Ever wondered whether you can sneak alcohol on a cruise or how easy it really is? Many cruise lines have strict alcohol rules, but that doesn’t stop some creative travelers from trying to bring their own drinks onboard.
From hidden flasks to clever packing tricks, people often talk about different methods they’ve used or heard about. Some sound simple, while others require more planning. But the real question is—is it actually worth the risk?
In this guide, I’ll discuss why this topic interests so many cruisers, the ideas cruisers commonly talk about, and what you should consider before trying anything. Keep reading to understand the reality behind sneaking alcohol on a cruise ship.
Disclaimer: I have never smuggled drinks onto a cruise ship and I don’t support others doing it. I’m just sharing examples of how cruisers have done it before so you can decide for yourself.
Can You Take Alcohol on a Cruise Ship?
Before discussing How to Sneak Liquor on a Cruise Ship, it’s important to know that some cruise lines allow passengers to bring a limited amount of alcohol with them.
The table below shows how much alcohol you can have on each cruise line.
| Cruise Line | Alcohol Allowance Per Passenger |
|---|---|
| Carnival | One bottle of wine |
| Celebrity | One bottle of wine |
| Costa | Not allowed |
| Cunard | One bottle of wine |
| Disney | Two bottles of wine or six beers |
| MSC Cruises | Not allowed |
| NCL | Unlimited wine – $15 fee per bottle |
| P&O Cruises | One litre of wine, Champagne, beer, or spirit |
| Princess Cruises | One bottle of wine for free. ($15 per additional bottle) |
| Royal Caribbean | One bottle of wine (or two bottles per stateroom) |
P&O Cruises truly stands out when it comes to their beverage policy. Guests are allowed to bring up to one litre of spirits per passenger, along with unlimited mixers. This generous allowance eliminates the need for travelers to sneak alcohol on board, ensuring a relaxed and stress-free cruising experience.
In addition, P&O Cruises offer some of the best bar prices at sea. Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are competitively priced, allowing guests to enjoy their favorite drinks without worrying about large bar tabs by the end of their voyage. This makes it unnecessary for anyone to attempt secretive methods to bring extra alcohol on board.
Moreover, most cruise lines, including P&O, offer drinks packages that provide excellent value for money. These packages are a smarter and safer alternative to sneaking alcohol, giving passengers unlimited access to beverages while staying fully compliant with cruise policies.
Do Cruise Lines Check for Alcohol?
Cruise lines have strict security measures in place to ensure the safety of all passengers. Luggage is screened for banned items such as alcohol, drugs, weapons, and drones. Security teams use a combination of X-ray machines, manual inspections, and random spot checks to detect anything hidden.
If you are caught attempting to bring alcohol onboard against the rules, it could be confiscated, result in fines, or even lead to denied boarding. Since cruise lines offer a wide selection of drinks for purchase, sneaking alcohol on a cruise is rarely worth the risk.
Can Cruise Ship Scanners Detect Alcohol?
Cruise ship scanners have revolutionized the way security checks are conducted onboard, especially when it comes to detecting hidden alcohol in passengers’ luggage. The x-ray technology quickly shows liquids as dark on the screen, making bottles and cans easy to detect. This helps port staff find any banned items quickly and act promptly.
Some cruise lines like Costa Cruises, MSC Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line have strict rules about bringing drinks from outside to stop people from drinking unauthorized beverages during the cruise. They only allow drinks for medical reasons. This helps them check luggage faster because they don’t have to figure out which liquids are allowed and which are not.
Top 15 Ways to Sneak Alcohol on a Cruise
Many travelers are curious about how people attempt to sneak alcohol onto a cruise ship. The methods often depend on the type of drink someone wants to bring, since clear spirits are usually easier to conceal than beer or wine, and on how much alcohol a person hopes to carry onboard.
Over time, cruisers have shared stories online about different ideas they’ve seen or heard, including homemade disguises and specially designed containers. These discussions usually come from curiosity rather than recommendation, as cruise lines continue to tighten security and enforce alcohol policies strictly.
Below are 15 ways people commonly claim to try sneaking alcohol on a cruise, along with what you should know before considering anything like this.
Sunscreen Bottle
Some travelers mention that sunscreen bottles are often talked about as a way people try to hide alcohol on cruises. These containers are designed to look like regular sunscreen bottles while holding up to 10 ounces (around 296 ml) of liquid, which is why they are frequently discussed online.
According to passenger experiences, these bottles are usually placed inside luggage and described as discreet containers rather than obvious flasks. However, larger containers, such as wine boxes, are often considered more noticeable and risky during security checks.
