can i take alcohol on cruise ship

How to Sneak Alcohol on a Cruise (Without Getting Caught)

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Many passengers try to sneak alcohol on a cruise to save money. Drinks on most cruise lines are more expensive than at your local bar, and the drink package isn’t worth it unless you plan to drink 6-10 alcoholic beverages daily.

Most cruise lines allow guests to bring alcohol on the ship, but it’s usually restricted to a bottle or two of wine.

Sneaking alcohol onboard is against cruise line policies. Passengers caught may have the beverages confiscated or may be removed from the ship – talk about ending a vacation before it starts.

While we don’t recommend sneaking prohibited items onto a cruise ship, there are several ways passengers have successfully brought alcohol on board the vessel.

Disclaimer: I’ve never smuggled alcohol onto a cruise ship. And this article is not an encouragement for you to try it either. We always recommend following the cruise line’s alcohol policies for a smooth and stress-free vacation. The article below is for educational purposes only.

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Why You Should Never Sneak Alcohol on a Crusie Ship

It’s never a good idea to try smuggling alcohol on a cruise ship. Not only will cruise lines confiscate your bottles but you may be denied boarding. Getting caught is a great way to end your cruise vacation before it begins.

As stealthy as you think you are, cruise lines know all the popular hiding spots.

Here are three reasons why you should never sneak alcohol on a cruise ship:

• Your alcohol will be confiscated
• You could get kicked off the ship
• Getting caught is embarrassing

The x-ray scanners at the terminal can detect liquid in your bags and luggage. And security is very good at locating prohibited items.

On most cruise lines, you can bring alcohol on a cruise ship , usually one or two bottles of wine or champagne. But many guests try to circumvent the rules and bring additional bottles against the cruise line rules. The rules vary by cruise line, so it’s a good idea to check with your line before embarkation.

If the cruise line catches you smuggling alcohol on the ship, the prohibited items are confiscated by security. Cruise lines have the right to remove prohibited items, and they don’t have to give them back. Getting caught sneaking drinks on board a cruise is a great way to lose money on wasted alcohol.

If you still need convincing that this is a bad idea, some cruise lines may remove passengers from the ship if caught with prohibited items . Removal of passengers especially applies to minors who try to sneak alcohol onboard.

It’s never a good idea to sneak alcohol on a cruise ship, especially if you’re not of legal drinking age .

Losing your vacation and the money spent on the cruise is not worth the hassle of a few drinks.

How to Sneak Alcohol on a Cruise

There’s no foolproof way to sneak alcohol on a cruise. But it is possible.

According to passengers who’ve successfully smuggled alcohol, the most effective methods involve keeping the alcohol on your person or swapping the liquid in other permitted bottles.

By keeping the alcohol on your person, the alcohol won’t pass through x-ray scanners and is less likely to be detected. But there’s always the risk of security patting you down and discovering the contraband.

While keeping alcohol on your body is effective, the amount you can carry is limited. You’ll only be able to carry as much as you can conceal while keeping it hidden beneath your clothes.

The most popular way people sneak alcohol onto the ship is by replacing the liquid in permitted bottles with alcohol. 

The thought is that by swapping alcohol into shampoo, mouthwash, and other permitted items, security is less likely to take notice. 

However, security may open bottles if they have suspicions about your luggage contents.

Here’s how to sneak alcohol on a cruise:

1. Shampoo Bottles

Shampoo bottles are one of the most popular containers passengers use to smuggle alcohol on ships.

The biggest issue with using a shampoo bottle is getting the bottle clean enough not to affect the taste of your booze. The awkward shape of the bottle makes it difficult to clean. No matter how hard you try, you’ll always have shampoo residue on the sides of the bottle.

2. Mouthwash Bottles

Compared to shampoo bottles, mouthwash containers are much easier to clean. And they come in larger sizes.

Keep in mind bringing a 32oz bottle of mouthwash on a 3-day cruise may arouse suspicion.

Though clever, cruise ship security is familiar with the mouthwash trick. If the security guard sees a large bottle of mouthwash through the scanner, they’ll open it to see what’s inside.

3. Wine Bottles

Smuggling alcohol in a bottle of wine? Isn’t that a bit obvious?

Hear us out.

Most cruise lines allow guests to bring a sealed bottle or two of wine or champagne in their carry-on during embarkation. To get more of their money worth, many people replace the wine with hard liquor and reseal the wine bottle.

While security will open a suspicious bottle of shampoo or mouthwash, they are far less likely to uncork a bottle of wine or champagne to check the contents.

For this trick to work, you’ll need to ensure that the bottle is perfectly resealed. If the bottle looks like it’s been opened, it won’t be allowed on board.

4. Rum Runners

Reading the cruise forums, you’ll find hundreds of passengers who’ve succeeded in using rum runners to sneak alcohol on cruise ships. A rum runner is a small bag or plastic flask container to smuggle alcohol on cruise ships.

The liquid appears dark on an X-ray. And dark bottle shapes are easy to spot.

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.

Because of their popularity, many cruise lines are learning to spot rum runners hidden in luggage.

5. Refillable Water Bottle

Talk about hiding in plain sight. Many passengers have had success putting alcohol in refillable water bottles. Refillable water bottles are a common item on cruise ship packing lists, and many people fill them with water in case they get thirsty during embarkation.

By filling your water bottle with booze, it’s hiding in plain site and unlikely to be noticed.

While many guests have had success with this trick, I have had my own water bottle contents inspected by security. If I were trying to sneak alcohol on the ship, I definitely would’ve been caught.

What Happens If you Get Caught Sneaking Alcohol on a Cruise?

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.

Can Cruise Ship Scanners Detect Alcohol?

Cruise ship scanners can detect alcohol hidden in luggage. Any liquid appears dark on the security’s x-ray scanner. And the bottle-shaped outline is easy for security to identify.

Do Cruise Lines Check for Alcohol?

All cruise lines check for alcohol, drugs, and other prohibited items during embarkation and port visits. Cruise lines use x-ray scanners and metal detectors to ensure passengers don’t bring prohibited items onboard.

Can You Purchase Alcohol in Port?

Yes, you can purchase alcohol in port , but you can’t consume it on the ship. Any alcohol purchased in port is kept by the cruise ship until the day before you debark.

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Everything to Know About Alcohol & Drinks on a Cruise (Costs, Rules, & More)

For many people, it’s not a cruise unless they are enjoying themselves with a drink in their hand. After all, what’s more relaxing than hanging out poolside with a cold beer or tasty cocktail?

Of course, cruise lines are happy to help. Bars are everywhere on a cruise ship, and the alcohol flows freely. But it’s certainly not free. Drinks are big business on a cruise.

So how much will you pay for a drink? What sort of beverages are available? Who can buy a beer or cocktail? These are just a few questions you might have about enjoying alcohol on a cruise. We answer them all (plus roughly a dozen more) for you below.

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How much does beer cost on a cruise?

Looking for a brew? Cruise ships will have tons of options, including some like Carnival that even brew their own beer to sell. But if it’s a large, nationally known beer, it’s likely to be on the ship… along with some other options like local beers. Norwegian Cruise Line even has some ships with dozens of beers on tap.

In general, expect prices to be in the $7-9 range, before gratuity. With gratuity, expect to spend about $8-10.50 per beer.

As an example, below is a list of prices and beers from a recent Royal Caribbean cruise. Keep in mind these prices are before gratuity is added on.

• Amstel Light $7.49
• Blue Moon $7.49
• Bud Light $7.49
• Budweiser $7.49
• Coors Light $7.49
• Corona $7.49
• Dos Equis $7.49
• Daura Damm $7.49
• Heineken $7.49
• Michelob Ultra $7.49
• Miller Light $7.49
• Paulaner Weiss $7.49
• Stella Artois $7.49
• Red Stripe (473 ml) $7.99
• Foster’s Oil Can (750 ml) $9.50

Other cruise lines might have prices that are slightly higher or lower but this is a good ballpark. As well, options will vary by cruise line and even from bar to bar on some ships.

How much do cocktails cost on the ship?

Perhaps nothing is as iconic on a cruise ship as sipping a delicious cocktail with an umbrella in it. And cruise lines are happy to oblige. Not only can you get classics like Rum Runners, Margaritas, and Mai Tais, but cruise lines are constantly introducing unique cocktails that you won’t find anywhere else.

In other words, even if you aren’t a big cocktail drinker, there’s likely to be something that you’ll want to sip.

The downside? You definitely have to pay for it. Prices for cocktails on cruise ships usually run about $10-14 per drink, before gratuity . So expect to spend about $12 to $16.50 per beverage when gratuity is added.

Here is a sample menu from a recent Carnival cruise to give you an idea of what’s offered. Just like different restaurants, different bars on the ship will have different drink options:

What should I know about drink packages?

As you can see, the price of alcohol on the ship can be expensive. If you’re looking to save money, the cruise line offer drink packages. These packages offer up all you want for one price. So, for example, a cruise line like Carnival will charge about $55 per day for a package, and for that amount you can simply grab a drink when you’re ready.

Drink packages can be a considerable cost, but make the budgeting much easier.

Before you buy a package, however, there are lots of things to know. For example, if one adult in the cabin buys the package, then all adults normally have to purchase it as well. And if you purchase, you have to buy the package for every day of the cruise.

For a full breakdown, read our guide to cruise line drink packages here .

Is gratuity included on drinks?

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. But when you get a drink, you won’t see any additional charges, for the drink or gratuity.

However, if purchasing a drink without the package, then you will be charged an additional gratuity on the menu price . As just mentioned, this amount varies by cruise line but is normally 18-20%.

So a $10 drink on the menu will actually end up being about $12. An $8 beer would be closer to $10.

One thing to know is that while this gratuity is charged automatically, when you sign the receipt you’ll see a line for an additional tip. You aren’t required or expected to add more unless you want to do so.

What’s the drinking age on a cruise ship?

With cruise ships there are some unique situations that you don’t find with other vacations. For instance, while docked in a country, the ship is bound to the laws of that nation. But when outside their waters, they are not. And then, a ship might visit three or four different countries with different laws during the same cruise.

To keep things simple, ships sailing from the United States have a drinking age of 21 years old . Ships sailing from points in Europe, Asia, and Australia typically have a drinking age of 18 years old.

But local laws in places your ship will visit might have different drinking ages. In some cases, it may be legal for someone to drink in port, but not allowed on the cruise ship. For instance, Mexico and The Bahamas have an 18 year drinking age, but ships departing the United States have a 21 year age minimum.

For more on cruises and drinking ages, you can see our article here .

How do I buy drinks on the ship?

Put that wallet away. To buy drinks on the ship you don’t need cash or a credit card. In most cases you simply hand over your room keycard, which acts as a charge card for your onboard account. (Sometimes you simply give your room number and the staff charges your account that way.)

Once charged, you’ll be presented a receipt to sign for your drink.

Have a drink package? Don’t worry, the bar staff will know when your card is swiped that you have the package. You won’t be charged for the beverage.

Is there a limit to how much I can drink?

There are no set limits on how much you can drink. One exception is that Carnival does limit those with drink packages to 15 alcoholic beverages per day. (It’s not clear if that limit applies to those without the package.)

Still, for the most part you aren’t under any clearly defined limit. That said, don’t expect to continue to be served if you are showing signs of dangerous levels of intoxication. The cruise lines want you to relax, enjoy yourself, and have a good time, but not at the expense of your health or the well-being of other passengers.

What brands of alcohol are available?

There is seemingly an endless number of options when it comes to alcohol brands on a cruise ship. In fact, there are bound to be brands you’ve never tasted or even heard of before, in addition to well-known names.

So will your favorite brand of beer, wine, or liquor be served? That depends.

If your favorite is a popular brand with national presence, then you can expect it to be on the ship. If it’s a lesser-known or regional brand, then the chances are much lower.

For instance, if you’re from Texas then Shiner Bock is a well-known beer brand and served just about anywhere in the state… but not nationally. We have yet to see the brand on a cruise ship unless sailing from Texas.

Major brands of alcohol like Tito’s, Jack Daniel’s, Crown Royal, Maker’s Mark are all widely available. In addition, you will definitely find some lesser-known options as well, but not all.

What time do the bars open and close?

