A year after Carnival Cruise Line implemented a “no-carry on bottled beverage” rule, another prominent cruise line is following suit, albeit in a more stringent manner: Norwegian Cruise Line will no longer allow guests to bring any beverages on board either as carry-on or checked luggage.

Starting on July 15, passengers will only be able to purchase beverages on board from the Miami-based cruise line company.

Norwegian says the change in policy was made amid security concerns, and the longer process to inspect baggage containing beverages.

The company says that they currently have to individually check all bottles to make sure passengers aren’t trying to smuggle booze, which brings boarding to a halt.

“This modified policy will now bring us in line with other travel industry procedures for transporting beverages and allow security personnel to focus on other screening efforts and not individually inspecting all beverages being brought onboard,” the company said in a FAQ about the policy change.

Norwegian’s new policy does include a few exceptions.
Passengers can bring aboard purified or distilled water in factory-sealed containers for use in conjunction with medical devices or for use with infant formula. Additionally, fully sealed and/or corked wine bottles for personal consumption can be brought aboard, but will be subject to screening and a corkage fee.

For passengers who purchase alcohol at ports of call or in onboard shops, Norwegian says it will “safely store your purchase and either on the final night of the cruise or the morning of debarkation it will be available for pick up in a designated area.”

Norwegian’s policy change comes a year after rival Carnival implemented a revamp of its own rules.

In order to cut back on the amount of booze being smuggled onto ships through water bottles and other containers, Carnival last July stopped allowing to bring bottled beverages on board.

Unlike Norwegian’s rules, Carnival passengers can still bring pre-packaged non-alcoholic beverages, but they have to be in sealed cartons or cans, and no more than 12 can be carried on. There is also an exception for a single bottle of wine or champagne.

[h/t USA Today]

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