If you're planning on taking a cruise with Carnival anytime soon (like Cruise with a DJ), we have some important information about the company's liquor and beverage policy. It's no secret, some cruisers like to take their own drinks on board.  And some cruisers, rather unfortunately, like to try and smuggle alcohol on board in their luggage.  Well, in response, the company has made some significant changes to its policies about soft drinks, alcohol and bottled water.  Here's the official statement and explanation.

I have been traveling with Carnival for years now and routinely get updates from the company.  Here's a letter I received a couple of days ago.  It's pretty self-explanatory and I have highlighted the parts that most pertain or potentially pertain to you!

June 9, 2015

Hi there!

While your bags may not be packed just yet, we wanted to let you know about some changes to our Liquor & Beverage policy which is being modified effective with sailings departing July 9, 2015.

Often times, we find guests transporting alcohol onboard through unauthorized means resulting in unmonitored consumption of alcohol. Unfortunately, this has led to behavioral and safety related concerns. We have also found that bottled beverages are frequently used to transport alcohol and the screening measures needed to validate the contents delay the embarkation process for all guests. For these reasons, we find it necessary to modify our Liquor and Beverage policy, including restricting guests from bringing bottled beverages aboard our ships.

To avoid any potential disappointment at the start of your cruise, please familiarize yourselves with our new Liquor and Beverage Policy below, which will be strictly enforced.

(Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
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Guests are prohibited from bringing water, sodas and other non-alcoholic beverages onboard that are packaged in bottles.

A small quantity of non-alcoholic beverages (i.e., sparkling water, sodas, juice, and milk) packaged in cans or cartons may be brought onboard on embarkation day only in guests' carry-on luggage. A small quantity is considered a maximum of 12 sealed, unopened cans/cartons of 12 ounces each or less per person.

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/unopened wine or champagne per person in their carry-on luggage.

(Photo by David Silverman/Getty Images)
(Photo by David Silverman/Getty Images)
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- A $15 corkage fee (a charge exacted at a restaurant for every bottle of wine served that was not bought on the premises), per 750 ml bottle, will be charged should guests wish to consume their wine or champagne in the main dining room, steakhouse or bar.

All liquor, beer, other forms of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages outside of the exceptions referenced above are strictly prohibited in both carry-on and checked luggage and such items will be confiscated and discarded and no compensation will be provided.

All alcohol purchased in ports of call or in the Fun Shops will be returned on the morning of debarkation.  ***Meaning, if you purchase alcohol at one of your port destinations, you will not get it back until the cruise is over and you are ready to exit the cruise ship.

Guests are prohibited from bringing large coolers onboard since screening and movement of large coolers through embarkation is an impediment to the boarding and security process. However small, personal-sized coolers, no larger than 12"H x 12"L x 12"W for the purpose of housing small quantities of non-alcoholic beverages and/or medications are permitted as carry-on luggage.

We know some of our guests are accustomed to bringing on their own supply of bottled water so as part of this new policy we have significantly reduced the pricing for spring bottled water which will be conveniently delivered directly to your stateroom. Pricing is as follows:

(Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)
(Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)
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- $2.99 (plus tax) for a 12-pack of 500 ML of bottled water for pre-cruise purchase. Please visit www.carnival.com/funshops to place your order before your cruise to ensure we have an ample supply onboard.
- $4.99 (plus gratuities) for a 12-pack of 500 ML of bottled water for purchase onboard.

We sincerely apologize for any disappointment these changes may cause however, we firmly believe this will result in a safer environment while also improving the embarkation process and the overall guest experience.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. We look forward to welcoming you aboard!

 

Sincerely,

 


Arlene Marichal
Sr. Director, Solutions and Special Services

 

By the way. there is still time to book your Cruise with a DJ and join me and Jaclyn in Cozumel and Progreso, Mexico!  Call Ambassador Travel in Evansville for the latest rate and booking information.  We're leaving New Orleans on Monday, October 12th aboard the Carnival Elation!  We have over 150 WBKR listeners traveling with us and want YOU to jump on board too!

Ambassador's number is 1-800-937-8688.

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