Cruise Line Drink Policies: Can I Bring Alcohol Onboard?

Can I bring my favourite bottle of spirits onboard with me? My son is 18 and is allowed to drink alcohol at home – will he be able to drink on a U.S. ship? I only drink sparkling water, can I bring bottled water onboard? If I buy wine while in port, will I be able to bring it back on to the ship?

Questions about bringing drinks onboard – in particular, alcohol and bottled water – are a daily occurrence around here. And it’s not surprising, because every cruise line has different policies about this and it can be confusing. To ensure you know the rules before you’re seeing double, we’ve pulled together a comprehensive list of drink policies for the most popular cruise lines. If we haven’t covered your specific cruise line, reach out to one of our Cruise Travel Advisors and they will be able to guide you.

General Rule of Thumb

When it comes to alcohol, policies vary by cruise line. But there are some general rules that tend to be consistent across most cruise lines. Most cruise lines that permit alcohol to be brought onboard typically limit this to wine or Champagne. However, each cruise line has its own regulations regarding the number and size of bottles you can bring on board. Additionally, if you decide to enjoy your alcoholic beverages outside of your stateroom, there might be respective corkage fees involved.

Usually, passengers who are of legal drinking age (21 or older, depending on the homeport of your cruise ship) are allowed to bring a bottle or two on board. It is essential to keep in mind that these bottles must be unopened and sealed, and they should be stored in your carry-on luggage rather than in your checked bags. Any alcohol purchased from the ship’s duty-free shops will be held on your behalf and returned to you at the end of your voyage.

To make things easier for you, let’s go through a comprehensive overview of the drink policies of the most popular cruise lines.

Can you bring your own wine, Champagne, beer and spirits onboard?

Azamara Cruises

You can bring your own wine, beer, or liquor with you on an Azamara cruise, to consume in your stateroom at no extra charge. However, if you wish to enjoy your own bottle at one of the onboard dining venues or bars, a US$10 corkage fee will apply. The same policy applies to alcohol purchased during port visits. Any alcohol bought from a duty-free shop will be safely stored until the end of your cruise.

What is the legal drinking age onboard Azamara cruises?

The minimum drinking age for all alcoholic beverages on Azamara’s ships sailing from North America is 21. However, for ships sailing from Europe, Asia, South America, Australia, and New Zealand, where the legal drinking age is lower, the minimum drinking age onboard is 18.

Carnival Cruise Line

On Carnival Cruise Line ships, passengers 21 and older may bring on board one 750 mL bottle of wine or Champagne (sealed and unopened) per person packed in their carry-on luggage when they embark. There is a corkage fee of US$15 if you drink your bottle outside your stateroom. Beer and liquor are not permitted.

If you plan on purchasing alcohol during your port visits, it will be held until the last morning or night of the cruise, depending on the itinerary. The same applies to alcohol purchased from the ships’ duty-free shop(s).

The legal drinking age for all alcoholic beverages on Carnival cruises is 21.

What about Carnival Cruise Line Australia?

On Carnival’s Australia-based ships, passengers must be 18 years of age to consume or purchase alcohol onboard. However, unlike other Carnival cruises, bringing alcohol onboard during embarkation is not allowed on any Carnival Cruise Line Australia ships. Any alcohol found at the gangway will be confiscated and discarded.

If you purchase alcohol in port, or from the ship’s duty-free shop(s), your purchases will be held for safekeeping and returned to you at the end of your cruise.

Spirits can’t be brought onboard, but you can still enjoy plenty of cocktails on a Carnival Cruise

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises permits passengers to bring up to two bottles of wine or Champagne (with a maximum volume of 750 mL) on board when embarking. However, beer and spirits are not allowed. If you wish to drink your wine or Champagne in the ship’s restaurants or bars, there will be a corkage fee of US$25 per bottle. Guests with the Classic Beverage Package or Premium Beverage Package are, however, exempt from the corkage fee.

Any alcoholic beverages that you purchase at a port or the duty-free shop will be held safely until the last day of your cruise. Guests who are under the permitted drinking age will not have alcohol returned to them. For security purposes, staff may conduct inspections at any time, including checking containers such as water bottles, soda bottles, mouthwash, and canteens for concealed alcohol. Any hidden alcohol will be appropriately disposed of.

What is the legal drinking age on a Celebrity cruise?

The minimum age to consume alcoholic beverages is 21 years. However, on cruises departing from countries where legal drinking ages are younger than 21, such as in Europe, South America, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, the onboard drinking age is 18.

