Can I bring alcohol on a cruise ship? A line-by-line guide

Table Of Content

• Hidden Flask Hairbrush
• How to sneak alcohol on a cruise + Success stories (and failures) :: cruise packing tips
• Do Cruise Ships Search your Luggage?

Some countries may have limits on the amount of alcohol that can be brought in or additional customs fees that need to be paid. Make sure to do your research and understand the local laws before making any purchases. Keep in mind that any alcohol purchased during duty-free shopping will be held by the cruise ship’s staff until the end of your voyage or until your departure from the ship.

Hidden Flask Hairbrush

For whatever reason, we’ve had more success with beer cans being accepted, rather than bottles. If you’d like to sip on a complimentary glass of champagne, then head on over to the art gallery. Nearly all ships will have multiple art auctions during the cruise, which usually extends a free glass of sparkling wine. So just sit back, learn something about the art, and watch others fight for those limited-release prints. We always use and recommend Viator shore excursions since they tend to be nearly half the cost of the cruise line’s excursions.

How to sneak alcohol on a cruise + Success stories (and failures) :: cruise packing tips

Unsurprisingly, cruise lines make revenue by selling drinks to their passengers — and with a large markup. With that in mind, many newbie cruisers wonder if they can bring their own alcohol on board. The answer varies by cruise line, but in most cases, it's both yes and no.

Do Cruise Ships Search your Luggage?

Oh, and it’s probably best to avoid a large bottle of, ahem, “water.” That trick’s played out. One of the easiest ways to ensure you have liquor on your cruise ship is to purchase it before you even embark on your journey. Many cruise lines allow passengers to bring a limited amount of alcohol in their checked luggage, and this is the perfect opportunity to stock up on your favorite beverages.

You can bring wine on a cruise ship from home

Attempts to conceal alcohol, such as using hidden compartments or disguising bottles, are likely to be discovered. When packing your own alcohol, it’s crucial to pack it securely in your checked luggage. Bottles should be well-padded and protected from any damage. It’s also recommended to double-check the cruise line’s guidelines on packing alcohol, as some may require it to be in its original, sealed packaging.

Umbrella Flask

Additionally, certain cruise lines implement minimum drinking ages and reserve the right to confiscate any alcohol they find during the embarkation process. Virgin Voyages passengers are allowed to bring two bottles of wine or Champagne (750 mL) per cabin in their carry-on luggage. Alcohol brought on board in checked luggage or not in accordance with the policy will be stored until the end of the sailing. Bottles purchased in port also will be held until the final night. You are allowed to bring beer on Disney cruises and wine or Champagne on embarkation day and in each port of call.

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While many official cruise alcohol policies limit cruisers to two bottles per stateroom, we’ve found it can be possible to slip in an extra bottle, particularly when using multiple bags. If you’re trying to drink cheap on a cruise, bringing these stronger wines will certainly help to stretch your alcohol a bit further. You may want to bring a corkscrew with you to open the wine. Stateroom attendants can usually track one down, but this has proven problematic for us on a few cruises. Otherwise, it may be a wise idea to pack a cheap corkscrew. Beer buckets may not be the best drink deal out on the high seas, but it still saves the $6-$7 cost of a bottle of beer.

In addition to the penalties imposed by the cruise line, attempting to sneak alcohol on board can also spoil your vacation experience. If you are caught, you may face consequences such as fines, the confiscation of your alcohol, or even being denied boarding. The old myth of adding food coloring to your vodka and making it look like Scope mouthwash doesn’t cut it anymore. The agents at the cruise terminal are onto it and will open the bottles to make sure it doesn’t smell like booze. If you do irrational things on land as a result of drinking too much, maybe you’ll just fall flat on your face and wake up on the ground the next day. Although to be fair, there are also stories of failures from cruise passengers with security officers being aware of the tricks to hide alcohol.

If you want to enjoy your preferred alcoholic beverages without the hassle of shopping on board or in advance, some cruise lines allow passengers to bring their own alcohol on board. However, there are usually restrictions and guidelines in place that you should be aware of. Before you start shopping, be sure to check the cruise line’s alcohol policy to know the exact limits and restrictions on bringing alcohol on board. Some cruise lines may specify the maximum number of bottles or the type of alcohol that is allowed. There’s nothing like a cold cocktail on a cruise, but $20+ drinks start to add up fast.