“Cruise time” is a little different from regular time. So if you’re wanting a drink in the morning, that’s no issue. Individual bar schedules will vary, but apart from very late night/early morning (e.g. 3-8 a.m.) you should be able to find somewhere serving, though it may only be one or two spots.

For instance, below is the bar schedule for MSC during a recent cruise:

Can I take my drink anywhere around the ship?

Yes. At first it can seem a little weird walking from a restaurant to the casino to the pool all while carrying a drink in your hand. For those of us used to laws surrounding public display of open containers, it feels unnatural. On a cruise ship, it’s completely ok and commonplace.

Drinks can be taken with you anywhere around the ship. So grab a drink and head to a show, dinner, the pool, casino, or just back to the cabin.

Can I order two drinks/doubles?

Sure, although some lines have rules if you have the drink package. If you don’t have the package, then it’s not a big deal to order multiple drinks at once. In fact, cruise lines often have beer buckets that you can purchase that have 4-6 beers.

Want a drink for you and a friend? Want a double? Just order it, it’s no issue at all.

If you have the drink package, however, then things get a little more complicated. Since these packages are for individuals and not meant to be shared, there are rules that limit the ability to order multiple drinks. For example, Carnival’s package doesn’t allow double shots and you can only purchase one drink at a time, with a five-minute waiting period between drinks.

Is There a Mini-Bar in the Cabin?

Often, but not always. Every cabin will have a small refrigerator, which often doubles as a mini-bar with a number of beers, liquors, sodas, and waters. (We have been on cruises where the refrigerator is empty.)

Want something to drink? Help yourself, but just know you’ll be charged. The menu prices are typically posted on the fridge or nearby. Even if you have a drink package, mini-bar items are excluded.

Can I bring alcohol onboard?

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. Cruise lines expect you to purchase their bar offerings. They do, however allow you to bring on a bottle of wine or champagne.

If you are in port and find a bottle of something that you want, then you can also buy it and bring it home with you. So if you visit Mexico and pick up a bottle of tequila, you can bring it back with you as you board the ship.

The difference? When you return to the ship the bottle will be taken from you and placed in storage. It will then be returned to you the last night of the cruise to take home. So don’t think you’re going to be able to enjoy it while sailing.

One other thing to note is that some lines — including Carnival and Royal Caribbean — do allow you to bring on some non-alcoholic beverages like sodas and waters. You can find more details here .

Can I buy duty-free alcohol on the ship to mix drinks?

Step on a cruise ship (or head out into port), and you’ll see lots of opportunity for duty-free shopping. Cigarettes and alcohol are the big sellers, and the prices are good for what’s offered.

You might have the idea to bring on mixers and then buy a bottle from the duty-free shop to enjoy on your cruise. Unfortunately, that’s not allowed.

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.

What happens if I sneak alcohol onto a cruise?

Given the price of drinks on the ship, you wouldn’t be alone in wondering about sneaking drinks on with you in your luggage as you board.

It’s relatively common that people try this trick. In fact, when boarding you’ll likely find several people having bottles of liquid being closely examined by the security staff during boarding.

In other words, security is on the lookout for smuggled booze. If found, expect it to be removed and likely destroyed. If put it in your checked luggage, you might be called down to retrieve your bag.

The terms and conditions of sailing may give the cruise line the right to not allow you to board if found trying to sneak on alcohol, however, we’ve personally never heard of that happening.

Still, it could lead to some awkward conversations — and losing your alcohol — should you be caught trying to sneak it onto the ship.

How can I save money on drinks?

There’s no question that it can be expensive to drink on a cruise ship. But there are ways that you can drink for less money. Here are a few tips:

Drink in port instead: Ports of call offer a chance to save money on drinks. Many areas near where the ship docks will have cheap(er) drink specials designed to attract the business of cruise passengers. By heading off the ship you can save money versus drinking on the ship.

Look for sales: If you do plan to drink on the ship, be sure to keep an eye out for drink specials. They will often be mentioned in the daily planner that’s delivered to your room each night. Maybe it’s a happy hour at a certain bar or certain drinks that have a discount.

Do the math on drink packages: If you’re a big drinker, then drink packages can save you tons. These packages are also expensive, so if you don’t get your money’s worth, then you could end up spending more than you would otherwise. To help you do the math before buying, check out our drink package calculator here .

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Is there a alchohol volume % limit for wine? I know you cab not take wine cocktails or fortified wine. But what about reg wine? Thsnks

I’ve never heard of a limit.

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

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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.

If the cruise line allows alcohol — which, in the case of mainstream lines, is mostly only wine or Champagne — there will likely be rules that limit the number and size of bottles, as well as per-bottle corkage fees (usually $10 to $25) that you’ll have to pay if you consume the alcohol outside of your cabin.

If you are allowed to bring a bottle or two and choose to do so, you will have to carry it on rather than packing it in your checked luggage. So, if you’re flying to the port and choose to bring alcohol from home rather than purchasing it in port before embarkation, you’ll have to transfer your booze from your checked bag to your carry-on.

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On luxury ships, you might be able to bring as many bottles of booze as you like and replenish your supplies at the ports of call, too. Don’t miss buying Bordeaux in Bordeaux!

The rules for bringing your own alcohol generally apply to passengers 21 and older. The bottles must be unopened and sealed.

If you think it’s easy to sneak alcohol on a cruise ship — in a flask, mouthwash bottle, water bottle or other container — you’re wrong. Cruise lines know the tricks. If you get caught, the container will be taken away and discarded.

Alcohol purchased in the ship’s duty-free shops will be stored for you and returned at the end of your voyage.

With all that in mind, here is a line-by-line rundown of cruise line policies for bringing your own alcohol on ships.

Azamara Cruises

You can bring your own liquor, beer or wine for consumption in your Azamara suite or cabin at no charge. If you want to drink your own bottle in a dining venue or bar, there’s a $10 corkage fee. The same rule applies to alcohol purchased in ports. If you buy a bottle at the duty-free shop, it will be stored until the end of your cruise.

Carnival Cruise Line

At embarkation on Carnival Cruise Line ships, passengers 21 and older may bring on board one 750 mL bottle of wine or Champagne (sealed and unopened) per person packed in their carry-on luggage. There is a corkage fee of $15 if you drink your bottle outside your cabin. That rum you purchased in port will be retained for you until the last night of your cruise. The same goes for any duty-free purchase. You’ll collect your purchases in a designated lounge.

Celebrity Cruises

You can bring two bottles of wine or Champagne (maximum 750 mL) on board at embarkation, per cabin, on Celebrity Cruises ‘ ships. However, beer and spirits are not allowed. There is a corkage fee of $25 in restaurants or bars. Anything you purchase at port or the duty-free shop is held until the last day of your sailing.

Cunard Line

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. Any alcohol purchased at ports is held and returned on the last night of the cruise.

Disney Cruise Line

You are allowed to bring beer on Disney cruises and wine or Champagne on embarkation day and in each port of call. The limit is two bottles of wine or Champagne (up to 750 mL) or six beers (up to 12 ounces each) in your carry-on per adult. The alcohol cannot be consumed in any lounge or other public area, but you can bring your bottles to the dining rooms, with a $26 corkage fee charged. Any excess amounts you try to bring on board will be stored until the end of the cruise.

Holland America Line

Holland America Line allows adults 21 and older to bring bottles of wine or Champagne on board in their carry-on, but there is a corkage fee of $20 per bottle for the privilege (even if the wine or Champagne is drunk in one’s cabin). The policy does not specify the maximum number of bottles allowed but says cruise officials reserve the right to decide if you’re bringing too much and could force you to check some of it until the end of your sailing. No beer, liquor or boxed wine is allowed.

You can bring wine on board from ports, but any other liquor purchases will be retained until the end of the cruise. One bottle of wine per person is exempt from the $20 corkage fee if purchased ashore as part of a winery visit arranged through Holland America.

MSC Cruises

No alcohol can be brought on board at embarkation on MSC cruises , and anything purchased in port or at the duty-free shop will be held until the end of the cruise.

Norwegian Cruise Line

You may bring wine or Champagne on board NCL voyages, including 1,500 mL magnum bottles, and there is no limit on the number of bottles. Corkage fees are based on size and range from $15 to $30. They apply only when your bottles are consumed outside your cabin. Corkage fees do not apply to passengers with beverage packages.

No liquor, beer or boxed wine can be brought and consumed on board. (These bottles and duty-free purchases will be held until the final night of the cruise or the morning of disembarkation.)

Oceania Cruises

You may bring on board up to six bottles of wine or Champagne per cabin (60 bottles for world cruises). There is a corkage fee of $25 per bottle if you consume your bottles in public areas on Oceania ‘s ships. Beer or liquor brought on board or purchased in port will be held until the end of the cruise, and the same applies to purchases beyond the allowed six (or 60) bottles.

Princess Cruises

You may not bring beer or liquor on board, but each adult passenger is allowed one bottle of wine or Champagne (750 mL) that is not subject to a corkage fee if consumed in your cabin ($20 if in a restaurant or lounge). Additional bottles may be brought on board Princess Cruises sailings but are subject to a $20 corkage fee no matter where they are consumed. Port purchases are held until the end of the cruise.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Adults are allowed to bring alcohol on Regent cruises without restrictions. There are no corkage fees.

Royal Caribbean

Each Royal Caribbean passenger of drinking age is allowed to bring, in a carry-on, one bottle (750 mL) of wine or Champagne. You are not allowed to bring your own beer or liquor. There is a $15 corkage fee if you consume your bottle in a dining room. If you declare you have additional bottles or make purchases in ports or at duty-free shops, these beverages will be stored until the end of the cruise.

Seabourn Cruise Line

You are free to bring spirits, wine and Champagne on board. There are no corkage fees or limits on Seabourn cruises.

Silversea Cruises

You are allowed to bring wine and liquor on board for your personal consumption, both on embarkation day and at ports of call. Silversea has no limits and no corkage fees.

Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking does not limit quantities or charge corkage fees, and you are allowed to bring wine, Champagne, beer and liquor on board.

Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages passengers are allowed to bring two bottles of wine or Champagne (750 mL) per cabin in their carry-on luggage. Liquor and beer are not allowed. 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.

Windstar Cruises

No beer or liquor is allowed to be brought on board Windstar voyages. You may bring up to two bottles of wine or Champagne (750 mL) per cabin on embarkation day (three bottles if your sailing is more than a week). There is a $15 corkage fee if you consume the alcohol outside your cabin. Alcohol purchased in ports will be stored until the end of the cruise.

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What You Need to Know About Bringing Alcohol on a Cruise

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It’s almost hard to envision a cruise without a tropical drink in hand. Letting loose and having a few cocktails or a nice bottle of cabernet at dinner is part of the vacation experience for many. That is why cruise lines sell you wine by the bundle, all-inclusive drink packages , and even bottles of liquor to bring home duty-free from the onboard shops.

But what if you wanted to bring your own booze onboard your next cruise?

On some cruise lines, packing your own alcohol to bring onboard is not allowed. Other ships might permit you to bring a limited amount of your own alcohol in carry-on baggage at embarkation, like two bottles of wine. And some luxury cruise lines look the other way, allowing passengers to bring unlimited amounts of alcohol onboard their ships to consume. It all depends.

We break down what to expect about cruise ship BYOB, including where you can drink your own alcohol onboard, and what happens to rule breakers who attempt to sneak on clandestine liquids.

GUIDE TO BRINGING ALCOHOL ON A CRUISE BY CRUISE LINE

Can I bring my own alcohol on a cruise?

Yes and no — the answer depends on the cruise line. It also depends on the type of alcohol. But in all cases, any bottle of beer, wine, or spirits intended to be brought onboard should be unopened and sealed.

The most lenient alcohol policies are typically onboard luxury cruise lines that include alcohol in the price of their cruise fare. Considering the steep price to get onboard, these ships don’t mind if you’re imbibing a special liqueur you found in port or a glass of Champagne from an onboard bar.

Cruise lines that allow unlimited alcohol onboard with no corkage fees include Silversea, Seabourn, Viking Ocean Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas.

Meanwhile, MSC Cruises does not allow any alcohol in guest’s baggage at embarkation — no exceptions.

