P&O Cruises has introduced new rules for all passengers over the age of 18 which restricts the number of bottles of wine, Champagne, beer, spirits, or liqueurs that may be brought onboard for self consumption – or purchased within the ships’ duty free shops – to one litre.

 

As of now, the company says any other alcohol above this limit which is brought onboard any of its cruiselines or purchased from its duty free shops will be temporarily confiscated and only returned to passengers when the cruise is over.

 

MIXED REACTIONS

The new regulation has prompted mixed reactions, with some critics suggesting this may cause hold-ups when passengers rejoin cruiseships from layovers. Especially as they are reminded about the regulations and the fact that they will have to hand over the goods to be stored until the end of their cruises [passengers are routinely scanned when they rejoin the boats anyway-Ed].

 

The new regulations will also be noted by wineries, spirits producers and retailers based at cruise destinations who have traditionally conducted good business with cruiseline passengers. The obligation will be on them to remind passengers that any purchases will have to be surrendered to the cruiseline for storage.

 

 

WHAT THE NEW ALCOHOL POLICY SAYS:

The new P&O ‘Alcohol Policy reads as follows: “We believe that responsible drinking is a valued and enjoyable part of a cruise, however, we ask that our policy for the responsible consumption of alcohol is adhered to at all times. We reserve the right to deny access to the ship to anyone who appears to be heavily under the influence of alcohol. We may also confiscate alcohol in the terminal and at the gangway.

 

“Carry-on alcohol: Each guest aged 18 years and older may bring one bottle only of the following: wine, Champagne, beer, spirit or liqueur (up to 1 litre in size) on board as they embark the ship for the first time only. Unfortunately, any alcoholic beverages purchased in ports of call cannot be consumed on board and will be looked after until the end of cruise when it will be returned on the last evening.

 

“On eligible cruises, guests are welcome to buy duty free alcohol to take home via the onboard shops. It will be stored until the end of your cruise. For further information on our alcohol guidelines, please refer to the Advice Centre.”