The short answer
Policies vary by cruise line, but a common pattern is that wine or champagne in limited amounts may be allowed onboard, often with a corkage fee if you drink it in a venue. Beer and spirits are usually not allowed in carry-on luggage. Alcohol bought in port or at duty-free shops is commonly held by the ship until the end of the cruise. Rules change, so always check your cruise line’s current policy.
Wine and champagne policies
Many lines allow guests of legal drinking age to bring a limited number of 750 mL bottles of wine or champagne. The number may be per adult or per cabin, and often has to be in carry-on luggage and subject to screening. Some lines do not allow any at all. A few lines also sell wine packages that you can pre-order for delivery to your cabin.
Corkage fees
If you take your own wine into a restaurant or bar, the ship may charge a corkage fee per bottle. Drinking a bottle in your cabin may have no fee, though policies differ. Corkage fees can be different for standard bottles and larger ones.
Beer, spirits and soft drinks
Beer, liquor and other alcohol are generally prohibited in carry-on and checked luggage on most lines, and crew may confiscate them at embarkation, to return them at the end of the trip. Some lines allow a limited quantity of sealed soft drinks or water, while others prohibit them. Water for medical devices or infant formula is often allowed. Check your line’s policy.
Alcohol bought in port or duty-free
When you buy alcohol in port, or at the ship’s duty-free shop, most lines hold it for you. It is typically delivered to your cabin near the end of the cruise. This policy is meant to prevent guests from drinking alcohol that was not bought onboard. Keep your receipt, and ask about the pickup process.
Policy examples by line
One travel-agency guide listed these policies at the time it was written, which may now be out of date:
- Carnival: one 750 mL bottle of wine or champagne per adult, with a $15 corkage fee at bars and restaurants.
- Disney: two 750 mL bottles of wine or champagne, or a six-pack of beer, per adult, with a $25 corkage fee.
- Holland America: wine or champagne allowed, with the first bottle exempt from corkage and a $20 fee for additional bottles.
- Norwegian: wine or champagne allowed with a corkage fee, and other alcohol not allowed.
- MSC: no alcohol allowed at embarkation, with port and duty-free purchases held until the end.
- Princess: one bottle of wine or champagne per adult, with a $15 corkage fee at dinner.
- Royal Caribbean: limited wine or champagne per cabin, with a $15 corkage fee that may apply, and no other alcohol.
These figures are examples, not current rules. Confirm with your cruise line.
Packing tips
- Pack wine in carry-on, in a protective sleeve, if the line allows it.
- Check the minimum drinking age rules for your cruise line and itinerary.
- Keep receipts for port purchases.
- Expect bag checks, and do not try to hide prohibited items. Breaking the rules can lead to confiscation or other penalties.
Related reading
If you would rather buy onboard, see are there any free drinks on Royal Caribbean to learn what is included, and what’s included on a cruise for a full picture.