Theo Nash
Drinking on a cruise ship is an expensive pastime, with beers costing around $7-8 and cocktails $12-14, plus a 15-20% gratuity. This has led many people to try to sneak alcohol onto a cruise ship, with 19% of passengers admitting to doing so at least once. While some people have shared their creative ways of smuggling alcohol on TikTok and other social media platforms, the likelihood of getting caught is high. Security members know all the tricks, and X-ray machines can detect liquids. If you are caught, the alcohol will be confiscated and not returned, and you may be fined or surcharged for violating the company's alcohol policy. You could even be denied boarding or asked to disembark.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| People who have tried to sneak alcohol on a cruise | 19% of passengers in a survey conducted by Cruzely |
| Reasons for sneaking alcohol on a cruise | Alcohol on a cruise is expensive |
| Consequences of getting caught | Alcohol will be confiscated and not returned, fines, surcharge, passport retained, denied boarding or asked to disembark |
| Creative ways to sneak alcohol on a cruise | Using mouthwash bottles, flasks inside tampon wrappers, water bottles, glue gun and hair straightener to reseal packaging |
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What You'll Learn
Creative ways to smuggle alcohol on a cruise
While it is true that drinking on a cruise can be expensive, with beers costing around $7-8 and cocktails $12-14 (plus a 15-20% gratuity), the risks of sneaking alcohol onboard are greater than the benefits. If you are caught, the alcohol will be confiscated and not returned, and you may face further serious consequences. However, if you are still determined to try, here are some creative ways people have used to smuggle alcohol on a cruise:
Fake toiletry bottles
Disguise your alcohol in fake toiletry bottles. You can buy a set of six BPA-free food-grade plastic containers designed to look like shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, aloe, and two kinds of sunblock. These can accommodate a total of 80 ounces of liquor. The set also comes with eight safety seals to make the bottles look even more convincing.
Tampon wrappers
One TikToker recommended getting small flasks for liquor, placing them inside tampon wrappers, and using a glue gun and hair straightener to make the box look unopened. Alternatively, you can buy fake tampon flasks that can be disguised as tampons.
Rum runners
Rum runners are flexible, bendable, and reusable plastic pouches that can hold all sorts of liquids. You can stealthily stash them in your checked bags, carry-on luggage, or even pockets.
Hairbrush flask
There are hairbrushes on the market that feature a built-in mirror and a paddle brush design that really works, but they also hold about 6 ounces of booze.
Alcohol bra
The WineRack alcohol bra is a flexible, removable polyurethane bladder that can hold 25 ounces of liquid. You fill it with your chosen beverage, pull on the sports bra-style supporter, and step onboard.
Umbrella flask
The Smuggle Your Booze umbrella is made from food-safe plastic and can hold 9 ounces of liquid. It's compact and discreet enough to fit in carry-on suitcases, backpacks, and larger purses.
Please note that these methods may not fool security staff, and if you are caught, you will face the consequences.
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The likelihood of getting caught
It's important to remember that security members are aware of the various tactics people use to sneak alcohol onboard. They have seen it all before, so your attempt to disguise liquor as mouthwash or hide flasks in tampon boxes will likely be foiled. In addition to having your alcohol confiscated, you could face serious consequences if caught. Port and cruise security staff have the right to remove alcohol from your possession, and they are not obligated to return it. You could also be fined or surcharged for violating the company's alcohol policy. Some cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean, reserve the right to deny boarding or disembark passengers who do not follow their alcohol policies.
While some people may succeed in sneaking alcohol onto a cruise ship, the high detection rate of X-ray machines and the vigilance of crew members make it a risky endeavour. The potential consequences, including confiscation of alcohol, fines, and disruption to your vacation, should be carefully weighed against the benefits. Ultimately, it is in your best interest to adhere to the cruise line's rules and avoid the stress and trouble of trying to sneak alcohol onboard.
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What happens if you're caught
If you're caught sneaking alcohol on a cruise, you can expect to have the alcohol confiscated and not returned. Security and port authorities have the right to remove any alcohol that does not adhere to the cruise line's alcohol policy, and they do not have to give it back. In addition, cruise lines may fine or surcharge passengers for violating their alcohol policies. Cruise lines may also retain your passport or identification card, and in the worst-case scenario, you could be denied boarding or asked to disembark.
While it may seem tempting to smuggle alcohol onto a cruise due to the high cost of drinks on board, the risks of getting caught are significant. Cruise ships are aware of the various methods used to sneak alcohol on board, and their security measures can detect liquids in luggage or carried on a person. Even if prohibited alcohol makes it through security, it can still be reported by crew members who are required to enforce the alcohol policies.
