Mason Delacroix
Alcohol purchased on cruise ships can be expensive, so it's no surprise that many people try to sneak their own alcohol on board. While some cruise lines allow a certain amount of alcohol to be brought on board, others prohibit it entirely. Those who are caught attempting to smuggle alcohol on board may have their containers confiscated and discarded, and they may even be prevented from sailing or fined. TikTok and Reddit are full of creative ways to sneak alcohol on board, from fake shampoo bottles to flasks disguised as tampons. However, cruise lines are aware of these tricks, and the consequences of getting caught can be serious.
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What You'll Learn
Alcohol policies and rules
For example, Royal Caribbean Cruises has a strict policy that prohibits guests from bringing any beer or hard liquor on board for consumption or any other use. However, on embarkation day, each guest of drinking age is permitted to bring one sealed 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne. Boxed wine and other containers are prohibited. Any additional bottles purchased onboard or in a port-of-call will be safely stored by the ship and returned on the last day of the voyage.
On the other hand, Azamara allows guests to bring their own liquor, beer, or wine for consumption in their suites or cabins at no charge. If guests wish to consume their own alcohol in a dining venue or bar, a corkage fee of $10 is charged. Similarly, Holland America Line allows adults 21 and older to bring bottles of wine or champagne on board in their carry-on luggage, but a corkage fee of $20 per bottle is applied, even if the alcohol is consumed in the guest's cabin.
It is important to note that attempting to sneak alcohol onto a cruise ship is not recommended. Cruise lines are aware of common tactics, such as using flasks, mouthwash bottles, or water bottles, and if discovered, the containers will be confiscated and discarded. Additionally, guests who violate alcohol policies, such as overconsumption, providing alcohol to minors, or demonstrating irresponsible behaviour, may be disembarked or denied boarding at their own expense.
To avoid any issues, it is best to familiarise yourself with the specific alcohol policies and rules of your chosen cruise line and abide by their guidelines. Each cruise line will have detailed information available on their website or in their pre-cruise documentation.
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Sneaking alcohol onboard
While it may be tempting to try to sneak alcohol onboard a cruise ship, it is important to remember that doing so goes against cruise line drinks policies and can result in serious consequences if you are caught. Security members are aware of many tricks used by passengers and are within their rights to confiscate any alcohol brought onboard without permission. If you are found to be in violation of the alcohol policy, you may be fined or even denied boarding.
With that being said, here are some methods that people have reportedly used to sneak alcohol onboard cruise ships:
- Using "rum runners", which are flexible, bendable, and reusable plastic bladders that can be hidden in checked bags, carry-on luggage, or pockets. Some people recommend securing the pouch tops with plastic wrap or duct tape and placing them in sealed gallon-size zip-top bags to prevent leaks.
- Disguising alcohol as mouthwash by pouring it into mouthwash bottles.
- Placing small flasks of liquor inside tampon wrappers and using a glue gun and hair straightener to make the box look unopened.
- Using a pack of water bottles to hide prohibited liquor.
- Purchasing a fake shampoo bottle or a hairbrush flask to disguise alcohol.
- Surgically attaching alcohol to the body.
- Mixing alcohol with drinks purchased onboard.
It is important to note that these methods may not be foolproof, and attempting to sneak alcohol onboard a cruise ship is done at your own risk.
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Drink packages
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line offers a range of drink packages to cater to different preferences. The CHEERS! program provides unlimited alcoholic beverages, including beers, wines, mixed drinks, and specialty cocktails. This package is ideal for those who want to indulge in a variety of drinks without worrying about the tab. For non-alcoholic options, the Bottomless Bubbles package offers unlimited soft drinks and juices, perfect for families or those who prefer non-alcoholic beverages.
Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean's Deluxe Beverage Package offers unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink options throughout the cruise. Guests can enjoy a wide selection of brands and choose from premium coffees, juices, wines, and top-shelf cocktails. They also offer a Classic Soda Package for unlimited fountain soda and Coca-Cola Freestyle beverages, as well as a Refreshment Package that includes mocktails, premium coffees, teas, and fresh-squeezed juices.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)
Norwegian Cruise Line offers an affordable drinks package called the More At Sea package. For a flat rate of $30 per day per person, guests can enjoy unlimited alcoholic drinks, soda, mocktails, and more. NCL is also known for including unlimited drink and specialty dining options in the cruise price, providing excellent value for money.
Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises offers the Princess Plus package, which includes internet, gratuities, and drinks priced at $15 and under for $60 per day. This package provides excellent value, especially when compared to other cruise lines' drink packages. Princess Cruises is known for its high-end cocktails, making it a great choice for those who appreciate quality and variety in their drinks.
Disney Cruises
Disney Cruises is another line that offers drink packages, although specific details are not readily available. Based on guest reviews, it appears that Disney Cruises provides a range of special drinks and cocktails at different venues, which can add up over the duration of the cruise. Their drink packages are well-regarded, with some guests commenting on the high-quality beverages available.
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Purchasing alcohol on cruises
Bringing your own alcohol on a cruise ship is a tricky endeavour. While some cruise lines allow you to bring a limited amount of alcohol onboard, others prohibit it altogether. It's important to check the specific policies of your chosen cruise line before attempting to bring any alcohol with you.
For example, Royal Caribbean Cruises does not allow guests to bring beer or hard liquor onboard for consumption or any other use. However, on embarkation day, each guest of drinking age may bring one sealed 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne. Any additional bottles will be stored by the ship and returned at the end of the voyage. Similarly, Carnival Cruise Line allows passengers 21 and older to bring one 750 ml bottle of sealed and unopened wine or champagne per person in their carry-on luggage. A corkage fee is charged if you wish to consume your own alcohol in dining venues or bars.
On the other hand, Disney cruises allow you to bring two bottles of wine or champagne (up to 750 ml each) or six beers (up to 12 ounces each) in your carry-on per adult on embarkation day and in each port of call. However, you cannot consume alcohol in any lounge or other public area, and a corkage fee is charged for bringing your own alcohol to the dining rooms. Norwegian Cruise Line also allows passengers to bring wine or champagne, including 1,500 ml magnum bottles, with no limit on the number of bottles.
It's worth noting that attempting to sneak additional alcohol onboard can result in confiscation and possible disembarkment or denial of boarding, as cruise lines are well aware of common concealment methods. Therefore, it's generally recommended to purchase alcohol onboard or in port, as these purchases will be safely stored and returned to you at the end of your voyage.
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Alcohol storage
If you plan to bring your own alcohol, it is typically recommended to carry it on rather than packing it in checked luggage. This means transferring any alcohol from your checked bag to your carry-on if you're flying to the port. Some cruise lines may also require you to consume your own alcohol in your cabin, with additional fees for drinking it in dining venues or bars. It's important to carefully review the policies of your chosen cruise line to understand the specific rules and regulations around alcohol storage and consumption.
To ensure compliance with cruise line policies and local laws, it is essential to declare and present any alcohol you plan to bring onboard during the security and luggage check points. Attempting to conceal alcoholic items is strongly discouraged and may result in serious consequences, including fines, denial of boarding, or disembarkment. It is also worth noting that cruise lines reserve the right to decide if you are bringing an excessive amount of alcohol and may impose additional storage restrictions.
If you choose to purchase alcohol during your cruise, whether onboard or in port, the cruise line will typically store it for you until the end of your voyage. This service ensures that you can safely enjoy your purchases without worrying about carrying them around during the trip. However, it's important to be mindful of any applicable corkage fees or restrictions on consuming personal alcohol in public areas or lounges. These fees can vary depending on the cruise line and the location of consumption, so reviewing the policies beforehand is essential.
Overall, while bringing your own alcohol on a cruise can help control expenses, it's crucial to respect the policies and regulations in place. By understanding the rules and planning accordingly, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable cruising experience without incurring unnecessary fines or penalties. Remember to review the specific guidelines provided by your chosen cruise line to make informed decisions about alcohol storage and consumption during your trip.
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Frequently asked questions
The rules for bringing alcohol on a cruise vary by cruise line. Some cruises allow passengers to bring their own alcohol, typically limiting the number and size of bottles, and charging a corkage fee for consumption outside of cabins. Others prohibit alcohol altogether.
Sneaking alcohol onto a cruise can result in serious consequences. Security may confiscate and discard prohibited items. In addition, passengers may be fined, denied boarding, or even asked to disembark. Furthermore, cruise lines may retain passports or identification cards of those who violate alcohol policies.
People have attempted various methods to sneak alcohol onto a cruise, including flasks disguised in tampon wrappers, liquor hidden in water bottles, mouthwash bottles, fake shampoo containers, and even liquid-holding bras and fake beer bellies. However, cruise lines are aware of these tricks, and the use of such methods may result in confiscation and serious penalties.
