New teeth in liqour policy?

[98Charlie]

<Cruise Line on board prices are very competitive with bars. cocktail bars and restaurants on land. They certainly do not try to profiteer because they have a captive audience. On a special night out in New York at the Rainbow room we paid $20 for a Bloody Mary $19 each for a glass of wine and a Martini plus $13.50 for a bottle of water . NCL is a long way from those prices. Anyone noticed the prices Airport bars/restaurants charge?>

 

Bowlegs - I understand this argument, but most of us are not drinking in NYC on a regular basis. It is after all one of the most expensive cities in the world, and drink prices reflect it so it's not a true comparison for most of us.

Don't know about Philly. But, here in the "Great Midwest" the drinks at most nice taverns are about the same price as on the ships. Yes, the American Legion, VFW, Moose, etc. are less expensive...They're private clubs.

I'm used to paying $4-5 for a mixed drink - $3.50 at a VFW and they make strong drinks. Same for a house wine. Actually, since I and my friends know the bartenders very well, we're often given free drinks, or charged ridiculously low prices for them.

We've had the same situation at our local club. Generally when it is found out the bartender is terminated (fired). They're stealing from the club by pouring heavy or free drinks at the expense of the organization in exchange for a tip. It's the same as not ringing up a drink and pocketing the cash.

Even if you tip a cruise bartender extra, you will never get a free drink - I'm sure they'd be read the riot act if they got caught given passengers free drinks.

Wow! Would you give an employee a "pass" if you caught them stealing?

So cruise prices do not compare favorably with what I pay in the real world.

 

<Can anyone seriously imagine walking into a cocktail bar with their own bottles and settling down to mixing their own drinks and cocktails? Why expect a cruise ship to allow this and especially when you have been told in advance that it is not permitted?>

 

I know folks who used to like to go to one bar to dance, and they did not drink at all. However, they would bring in their own water, because when you asked for a glass of water at the bar, they gave you a bottle instead and charged you $4. Pretty outrageous if you ask me - that's worse that Disney World prices. So it's common for people to try and skirt the problem when they feel they're getting ripped off.

"Hey Mom, Everybody else is doing it. It must be OK.

 

<My personal feeling would be that you rarely see folks getting drunk on wine whereas it's much, much more common with the hard stuff. I enjoy a drink as much as anyone but I hope they never loosen the rules so I don't end up stumbling over drunks in the hallway or a belligerent drunk in the casino. Just my personal opinion of course. >

 

MrLee - I can only speak for me and a few friends who find the same thing - I will feel 2 glasses of wine much more strongly than 2 vodka and cranberries. For some reason wine hits me harder than alcohol - and that includes doing shots. :) I have no idea why though. lol

 

Still don't know why we can't bring on something the cruise line doesn't stock (like Effen Vodka) and pay a corkage fee.

 

Having said all of that, I really don't care if someone sneaks a bottle or not. Trying to smugly justify it using all of the same old tired excuses is what chaps my hide.

 

And while I do agree with the need for a corkage fee for liquor not available on board it would probably be outrageously priced as a previous poster indicated.

 

Just my 2¢

 

Charlie

[newmexicoNita]

My personal feeling would be that you rarely see folks getting drunk on wine whereas it's much, much more common with the hard stuff. I enjoy a drink as much as anyone but I hope they never loosen the rules so I don't end up stumbling over drunks in the hallway or a belligerent drunk in the casino. Just my personal opinion of course. :rolleyes:

I am certain this is one of the reasons, the other could be, (which is about the same) wine is a drink often accompaning the finest of meals and most do not think of it in the same way they do hard liquor. I guess that is about what you are saying.

 

Nita

[newmexicoNita]

<Cruise Line on board prices are very competitive with bars. cocktail bars and restaurants on land. They certainly do not try to profiteer because they have a captive audience. On a special night out in New York at the Rainbow room we paid $20 for a Bloody Mary $19 each for a glass of wine and a Martini plus $13.50 for a bottle of water . NCL is a long way from those prices. Anyone noticed the prices Airport bars/restaurants charge?>

 

Bowlegs - I understand this argument, but most of us are not drinking in NYC on a regular basis. It is after all one of the most expensive cities in the world, and drink prices reflect it so it's not a true comparison for most of us. I'm used to paying $4-5 for a mixed drink - $3.50 at a VFW and they make strong drinks. Same for a house wine. Actually, since I and my friends know the bartenders very well, we're often given free drinks, or charged ridiculously low prices for them. Even if you tip a cruise bartender extra, you will never get a free drink - I'm sure they'd be read the riot act if they got caught given passengers free drinks. So cruise prices do not compare favorably with what I pay in the real world.