Each cruise line’s alcohol policy is spelled out in your cruise contract, which you receive when booking. If you don’t want to book without knowing if you can BYO, do a search on the cruise line website (usually you’ll find this under FAQs) or ask your travel advisor.

What kind of alcohol can you bring on a cruise?

Unless you’re sailing on an all-inclusive luxury cruise line, the allowance is typically limited to wine. Many cruise lines allow two bottles of wine onboard at embarkation, but not beer or spirits. For example, Carnival Cruise Line allows one, 750-ml bottle of wine at embarkation. However, no six-packs of beer or handles of spirits like vodka.

Where can I consume my own alcohol on a cruise ship?

Cruise lines that allow passengers to bring their own alcohol onboard typically do so with restrictions. Consumption of your own alcohol is allowed freely in the privacy of your cruise cabin.

Outside of your stateroom, something called a corkage fee usually applies to consumption. A corkage fee is a set fee you pay to partake in your own stash. This applies whether it’s wine at dinner or booze in a lounge. Despite its name, the fee has nothing to do with whether you physically uncork your own bottle, but rather your choice to drink your own alcohol in a public area like a bar or restaurant.

Corkage fees might range from $10 to $15 to consume your own bottle of wine in a restaurant to $25 for enjoying a bottle of your own tequila in the casino. Cruise lines that have no restrictions on bringing your own alcohol onboard also forgo the corkage fees.

What happens to alcohol I’ve purchased in port?

If you’re sailing on a line that allows you to bring your own alcoholic beverages onboard, you’ll be able to bring back a limited amount to your stateroom. If your cruise ship does not permit you to BYOB, you’ll have to check that bottle of rum from Puerto Rico or prosecco from Italy at security upon boarding.

A crew member will typically write a description of the item next to your name and stateroom number. Guests can retrieve these bottles at the end of the voyage prior to disembarkation. Or, there will be a designated pickup location that guests can go to gather their own alcoholic purchases.   

What happens to alcohol I’ve purchased in the onboard shops?

Similar to alcohol purchased off of the ship in port, booze purchased in your ship’s onboard boutiques is also subject to being withheld until the end of your cruise. This is typically arranged with the cashier upon purchase.

What is the drinking age onboard a cruise ship?

Most cruise lines stick to the U.S. drinking age of 21 onboard their fleets. However, some lines lower the drinking age to 18 when sailing from ports outside of the U.S.

Can you get in trouble for bringing alcohol on a cruise?

Any alcohol in your possession beyond the allowed limit may be confiscated or destroyed by security. This rule applies equally to an extra bottle of wine as it does to liquor snuck in through a water bottle or a plastic flask called a “rum runner.” For cruise lines with the strictest alcohol policies, like Royal Caribbean, you might be denied boarding.

After confiscation, there are typically no additional penalties for bringing extra alcohol onboard unless the guest is under the drinking age. If crew continue to find the same guests attempting to sneak banned amounts of liquor onboard, they could be asked to disembark early.

Which cruise lines allow you to bring alcohol onboard?

Royal caribbean.

On boarding day, guests may bring onboard one 750-ml bottles of wine/Champagne per stateroom in their carry-on luggage. Boxed wine is prohibited.

Carnival Cruise Line

During embarkation day only, guests may bring one 750-ml bottle of sealed/unopened wine or Champagne per person, in their carry-on luggage. 

Norwegian Cruise Line

Guests may bring bottles of wine and Champagne onboard with no limit. Guests who have a drink package will not be charged a corkage fee.

Celebrity Cruises

Each guest is permitted to bring up to two bottles of wine onboard with them on embarkation day.

Princess Cruises

Each passenger can bring one bottle of wine or Champagne (no larger than 750 ml) onboard per voyage. Any additional bottles of wine can be brought onboard for a $20 corkage fee.

Holland America Line

Guests may bring unlimited bottles of wine or Champagne onboard. But there is a $20 corkage fee for each bottle (maximum size 750 ml), no matter where guests consume it. Quantities of wine deemed “excessive” by ship security will be refused.

Virgin Voyages

Virgin’s sailors can bring two 750-mL bottles of wine per cabin in carry-on bags. However, any alcohol in checked luggage will be collected pre-sailing and returned once the voyage is complete.

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line guests 21 years and older may bring a maximum of two bottles of unopened wine or Champagne (no larger than 750 ml) or six beers (no larger than 12 ounces) on board at the beginning of the voyage and at each port of call. These beverages must be packed in carry-on (not checked) bags or luggage.

Windstar Cruises

Passengers may bring aboard two bottles of wine or Champagne (750 ml) per cabin for their enjoyment for a seven-day cruise. They may bring three bottles for an eight-day (or longer) cruise.

Oceania Cruises

Guests may bring up to six bottles of wine or bubbly onboard during their cruise. For lucky guests sailing a full world cruise, the wine limit jumps to 60 bottles per stateroom.

Viking Ocean Cruises

Guests may bring alcohol and beverages onboard with them. Additionally, guests may purchase alcohol ashore at destinations or purchase them from the onboard shop. Guests may consume the alcohol in their stateroom or in public spaces, including the restaurants. There is no corkage fee.

Silversea Cruises

There are no limitations on alcohol or other beverages that passengers can bring onboard throughout their cruise. Additionally, there are no corkage fees onboard.

Seabourn Cruise Line

There are no corkage fees or limits on bringing wine, beer, or spirits for adults 21 and older onboard a Seabourn cruise.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Passengers may purchase and enjoy wine, beer, and spirits throughout their voyage with no limits or fees on bringing their own alcohol onboard.

Which cruise lines don’t allow you to bring alcohol onboard?

Msc cruises.

Guests cannot bring any alcoholic beverages onboard at embarkation.

Margaritaville at Sea

Guests cannot bring any alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages onboard during embarkation. 

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Do you typically bring alcohol on a cruise? Or, you do opt for a drink package when you cruise? Drop us an anchor below with your tips about bringing alcohol on a cruise?

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Brittany Chrusciel, Contributor

Brittany has covered cruising professionally for more than a decade. She embarked on a world cruise as a college student aboard Semester at Sea, and never stopped sailing. Formerly a Cruise Critic editor, Brittany now writes about ships and their many destinations for various industry and consumer outlets. She is a lifelong resident of the Jersey Shore.

Hi we are travelling from Australia to Vancouver in September 2023 on Celebrity Eclipse to Alaska , my wife and I are not really big drinkers , and just wanted to know what is considered wine ? I love Port wine and the wife likes fortified/dessert wines , are these permitted onboard or are they likely to be confiscated. Thank you for your help in advance

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Prohibited Items – Frequently Asked Questions

Are Guests allowed to bring alcoholic beverages on board the ship?

Disney Cruise Line Guests 21 years and older may bring a maximum of 2 bottles of unopened wine or champagne (no larger than 750 ml) or 6 beers (no larger than 12 ounces) on board at the beginning of the voyage and at each port of call. These beverages must be packed in carry-on (not checked) bags or luggage.

For round-trip cruises from Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland and Brisbane, Guests 18 years of age and older may bring a maximum of 2 bottles of unopened wine or champagne (no larger than 750 ml) or 6 beers (no larger than 12 ounces) on board at the beginning of the voyage and at each port of call. These beverages must be packed in carry-on (not checked) bags or luggage.

Guests wishing to consume wine or champagne that they have brought on board in one of the dining rooms will be charged a corking fee of $29.00 per bottle.

Please note:

• Alcohol packed in checked luggage will be removed and no compensation will be offered. Please be aware, Guests who have beverage containers in checked luggage have experienced damage to their belongings.
• All alcohol brought on board must be in an original unopened container. Partially used bottles and those in which the seal is broken are prohibited.
• Any wine or champagne in excess of 2 bottles or beer in excess of 6 beers is prohibited and must be discarded prior to entry and no compensation offered.
• Liquors or spirits or excess wine and beer purchased in ports of call will be stored until the end of the cruise.
• Guests must retrieve stored alcohol at the end of the cruise. Items not retrieved will be discarded and no compensation will be offered.
• Alcohol brought on board may not be consumed in any lounge or public area.

Please note that the Disney Cruise Line alcohol policy is subject to change without notice.

See a complete list of items prohibited on board Disney Cruise ships and on Castaway Cay .

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11 Best Ways to Sneak Alcohol On a Cruise 2024

Drinking alcohol is one of the most popular pastimes on a  cruise vacation.    It’s no wonder then that with the relatively high price of individual drinks and drinks packages and alcohol playing such a large part in a cruise experience, guests talk about and attempt to sneak alcohol on board.

Most ocean sailing cruise ships strictly limit the amount of alcohol you can bring on the cruise.

Usually, it is only wine you can take on a cruise , typically one to two bottles.  Beers and liquors are often prohibited.

Before you decide whether to get around the rules, it might be worth checking out our drinks packages advice and tips, and ways to maximize value and even benefit from hacks such as those highlighted in our How to cheat royal Caribbean drinks package.

Either way, no doubt sneaking on your favorite alcohol and liquors, in particular, could potentially save you hundreds of dollars.

Some people think it’s the only way they can drink on a cruise at 18 to 20, although underage drinking should be discouraged. Whereas others are convinced alcoholic cruise drinks are watered down , so try to take their own.

Finally, it’s worth considering what happens if you get caught sneaking alcohol on a cruise , so you know what you are risking.

Also, its worth checking beforehand if you can bring alcohol on a cruise in the first place for your cruise line of choice. It might be more than you think, or may allow you to use some of the methods below to sneak liquor on instead of wine.

Disclaimer : I do not advocate trying to smuggle alcohol on a cruise.  The below methods for how to sneak alcohol on a cruise are methods of discussion for fun and entertainment purposes only, which we have picked up from amusing conversations with other guests and also doing our own research.  If you attempt to smuggle drinks onboard, you do so at your own risk.

How to Sneak Alcohol on a Cruise Ship

Most of these items are ideal for sneaking alcohol onto a cruise ship.

However, some can be extra useful for having once you are on the ship when it comes to sneaking the use of the alcohol into other drinks without being seen.

This is where small discreet flasks can come in handy.

1. Rum Runners

Rum runners are plastic bags like flasks in which you can pour alcohol and then pack it in your luggage to disguise its contents. 

To make your rum runners less detectable, pack them, so they don’t stand out clearly on the X-rays.  Put the funnel cap end mixed in near other small toiletries, so it doesn’t stand out as a cap to a liquid-filled bag.

If you have any other legit liquid containers, put them layered over the rum runners, so they show on the scan over the rum runners.  If the luggage gets called to be opened, there’s a chance that when they open it and see legit liquid containers, they’ll let it through rather than rummage through all your packed luggage.

If you have more than one item of luggage, split the rum runners into different bags, so if one gets called out for a manual check, the other bags might get through.

If security does a spot check and sees a rum runner, they will know what it is and confiscate it.

Rum Runners On Carnival Cruise

The couple below successfully smuggled their rum runners onto a Carnival Cruise.

The video shows how to fill the rum runners and pack in her luggage to finally to the unpacking in the stateroom.

Rum Runners on Person

Another way I’ve heard people use rum runners to sneak alcohol on a cruise is to use the smaller bags on their person.  For example, tucked in their cargo pants.

Rum runners are usually sold in multi-packs, which you can find on Amazon here.  Double check you get one with a funnel, so you don’t risk spilling any of your precious liquor.

They are undoubtedly one of the cheapest options for sneaking alcohol onboard .

2. Fake Shampoo Bottles (Disguised Flask)

Fake shampoo bottles are a great way to smuggle some alcohol onboard.  Many are specifically made with sneaking alcohol on cruise ships in mind.

You can purchase whole fake shampoo and conditioner sets, so in theory, you could take enough liquors to make a range of your own cocktails in your stateroom.

The bottles look realistic from the outside.  Make sure you choose one with foam security seals that stop leaks but, more importantly, make the bottles look sealed, so if they are opened by cruise staff, there is no smell of alcohol.

Don’t bother trying to reuse old shampoo bottles.   They are notoriously difficult to clean. You don’t want to contaminate your alcohol with any remnants you inadvertently missed after going through all the trouble of smuggling your favorite liquor onboard.

The other issue with reusing old bottles is they are much more likely to leak.  

The reviews show these are very successful ways of sneaking alcohol onboard.

