Question:

For several years, I've noticed that cruise lines have tubs of iced bottled water near the gangway for shore excursioners to purchase for around $1.25. Also, I'm familiar with the $3 bottles of water in the cabin. However, on our recent NCL cruise, the pushing of bottled water was taken to a new extreme, when the assistant waiter would present a bottle of water to the breakfast or luncheon table each day to see if you'd like to purchase water to go along with your meal. They promptly withdrew when we'd shake our heads and request ice water, but it did have a certain cheapness to it that was annoying and a bit out of keeping with the balance of the cruise and food service. I wonder if other lines are exploiting this annoying trick as well?

Answer:

A few years back on Carnival Destiny at morning breakfast the waiters did the same pitch. This was when we docked at Cozumel, they were all saying please do not drink the water in Mexico and for your convenience we have bottled water for you to take ashore. Never once saying it was said for a price. I just shook my head. On the way out by the gangway I saw the same tub that Tom speaks of. So I guess they all do it.

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