Sneaking Alcohol on a Cruise
 

I need RECENT result on if you tried to sneak alcohol on a cruise. I set sail on Sunday and would like some more recent feedback. Thanks!

@:-)

Depends on the cruise line. Some don't care, some won't let any on, some allow one bottle. Which cruise line?

We were on RCCL in April, every bag carried on gets scanned when you come back from each port stop and at initial boarding. If they think there's liquid in it they ask to check it, mark the alcohol with your cabin number and give it to you the last evening.

Cruising on Carnival Sensation

Carnival has recently stepped up enforcement of the alcohol policy. Your booze will probably be confiscated.

Holland America allows you to bring wine and sodas on board. Maybe even hard liquor, but no beer. Check them out. People pack on cases of wine which can be consumed in the room, but requires a $15 corkage fee if served in the dining rooms. Often, there are liquor stores near the ports Holland America frequents, well-known by its loyal passengers who stock up before they come on board.

I usually cruise RCI and have managed to get boxed wine on. I cruise on Carnival next month and their website stated that PAX 21 years and older may bring on one bottle of wine per person.

I have an acquaintance that fills one of those big, sturdy plastic cups that have the straws through the lid on the tip with vodka. The straw has a cap on the end. It holds about a quart of liquid and he and his partner carry it on board like its water. Never been stopped, never been questioned. They periodically "sip" on the straw to make it seem legit (I guess).

WOW... what a great tip. I love how some people come up with innovative ideas. there is always a loop hole ^

That's a good one! I'm going to try it on my next cruise. :D

Last December, we took 9 bottles of wine onto a Princess ship. No questions. Now corkage is a different issue, but there are ways around that, too.

I've had clients tell me they did much the same with water bottles they filled up on shore with vodka. Now I like my spirits to a certain degree especially while on holiday but I can't see myself going to such lengths to smuggle libations on board a cruise ship. YMMV obviously but luckily HAL never objected to my Alaskan beer I brought back from a shore excursion and enjoyed over the next few days. I gather from talking to others HAL is more lenient than some other cruise lines.

I have never found a way around the corkage fee? How do you get around it?

I never had a problem carrying on a bottle of rum and vodka onto Princess, but I haven't cruised in a few years. IMO, the cost/risk of bring on the rum/vodka is worth the savings/convenience.

Get glasses from any bar. Open the bottle in your room. Fill your glasses and carry them into the dining room. You can also try carrying the already-opened bottle in.