Planning a Carnival cruise and want to enjoy your favorite alcoholic drinks onboard without the hefty bar tab or having to buy the drinks package?
Well, it seems you are not alone, as there are plenty of methods that cruisers have conjured up to try to get around the strict alcohol policies on Carnival Cruise Line.
From clever disguises to well-timed purchases, there are a few methods people have dreamed up to potentially enjoy their own cocktails on board.
FULL DISCLOSURE: We do not suggest anyone try these tricks. We do not condone them and they could result in you being banned from the cruise line for life if you try it – You have been warned!
Fortunately, there are also some totally legal ways to enjoy your own alcohol onboard.
But before we get into the specifics, let’s take a quick look at Carnival’s policy with regard to alcohol on their cruise ship.
Understanding Alcohol Policies on Cruise Ships
When planning to bring alcohol on a cruise ship, it’s crucial to know the specific policies and risks involved.
Each different cruise line sets its own rules, and knowing these can help you avoid potential issues like confiscation of your items or even worse being denied boarding completely.
Legal Implications and Risks
Cruise lines strictly monitor alcohol consumption to comply with maritime laws and ensure passenger safety.
If you’re caught smuggling alcohol on board, you could face penalties such as confiscation of the alcohol, monetary losses, or even being asked to leave the ship.
For example, if you are caught sharing alcoholic drinks with friends using the Cheers! alcoholic drinks package, you will immediately lose your Cheers! drink allowances for entire cruise and you won’t get your money back that you paid for the remaining time.
For those under the legal drinking age, attempting to smuggle alcohol can lead to more severe consequences including permanent bans from future cruises and notification of the local authorities.
Additionally, excessive alcohol consumption onboard can result in being ejected at the next port of call, which could be both inconvenient and costly.
Understanding and respecting alcohol policies helps ensure a smoother and more enjoyable cruise experience.
Carnival Cruise Line’s Specific Regulations
Carnival Cruise Line generally allows guests to bring one bottle of wine or champagne per person in their carry-on luggage during embarkation. Other types of alcohol are usually prohibited.
However, it’s important to note that this can change depending on the region you are sailing in.
For instance, did you know that in Europe you are allowed to bring bottles of liquor, wine and beer onto Carnival cruise ships? Carnival will never tell you this and if you ask them they will quote the standard one bottle per person rule.
But if you have been on a cruise with Carnival in Europe you’ll know that the restriction notice posted when boarding states that you CAN bring alcohol on board.
I’m not exactly sure why, but I presume at some point Carnival was challenged on EU monopolies legislation and was seen to be denying customers a choice. The EU is very strict on this kind of thing.
Common Methods People USE TO Try To SNEAK ALCOHOL ON CARNIVAL CRUISES
When planning to bring alcohol on board a Carnival cruise, various creative strategies are often used to try to bypass strict security checks. These methods range from clever disguises to specially designed containers.
Disguising Alcohol
Disguising alcohol involves hiding it in everyday items that don’t usually raise suspicion.
One common way is using mouthwash bottles.
The alcohol is dyed with food coloring to match the original mouthwash color. This increases the chances of passing casual inspection.
Similarly, shampoo bottles serve as another option. You can even purchase ready-made shampoo bottles designed for this very purpose.
Another “pro” technique is using specially designed tampon “flasks”, which mimic the appearance of tampons but are actually small containers for alcohol. These are apparently less likely to be inspected closely due to their personal nature.
Now while you might thinks these all sound a bit extreme, particularly that last one, but a quick search will reveal similar “solutions”. They even sell special sun-tan lotion bottles!
Fake Shampoo Conditioner Flask Kit For hiding hidden liquor to sneak booze on your cruise. Comes with 4 TSA Travel-sized plastic drinking flask bottles and seals
Hidden Flask Innovations
There are various innovative flasks designed specifically for smuggling alcohol.
The booze bra or wine rack bra allows you to store up to 25 ounces of alcohol discreetly. It’s a wearable solution that combines functionality with convenience.
Umbrella flasks and binocular flasks are other examples. These items look like typical travel accessories but contain hidden compartments for storing liquids.
