p and o cruises bringing alcohol on board

P&O Cruises changes alcohol allowance for embarking passengers

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P&O Cruises has changed its alcohol allowance for embarking passengers.

Previously, adult passengers were permitted to take one litre of wine, champagne, beer, spirits or liqueur on board when they embarked the ship.

However, from May 7, the line has removed beer, spirits or liqueur from the list of permitted drinks, meaning passengers may only take one litre of wine or champagne on board.

Asked why the change has been made, a spokesperson said it is to align with its Health, Environment, Safety and Security guidelines.

P&O Cruises said: “Effective May 7, 2024, each guest aged 18 years and older (21 years and older in the US ports) are permitted to bring up to one litre of wine or champagne onboard as they embark the ship for the first time.

“We regularly review our policies in line with the cruise industry. We are making the change to adhere more closely to our Health, Environment, Safety and Security guidelines around our responsibility to serve alcohol.”

More:  P&O Cruises releases summer 2026 programme with booking discount

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• Frequently Asked Questions
• Things to know before you go

Can I bring alcohol onboard?

Alcohol is not permitted to be brought onto the ship on embarkation day in either carry-on or checked luggage. Such items will be confiscated and discarded and no compensation will be provided.

All alcohol purchased in ports (excluding the home port) will be collected at the gangway and will be returned to you on the last day of your cruise. Duty and tax-free alcohol is also available for purchase onboard and will also be held for safekeeping and will be available for collection on the last day of the cruise.

• Sep 8, 2022

Can I take alcohol/soft drinks on a P&O cruise ship?

Can I take alcohol onboard at embarkation?

P&O states: ‘Each guest aged 18 years (21 years in United States of America ports) and older may bring up to 1 litre of wine, Champagne on board as they embark the ship for the first time only . Wine or Champagne over the 1 litre limit will be stored and returned to the guest prior to the end of the cruise. If this alcohol is consumed in the dining rooms, bars, restaurants or lounge areas, it will be subject to a corkage fee of £20* per bottle, per occasion which will be charged to the guest's on-board account. Other alcohol types such spirits are considered restricted items and prohibited to bring on board when guests first embark the ship.’

Can I take soft drinks onboard at embarkation?

Yes! P&O permits non-alcoholic drinks stored in a bag or suitcase. It is recommended to keep this limited to 6 cans or 1 large bottle per passenger.

We always take soft drinks onboard in the form of a 1.5l flavoured water each or 2.5l bottle of fizz. We wrap them up and seal them as much as possible to avoid any accidents. We also like to take a few Robinsons Mini Cordials to add to water. They are small and easy to pack. We have done this without issue as recently as May 2024.

Can I take alcohol onboard from a port of call?

P&O states: ‘ Any alcoholic beverages purchased mid-cruise in ports of call cannot be consumed on board. Guests will need to declare and hand over any alcohol bought in port at the gangway. It will be stored and returned to the guest prior to the end of the cruise, at no charge. ’

Can I buy duty free alcohol and consume it onboard?

Unfortunately no. P&O states: ‘ On eligible cruises, guests are welcome to buy duty free alcohol to take home via the on-board shops. It will be stored until the end of their cruise. ’

Are there any free drinks on a P&O cruise ship?

Yes, the buffet provides water, teas and coffee throughout the day for free with juices available in the morning. Some ships such as Arvia and Iona also have water bottle refill stations.

A complimentary alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink is also served on Celebration Night to each passenger.

Source: https://www.pocruises.com/essential-information/code-of-conduct

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Hi..can I purchase alcohol at Southampton cruise port where we will be boarding our cruise..for two weeks ...thanks 😊

“In our experience we have taken a bottle of spirit on each and not had any issues“. But you say above that you’re allowed up to 1 litre each anyway so that’s within the limit.

