Is it permissible to bring alcohol on a cruise ship? A comprehensive guide

It’s no secret that cruise lines profit significantly from selling beverages to their guests — often at steep prices. Consequently, many first-time cruisers are curious about the possibility of bringing their own alcohol aboard. The answer depends on the cruise line, but generally, it can be both permitted and prohibited.

When a cruise line does permit alcohol — typically just wine or Champagne for mainstream lines — there are usually restrictions on the quantity and size of bottles, along with corkage fees for consuming outside your cabin (usually ranging from $10 to $25 per bottle).

If you're allowed to bring one or two bottles, you’ll need to carry them onboard instead of placing them in your checked luggage. So, if you're flying to the port and wish to bring alcohol from home rather than buying it at the port, you’ll have to switch your drinks from your checked bag to your carry-on.

On luxury vessels, you might enjoy the freedom to bring as many bottles as you wish and even restock your supply at various ports of call. Don’t forget to pick up some Bordeaux while in Bordeaux!

Typically, the regulations for bringing your own alcohol apply to guests aged 21 and over. All bottles must be unopened and properly sealed.

If you believe you can easily sneak alcohol onto a cruise ship using a flask, mouthwash bottle, or any other container, think again. Cruise lines are well aware of such tactics. If you're caught, your container will be confiscated and disposed of, and you might be barred from boarding.

Alcohol bought at the ship's duty-free shops will be stored for you and returned at the end of your journey.

With this in mind, here’s a detailed overview of the policies regarding bringing your own alcohol aboard cruise ships.

Azamara Cruises

You are allowed to bring your own liquor, beer, or wine for enjoyment in your Azamara suite or cabin without any fees. However, if you wish to consume your own bottle in a dining venue or bar, there is a $10 corkage charge. This also applies to alcohol bought at ports; any bottles from the duty-free shop will be stored until your cruise concludes.

Carnival Cruise Line

When boarding Carnival Cruise Line ships, passengers aged 21 and older can bring one 750-milliliter bottle of wine or Champagne (sealed and unopened) per person, provided it is in their carry-on luggage. A corkage fee of $15 applies if you consume your bottle outside your cabin. Any rum or alcohol purchased in port will be held for you until the last night of your cruise, similar to duty-free items bought on board, which you will collect in a designated lounge before disembarking.

Celebrity Cruises

On Celebrity Cruises ships, you are permitted to bring two bottles of wine or Champagne (up to 750 milliliters each) per cabin during embarkation. However, beer and spirits are prohibited. A corkage fee of $25 applies if you wish to consume your wine or Champagne in the restaurants or bars. Any alcohol purchased at port or from the onboard duty-free shop will be stored until the final day of your cruise.

Cunard Line

For Cunard, the allowance is one bottle of wine or Champagne per adult, with no beer or liquor permitted. If you drink your wine or Champagne in a dining venue, there is a $25 corkage fee. Alcohol bought at ports is held until the last night of the cruise and returned then.

Disney Cruise Line

On Disney cruises, passengers are permitted to bring beer, wine, or Champagne on embarkation day and at each port of call. The limit is two bottles of wine or Champagne (maximum 750 milliliters each) or six beers (up to 12 ounces each) per adult in your carry-on. While you cannot consume alcohol in lounges or public areas, you can bring your bottles to the dining rooms for a corkage fee of $27. Any additional alcohol brought on board will be stored until the end of the cruise.

Holland America Line

Adults 21 and older on Holland America Line can carry on bottles of wine or Champagne, but a corkage fee of $20 per bottle applies, even if consumed in your cabin. While the policy doesn't specify a maximum number of bottles, cruise officials have the authority to determine if you're carrying too many and may require you to check some until the end of the cruise. Beer, liquor, and boxed wine are not permitted.

You may bring wine from ports, but other liquor purchases will be kept until the end of the cruise. Additionally, one bottle of wine per person is exempt from the $20 corkage fee if it’s purchased during a winery visit organized through Holland America.

MSC Cruises

Guests are not allowed to bring any alcohol on board during embarkation for MSC cruises, and any alcohol bought at ports or in duty-free shops will be stored until the end of the cruise.

Norwegian Cruise Line

On Norwegian Cruise Line voyages, you can bring wine or Champagne, including magnum bottles up to 1,500 milliliters, with no limit on the quantity. Corkage fees vary from $15 to $30 depending on bottle size, even for consumption in your cabin. Passengers with beverage packages do not incur corkage fees.

However, no liquor, beer, or boxed wine is permitted on board. Such items, along with duty-free purchases, will be held until the last night of the cruise or the morning of disembarkation.

Oceania Cruises

At embarkation, you can bring up to six bottles of wine or Champagne per cabin on Oceania cruises (or 60 bottles for world cruises). Additionally, you may bring bottles bought during port visits. If you consume your bottles in public areas, a corkage fee of $25 per bottle applies. Any beer or liquor brought on board or purchased in port will be stored until the cruise ends, including wine and Champagne bought at ports.

Princess Cruises

While you can't bring beer or liquor on board, each adult passenger aged 21 and older is permitted to bring one bottle of wine or Champagne (750 milliliters) free of corkage fees if consumed in your cabin. If you drink it in a restaurant or lounge, a $20 corkage fee will apply. You can bring additional bottles on Princess Cruises, but they will incur a $20 corkage fee regardless of where they are consumed. Purchases made in port will be held until the cruise concludes.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Adults can bring alcohol on Regent cruises without any restrictions or corkage fees.

Royal Caribbean

Every passenger of legal drinking age on Royal Caribbean is allowed to bring one 750-milliliter bottle of wine or Champagne in their carry-on luggage. Beer and liquor are not permitted. If you choose to drink your bottle in the dining room, a $15 corkage fee applies. Any additional bottles declared or purchased in ports or at onboard duty-free shops will be stored until the cruise ends.

Seabourn Cruise Line

You are welcome to bring spirits, wine, and Champagne on board without any corkage fees or limits on Seabourn cruises.

Silversea Cruises

You can bring wine and liquor for your personal enjoyment both on embarkation day and during port visits. Silversea imposes no limits and no corkage fees.

Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking places no restrictions on quantities and does not charge corkage fees, allowing you to bring wine, Champagne, beer, and liquor on board.

Virgin Voyages

Guests on Virgin Voyages can bring two bottles of wine, sparkling wine, or Champagne (up to 750 milliliters each) per cabin in their carry-on. Beer and liquor are not permitted. A $25 corkage fee applies for bottles consumed outside your cabin; however, if you have a bar tab, it can cover these fees. Any alcohol brought in checked luggage or not following the policy will be stored until the cruise ends. Additionally, bottles bought in port will also be held until the last night.

Windstar Cruises

Bringing beer or liquor on board Windstar cruises is not allowed. Passengers may bring up to two bottles of wine or Champagne (maximum 750 milliliters each) per cabin on embarkation day, or three bottles if the cruise lasts more than a week. A corkage fee of $15 (plus a 15% gratuity) is charged if the alcohol is consumed outside your cabin. Any alcohol purchased at ports will be stored until the end of the cruise.