3. Fake Suncream (Sneak Flask)

Fake suncream flasks are another good option because they naturally contain liquid, so they won’t look suspicious on a scan.

Also, it looks natural in a set if you’re taking different strengths sun creams but really taking different liquors.

The other advantage is they look like natural containers to have around while sunning yourself by the pool, so when you get the opportunity, you can add some alcohol to your soft drinks without suspicion.

They should come with funnels for easy alcohol pouring when filling and also factory seals to keep them watertight and make them look brand new opened.

4. Tampon Flask

Tampon flasks are plastic test tubes that you can fill with alcohol and disguise as a tampon.   Security won’t give them a close inspection if they are discovered in your luggage.

They are more commonly used for festivals and concert-type events rather than cruises.

While they can be used to sneak alcohol onboard, they are of limited use due to their small size.

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.

If you use them, make sure you pack them in a water-tight plastic bag to avoid any problems with leakage.

5. Liquor In Wine Bottle Cruise Hack

Most cruise lines allow guests to bring wine on a cruise , typically just one bottle, but sometimes more.

This presents an opportunity to replace the wine with your favorite liquor.   

However, if you choose this method, you have to do it properly and make it look like the wine bottle has never been opened.

This is where Wine Corker Cruise Kits come in.  These allow you to re-cork your wine and even reseal it.

It can be a bit more time-consuming to set up compared to other methods.  Recorking the bottle isn’t always easy for some, and then you have to heat the seal so its looks as new as possible.

Here’s a video example of the wine resealing method:

6. Umbrella Flask

Depending on the cruise you are going on, an umbrella flask could be an option for sneaking alcohol use.  

They can be used both for smuggling alcohol onboard and on ships or excursions.  

Just carry the BoozeBrella in your bags as if you are ready for all weather.  Even though it’s purely a flask and not an umbrella anyone can use.

7. Binocular Flask

Binoculars are a cruise essential for many on a sightseeing cruise holiday, so what better secret alcohol container than a binocular flask ?

Not being bottle shaped its more likely to go unnoticed through the Xrays.

Another good thing is that each side is a separate flask so if you wanted you can put different liquors in each side, approximately 8 oz each side.

8. Booze Bra / Bra Flask 

A booze bra or, as otherwise known, Liquor bra or wine rack bra.

This is a more extreme way to smuggle alcohol on a cruise, but for some, it’s an option to hide up to 25 oz of alcohol on your person.

It’s one of those methods that sound good but maybe isn’t as good when put into practice.   It might not be a good fit or comfortable for some.  The tube needs to be hidden at all times.  There’s also the possibility it could leak.

However, 25 oz is 25 oz for some, so worth the effort.

9. Mouthwash Bottles

Mouthwash bottles have been a popular way of sneaking alcohol on cruises.  Thoroughly rinse an old Listerine bottle and fill with your favorite clear liquors like vodka and gins. Then, color them with food coloring to match ordinary mouthwashes, typically pinks, blues, and greens.

Or these days, you can buy colored variations of gin and vodka, so you might not even need to add the coloring.

The disadvantage of this method is the cruise lines know it’s an old trick.  Some even mention it in their terms of what they look out for in their alcohol policies, so if they spot it you can expect them to flag it up to be checked.

The temptation is also to buy the larger bottles of mouthwash, which most people wouldn’t normally take on a short vacation.

10. Hairbrush Flask

The hairbrush flask is a good secret alcohol container for carrying around with you.  Holding 6oz of liquor, you can keep it close by at all times in a bag and use it to discreetly top up soft drinks.

The bonus with this alcohol flask is that you can use it for its original intended function as well, as brushing your hair.  Some also double up with a mirror on the back.

11 Wine Backpack & Beach Bags

This Wine backpack or Wine beach bag is ideal for traveling with a large amount of hidden alcohol.  It can hold up to 1.5 liters, so 2 bottles of wine.

You pour your wine or liquor into a pouch hidden within a compartment in the bag.

You can also use it as a backpack in its own right as well.

It could be used to sneak alcohol through security, but more likely used to have it on you around the ship or on excursions, so you have your alcohol discreetly accessible and close by.

Most importantly, its leak proof.  As you can see from the reviews, it works very well.

Foolproof Way To Sneak Alcohol On A Cruise

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.

The factory seal hides any smell of alcohol should they be handled in an inspection.

This works for all cruises, even those that don’t allow any drinks onboard, such as MSC and Costa Cruises which don’t allow non-alcoholic onboard, and only water if it is for medical purposes. This saves the cruise lines time from having to check bottles to see if they sneakily contain alcohol. Plus they make more money from purchases on the ships.

However, guests will still try sneaking alcohol on MSC and Costa Cruises using these methods.

Related Reads

• Drinking Age In International Waters – for each Cruise Line

Frequently Asked Questions

Do rum runners show on xrays.

Although liquid can be detected on a cruise scanner because of the shape of the rum runner, it is much less likely to be noticed than the outline shape of a bottle full of liquid.

How to Sneak Alcohol On A Royal Caribbean Cruise?

Royal Caribbean limits guests to 1 bottle of wine. This allows using it to smuggle liquor onboard instead.  

Other disguised flasks also work well, including shampoo, conditioner, and fake sun creams.  

Rum runners are another popular option.

Does Royal Caribbean Check Luggage For Alcohol?

The Royal Caribbean guest policy states that their security may inspect containers and specifically mention mouthwash, water, and soda bottles, so avoid those options.   

How to Sneak Alcohol on a Carnival Cruise?

Carnival cruises allow one bottle of wine to be taken onboard.  This gives an option to fill it with liquor and reseal it.

Rum runners in checked luggage and other sneak flasks can work just as well with Carnival as with any other cruise line.

If Carnival does discover your alcohol, it will be confiscated and permanently discarded.

How To Sneak Liquor on a Cruise?

You can sneak liquor on a cruise using a variety of disguised flasks such as fake shampoo bottles and rum runners.  Filling a wine bottle with liquor is another option if the cruise line has a wine allowance for boarding guests.

How Do You Sneak Alcohol onto a P&O Cruise?

P&O Cruises allow guests to bring 1 liter of wine, beer or spirits onboard. This is more than most other cruise lines allow for alcohol , many of which don’t even allow spirits or liquor.

Still, if you wish to try and take more onboard use the methods like Rum Runners or containers to disguise the alcohol.

Do Cruise Ships Search your Luggage?

If security spots anything suspicious as your luggage passes through the Xrays, they can pull out bags to be searched, or sometimes they just do spot checks.  Even if your luggage is locked, they can remove them.

Can Sniffer Dogs Smell Alcohol on a Cruise?

Sniffer dogs can be trained to detect alcohol. However, they are not used for this purpose when boarding cruise ships.  

Related Posts

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Can You Bring Curling Irons On a Cruise Ship?

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Can i bring alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages on board.

Answer: Revised Policy effective June 1st, 2021.

Guests are not allowed to bring alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages on board for consumption or any other use except as follows:

Guests may bring Wine and Champagne onboard, however a corkage fee of USD $20.00 (which is subject to change without notice) will be applied to each bottle (max 750 ml in volume or less). Limitations apply. Wine brought in quantities deemed to be excessive by the vessel or security will be refused.

Wine purchased during company-sponsored shore excursions that visit local wineries are exempt from the on-board corkage fee (offer limited to one bottle of wine per person).

Items such as sodas, energy drinks or other non-alcoholic items are not allowed on board in any form. Plastic water bottles are not allowed. However, an allowance of six liters, twelve (12) cans or cartons (500 ml in volume or less) or six (6) cans or cartons (1 liter in volume or less) of water are allowed per stateroom. Any amount in excess of this allowance will be not be allowed onboard. Water in plastic bottles will not be allowed onboard in any quantity, including in ports of call. Guests will be asked to discard open beverages in plastic containers prior to boarding.

All checked and carry-on luggage will be scanned and any prohibited items, including alcoholic/nonalcoholic beverages will be removed, confiscated, and discarded. If Your luggage is locked, the lock may be removed by security or, alternatively, the luggage will be held by security until you can be present for an inspection and any items in question further identified and/or surrendered. Holland America Line shall not be responsible for any loss, cost, disappointment or damage of any kind as a result of any luggage lock removal, alcoholic/nonalcoholic items, or other prohibited items removed and discarded in violation of the policy. You agree to surrender alcoholic beverages that are purchased duty free from the ship's gift shop, or at ports of call, to Holland America Line, which will be delivered to your stateroom just prior to disembarking the voyage. Any wine or champagne supplied by the Holland America Line to you is not subject to a corkage fee. Purified or distilled water in factory-sealed containers (including plastic containers) for use in conjunction with medical device(s) are allowed in checked luggage and must be packed with the device(s). Distilled/purified water in factory-sealed containers (including plastic containers) for the reconstitution of infant formula is allowed in checked luggage for staterooms with infant bookings. Limitations apply. Allowances are subject to change without notice and remain subject to situational assessments by both security and the vessel.

An 18% Service Charge is automatically applied to all Beverage Purchases, Bar Retail Items, Specialty Restaurant Cover Charges and all For Purchase A La Carte Menu Items. Local Sales Taxes Applied where required.

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Can I bring my own alcohol, bottled water or soda onboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship?

One of the best things about cruising is the food! And there will be many dining options available to suit most tastes and preferences. However you are free to bring non-perishable prepackaged food in limited quantities.

While we have many drink offerings onboard, you are welcomed to bring select beverages onboard.

On embarkation day, each guest of drinking age may bring one (1) sealed 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne. Boxed wine and other containers are prohibited. Guests who purchase alcohol bottles onboard, in a port-of-call, or bring more than the one permitted bottle on boarding day, will have their items safely stored by the ship. These bottles will be returned on the last day onboard for enjoyment once home.

For consecutive sailings, guests of drinking age are allowed to bring one (1) 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne for each individual sailing. Additional bottles will be stored by the ship and delivered, one bottle at a time, to the stateroom on the first day of each new voyage. Guests bringing more than one bottle at the start of the first sailing should have documentation for any consecutive sailings available to share with security.

Alcoholic beverages (beer, seltzer or hard liquor) seized on embarkation day will not be returned.

Guests may also bring non-alcoholic beverages as carry-on items on boarding day. Non-alcoholic beverages may not exceed 12 standard (17 oz.) cans, bottles or cartons per stateroom. Milk and distilled water brought on for infant, medical, or dietary use are permitted. 

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Can I Bring Alcohol on a Cruise Ship?

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14 Sneakiest Ways To Smuggle Booze On To Your Cruise

This post may contain affiliate links. if you click one, i may earn a commission at no cost to you. as an amazon associate, i earn from qualifying purchases..

The price of drinks on some cruise ships will be similar to your local pub, but on other cruises, the drinks prices can be pretty steep with $10 for a glass of wine being the norm.

If you’re on a budget you may be tempted to try to sneak liquor on your cruise ship to save yourself some money.

Sneaking booze on a cruise is strictly prohibited. However, a study by Cruzely.com showed that 19% of passengers admitted to smuggling alcohol onto a cruise ship at least once.

You should know that there’s no foolproof way to sneak alcohol on a cruise. However, there are many different ways that people have tried.

Disclaimer : I have never smuggled drinks on a cruise myself and am in no way encouraging you to do it. I am just showing you how others have done it in the past so that you can make your own decisions.

1. Use a disguised umbrella flask

If you hide your booze in a sneaky umbrella flask, there’s pretty much zero chance of anyone suspecting anything. This handy flask holds 9 oz (255 ml) of your favourite drink and is easy to pour out into your glass. It looks and feels like an umbrella rather than a hard bottle.

This type of hidden container isn’t likely to be discovered, particularly on Northern European cruises where rain is likely. Take it to the Mediterranean in summer and it may seem slightly more suspicious!

2. Hide your booze in a fake tampon

If you’d like another virtually foolproof way to smuggle booze on a cruise, then tampon flasks may be it. These fake re-sealable tampon wrappers contain refillable mini flasks. Each one can hold one shot of alcohol.

Even if someone had a really good rummage through your luggage, they’d be unlikely to open a tampon to check in there.

