Theo Nash
Although it is prohibited to bring alcohol onto a cruise ship, 19% of passengers have admitted to smuggling alcohol onboard, according to a study by Cruzely.com. While there is no foolproof method, people have attempted to sneak alcohol onto cruises in various ways, such as by hiding it in flasks disguised as everyday objects, filling sealed water bottles with alcohol, or swapping out cans in multipacks with alcoholic alternatives. Some people have also suggested purchasing an alcohol package, which can be a great way to save money, or simply enjoying the drinks available onboard.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sneaking alcohol on a cruise | Strictly prohibited |
| Percentage of passengers who admitted to smuggling alcohol | 19% |
| Ways to sneak alcohol | Using a sneaky umbrella flask |
| Filling a sealed water bottle with alcohol | |
| Using a PortoVino wine purse | |
| Using rum runners |
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What You'll Learn
Use a sneaky umbrella flask
Using a sneaky umbrella flask is a great way to smuggle alcohol onto a cruise. This method is particularly effective on Northern European cruises, where rain is likely, so an umbrella is a natural thing to bring along.
The Smuggle Your Booze umbrella is made from food-safe plastic and looks and feels like a regular umbrella, so there's pretty much zero chance of anyone suspecting anything. It's compact and discreet enough to fit in carry-on suitcases, backpacks, and larger purses. It holds 9 oz (255 ml) of your favourite drink and is easy to pour out into your glass.
The "boozebrella" on Amazon is another option. It also comes with leak-proof seals, so you don't have to worry about spills when throwing it in a bag.
While using an umbrella flask is a sneaky way to bring alcohol onboard, it's important to remember that sneaking alcohol onto a cruise goes against cruise line policies and is not recommended. If you're caught, your booze will likely be confiscated and not returned.
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Swap out cans in a multipack of soda
While it is prohibited to sneak alcohol onto a cruise ship, it is a common practice. There is no full-proof method to do so, but people have tried various ways. One such way is to swap out cans in a multipack of soda.
This method involves carefully opening the cardboard packaging of a multipack of soda, swapping out some of the cans for cans containing alcoholic beverages, and then re-sealing the box using super glue to avoid any signs of tampering. This hack was quite popular until clips of it went viral, and cruise lines started checking the boxes.
If you are considering this method, it is important to note that cruise lines are vigilant about checking luggage for prohibited items, including alcohol. They use scanners and manual spot checks to inspect both checked and carry-on luggage.
Another way to sneak alcohol onto a cruise is to use a sneaky umbrella flask, which looks and feels like an umbrella rather than a hard bottle. This method is particularly effective on cruises in regions where rain is likely, such as Northern Europe. Additionally, some people fill sealed water bottles with alcohol by cutting off the neck of the bottle, placing it in boiling water to soften it, pulling off the intact cap and ring, and then swapping the water with clear alcohol before screwing the sealed cap back on.
It is worth noting that P&O Cruises, a popular cruise line, allows limited alcohol to be brought on board when passengers first embark. Each guest aged 18 or older (21 in USA ports) can bring up to 1 litre of wine or champagne. Any excess alcohol will be stored and returned at the end of the cruise. Additionally, P&O permits passengers to bring non-alcoholic drinks onboard, recommending a limit of 6 cans or 1 large bottle per person.
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Fill up a rum runner
Rum Runners are plastic bags or flasks that can be filled with alcohol and packed in your luggage to disguise their contents. They are designed to be less detectable on X-rays, so they don't resemble the usual shapes of bottles or containers. Here are some detailed instructions on how to fill up and use a Rum Runner to sneak alcohol onto a P&O cruise:
Firstly, purchase your Rum Runners online, usually sold in multi-packs on Amazon or the Rum Runner website. Ensure they come with a funnel to avoid spills. Before filling up your Rum Runners, decide what type of alcohol you want to bring. Wine, vodka, gin, tequila, or any other liquor of your choice can be used. If you plan to fill a wine bottle with liquor, check if the cruise line allows wine onboard, as some cruises only permit sealed bottles of wine. P&O Cruises, for example, allow guests to bring 1 litre of wine, beer, or spirits onboard.
When filling your Rum Runners, do so carefully to avoid spills or leaks. Use the funnel provided to decant your chosen alcohol into the Rum Runners. Each Rum Runner can typically hold up to 32 ounces (approximately 1 litre) of liquid. Once filled, seal the Rum Runners tightly to prevent any leaks during transportation.
