Cruise and Port Liquor Buying: What You Need to Know
If you're planning a cruise and are considering purchasing a bottle of liquor at a port, it's important to understand the policies and procedures of your cruise line. This article discusses the process and recent experiences to help you make informed decisions.
Understanding the Process
When you purchase a bottle of liquor at a port during a cruise, the cruise line typically retains it until the end of your voyage. They do this to ensure responsible consumption and to prevent any issues with customs. Generally, they will return the bottle to your cabin on the final day of the cruise, allowing you to take it home with you.
Common Practices
Many ports require you to pass through 'Duty Free' shops to re-board the ship. For example, in ports like Cozumel, it's quite common to purchase alcohol either in the port or on the ship itself. However, it's often cheaper to buy liquor on the ship. If you bring liquor onboard, it may be seized at security, but you will typically be able to retrieve it either on the departure day or the night before. The specific policies can vary depending on the cruise line's policies.
Company-Specific Policies
Cruise line policies can vary significantly. For instance, Viking River Cruises has no prohibitions about bringing a bottle of liquor on board. During a first River cruise, the author purchased a high-quality bottle of Scotch which was even enjoyed at the ship's bar. Similarly, on their first Ocean cruise departing from Italy, they followed a similar practice. However, it's crucial to check the policies of the cruise line you are using.
Personal Experiences
A notable experience from 2016 involved a cruise from Southampton to Fremantle, Australia. The author and their companions bought two bottles of alcohol at the port shop in Naples. Despite the bottles being taken by the cruise line, they were given back at the end of the voyage as expected. However, they only realized later that they were on two consecutive cruises – Southampton to Singapore and then Singapore to Fremantle. This unexpected situation resulted in the alcohol being unopened and waiting in their cabin in Singapore.
Key Takeaways
1. **Retained Liquor**: Always expect your liquor to be held by the cruise line until the end of the cruise. 2. **Responsibility**: Ensure you purchase in a 'Duty Free' area or directly from the ship for potential cost savings. 3. **Check Policies**: Before boarding, check the specific policies of your chosen cruise line to avoid surprises.
Understanding these policies can help you plan a more enjoyable and hassle-free experience. Whether you're a seasoned cruiser or planning your first voyage, being aware of these procedures can make the process smoother and more enjoyable.