 

<Can anyone seriously imagine walking into a cocktail bar with their own bottles and settling down to mixing their own drinks and cocktails? Why expect a cruise ship to allow this and especially when you have been told in advance that it is not permitted?>

 

I know folks who used to like to go to one bar to dance, and they did not drink at all. However, they would bring in their own water, because when you asked for a glass of water at the bar, they gave you a bottle instead and charged you $4. Pretty outrageous if you ask me - that's worse that Disney World prices. So it's common for people to try and skirt the problem when they feel they're getting ripped off.

 

<My personal feeling would be that you rarely see folks getting drunk on wine whereas it's much, much more common with the hard stuff. I enjoy a drink as much as anyone but I hope they never loosen the rules so I don't end up stumbling over drunks in the hallway or a belligerent drunk in the casino. Just my personal opinion of course. >

 

MrLee - I can only speak for me and a few friends who find the same thing - I will feel 2 glasses of wine much more strongly than 2 vodka and cranberries. For some reason wine hits me harder than alcohol - and that includes doing shots. :) I have no idea why though. lol

 

Still don't know why we can't bring on something the cruise line doesn't stock (like Effen Vodka) and pay a corkage fee.

you say most of us do not drink in NYC, I agree, but most do not drink at the VFW hall either. We used to go to the Moose Lodge, sure drinks were cheap, but almost any town, anywhere drinks in a restaurant or bar will start around $5 if you are lucky, big cities, much more. Maybe not the NYC prices, but damn close. I asked about the wine of the day at an Embassy suites in Marin County California about 4 years ago: $12 was the price. Whether we like it or not we have 2 choices, either we accept the prices on the ship or we do not drink....

 

Magnolia Blossom is right, Carnival is considering convencating all booze and not returning it. RCI's policy states you can be removed from the ship. Do I think this will happen, of course not, but I do think RCI will soon follow NCLs policy.

 

Unless we are talking about someone who thinks the only way one can enjoy a vacation is to have a drink in their hand 24/7 it is beyond me how one can spend $2000 or more on a weeks cruise and not spend a couple hundred more on booze.

 

Does this mean I am judgemental about people who try to beat the system? No, I just think we have to be realistic about it.

 

Nita

[cruisinbee]

How do we go about getting an in-cabin bar set up? My hubby and I love to have a drink on our balcony before turning in. We will be sailing on the Gem on 1/04/09.

Cruisinbee

[98Charlie]

How do we go about getting an in-cabin bar set up? My hubby and I love to have a drink on our balcony before turning in. We will be sailing on the Gem on 1/04/09.

Cruisinbee

Contact

 

shipcoordinatorgem@ncl.com

 

Charlie

[boatdrinks]

I guess this is a hot topic...thanks for all the feedback...and the next time I start a thread, I will spell check it!! What is 'liqour' any way?

Boatdrinks :cool:

[98Charlie]

I guess this is a hot topic...thanks for all the feedback...and the next time I start a thread, I will spell check it!! What is 'liqour' any way?

Boatdrinks :cool:

That may be the understatement of the day:D

[rcacace]

Well all I can add is that even though I'm not that big of a drinker I'm ordering my rum runners before my next cruise.

[bowlegs2]

Cruise Line on board prices are very competitive with bars. cocktail bars and restaurants on land. They certainly do not try to profiteer because they have a captive audience. On a special night out in New York at the Rainbow room we paid $20 for a Bloody Mary $19 each for a glass of wine and a Martini plus $13.50 for a bottle of water . NCL is a long way from those prices. Anyone noticed the prices Airport bars/restaurants charge?

