Norwegian Cruise Line Beverage Policy Change

In a recent message to travel agents, Norwegian Cruise Line stated that the safety and security of their guests and crew is their top priority. That's the good news. To ensure a safe and enjoyable onboard environment for all, effective July 15th, guests are prohibited from bringing any beverages—including liquor, beer and non-alcoholic drinks such as water, soda and juices—on board the company's ships either as carry-on or checked luggage. That's the bad news.

More good news is that there are a couple exceptions. Still allowed are purified or distilled water in factory-sealed containers for use in conjunction with medical devices or for the reconstitution of infant formula and fully sealed and/or corked wine bottles for personal consumption on board that is subject to screening and a corkage fee (for guests 21 years of age or older). As in airports, open beverages of any kind must be consumed or discarded at the security check-point, both on embarkation day and at any port of call.

To provide guests with a smoother and faster embarkation experience, Norwegian will be implementing this updated policy effective July 15. This revised policy brings the company in line with other best practise travel security protocols and reduces the need for individual time consuming screening and package inspection of large volumes of beverages.

This new beverage policy won't be popular, but it's likely due to people carrying on large quantities of soft drinks and bottled water. Plus, we all know about "smuggling" alcohol on board disguised in "legal" beverage bottles, which has long been a no-no.

Image Courtesy Norwegian Cruise Line