Alcohol policies on cruise ships: What you need to know

Cruising is one of the most popular ways to vacation, offering a mix of relaxation, entertainment, and adventure. For many travelers, enjoying a glass of wine on their balcony or a cocktail by the pool is part of the experience.

However, each cruise line has its own rules and regulations regarding alcohol. Knowing these policies in advance can save you from unexpected surprises or extra fees.

Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know about bringing, consuming, and purchasing alcohol on cruise ships.

Can you bring alcohol on a cruise?

The short answer is yes, but the rules vary by cruise line.

Most cruise lines allow guests to bring a limited amount of wine or champagne, but restrictions apply to other types of alcohol. Here are the alcohol policies of some major cruise lines:

Carnival Cruise Line

• Guests (21 and older) can bring one 750ml bottle of sealed/unopened wine or champagne per person during embarkation. This must be in their carry-on luggage.
• The cruise line prohibits liquor, beer, and other alcohol.
• Guests will be charged a $15 corkage fee if they consume wine or champagne in the main dining room, specialty restaurant, or onboard bar.
• Read the full policy here.

Royal Caribbean

• Guests (21 and older) may bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne per person at embarkation. The cruise line prohibits boxed wine and other containers. These must be in your carry-on luggage.
• The cruise line prohibits beer, hard liquor, and seltzer.
• A corkage fee ($15) will apply if personal wine or champagne is consumed in a public area onboard.
• Read the full policy here.

Norwegian Cruise Line

• Guests (21 and older) can bring fully sealed and/or corked wine or champagne.
• The cruise line prohibits all other alcoholic beverages, including liquor and beer.
• A corkage fee ($15-$30 per bottle) regardless of where it is consumed. Boxed wines are not allowed.
• Read the full policy here.

Disney Cruise Line

• Guests (21 and older) may bring two unopened 750ml bottles of wine or champagne or six 12-ounce beers. These must be in carry-on luggage.
• The cruise line prohibits all hard liquor.
• A corkage fee ($29) will be applied for wine and champagne opened in one of the dining rooms.
• Read the full policy here.

Celebrity Cruises

• Guests (21 and older) may bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne per person. This must be in a carry-on luggage.
• The corkage fee is $35, unless the guest has a Classic or Premium Beverage Package.
• Read the full policy here.

MSC Cruises

• MSC cruise line prohibits bringing alcohol onboard.

What about non-alcoholic drinks?

Many cruise lines allow you to bring a limited amount of non-alcoholic drinks on embarkation day. The rules vary by cruise line.

• Carnival Cruise Line: A guest can bring a maximum of 12 sealed, unopened cans or cartons (12 oz or less) of sparkling water, soda, energy drinks, juice, or milk per person. The cruise line doesn’t allow glass or plastic bottles. The drinks must be in the guest’s carry-on luggage.
• Royal Caribbean: Non-alcoholic beverages may not exceed 12 standard (17 oz) cans, bottles, or cartons per stateroom.
• Norwegian Cruise Line: Prohibits guests from bringing water, soda, or juice onboard.
• Disney Cruise Line: Guests can bring cans or bottles of soda onboard as long as they are sealed and in carry-on luggage.
• Celebrity Cruises: Guests can bring any non-alcoholic beverages on embarkation day.
• MSC Cruises: Prohibits non-alcoholic beverages of any kind.

Drinking age on cruise ships

The minimum drinking age on cruise ships depends on the cruise line and the itinerary.

For U.S.-based cruises, the drinking age is 21 years old for all alcoholic beverages. This applies to most cruises departing from U.S. ports.

Some cruise lines lower the drinking age to 18 years old for European or other international sailings, depending on local laws. It’s best to check the specific cruise line’s policy for your itinerary.

Purchasing alcohol after boarding the cruise

Once onboard, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to enjoy your favorite drinks. However, before you proceed, there are some important things to know.

Many cruise lines offer drink packages that include unlimited alcoholic beverages or a set number of drinks per day. Pricing varies, and packages can be a good value for those who plan to drink regularly. Be sure to read the fine print, as some packages exclude premium spirits or require all adults in a stateroom to purchase the same package (like Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line).

The ship typically holds alcohol purchased at onboard duty-free shops or ports of call until the end of the cruise. These items are delivered to your stateroom on the last evening or are available for pickup on the morning of disembarkation, depending on the cruise line.

Alcohol restrictions and penalties

Cruise lines take their alcohol policies seriously, and violating these rules can result in penalties.

Guests caught attempting to smuggle alcohol may face fines, confiscation of the alcohol, or even disembarkation. Cruise lines may also deny boarding if they suspect guests are bringing excessive alcohol onboard.

Any alcohol not permitted by the cruise line’s policy and found during embarkation will be confiscated. In most cases, the cruise line does not return these items.

Tips for navigating alcohol policies on a cruise ship

Understanding the alcohol policies of your cruise line helps ensure a more enjoyable and stress-free vacation. Whether you’re savoring a glass of wine at sunset or exploring unique cocktails at an onboard bar, following these guidelines will keep your trip smooth sailing.

• Read the fine print: Always check the specific alcohol policy of your cruise line before packing. Policies can vary even within the same cruise line depending on the itinerary.
• Bring wine stoppers: If you plan to bring wine or champagne onboard, pack a stopper to save unfinished bottles.
• Do not try and sneak on alcohol: It’s not worth the hassle, and the cruise line could permanently ban you if caught.
• Consider a drink package: If you’re a frequent drinker, a beverage package might save you money. Compare the cost of individual drinks versus the package price to decide.
• Be respectful: Adhering to the rules not only ensures a smoother experience for you but also for other guests and the crew.