 

Bowlegs - I understand this argument, but most of us are not drinking in NYC on a regular basis. It is after all one of the most expensive cities in the world, and drink prices reflect it so it's not a true comparison for most of us. I'm used to paying $4-5 for a mixed drink - $3.50 at a VFW and they make strong drinks. Same for a house wine. Actually, since I and my friends know the bartenders very well, we're often given free drinks, or charged ridiculously low prices for them. Even if you tip a cruise bartender extra, you will never get a free drink - I'm sure they'd be read the riot act if they got caught given passengers free drinks. So cruise prices do not compare favorably with what I pay in the real world.

********************************************************************************

Can anyone seriously imagine walking into a cocktail bar with their own bottles and settling down to mixing their own drinks and cocktails? Why expect a cruise ship to allow this and especially when you have been told in advance that it is not permitted?

 

I know folks who used to like to go to one bar to dance, and they did not drink at all. However, they would bring in their own water, because when you asked for a glass of water at the bar, they gave you a bottle instead and charged you $4. Pretty outrageous if you ask me - that's worse that Disney World prices. So it's common for people to try and skirt the problem when they feel they're getting ripped off.************************************************************************************

Still don't know why we can't bring on something the cruise line doesn't stock (like Effen Vodka) and pay a corkage fee.

 

Hi msmarvel.

I wanted to make my comments on a general basis but unfortunately your response means I must become more personal. Please do not think however that I disagree only with you. As I wrote before this topic comes up on a very regular basis and there are always people who will completely agree with you. I guess it boils down to whether you have respect for others or not.

 

Like you I do not drink in NYC on a regular basis - in fact I do not drink in any bar in any city on a regular basis. The prices I quoted for the Rainbow Room were about 40/50% more than in other NY establishments which was why I wrote NCL were nowhere near those high prices. From my experience in various European cities plus USA and Canada I still believe that NCL prices are competitive. Just as an example we are heading to the Keys pre cruise and I have been doing a lot of research on Restaurant/Bar prices. They are pretty much in line with those I have read here for NCL The converse to your arguments is that I do not think many people are drinking in bars at the prices and with the "benefits" you personally pay/receive. Your real world is not everyones real world. In the NCL real world you are expected to not try to cheat them.

Never would I expect a cruise ship bar tender to provide me with free drinks. I tip for good service not for free drinks.

 

Unfortunately you did not actually respond to my question on walking into a cocktail bar with your own bottles.

What really surprised me was the attitude of the folks you know who believe they are being "ripped off" by a $4 bottle of water. If I understand you correctly they do believe that their evening out and the atmosphere is not worth $4. My question - So why go? If there is a "rip off" or "outrageous" behavior I would suggest it is the folk who expect to go into a bar and dance the night away and never contribute one cent to the costs and overheads of the bar owners. What would be the outcome if every client did the same?

 

I firmly believe that Cruiselines are business concerns and it is vital they make a profit and part of that profit will come from bar sales. Taken all around they provide excellent value for money and do not deserve to be "nickeled and dimed" by those passengers who want to dishonestly smuggle their own alcohol aboard. I completely agree with Nita who wrote that having spent some $2000 on the cruise people object to making as a part of their cruise budget another couple of hundred $s to cover their alcohol consumption.

 

Would you accept a $50 corkage charge on your own spirits or would that also be "outrageous" and still attempt to take illicit alcohol aboard? .

 

Why do cruise ships not allow passengers to take on board brands they do not stock? Obvious - everyone would suddenly discover that their brand was not one of those stocked. It is possible that you are a connoisseur and would be able to taste the difference in a mixed drink using your Effen Vodka or Smirnoff etc but most people would not.

In Scotland they carried out a very interesting survey.. They conducted a "tasting" where various people who refused to drink anything but their own brand of blended whiskey were provided with soda and scotch. Over 95% of people incorrectly identified "their" brand in the tasting of 10 popular brands. Roughly 90% could not even identify "their" brand neat.

 

At the end of the day we can all argue this topic over and over but the cruise lines are going to strengthen their policy rather than weaken it. If people feel they cannot accept the policy then the answer is clear do not book with the company. Those of us who behave responsibly and with respect should not have to subsidise the smugglers.

