So long to sneaking alcohol high school prom style. Starting today Carnival is banning ALL carry-on bottled drinks. Even water...
Bottled drinks are the most common way passengers have tried to smuggle alcohol on board. I mean hey, there are some pretty insane bar tabs at sea. According to CNN Money, Carnival made a statement recently addressing their reasoning:
Bottled beverages are the most common means by which guests attempt to smuggle alcohol on board... When behavioral issues occur on board and are ultimately investigated, smuggled alcohol often appears to be a factor.
Up until now, passengers have been able to check bottled water with their luggage. Instead of bottled drinks, Carnival is now allowing a maximum of 12 sealed cans or cartons of non-alcoholic drinks (soda, juice, milk, etc.).
The biggest concern now though is, ironically, the water. Since Carnival cruise ships often stop in locations with questionable drinking water, customers often prefer to bring their own (less expensive) bottled water when they go ashore. The cruising company will be counterracting this problem by lowering the price of bottled water for sale onboard. Customers can now buy a 12-pack of half-liter bottles bought before the cruise for $2.99, or if purchased onboard for $4.99 .
Fortunately, Carnival will still be allowing those 21 and up to bring one bottle of fine wine or champagne on board during embarkation. Class still has it's price though. A corkage fee will still be charged per bottle if passengers choose to drink the wine or champagne in the main dining room ($10) or the steakhouse ($14).
Cruise luggage must be getting the TSA-style treatment. It all seems like part of a wider crackdown: Royal Caribbean has a zero-tolerance beverage policy. Good luck trying to sneak in that vodka. Next step, breathlyzers.
