Both avid cruisers and budget vacationers have frequently explored the possibility of bringing alcohol onto cruise ships to avoid paying for pricey onboard drinks. Although it can be tempting to avoid paying excessive drink prices, it’s crucial to proceed with caution.
We will delve into the fascinating world of alcohol sneaking on cruise ships in this blog while looking at the strategies some passengers have used to get around the rules.
Please be aware that this article does not endorse or support these behaviors; instead, it tries to present a thoughtful analysis of the many strategies people have used.
We’ll start by answering a vital query: Is alcohol permitted on cruises? We’ll clarify the rules of a few well-known cruise lines, showing how some do let a certain amount of alcohol to be carried on board while others forbid it entirely.
Before attempting to sneak alcohol, it is important to be aware of these rules because breaking them could have repercussions.
The top 10 creative and bold methods people have used to hide their preferred alcoholic beverages are highlighted in this article.
We’ll look at the cleverness of folks looking to obtain a cheap buzz while sailing the high seas, from umbrella flasks that resemble regular rain gear to tampon flasks skillfully constructed to resemble personal hygiene supplies.
Let’s start with the most obvious question:
Can cruise lines and their security scanners detect concealed alcohol on board?
Cruise lines use a range of techniques, essentially their security systems, to find alcohol that has been brought in on board. These scanners can detect liquid containers, such as bottles and flasks that can contain alcohol.
Although some travelers have come up with creative ways to conceal their drinks, the chance of being found is still present. The repercussions for being discovered with alcohol in your possession might range from seizure to being denied entry.
Because cruise lines have strict alcohol restrictions, it’s best to educate yourself about them before you go on your cruise to prevent any unpleasant surprises.
1. Binocular Flask
The binocular flask is one innovative way to conceal spirits while on a cruise. This ingenious device is made to look like a pair of real binoculars, making it a covert option for smuggling.
Even with x-ray inspection or physical searches, it’s unlikely to arouse suspicions. Each “binocular” has a handy funnel to let you fill it without spilling any of the 8 ounces (230ml) of your choice drink.
Additionally, because the two sides of the binocular flask are not connected, you can carry various spirits on each side independently, making it ideal for covertly creating your own cocktails.
2. Shampoo Bottle
For cruise trips, storing alcohol in shampoo bottles might seem like a fun idea, but it has a few problems. First of all, shampoo bottles’ shape makes them difficult to completely clean, leaving behind shampoo residues that can dilute your drink’s flavor.
Second, because some shampoo and conditioner bottles might be prone to leakage, using them is not advised. I have had dirty baggage because of a mishandled shower gel bottle, so it’s not ideal to picture the same thing happening with red wine.
On Amazon, however, there is a fix in the form of shampoo bottle flasks. These particular bottles are made to conceal alcohol; they are leak-proof and include six seals to keep security personnel from smelling the alcohol.
3. Umbrella Flask
It’s a clever method to conceal your alcohol in an umbrella flask with a smart design. This innovative bottle can covertly hold 9 ounces (255ml) of your favorite beverage, making it simple to pour into your glass when you need it.
Its striking resemblance to a typical umbrella is what distinguishes it and gives it a sneaky edge. In areas where it frequently rains, like Northern Europe, this concealed container works very well.
Given the beautiful skies and sunshine, going into the Mediterranean with this flask in the summer may arouse a little bit more suspicion.
4. Tampon Flask
Tampon flasks offer a nearly surefire way to bring alcohol on a cruise. These amazing items seem like re-sealable tampon wrappers but are actually made up of tiny, refillable flasks that can each hold one shot of alcohol.
The genius of this plan is that, even if your luggage were to receive a thorough inspection, no one would likely open a tampon wrapper. But there’s a catch: each flask only holds one ounce (30ml), or about a shot of spirits.
So you’d need a lot of tampons to stock up on alcohol for a weeklong vacation. This item works better for smuggling tiny amounts of alcohol into shipboard bars than for stocking your stateroom with a large quantity of alcohol.
5. Fake Beer Belly
The “beer belly container” is an intriguing approach to hiding alcohol while on a cruise. This polyurethane device looks somewhat like a beer belly when worn covertly underneath clothing.
Surprisingly, it has a massive 80-ounce (2.3 liter) capacity for your preferred alcoholic beverages. This covert alcohol storage device has a cost, even though it can store three bottles of wine’s worth of alcohol.
Due to its obvious girth, wearing the “beer belly container” means dumping your flawless beauty in embarkation photos. So, even though you’ll be drinking a lot, you might not look your best.
