last week for the purpose of comparing home prices with the prices in the Duty Free shops), Dewar's Scotch, 750ml, cost $41.99 at our local liquor store, not including tax and transport.

In other words, a liter can be purchased for LESS through ships' services than what I would pay for 750ml in Dallas.

:confused:

The quoted package deal for gin and tonic has similar figures. In Dallas, 750ml of Beefeater Gin runs about 31.99 (I prefer Tanqueray, but its more expensive). That's WITHOUT tonic. From Ships services you can get the gin AND the tonic for about $4 less.

Why break the rules and cause myself a guilty conscious (and run the risk of ruining my clothing through a leaky bottle) when what I'm smuggling aboard costs MORE than what I can buy from ships services? Sorry ... I'm not that enamored with trying to beat the system.

[HeatherInFlorida]

[font=Comic Sans MS][color=navy]On another thread Linda suggested I take a look at this one and there went an hour!!! I'm not sure I agree with her concept of the thread, but it is very interesting all the same.[/color][/font]
[font=Comic Sans MS][color=#000080][/color][/font]
[font=Comic Sans MS][color=#000080]Joe in WPB, I [b][i][u]love[/u][/i][/b] your Avatar! But I'm off point;). I no longer drink a drop. All of us are allowed a certain amount of alcohol in our lifetime and I consumed mine in the first half:) . But I remember it well and I [b]always [/b](as was allowed at the time) had a bottle in my cabin. I enjoyed having a drink before dinner. But I never dreamed of carrying a drink from my room to a lounge, the pool, etc. [/color][/font]
[font=Comic Sans MS][color=#000080][/color][/font]
[font=Comic Sans MS][color=#000080]However, it's important to mention that in those days we paid more for a cruise than we do today ... and I mean dollar for dollar. We got a little teeny cabin with no balcony and a minute bathroom and closets with curtains instead of doors and the actual dollar amount was more. But the cost of drinks was minimal. Cruiseships were known in those days (early 80's) for how inexpensive the mixed drinks, beer, etc., were. [/color][/font]
[font=Comic Sans MS][color=#000080][/color][/font]
[font=Comic Sans MS][color=#000080]What I'm trying to suggest is that in order to bring the cost of cruising down to a level where so many more people can now afford to cruise, the cruiselines were forced to make their profit in other areas such as drinks, tours, shops, etc. I know many people whose tabs at the end of their cruise closely matches the cost of the cruise itself.[/color][/font]
[font=Comic Sans MS][color=#000080][/color][/font]
[font=Comic Sans MS][color=#000080]So I don't think that it's unfair of the cruiselines to institute a policy that says we can't bring booze onboard. However, I also think it should apply to wine and champagne because I can't for the life of me see any difference. [/color][/font]
[font=Comic Sans MS][color=#000080][/color][/font]
[font=Comic Sans MS][color=#000080]So for what it's worth that's my take on the issue. You may well want to say "fine for you now that you don't drink". And you can say that. I don't blame you. If I still drank, though, I'd be more than happy to order from HAL and have it sitting quietly in my room waiting for me;).[/color][/font]
[font=Comic Sans MS][color=#000080][/color][/font]
[font=Comic Sans MS][color=#000080]And then there are the folks who just like to do stuff they're not supposed to do. But that's an issue for another day.:rolleyes: [/color][/font]

[mariner]

Several waiters told me two years ago the booze ban was coming to:
Get people to spend money at the bars! Who'd a thunk it.

With the new tipping policy, it also allows the BLD crew to boost their salaries.

I'd like to think if HAL LOWERED the drink prices to a more responsible markup, fewer people would haul the liquor store aboard and patronize the bars, lounges and room service instead. That way, the fares could stay in line.

HAL's wine prices used to be quite reasonable and hauling some bottles from home just didn't make any sense. The prices have since gone up, but for what we pay for Opus aboard is still better than worrying about a suitcase full of red clothing.

I remember years ago when you could have bon voyage parties that the only way to celebrate was to bring booze aboard. Customs would not let the ships sell untaxed liquor in US ports.