Meanwhile, you can enjoy your own wine from your cabin at no charge whatsoever. Your stateroom attendant will happily deliver wine glasses to your room and will even deliver an ice bucket to chill champagne or white wine. This is complimentary, with no corkage fee on most cruise lines. Many cruise lines have a specialty “drink of the day” which will usually save you $1-$3 off the regular price. Sure, it’s not as great of a deal as a Buy-One-Get-One happy hour, but the drink of the day deals last the entire day. Once you’re gifted a bottle of sparkling wine from the cruise director, you’re welcome to drink it anywhere on the ship without a corkage fee.

Most of these items are ideal for sneaking alcohol onto a cruise ship. Part of the fun of drinking on a cruise is the social element, hanging out at the numerous bars, lounges, and clubs on these awesome ships. Sometimes a cruise’s drink package extends its use to the cruise line’s private island. Having all your drinks included on the private island can be a huge incentive to get the drink package. Beverage package allows passengers to purchase drinks up to $20, you can actually break even just by simply drinking 3-4 higher-priced drinks each day.

Don’t worry, the bar staff will know when your card is swiped that you have the package. Nowhere in our research did we find a person be kicked off a cruise or not allowed to board due to bringing on alcohol. That’s not to say it doesn’t or can’t happen, but we have yet to hear stories of it taking place. We found a number of stories from passengers online with anecdotes about when they were caught. The central theme appears to be that those caught smuggling alcohol have it removed from their bags, and either returned at the end of the trip or poured out.

These 750 ml bottles of beer have always been permitted on wine-allowing cruise ships we’ve sailed on, even though beer is technically against their official alcohol policy. If cruise line security catches you sneaking alcohol on a cruise, they will confiscate the bottles. Cruise lines have the right to confiscate prohibited items, which may not be returned at the end of the cruise. You may be denied boarding if caught sneaking alcohol or other prohibited items on the cruise ship. Most cruise lines allow guests to bring a sealed bottle or two of wine or champagne in their carry-on during embarkation.

The most foolproof way of sneaking alcohol on a cruise would be using factory-sealed shampoo flasks. These are containers you naturally fill with liquid to avoid suspicion. Most cruise lines allow guests to bring wine on a cruise, typically just one bottle, but sometimes more. However, some women carry them around in their bags while in public areas of the ship and use them to add alcohol to soft drinks. Finally, it’s worth considering what happens if you get caught sneaking alcohol on a cruise, so you know what you are risking. Drinking alcohol is one of the most popular pastimes on a  cruise vacation.

Click on the links for more info, and check out pictures of some of our favorite cruise ship bars. When it comes to gratis pours, cruise lines can be generous with their past passengers. Sail just once with Holland America and you can attend the complimentary Mariner Society Brunch, complete with sparkling wine.

What Happens If I'm Caught Sneaking Alcohol on a Cruise?

Table Of Content

• Buy Decoy Bottles
• Why You Should Never Sneak Alcohol on a Crusie Ship
• Carnival Cruise Line
• The Ultimate Guide to Drinking Alcohol on Cruise Ships
• What happens if you get caught sneaking alcohol on a cruise?

Usually, these free liquor tastings tend to occur earlier on a cruise’s itinerary, such as the first or second night. Check the daily guide for times, then stroll on by for your free shot (err, I mean a sample of liquor). That $53 will yield at least 16 delicious gin & tonics that can be made and enjoyed right from the comfort of the stateroom throughout the entire cruise. Keep an eye out for alcohol tastings in the daily itineraries. When you see them, reserve a spot and you may discover your favorite new libation, all while being mindful of your drink budget. If you don’t want to drink all five drinks, consider attending with a partner/friend and sharing the experience.

Buy Decoy Bottles

Passengers have been bringing their own alcohol on board since the first ship sailed, and although it’s not recommended (and against the rules) it’s saved people some money. If your cruise doesn’t allow you to bring alcohol aboard, check out these 13 tricks to sneak on some contraband. The carry-on allowance for Cunard is one bottle of wine or Champagne per adult but no beer or liquor. There is a $25 corkage fee if you drink your wine or Champagne in a dining venue.

