| Cruise line | Published embarkation allowance | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Caribbean | One sealed 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne per guest of drinking age | Beer, seltzer and hard liquor are not allowed for consumption onboard |
| Carnival | One sealed 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne per guest age 21+ | Must be in carry-on luggage at embarkation |
| Princess | One 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne per voyage | Published corkage rules depend on where it is consumed |
What happens to alcohol bought in port?
Cruise lines commonly collect duty-free or shoreside alcohol at security and return it near the end of the voyage. The timing and handling process varies. Do not assume a bottle purchased during a port call can be taken directly to your cabin.
Wine allowance does not mean every container
Rules may specify sealed standard-size bottles and exclude boxed wine or alternative containers. Security can inspect luggage and containers. Concealing prohibited alcohol can lead to disposal, confiscation or additional consequences under the guest conduct policy.
Age and departure region matter
The legal onboard drinking age and the way an allowance is described can vary by departure market. Use the version of the policy for your booking region and itinerary. If your sailing visits a destination with stricter local rules, those rules may also affect possession or use.
Is corkage charged?
A permitted bottle can still be subject to corkage when consumed in a dining room or public venue. Some lines distinguish cabin consumption from public-area service. Check current fees rather than treating the bring-on allowance as free onboard service.
Official sources
- Royal Caribbean beverage policy — embarkation-day allowance and storage
- Carnival beverage policy — carry-on wine allowance
- Princess onboard FAQ — wine allowance and port purchases