The downside to these is that each one only holds 1 oz (30ml) which is slightly larger than a single measure of spirits. Therefore you’d need a lot of tampons to cover a week-long cruise!

This product may be better for smuggling small amounts of booze into the onboard bars, rather than for bringing a booze haul to drink in your cabin.

3. Re-use shampoo bottles (or buy fake ones)

Putting alcohol in shampoo bottles for cruise holidays sounds like an interesting idea, but it has many flaws. The first is that the design of shampoo bottles makes them very difficult to clean so you’ll never fully get rid of all of the shampoo residue. This will make your drink taste horrible.

The second reason why you shouldn’t use a shampoo bottle to hide alcohol is that shampoo and conditioner bottles aren’t watertight. I once had a bottle of shower gel explode in my suitcase and it was messy. Imagine the same but with red wine. No thanks!

However, you can buy shampoo bottle flasks on Amazon, which are made to conceal alcohol. These leak-proof bottles even include six ‘factory seals’ so that if a security guard opened the bottle, they wouldn’t be able to smell the alcohol.

These are a good option because each bottle fits 8 ounces of liquor. Hidden alcohol bottles are also available to buy in the form of fake sunscreen bottles or deodorant cans.

4. Buy a binocular flask

Some of the things to hide alcohol in for cruise vacations are just genius. This binocular flask would be unlikely to show up as anything suspicious on an X-ray, and even with a manual search, it may go undetected.

Each side of the binoculars holds 8 oz (230ml) of liquor, and it comes with a little funnel that allows you to fill it up without spilling a drop. The two sides aren’t connected, so you could have gin in one half and vodka in the other if you wish to create your own cocktails.

5. Try cleaned-out mouthwash bottles

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.

@lasvegas.bartender #fyp #lvbdrinks #lasvegasbartender ♬ original sound – LasVegasBartender (LVB)

The idea is that you would add a clear spirit such as white rum, gin or vodka, and blue or green food colouring to make it look like mouthwash.

In reality, cruise port staff are familiar with this old hack and know that if they find a huge bottle of mouthwash, it’s likely to be suspicious. Because who needs a litre of mouthwash on a one-week cruise?

The first thing they’ll do is open it and smell it to see what’s really inside.

6. Push the limit on wine bottles

This is probably the most common way to sneak wine on a cruise. Most cruise lines allow you to bring one bottle of wine per person on board. So what people do is they put one bottle of wine in their checked luggage and another in their carry-on bag.

The bags are checked at different times by different people, and it’s virtually impossible for cruise ship staff to match them up and see that you’ve brought more than the allowance.

As there’s no limit on how much luggage you can bring on a cruise ship (unless you also have to take a flight), you could easily bring two small cases per person, as well as some more cases for the kids.

One thing you do want to be wary of is wine bottles smashing in your checked luggage. If you are planning on putting glass bottles in there, you should always buy inflatable wine bottle protectors.

7. Try classic rum runners

Rum runners, also known as alcohol bags or plastic flasks, are specially-made alcohol containers for cruises. Thousands of cruisers report having had success in using a rum runner to sneak alcohol on cruise ships.

You can buy rum runners on Amazon. They are essentially reusable plastic bags that come with a funnel so that you can decant wine, vodka, tequila or any other liquor that you wish to bring on your cruise. Each one holds up to 32 oz (one litre) of liquid.

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.

However, if your bag was manually checked for any other reason, it would be obvious what’s inside these booze bags.

8. Give yourself a fake beer belly

An interesting method that may be used to hide alcohol when you embark on your cruise ship is the ‘beer belly canteen’. This polyurethane container looks like a beer belly when worn under clothing and holds 32 oz of booze.

If you wear this, you might have to sacrifice looking slender in your embarkation photos!

9. Boost your bust with a wine rack bra

For women, there’s a similar product to the fake belly, in the form of a bra known as the ‘wine rack bra’, which could actually boost your appearance if that’s what you desire.

If you set off the x-ray scanner with something else, such as your watch, and called over for a pat-down, a wearable flask will easily be detected.

As port staff won’t know whether you’re carrying booze or something much more dangerous, you’ll likely set alarm bells ringing and could get in serious trouble.

10. Wear a boozy bladder

This strange-looking device ties around your waist. There’s a tube that pops out through your fly so that you can refill your glass when nobody’s looking!

This is probably one for the gents rather than the ladies. And you should probably head to a bathroom stall to refill your glass – as you may get some very funny looks from your fellow cruisers otherwise!

The good thing about this device is that it fits a massive one litre of alcohol. If you fill it with spirits, that could keep you going all cruise long.

11. Carry a wine handbag

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.

This stylish handbag comes with a secret zipper with an insulated pouch inside which keeps your wine cool for hours. This bag probably isn’t ideal for bringing booze onto a cruise ship as it may show up solid on the scanner when filled with liquor.

However, it could be an ideal way to enjoy wine from your room by the pool. Whilst some cruise ships allow you to bring your own wine on board, you have to drink it in your room. With this device, you could fill your bag with chilled wine from your in-room refrigerator and sneakily pour it into a glass by the pool using the hidden tap.

12. Hack a box of Capri Sun or water cartons

Here’s a tip from Reddit – why not empty out Capri Sun pouches and refill them with booze?

It might be a lot of work but that’s a lot of alcohol you can sneak onboard!

You can even do the same with water cartons – just use a small hole to pour out the water before re-sealing it with glue, without breaking the cap seal.

@jennmerlin They didn’t know! #lifehacks #fyp #sneakalcohol #cruise #travel #adventure #explore ♬ original sound – jennmerlin

13. Replace your contact lens solution

I would of course not recommend this if you actually wear contact lenses and need the solution to look after them! I’d rather pay for my drinks and be able to see, after all.

14. Just pack minis

According to one cruise guest, if you just pack miniature bottles and distribute them around your luggage, they won’t be detected and you’ll be able to enjoy them onboard.

@xtothez_23 Protip if you dont wanna spend money on the drink package 🙃 #cruiseship #cruisetok #cruise #alcohol #cruisetips #traveltiktok #lifeontiktok #cruisehacks #traveltiktok #travelhacks #drinkpackage #cruisewithme ♬ Chill R & B with a nostalgic atmosphere(967006) – table_1

I’d be a little wary of this one personally – I’d be surprised if they didn’t check your luggage if they saw a lot of small bottles – but apparently it can work, so it’s up to you if you want to try it.

Where to hide alcohol when you check in

When you’ve decided what type of container to hide your liquor in, your next decision will be where to stash it. Your options are:

• In your checked luggage
• In your carry-on luggage
• On your body

The best place to hide alcohol for a cruise is in your checked luggage. You can drop off checked luggage as soon as you arrive at the port. If something is detected on the scanner and your case is opened, you won’t be around to witness the embarrassment of being called out in public.

Checked bags can be tossed around so always make sure that whatever you’ve packed in there is properly protected from damage.

Sneaking alcohol onto a cruise on your body

Sneaking alcohol on your body is the riskiest way to do it. You’ll have to remove any bulky items and walk through an X-ray scanner. If it beeps for any reason (including for a random check), then you’ll be patted down, and your stash will be discovered, no matter how well it’s disguised.

Bringing alcohol on board in foreign cruise ports

Bringing alcohol on board midway through your cruise is easier than trying to sneak it on as you embark.

When you get back on board the ship you’ll have to pass your bags through a scanner. However, if you have a bottle of something which looks like water, even if it has been opened, it’s very unlikely that anyone would inspect it more closely.

Getting caught with alcohol when boarding a cruise

If you’re caught bringing alcohol on a cruise, the worst-case scenario is that you could be denied boarding.

Royal Caribbean’s policy states:

“Alcoholic beverages seized on embarkation day will not be returned. Security may inspect containers (water bottles, soda bottles, mouthwash, luggage etc.) and will dispose of containers holding alcohol. Guests who violate any alcohol policies, (over-consume, provide alcohol to people under the legal drinking age, demonstrate irresponsible behaviour, or attempt to conceal alcoholic items at security and or luggage checkpoints or any other time), may be disembarked or not allowed to board , at their own expense, in accordance with our Guest Conduct Policy. Guests who are under the permitted drinking age will not have alcohol returned to them. “

However, other cruise lines simply state that if you are caught with prohibited alcohol they will confiscate and discard it.

Carnival’s policy states:

“Guests are prohibited from bringing alcoholic beverages on board with the following exception – at the beginning of the cruise during embarkation day only, guests (21 years of age and older) may bring one 750 ml bottle of sealed/unopened wine or champagne, per person, in their carry-on luggage. Outside this exception, all liquor, beer, other forms of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited in both carry-on and checked luggage and such items will be confiscated and discarded and no compensation will be provided.”

Suggested read: Carnival Cruise Luggage Restrictions

Even when cruise lines reserve the right to refuse embarkation, that doesn’t mean that they will do that in practice.

What REALLY happens when you get caught smuggling booze on a cruise

There are many online cruise forums where people have discussed their experiences in getting caught sneaking alcohol on a ship.

Here, I’ve seen numerous photos of orange confiscation slips inside suitcases in place of missing alcohol. As far as I could see during my research, nobody has reported that they weren’t allowed to board the ship. Interestingly, many people reported that they were even allowed to pick up their confiscated alcohol at the end of the cruise!

How to sneak whiskey on a cruise

Cruise lines don’t allow guests to bring spirits on board. If you want to bring whiskey on board then you’ll need to disguise it. Many people use a rum runner, a rinsed-out tinted bottle of mouthwash, or just decant whiskey into a wine bottle, where wine is permitted.

How to fill a sealed water bottle with alcohol

To fill a sealed water bottle with alcohol: • Cut the neck off a bottle • Place it in boiling water until soft • Pull off the intact cap and ring • Open a second water bottle and cut off the plastic ring • Swap the water for clear alcohol • Screw the intact sealed cap onto the bottle of alcohol

Alcohol allowances on cruises

Many cruise lines allow you to bring a certain amount of alcohol on the ship.

The following table shows the alcohol allowance for each cruise line.

Click here to read more about taking drinks on a cruise including which cruise lines allow you to take water and other non-alcoholic drinks on board.

Most cruise lines also offer drinks packages which can be great value for money. And wouldn’t you much rather have a freshly-made cocktail than try to sneak your own spirits into soft drinks?

If you’re undecided about whether to buy a drinks package or not, my free calculator will work out whether it’s good value for money, based on what you like to drink.

Cruise lines will check for alcohol (and other things)

All cruise lines will check luggage for alcohol as well as drugs , weapons, irons, drones and other prohibited items during the embarkation process. They will check all checked and carry-on luggage with scanners as well as manual spot checks.

In fact, they’re wising up to some of the hacks on this list. There’s one that I haven’t included in the list above because cruise lines caught onto it very quickly, even though it was quite a clever hack.

It involved taking a multipack of soda, opening the cardboard carefully, swapping out some cans for alcoholic cans, then re-sealing the box using super glue so it doesn’t look tampered with.

Unfortunately, clips of the hack went viral and so cruise lines quickly learned to check the boxes!

@iamgrindface This guy messed it up for ALL OF US🤬🤦‍♂️ #cruise FB/ Melonie Rogers #grindface ♬ original sound – GrindFace The Creator

Trying to sneak alcohol or weed onboard is one of the many things you should never do on a cruise. So please don’t. It’s just not worth it.

How alcohol appears on scanners

Cruise ship scanners usually have no problem detecting alcohol hidden in luggage. Liquid appears dark on an x-ray and the shape of bottles are easy to detect.

If bottles, cans or other containers are detected on the x-ray scanner, port staff will open the bag to have a closer look.

Some cruise lines, including Costa Cruises, MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line prohibit all drinks including water (unless it’s needed for medical reasons) to be brought on-board. This speeds up the process of having to check every bottle to see if it’s water, soft drinks or alcohol.

The last word

Of course, I’m not recommending that anyone try to sneak alcohol, or anything else, onto a cruise ship. Selling drinks on board is one of the ways that cruise lines cover their costs and if everyone tried to cheat the system by sneaking alcohol on board they would inevitably have to put up the ticket prices.

Plus, getting caught with alcohol is embarrassing. Whilst you may be lucky enough to get away with finding a ticket in your case, if your case is locked, you’ll be summoned to a location on the ship and asked to open it.