Now that your Rum Runners are filled and sealed, it's time to pack them discreetly. Place the Rum Runners in your checked luggage, not your carry-on bags. You can shape them to fit inside shoes or other items in your bag. If you have multiple checked bags, distribute the Rum Runners among them. To further disguise the Rum Runners, pack them among your toiletries or small liquid containers. This way, if the luggage is inspected, the Rum Runners are less likely to stand out as suspicious.
Additionally, you can layer legit liquid containers on top of the Rum Runners during the X-ray scan. This way, if the luggage is opened, the legitimate liquids may be noticed first, and the Rum Runners may be overlooked. It is important to note that cruise lines may inspect containers, so avoid using mouthwash, water, or soda bottles, as these are commonly checked. Instead, opt for less suspicious containers like shampoo bottles or sunscreen bottles.
Finally, be aware of the potential risks and consequences of sneaking alcohol onto a cruise. While many people have successfully smuggled alcohol using Rum Runners, there is always a chance of detection. If discovered, your alcohol will likely be confiscated, and there may be additional repercussions, depending on the cruise line's policies. Some cruise lines may even deny boarding or disembark passengers found with smuggled alcohol. Therefore, it is essential to carefully read the policies and guidelines of the specific cruise line you are travelling with.
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Pour alcohol into a sealed water bottle
While there is no foolproof method to sneak alcohol onto a cruise, one common method is to pour alcohol into a sealed water bottle. This method relies on the transparency of the alcohol, making it visually indistinguishable from water. Here is a step-by-step guide to pouring alcohol into a sealed water bottle:
Firstly, choose a water bottle that closely resembles the original one in terms of brand and design. This will help minimize any suspicion if someone catches a glimpse of your drink. Then, empty a small portion of water from the water bottle to create space for your alcohol. It is important to ensure that the seal remains intact during this process.
Next, use a small funnel to carefully pour your chosen alcohol into the water bottle. It is important to avoid filling the bottle to the brim as this can cause leakage. Also, ensure that you do not spill or leave any traces of alcohol on the outside of the bottle. Finally, screw the cap back onto the bottle, being careful not to damage the seal.
It is worth noting that attempting to sneak alcohol onto a cruise ship can come with risks. Cruise lines will typically check luggage for alcohol during the embarkation process using scanners and manual spot checks. If discovered, there may be strict consequences, including confiscation, being disembarked, or even being banned from boarding. Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of any legal regulations or cruise line policies regarding the transportation and consumption of alcohol before attempting to use this method.
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Use a PortoVino wine purse
The PortoVino wine purse is a beach tote with a hidden, insulated compartment that holds two bottles of wine. This stylish handbag comes with a secret zipper and an insulated pouch that keeps your wine cool for hours.
Although the PortoVino wine purse may not be ideal for bringing alcohol onto a cruise ship as it may show up on scanners, it can be a great way to enjoy wine from your room by the pool. While some cruise ships allow you to bring your own wine on board, you have to drink it in your room. The PortoVino wine purse allows you to fill your bag with chilled wine from your in-room refrigerator and discreetly pour it into a glass by the pool using the hidden tap.
The PortoVino wine purse is a clever way to discreetly enjoy your wine in style while on a cruise. Its hidden compartment and insulated pouch ensure your wine stays cool and out of sight. This makes it a convenient option for those who want to bypass the high prices of drinks on cruise ships.
It is important to note that while the PortoVino wine purse can be a handy solution, there is a risk that it may be detected during luggage scans. Therefore, it is recommended to check the cruise line's alcohol policy and consider other alternatives, such as taking advantage of the allowed alcohol limit or purchasing drinks packages, to ensure a worry-free vacation.
Overall, the PortoVino wine purse offers a unique way to enjoy your favourite wine discreetly while cruising. Its insulated compartment and stylish design make it a practical and trendy choice for those seeking a creative solution to the high cost of drinks on cruises.
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Frequently asked questions
Although sneaking alcohol onto a cruise ship is prohibited, there are some ways people have tried to do it. One way is to fill up "rum runners" (plastic flasks) with alcohol and hide them in your luggage. Another way is to fill sealed water bottles with alcohol by cutting off the bottle neck, placing it in boiling water, pulling off the cap, swapping the water for alcohol, and screwing the cap back on. You can also disguise your alcohol in a sneaky umbrella flask or a PortoVino wine purse.
Alcohol packages on cruises allow you to purchase a certain amount of alcohol in advance for a fixed price. This can be a great way to save money, especially if you plan on drinking a lot. However, some cruises require everyone in the same cabin to purchase the same package.
Cruise lines do not allow passengers to bring their own alcohol on board as they want to sell alcohol from the bar. They will thoroughly check your luggage for alcohol using scanners and manual spot checks. If caught, the consequences can include being disembarked or banned from boarding.