I probably am a huge minority but I would really like to see the policy given real teeth and any passenger found with their own alcohol be refused boarding. Call me pedantic but bottom line they are in Breach of Contract.

 

Charlie thanks for the welcome.

[Paul_76]

Does anyone have an answer or their own logical reason as to why NCL allows you to bring on wine with a corkage fee, but not allow you to bring on a bottle of vodka with a corkage fee?

 

Why an exception for one type of alcohol, but not the others?

 

I suspect there are a number of reasons for this, but I believe some of it has to do with 1) the variety of wines available, and 2) existing "social conventions" surrounding wine consumption in (land-based) fine dining establishments.

 

With respect to the first point, cruise ships simply do not have wine lists that are on par with many fine dining establishments (or even modestly well stocked personal cellars). I've looked at a lot of cruise line's wine lists, and I don't believe that any are competitive with say even Wine Spectator's lowest-level Award Winners. The number of producers, grape varietals, and vintages result in a wide array of possible choices. I realize the same argument can be applied to spirits and beer... which is an argument I empathize with as NCL doesn't stock my favorite brand of single-malt Scotch. Nonetheless, I recognize that the variety involved with wine is probably an order of magnitude greater... and often times, a particular bottle of wine (especially given its vintage -- from the year of a wedding, birth, graduation, or whatever) is desired to celebrate a special occasion.

 

That said, I believe my second point is probably more the reason which explains the wine-only corkage rule. This is simply a convention from fine dining establishments. For example, I live in Tampa, home to Bern's Steakhouse (a WS Grand Award Winner -- and perhaps the single best establishment for wine in the world). Their cellar is HUGE... and I really can't imagine someone not finding an acceptable choice in the wine book. However, they don't generally offer one of my favorite wines (Peju's Cabernet Franc) in any vintage. To that end, they'll happily let me bring my own wine and charge me for corkage... although, I believe they could make a good case for "pick something here." Moreover, some establishments even have wine lockers for their best patrons to store personal selections. However, I don't believe these same establishments allow "carry-in" spirits... at least, I've never seen it done.

 

For my part, I appreciate NCL's wine policy. It allowed me the freedom to bring aboard local wines from Italy, Spain, and Portugal (which were not-- or not well--represented on the Jade's wine list) while sailing in Europe this past June.

[hockeypapa]

:cool: I REALLY DIDNT MEAN TO WAKE UP ALL THE HOLY THAN THOU PEOPLE I WAS ONLY MAKING A STATEMENT ABOUT NOT BRINGING YOUR OWN BOOZE ON BOARD NOW I HAVE ALL THESE GOODY TO SHOES WHO NEVER BREAK A RULE JUMPING ALL OVER THE BOARDS:eek: THESE ARE SURLY THE PEOPLE WHO CUT THE BUFFET LINE ,TAKE A BATH IN PERFUME, OR HOG ALL THE CHAIRS. LIGHTEN UP! PEOPLE HAVE A RIGHT TO STATE AN OPINION !OH BY THE WAY,HAVE YOU EVER SMOKED WHERE YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE, OR HOW ABOUT LITTER???TAKE A LOOK IN THE MIRROR AND IF YOUR PERFECT THEN CAST THE FIRST STONE!!!! HAVE A GREAT DAY:)

[newmexicoNita]

:cool: I REALLY DIDNT MEAN TO WAKE UP ALL THE HOLY THAN THOU PEOPLE I WAS ONLY MAKING A STATEMENT ABOUT NOT BRINGING YOUR OWN BOOZE ON BOARD NOW I HAVE ALL THESE GOODY TO SHOES WHO NEVER BREAK A RULE JUMPING ALL OVER THE BOARDS:eek: THESE ARE SURLY THE PEOPLE WHO CUT THE BUFFET LINE ,TAKE A BATH IN PERFUME, OR HOG ALL THE CHAIRS. LIGHTEN UP! PEOPLE HAVE A RIGHT TO STATE AN OPINION !OH BY THE WAY,HAVE YOU EVER SMOKED WHERE YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE, OR HOW ABOUT LITTER???TAKE A LOOK IN THE MIRROR AND IF YOUR PERFECT THEN CAST THE FIRST STONE!!!! HAVE A GREAT DAY:)

most are only wondering what the big deal is about smuggling and not paying for your booze like most of us do. I for one don't really care except I do think it raises the cost of drinks for those of us who buy on board. I am also not going to say, I would never find a way to have a drink in my cabin...for you to think, those who oppose smuggling are the same who break smoking rules or cut in line is rediculous in my opinion. Obiding by rules and policies doesn't make any of us perfect.