If you get caught with excess booze in your carry-on bag, you’ll have to suffer the humiliation of all the passengers in the line behind you, seeing you get busted.

Related posts:

• 4 Ways That People Cheat The Royal Caribbean Drink Package
• How To Get Away With Smoking On A Cruise Ship
• Can You Take Drinks On A Cruise Ship?
• Can You Walk Around A Cruise Ship With Alcohol?

If you found this interesting, please share!

Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.

Read more about me

19 thoughts on “14 Sneakiest Ways To Smuggle Booze On To Your Cruise”

I have a letter from my G P. stating my need for ginger beer for my hernia/pre cancerous throat problems. Would there be any problems ??

Hi Carol. I’m sure this won’t be an issue, just bring your GP letter with you. Jenni

One question regarding the allowance (not sneaking) If I bring a bottle of wine, or a few cans of coke, am I allowed to bring those to the restaurant for dinner? Or the personal allowance is only allowed in our private rooms? In case it´s not allowed, is there a way to bring them to the restaurant, like in a refillable bottle or something like that? thanks!

You’ll usually be charged a corkage fee to bring drinks into the restaurant, even for soft drinks. You should only drink the drinks you bring on board in your cabin. As for sneaking them into the restaurant, I wouldn’t recommend it. Most people don’t bring refillable water bottles since water is served freely, so the waiters may check what it is that you’ve brought if they suspect you’ve got alcohol with you.

Would the tiny allowance on the QM2 be extended if you are on a world voyage?

Hi Dave. I don’t believe that Cunard has specified a larger allowance for longer cruises, unfortunately. Jenni

How do you meet others on a ship that want to do shore excursions on their own? Thanks Linda

Hi Linda. Most cruises have single traveller meet-ups. Check the program for those and then you’ll be able to meet others who might want to explore ashore with you. Jenni

quick correction, Royal Caribbean’s policy is two bottles of wine per STATEROOM allowed, not one per person. As a solo cruiser this is key.

https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/food-drink-onboard-policy

Good to know! Thanks for this info, I have updated to clarify that it’s two per stateroom. Enjoy your double drinks 🙂

We are going on a cruise with friends and are booked into two separate cabins. Both the men would make full use of the alcohol drinks package, but neither of us ladies would. Could one cabin (couple) purchase a drinks package each and then the man from the other cabin use it? I really don’t want to pay for a drinks package I’m not going to use just because my husband would use it, if you see what I mean?!

I think the only way to do this would be to book the two men into one cabin and the ladies in the other. Then switch because nobody would check where you sleep.

Thank you for all the comments,very helpful.We are off in January on the QM2 for a month.But we do like our G&T in the afternoon

I often pack a 3litre wine box in my suitcase( I use a rigid plastic case )My wife takes a litre of gin in her suitcase plus a bottle of fizzy water and acouple of miniatures of gin (we dislike tonic ) and a lemon in hercarry on bag.We enjoy a relaxed gin drink in our cabin while waiting for our cases to arrive. whilst off ship we buy fizzy water in a local shop to augment our rations.

and they never find the gin?

one other way is to get a bottle of red wine (dark green or brown glass) carefully remove foil top and take out the cork. Drink the wine, when finished the wine bottle can be filled with whisky or brandy and the cork replaced( soak the cork in hot water first as this will soften the cork and make it easier to get back in the bottle), then replace the foil. As far as anyone else is concerned you are taking on a bottle of wine which is allowed. it may take some practise getting the cork and foil back on but at least you will have fun drinking the wine.

Ooh sneaky! I think I’d be terrified of it leaking, but I like how your story starts with ‘drink the wine!’ haha.

Thank you for the information, most helpful. Sailing on the Anthem November 21,my partner uses a wheelchair to get around, have you any information about disabled access on board Thanks Dave.

Hi Dave. I haven’t I’m afraid but from what I’ve seen of other Royal Caribbean cruise ships, the disabled access has been very good. If you have any specific questions, Royal Caribbean themselves are usually very quick to reply on Facebook. Sorry I couldn’t be of more help. Jenni

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Everything You Need to Know About Adult Beverages on Disney Cruise Line

If you’re looking for a 24/7 rocking party boat, Disney Cruise Line is probably not the ocean cruise line for you. Nevertheless, there are ample opportunities to relax with an adult libation when you’re onboard with Mickey. Here’s everything you need to know.

I don’t drink alcohol. Will I feel out of place?

Not at all.

As I mentioned, Disney is more mild than wild when it comes to drinking. While alcohol is certainly available in many locations on the ships and on Disney’s private islands, many people choose not to drink while on board. You might be asked if you want alcohol by a waiter or bartender, but I’ve never felt any pressure or hard sell from any DCL employee. Whether you choose to abstain due to health reasons, for religious reasons, to save money, or because you’re just not a fan of alcohol, you won’t feel any pressure to imbibe.

I’d like to visit some of the lounges on the ships, particularly the Star Wars-themed bar on the Disney Wish, is it weird if I go there and don’t drink alcohol?

You are welcome in all areas of the ships, including the bars and lounges, regardless of whether you drink alcohol. Feel free to just order a soda or one of the many fun zero proof beverages (aka mocktails) Disney has added to their menus in recent years. By the way, the Temple Twist (apple juice, pineapple juice, kiwi juice, mint, ginger ale) at the Wish’s Hyperspace Lounge is delish.

That said, if you want to hang out at one of the bars in the evening, say to listen to the piano player at Keys or to watch a game at Crown & Fin, someone in your party should probably order something; a couple of Diet Cokes or club sodas is absolutely fine. Those hours are when the bartenders make their money via tips. Placing an order is not mandatory, but it is polite.

I’m a member of AA, will I have access to meetings on the ship?

Yes, there are AA meeting held most days on the Disney cruise ships. Look for the “Friends of Bill W.” entries on the Personal Navigator app. Meetings typically happen early in the morning. Oddly, most meetings take place in one of the onboard bars. The rationale is that most of these spaces have opaque doors that close for privacy, where other areas of the ship do not. Also note that all alcohol will be placed in locked cabinets during the meetings, as it routinely is stored during non-operational hours.

Is there really no one that gets hammered on the ships?

Any time there is booze around there is the potential for someone to overindulge. And in my nearly two decades of cruising with Disney, I have seen a few folks sloppy singing at adult karaoke. But nothing much worse than that.

Disney Cruise Line caters to a family audience. Most parties  on board will include a child or two and many families with kids around prefer to keep at least one parent mentally available to deal with emergency situations.

If you do want a party atmosphere, you might be better off on an adults-only line such as Virgin or on a line that includes a cocktail in its name (hello, Margaritaville at Sea).

Note: Disney Cruise Line reserves the right to refuse sale and/or service of alcoholic beverages to anyone, for any reason.

Can I bring alcohol onto the ship?

Yes, with some limitations. The official policy states:

• Each guest 21 years and older may carry-on two bottles of unopened wine or champagne (no larger than 750 ml) or six beers (no larger than 12 oz each) on board at each port of call. All alcohol must be brought in their original, sealed containers.
• At the embarkation port, any wine or champagne in excess of 2 bottles or beer in excess of 6 beers is prohibited and must be discarded prior to entry with no compensation offered.
• At subsequent ports, wine or beer in excess of the above will be stored and guests may retrieve it at the end of the voyage.
• All liquors and spirits (including powdered alcohol) are prohibited at the embarkation port.
• At subsequent ports, all liquors and spirits will be stored until the completion of the cruise.
• Guests must retrieve any stored alcohol at the end of the cruise. Uncollected alcohol will be destroyed and no compensation will be offered.

I’m traveling with my spouse. Can we bring four bottles of wine with us?

Yes, the above rules are per adult, not per stateroom.

I prefer to drink hard cider rather than beer or wine? Can I bring this onboard instead?

I’ve seen people ask about things like hard cider, hard lemonade, hard seltzers, and the like. The technical answer is that DCL policy only allows beer or wine. They are within their stated rights to disallow anything else.

That said, I have heard some anecdotal account of guests bringing allowed to carry on six packs of other beverages. You might be able to bring your cider, lemonade, or seltzer on board with you, but don’t count on it.

Toting around a six-pack is heavy. Why do I have to carry my drink on the ship with me? It would be easier to leave it in the checked bag that gets brought onto the ship.

The rule about carrying on beverages applies to non-alcoholic beverages as well. There are no posted limits on the amount of soda or water you can bring with on board, but here too they must be carried on.

The rule has to do with beverages leaking. They don’t want to have quantities of liquids break open and seep into someone else’s bags.

How can I keep the beer I’ve brought onboard cold?

Every Disney Cruise Line stateroom is equipped with a dorm-sized refrigerator. They’ll hold a six pack, but not much else.

Can I get ice/glasses/a corkscrew to use with the drinks I’ve brought onboard?

You can get these items delivered from room service . Just place a call from the phone in your stateroom. If you only need ice, your stateroom attendant will be able to get this for you.

Are there rules about where I can drink the alcohol I’ve brought onboard?

You’re welcome to consume your personal stash of alcohol in your stateroom or on your stateroom verandah. The Disney Cruise Line website states that alcohol you bring onboard yourself may not be consumed in any lounge or public area of the ship.

If you want to pop your own wine or champagne in one of the ships’ restaurants you will be assessed a $27 corkage fee per bottle.

If I’m visiting three ports during my sailing, how many bottles of wine can I bring onboard?

In total, eight. Two at initial embarkation. Two at Port A, two at Port B, and two at Port C.

What is the drinking age on the ship?

In most situations, the onboard drinking age is 21. Disney Cruise Line knows every passengers age from their official boarding documents. Guests under age 21 will have their designation as a minor noted on their Key to the World Card . Young adults will be asked to verify their age.

I’m cruising with my 19 year old. They’ve been able to legally drink in my home country, can they really not drink on the ship?

The drinking age policy has a few exceptions.

• During round-trip cruises departing from any European country that has a drinking age lower than 21, parents or guardians may sign a Beverage Consent Form that allows their 18- to 20-year-old children to consume alcoholic beverages while in the adult’s presence.
• For round-trip cruises from Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland and Brisbane, Guests 18 years of age and older may purchase and consume alcoholic beverages without parental consent.
• For repositioning cruises between Hawaii and Australia, parents or guardians may sign a Beverage Consent Form that allows their 18- to 20-year-old children to consume alcoholic beverages while in the adult’s presence.

I’m traveling with an older teen. They’re of legal drinking age in the port country we’re visiting. Does Disney have rules about them consuming alcohol off the ship?

Disney doesn’t know about and can’t enforce your behavior while you’re off the ship. If your older teen is of legal drinking age in the country you’re visiting, assume that they will be allowed to drink within that country’s rules. However, Disney may disallow re-boarding to any guest it deems unsafe or ill. So be sure that no one in your party is drinking to excess, regardless of age.

Disney’s private islands have the same age rules as the ships.

I’m visiting a distillery during a port excursion. Does DCL’s alcohol policy mean I can’t purchase any of their product?

You’re welcome to buy a couple of bottles of Irish whiskey during your tour of the Jameson Distillery tour in Cork, Ireland, for example. When you return to the ship, declare the bottles to the security staff as you reembark. They will store the bottles until the end of the sailing. In most cases, you’ll collect your bottles at a specified location on the ship where you’ll retrieve them on disembarkation morning.

There are a few other things to consider if you buy alcohol in port:

• Most airlines will only allow a small quantity of liquid in your carry-on luggage, which means you’ll have to place your bottles in your checked bags. Be sure that they’re packed for travel – many distilleries and wineries will bubble-wrap your bottles at the point of purchase.
• Consider whether any potential luggage fees will outpace any savings you’ve gained from buying your bottles from the source.
• Consider whether your purchases are within the rules of your home country’s customs regulations. You can find United States rules about alcohol purchases at the US Customs and Border Protection website.

Can I buy full bottles of alcohol on the ships?

You can buy bottles of wine or champagne in the ships’ bars and restaurants.

Many years ago there were duty-free shops on the DCL ships where you could buy full bottles of liquor. These has been discontinued.

What type of alcohol can I find onboard?