Cruise line policies vary, so it’s important to check the specific rules before purchasing or carrying any such item, as security may confiscate prohibited containers. Some travelers also note that smaller containers tend to attract less attention during luggage screening. These bottles are commonly sold online, including on Amazon, and are often marketed for carrying spirits like vodka, tequila, or other liquors.
Umbrella Flask
Some travelers mention the umbrella flask as a discreet way people try to carry alcohol. This clever accessory holds 9 oz (255 ml) of a preferred spirit and is designed to look and feel like a regular umbrella rather than a bottle.
Passengers note that its unusual shape can make it less likely to be noticed, especially on Northern European cruises, where an umbrella is a common sight due to frequent rain. However, in regions like the Mediterranean, where the weather is sunny and umbrellas are less expected, it might attract attention.
Binocular Flask
The innovative binocular flask is often mentioned as a discreet way travelers try to sneak alcohol. Each side of the flask can hold up to 8 oz (about 236.5 ml) of liquor. Not only is it invisible on X-rays, but its design also makes it challenging to detect during manual searches, giving you the upper hand in bypassing strict security checks.
The beauty of this binocular flask lies in its dual compartments, each independent and sealed off from the other. This unique design enables you to keep different types of alcohol such as tequila & whisky separated yet conveniently housed within the same sleek container.
Tampon Flasks
The idea of using tampon flasks is often discussed by travelers curious about how people try to sneak alcohol on a cruise ship. While it may sound devious, some view it as a discreet option because these flasks are designed to blend in with personal items, making them less noticeable during routine luggage checks.
These tampon flasks are generally mentioned for carrying very small amounts of alcohol, which also highlights their main limitation. Each fake tampon wrapper contains a mini flask that holds just 1 oz (about 30 ml) of liquid, roughly equal to a single shot. Because of this small capacity, multiple flasks would be needed to carry enough alcohol for a longer cruise.
Wine Bottles
Sneaking extra wine bottles onto a cruise ship is often discussed among travelers looking to save on alcohol costs. Many passengers try to place bottles in both checked and carry-on luggage, taking advantage of the one-bottle-per-person rule that most cruise lines enforce.
Since checked and carry-on bags are screened separately, it can be difficult for cruise staff to notice if more than the allowed amount is brought onboard.
However, packing glass wine bottles requires caution, as breakage can create a messy situation and potentially damage other belongings. To minimize this risk, travelers often use inflatable wine bottle protectors, which provide an extra layer of protection against impact and pressure during transit.
Shampoo Bottles
Using shampoo bottles to carry alcohol on a cruise is often mentioned by travelers as a clever idea, but it comes with some challenges. The original shampoo scent can be difficult to remove completely, which may affect the taste of the drink. There is also a risk of leaking, which could create a messy or embarrassing situation.
Some passengers note that shampoo bottle flasks sold online, including on Amazon, help address these concerns. These bottles are leak-proof, have secure seals to contain odors, and can hold up to 8 ounces (about 236.5 ml) of liquor.
Rum Runners
Rum runners, also known as alcohol bags or plastic flasks, are a clever solution for those looking to enjoy their favorite spirits on a cruise without breaking the bank. Many cruisers have used rum runners to sneak alcohol on a cruise ship.
Rum runners are reusable plastic bags with a funnel for pouring wine and can hold up to 32 oz (about 946 ml) of liquid and don’t look like bottles on x-rays. Seasoned cruisers like using them to bring alcohol onboard. If your bag is checked by hand, the alcohol bags’ contents will be easily seen.
You can buy Rum Runner on Amazon to carry wine, vodka, gin, or any other liquor discreetly.
Mouthwash Bottles
Some travelers have mentioned using mouthwash bottles. While it may seem clever, but cruise staff are well aware of this tactic. They can often tell if a clear liquid in a mouthwash bottle is actually alcohol, even if food coloring is added to disguise it.
Additionally, an unusually large bottle of mouthwash especially on a short cruise can raise suspicion and prompt security to take a closer look. Cruise staff remain vigilant for passengers attempting to bypass the rules, making this method risky and unreliable.
Fake Paddle Brush
Some travelers mention using a fake paddle brush as a unique way to sneak alcohol onto a cruise ship. Its inconspicuous design is often discussed as making it easier for passengers to transport drinks without attracting attention during luggage checks.
Fake Beer Belly
Some travelers mention the beer belly canteen when discussing ways. This polyurethane container is designed to look like a beer belly and is worn under clothing, which is why it often comes up in these conversations.
According to passenger discussions, it can hold up to 80 oz (about 2.37 liters) of liquid, roughly equal to three bottles of wine. Its concealed design is what makes it notable, though it is frequently cited as an example of how far some cruisers go to bypass alcohol rules.
