Does the Cruise Industry Have a Drinking Problem?
The expression “booze cruise” doesn’t just exist because it’s a convenient rhyme. From Champagne Brunches to happy hours to all-you-can-drink packages, there’s certainly no shortage of alcohol aboard cruise ships. But all the libations can be problematic, with intoxicated passengers more likely to get into an accident due to poor judgment, lack of coordination, or even manipulative crew members.
Here’s a quick look at how the culture of cruises has led to excessive drinking and associated accidents.
Drinking is an Expectation on Many Cruises
Cruise ships are vacation vessels, and for many passengers, letting loose and drinking is what they plan to do on their vacation. Cruise lines know that people want to drink on their ships, and they often take advantage of this by significantly marking up their beverage prices or even offering an all-you-can-drink package. (Carnival defends their all-you-can-drink