Why You Should Never Sneak Alcohol on a Crusie Ship

Most cruise lines offer standard 750-ml bottles of liquor that they’ll deliver to your room for a modest price. They’ll set it all up nicely with glasses and ice for you to use throughout your cruise. The price of these liquor bottles with set-up ranges around $40-$60, depending on the cruise line and your liquor preference. Local wine found ashore throughout a Mediterranean cruise is not only delicious but can be surprisingly inexpensive. And let’s not forget about all the yummy tropical cocktails found all throughout many of the world’s most popular island cruise ports.

Carnival Cruise Line

On other ships, these highest-tier loyalty members receive complimentary drink vouchers each night in lieu of the happy hour. Read more about cruise line past passenger programs to find out what liquid perks you're entitled to on a variety of lines. You can’t bring most alcohol onto the ship for drinking during your cruise. So if you wanted to bring a bottle of rum or a 12-pack of beer from home to enjoy while sailing, that’s not allowed. They do, however allow you to bring on a bottle of wine or champagne. Yes, most cruise ships have duty-free shops where you can buy a variety of alcoholic beverages at a potentially lower price than the onboard bars.

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Cigarettes and alcohol are the big sellers, and the prices are good for what’s offered. If you have a drink package, then you don’t have to worry about gratuity being added when you get something from a bar. The gratuity is instead added onto the daily cost of the package. So a $70 per day drink package will have an 18-20% gratuity charge (the amount varies by cruise line) and actually costs you closer to $85 per day.

Look for the Captain’s Toast to Get Free Drinks!

Just fill up this great disguised flask up, drop it into any bag/purse or slide it into your pocket and it’s sure to be overlooked by suspicious eyes. This flask is so realistic-looking, it lets you hide your booze in plain sight. This uber-realistic flask was designed for smuggling alcohol on a cruise (or pretty much anywhere). These guys hold up 16 oz of alcohol, making it ideal for those seeking how to sneak alcohol onto a cruise. When we got into port, brought them off the ship, refilled them, and got 3 more bottles onto the boat as well.

The Ultimate Guide to Drinking Alcohol on Cruise Ships

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The idea behind rum runners is that their unusual shape won’t arouse suspicion while passing through the security scanners. Because the alcohol won’t have the shape of a bottle, it’s more likely to go unnoticed. Though clever, cruise ship security is familiar with the mouthwash trick.

On top of that, there is a 15-20% gratuity tacked on that pushes the price even higher. When it comes to drinking on a cruise, people know how to let loose. Bars are everywhere, and the minute you board the drinks start flowing, stopping only when it’s time to debark. Cruise lines generally restrict the consumption of outside alcohol in public areas. Therefore, it is advisable to enjoy your beverages either in your stateroom or the ship’s bars and lounges, where you have purchased them. Most cruise lines provide passengers with a personalized onboard account where all charges, including alcohol purchases, are detailed.

What happens if you get caught sneaking alcohol on a cruise?

Now, another one for the ladies – The PortoVino wine purse is a beach tote with a hidden, insulated compartment that holds two bottles of wine. However, if your bag was manually checked for any other reason, it would be obvious what’s inside these booze bags. The idea behind alcohol bags is that on an x-ray, they don’t look like a bottle, so they won’t be detected when your bag is scanned. Another of the popular things to hide alcohol in on a cruise has, for many years, been mouthwash bottles. Mouthwashes such as Listerine come in bottles of up to one litre. These are a good option because each bottle fits 8 ounces of liquor.

We’re never sneaky about this and don’t attempt to hide the beer. Rather, we run it through the X-ray machine in plain sight. Sometimes the beer will be flagged by security and stored until the final night of the cruise. In that case, we know it’s probably not worth attempting to bring beer back aboard when in subsequent ports. These nonmetallic pouches are purposely designed to let no air bubbles when pouring liquor into the devices, making them undetectable.

