Mason Delacroix
Alcohol policies vary depending on the cruise line. Some cruise lines, such as Azamara, Regent Cruises, and Seabourn cruises, allow passengers to bring their own alcohol without restrictions. Other cruise lines, such as Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Cunard, Disney cruises, and Royal Caribbean Cruises, allow passengers to bring a limited quantity of alcohol, typically one sealed and unopened 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne per person in their carry-on luggage. Some cruise lines charge a corkage fee for consuming personal alcohol in dining venues or bars. It is important to carefully read and understand the alcohol policies of your chosen cruise line to avoid any issues during security checks and boarding.
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What You'll Learn
Rules vary by cruise line
The rules and regulations regarding carrying alcohol onboard a cruise ship vary by cruise line. It is important to read the rules for your specific ship before attempting to bring alcohol on board. Some cruise lines, such as Azamara, allow passengers to bring their own liquor, beer, or wine for consumption in their suites or cabins without any additional charges. On the other hand, cruise lines like Royal Caribbean allow passengers to bring only one 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne per person on embarkation day, and beer or hard liquor is prohibited.
Other cruise lines have different restrictions and allowances. For example, Celebrity Cruises allows passengers to bring two bottles of wine or champagne (up to 750 ml each) per cabin, but beer and spirits are not allowed. Cunard has a similar policy, allowing one bottle of wine or champagne per adult but prohibiting beer or liquor. Disney cruises are more lenient, permitting two bottles of wine or champagne or six beers per adult on embarkation day and at each port of call.
It is worth noting that some cruise lines charge a corkage fee if you consume your own alcohol in dining venues or bars. These fees can range from $10 to $25 per bottle. Additionally, some cruise lines will store any additional alcohol you bring on board and return it to you at the end of your cruise. This is a common practice for alcohol purchased at ports or duty-free shops.
It is important to comply with the cruise line's policies to avoid any issues during security checks and boarding. Some cruise lines may confiscate prohibited items, while others may deny boarding altogether for violating their alcohol policies.
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Corkage fees
For example, Royal Caribbean charges a $15 corkage fee for guests who consume their personal wine or champagne in public areas. Similarly, Carnival Cruise Line charges a $15 corkage fee for guests who wish to consume their 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne in the main dining room, specialty restaurant, or bar. On the other hand, Celebrity Cruises charges a $25 corkage fee for drinking outside the cabin, and Cunard Cruise Line charges a $20 corkage fee for wine or champagne consumed in public areas.
Some cruise lines, such as Azamara, allow guests to bring their own liquor, beer, or wine for consumption in their suites or cabins without incurring a corkage fee. However, if guests wish to drink their own alcohol in a public area, a corkage fee will typically apply. For example, Azamara charges a $10 corkage fee for drinking in a dining venue or bar, while Scenic Cruises allows alcohol in the guest's suite but prohibits consumption in public areas.
It is important to note that corkage fees are typically applied to each additional bottle consumed in public areas, regardless of the size or type of alcohol. The first bottle brought on board by each passenger is generally not subject to a corkage fee if consumed in the stateroom. Additionally, any alcohol purchased during shore excursions or at the ship's gift shop will be stored and returned to the guest on the last day of the cruise.
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Drinking age restrictions
It is important to note that some cruise lines have stricter policies, and the minimum drinking age may be uniformly set at 21 for all North America sailings, even for cruises departing from Canada, where the legal drinking age varies between 18 and 19. Additionally, some cruise lines may require individuals below the drinking age limit to share a cabin with someone above the age limit or be married/serving in the military.
To avoid any confusion or disappointment, it is always best to check the specific policies of your chosen cruise line regarding drinking age restrictions. These policies are typically outlined on the cruise line's website or in their terms and conditions. By reviewing these details in advance, you can ensure that you are aware of any age-related restrictions and make informed decisions regarding your cruise vacation.
Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that cruise lines have strict policies regarding the consumption of alcohol by minors. For example, Royal Caribbean Cruises explicitly states that guests who violate any alcohol policies, including providing alcohol to people under the legal drinking age, may be disembarked or not allowed to board at their own expense. Therefore, it is essential to adhere to the drinking age restrictions enforced by the cruise line to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all passengers.
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Confiscation of alcohol
If passengers attempt to bring more alcohol than is permitted or try to sneak alcohol in unapproved containers, their alcohol will likely be confiscated by security. This is due to the sophisticated scanning technology used by cruise ships, which can detect even well-concealed alcohol. In some cases, passengers may be allowed to retrieve their confiscated alcohol at the end of the voyage if it is still in its original sealed package. However, this is not always guaranteed, and passengers may be faced with financial repercussions, such as having to pay non-discounted prices for beverages during their cruise.
Additionally, violating alcohol policies can result in other consequences beyond confiscation. Passengers who are found to be providing alcohol to minors, demonstrating irresponsible behaviour, or attempting to conceal alcoholic items may be disembarked or denied boarding altogether, at their own expense. It is important for passengers to comply with the specific policies of their chosen cruise line to avoid any potential issues.
While some passengers may be tempted to sneak alcohol onboard to save money, it is important to weigh the potential risks and consequences. Getting caught can result in financial losses and unnecessary stress during what should be a relaxing vacation. Therefore, it is generally recommended to abide by the cruise line's policies and pay any applicable corkage fees if you wish to consume your own alcohol.
Overall, confiscation of alcohol is a common occurrence on cruise ships, and it is important for passengers to be aware of the potential consequences of attempting to bring unauthorized alcohol onboard. By understanding the policies and restrictions of their chosen cruise line, passengers can make informed decisions and ensure a smooth and enjoyable cruising experience.
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Non-alcoholic beverages
Beverage policies vary among cruise lines and may change without notice. For example, while Royal Caribbean does not allow beer, liquor, or non-alcoholic beverages to be brought on board, guests on Carnival Cruise Line are allowed to carry a maximum of 12 sealed 12-ounce cans or cartons of non-alcoholic beverages such as sodas, juices, milk, or sparkling water. Similarly, Princess Cruises allows a maximum of 12 sealed, unopened cans/cartons of non-alcoholic beverages.
On the other hand, Norwegian Cruise Line prohibits its guests from bringing any beverages on board, with the exception of carrying bottles of wine or champagne, as well as factory-sealed purified or distilled water for medical devices or infant formula. MSC Cruises also does not allow any alcoholic beverages to be brought on board at embarkation.
It is important to note that some cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean, will store additional bottles of alcohol purchased on board or at ports of call and deliver them to the stateroom at the end of the voyage. This is also the case for Carnival Cruise Line, which stores alcohol purchased in ports for safekeeping until the end of the voyage.
Most cruise lines allow guests to bring small, personal-sized coolers no larger than 12" x 12" x 12" for carrying small quantities of non-alcoholic beverages and/or medications. However, large coolers are prohibited due to security concerns.
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Frequently asked questions
The rules vary by cruise line. Some allow only one bottle of wine or champagne per person, while others allow two bottles per cabin. Beer and spirits are often prohibited. It's important to read the rules for your specific ship.
Yes, the minimum age for purchasing and consuming alcoholic beverages on a cruise ship is typically 21 years. Cruise lines may request ID before selling alcohol and reserve the right to refuse sales.
Yes, on embarkation day, guests of drinking age may bring one sealed 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne per person in their carry-on luggage. Non-alcoholic beverages are also allowed but must be in limited quantities and packaged in cans or cartons.
Alcoholic beverages that are not allowed may be confiscated and discarded. Guests who violate alcohol policies may be disembarked or not allowed to board at their own expense.
