Norwegian: No boarding with booze, other drinks

Another cruise line is prohibiting travelers from lugging and chugging their own booze and beverages aboard its vessels.

Miami-based Norwegian Cruise Line has announced a ban on bringing aboard liquor, beer and nonalcoholic drinks, including water, soda and juice, in carry-on and checked bags.

In an email statement last week, the cruise line said it adopted the new rule to speed up the embarkation process and “ensure a safe and enjoyable onboard environment for all.”

“The inspection of large volumes of beverages has an impact on the embarkation process and security resources,” Norwegian said on its website. “This modified policy will now bring us in line with other travel industry procedures for transporting beverages and allow security personnel to focus on other screening efforts and not (be) individually inspecting all beverages being brought onboard.”

The ban also applies when passengers are returning to cruise ships from port calls.

Norwegian’s beverage ban includes bottled, boxed and canned drinks. However, there are a few exceptions: Passengers can bring aboard purified or distilled water in factory-sealed containers for use in medical devices or infant formula preparation, the cruise operator said. Passengers should inform the cruise line of their medical needs before sailing, while those traveling with infants need to advise security during boarding that they’re carrying water for formula purposes, Norwegian said.