Wondering how to hide alcohol on a cruise in plain sight? Each bracelet is sealed with a crystal-encrusted cap and comes with a funnel for easy filling, as well as a black velvet storage bag. We're told another good way to smuggle booze on a cruise is to veil it with something many people are too embarrassed to question -- like feminine hygiene products. This pack of fake tampon flasks by Smuggle Your Booze offers five 1-ounce BoozeTubes that can be disguised as tampons. (A two-pack flasks -- is also available.) On your next cruise, these little numbers will help to ensure that you have the time of your life, even if it's not your time of the month.

Read more about this type of sailing on our River Cruises page. Cruise lines are strict about the kinds of alcoholic beverages passengers can bring onboard, either at embarkation or from a port of call. The drinking age onboard a cruise ship is typically 21 for cruise lines catering to Americans or for ships cruising to or from U.S. ports. European lines and a few American lines decrease the drinking age to 18 in Europe and other non-U.S. The legal drinking age on a cruise ship is typically 21 years. However, certain cruise lines may allow passengers who are 18 or older to consume alcohol with parental consent.

Don’t worry about it, as there’s a fair chance it will go unnoticed. Waking up to find out the “daily drink” happens to be your favorite can be a wonderful surprise to take full advantage of. We’ve found there to be some surprisingly tasty brews popping up all around the world. Many popular Caribbean and Central American cruise destinations even have local brewpubs near cruise ports.

"We always buy ourselves a 'bon voyage' gift or two," writes Kim, referring to the pre-cruise order options, which can be delivered to your cabin. As with the previous advice, you'll need to do some math to determine whether the liquor purchases will save you money compared with ordering drinks a la carte. When buying from a duty-free shop, your bottles will be packaged and then stored by the staff until the last day of your cruise. They will then be delivered to your cabin on the last night to take with you as you get off the ship. Step on a cruise ship (or head out into port), and you’ll see lots of opportunity for duty-free shopping.

11 Best Beaches in Nassau For Cruisers

Table Of Content

• Best Beaches in Nassau, Bahamas
• Search Posts
• Fun Cheap (or FREE) Things to Do in Nassau

For $1.25, the #10 bus will drop you off right there at the access road. Make sure to tell your bus driver where you’re headed just for assurance. The second public access point is just off the roundabout by Starbucks. When you see Starbucks on the left-hand side, you’ll want to take your first exit on the right. Cable Beach is a long stretch of sand made up mostly of private beach areas.

Best Beaches in Nassau, Bahamas

We will say that this beach is right near the Nassau Container Port, which means it doesn’t have the most beautiful view, although you can see the cruise ships in the distance. Cabbage Beach is found on Paradise Island, home to Atlantis Bahamas and several other large resort hotels. While rated among the Bahamas’ most beautiful beaches, Cabbage Beach can get crowded with resort guests and all the vendors catering to them.

Search Posts

It’s extremely popular for cruisers, but it’s not located on the island of Nassau. The Clifton Heritage Center rents snorkel gear for you to explore the man-made and natural coral reef systems off the coast. Another popular beach with cruise passengers visiting Nassau is Goodman’s Bay. This beach is also relatively close to the US Embassy, which can help if you lose or misplace your passport.

Fun Cheap (or FREE) Things to Do in Nassau

Or, if looking for water-based pursuits, kayaks, and jet skis are options. You could even get the whole family involved on a banana boat ride. I’ve used Viator for several family trips and they have all been great. They offer great prices, which is great for a family on a budget, and they have 24/7 customer service, so they are available to help you out whenever you need. Cabbage Beach is accessible via taxis and ferry; the fee will be $4.40 per person. In the case of the ferry, you can walk for about 10 minutes until you reach the free sandy beach or a taxi will take you to the free entrance to the beach.

Cabbage Beach is located on Paradise Island just over the bridge from your Nassau Cruise Port. While it’s possible to walk there, it would take close to an hour to get there on foot. Instead, jump in a cab and for $4 per person you’ll be there in minutes. To get a more substantial meal or frozen drink options, you’ll find Fat Tuesdays and Senor Frogs two minutes from Junkanoo Beach.