 

Nita

[MrLee]

:cool: I REALLY DIDNT MEAN TO WAKE UP ALL THE HOLY THAN THOU PEOPLE I WAS ONLY MAKING A STATEMENT ABOUT NOT BRINGING YOUR OWN BOOZE ON BOARD NOW I HAVE ALL THESE GOODY TO SHOES WHO NEVER BREAK A RULE JUMPING ALL OVER THE BOARDS:eek: THESE ARE SURLY THE PEOPLE WHO CUT THE BUFFET LINE ,TAKE A BATH IN PERFUME, OR HOG ALL THE CHAIRS. LIGHTEN UP! PEOPLE HAVE A RIGHT TO STATE AN OPINION !OH BY THE WAY,HAVE YOU EVER SMOKED WHERE YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE, OR HOW ABOUT LITTER???TAKE A LOOK IN THE MIRROR AND IF YOUR PERFECT THEN CAST THE FIRST STONE!!!! HAVE A GREAT DAY:)

 

But is it really necessary to shout about it? :rolleyes:

[msmarvel]

Actually, I find these types of threads really entertaining. It's the same people who post every time saying anyone who smuggles booze is breaking rules (rules to make more money for the cruise line, not for your safety) and you shouldn't do it because we all pay more for our drinks. Guess you could save some of that bar money by taking advantage of the huge sale NCL just had? :) Seems the booze smugglers aren't really affecting their bottom line - probably because they all have hefty bar bills as well.

 

And I for one can't afford to spend $2000 on a cruise, so that couple hundred bar bill does affect my wallet. I share a room and spend about $750. I think it has been covered before - not everyone who cruises is made of money, and they shouldn't have to be.

 

And I don't drink at a VFW all the time, haven't been to one in months. But does a cruise ever do $1 bottles or $2 margaritas like at happy hours all across the US? No. And my bartenders have been giving us free drinks (both in Philly and at the beach) for years and they're still there. That's why my friends are there spending money every Friday and Saturday - it's good for business to have regulars who support you. In addition, I'm not living in that bar for 7 days in a row, where on a cruise ship you are living there - captive audience.

 

 

But, as has been mentioned, unless you yourself have never ever broken any kind of rule, please don't throw stones. Besides, isn't there something more important to get all up in arms about?? Yeesh.

[terrymtex01]

I am just amazed at the people who sneak the alcohol on board because "all NCL is doing is padding their pockets". Aren't they a for profit company? Isn't that what most people in business do? When it comes to what they are charging for alcohol, you are just using a weak excuse. You know before you book the cruise what they charge. If you don't like it you should book with someone else. That is what I honestly do not understand about those that make that kind of statement. It is not like you are being forced to take a cruise or for that matter, forced to take the cruise with NCL. You can call me whatever name you want to call me, I'm just saying your argument does not hold water. The only one I have read that makes sense is the one who said the ship did not carry what they choose to drink. At least that arguement made sense. Those that say they are doing it because NCL charges too much for drinks are just trying to make themselves feel better about doing it. And asking me if I have never broken a rule before is only trying to deflect from what you are doing. The topic of this thread is not what rules have I broken, but bringing your own alcohol onboard.

 

Salty.. I have almost always agreed with things you have posted. I guess on this one you and I will have to agree to disagree. LOL

[newmexicoNita]

Actually, I find these types of threads really entertaining. It's the same people who post every time saying anyone who smuggles booze is breaking rules (rules to make more money for the cruise line, not for your safety) and you shouldn't do it because we all pay more for our drinks. Guess you could save some of that bar money by taking advantage of the huge sale NCL just had? :) Seems the booze smugglers aren't really affecting their bottom line - probably because they all have hefty bar bills as well.