Chris we going on our fist cruise barbados around the islands, we like a drink alcohol preference what would you recommend as 54 per day per person (probably my husband last holiday bless him)

P&O source: https://www.pocruises.com/frequently-asked-questions.life-on-board.Can-I-bring-alcohol-on-board-to-consume-in-my-cabin-or-in-restaurants.summary

• P&O Cruises ( UK )

Bringing Alcohol On Board

By Tina1967 , August 3, 2023 in P&O Cruises ( UK )

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Wonder if anyone can tell me the answer, I know I can bring a litre of spirits on board but can you bring a litre bottle that has already been opened with some out of the bottle. I have a bottle of Jack Daniels I have already opened that is almost full so don’t really want to buy another bottle if I can bring the opened one with me.

thanks for any replies 🙂

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P&O Cruises Alcohol Policy, Wine, Drinks Prices

Learn about current P&O Cruises alcohol policy and how much cost drinks on P&O Cruises ships (drink prices regularly updated). P&O line's beverage policy was changed pretty soon for liquor availability to be consumed in the stateroom. Originally guests could take their own drink but it was also easy to order through interactive TV (room steward delivery) within 24 hours.

P&O Alcohol Policy

In 2011, P and O cruise lines introduced the new Duty-Free shops offering good prices and available almost immediately. Very soon though, and not surprisingly, prices went up by 50%, which was still a good deal. This is the reason why it makes sense to take mixers and buy alcohol on board P&O cruise ships.

Drinking age on PandO ships

Passengers must be 18-year old or over to be allowed to purchase or consume alcohol (or to gamble) onboard P&O. Guests younger than 18 are not served alcohol. Drinking age is 18 years outside US waters, and in American Waters - 21 years. 16 and 17 years old may be brought cider, wine, or beer to drink with meals in P and O restaurants, only if accompanied by an adult. Alcohol ashore purchased by under 18's are confiscated at the gangway. Government photo identification is sometimes requested - Queensland ‘Adult Proof Age Card’ is accepted, but the older Queensland ‘Card 18+’ version is not.

Can I bring alcohol on P&O cruises - alcohol policy

How about bringing liquor at embarkation? According to P and O Cruises, passengers may bring small amounts of alcohol onboard with no amount of restriction. However, P&O reserves the right for removing alcohol at gangway should any need arise. The line generally allows reasonable alcohol amounts to be taken for yourself to enjoy in the cabin, but taking bottles into lounges or restaurants incurs corkage fees. Note that the charged corkage fees will cost you GBP 11 per item of any size, per occasion.

NOTE: In November 2017, in a change to previous policies, P&O places restrictions on the amount of alcohol that is brought onboard. Currently, each guest 18 or older is allowed to only bring 1 bottle of beer, wine, Champagne, liqueur or spirits up to 1 liter during embarkation. Additional alcohol, of which any bought ashore or in the duty-free shops onboard, is confiscated and held until the sailing's last night.

At embarkation and disembarkation all your luggage, including check-in and hand, will be x-rayed. Passengers have to declare to Customs the amounts of excess alcohol. Bringing champagne or wine onboard is allowed. If you wish to take champagne or wine onboard for celebrating an event, the bottles' number will be at port authorities' discretion. You will be also charged the due corkage fees.

Purchasing liquor from P&O cruise ships’ duty-free shops and ashore

• Purchasing liquor in ports of call is allowed. Any purchased ashore alcohol will be collected at the gangway, kept safe and returned to you on the last day of the voyage.
• Duty-free liquor products that are sold in P&O ships' shops will be available only to take home. If you make an order at any time during the voyage via these shops, your orders will be available to collect at the end of the cruise.
• Passengers under 18 will are not permitted to purchase alcohol and may be asked to verify age. It's prohibited to attempt purchasing alcohol for those who are under 18 in the onboard shops.
• If you want to purchase a bottle of alcohol for consumption in the cabin during the voyage, you must make a room service order. The service details are located in the cabin directory.
• P&O shops offer a price guarantee on tobacco and liquor purchases. The line guarantees that her duty-free shop is cheaper than any of the comparable outlets (including shops ashore during your voyage). All you have to do is provide proof of cheaper price from retailers recognized by P&O. Online price comparison is not included. If you have purchased alcohol onboard, the shop will make a refund for the difference back on your onboard account. When you haven't purchased yet, but have proof of cheaper price ashore, P&O duty-free shops will price match.
• Free alcoholic beverages are served at P&O ships' cocktail parties.
• Duty-free shops location by ship: Arcadia (Deck 3); Adonia (Deck 5); Aurora, Azura, Oceana, Ventura (Deck 6); Oriana (Deck 7).

