Carnival Cruise Line has announced that it is banning passengers from bringing bottled beverages on board, to cut down on alcohol smuggling. The new policy will come into effect on July 9.
"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," the cruise line said in a statement issued Tuesday. "This delays the embarkation process and requires security resources dedicated to checking bottled beverages. Most importantly, when behavioral issues occur on board and are ultimately investigated, smuggled alcohol often appears to be a factor."
The statement does not mention how such investigations distinguish between "behavioral issues" caused by smuggled alcohol, versus those caused by alcohol purchased through Carnival Cruise Lines at a huge markup. Indeed, a mistrustful cynic might even suspect Carnival's real motivation is to ensure that any passenger who enjoys an on-board buzz pays three or four times what they'd pay on land, with Carnival Cruise Line pocketing the difference.
Carnival's current alcohol prices are posted online. As of June 10, a bottle of Absolut vodka costs $85 through Carnival, compared to around $27 at most stateside liquor stores.
Similarly high if not higher markups can be found with Carnival's other alcoholic offerings: a 1-liter bottle of Bacardi White rum costs $80 on Carnival, compared to $18 at regular stores.
In addition to alcohol, Carnival will also sell bottles of water on its ships; the price will be $3 plus tax for a 12-pack before the cruise starts, or $5 plus tip during the cruise.
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