Beginning July 9, Carnival Cruise Line is limiting beverages brought on board in an attempt to cut down on alcohol smuggling. Guests will no longer be allowed to haul water, soda and other non-alcoholic drinks on their cruise if the beverages come in bottles.
Passengers can only bring unopened cans and cartons of water, soda or nonalcoholic beverages, and those are limited to a maximum of 12, which can brought on as carry-on luggage. Limits on cooler size are also being put in place. Passengers and travel agents are being sent a letter explaining the policy.
Carnival issued a statement saying, “Guests bringing bottled beverages on board are proving to be a source of multiple issues. The first issue is the impact on the boarding process. Bottled beverages are the most common means by which guests attempt to smuggle alcohol on board which necessitates bottles be individually examined by security personnel. This delays the embarkation process and requires security resources dedicated to checking bottled beverages.
Carnival will sell 12-packs of bottled water for $2.99 plus tax before the cruise or $4.99 plus tip on board.
