Lena Savoie
Although bringing your own alcohol on a cruise ship is prohibited by most major cruise lines, many passengers attempt to smuggle it on board due to the high cost of alcohol on cruises. While there is no foolproof method, people have tried various tactics, such as using fake tampon flasks, hairbrush flasks, rum runners (plastic bags), and even disguising alcohol as mouthwash. However, if caught, there can be serious consequences, including confiscation of alcohol, denial of boarding, and being booted off the ship.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reasons for smuggling alcohol on a cruise ship | High cost of alcohol on cruise ships |
| Techniques | Using "rum runners" (flexible, bendable, and reusable plastic bladders) |
| Fake toiletry bottles | |
| Hairbrush flasks | |
| WineRack alcohol bra | |
| Fake tampon flasks | |
| Sneaky umbrella flasks | |
| Tote bags with a 1.5-liter pouch | |
| Fake binoculars | |
| Miniature mouthwash bottles | |
| Boozy bracelets | |
| Beer belly canteen | |
| Risks | Detection by X-ray machines and security staff |
| Confiscation of alcohol | |
| Denial of boarding or being asked to disembark |
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What You'll Learn
Use rum runners (flexible plastic bags)
Although it is prohibited to smuggle alcohol onto a cruise ship, some people still attempt it. If you are considering it, one of the most popular methods is to use rum runners, also known as alcohol bags or plastic flasks. These flexible, bendable, and reusable plastic bags can hold various liquids, including wine, vodka, tequila, or any other liquor. They are designed to stealthily fit into your checked bags, carry-on luggage, or even pockets.
Rum runners are available for purchase on Amazon and typically come with a funnel for easy filling. They are discreet and less likely to arouse suspicion compared to glass bottles or hard containers. Each bag can hold a significant amount of liquid, usually up to 32 ounces (one litre), which is equivalent to a standard bottle of wine. This makes them a popular choice for those looking to bring a substantial amount of alcohol onboard without raising red flags.
When using rum runners, it is important to be cautious and aware of the potential risks involved. While they can be effective in smuggling alcohol, there is still a chance of detection by security personnel. X-ray machines and luggage inspections are commonly employed by cruise lines to detect prohibited items, including alcohol. If discovered, there can be serious consequences, including confiscation of the alcohol, lectures on ship policy, and in worse cases, being denied boarding or asked to disembark.
Additionally, it is worth noting that while rum runners can be successful, there is no guarantee that they will always work. The effectiveness of smuggling alcohol onto a cruise ship depends on various factors, including the security measures in place, the amount of alcohol being smuggled, and individual discretion. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of the potential risks and consequences before attempting to smuggle alcohol using rum runners or any other method.
Overall, while rum runners provide a flexible and discreet option for those considering smuggling alcohol onto a cruise ship, it is important to weigh the potential benefits against the risks involved. Following the cruise line's policies and regulations is always recommended to ensure a pleasant and worry-free vacation experience.
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Hide in fake shampoo bottles
While there is no foolproof way to sneak alcohol onto a cruise ship, one method that people have tried is to use fake shampoo bottles. You can purchase these online, and they are designed to look like regular shampoo bottles while concealing alcohol inside. These fake bottles are made of BPA-free food-grade plastic and typically hold around 8 ounces of liquor. They often come with safety seals to make them look even more convincing.
To use this method, you would need to clean and refill the shampoo bottles with your desired alcohol. Some people recommend adding food colouring to match the colour of shampoo, but this is not necessary. You can then pack these bottles in your checked luggage, preferably hidden among your other toiletries to avoid suspicion.
It is important to note that there is a risk of getting caught when attempting to smuggle alcohol onto a cruise ship. If discovered, your alcohol will likely be confiscated, and you may face other consequences. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of the cruise line's policies and make an informed decision.
Additionally, some people have suggested that using actual shampoo bottles instead of fake ones could be a smarter option. This involves pouring alcohol into a regular shampoo bottle and sealing it back up. However, this method may be less effective as security personnel might find it suspicious if the liquid appears too watery or differs from the typical shampoo consistency.
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Use a tote bag with a hidden pouch
While I cannot recommend smuggling alcohol onto a cruise ship, as it goes against cruise line policies and could result in confiscation, here is some information I found on using a tote bag with a hidden pouch to do so.
