Which Cruise Lines Allow You To Bring Alcohol Onboard
Typically, most cruise lines make a lot of their money from their alcoholic drinks and packages.
In fact, many cruise lines offer very budget-friendly room fares because the profit is in the extras, like casinos, food, and beverages.
But these drink packages can get pricey for some, and if you can bring your own alcohol on a cruise, why wouldn’t you?
But can you bring alcohol on board? And if so, which cruise lines allow it?
Which Cruise Lines Allow You To Bring Alcohol Onboard
Most major cruise lines permit guests to bring a limited quantity of alcohol on board, but there are two exceptions: Costa and MSC cruises, which prohibit all alcohol from being brought on board.
Most of the major cruise lines do allow you to bring on small amounts of alcohol on a cruise ship, but there are limits.
This makes many people want to sneak alcohol onboard. However, it’s quite risky and can be confiscated (or worse, fined.)
Cruise Line Alcohol Policies
Carnival Cruise allows passengers to bring one bottle of 750ml wine or champagne per person. However, you’re not permitted to bring spirits, hard liquors, or beers onboard. Pack your wine with care and remember to adhere to these limitations.
Princess Cruises has a similar policy to Carnival Cruise, permitting their guests to bring one bottle of wine or champagne per person. To ensure smooth sailing, check their updated policy before embarking on your trip.
Cunard Line guests are allowed one bottle of wine or champagne per person at embarkation; liquor isn’t permitted. Unlike the fare-inclusive luxury lines, Cunard does restrict what you bring back from port — wine, spirits, or beer purchased ashore is held by the ship and delivered to your stateroom on the last night, not brought on freely as you go.
Luxury lines take different approaches to alcohol. Seabourn allows unlimited wine and champagne to be brought onboard with no corkage fee. Regent Seven Seas and Viking Ocean Cruises include alcohol in the fare, so there’s little need to bring your own. Silversea is stricter than the others: it caps guests at one bottle of wine per person and charges a corkage fee if it’s consumed outside your suite.
You can satisfy your cravings and enjoy a drink whenever desired on these high-end cruises without worrying about their alcohol policies.
On the other hand, MSC Cruises has a stricter policy, not allowing any alcohol in guests’ luggage during the embarkation process, without exceptions. It’s crucial to be aware of their rules before setting sail.
Each cruise line has specific rules about bringing alcohol onboard. It is important to remember these policies while packing and purchasing beverages during your trip.
A friendly reminder to always drink responsibly and enjoy your cruise vacation!
Cruise Lines Allowing Alcohol Onboard
Carnival Cruise Line
When you sail with Carnival Cruise Line, you can bring one 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne per adult (21 years or older) in your carry-on luggage, on embarkation day only.
If you consume your wine in a public area or dining venue, a $15 corkage fee applies (it’s free in your stateroom). You can’t bring beer, spirits, or fortified wines like port and sherry onboard — anything over 15% ABV is prohibited.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian doesn’t set a hard limit on how many bottles of wine or champagne you can bring — but there’s a catch: a corkage fee applies to every bottle, wherever it’s consumed, including in your own stateroom. It’s $15 per 750 ml bottle and $30 per 1.5-liter magnum.
The fee is waived if you have a drink package. Boxed wine and any other alcohol type (beer, spirits) aren’t allowed.
Princess Cruises
As a guest on a Princess Cruise, you may bring one 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne per adult (of legal drinking age) per voyage in your carry-on luggage, free of charge if consumed in your stateroom.
If you enjoy it in a public venue, a $20 corkage fee applies — and any additional bottles beyond the first incur that same $20 fee regardless of where you drink them. Beer, spirits, and liquor aren’t permitted.
Disney Cruise Line
As of June 2026, Disney Cruise Line’s policy is more limited than it used to be: guests 21 and older (18 on Singapore round-trips) may bring one 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne, or a six-pack of beer, per adult, in carry-on luggage at the start of the voyage — down from the previous two-bottle allowance.
If you want to drink your wine or champagne in the dining rooms, a corkage fee of $20 per bottle applies (recently lowered from $29). Spirits still aren’t allowed onboard, and alcohol bought in port is now held by the ship until the last night of the cruise rather than being available immediately.
Alcohol Policies and Restrictions
Quantity Limits
When it comes to bringing alcohol on a cruise ship, there are usually limits on the quantity you’re allowed to bring.
For example, Carnival Cruise allows guests to bring on one bottle of 750ml wine or champagne per person.
However, they don’t allow guests to bring spirits, hard liquors, or beers onboard. These policies can vary by cruise line, so be sure to check your specific cruise’s rules and guidelines.
Types of Alcoholic Beverages
Different cruise lines may have different policies regarding the types of alcoholic beverages you are allowed to bring onboard.
Some may only permit wine and champagne, while others could restrict all types of alcohol. Here’s what you need to know:
- Wine and Champagne: Many cruise lines, such as Carnival Cruise and Princess Cruises, often permit guests to bring one bottle of wine or champagne per person at embarkation.
- Beer: Cruise lines typically don’t allow guests to bring beer onboard. It’s a good idea to double-check your specific cruise’s policy before trying to bring beer along.
- Spirits and Hard Liquors: These types of alcoholic beverages are often not permitted on cruise ships. However, some luxury cruise lines may have more lenient policies.
Always check your specific cruise’s alcohol policy before packing to ensure compliance with their rules and guidelines.