[Cruiseoften]

[quote name='theduffys']Cruiseoften,
I sent an e-mail to HAL Ships Services and the next day they sent me a list of all their bottle prices. I then called the 800 number they sent me and ordered a liter of Dewars for $35 (a $7 increase over my local store). The nice lady who took my order said the bottle would be waiting for us in our stateroom. She also said that the same brands can be ordered on the ship, at the same prices, from room service. This just seems so much easier then trying to wrap a bottle protectively in our checked luggage and then hoping not to be found out.
Hope this helps.[/QUOTE]

Thank you for the info. Seems we're on the same wavelength! Just yesterday we picked up some Tanqueray and Dewars - 750ml bottles - CA$23.45 and CA$22.25 respectively. No doubt now that we'll call Ships Services and order our cabin supplies. Even with the exchange rate (which is improving :p ;) ) we'll be in good shape for our 'getting dressed' drinks. Paying a little more for comfort and convenience is not a problem. We'll still frequent the Ocean Bar, Explorers, Crows Nest etc. Now if HAL carried Schweppes tonic we'd be in perfect shape.............. :cool:

[FoxyTerrier]

[quote name='revneal']Based upon Christopher's listings (which he made last week for the purpose of comparing home prices with the prices in the Duty Free shops), Dewar's Scotch, 750ml, cost $41.99 at our local liquor store, not including tax and transport.

[/QUOTE]

WOW - Liquor must be really expensive in Dallas. I live in Maryland and I think prices are a lot less here. I've grabbed the newspaper and checked prices at several places including county owned stores:

Dewars is priced between $25-26 for a 1.75 bottle
Bacardi $15 for a 1.75 bottle
Absolute $28 for a 1.75 bottle

We normally drink rum or vodka and the prices I have seen from ships services is $25 for Bacardi for a one liter bottle.

The ship store used to sell both Bacardi and Absolute one liter for $9 or $10 - They are now charging 150% more for the same size bottle.

If you are paying $42 + tax for a 750ml bottle you are getting ripped off or there is a huge difference for that part of the country.

[joeinwpb]

[B]Thanks Heather. I like your avatar also.

Glad your enjoying this thread. I started it but have refrained from joining in as some people are getting enthusiastic about the subject. My favorite threads are the smoking ones. Boy they are funny.

Heather: Come join us on the Floridian thread. I'm the only one in So. Florida on it. They're all nice people.

Rev Neal I lost that old time radio address ... Please?

Now back to our regular programming. I believe we left off with someone saying ...
"Let's hog-tie that smuggler, and throw him in the brig".
[/B] :D :D

[Sailure]

Hot dog! All it takes is ONE question to set everyone off! I agree with Linda (I think) some of these opinions can really take off into moral, legal and political issues.

Personally, I think a lot of people are just fed up with a lot of things and are ready to draw the line in the sand!

Hey, if anyone wants to break the rules, cheat anybody, feel good because they can get away with something and save a few silly dollars, and pull one over....GO FOR IT! Enjoy your cruise, have fun and the heck with anyone else!;)
I think Revneal's mom is cool!:)

[superstein61]

[quote name='revneal']If you bring that extension cord from home you'll need a type C or F (aka "Schuko"), adapter in order to plug it into the outlets which you'll find in the public areas of the ship. The type C adapter is pretty standard in most universal adapter sets because it will mate with the "Schuko" plugs. Also, if you want your blender to run correctly, you'll need a step-down converter to take it from 220 AC to 110 AC. :) :) :)[/QUOTE]

Darn - sounds like a lot of extra equipment. I have a better idea - I will just have to find someone with a cabing close to the pool and run an extension cord from their cabin :) Much more convenient - and I am sure they won't mind :)

[superstein61]

[quote name='Sailure']My point is that by doing something that is against the rules and it causes delay for me and other passengers to get on the ship, if you end up falling overboard because you choose to stay in your room and drink, if you get drunk and disorderly (I'm speaking YOU in the general sense), then it DOES affect me and everyone else's vacation.[/quote]

Ahhh - how does it delay you????? if you are there in time at the port, the ship isn't going to leave without you - so scratch that one of your silly list.

As far as getting drunk - I have seen plenty of folks get drunk drinking the cruise lines booze. Doesn't matter if one drinks their own booze or the cruise lines - they can get drunk if they don't drink responsibly. So scratch another one of your silly list

[quote]


Bringing on your own soda and soft drinks is NOT against the rules, bringing on a bottle of champagne and wine is NOT against the rules. Bringing hard liquor onboard is against the rules and even describing it as "smuggling" is admitting you (generally) know it's against the rules. Also, people starting threads asking others how they can "SNEAK" on contraband such as booze KNOWS it's against the rules.

My concern is why do many people in general feel that by "pulling one over on the cruiseline" is such an honorable thing?[/quote]

Ummm - the crusie lines do also restrict soft drinks. The only thing they do allow is wine and champagne - and that is becaue of their profit motie. They know if you bring your own wine - they will charge you $17.50 for the priviliege of opening it. Yea - what a deal.