A classy tote bag can be used to smuggle alcohol onto a cruise. For example, Amazon sells a tote with a 1.5-liter pouch, which can fit two whole wine bottles. This method may be difficult, as scanners on cruises can detect the amount of liquid in bags. However, some people have attempted it. This method is more likely to work if the cruise allows each passenger to bring a specific amount of alcohol, as you can work around the rule by packing multiple bags.
If you are planning on using a tote bag to smuggle alcohol, you should be aware that cruise ship scanners can detect the amount of liquid in bags. Liquid appears dark on an X-ray, and the shape of bottles is easy to detect. Port staff will open the bag and take a closer look if they detect bottles, cans, or other containers. Additionally, some cruise lines prohibit all drinks, including water, from being brought on board, which may make this method more challenging.
To increase your chances of success when using a tote bag to smuggle alcohol, you should also consider the following tips:
- Use a bag that looks classy and does not attract attention.
- Pack the alcohol in a way that does not create a traditional liquor bottle outline. Rum runners, for example, are flexible and can be shaped to fit inside other items in your bag.
- If you have multiple checked bags, distribute the alcohol among them to reduce the risk of detection.
- Be wary of wine bottles smashing in your luggage by using inflatable wine bottle protectors.
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Hide in a hairbrush flask
While it's important to remember that sneaking alcohol onto a cruise ship goes against cruise lines' policies and is not recommended, some people try to do so to save money. One way to do this is by using a hairbrush flask.
Hairbrush flasks are designed to look and function like a typical paddle brush, with the added feature of a hollow handle that can be filled with liquid. They can usually hold around six ounces of liquor, although some can hold up to nine ounces. This can be a good option for hiding alcohol in plain sight, as security is unlikely to look twice at someone bringing a hairbrush on a cruise.
To use a hairbrush flask effectively, make sure to fill it with your chosen alcohol before departing for your cruise. The bottom of the flask usually screws off, allowing you to fill it with your desired beverage. Once filled, screw the bottom back on tightly to prevent any leaks.
It's important to note that there is no foolproof way to sneak alcohol onto a cruise ship. If you are caught, your alcohol will likely be confiscated and not returned. Additionally, some hairbrush flasks may not be leak-proof, so it's essential to take precautions to avoid any spills or messes.
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Wear a beer belly canteen
If you're looking for a way to smuggle alcohol onto a cruise ship, one option is to use a "beer belly canteen". This polyurethane container is designed to look like a beer belly when worn under clothing and can hold up to 32 ounces (or 80 ounces, according to one source) of alcohol. That's the equivalent of about three bottles of wine!
While this method may not be the most fashionable choice, it can be a discreet way to carry alcohol onto the ship and avoid the high prices for drinks onboard. If you're concerned about sacrificing your style, there are similar products designed specifically for women, such as the "wine rack bra", which can enhance your appearance while allowing you to sneak alcohol onboard.
However, it's important to consider the risks involved with any method of smuggling alcohol. Wearable flasks like the beer belly canteen or the wine rack bra may be easily detected by X-ray scanners, and port staff may treat them as suspicious items. This could lead to serious trouble with authorities, so it's crucial to be aware of the potential consequences before deciding to use these methods.
Additionally, keep in mind that sneaking alcohol onto a cruise ship is prohibited and goes against cruise line policies. There is no foolproof method, and if caught, your alcohol will likely be confiscated. Always check the specific rules and regulations of your chosen cruise line before attempting to bring any alcohol onboard.
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Frequently asked questions
Although it is prohibited and not recommended, some people have tried to smuggle alcohol on a cruise ship by hiding it in fake toiletry bottles, tampon flasks, hairbrush flasks, rum runners, or even a classy tote bag.
If you are caught, your alcohol will be confiscated and not returned. In addition, you may be denied boarding or asked to disembark, which could ruin your vacation.
Yes, some cruise lines, such as Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, and Celebrity Cruises, allow a limited amount of alcohol onboard during embarkation. It is important to check the specific policies of your cruise line before attempting to bring alcohol.
Instead of smuggling alcohol, you can consider booking a package that includes alcohol or purchasing a discounted drinks package online in advance of your cruise. This can help you save money and avoid the risk of getting caught smuggling alcohol.