6. Wine Rack Bra
The “wine rack bra” is the female counterpart to the false belly trick. This creative item looks like an ordinary bra while concealing a storage compartment for your favorite drink. It does, however, carry a unique set of disadvantages.
You might have to go through a pat-down if something, like wearing a watch, causes an X-ray scanner to activate.
The worn flask is easily seen in such circumstances, alarming port staff. Since they can’t tell the difference between hidden booze and possibly dangerous objects, you might get into a lot of problems and risk ruining your cruise vacation.
7. Boozy Bladder
The booze-holding gadget is an odd device that fastens around your waist and has a covert tube that extends through what you’re wearing.
This design makes it possible to stealthily refill your glass when no one is looking, making it ideal for men looking for a discrete alcohol solution. To prevent puzzled looks from other cruisers, it is best to withdraw to a restroom stall for the refilling procedure.
This device’s unique selling point is its sizable one-liter alcohol capacity, which guarantees a consistent supply of spirits throughout your whole voyage and makes it a desirable choice for anyone eager to enjoy.
8. Wine Handbag
Ladies, Take Note: the PortoVino wine purse is a stylish beach bag with a hidden, insulated section that can hold two bottles of wine. This stylish handbag has a covert zipper that conceals an insulated pouch that keeps your wine chilled for a long time.
While it might not be the best option for sneaking alcohol onto a cruise ship because when loaded with alcohol it could appear dense on scanners, it can be a great way to enjoy your wine poolside from the luxury of your suite.
Some cruise ships let you bring your own wine, but they only allow you to drink it in your cabin. Using the PortoVino, you may discretely pour chilled wine into a glass by the pool after filling your bag with it from your in-room refrigerator.
9. Rum Runners
Rum runners, commonly referred to as alcohol bags, are now the go-to items for expert cruisers who want to covertly bring booze with them on their journeys.
These handy containers, which are essentially reusable plastic bags with a funnel, can be conveniently ordered on Amazon. They make it easy to transport wine, vodka, tequila, or any other favored alcoholic beverage with you on your cruise journey.
Rum runners provide a sizable storage option with a liquid capacity of up to 32 ounces (one liter). The clever design of these alcohol bags allows for covert transportation because, when scanned by X-ray equipment, they don’t resemble usual bottles.
However, the contents of these crafty alcohol bags would be easily visible in the case of a physical bag search for any other purpose.
10. Wine Bottles
Leveraging the allowance regulations of the cruise lines is one of the most common ways to bring wine on a cruise. The majority of cruise lines allow one bottle of wine for each guest.
Many travelers smartly pack one bottle in their checked luggage and another in their carry-on bag to make the most of this allowance.
The timing of this tactic is what makes it effective: cruise crew inspects these bags at various intervals, frequently by different personnel, making it practically difficult for them to spot any excess of your wine allowance.
You can easily bring two compact cases per person on a cruise ship because there isn’t usually a hard restriction on the amount of luggage you can bring (unless it involves a flight).
A word of caution, though: It’s a wise idea to buy inflatable wine bottle guards to stop wine bottles from shattering in your checked luggage.
11. Mouthwash
In recent times, people have turned to mouthwash bottles to conceal alcohol while on cruises. These containers, which are typically offered in quantities up to one liter, make the ideal cover.
The idea is to fill these bottles with clear liquor, such as white rum, gin, or vodka, then dye it blue or green to make it look like mouthwash. However, staff at cruise ports are familiar with this time-honored technique and are quick to recognize big mouthwash containers as suspect.
Who, after all, would require a liter of mouthwash for a weeklong cruise? They immediately open the bottle and examine it, frequently giving it a brief sniff so they can determine what’s inside.
So, is it really possible to sneak alcohol on a cruise?
While it is possible, bringing alcohol onboard a cruise ship is risky. While some cruise lines permit one bottle of wine, it may be necessary to use inventive techniques to bring more spirits, such as utilizing flat “cruise flasks” or refilling mouthwash bottles.
Cruise ships check passengers’ bags, and if anything looks off, they may perform manual searches that may include looking inside unopened bottles. If you are discovered, you can face confiscation, embarrassment, or possibly be denied boarding.
Online accounts, however, indicate that in reality, many people get away with it and only receive a confiscation notice. Keep in mind that illegal alcohol consumption reduces cruise companies’ earnings and could result in higher ticket pricing.
Accordingly, while it’s technically possible, it’s not advised, and according to cruise company standards is the best course of action to guarantee a pleasant and stress-free vacation.