Corkage Fees
Corkage fees might apply if you bring your own wine or champagne onboard and want to enjoy it in the ship’s dining rooms or other venues. These fees help cover the costs associated with opening and serving the bottles.
Corkage fees can vary by cruise line, so it’s essential to be aware of the specific fees before embarking on your journey. While some cruise lines may not charge corkage fees at all, others might waive them under certain circumstances.
While you may be able to bring a limited amount of alcohol onboard certain cruise ships, the policies and restrictions vary depending on the cruise line and the specific type of alcohol.
Be sure to research your chosen cruise’s alcohol policy in advance, and keep the quantity limits, allowed types of alcoholic beverages, and potential corkage fees in mind as you prepare for your vacation.
Packing Tips for Alcohol Carry-On
Safety Guidelines
Before packing your alcohol, make sure to check the specific policies of the cruise line you’re traveling with.
Most cruise lines allow a limited amount of alcohol to be carried on board, but some may have stricter policies. When packing alcohol, prioritize safety by ensuring all containers are tightly sealed to prevent leaks.
Remember that some cruise lines may have fees or limits on the amount of alcohol you can bring on board. For example, Seabourn allows you to bring onboard unlimited wine and champagne for personal consumption with no corkage fee, whereas Windstar Cruises allows two bottles of wine or champagne per person (three on cruises of eight nights or longer) but doesn’t permit beer or liquor.
Proper Containers
Knowing the proper way to pack alcohol can help ensure a smooth embarkation process. Utilizing the proper containers will prevent breakage and spillage. Here are some tips for packing alcohol safely and efficiently:
- Use padded bottle protectors: These are specifically designed to keep bottles safe during transport. They come in various sizes and can be purchased or fashioned at home with bubble wrap and some tape.
- Plastic or metal containers: If you’re bringing bottled alcohol, consider transferring it to a sturdy, lightweight plastic or metal container to avoid breakage. This is especially helpful when packing alcohol in your luggage, where bottles might be subjected to rough handling.
- Limitations on carry-on luggage: Be aware of the limitations imposed by your cruise line on the size and type of carry-on luggage allowed on board. Some cruise lines, like Royal Caribbean, allow guests to bring a 12-pack of nonalcoholic beverages in cans or bottles.
- Stash smaller bottles: For those looking to pack smaller quantities, you can use travel-size bottles (less than 3 ounces) and store them in a quart-size transparent bag. Remember, this should comply with the cruise line’s alcohol policies and follow safety guidelines.
Alternative Options
Purchasing Alcohol Packages
If your cruise line doesn’t allow you to bring alcohol onboard or limits the amount you can bring, consider purchasing an alcohol package.
Many cruise lines offer various drink packages tailored to different preferences and budgets.
These packages typically include a fixed price per day, allowing you to enjoy unlimited alcoholic beverages throughout the cruise.
To figure out which package suits you best, consider your drinking habits and the duration of the cruise.
Cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian Cruise Line offer well-rounded drink packages that range from basic beer and wine selections to more premium options, covering a diverse range of cocktails, spirits, and top-shelf liquors.
Be sure to read the terms and conditions of the package you choose, as some may have restrictions on sharing or where you can consume the drinks.
Buying Alcohol in Ports of Call
Another option to enjoy your favorite alcoholic beverages while on a cruise is buying alcohol during your ports of call stops.
You can find local liquor stores or markets at most destinations and purchase a variety of alcohol selections, often at more affordable prices than on the ship.
However, be aware of your cruise line’s policy for bringing alcohol onboard from ports of call. Some lines may allow you to bring limited quantities of wine but retain other types of alcohol until the end of the cruise.
For instance, MSC Cruises does not allow alcohol to be brought onboard during embarkation, and any alcohol purchased at the port will be held until the end of the cruise.
Other lines, like Royal Caribbean, allow guests to bring one bottle of wine per person but restrict beer and hard liquors. Always check your cruise line’s policy before making any purchases ashore.
Although some cruise lines may limit the amount of alcohol you can bring onboard, alternative options like purchasing alcohol packages or buying alcohol during ports of call can still allow you to enjoy your preferred beverages while cruising.
Just remember to stay informed about your specific cruise line’s policy and have fun responsibly.
What Happens To Alcohol I’ve Purchased In The Onboard Shops?
In most cases, the cruise lines won’t allow you to take the alcohol purchased in the shops directly to your stateroom.
Onboard most cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean, any alcoholic beverages you purchase from the onboard shops will be stored by the ship and delivered to your stateroom on the last day of your sailing.
This is to ensure the responsible consumption of alcohol and maintain a comfortable atmosphere for all passengers.
It’s worth noting that alcohol purchased at a port or at duty-free shops during your cruise will also be held by the ship until the last day of your sailing.
For example, Costa Cruises doesn’t allow passengers to bring alcohol onboard, and any bottles purchased ashore or at the duty-free shop will be held until the end of the cruise.
The alcohol policies for different cruise lines can vary, with some more lenient than others. Luxury cruise lines may even include alcohol in the price of their cruise fare.
When planning your cruise, it’s always helpful to review the specific alcohol policy for the cruise line you’ll be sailing with, so you’re aware of any restrictions or fees that may apply.
Cruise lines want you to purchase their drinking packages and getting caught sneaking alcohol isn’t worth the hassle.