Some areas surrounding Nassau Cruise Port aren’t completely safe. To avoid any safety concerns, these Nassau beaches are your best bet. While this beach has a fun, somewhat party, an atmosphere perfect for adults, it isn’t quite as family-oriented as some other Nassau Beaches. What makes this public Nassau beach convenient is that there are food stalls selling fried seafood & hotdogs along with beer & alcoholic beverages. The beaches in Nassau are some of the most stunning in the world, attracting visitors from all over the globe. Whether you want to grab a quick drink or if you’re stopping in before heading back to your cruise, Pirate Republic Brewing Co. is worth checking out.

Where to Eat and Drink in Nassau Cruise Port

Love Beach is one of Nassau’s less-crowded beaches, and it’s a great place to snorkel right from the beach without having to book a snorkeling shore excursion. Treat yourself to all of these and more when you cruise to Nassau. The Bahamas’ most popular island is a hub for great food, entertainment and outdoor fun. You will, however, find a really convenient beach bar with delicious food, drinks, equipment rentals, and more.

How far is Blue Lagoon from the Nassau Cruise Port?

There are many shops, restaurants, and activities within walking distance of the cruise port. Virtually adjacent to the cruise port is Festival Place, an outdoor bazaar featuring 45 vendors selling crafts, food and drinks. It's ideal for folks seeking last-minute souvenirs and gifts just before they depart aboard their ship and for arriving passengers in search of shopping close to the port. Today, Cable Beach is one of the best beaches in Nassau, thanks to its long stretch of soft white sand and a long, shallow drop-off.

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Whether you’re traveling with family or friends, you’re sure to have an unforgettable time at Paradise Lagoon Beach. Goodman’s Bay is also a very popular spot for local families with young children. The gently sloping sand and shallow water make it a safe place for kids to play and explore. And of course, there’s always plenty of room for picnicking, sunbathing and beach games. One of the most popular activities to do at Coral Harbour is to take a horseback riding excursion. This is such a fun way to explore the beach and the beautiful Bahamian waters.

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Nassau is one of the most popular (and highly trafficked) cruise ports on Earth. On popular days, up to seven cruise ships can be docked at one time. By preparing in advance, you can find the ideal beach situation for you and your shipmates.

In addition to the seclusion, you often get more exposure to the local vibes. You will find Cabbage Beach a little over 2.5 miles from the cruise port, making it a little too far to walk. However, it is only a short 15-minute drive if you can flag down a cab. If you are looking for a bit of exercise, you can take the walk all the way there for a more direct route.

Conveniently, there’s only one cruise ship terminal in Nassau. It’s called “Prince George Wharf” and it’s located on the northern side of the island. From there, it’s relatively easy to access every beach on the island. It is far less crowded than other public beaches and has a small playground and restrooms along with vendors serving local specialties.

Snorkels are available to rent on the beach, but consider bringing your own full-face snorkel set. They’re not expensive, plus they fit better and you’ll have a better field of view than you’d get from a rental mask. Secluded Adelaide Beach, on the southwestern side of the island, is worth checking out if you have time to spare. Adelaide village was one of the first African settlements on the island developed after the abolition of slavery. Here, you can choose to sunbathe, relax under tiki structures or rent Jet Skis and floats. Resorts, such as Atlantis, Hotel Riu Palace Paradise Island and The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, appear in the distance.

Grab a taxi and head for one of these free public beaches in Nassau for a beach day to remember. Festival Place is an outdoor bazaar located next to the cruise port. Festival Place features over 45 vendors who sell crafts, food, and drinks.

Catch up on some reading or catch some thrills on a jet ski or parasail adventure. Whatever your preference for vacation cruising fun, Nassau can deliver. For those looking for a cheap beach day, the local bus is an option.

These colorful shacks selling food also offer drinks that can be significantly cheaper than the tourist restaurants in downtown Nassau like Senior Frog. There are plenty of bright shacks offering snacks and drinks. You can play volleyball and enjoy music and there will be lots of other people nearby by midday. The beaches offer good value to those that want close access to the cruise ports. Love Beach is farther away from the harbor than most beach locations. If cruise guests want an escape from crowds, it’ll be an excellent solution if you’re looking for a fun beach day.