The Disney ships carry everything from Bud Light to rare bottles of Bordeaux. Imagine an equivalent situation on land and you’ll have a good picture of what you’ll find on the ships. For example the onboard sports bar will focus on beers and ciders and the onboard champagne bar will focus on the bubbly. See the menus below to get feel for the scope of the offerings. These are just a few of the dozens of bars on the DCL ships. Note: the menus below are from sailings in the past 24 months; prices can change. If you want to see ALL the DCL menus, Scott Sanders of the Disney Cruise Line Blog has a comprehensive collection .

Click photos to enlarge.

How much will drinks cost on the ships?

I first started writing about Disney Cruise Line about ten years ago. At that time, the drinks were priced at a bit under what you might expect to pay on land. That price break has largely evaporated and you can expect to pay about the same prices on the ships as you would for alcohol at a bar or restaurant in a major U.S. city. Prices are consistent across the ships and on Disney’s islands. Domestic beer and wine start at about $8, cocktails start at about $15, and things go up (and up and up) from there. See the menus for more specifics.

Are there beverage packages sold on the ships?

There are beer and wine packages available, but unlike some other cruise lines there is no “unlimited cocktail” package offered. Below are some versions of drinks packages. With the Wine & Dine package you can save as much as 25% compared with buying by the bottle in the main dining rooms.

Similarly, a beer package may be a better deal than buying brews individually; choose from six-packs or a refillable mug (you present a token at the bar instead of carrying the mug around with you). You can also preorder these packages online in the Onboard Gifts section of the DCL website.

Where can I buy alcohol on the ships?

Every Disney Cruise Line ship has several bars and lounges that serve alcohol. These spaces may be used for family activities during the day and typically don’t start serving alcohol until after 5:00 p.m. Other places where you can find alcohol for sale include:

• The main rotational dining rooms
• The adult dining locations
• The Cove Cafe and other coffee bars
• Room service
• Preludes theater snack stand
• A quick service window or kiosk on the pool deck

Can I bring a drink into the onboard theaters?

Yes. You can bring a beverage purchased anywhere on the ship into the Walt Disney Theater or into the movie theaters.

What are the drinks seminars I keep hearing about?

Every DCL sailing will offer several drink-tasting seminars. The seminars are   led by sommeliers or experienced bartenders and include tasting-size pours of four or five different versions or brands of the featured alcohol. There is an educational component where you learn about the alcohol, how it’s made, and how to serve it. Seminars typically last about an hour and cost between $40 and $100 per session, depending on the type of beverage discussed. You may find tastings that cover wine, beer, champagne, tequila, cognac, whiskey, martinis, mojitos, dessert drinks, general classes on mixology, and more.

These seminars are extremely popular. Look for sign-ups in the Onboard Activities section of the Disney Cruise Line website. Registration availability is based on your Castaway Club status.

Are there any bargains to be had?

The best way to save money on DCL drinks is to avoid them altogether or bring your own booze onboard. Also look for domestic beers and wine, which are often priced at $10 or less per serving.

Beyond that, keep an eye out for bar menus that list something called “Sommelier Bin.” This is a way to buy a mystery glass of of wine or champagne for a flat rate price of $11 per glass. The bartender will ask you something basic like “red or white” and then serve you what they have on hand from already opened bottles. Sometimes you get an unimpressive brand and sometimes you get a $50 glass at 20% of the price.

Also look at your Personal Navigator for “Happy Hour” or “Magic Hour” time at one of the onboard bars. There’s no special activity happening, but drinks are served at a discount price.

You mentioned tipping the bartender earlier. How does that work?

A baseline tip of 18% is automatically added to all DCL bar tabs and restaurant alcohol purchases. You will see this on your receipt at the end of your meal or bar visit. There is also a line to add an additional gratuity if you so desire.

What is the alcohol situation on Disney’s private islands, Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay?

Disney’s private islands each have several bars that serve adult drinks. There are also cast members that walk along the beach to take orders and deliver frosty beverages to your lounge chair.

Is there way to get free drinks onboard?

There may be some seminars hosted for guests where you can enjoy a complimentary passed cocktail or glass of wine. For example, Disney Vacation Club typically hosts at least one welcome party per sailing where adults drinks are available at no charge. Free soft drinks are available too, but you can get those in many places on the ships.

I’ve been on a few New Years Eve DCL sailings. Waiters have walked around just prior to midnight with serving trays of free sparkling wine and non-alcoholic sparking cider. Be aware that there are many adults who take a sip or two of the bubbly and then leave their mostly-full glass unattended on a table. If you have a teen and you’re concerned about them sneaking a sip, then keep an eye on them at this event.

Also note that some alcohol is included with use of the concierge lounge, but I wouldn’t exactly call that free since sailing in concierge-level stateroom comes with a premium price.

Is there food available at the DCL bars?

Mostly no, but with a few exceptions.

• Most of the DCL bars will offer a free assortment of mini spiced snacks. The bowls they’re served in are tiny, but they can take the edge off.
• The sports bar on each ship sell more substantial bar food, for a fee. Items typically include large soft pretzels, sliders, or bangers & mash.
• Some experience-style beverages include an accompanying nibble. For example, there are New Orleans-style drinks that come with a beignet or French champagne cocktails that are served with a macaron.
• Some bars may offer a free late-night snack buffet featuring items like nacho chips and mini hot dogs.

Anything else?

Each day your ship will have a “Drink of the Day” featured in the Personal Navigator. You can purchase this beverage at onboard bars for a reduced price. There will also be one or two featured drinks each day on the main dining room menus.

The adult dining venues (Palo, Palo Steakhouse, Remy, and Enchante) will all offer specially curated drink pairings with their menus. There may be special pricing for these pairings.

What’s your favorite Disney Cruise Line drink? Let us know in the comments.

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Erin Foster

Erin Foster is an original member of the Walt Disney World Moms Panel (now PlanDisney), a regular contributor to TouringPlans.com, and co-author of The Unofficial Guide to Disney Cruise Line. She's been to WDW, DL, DL Paris, Hong Kong Disneyland, Aulani, DVC Vero Beach, and DVC Hilton Head. She's a Platinum DCL cruiser and veteran of 10 Adventures by Disney trips. Erin lives near New York City, where she can often be found indulging in her other obsession - Broadway theater.

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You only have one chance to sail this brand-new cruise ship in the Caribbean

Sun-seekers, meet Star Seeker. One of the cruise industry's most anticipated new high-end ships is set to debut at the end of next year, and you'll only have one chance to catch it in the Caribbean.

Windstar Cruises ' Star Seeker — a new 224-passenger vessel that's the line's first new-build in nearly 40 years — will begin sailing in December 2025. Its primary focus will be voyages in Alaska and Japan — two regions where Windstar hasn't had a presence since 2023. Before the ship permanently relocates to those two regions, it will offer a brief series of cruises in the Caribbean, providing passengers an exclusive three-month window to try out the ship in more beachy destinations.

For a short period from Jan. 15, 2026, through the end of April 2026, Star Seeker has scheduled a mix of Caribbean itineraries. These can either be booked as Caribbean-only segments or as longer voyages that combine three regions — the Caribbean, the Panama Canal and Alaska — for a more distinct experience.

"I'm really excited we'll be able to sail the new Star Seeker in the Caribbean before the ship continues on to its final destinations of Alaska and Japan," Christopher Prelog, Windstar president, said in a statement from the line. "Star Seeker will likely not return to the Caribbean again, so it's a wonderful but fleeting chance for our Caribbean destination fans to experience the ship."

Prelog said passengers on select Caribbean sailings aboard the new vessel will also have access to exclusive celebratory experiences. This includes a sunset sailing parade past the pitons in St. Lucia after Star Seeker meets up in the region with sister ships Wind Spirit and Star Pride.

The Caribbean sailings will range from seven to 14 days. They will depart from San Juan, Puerto Rico, visiting ports of call in the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, as well as St. Maarten, St. Kitts, Bequia, St. Lucia and more.

From May through August 2026, the ship will remain in Alaska after its final Caribbean-to-Alaska voyage. From there, it will run two main types of itineraries. The seven- and eight-night one-way runs between Vancouver, Canada, and Juneau, Alaska, including Misty Fjords, Ketchikan, Sitka and Haines. The longer 10-, 11- and 12-night voyages between Vancouver and Anchorage will stop at Ketchikan, Misty Fjords, Klawock, Wrangell, Haines, Juneau, Sitka and Seward (the port for Anchorage).

In September 2026, the vessel will cross the Pacific Ocean and relocate to Japan to resume Windstar's popular Grand Japan voyages for the first time in three years. Guests booked on these itineraries can expect to travel between Yokohama (the port for Tokyo) and either Osaka or Kobe with calls on ports like Shimizu, Shingu, Kagoshima, Nagasaki, Karatsu, Hiroshima and Takamatsu.

Although Windstar's ships feel upscale, the niche small-ship line's fares are not all-inclusive. You'll pay extra for things like alcohol, shore excursions and Wi-Fi. What you can expect, though, is an intimate onboard vibe with great service, delicious food and elegantly appointed accommodations.

In addition to Star Seeker, the line operates a fleet of six other vessels . They fall into two categories: ships with sails and ships without them. Currently, the line has three of each. When Star Seeker debuts as the fleet's seventh ship (the fourth without sails), it will fall somewhere in the middle in terms of passenger count. The others carry anywhere from 148 to 342 passengers. Windstar plans to acquire an eighth ship, also with no sails, in 2026.

Star Seeker was originally under construction for Atlas Ocean Voyages . Windstar purchased the partially completed ship after Atlas abandoned the project.

The maiden voyage for 9,315-ton Star Seeker will depart Dec. 28, 2025, from Malaga, Spain, featuring a transatlantic crossing and a call on Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the Canary Islands for a New Year's Eve party before arriving in Miami. An eight-day christening voyage will take passengers from Miami to San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Jan. 15, 2026; it will include visits to ports in the Dominican Republic and British Virgin Islands.

Star Seeker itineraries are currently available for booking.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
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The viral nine-month cruise is ending. Here’s what it was really like on board

Within weeks of Royal Caribbean’s nine-month-long world cruise setting sail in December 2023, the voyage unexpectedly became the center of a social media storm.

The prospect of nine months on a two-decades-old ship, sailing to more than 60 destinations with hundreds of strangers, captured the public’s imagination as passengers began posting on TikTok. It sounded more like the premise for a reality show than the trip of a lifetime.

For a moment it felt like everyone – even if they were previously oblivious to world cruises – was talking about the nine-month cruise and its “real life reality show” potential.

Social media followers waited to see how this social-experiment-at-sea unfurled. Would there be romance, conflict, drama, twists and turns? “Anything can happen,” is how one social media user ND, who was following along from land, put it to CNN Travel back in January. 

Nine months later, the voyage – dubbed the Ultimate World Cruise by Royal Caribbean – is finally wrapping up, reaching its last port, Miami, on September 10. To mark the voyage’s end, CNN Travel caught up with those on board to find out what it was like to spend nine months living at sea with the world watching along at home.

Passengers’ perspective

The passengers chronicling the nine-month cruise on TikTok ranged from a fiftysomething widowed solo traveler named Anthony McWilliams – who aimed to inspire followers to live life to its fullest, to a 26-year-old South African influencer called Amike Oosthuizen – who could always be relied on for a glamorous take on life at sea.

Also in the mix was lovable boomer couple Joe and Audrey Martucci, new to social media and posting under the handle @spendingourkidsmoney (this is a joke, Joe Martucci stresses to CNN Travel, there’s still plenty of money left for the kids). Fortysomething sisters Brandee Lake and Shannon Marie Lake demonstrated how to live with an adult sibling and not go stir crazy, while a Gen Z traveler known as Little Rat Brain posted chaotic, wry dispatches from sea.

Former NASA employee Bobbi Waterman and her partner Tam, posting @tam.and.bobbi, gained fans for candidly talking about traveling as an LGBTQ+ couple and Bobbi’s experiences as a trans woman. American traveler Angie Linderman garnered attention after she spoke movingly about her path to the Ultimate World Cruise, which included the untimely death of her parents and the discovery that Linderman lives with the BRCA gene, making her more susceptible to breast cancer and ovarian cancer.

