Cruising is one of the best vacation values available, with a cruise to fit every preference and budget. Small ships to large ships, inside staterooms to penthouse suites, and 3-night getaways to 116-day world cruises.

No matter your cruising style, one of the most controversial and highly debated subjects among passengers is that of cruise line alcohol policies. Most cruise lines consider alcohol a personal item, so it is not included in economical cruise fares. This also allows cruise lines to continue to produce comfortable accommodations and high quality entertainment.

Upscale, luxury lines tend to include spirits like wine and beer for a more all-inclusive, less nickel-and-dime experience - as the saying goes, you get what you pay for.

Can I bring alcohol onboard my cruise?

This is a frequently asked question we receive from our clients.

Cruise line alcohol policies vary by cruise line, and individual guidelines on what alcohol you are able to bring onboard the ship from outside, either on embarkation day or from a port of call.

All-Inclusive Cruise Lines - Alcohol Included

• Regent Seven Seas Cruises - Passengers are allowed to bring wine and liquor for consumption onboard upon embarkation day and when purchased in a port of call. However, alcoholic beverages, including fine wines and premium spirits, are complimentary. Ultra-premium wines and liquors are available for a nominal fee.
• Seabourn - Passengers are allowed to bring wine and liquor for consumption onboard upon embarkation day and when purchased in a port of call. However, alcoholic beverages, including fine wines and premium spirits, are complimentary. Ultra-premium wines and liquors are available for a nominal fee.
• Crystal Cruises - Passengers are allowed to bring wine and liquor for consumption onboard upon embarkation day and when purchased in a port of call. However, alcoholic beverages, including fine wines and premium spirits, open bar service in all lounges, and pre-paid gratuities for bar staff, are complimentary.
• Silversea Cruises - Passengers are allowed to bring wine and liquor for consumption onboard upon embarkation day and when purchased in a port of call. However, alcoholic beverages, including fine wines and premium spirits, are complimentary.

Cruise Lines That Allow You to Bring Alcohol Onboard

• Azamara Club Cruises - Passengers are allowed to bring liquor, beer or wine for private consumption in the stateroom upon embarkation day and when purchased in a port of call. For the consumption of outside liquor, beer or wine in any shipboard restaurant, bar or dining venue, a corkage fee of $10 will be charged. Ship bars and dining rooms (when open) offer a limited number of complimentary standard spirits, international beers and a changing daily selection of red and white wines by the glass. Premium wine, beer and liquor packages are available for purchase.
• Disney Cruise Line - Passengers are allowed to bring liquor, beer or wine onboard upon embarkation day and when purchased in a port of call. Beverages must be packed in a carry-on bag - which must not exceed 22 inches wide, 14 inches high and 9 inches deep in dimension. Outside alcohol cannot be consumed in any lounge or public area At Palo and Remy, a $20 corkage fee will be charged for outside wine and champagne.

Cruise Lines That Do Not Allow Alcohol Onboard - Restricted to Wine

• Cunard Line - Passengers are allowed to bring one bottle of wine OR Champagne onboard per person. No beer or liquor may be taken onboard for consumption. A $20-per-bottle corkage fee applies if wine or champagne is consumed in the dining room. Alcohol purchased in port or the ship’s duty-free shop will be retained until the last night of the cruise.
• Carnival Cruise Line - No beer or liquor may be taken onboard for consumption. Passengers may bring one bottle (750ml) of wine or champagne, per person, only in their carry-on luggage. A $10 corkage fee will be charged if wine or champagne is consumed in the dining room, or a $14 corkage fee per bottle if consumed in the Steakhouse. Alcohol purchased in port or the ship’s duty-free shop will be retained until the last night of the cruise.
• Norwegian Cruise Line - Passengers may bring bottles of wine and champagne onboard upon embarkation only. No beer or liquor may be taken onboard for consumption. Each bottle of wine or champagne is subject to a corkage fee of $15 for 750ml bottles, $20 for 1,000ml and $30 for 1,500ml. Box wine is not permitted. Alcohol purchased in port or the ship’s duty-free shop will be retained until the last night of the cruise.
• Royal Caribbean - No beer or liquor may be taken onboard for consumption. Passengers may bring a maximum of two bottles (750ml) of wine or champagne, per cabin, only in their carry-on luggage at embarkation. A $25 corkage fee will be charged if wine or champagne is consumed in the dining room. Alcohol purchased in port or the ship’s duty-free shop will be retained until the last night of the cruise.
• Celebrity Cruises - No beer or liquor may be taken onboard for consumption. Passengers may bring a maximum of two bottles (750ml) of wine or champagne, per cabin, only in their carry-on luggage at embarkation. A $25 corkage fee will be charged if wine or champagne is consumed in the dining room. Alcohol purchased in port or the ship’s duty-free shop will be retained until the last night of the cruise.
• Princess Cruises - No beer or liquor may be taken onboard for consumption. Passengers may bring one bottle (750ml) of wine or champagne, per person, that is not subject to a corkage fee. A $15 corkage fee will be charged if wine or champagne is consumed in the dining room. Additional wine or champagne bottles are welcome, but will incur a $15 corkage fee each, irrespective of where they are intended to be consumed. Alcohol purchased in port or the ship’s duty-free shop will be retained until the last night of the cruise.
• Holland America - Sailings Prior to January 31, 2014: No beer or liquor may be taken onboard for consumption. Passengers may bring wine or champagne onboard upon embarkation day or when purchased in port with corkage fee charged of $18 per bottle. New Policy Effect January 31, 2014: Passengers may bring one bottle (750ml) of wine or champagne, per person, only in their carry-on luggage. No beer or liquor may be taken onboard for consumption. A $20 corkage fee will be charged if wine or champagne is consumed in the dining room. Alcohol purchased in port or the ship’s duty-free shop will be retained until the last night of the cruise.
• Oceania Cruises - No beer or liquor may be taken onboard for consumption. Passengers may bring a maximum of three bottles (750ml) of wine or champagne, per cabin, only in their carry-on luggage at embarkation. A $25 corkage fee will be charged if wine or champagne is consumed in a public space or dining room. Alcohol purchased in port or the ship’s duty-free shop will be retained until the last night of the cruise.
• Windstar Cruises - No beer or liquor may be taken onboard for consumption. Passengers may bring wine or champagne onboard upon embarkation day or when purchased in port. A $15 corkage fee will be charged if wine or champagne is consumed in restaurants or bars onboard.

About Alara Shannon, Cruise & Travel Writer

Alara has traveled extensively since an early age. After the birth of her daughter, when an opportunity for a career in cruise travel presented itself, Alara decided to re-enter the workforce. She hopped on board with one of the largest cruise agencies and excelled in both cruise sales and customer service. This led to the chance to dive headfirst into the Internet Marketing world; taking on the roles of resident Bloggess, custom content creator and social media expert. Beyond a love of anything travel related, her life revolves around her family of four (husband + 2 little ones), writing, playing piano, coffee, recycling, and crafting (well, attempting to craft). Her dream destination? New Zealand!