Cunard Line

When it comes to bringing alcohol on board a Cunard ship, there are a few guidelines to keep in mind. At embarkation, you are not allowed to bring liquor onboard, but you are welcome to bring one bottle of wine or Champagne. However, there is a corkage fee of US$20 per bottle if you choose to enjoy your wine or Champagne in the restaurants or bars on the ship.

If you purchase alcohol in port or from the duty-free shop onboard, your purchases will be held by the ship and delivered to your stateroom on the last night of your cruise. This ensures that you can still take advantage of any special deals while adhering to Cunard’s policies.

What is the legal drinking age on a Cunard cruise?

The drinking age on Cunard cruises is strictly enforced. No one under the age of 18 is permitted to purchase or consume alcohol onboard. In U.S. territorial waters, where the legal drinking age is 21, no one under 21 may purchase or drink alcohol.

Enjoy your bottle of wine in your stateroom with no corkage fee

Disney Cruise Line

During embarkation on a Disney cruise, passengers aged 21 and above can bring two unopened bottles of wine or Champagne (not exceeding 750 ml) or six beers (not larger than 350 ml) onboard. These beverages have to be personally carried in a day bag or your carry-on luggage, and any excess amount or any alcoholic items discovered in checked luggage will be collected and stored until the conclusion of your sailing.

Should you wish to enjoy your wine or Champagne in the dining rooms, you will be required to pay a US$25 corkage fee per bottle. Unfortunately, personal beverages are not permitted in lounges or public areas.

If you decide to purchase alcohol during your port visits, the same allowance applies as on embarkation day. Please be aware that corkage fees are applicable, and any excess quantities will also be stored for return to you at the end of the voyage. Lastly, if you plan to purchase alcohol from the duty-free shop(s) onboard, keep in mind that it will also be held for you until the end of the cruise.

What is the legal drinking age on a Disney cruise?

The drinking age on all Disney Cruise Line ships is 21, and you must have a valid photo ID to purchase alcoholic beverages. However, if you are on a round-trip cruise departing from any European country with a lower drinking age, parents have the option to sign a Beverage Consent Form that will allow their 18 to 20-year-olds to consume alcoholic beverages while in the presence of their parent or guardian.

If you’re embarking on a round-trip cruise from Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, or Brisbane and you’re 18 years or older, you are free to purchase and enjoy alcoholic beverages without needing parental consent. For repositioning cruises between Hawaii and Australia, parents or guardians can also sign a Beverage Consent Form as above.

Holland America Line

When embarking on a Hollan America Line cruise, passengers of legal drinking age are welcome to bring bottles of wine or Champagne (with a maximum size of 750ml) in their carry-on luggage. However, this bottle will incur a corkage fee of US$20 per bottle, regardless of where and how it will be enjoyed. While there is no specified limit on the number of bottles you can bring, your cruise officials reserve the right to determine if the quantity is excessive. In such cases, you may be requested to check some of your bottles until the end of the sailing. Wine purchased during Holland America Line-sponsored shore excursions that visit local wineries are exempt from the on-board corkage fee (offer limited to one bottle of wine per person).

What about other drinks?

As for box wine, beer and liquors, the cruise line does not allow these to be brought onboard, and any such items discovered in your possession will be collected and safely stored until the final day of your voyage. Items, such as sodas, energy drinks, and other non-alcoholic beverages, are also strictly prohibited from being brought on board in any shape or form. This also includes plastic water bottles, including during stops at ports..

However, there is a generous allowance for water in alternative forms:

⚓ a maximum of six liters, twelve (12) cans or cartons (with a volume of 500 ml or less)
⚓ or six (6) cans or cartons (with a volume of 1 liter or less) per stateroom.

Any amount exceeding this limit will be prohibited for boarding.

What is the onboard legal drinking age?

For most of Holland America Line’s voyages, the minimum drinking age is 21. However, on round trip sailings from certain destinations in Asia and Europe, the legal drinking age is lowered to 18. Please be aware that for sailings beginning or ending in Japan, the legal drinking age is set at 20.

Check the legal drinking age for your destination before heading to the Billboard Bar

Hurtigruten Expedition Cruises

On a Hurtigruten expedition, only alcohol purchased onboard can be consumed during the cruise. Any alcohol purchased on land must be handed over to crew, who will store it and return it to you on the last day of the sailing. If you plan to purchase alcohol in port and bring it on board, the same rule applies. There are no duty-free shops on Hurtigruten ships, but if you purchase alcohol from any of the onboard shops, the ship will store it and deliver it to you before you depart.

If you are a guest aboard the Santa Cruz II and wish to bring bottles of wine and/or spirits, please note that a corkage fee of US $27+ taxes will apply.