For those looking for a behind the scenes glimpse at life on board, Royal Caribbean crewmember Julian Mendoza AKA @cooljul1 produced “day in the life” videos on board, while performer Daniele Salvatore Arbisi posted on his account @singing.sailor – and even secured a cameo from the ship’s captain.

Each person offered a different perspective on the cruise. These multiple points of view perhaps partly explains the voyage’s virality – there was someone for everyone to relate to, and there was potential for clashing personalities.

“You’re putting all of these people on a ship for nine months and when they’re on the ocean, when they’re sailing, there’s no escape,” says British social media user Beth Anne Fletcher, who chronicled the cruise – largely from land – on her own TikTok account, @livingmy_bethlife. 

‘What drama is going to happen?’

Fletcher wasn’t surprised by the viral appeal of the cruise.

“If you’re interested in travel and you’re also interested in psychology and people, what more could you want?” Fletcher tells CNN Travel.

“They’re all there together, but they’re going to see the world as well. It’s almost like (reality TV show) “Below Deck,” but a nine-month episode.”

Still, for many of the passengers, the early social media furore was surreal and unexpected. Joe Martucci didn’t know how to spell TikTok before he posted his first video, spurred on by his kids. Even travelers like Oosthuizen, who had a pre-established TikTok presence, were shocked.

“I honestly did not think it would explode as much,” Oosthuizen told CNN Travel back in January.

Over the first month at sea, the viral fame reverberated through the ship.

“Soon, we had billions of people watching us and saying, ‘What drama is going to happen?’” recalls the passenger known as Little Rat Brain – or LRB for short – a 24-year-old American who has asked for her real name not to be included in this article for privacy reasons.

LRB, speaking to CNN Travel on the eve of the cruise’s end, says she understands it seemed like the “perfect setup for a reality TV show.”

“It’s a lot of people in a small area where pretty much everything is free,” she says. (Technically nothing was free – the nine month cruise cost anywhere from $59,999 to $117,599 per person – but unlimited onboard food and drinks was included in that sum)

“Any food you want… All the alcohol you could possibly want… You really have no responsibilities…” LRB continues.

In the end, those at home waiting for shocking dispatches from the Ultimate World Cruise were largely left wanting.

Headlines announced at least one on-board death , but elderly passengers passing away from natural causes is somewhat expected on a months-long voyage. The ship also rerouted from time to time due to world events, protests and extreme weather events – but it’s not unusual for itineraries planned years in advance to shift.

While those on board were occasionally irritated by one another, the people who predicted, as LRB recalls, “that there’s definitely going to be divorces, someone’s going to get thrown overboard,” were seemingly wrong (although divorce rumors were rife throughout the nine months).

Inevitably, social media interest in the cruise diminished as the weeks rolled on – after all, nothing stays viral for nine months.

“We definitely did see the interest die off,” says passenger Anthony McWilliams, adding that some travelers “took a hit emotionally” when their engagement dropped.

There was TikTok-based drama too – Amike Oosthuizen says her account was banned and then deleted.

“They said I was selling counterfeit goods, which I was not selling at all,” she tells CNN Travel. Oosthuizen set up another account, which never quite reached the dizzying heights of the six million-plus people who watched her early video chronicling the Serenade of the Seas crossing the treacherous Drake Passage.

For many travelers, the decline in online scrutiny was a relief.

“The attention sort of evened out as the trip went on, which I think was good as it allowed some of the pressure or energy around the trip to normalize, and allowed me to focus more on this experience,” passenger Angie Linderman tells CNN Travel.

Still, even nine months in, Linderman still saw people discover her social media for the first time.

“I still have people who are finding my page and reaching out because they also have BRCA or have also lost a parent and want to connect with someone else who has that shared experience,” she says.

While some TikTok users dropped off, others tracked the nine-month cruise to its end, living vicariously through the passengers as they explored the globe.

“We had people messaging us to say, ‘Thank you so much for taking me along on this journey,’” says Audrey Martucci, of @spendingourkidsmoney, who recalls a surreal moment when she and her husband were recognized by fans in Halifax, Canada.

“I have people that have been along for the whole nine months,” says McWilliams. “But then there’s also some people that are like, ‘Oh, we thought y’all were dead.’”

Forming connections

Fletcher, following along on land, responded to the ebbing public interest by posting fewer recaps as the months went on.

But, as she switched to posting about actual reality television shows, Fletcher continued to stay up to date with those on board, gradually building relationships with passengers, realizing “these people are just on their vacation, having a nice time.”

When the Serenade of the Seas docked in Southampton, in the UK, some of the passengers and crew invited Fletcher on board.

“It was such a surreal day, because we have been talking about these people for this long, and then to actually spend time with them, it was like being with old friends,” says Fletcher.

She particularly bonded with Joe and Audrey Martucci, dubbed “Cruise Mom and Dad” by their followers. The couple lived up to their moniker, welcoming Fletcher wholeheartedly.

“It was like meeting one of our kids,” says Joe, of their day together in Southampton.

“Beth Anne’s one of those people we will keep in touch with, probably forever,” says Audrey. “She’s such a special person, and we’re glad to be her friend.”

For Joe and Audrey, befriending a British TikToker some 20 years their junior – who wasn’t even on board the ship – was one of many unexpected, special connections they made over the past nine months.

Many of the passengers cite the friendships and community as integral to their experience on board the Serenade of the Seas. McWilliams calls fellow passengers Brandee and Shannon Lake his “sisters” and says he also bonded with Fletcher, as well social media user ND – who went from following the cruise from afar on her account @nchimad to joining the voyage for a week.

“The older you get, the less likely you are to make these kinds of friendships,” McWilliams says. “We’re really fortunate.”

Little Rat Brain says it’s been fun to be part of a “supportive, creative community on board” – even if she jokes the cacophony of camera phones occasionally gave “Truman Show” vibes.

Brandee Lake says she connected with different people on board in different ways – from shared love of adventure excursions or art, to the older travelers she sees as her “ship aunties and uncles.”

What unites everyone on board, Lake says, is “the underlying thread of this awesome experience.”

It’s an experience Lake suggests will “be hard to talk about to people when we get off the ship.”

The group also helped one another through trickier times together too. While living a permanent vacation might sound appealing, the travelers say it wasn’t always easy.

Joe and Audrey Martucci stress that while they “couldn’t ask for a better trip and a better opportunity” they did “get a little tired being on vacation.” They missed their kids and struggled being far away as major life events played out on land.

“Nine months is a long time,” says Joe. “I wouldn’t do a nine-month straight cruise again. It’s just way too long away from family, away from everyone and we started to feel burned out.”

“We couldn’t really catch up with sleep,” says Audrey, of the nonstop nature of the itinerary, before adding: “We do realize how first world problems this sounds.”

The couple says they eventually regained a sense of balance by taking time off and slower days when needed. Sometimes they’d skip Royal Caribbean-run excursions to “just wander in the wild” around a destination.

Preparing for the end

Many of the passengers were predicting a culture shock after stepping off the Serenade of the Seas for the final time.

“It was liberating to give up everything before I came,” says Lake, who abandoned her California rental lease to live out of a suitcase for nine months. “Now I’m like, ‘Oh, shoot.’”

Passengers were able to maintain connections with loved ones on land via regular video calls and even the occasional ship visit, but say long-distance relationships were tricky to maintain.

“These kinds of experiences, I think, sometimes prune your friendships at home,” says Lake. “Some will stay strong and maintain after – some might fall away.”

“At some points it was kind of difficult,” agrees LRB. “Because friends would be texting, ‘Oh, I had a sucky day at work,’ and meanwhile you’re like, ‘I saw the Great Wall of China, or I snorkeled on the Great Barrier Reef.’ Sometimes it did feel like a bit of a disconnect.”

Passengers also adopted different approaches to staying on top of world news and current events.

For Oosthuizen, as the months unfurled and she saw more and more of the globe, she felt like she developed “a world perspective.”

“It was so educational, seeing different cultures, seeing how different people get by,” says Oosthuizen. “I wouldn’t say I felt removed on the cruise.”

Joe Martucci adds: “You can’t go away for nine months and stick your head in the sand like an ostrich and say, ‘Yeah, I’ll worry about it when I get home.’ Because the world keeps changing so fast.’”

But Brandee Lake says she made a conscious choice to disengage and stay in a “bubble.” Consequently, she found a recent cruise stop off in New York City a bit of a shock.

“We haven’t been in the US since February, since we stopped in LA,” she says. “It’s much different now, because it’s high election season.”

Some of the American travelers on board say the atmosphere on board has become more tense as the US election approaches.

“I’m waking up to realizing that a couple of the people that I genuinely care about have different political views than me, and that has been something to navigate, a challenge to navigate,” says McWilliams.

And while there’s a sense of fellowship on board, naturally not everyone gets on.

“There is of course a small group of people that I will be completely fine never interacting with again,” says Linderman. “But that is how it goes, sometimes you don’t connect or click with everyone.”

Travelers living in close quarters with family members also developed conflict coping mechanisms over the past nine months.

“With families, you all know when you push each other’s buttons sometimes,” says Lake, who traveled with her parents as well as her sister. “You just have to walk away and then come back.”

Little Rat Brain, who shared a windowless interior cabin with her mother, insists this wasn’t the recipe for disaster it might sound. LRB just took time to herself when she needed it.

Many of the travelers emphasize that more than anything, they were grateful to experience this trip with their loved ones.

“Especially with my parents,” says Lake. “You just think how lucky that they’re here.”

There were also constant new faces in the mix, as some passengers joined the trip for shorter voyages.

Among the short haulers was American TikTok influencer Marc Sebastian, who got sponsored to join the cruise for a short stint, promising to “cause chaos” on board.

This chaos never seemed to particularly materialize. Instead, McWilliams spotted Sebastian getting emotional as he admired the icebergs of Antarctica.

“That makes sense that he gets it. He understands,” McWilliams recalls thinking.

A trip of a lifetime

As the cruise comes to an end, the travelers are reflecting on everything they’ve seen and trying to process the past nine months.

Lake says picking just one highlight is almost impossible, but the ship’s period in Antarctica was particularly special. Her pick is echoed by Little Rat Brain:

“The water was perfectly flat, and it was a mirrored reflection of these gigantic icebergs and there were just so many different shades of white, and it was absolutely incredible,” LRB recalls.

Meanwhile Angie Linderman speaks fondly of catching a train across India, as well as a stop off in Portofino, Italy, where she went “swimming in the water all day on this small little beach with the colorful houses above us clinging to the hills.”

Linderman says she will hold onto the feeling of watching “the sunrise over the falls at Iguazu Falls” or marveling at “the Great Wall of China at night with only my fellow cruisers around.”

Sea days were also special, Linderman says, especially “the countless nights dancing in the Vortex Lounge or at a silent disco or movie night with friends.”

The TikTok-famous passengers are now considering how to pivot their online presences. Some have income coming in from social media (“Not enough to live on, by any means,” stresses Little Rat Brain. “But it’s enough to go out to dinner with friends when I get back.”) But they suggest their main motivation to continue posting is to connect with now-loyal followers.

Many of the passengers have future travels planned, which they intend to chronicle on TikTok. Meanwhile Linderman has upcoming surgery to remove her ovaries and says she will be “sharing that journey online” with her supportive social media community.

There’s also talk of a reunion cruise, albeit for a much shorter stint, which will likely be chronicled online.

While there are upcoming world cruises on the horizon – such as four-month voyages run by MSC Cruises and Princess Cruises – there’s nothing quite as long as the Ultimate World Cruise on the horizon right now for the major cruise lines.

Royal Caribbean hasn’t responded to CNN’s request for comment about any plans for future nine-month cruises.

As for Beth Anne Fletcher, her interest’s been piqued by the prospective three-year cruise that’s currently stuck in Belfast, Northern Ireland , operated by start-up Villa Vie Cruises – but she’s not seen much social media content stem from that ship so far.

“I don’t think anything’s ever going to have the virality of the nine-month cruise,” Fletcher says.

“I’m not really sure if it will ever occur again,” agrees Little Rat Brain. “We just kind of just had a perfect storm situation, while, luckily, we haven’t sailed through any perfect storms. So I’ll take it.”

“Everything’s been as well as you can expect, for nine months living on a very tiny ship with the same people,” LRB says. “Incredible memories that will last a lifetime.”

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