
While some cruise lines allow passengers to bring a limited amount of alcohol, many have strict rules against bringing your own alcohol onboard. This is because cruise lines can make a lot of money from alcohol sales onboard, and so they try to prevent passengers from bringing their own. As a result, people have come up with creative ways to sneak alcohol onto a cruise ship, from hidden flasks to clever packing tricks. One of the most well-known methods is to use mouthwash bottles, but does this method really work?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Why people sneak alcohol on a cruise | The cost of alcohol on cruise ships is high. Some cruise lines allow passengers to bring a limited amount of alcohol, but most have strict rules. |
| Common methods | Using mouthwash bottles, empty water bottles, sports drink containers, shampoo bottles, hairbrush flasks, fake binoculars, tote bags, rucksacks, messenger bags, boozy bracelets, fake beer bellies, bras, umbrellas, and tampon wrappers. |
| Creative methods | Using Rum Runners (plastic pouches with screw caps), fake paddle brushes, booze bracelets, and flasks disguised as tote bags, rucksacks, and messenger bags. |
| Risks | If caught, alcohol will be confiscated and not returned. Security and port authorities may inspect containers and remove alcohol from your possession. You could be fined or denied boarding. X-ray machines and scanners can detect liquids, and staff are trained to recognize suspicious behavior. |
| Alternatives | Some cruise lines offer drinks packages that are good value for money. P&O Cruises allows guests to bring up to one liter of spirits per passenger, with unlimited mixers. |
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What You'll Learn

Use mouthwash bottles to disguise alcohol
Using mouthwash bottles to disguise alcohol is a well-known method for sneaking alcohol onto a cruise ship. This method may seem obvious, as cruise staff are aware that clear alcohol can be coloured to resemble mouthwash. However, there are ways to increase your chances of success.
Firstly, it is important to consider the size of the mouthwash bottle. An unusually large bottle may raise suspicions, especially during a short cruise. Opting for miniature mouthwash bottles, therefore, may be a better option. These bottles can be purchased or acquired and emptied of their original contents.
When selecting an alcoholic beverage to disguise as mouthwash, it is recommended to choose a clear liquor. Vodka, for example, can be easily disguised as mouthwash with the addition of green or blue food colouring. This will create the typical minty colour associated with mouthwash. Alternatively, one may opt for an opaque mouthwash bottle, as it is more difficult to see the contents inside.
To further increase the chances of success, one could consider combining this method with other strategies. For instance, distributing miniature bottles of alcohol across different bags may reduce the risk of detection. Additionally, some cruise lines allow passengers to bring a limited amount of alcohol, so it may be beneficial to research the policies of specific cruise lines before attempting to smuggle alcohol onboard.
While these strategies may increase the chances of successfully sneaking alcohol onto a cruise ship, it is important to remember that cruise staff are vigilant and aware of these tricks. There is always a risk of detection and potential consequences if caught.
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Add food colouring to clear alcohol to make it look like mouthwash
Sneaking alcohol onto a cruise ship is not a new idea, and security members are well aware of the various tricks people use to hide booze. While cruise terminals may not have the same level of security technology as airports, X-ray machines can still detect liquids. If you're bringing a questionable amount of liquid onboard, your luggage will likely be flagged.
One common method for sneaking alcohol onto a cruise ship is to use a mouthwash bottle and disguise the liquor to look like mouthwash. This can be done by adding food colouring to clear alcohol. Here are some detailed steps to follow:
- Choose a mouthwash bottle that is made of a tinted or opaque plastic, as clear bottles will reveal the true colour of the liquid inside.
- Select a food colouring that matches the colour of the mouthwash you are trying to imitate. Common mouthwash colours include blue, green, and purple.
- Clean and dry the mouthwash bottle thoroughly to remove any residue or odours that could affect the taste or smell of your alcohol.
- Pour clear alcohol into the mouthwash bottle, filling it to a level that leaves enough space for the food colouring.
- Add a small amount of food colouring to the bottle and tightly secure the cap.
- Gently shake the bottle to mix the food colouring and alcohol until you achieve a consistent colour.
- Before sealing the bottle, smell the liquid to ensure that it does not have an overpowering alcohol scent that could give it away as something other than mouthwash.
- If needed, add a few drops of mint extract or food-grade essential oil to mimic the strong scent of mouthwash.
- Label the bottle with a mouthwash brand name and stick-on labels for an authentic look.
While these steps can help you disguise your alcohol as mouthwash, keep in mind that security personnel are vigilant and may inspect containers. Sneaking alcohol onto a cruise ship can result in serious consequences, including fines or even denial of boarding. Always be aware of the cruise line's alcohol policies and consider the potential risks before attempting to bring your own liquor onboard.
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Use a boozy bracelet to smuggle alcohol
While sneaking alcohol onto a cruise ship may seem like a good idea, it can get you into serious trouble. Security members are aware of the various methods people use to try to bring their own alcohol on board, and X-ray machines can detect liquids. If caught, your alcohol will be confiscated, and you may face additional consequences such as fines or even being denied boarding.
