Myth Debunked: Are Alcoholic Drinks on Cruises Watered Down?
Introduction
Many a traveler has wondered if the alcoholic beverages served on cruise ships are watered down. In this article, we will debunk this common myth and provide clear insights into the quality and quantity of drinks served on board.
Do Cruises Water Down Alcohol?
No, there is no need for cruise lines to water down alcoholic drinks as they are purchased duty and tax-free. Any attempt to dilute the alcohol would be counterproductive, as the effort required to do so would exceed the potential profit gain for the company.
Alcohol Strength on Cruise Ships
The alcohol served on cruises is of normal strength. Typically, individual bartenders can choose to add more or less alcohol to a drink, but the incentive is to add less. This is because passengers are generally captive to the ship's bars and cannot easily choose where to drink.
My personal experience has been that the drinks served on cruises are remarkably consistent and of the expected strength. A standard serving is approximately 50 mL of 40% alcohol.
When You Order Drinks on the Rocks
When ordering drinks with ice, you may find that only one or one and a half ounces of alcohol are served, with the ice doing most of the diluting. However, this does not mean the alcohol is watered down; it is more about portion control to ensure customers can enjoy their drinks without diluting too much.
Is It Legal to Water Down Alcohol?
No, it is illegal. Most big cruise companies are publicly listed or part of a publicly-listed parent company. Any illegal activities would lead to severe lawsuits, making it unfeasible for cruise lines to water down their drinks.
Bar Staff Instructions
While it is true that bar staff are often told to be careful with the amount of alcohol in drinks, this is not because of the need to water down the drinks. Instead, it is to save on liquor costs and encourage customers to order more refills, thus increasing profits.
Alcohol Buying Process
On cruise ships, especially those out of Sydney, Australia, the alcohol is mostly purchased duty-free from the ship's stores. There is no time or inclination for the bartenders to alter the alcohol content in drinks.
House Brands vs. Premium Brands
Contrary to popular belief, house brands may have a lower percentage of alcohol. However, all premium and well-known brands served on cruises are exactly the same as those available on store shelves. This was confirmed when I asked for a shot of Sambuca; in the UK, a typical shot is 25 mL, but on a cruise, it was served in a tumbler filled to the top of approximately 400 mL. So, rest assured, you get what you pay for when drinking alcohol on a cruise ship.
Conclusion
Cruise lines take great care to ensure the quality and strength of the alcoholic beverages served. Whether you prefer a standard serving or a large portion, you can enjoy your drinks without fearing they have been watered down.