P&O Cruises beer list on ships

• Draught beers: Boddingtons and Stella Artois.
• Bottled beers: Bass Pale Ale, Beck's, Beck's nonalcoholic, Boddingtons, Budweiser, Caffrey's, Carlsberg, Corona, Greene King IPA, Guinness, John Smith's, Kingfisher, Leffe, Magners and Magners Pear, Marston Pedigree, Newcastle Brown Ale, Old Speckled Hen, Peroni Nastro Azzuro, Spitfire, San Miguel, Stella Artois, Strongbow, Tiger.

Specialty bars on P and O cruise ships

Onboard each P&O ship there are a variety of specialty bars, which offer a range of drinks at low and competitive prices. Drinks can be also purchased in P&O restaurants. There are different specialty bars on P&O ships and they vary by vessel. Anderson Bar is on Aurora and Oriana; Intermezzo on Arcadia; Blue Bar on Azura; Magnums on Oceana, and Red Bar on Ventura, all offer special drinks' selections, only available in there. Also discover treats like Pendryn Welsh Whisky, Williams English Gin, Champagne and caviar, and many others.

How much are drinks on P&O Cruises - alcohol and drink prices

Note: All P&O Cruises drink prices are in GBP / British pounds (GBP ).

• All liqueur and spirit measures are 25ml (0,8 US fl oz)
• Aperitif, port and sherry measures are 50ml (1,7 US fl oz)
• Prices of drinks are inclusive of gratuities.

Bar Menu beer prices

Ciders and specialty beverages prices.

These are the prices of bottled or canned beverages (soft drinks, mocktails).

Ales, bitters, stout beers prices

Gin and gin cocktails prices, cocktail drinks prices.

Follow the prices of alcohol drinks served over ice, and of refreshing cocktails.

By the glass WINE prices

By the bottle wine prices, soda and soft beverages prices, alcohol prices (of wines, spirits, aperitifs, whiskies), p&o cruises alcohol packages.

"Spirit Package" prices also include 6x (150ml) soda cans of your choice as a bonus. All cabin bottle purchases are allowed only for in-cabin consumption.

NEW "P&O Australia" alcohol package (all-inclusive, unlimited drinks)In September 2015, the P&O Cruises Australia line introduced its first alcohol package on the ship Pacific Pearl (now CMV Columbus) . The new drink package was rolled out across the PandO Australia's fleet. Named “Premium Beverage”, the new all-inclusive drink package's price is AUD 69 per person per day. The unlimited beverage package (non-transferable, 1 drink ordered at a time) includes wine (by the glass), beer, liquor (spirits priced up to AUD 12), bottled water, also soft drinks and coffee/tea. The offer will be available on 7 nights and longer P&O AU cruises.P&O Cruises wine packagesWine packages can be consumed either in your cabin or in the restaurant. These would give up to 15% savings on normal cost."The Commodore Collection" wine package"The Captain's Collection" wine packageP and O Cruises wine list pricesThe listed below pricing is per bottle.

• Soft Drinks Package: A soft drinks package is also available to buy at a cost of GBP 35, including 20 refills of 330ml soft drinks from any PO bar (Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Lemonade). This would give 10% savings on normal cost.
• Costa Coffee Card: A coffee card is available to buy at a cost of GBP 21,50, including 10 Primo (12oz) Costa coffees, Latte, Cappuccino or Americano.

P&O alcohol policy is committed to responsible liquor service. Sometimes the P and O line may consider appropriate to refuse alcohol service to a passenger for any reason. P&O also reserves the right for taking alcohol (when brought on board) at the gangway and returning to guests at the end of the voyage. The company stated they would implement this alcohol policy only when they consider it likely that comfort, health, and safety of passengers may be compromised.

