Norwegian Cruise Line said that effective
July 15 it will bar passengers from bringing aboard any beverages in checked or
carry-on luggage.
The sweeping policy has only a few
exceptions. Guests may still bring sealed bottles of wine for personal use,
subject to screening and a corkage fee.
Also allowed is purified or distilled water
in factory-sealed containers for use in conjunction with medical devices or for
the reconstitution of infant formula.
A memo from Norwegian’s business
development team being e-mailed to all booked guests said the step is being
taken “to ensure a safe and enjoyable onboard environment for all”.
The memo also said the prohibition
"reduces the need for individual time-consuming screening and package
inspection of large volumes of beverages”.
Last year, Carnival Cruise Lines cited
similar reasons when it banned passengers from bringing bottled beverages (wine
excepted) aboard. However, Carnival continued to allow a limited number of cans
or cartons at embarkation.
Norwegian also said any unfinished open
beverages must be finished or discarded before guests embark to start the
voyage or embark at ports of call.