What is the legal drinking age on Hurtigruten cruises?

Hurtigruten follows Norwegian law when it comes to drinking age restrictions. Passengers who are 18 years or older are permitted to purchase beer and wine, while spirits are only available to those who are 20 years or older.

MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises has a much stricter alcohol policy, and no alcohol is permitted to be brought on board MSC cruises during embarkation. Any alcoholic beverages purchased in port or at the onboard duty-free shop(s) will also be securely stored until the end of the cruise. These items will then be delivered directly to your stateroom on the last evening of the cruise.

On U.S. and Caribbean sailings, the legal drinking age is 21, while on all other itineraries, it is 18.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Passengers are permitted to bring wine and Champagne onboard a Norwegian Cruise Line ship upon embarkation, including 1,500 mL magnum bottles. There is also no limit on the number of bottles you can bring! However, please note that corkage fees will apply based on the bottle size – US$15 for 750ml bottles and US$30 for 1,500ml bottles. These fees are only applicable if you decide to enjoy your bottles outside of your stateroom. But here’s the good news: passengers with beverage packages are exempt from these corkage fees. Box wine, beer and liquor are not allowed to be carried on board and will be kept securely until disembarkation day.

The same rules for wine and Champagne mentioned above apply for those bought while in port. Any other alcoholic beverages purchased during your time ashore will be kept safe until the end of the cruise. Any alcohol you purchase in the ships’ duty-free shop(s) will be stored securely until the conclusion of your cruise.

What is the legal drinking age onboard Norwegian cruises?

For most itineraries, the legal drinking age is 21. However, for sailings that operate round trip from European or Australian ports, the drinking age is 18, but only for beer and wine. Passengers between the ages of 18 and 20 can also enjoy beer or wine on other itineraries when the ship is in international waters (excluding Alaska or Hawaii sailings). In such cases, a parent or legal guardian must accompany the minor and sign a waiver form at the front desk.

Corkage fees will apply if you bring your own wine or Champagne on board

Oceania Cruises

Oceani Cruises allows passengers to bring up to six bottles of wine or Champagne per stateroom on board. However, they charge a US$25 corkage fee per bottle if you consume them in public areas. Any beer or liquor brought on board or purchased in port will be held until the end of the cruise, including any purchases beyond the allowed limit of six bottles. Alcohol is not available for purchase in the ships’ duty-free shops.

There is an exception to the six bottle limit – gusts who are booked on a world cruise itinerary will be allowed to bring up to 60 bottles per stateroom. However this only applies to guests who are booked on the full world cruise or any of the variations of the full world cruise as listed below:

⚓ INS210125G – Los Angeles to New York (164 days)
⚓ INS211221H – Miami to New York (196 days)
⚓ ATW – 2022 INS220106G – Los Angeles to New York (180 days)

What is the legal drinking age on an Oceania cruise?

The legal drinking age onboard Oceania Cruises is 21 years of age for all destinations. Guests who are 18 – 20 years of age can purchase and consume beer or wine when the ship is in international waters (5 km’s out of US territorial waters). Guests who are between the ages of 18 and 20 years of age will not be allowed to consume any alcohol on any Alaska or New England sailings. For Caribbean sailings, they can consume beer and wine once the vessel leaves US territorial waters.

P&O Cruises Australia

P&O Australia does not allow passengers to bring alcohol onboard during embarkation. If it is found in your luggage, it will be confiscated at the gangway and returned at the end of the cruise. The same rule applies for alcohol purchased in port or from the ships’ duty-free shop(s). It will be held for safekeeping by crew members until the end of the cruise, when it will then be returned to you before disembarkation.

What is the legal drinking age on P&O Australia cruises?

Passengers must be at least 18 years old to consume or purchase alcohol on board a P&O Australia cruise.

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises does not allow passengers to bring beer or liquor onboard – it will be confiscated and discarded. However, each adult passenger can bring one bottle of wine or Champagne (no larger than 750 ml) per voyage. If you drink it in your stateroom, there will be no corkage fee, however if you choose to drink it in a restaurant or public lounge, a US$15 corkage fee will apply. Any alcohol purhcased in port will be held at the gangway until the end of the cruise for safekeeping. And if you happen to buy alcohol in any duty-free shop(s) on the ship, the bottles will also be kept safe until the last day of the voyage.

What is the legal drinking age on Princess Cruises?

For most voyages, the drinking age is 21 years and older. However, if you’re sailing between ports in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, China, or Singapore, the minimum age is 18. For those voyaging in Japan, it’s 20 years old.

