Just thought I would share an experience some of our group members had on the Norwegian Star in Alaska a couple of weeks ago. A couple of our group members tried to bring some booze (1 gal, 2 bottles of wine, and the other a bottle of vodka) aboard the ship in their checked luggage. Their bags were held until late in the day and they were notified to go to reception.

When they arrived at reception they were confronted about the liquor and the booze was confiscated. Both ladies felt as if they had committed a crime in the process and their luggage was delayed affecting their attendance at an arrival cocktail party.

While I can see why cruise lines might want to control the amount and kind of booze that is brought onboard, I thought that this was a poor way to handle it.

Why not have prepaid corkage for those that want to bring their favorite wine with them? Instead of making it a negative experience, the cruise line could turn it into an additional profit center.

Consider this fair warning, though, it looks like NCL has tightened down the hatches on bringing booze (any kind) aboard.

Tom

Add to that the fact that on the morning of debarkation you are required to reclaim your "confiscated" liquor, waiting in a line with all the other "criminals" and then find a way to pack it in your luggage - the whole experience was quite uncomfortable and a bit embarrassing. Does not make for "happy" NCL passengers.
Nancy

The whole issue of not allowing passengers to bring their own booze on board is stupid. Plain and Simple. If someone wants to bring their favorite booze on board its the passengers business. Whats with all the does and don't anymore with the cruise lines? What if every resort and hotel did the same thing? I bet those resorts and hotels would lose some serious business. The only reason that the cruise lines are doing this is because they want everyone to buy their liquor on board. Its not likely that with all the policing they are doing to keep people from bringing alcohol on board will break them. Not everyone does it. Its getting a bit ridiculous on the ships. If some of the cruise ships would police the activities of the wild kids on board then that would be more beneficual to all. But thats another sore spot.

It is true that bringing bottles of booze on board is now PROHIBITED and it really doesn't make sense, but it is their policy. It is very clear on their website, tickets, and other documentation that bringing booze on board is prohibited and will be confiscated. Should you decide to go against the rules, shame on you.

There have been discussions regarding "smuggling" and some ideas actually work, but why go through the hassle. I believe for special occasions and groups, contacting NCL beforehand may help. Some of the other lines are catching on and have begun to prohibit bringing alcohol aboard also. I think it's a shame, but what can we do. Learn to smuggle or use the bar more often.

I feel that a passenger should be able to bring their own booze on board for consumption in their room. As Cruznman mentioned that hotels and resorts allow you to have your own in your room or on the balcony, but you do not take it into their lounges or showrooms.

On our last cruise my wife and I were discussing what there is to do on a cruise ship. If you look at the layout of the ship the public areas consists of dining rooms (with bar service, don't get taken by ordering a soft drink), pools with bars, shops, lounges, showrooms (with bar service) and bars. The cruise lines are in the bar business. Their prices are really not out of line with regular bar prices and in some cases they are cheaper but they should be. They don't pay their help, have no liablilty insurance to pay for drunk driving, serving duty free liquor, no unemployment insurance, and who knows what and if any taxes they pay. A lot of profit. If their prices were lower they could make it up in volume and get the passengers tanked so they would spend more at the auctions, gift shops, casino, and tours that they sell on board. HOLD ON MAYBE THEY OUGHT TO RAISE THE PRICES!!!