Rum runners, a type of clear plastic flask that you hide in your suitcase amongst your clothing, are particularly popular.
They are flexible and the manufacturers claim they can be easily concealed within luggage. Their light appearance makes them difficult to detect during X-ray scans, making this method “allegedly” more reliable than others.
Potential Consequences of Getting Caught
If you’re considering sneaking alcohol onto a Carnival cruise, be aware of the potential penalties. From sophisticated security measures to the processes during an inspection, the consequences can be severe.
Security Measures and Their Efficacy
Carnival cruise ships employ strict security protocols to prevent smuggling alcohol.
X-ray scanners at checkpoints scan all luggage thoroughly, making it difficult to sneak bottles aboard.
These scanners can discern the density and shape of liquid containers, increasing the likelihood of detection.
Security personnel are trained to spot suspicious items and may manually inspect bags if something seems off.
If you’re caught, the alcohol will typically be confiscated. In some cases, you could face monetary losses or even be refused boarding, which would clearly ruin your vacation plans and prove costly.
Handling Interrogation and Inspection
If you’re flagged by security, you could be subjected to further questioning.
Staying calm and cooperative is crucial.
Often, explaining the situation honestly, that you were just trying to save some money can prevent more severe repercussions.
However, if you are caught using any of the “cruise smuggling kits” it’s pretty hard to deny you were not deliberately flouting the rules. It’s a recipe for disaster in my opinion.
In addition to alcohol confiscation, being caught multiple times or attempting to argue with staff can escalate the situation.
Repeat offenders can face stricter penalties, including being banned from future cruises for life.
Remember, it’s not just about sneaking alcohol; it’s about respecting the rules and ensuring a smooth journey for all passengers.
Alternative Approaches to Enjoying Drinks Without Flouting The Rules
Finding legal and convenient ways to enjoy drinks at a lower price on a Carnival cruise is a much more sensible approach and is the approach we would always suggest.
Consider onboard drink packages or excursions with included beverages to make the most of your experience.
Take Your Full OnBoard Allowance
Each passenger is allowed to bring on board a standard bottle of wine or sparkling wine.
A bottle of wine on board can cost anything from $25 upwards, so for a couple, you have immediately saved quite a bit, depending on the cost of your wine.
Embracing Onboard Drink Packages
Purchasing the Cheers! drink package can be a cost-effective way to enjoy a variety of alcoholic beverages without worrying about individual prices.
Be aware through, that it’s not an “all you can drink” package – there is a daily limit of 15 alcoholic drinks per day per person.
It’s fair to that that with the package prices starting at $59.95 per day, you could make a considerable saving, if you make good use of the package, especially when you consider the prices of individual drinks on Carnival Cruise Line.
Carnival cruise lines also offers others drinks packages that cater to different tastes and budgets.
This eliminates the need to sneak alcohol onboard, avoiding any potential hassle or penalties.
For those who enjoy trying different drinks, these packages provide access to variety and convenience.
Finding Excursions with Drinks Included
Booking excursions that include drinks can also be a smart way to enjoy beverages during your cruise without extra costs.
Some shore excursions feature all-inclusive resorts where drinks are part of the package.
These types of excursions can offer a day of relaxation and refreshments, whether it’s lounging by the pool or exploring new destinations with friends.
Look for excursion options that highlight beach days, cultural tours, or other activities that provide drinks as part of the experience.
This can be an exciting way to spend your time on shore, while also enjoying the perks of prepaid refreshments.
You won’t need to worry about sneaking alcohol onto the ship when you have planned activities that cater to your desire for leisure and refreshment.
Exploring these alternatives will help you make the most of your cruise with minimal stress and maximum enjoyment.
Drink Responsibily And Behave Responsibly
Engaging is some of the drink smuggling activities mentioned in this article is basically a breach of your cruise contract with Carnival.
It does not make sense to risk a long-planned vacation for the sake of saving a few dollars on alcohol.
As mentioned at the very start of this article, we do not condone such behavior or practices and firmly suggest that you avoid even thinking about it.
Instead, budget accordingly and if you can afford it, book the Cheers Drinks Package. Alternatively, limit your drinking on board and get more bang for your buck at drinks venues when you are in port.