Enjoy your wine in your stateroom without a corkage fee

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

On a Regent Seven Seas cruise, adult passengers are welcome to bring their own alcohol without any restrictions or corkage fees. However, keep in mind that most of drinks onboard are already included in your upfront cruise fare, so you don’t need to take up luggage space bringing your own onboard.

If you purchase alcohol during your port visits and bring it onboard to enjoy at your leisure, you are absolutely allowed to do so too. However, please note that alcohol is not sold in any of the onboard duty-free shops.

What is the legal drinking age with RSSC?

On a Regent cruise, you must be 21 years of age or older to consume or purchase alcohol. No matter which ship you’re sailing on, or which destination you’re visiting, this rule applies consistently across the entire fleet.

Royal Caribbean International

During embarkation, each Royal Caribbean passenger of drinking age is allowed to bring, in a carry-on, one bottle (750 mL) of wine or Champagne per cabin. However, bringing your own beer or liquor is not permitted. If spirits or beer are found, they will be confiscated and disposed of. Additionally, if you choose to consume your bottle in a dining room, a US$15 corkage fee will be charged per bottle opened outside of the cabin.

If you declare that you have additional bottles or make purchases at ports or in duty-free shops onboard, these beverages will be stored until the end of the cruise for your convenience. Similarly, any alcohol purchased in the shops onboard will also be held until the end of your voyage.

What is the legal drinking age on a Royal Caribbean cruise?

The legal drinking age for all alcoholic beverages on Royal Caribbean ships sailing from North America is 21. However, on cruises departing from countries where the legal drinking age is younger, such as South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, the drinking age is typically 18.

Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine onboard Harmony of the Seas

Seabourn

When it comes to bringing alcohol on board a Seabourn cruise, at the start of your voyage you can bring on as much as you’d like, without any restrictions or additional costs. Additionally, Seabourn ships offer complimentary beer, wine, spirits, and Champagne, throughout your cruise, and you can explore the ship’s cellars where sommeliers are encouraged to source and include local wines for your enjoyment.

Should you wish to purchase alcohol during your port visits and bring it back on board, you are more than welcome to do so, however, the Seabourn shops do not sell alcoholic beverages.

What is the legal drinking age on Seabourn?

To ensure a safe and responsible drinking environment, the minimum drinking age on all Seabourn ships is 21 years. However, please note that in specific sailing destinations, age restrictions may be lowered.

Silversea Cruises

Passengers are welcome to bring wine and liquor on board Silversea cruises for their own personal consumption, both on embarkation day and at ports of call. Silversea sets no limits and does not charge any corkage fees. It is important to note that Silversea does not offer any alcohol for sale in its onboard shops.

Regarding the legal drinking age on Silversea ships, please note that it is 21 for all alcoholic beverages.

Visit “Oinou Yi” winery in Cyprus and bring your wine purchases back with you onboard

Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking Ocean Cruises does not impose any limitations on the quanities of wine, Champagne, beer, or liquor that passengers may bring on board during embarkation, so you are free to bring your preferred alcoholic beverages. They also do not charge any corkage fees, ensuring you can savour your own selection without any extra costs.

Passengers are also allowed to bring alcohol acquired in port directly back to the ship. Once on board, you can freely enjoy the beverages you purchased during your shore excursions. Viking’s onboard shops also feature a selection of duty-free aquavit, a popular Scandinavian spirit, so you can also indulge in this cultural delight during your voyage.

What is the legal drinking age on a Viking ocean cruise?

Viking Ocean Cruises’ legal drinking age is 21 years of age.

Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages offers an Adult-by-Design experience, and as such, allow each cabin to bring two (2) 750ml bottles of wine in carry-on bags. Unfortunately, no liquor or beer is permitted). Any alcohol found in checked luggage will be collected prior to sailing and safely returned to passengers at the end of the voyage.

Passengers can bring onboard alcohol that has been purchased while in port, however you will be required to hand them over to the security staff during boarding and they will be kept safe until your final night onboard.

When it comes to non-alcoholic drinks, small quantities of water, protein-based drinks, non-alcoholic beer, and soft drinks in boxes and cans are permitted in hand luggage. This means:

⚓ a maximum of twelve (12) sealed and unopened cans/cartons of 350 ml each, or less per person

Please note, the cruise lines requests that passengers refrain from bringing drinks in bottles (glass or plastic).

What is the legal drinking age on a Virgin cruise?

The legal drinking age in international waters is 18, while in the United States, it’s 21. For other ports Virgin Voyages visits, the cruise line strictly follows the respective country’s laws.

Adult-by-design cruising with Virgin Voyages