It's increasingly difficult to buy liquor in port and bring it onboard for consumption (ok, almost impossible!). The "henchmen" are waiting as they scan your carry-ons when you come back onboard and immediately snatch it up; mark your name and cabin number on it; and return it late on the last night of the cruise to you. Additionally, your carry-ons will be scanned and searched upon boarding the ship the first time, so that's out too. I have had some success with packing bottles in the bubble wrap and putting them in the suitcase. Obviously this only works if you can put the booze into the luggage AFTER the flight to the ship or if you're driving to the ship.

Since it's your first cruise, don't get too wrapped up in "how am I going to get a bottle onto the ship". If it becomes a hassle, it's not worth it. On the other hand (!) your onboard account could be sky-high at the end of the cruise if you like to drink and this could be a shock that you're not expecting.

You MAY bring, and consume, wine and champagne onto the ship. If you want to enjoy this with a meal (in the dining rooms), they will charge you a corkage fee ($7-$10).

What happens is the other security people there see you talking to "one of their own" and doesn't bother you...

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Originally posted by Mariposa:
Hooray! First cruise!!!

I have had some success with packing bottles in the bubble wrap and putting them in the suitcase. Obviously this only works if you can put the booze into the luggage AFTER the flight to the ship or if you're driving to the ship.

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On my recent cruise aboard NORWEGIAN SPIRIT, they somehow screened all the checked luggage and "sequestered" any suitcases containing bottles. On sailing evening, lots of people were going to a special room to retrieve their delayed bags, and were forced to place their bottles in bond on the ship until after the cruise. Lots of surprised and unhappy people!

This was the first time I've ever seen this procedure, and I don't know if the other lines do this.

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Originally posted by Linerrich:

On my recent cruise aboard NORWEGIAN SPIRIT, they somehow screened all the checked luggage and "sequestered" any suitcases containing bottles. On sailing evening, lots of people were going to a special room to retrieve their delayed bags, and were forced to place their bottles in bond on the ship until after the cruise. Lots of surprised and unhappy people!

This was the first time I've ever seen this procedure, and I don't know if the other lines do this.

Rich

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This is ridiculous! I can't understand why a person can't bring on bottle on board to have a drink in their cabin before of after dinner. I doubt anybody books a cruise so they can sit in their cabin and drink all day. Ordering one drink from room service while getting ready for dinner would be a hassle. Sometimes it hard enough to get a cocktail during dinner.

What's next...pat downs? If you bring a cake on board they'll probably check it to see if contains a file. Maybe we can wear prison stripes on formal night.

Like it or not, the cruise lines do have a policy on this.

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Originally posted by Linerrich:
I've just been reviewing the alchohol policies of various cruise lines, as stated in their brochures. Most cruise lines state that they either prohibit, or reserve the right to prohibit, passengers from bringing alcohol on board during embarkation. NCL clearly states that they will indeed confiscate any alcohol, to be held securely and delivered back to the passenger at the end of the cruise.

Like it or not, the cruise lines do have a policy on this.

Rich

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The cruise fare used to be a profitable proposition. Then, once on board, you were offered hospitality including drinks at very modest duty free prices.

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Originally posted by WhiteStar:

II've never had a hotel search my bags or detain me because I had a bottle of alcohol.

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If the hotel room price didn't cover their costs, they could try and make you pay to eat in the dining room.. but unlike a ship, you can walk out the door.

No it was 'addled' before!

Hotels never confiscate food or booze - why should they?

I've seen it happen (McDonalds). As for 'why' I assume they do not want to lose restaurant revenue?

For example, this UK Hotels states it towards the bottom of there info page.

[ 04-29-2005: Message edited by: Malcolm @ cruisepage ]

I see the charging for morning coffee/tea on Arcadia did not last long What were P&O thinking of! $$$ no doubt, now -$$$.

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Originally posted by kmac:
This is my first cruise. YEAH! We are on the 7 day RCCL out of Galveston. Has anyone recently went on this crusie that can give me some pointers? My other question is how much are the drinks? Beer, mixed drinks and can you buy a bottle of liquor on the boat or the ports and take it to your state room? Any information given is greatly appreciated.
THANKS......

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Carnival runs a great program for non-drinkers called the "fountain pass." A flash card for all drinks for the entire cruise, it was an Excellent deal.

Liquor was running about par with RCI. But they did carry the fine beers, liquors and wines/champagens at extremely High prices.

Be careful what you carry in your (carry on) luggage, airports were very tight on checking luggage. We could not lock our suitcases because they hand searched them. If they found a bottle with liquid in it they confiscated them.

Better to be safe then denied boarding because of a suspicious item in your carry on luggage.