And I myself never called it "smuggling". I call it excercising my freedom of choice

[quote]If you KNOW something is wrong, then you (generally speaking) HAVE to know, if not by your own intelligence, that there are MANY people who don't condone this, so why even ask the question unless you're inviting an argument? You (generally speaking) will NEVER convince those that don't agree with you that what you're doing will be greeted with cheer.[/QUOTE]

And if you don't like people doing this, why bother addressing them as YOU will never change anyone's minds with your silly, specious arguements

[superstein61]

[quote name='revneal']I don't bring booze aboard ship from home because doing so is: (1) a big hassle, (2) not a big savings, (3) unnecessary, and (4) against the rules.

[/QUOTE]
Ahhhh - you've got a lot to learn Rev, a LOT to learn

[superstein61]

[quote name='revneal']I just finished reading part of this thread to my mother over the phone. She laughed and said: "Anyone who is such a lush that they feel the need to sneak booze aboard in order to save money on their bar bills should probably be attending the meetings of the Friends of Bill W."

Gotta hand it to Moms ... they always know best. Mine is no "tea-totaler" -- indeed, she's known her share of lushes, and joined them in their debauchery -- but she certainly knows absurdity when she sees it, too. In her opinion, this one takes the Rum Cake.[/QUOTE]

Whats absurd is your mother judging someone as a Lush from a few words on a message board. My guess is from your comments, your mother drinks far more than I do in a year. So its real funny seeing her comments. Thanks for my laugh today Rev

[stillfrantic]

When items are ordered to be delivered in either the dining room or the cabin, does HAL send a receipt or otherwise acknowlege the faxed order?

[superstein61]

[quote name='stillfrantic']Sailure: It is my understanding it IS against the rule to bring onboard your favorite soda. Also, you asked what going over the speed limit had to do with HAL. Simple comparison. Some were being quite sanctimonious that THEY would NEVER break a rule, even if it wasn't a law....that they followed rules. I simply asked if any of those people had ever gone 26 MPH in a 25 zone. That isn't breaking a rule, it is breaking the law, AND it puts me in far greater danger to have someone speed through my neighborhood than Superstein bringing his root beer and rum onboard. The whole extension card and blender at the pool thing does probably even out in danger to me being that pool deck is wet and the extension cord might not be UL Rated. So, Superstein, best leave the blender in your cabin. You can bring my drink up to me on deck!:) :D[/QUOTE]

Stillfrantic - yes, I forgot about the old safety factor. I better look for a battery operated blender - or just have to resort to leaving the old Blender in my cabin and mixing up my libations there. No problem - a little exercise now and then isn't bad :)

And yes - the comment referring to the speed limit is definitely apropos to those sanctimonious few here who seem so bent out of shape at folks GHASP taking on their own bottle of rum and a few favorite soft drinks

[Sailure]

[quote name='superstein61']Ahhh - how does it delay you????? if you are there in time at the port, the ship isn't going to leave without you - so scratch that one of your silly list.

As far as getting drunk - I have seen plenty of folks get drunk drinking the cruise lines booze. Doesn't matter if one drinks their own booze or the cruise lines - they can get drunk if they don't drink responsibly. So scratch another one of your silly list



Ummm - the crusie lines do also restrict soft drinks. The only thing they do allow is wine and champagne - and that is becaue of their profit motie. They know if you bring your own wine - they will charge you $17.50 for the priviliege of opening it. Yea - what a deal.

And I myself never called it "smuggling". I call it excercising my freedom of choice



And if you don't like people doing this, why bother addressing them as YOU will never change anyone's minds with your silly, specious arguements[/QUOTE]
Does this fall into the catagory about ignoring trolls?;)

[superstein61]

[quote name='Joedog']Okay, by show of hands, how many people here were ever delayed getting on a cruise ship because someone in from of them in line was caught smuggling alcohol?

And even more unlikely, how many people here ever even heard of anyone falling overboard from a cruise ship because they got drunk in their cabin (on smuggled or legit alcohol)?

I was in the Navy 26 years and in all that time I was only on 3 ships where sailors went overboard and 2 of them jumped on purpose. Oh, and there was smuggled alcohol onboard those ships too.

It seems to me that there are 2 basic ideas being presented here. The first one is that smuggling alcohol is a violation of HAL policy and that willfully violating HAL policy is wrong. I agree with this 100% and also think that most people, even alcohol smugglers, think it is wrong too.

