Coolers

[PrincessShmoo]

Well... Who defines an acceptable 'special dietary food?'

I was just trying to make sure that my 'special dietary food' would be acceptable because my special diet is technically voluntary.

There could be a difference between 'this is her favorite butter spread and she'll really only eat it because she's picky' and 'this is her non-dairy butter spread because she chooses to be vegan' and 'this is the only butter spread she can eat that won't kill her.'

I'd rather try to make sure that I'm honestly within the definition of a documented exception than just assume a rule doesn't apply to me because I'm oh so special.

(And a cookie cutter response wasn't what I was looking for when I sent a very specific question. So I'll try asking by phone or something, but the email did not answer the question I asked.)

I agree, these are different possibilities.

Personally, just as a parent, the first "because she's picky" doesn't fly in our household. When we take trips, the kids (even the picky one) were given the opportunity to try whatever was offered on the menu (their choice). Also their choice, if they opted to not eat anything.

As to the "because of vegan diet", DCL does offer many variations of their offerings for special diets (vegans among them). I'd probably suggest asking DCL if they can accommodate that specific thing you want to bring onboard. If they can't, then, IMO, you are good to go for bringing your own choices.

And for "it's the only kind she can eat because all others will kill her", well, that's a definite bring your own stuff situation.

Oh, BTW, I'll point out, when calling DCL and asking questions, the person answering the phone, probably won't have the answer either. And, if you call and ask 3 different people, you're likely to get 3 different answers. When asking, I'd suggest asking to be connected to a supervisor, as that (most times) will get you a better answer.

 

[srferson]

I agree, these are different possibilities.

Personally, just as a parent, the first "because she's picky" doesn't fly in our household. When we take trips, the kids (even the picky one) were given the opportunity to try whatever was offered on the menu (their choice). Also their choice, if they opted to not eat anything.

Right, I don't think "picky" counts. And some people regard a vegan diet as just someone being picky. Now, thankfully, I don't think DCL does. But double checking is usually a good idea.

As to the "because of vegan diet", DCL does offer many variations of their offerings for special diets (vegans among them). I'd probably suggest asking DCL if they can accommodate that specific thing you want to bring onboard. If they can't, then, IMO, you are good to go for bringing your own choices.

You bring up a very good point. I haven't asked if what I want to bring is something they'd already have. I'd like to make sure it's something that room service could provide with, say, a bagel if requested. But perhaps bringing a cooler won't even be an issue. (It was never given to me last year. Which is why I assumed. But I'm not sure I ever specifically asked.)

And for "it's the only kind she can eat because all others will kill her", well, that's a definite bring your own stuff situation.

Of course.

Oh, BTW, I'll point out, when calling DCL and asking questions, the person answering the phone, probably won't have the answer either. And, if you call and ask 3 different people, you're likely to get 3 different answers. When asking, I'd suggest asking to be connected to a supervisor, as that (most times) will get you a better answer.

Very helpful, thank you. I never call DCL (my TA does) so that wouldn't have occurred to me.

 

[my2princessgirls]

Is a wine tote considered a cooler? I've never realized that there were so many kinds of coolers until now, lol!

One like this, that has the dividers to keep the bottles from hitting each other:

It's insulated, but I can't imagine anyone ever putting ice in it. We pretty much only drink red wine so I never really thought about the cooler aspect...

 

[lbgraves]

They have never allowed ice in coolers. Since it is insulated and could be used as a cooler, it would probably be considered a cooler. There have been reports of many being confiscated at the port since the rule started being enforced.

 

[runwad]

We've got one of these - link - planning on having it flat in case when we board. If they do confiscate it it's not exactly the most expensive thing in the world

Ugh we have that backpack cooler and use it for our excursions to put our water bottles in. I pack it in my luggage but bring it out for island stops. I never knew this. That stinks.

 

[my2princessgirls]

They have never allowed ice in coolers. Since it is insulated and could be used as a cooler, it would probably be considered a cooler. There have been reports of many being confiscated at the port since the rule started being enforced.

Thank you for the reply.

I guess that I'll go get a few neoprene double totes and then put those in our DCL tote. Not sure how else to carry 6 bottles of wine on board without risking them breaking.

Sad though, as that wine tote worked out perfectly last year. And we have never used it as a cooler, just a carrier (it really would not even make a good cooler since there isn't any way to really add anything to keep something g cold).

 

[McDonald5]

Is this a new thing? I thought it was just no hard-side coolers or coolers with wheels. That's what it was the last time I looked anyway.

So I can carry on some bottled water. And I can carry on an empty cooler bag. But I can't carry the water IN the bag. Yah...that makes complete sense. Seems incredibly stupid and frankly arbitrary.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Is this a new thing? I thought it was just no hard-side coolers or coolers with wheels. That's what it was the last time I looked anyway.

So I can carry on some bottled water. And I can carry on an empty cooler bag. But I can't carry the water IN the bag. Yah...that makes complete sense. Seems incredibly stupid and frankly arbitrary.

The no coolers thing has always been the policy, just not enforced. Around last Oct they started enforcing it.

The only coolers allowed are small (12X12X12) ones to be used for medicine, baby food, and special dietary foods.

Technically, if you are not going to use the cooler for any of these three options, you can't bring one on.

 

[lanejudy]

Is this a new thing? I thought it was just no hard-side coolers or coolers with wheels. That's what it was the last time I looked anyway.

So I can carry on some bottled water. And I can carry on an empty cooler bag. But I can't carry the water IN the bag. Yah...that makes complete sense. Seems incredibly stupid and frankly arbitrary.

The no-cooler "rule" has technically been in place quite a while, but not enforced until late last fall. It's been reported there was damage occuring when people filled soft-sided coolers with ice that then leaked on the floors, as well as reports of blatant disregard for the rules with people bringing a cooler of beer to the clubs. Whatever the reason, DCL started to strictly enforce the no-cooler rule for the past few several months now, and it does include both hard coolers and soft-sided coolers, rolling or not. Nowhere do the rules state you may bring an empty cooler, though some are arguing the wording doesn't specifically ban such items. Let your conscience be your guide...