The consequences of being caught can vary depending on the cruise line and the specific circumstances. Some cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean, explicitly state that guests are not allowed to bring their own alcohol and reserve the right to disembark or deny boarding to those who violate this policy. Other cruise lines, like Carnival Cruise Line, specify in their contract of carriage that alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages outside of allowed exceptions are strictly prohibited in both carry-on and checked luggage and will be confiscated and discarded without compensation.
It's important to note that attempting to sneak alcohol on a cruise can also impact your vacation experience. If you are caught, you may be embarrassed or ashamed, and you will miss out on the social aspect of enjoying drinks with other passengers in the various bars and social spaces on the ship. Additionally, there is a high likelihood of getting caught, and the potential consequences can ruin your vacation entirely.
Overall, it is highly recommended to follow the cruise line's rules and avoid trying to sneak alcohol on board. While it may seem like a way to save money, the potential risks and consequences far outweigh any benefits. Play by the rules, and you can fully enjoy your cruise without the stress of worrying about getting caught.
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Why you should follow the rules
Alcohol is popular on a cruise, but it is also expensive. It is not unusual to pay $7-8 for a beer or $12-14 for a cocktail, plus a 15-20% gratuity on top. With prices so high, it is no wonder that many people consider sneaking alcohol on board. However, there are several reasons why you should follow the rules and not try to bring your own alcohol on a cruise.
Firstly, it is highly likely that you will get caught. While cruise terminals may not have the same level of technology as airports, X-ray machines can still detect liquids. If your luggage contains a questionable amount of liquid, it is likely to be flagged. Even if your alcohol makes it through security, you could still get caught on board. Crew members are required to report suspicious behaviour, so your cabin steward could report you if they find prohibited alcohol in your cabin.
Secondly, if you are caught, your alcohol will be confiscated and not returned. Security and port authorities have the right to remove any alcohol from your possession if you are not adhering to the cruise line's alcohol policy. You will also have to face the consequences of breaking the rules, which could include being fined or surcharged. Cruise lines also have the right to retain your passport or identification card, and you could even be denied boarding or asked to disembark.
Finally, by following the rules, you can enjoy all the cruise ship has to offer without the stress of worrying about getting caught. You can check out the different bars, sample cocktails, and socialise with other passengers without having to hide in your cabin or slink around dark corners with a flask.
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The consequences of getting caught
Some cruise lines may also impose fines or surcharges for violating their alcohol policy. Furthermore, cruise lines have the right to retain your passport or identification card, and you may be required to hand over these documents if the onboard security flags your name in their system.
The most severe consequence is the possibility of being denied boarding or being asked to disembark the cruise entirely for not following the alcohol policy. This is a worst-case scenario but is a real possibility, as outlined in the alcohol policies of several cruise lines. For example, Royal Caribbean states that guests who violate any alcohol policies may be "disembarked or not allowed to board, at their own expense". Similarly, Princess Cruises' passenger contract states that if your luggage is locked and contains alcohol, the lock may be removed by security, or the luggage will be held until you can be present for an inspection and any alcohol surrendered.
Therefore, while it may be tempting to try and sneak alcohol onto a cruise to save money, the potential consequences far outweigh any benefits. It is far better to follow the cruise line rules and purchase alcohol or a drink package on board.
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Frequently asked questions
If you get caught, security staff have the right to confiscate your alcohol and you will not get it back. You could also be fined or surcharged for violating the company's alcohol policy. In addition, cruise lines have the right to retain your passport or identification card, and you could even be denied boarding or asked to disembark.
Cruise terminals may not have the same technology as airports, but X-ray machines can still detect liquids. If your luggage contains a questionable amount of liquid, it will likely be flagged. Even if your alcohol gets through security, you could still get caught onboard, as crew members are required to report suspicious behaviour that violates their alcohol policies.
People have tried all sorts of methods, from using mouthwash bottles to disguising flasks of liquor inside tampon wrappers. However, security members are aware of these tricks, so there is a high chance you will get caught.
Alcoholic drinks on cruises can be very expensive, with prices ranging from $7-8 for a beer to $12-14 for a cocktail, plus a 15-20% gratuity. As a result, many people try to bring their own alcohol to save money.
Instead of risking getting caught and facing the consequences, you could simply follow the cruise line's rules and purchase drinks on board or take advantage of any drink packages offered. While it may be more expensive, you can enjoy your cruise without the stress of worrying about getting caught.
