Bringing liquor on a cruise ship (Celebrity Cruises)?

[virginiafarmerboy]

All the literature says you can't. I am sort of hearing you can but not in carry-on. Well does that mean if you somehow forward your packed luggage onto the ship they don't notice if there are a couple bottles in it?

The prices for booze on board are pretty steep. Obviously they would LIKE you to buy your liquor on board. Is there a way to successfully bring a couple bottles on board when you are embarking for the trip? I'm not a big guzzler but I figure it's good to have some liquor in the room.

Any creative tips from frequent cruisers?

 

[Unregistered]

I have brought liquor on board Celebrity ships multiple times, and I've never had a problem, however it's against "the rules" and they have every right to confiscate it. I pack one bottle per suitcase just in case, before I get on the cruise. Getting it on board while underway is much harder, although possible. Of course this depends on your luck, the departure port, etc - YMMV. One time I had an already open bottle of Johnnie black get to my cabin a little emptier than I remembered packing it... but I figure that's a cheap price to pay. The reason Celebrity is so lenient about it compared to other lines is because their customers in general don't abuse it, so they don't want to risk upsetting them. If it gets to the point where it is obviously hurting their bottom line I am sure there will be more enforcement. I know I personally don't buy any less drinks when I bring my own bottles - I just drink more . On a 10-day Celebrity I'll still run up a $500 bar tab even if I bring 2 bottles - who wants to go back to your cabin in the middle of dinner for a refill?

As for the on board prices, they're not steeper than any restaurant or club's regular prices. There are no $1 beers or wells, but they often have a "drink of the day" or similar promotion that will come close. The Martini bar sometimes does a $5 "martini sampler" which is a great value. However if you're ordering call brands and doubles, it will start to add up quick.

Lastly, don't forget you can drink as much as you want in port. In most of the Caribbean $1 beers can be found pretty close to the port. Liquor is a bit more spotty, tends to be more local brands.