 

And I for one can't afford to spend $2000 on a cruise, so that couple hundred bar bill does affect my wallet. I share a room and spend about $750. I think it has been covered before - not everyone who cruises is made of money, and they shouldn't have to be.

 

And I don't drink at a VFW all the time, haven't been to one in months. But does a cruise ever do $1 bottles or $2 margaritas like at happy hours all across the US? No. And my bartenders have been giving us free drinks (both in Philly and at the beach) for years and they're still there. That's why my friends are there spending money every Friday and Saturday - it's good for business to have regulars who support you. In addition, I'm not living in that bar for 7 days in a row, where on a cruise ship you are living there - captive audience.

 

 

But, as has been mentioned, unless you yourself have never ever broken any kind of rule, please don't throw stones. Besides, isn't there something more important to get all up in arms about?? Yeesh.

what happy hours, where? I was the one that gave the example of $2000 because the average cruise today will cost $2000 for two. Just an estimate. I assume you are referring to only 1 person, if you are cruising for $750. If not let us all know where 2 people can take a 7 day cruise for $750? I guess you must drink a little more than we do, we do not spend 7 days on a cruise living in the bar....

 

Now, tell us where you are getting $1.00 drinks during happy hour? Not anyplace we have lived, that is for certain....not even the Moose Lodge, now do we get free drinks anywhere. This is not to say, we have never gotten a free drink, but not on a regular basis, maybe it is because we do not frequent bars that much...

 

Nita

[MrLee]

I've said it before and I'll say it again...it amazes me that people will go to an international bulletin board to talk about how to cheat (steal from) someone else. You would think that if their ethics aren't any better than that, it would occur to them that the people they're trying to steal from may also be reading this board. :rolleyes:

[cassie55]

My husband hardly drinks but enjoys a bottle of cider occasionally. We've been on several NCL cruises and H is always disappointed that they don't sell it. If it was available onboard he would happily buy it, we're not trying to avoid paying for anything.

 

NCL rules say that we can take on a bottle of wine (and pay corkage) but not spirits.

 

Cider doesn't come under either category.

 

Would we be able to take say, half a dozen bottles on board with us. (the bottles are 500mls before anyone thinks 6 bottles are excessive).

[vjmatty]

 

Unfortunately you did not actually respond to my question on walking into a cocktail bar with your own bottles.

 

Then I will... you can't compare a week on a cruise ship with a few hours in a cocktail bar. Those who wish to bring their own spirits on board are doing it in order to have a glass of wine in their room or perhaps a cocktail on their balcony. I have never had a bedroom or private balcony in any cocktail lounge I have gone to, so I think your analogy is flawed.

 

That being said, I have no problem bringing our one bottle (or box) of wine per passenger and paying the corkage fee if requested. We can make that stretch the entire cruise and would still pay for anything we drink in the dining room, lounges, theater or casino.

 

Those few drinks that people wish to have while getting ready for dinner or before going to bed are not going to break the cruiseline if people bring their own. I really think that the cruise lines just need to prohibit people from bringing their own alcohol into public areas, not their staterooms.

[newmexicoNita]

My husband hardly drinks but enjoys a bottle of cider occasionally. We've been on several NCL cruises and H is always disappointed that they don't sell it. If it was available onboard he would happily buy it, we're not trying to avoid paying for anything.

 

NCL rules say that we can take on a bottle of wine (and pay corkage) but not spirits.

 

Cider doesn't come under either category.

 

Would we be able to take say, half a dozen bottles on board with us. (the bottles are 500mls before anyone thinks 6 bottles are excessive).

I don't know what cider is? if it is similar to wine, you can bring as much on as you want, but you will pay the corkage: if it is more like beer, well I don't know what to say. I agree, if your drink of choice isn't carried on ship you should be able to bring it on board...

 

 

Nita

[98Charlie]

Actually, I find these types of threads really entertaining. It's the same people who post every time saying anyone who smuggles booze is breaking rules

Of course they're here, along with many of the same people who try to justify their actions. "I'm allowed to break rules because other people break rules."

