Can I Bring Wine or Alcohol on a Cruise? The Complete Policy Guide
The alcohol bring-aboard policy is one of the most Googled cruise questions — and for good reason. Onboard drink prices are significant, and bringing your favorite bottle can make a real difference. Here's what's allowed at every major cruise line.
The Standard Wine/Champagne Policy
Most mainstream cruise lines follow this general policy:
- **1 bottle of wine or champagne (750ml) per adult** in carry-on luggage at embarkation - Consumed in the cabin only (drinking outside beverages in restaurants or public areas typically incurs a corkage fee of $15–$25) - Hard liquor from home is NOT permitted - Beer from home is generally NOT permitted
This covers: Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Celebrity, Princess, and MSC.
Alcohol Policies by Cruise Line
**Carnival:** Each guest 21+ may bring 1 bottle of wine or champagne (750ml) in carry-on at embarkation.
**Royal Caribbean:** Each guest 21+ may bring 2 bottles of wine or champagne (750ml) in carry-on at embarkation.
**Norwegian Cruise Line:** 1 bottle of wine or champagne (750ml) per adult in carry-on.
**Celebrity Cruises:** 2 bottles of wine or champagne per stateroom in carry-on.
**Princess Cruises:** 1 bottle of wine or champagne (750ml) per adult in carry-on.
**Disney Cruise Line:** 2 bottles of wine/champagne per stateroom plus 6 beers (12 oz cans) at embarkation — the most generous mainstream policy.
**MSC Cruises:** No outside alcohol permitted.
What Happens to Prohibited Alcohol?
If you pack prohibited alcohol (hard liquor, beer on lines that don't allow it, or amounts over the limit), it will be confiscated during baggage screening at embarkation. In most cases, it's stored and returned on the last evening of your sailing — you don't lose it permanently.
However, some lines (particularly on islands with strict customs) have different policies. Don't risk it — follow your cruise line's policy.
Corkage Fees
If you want to enjoy your bottle of wine in a dining venue rather than your cabin, most cruise lines charge a corkage fee: - Typically $15–$25 per bottle - Covers the cost of glassware and service - Some restaurants waive corkage on formal nights
For casual cabin consumption, no corkage fee applies.
Can I buy alcohol at a port and bring it back on the ship?
Most cruise lines allow you to purchase alcohol at ports, but it will be stored by the cruise line and returned to you on the last evening of the cruise. You cannot consume it in your cabin during the sailing.
What is a beverage package and is it worth it?
A beverage package provides unlimited alcoholic drinks at a fixed daily rate ($60–$100/person/day). It's worth it if you'd normally have 5+ alcoholic drinks per day. Do the math for your drinking habits before purchasing.
Can I bring my own wine glasses?
Yes. Wine glasses are available in your cabin upon request from your steward, but bringing lightweight travel wine glasses is a nice touch for balcony sunsets.