Cruises are meant for relaxing, having fun, and even enjoying good alcohol while on the open sea!
Unfortunately, alcohol on cruise ships can be expensive. Some passengers therefore decide to take a few bottles with them while embarking.
This practice is not always allowed. Some cruises have stricter policies, while others are more accommodating.
Since there can be confusion among different cruise lines, I decided to create an easy-to-understand list with the most important information about the alcohol policies of the major cruise lines.
All Alcohol Policies
Azamara Cruises
Alcohol Policy: Guests are permitted to bring liquor, beer, and wine for private enjoyment as well as in any shipboard restaurant, bar, or dining venue.
- Extra Fees: A corkage fee of $10 per bottle is applied for consuming personal alcohol in any public space onboard.
Carnival Cruise Line
Alcohol Policy: Each passenger may bring one bottle of sealed wine or champagne at embarkation. Beer or spirits for personal consumption are not permitted. Alcoholic purchases from ports of call are stored by the ship and delivered to cabins on the last sailing day.
- Extra Fees: A corkage fee of $15 per bottle is applied in the main dining room, steakhouse, and bars for personal wine or champagne.
Celebrity Cruises
Alcohol Policy: Only two bottles of wine per cabin are allowed at embarkation, no beer or spirits. Alcoholic beverages bought in ports or onboard shops are stored until the last day.
- Extra Fees: A $25 corkage fee per bottle for wine consumption in public areas.
Costa Cruises
Alcohol Policy: Alcohol cannot be brought onboard at embarkation. Alcohol purchased in port or the ship’s duty-free shop is stored until the cruise ends.
- Extra Fees: Not applicable.
Cunard Line
Alcohol Policy: One bottle of wine or champagne per person is allowed at embarkation. There’s no restriction on alcohol brought onboard at ports of call.
- Extra Fees: A $25 corkage fee per bottle for consumption in onboard restaurants.
Disney Cruise Line
Alcohol Policy: Guests may bring two bottles of sealed wine or champagne, or 6 beers (no more than 12 oz.) in carry-on at embarkation and each port of call. Liquor or spirits will be stored until the cruise ends.
- Extra Fees: A $25 corkage fee in dining rooms and restaurants.
Holland America Line
Alcohol Policy: One bottle of wine or champagne is allowed in carry-on at embarkation. Additional bottles can be brought onboard with an $18 fee, regardless of consumption location, or stored until the cruise ends without a fee.
- Extra Fees: No corkage fee for the first bottle if consumed in the stateroom. An $18 corkage fee applies to additional bottles.
MSC Cruises
Alcohol Policy: No alcohol is allowed at embarkation. Alcohol bought in port or the duty-free shop is stored until the cruise ends.
- Extra Fees: Not applicable.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Alcohol Policy: Sealed bottles of wine and champagne are allowed. Other alcohol is not permitted at embarkation. Alcohol purchased in port or onboard is stored until the cruise ends.
- Extra Fees: A corkage fee of $15 for 750 ml bottles and $30 for 1,500 ml bottles.
Oceania Cruises
Alcohol Policy: Guests can bring six sealed bottles of wine or champagne per stateroom, including purchases in port. Special allowances for world cruises.
- Extra Fees: A $25 corkage fee per bottle for consumption in public areas.
Princess Cruises
Alcohol Policy: Passengers are allowed one bottle of wine or champagne per person at embarkation. Purchased alcoholic beverages are stored until the last day.
- Extra Fees: A $20 corkage fee for public consumption.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Alcohol Policy: Spirits, wine, and champagne are permitted onboard.
- Extra Fees: None.
Royal Caribbean International
Alcohol Policy: Two bottles of wine or champagne per stateroom are allowed. Beer or spirits are not permitted. Purchased alcohol is stored until the cruise ends.
- Extra Fees: A $15 corkage fee per bottle in public areas.
Seabourn
Alcohol Policy: Wine and champagne are permitted onboard. No limit on the number of bottles, but port regulations may apply.
- Extra Fees: None.
Silversea
Alcohol Policy: Guests can bring spirits, wine, and champagne onboard.
- Extra Fees: None.
Viking Ocean
Alcohol Policy: Spirits, wine, beer, and champagne can be brought onboard without limitations, including at embarkation and ports. Beer and wine are included with lunch and dinner.
- Extra Fees: None.
The Alcohol Policy can change quickly
I want to clarify that this guide intends to help you navigate the varying policies of cruise lines regarding bringing and consuming your alcohol onboard.
Policies can change quickly. Although this article is often updated, it’s always wise to check directly with your cruise line for the most recent guidelines and fees.
Although it’s not something I recommend, do you know that there are methods to sneak alcohol on a cruise ship?