(rules to make more money for the cruise line, not for your safety)

Right you are. If a rule is there solely for the financial well being of the company, you have every right to do what you can to circumvent that rule. Like the rule that you should buy a ticket to go see a movie. Obviously there to line the pockets of the corportation. Maybe I could walk in backwards carrying an empty popcorn box and they'd think I was leaving. Hmmmmm.:rolleyes:

and you shouldn't do it because we all pay more for our drinks. Guess you could save some of that bar money by taking advantage of the huge sale NCL just had? :)

Actually, we shop for all of our cruises and book when the price is right. Yup, just like buying on sale.

Seems the booze smugglers aren't really affecting their bottom line - probably because they all have hefty bar bills as well.

They ALL do? Let's just say I doubt that.

 

And I for one can't afford to spend $2000 on a cruise,

Neither can most of us on the boards.

so that couple hundred bar bill does affect my wallet.

Just like it does the rest of us. Speaking for myself, we just budget different from others.

I share a room and spend about $750. I think it has been covered before - not everyone who cruises is made of money, and they shouldn't have to be. Agreed. Heck, with credit you don't even have to live within your means.

 

And I don't drink at a VFW all the time, haven't been to one in months. But does a cruise ever do $1 bottles or $2 margaritas like at happy hours all across the US?

Gosh, no. Do you ever walk out of the VFW and find that you are in Aruba? OK, one time I walked out of an American Legion and thought I was in Cozumel. When I woke up in a snow drift I realized I was wrong.:D No.

And my bartenders have been giving us free drinks (both in Philly and at the beach) for years and they're still there.

If they are the owner or a partner, it's no big deal. If not and it's not a policy of the premises to comp they are stealing. Period. Not sure about PA but in OH it's illegal (like against the law) to comp drinks.

That's why my friends are there spending money every Friday and Saturday - it's good for business to have regulars who support you.

Explain again how getting free drinks "supports" the business?

In addition, I'm not living in that bar for 7 days in a row, where on a cruise ship you are living there - captive audience. And that captive audience knows in advance what the policy is. Especially members of CC where the topic is discussed ad nauseam.

 

 

But, as has been mentioned, unless you yourself have never ever broken any kind of rule, please don't throw stones.

Right. Never have a discussion about any rule. Period. No one living is worthy of giving an opinion because we are all flawed.

Besides, isn't there something more important to get all up in arms about??

Apparently not. :p Both sides are still here. Even though we all know that no one will change their opinion based on the discussion here.Yeesh.

 

And again, I don't give a rat's patoot if someone smuggles. It would however be refreshing if they could find some new justifications for commiting to a contract and then intentionally violating said contract.

 

 

JMHO,

 

Charlie

[Cosmopolitan]

Those that say they are doing it because NCL charges too much for drinks are just trying to make themselves feel better about doing it. And asking me if I have never broken a rule before is only trying to deflect from what you are doing. The topic of this thread is not what rules have I broken, but bringing your own alcohol onboard.

 

Well stated, I agree!

[Cosmopolitan]

I really think that the cruise lines just need to prohibit people from bringing their own alcohol into public areas, not their staterooms.

 

And you suggest they do that...how:confused:

 

Should they stop anyone/everyone walking around the ship with a drink and have them prove where they purchased the drink?

I can hear the complaints now:eek:

[vjmatty]

And you suggest they do that...how:confused:

 

Should they stop anyone/everyone walking around the ship with a drink and have them prove where they purchased the drink?

I can hear the complaints now:eek:

 

Well I generally don't walk around the ship carrying a drink because I prefer to drink while sitting not walking, but a good guess would be that if someone is leaving a stateroom deck with a drink they probably came from their stateroom.

 

I don't take drinks with me when I leave the bar or leave my house so I guess I don't see the need to do so on a ship.

[Cosmopolitan]

Well I generally don't walk around the ship carrying a drink because I prefer to drink while sitting not walking, but a good guess would be that if someone is leaving a stateroom deck with a drink they probably came from their stateroom.

 

I don't take drinks with me when I leave the bar or leave my house so I guess I don't see the need to do so on a ship.

 

Many times, we carry a drink from a lounge to an outside deck on a pleasant evening.

 

And, who will "man" all the staterooms to ensure that no one will carry a drink out of their cabin:confused:

Of course, they could hire more staff to accomplish that and then the passengers can complain about an increase in fares in order to pay the extra staff;)