Why is alcohol not allowed on cruise ships?

Can I bring alcohol on a cruise ship? In most cases, the answer is no. Much of each cruise line's revenue comes from onboard purchases made by passengers. Because alcohol makes up a large chunk of those purchases, lines are hesitant to allow cruisers to bring their own.



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Fine or surcharge: On many cruise lines, you may be subject to a fine or a surcharge if they catch you sneaking alcohol onto the ship. Confiscation of alcohol: No matter what other disciplinary action the cruise line takes, you can expect them to confiscate your alcohol as soon as they find it.

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In some cases, it may lead to fatigue or dehydration that changes the concentration of alcohol in the blood. Even without a higher concentration, the boat can certainly make you feel more intoxicated and cause greater impairment than consuming alcohol on land. Drink plenty of water.

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All passengers must be 18 years old to drink beer and wine, and 21 to drink the hard stuff; however when the ship is docked or anchored in an American port, or within the 3-mile limit, the drinking age is 21 for all alcoholic beverages.

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If you buy a bottle of alcohol either on the ship or in port, you don't get to enjoy it right away. Instead, it's put in a sealed box. Your purchase will be held by the cruise staff and delivered to your room the last night of the trip.

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One of the reasons for this increased alcohol consumption on cruise ships is the “all-you-can-drink” beverage option that takes a slightly different form on various cruise liners. Traditionally, cruise prices only include the cost of a cabin, meals via buffet spreads, and some form of entertainment.

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So in short, no they can't detect alcohol, but they can detect any liquid – and they're pretty vigilant about checking what that liquid is. Because whether it's alcohol or something more sinister that could be used to create an explosive, they'll want to know!

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Final word. On most cruises, you're welcome to wander the ship with a drink in your hand, at least in most areas. It's just like one large resort, so grab your favourite tipple and then find your perfect spot to enjoy it. Just make sure you ask for plastic glasses if you want to head over to a pool or hot tub.

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Yes, there are two ways to buy a bottle of alcohol on a cruise ship: Buy a bottle from the duty-free liquor store on the cruise, but they hold it. Order a bottle of liquor to your stateroom anytime (more info in the next tip, #9)

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Tap water on cruise ships is safe to drink. Guests can drink tap water either from the tap in their cabin bathroom or at dinner when it is offered. The water has been through a purification system and though it may not taste the best on all cruise ships, it's safe to drink.

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Carnival Cruise Line: Carnival has one of the loosest beverage policies of all cruise lines, allowing each guest to carry on a maximum of 12 sealed 12 oz. cans or cartons of a non-alcoholic beverage (e.g., sodas, juices, milk, or sparkling water) – a policy that most cruise lines have eliminated.

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If you wonder whether cruise ships have jails, the answer is yes. Jails are called brigs on a cruise ship and tend only to be used in serious circumstances when no other options are available. Cabin arrest is typically used before the brig is needed.

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Passengers ages 18 to 20, with the written consent of their parents or guardian, can purchase beer or wine for themselves only when the ship is sailing in international waters (except in Alaska and Hawaii, where you must be 21 years of age to consume or purchase alcohol or any kind).

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The rules vary by cruise line, but most allow 18-year-olds to hang out at bars or nightclubs on their own, or with family and friends who are also 18+. But do note that the drinking age on all ships that visit the U.S., as well as on many U.S.-based cruise lines sailing anywhere in the world, is 21.

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To sum up, you can bring a vape on a cruise. However, there are strict guidelines on where to smoke once on the ship. Vapes are treated identically to cigarettes on a cruise ship, so it's essential to follow the rules to avoid getting your vape confiscated or facing fines.

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When you go through security you will set your carry-on bags on the x-ray machine like you'd find at an airport. Checked luggage is also X-rayed behind the scenes. Usually further inspection isn't required unless the security staff finds something dangerous or prohibited.

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Water is always free of charge on most cruise ships. You may be asked to pay a fee for some versions of bottled water. However, you can likely ask for a jug of iced water in any restaurant or bar for no added cost. There are several water dispensers present on a cruise ship so that you can help yourself.

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Any crew, staff or officer has a limitation on alcohol consumption on cruise ships. You can have a maximum of 0.05 off duty, and cannot drink 6 hours before your daily duty starts. Seeing that captains, bridge officers and engineers usually work 4 hours on, 8 hours off.

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You may smoke on a cruise ship, but only in designated smoking areas. On most ships operated by U.S. cruise lines, all indoor public spaces are off-limits with the exceptions being the casino (or part of the casino), a cigar lounge (if the ship has one) and one or two other lounges.

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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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