Camera Flask
Some travelers talk about the camera flask as a clever container. Designed to look like a real camera, it can blend in easily with personal belongings when placed inside a bag. Because of its realistic appearance, it’s often mentioned as a discreet item that doesn’t immediately draw attention during luggage checks.
Boozy Bladder
The Boozy Bladder device is often mentioned by travelers as a waist-worn container. It features a tube that extends through clothing, which some say allows for refilling a glass without attracting attention.
Passengers note that its design makes it more suitable for men than women. The device can hold up to 1 liter of liquid, which could last for an extended period if filled with spirits. Because of its unique setup, travelers often discuss using a private space, like a bathroom stall, to refill drinks while minimizing attention.
Wine Handbag
The PortoVino wine purse is often mentioned as a stylish way to carry wine, though it may not be ideal for sneaking booze on a cruise due to security checks. Beyond its decorative appeal, this chic handbag doubles as a practical beach tote with an insulated compartment designed to hold two bottles of wine at the perfect temperature for hours.
The purse features a hidden zipper and insulated pocket, which helps keep beverages at an optimal temperature, ready to be enjoyed whenever the mood strikes.
Wine Rack Bra
The Wine Rack Bra, also known as a booze bra or liquor bra, is often mentioned as a playful idea some women consider for sneaking alcohol on a cruise.
While the idea of enhancing your appearance while discreetly carrying alcohol may seem appealing, it’s important to consider the risks involved. Items that resemble unusual or suspicious objects can trigger X-ray scanners, leading to unwanted attention and complications with port authorities.
Water Bottles
Using water bottles is often discussed as a common method. Clear or light-colored liquids, such as vodka or white wine, are highlighted because they resemble water. Passengers note that sealing these bottles and blending them with other beverages is frequently talked about in online discussions, though bringing large amounts can attract attention during security checks.
Another approach some travelers mention is using glasses that resemble juice glasses during breakfast or other meals. Matching the color of the drink, such as a mimosa, helps it blend in with typical onboard beverages.
Some passengers also suggest that having snacks like chocolate chips or nuts nearby can make the hidden drink less noticeable, though cruise staff remain vigilant for unusual behavior.
Where to Hide Alcohol When You Check-In?
When deciding on a container for carrying alcohol on a cruise, passengers often consider where to place it. Commonly discussed options include:
- Checked luggage
- Carry-on luggage
- On your body
Choosing the best place to hide alcohol for a cruise requires stealth and cleverness. Many travelers note that stashing alcohol in checked luggage can help avoid the awkwardness of being caught during public security scans at the port.
However, there is always a risk of rough handling by baggage staff, so it’s important that bottles and containers are well-protected to prevent damage.
Related Post: How to cheat Royal Caribbean Drink Package?
What Happens if You Get Caught Sneaking Alcohol on Cruise?
If you try to sneak alcohol on a cruise ship and get caught, the worst thing that can happen is you won’t be allowed to board.
Royal Caribbean’s policy states:
“Alcoholic beverages seized on embarkation day will be returned at the end of the voyage provided that they are in the original sealed package. Security may inspect containers and will dispose of containers holding alcohol. Guests who violate any alcohol policies 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.”
Other cruise lines only mention that any prohibited alcohol found will be taken away and disposed of.
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 wine or champagne, per person, in their carry-on luggage. Outside this exception, all 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.”
There were many instances in which orange confiscation slips were found inside suitcases instead of missing alcohol. No one has mentioned that they are denied boarding the ship after being caught. Surprisingly, several individuals mentioned being able to retrieve their confiscated alcohol at the end of the cruise!
FAQs – Ways to Sneak Alcohol on a Cruise Ship
How do You Sneak Alcohol on a Royal Caribbean Cruise?
Royal Caribbean allows guests to bring one bottle of wine on board. Bringing more than one bottle is not allowed, but some guests try to sneak extra bottles past security using disguised flasks or rum runners.
How do You Sneak Alcohol on a Carnival Cruise?
Carnival Cruise Line lets guests bring one bottle of wine. If you want to bring more, you can try using a hidden flask or a rinsed-out shampoo bottle, but cruise lines may check these.
How do Cruise Ships Check Wine Bottles?
Cruise staff inspect luggage and check wine bottles to ensure they are properly sealed and contain wine. Any spirits or extra alcohol found may be confiscated, and passengers could be denied boarding.
Do Cruise Ships Check Your Luggage?
Yes, cruise ships screen luggage with X-ray machines and may conduct manual inspections if something looks suspicious. Bottles can be opened to verify contents, so all items must comply with cruise policies.
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