Cruise holidays are a perfect opportunity to kick back and relax. Part of this opulent offering is famously the food, with cruise liners home to multiple restaurants and bars for guests to indulge in.
However, while the food offering is usually included in the ticket price, many lines still make passengers pay for alcohol separately.
This can result in an unexpectedly high fee at the end, particularly for those who like a tipple.
Luckily, ex-cruise worker Brian David Bruns revealed that there is a way passengers can ensure they have a glass of wine with their evening meal without breaking the bank.
Speaking to Inside Edition, he explained: “At the beginning of a cruise if you want to buy a bottle of wine, you don’t have to worry about downing the whole wine that meal.
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He also warns passengers to steer clear of special “drinks of the day” which can also come at an added cost simply because of the souvenir glass they are served in.
Another way to save money is simply to bring your own booze on board but be warned, not all cruise operators allow this.
You should read the fine print of your cruise policy before packing that extra bottle of wine.
Many cruise lines outline a certain limit of alcohol which can be brought on board if any at all.
One such line is Royal Caribbean who only allows cruisers to bring two bottles of wine on board, and ban beer and spirits.
In fact, staff will confiscate any off-limits alcohol it finds at embarkation, which could feel like a waste of money.
The cruise line told express.co.uk: “On boarding day, guests may bring onboard two 750 ml bottles of personal wine or champagne per stateroom in their carry-on luggage.
“Guests on consecutive cruises may bring two 750 ml bottles of personal wine or champagne per voyage, per stateroom.”
Meanwhile, as part of its policy, the Royal Caribbean website goes on to explain: “Guests are not allowed to bring beer or hard liquor onboard for consumption or any other use.
“Alcoholic beverages seized on embarkation day will not be returned. Security may inspect containers (water bottles, soda bottles, mouthwash, luggage etc.) and will dispose of containers holding alcohol. Guests who violate any alcohol policies may be disembarked or not allowed to board, at their own expense, in accordance with our Guest Conduct Policy.”
Brian also offers tips for saving money on ports days too.
If you want to find the bars with the cheapest drinks, the key is to follow the crew.
“Just go on to port, follow the crew and see where they are going,” he says.
“You can find the bars and restaurants that are fantastic that might not be.”