The 2nd idea is that if someone wants to violate HAL policy by bringing alcohol onboard that is a matter between them and HAL and other passengers should mind their own business. I agree with this 100% also.

This thread originally started by someone asking the best way to smuggle alcohol. Now in my opinion, people should only have replied to that if they had a good ideas or experience about smuggling alcohol, which was the topic of the thread.

When someone is asking advice on how to do something you (the collective you, not anyone in particular) should keep your moralizing to yourself and answer the question that was asked, period.

If you want to go on and on about how bad people are for breaking HAL rules about alcohol or anything else you should start your own thread about that and then people can chime in on that subject.

Right or wrong, the subject was "HOW TO BEAT THE BAR TAB?", not "IS IT WRONG TO BEAT THE BAR TAB?"

That's my opinion and I'm sticking to it.

Wow, I just had a great idea....I will start a new thread with the title...REAL EXAMPLES OF HOW MY CRUISE WAS RUINED BY PEOPLE BREAKING HAL RULES OF ALCOHOL SMUGGLING AND/OR FORMAL NIGHT DRESS VIOLATIONS.[/QUOTE]

Wooo Hooo - well said JoeDog, well said. If you are ever on a cruise with me - let me know and I'll whip you up a few drinks in my trusty blender !!! :)

[superstein61]

[quote name='lddam']Superstein61 -

I can't tell you that I have never broken a single rule in my life, but I can tell you that I have never KNOWINGLY cheated someone out of their rightful due or KNOWINGLY stolen money or services from anyone. "[/QUOTE]

OK - that says it all. You HAVE broken rules in YOUR life. Seems to me your own guilt is leading you to take this sanctimonious view of others who simply bring their own libations on board.

And hate to tell you - but I and others who do this are not stealing a dime from anyone !!!!! Stealing would imply that I take from someone that what belongs to them. I am doing no such thing. Its my liquor I am bringing on board, not HALs. If I didn't bring it, HAL would not own it. Nor would HAL own the money I would spend on it

So sorry - you are wrong once again. becoming a habit, isn't it

[gizmo]

joeinwpb,

Thanks for the link, interesting info, but it has nothing to do with international waters.

iluvcruzin,

I emailed a friend with Hal and he said they do not need to have anything in place to sell liquor in international waters. He also mentioned same thing goes for casinos, nothing needed to run a casino in international waters.

He did mention that the scuttlebutt was too many people were bringing booze on board and Hal felt they were loosing money.

[superstein61]

[quote name='iluvcruzin']
Now.. Do I care that you bring your own?? Not really - it's your business and you are a grown up and can make that choice on your own. I'm too busy having fun on a cruise to play booze police and take notice.[/QUOTE]

Terrific attitude to have. Wish everyone was like you instead of worrying so much about what others do

[gizmo]

[quote name='FoxyTerrier']We normally drink rum or vodka and the prices I have seen from ships services is $25 for Bacardi for a one liter bottle.

The ship store used to sell both Bacardi and Absolute one liter for $9 or $10 - They are now charging 150% more for the same size bottle.
[/QUOTE]Glad you brought this up.

[quote name='mariner']
I'd like to think if HAL LOWERED the drink prices to a more responsible markup, fewer people would haul the liquor store aboard and patronize the bars, lounges and room service instead. That way, the fares could stay in line.[/quote]I am in total argreement with lowering the drink prices. I feel Hal would sell many more drinks and profit by the volume.

[superstein61]

[quote name='FoxyTerrier']WOW - Liquor must be really expensive in Dallas. I live in Maryland and I think prices are a lot less here. I've grabbed the newspaper and checked prices at several places including county owned stores:

Dewars is priced between $25-26 for a 1.75 bottle
Bacardi $15 for a 1.75 bottle
Absolute $28 for a 1.75 bottle

We normally drink rum or vodka and the prices I have seen from ships services is $25 for Bacardi for a one liter bottle.

The ship store used to sell both Bacardi and Absolute one liter for $9 or $10 - They are now charging 150% more for the same size bottle.

If you are paying $42 + tax for a 750ml bottle you are getting ripped off or there is a huge difference for that part of the country.[/QUOTE]

Agreed Foxy, agreed. I love it when people make comments with only a limited amount of facts and knowledge. Liquor prices differ across the US.

Plus - as I have stated beofre, price is just one factor for bringing your own booze on board. In fact, price is lower on my list than the others.