With that said, one option for smuggling alcohol onto a cruise is by using a "boozy bracelet." These bracelets are essentially flasks in the form of bangles that you wear on your wrist. They are designed to hold a small amount of liquid, typically around 3.5 ounces or 100 milliliters, and often come with a funnel to facilitate filling them with your desired beverage. The bracelets are usually made of stainless steel and may feature decorative elements such as an AB crystal lid or a rainbow design.
Boozy bracelets are available for purchase online, with sites like Etsy and Walmart offering a variety of styles and designs. They can be found in both women's and men's styles, making them accessible to a wide range of customers. Some bracelets are even marketed specifically as gifts for bridesmaids or for a girl's weekend, indicating a certain level of acceptance and normalization of this smuggling method.
When considering a boozy bracelet, it's important to keep in mind that they may not completely fool security personnel. While they offer a more discreet way to carry alcohol, the liquid inside will still show up on X-ray scans. Additionally, if the bracelet is noticed and inspected, the alcohol will be discovered. Therefore, using a boozy bracelet comes with the same risks as any other alcohol-smuggling method, including confiscation of the alcohol and potential fines or other penalties.
In conclusion, while boozy bracelets provide a creative and unique way to smuggle alcohol onto a cruise, they do not guarantee success. The potential consequences of getting caught still apply, and it is important to carefully consider the risks before attempting to bring your own alcohol on board.
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Hide alcohol in a fake paddle brush
Sneaking alcohol onto a cruise ship is a tricky business. Security members know all the tricks, and X-ray machines can detect liquids. However, if you are set on trying to bring your own alcohol on board, one method is to use a fake paddle brush flask.
The Binocktails Bev-Brush Paddle Hairbrush, available on Amazon, is a fully functional brush that looks and feels like a real paddle brush. It has a matte soft-touch rubber coating, tipped bristles, and a large mirror on the opposite side that comes with a protective film. The brush has a capacity of 6 oz (185 ml), which is enough for a night out.
To use the fake paddle brush flask, simply fill it with up to 6 oz (185 ml) of alcohol. Place it in your purse or a larger bag, as the brush is not lightweight, even when empty. Keep in mind that some users have reported leaking issues, so it's important to be careful with how you place the brush in your bag.
While this method may help you sneak alcohol onto a cruise, there are risks involved. If caught, your alcohol will be confiscated, and you may face additional consequences such as fines or even denial of boarding. Therefore, it is important to carefully consider the cruise line's alcohol policy and the potential risks before attempting to bring your own alcohol on board.
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Pour alcohol into miniature bottles and stuff them into your luggage
It is important to note that sneaking alcohol onto a cruise ship is not recommended and can get you into serious trouble. If caught, your alcohol will be confiscated, and you could face further consequences such as fines or even being denied boarding. Many cruise lines have strict rules regarding bringing your own alcohol, and security staff are aware of common smuggling tactics. With that said, here is a detailed guide on how to pour alcohol into miniature bottles and stuff them into your luggage:
First, purchase a set of small, empty miniature bottles designed for storing and transporting alcohol. These bottles are often known as "Rum Runners" and can be found online or at specialty travel stores. The bottles should be small enough to easily fit into various nooks and crannies within your luggage.
Next, carefully pour your desired alcohol into the miniature bottles, ensuring that they are tightly sealed to prevent any leaks. If using clear liquor, consider adding a few drops of green or blue food coloring to the bottles to make the liquid appear less suspicious. However, be aware that security staff are familiar with this tactic and may still recognize the disguised alcohol.
When packing your luggage, strategically place the miniature bottles among your other belongings. Spread them out to avoid drawing attention to a single area. Utilize various compartments, pockets, and crevices within your luggage to conceal the bottles effectively. If you have clothing items that have pockets or hidden zippers, take advantage of those features to stash the bottles.
To further disguise the alcohol, consider placing the miniature bottles within other everyday items such as socks, shoes, or toiletry kits. You can also wrap the bottles in clothes or soft items to muffle any clinking sounds they might make during transit. Just be mindful not to pack them too tightly, as security staff may find it suspicious if your luggage appears overly stuffed or densely packed.
Finally, remember to follow all other standard luggage guidelines and restrictions to avoid raising unnecessary suspicion. Avoid bringing an excessive number of bottles, as this could spark concern. Only bring a reasonable quantity that aligns with personal consumption during your cruise. By following these steps, you can increase your chances of successfully sneaking alcohol onto a cruise in miniature bottles stowed within your luggage.
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Frequently asked questions
Wash out a miniature mouthwash bottle and fill it with a clear liquor, such as vodka or gin. Add blue or green food colouring to make it look like the typical minty colour of mouthwash.
It is recommended to use a clear spirit such as white rum, gin or vodka.
Avoid using unusually large bottles as this will raise suspicion. Mouthwashes such as Listerine come in bottles of up to one litre, so this size should be fine for a week-long cruise.
If you are caught, your alcohol will be confiscated and not returned. You may also be fined or denied boarding.
Yes, there are many other ways people try to sneak alcohol onto a cruise, including fake binoculars, shampoo bottles, water bottles, fake beer bellies, umbrellas, tote bags, and even liquid-holding bras.











































