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 during embarkation. Unlike Carnival Cruise or Princess Cruises, when you purchase wine, spirits, or beer during a port of call, there are no restrictions on bringing those items onboard.
Certain luxury cruise lines, such as Silversea, Seabourn, Viking Ocean Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas, allow unlimited alcohol onboard with no corkage fees.
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.
However, keep in mind that if you choose to consume your wine in a public area or dining venue, a corkage fee might apply. Unfortunately, you can’t bring any other types of alcohol like beer or spirits onboard.
Norwegian Cruise Line
For you wine enthusiasts cruising with Norwegian Cruise Line, you’re allowed to bring a maximum of two 750 ml bottles of wine or champagne per stateroom.
Just like Carnival, you might encounter corkage fees if you open your bottles outside of your stateroom. But, it is important to note that no other alcoholic beverages are allowed to be brought onboard.
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) in your carry-on luggage.
If you choose to enjoy your wine in a public venue, a corkage fee may apply. Unfortunately, no other types of alcoholic drinks are permitted to be brought onboard.
Disney Cruise Line
Setting sail with Disney Cruise Line gives you the freedom to bring two 750 ml bottles of wine or champagne per adult (21 years and older), or a six-pack of beer per person in your carry-on luggage.
However, it’s essential to remember that if you want to consume these in any public areas aboard the ship, a corkage fee may apply. Don’t worry too much about packing spirits, though, as they are not allowed to be brought onboard.
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, Silversea Cruises allows you to bring onboard wine and liquor for personal consumption without any limits or corkage fees, whereas Windstar Cruises doesn’t allow beer or liquor to be brought onboard.
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 stateroom 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.