NEW "P&O Australia" alcohol package (all-inclusive, unlimited drinks)

In September 2015, P&O Cruises Australia introduced its first alcohol package on the ship Pacific Pearl (now CMV Columbus) . The new drink package was rolled out fleetwide.

• Named “Premium Beverage”, the new all-inclusive drink package's price is AUD 69 per person per day.
• The unlimited beverage package is non-transferable and limited to 1 drink order at a time.
• The package includes wine (by the glass), beer, liquor (spirits priced up to AUD 12 per drink), bottled water, also soft drinks and coffee/tea.
• This special offer is available on 7-nights and longer P&O Australia cruise itineraries.

P and O Cruises WINE packages

Wine packages can be consumed either in the stateroom or in the restaurant. These would give up to 15% savings on normal cost. Mix and match to create your own package - choose between:

• P&O Cruises ( UK )

Taking alcohol aboard P&O

By GOQ , February 11, 2022 in P&O Cruises ( UK )

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I have never taken alcohol on board a P&O ship before, I understand I am allowed to take 1 litre of spirits with me when I first board.

I will probably take a litre of whisky in my carry on luggage. Do I have to declare it to P&O when boarding or will they just scan my bag, note it is just 1 bottle and make no comment?

I don’t usually drink in my cabin preferring (as a solo traveller) to people watch and have a chat in a bar, but for my next cruise I have a Balcony for the first time and the idea of a pre-dinner drink on the balcony seems appealing.

I might also buy some “Duty free” when visiting Gibraltar, what happens then when boarding, do I declare it while boarding and they take it away and store it. Then how do I get it back ?

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3 minutes ago, GOQ said:   I have never taken alcohol on board a P&O ship before, I understand I am allowed to take 1 litre of spirits with me when I first board.   I will probably take a litre of whisky in my carry on luggage. Do I have to declare it to P&O when boarding or will they just scan my bag, note it is just 1 bottle and make no comment?   I don’t usually drink in my cabin preferring (as a solo traveller) to people watch and have a chat in a bar, but for my next cruise I have a Balcony for the first time and the idea of a pre-dinner drink on the balcony seems appealing.   I might also buy some “Duty free” when visiting Gibraltar, what happens then when boarding, do I declare it while boarding and they take it away and store it. Then how do I get it back ?       Thanks   Paul

One litre of alcohol, so you could take wine if you wanted.

You do not need to declare anything at Southampton - to be frank, the security staff couldn't care less.

In Gib, they may take your duty free away until you return to the UK. Princess couldn't care less when we were there in November, but P&O may be different. I'm sure someone will be able to answer more accurately.

When we have visited Gibraltar in the past there is a desk where you queue to hand over your duty free and they give you a numbered ticket. It is then in daily programme delivered to your cabin when and where you collect on last full day of your cruise.

Thanks Majortom10

At some ports they sometimes have a table where you are supposed to hand in booze you buy ashore. Like an "honesty box"! Most people just ignore it and take it up to their cabins! I used to do that as I was buying it for a friend at home.

6 hours ago, Fionboard said: At some ports they sometimes have a table where you are supposed to hand in booze you buy ashore. Like an "honesty box"! Most people just ignore it and take it up to their cabins! I used to do that as I was buying it for a friend at home.

I think it depends if your bags are scanned by the port security team, who are not looking for drink,  or the ship security staff, who are !

If the worse comes to the worst, you just have some wine to take back home with you. 

the wandering two

Was on Iona in January, ships security couldn't have cared less in Gib or Alicante.

Exactly, I have never been stopped by security for a bottle in my bag. I don't think they really care!

Son of Anarchy

6 hours ago, the wandering two said: Was on Iona in January, ships security couldn't have cared less in Gib or Alicante.

Same on Ventura in December.

On 2/11/2022 at 9:48 AM, GOQ said:   I have never taken alcohol on board a P&O ship before, I understand I am allowed to take 1 litre of spirits with me when I first board.   I will probably take a litre of whisky in my carry on luggage. Do I have to declare it to P&O when boarding or will they just scan my bag, note it is just 1 bottle and make no comment?   I don’t usually drink in my cabin preferring (as a solo traveller) to people watch and have a chat in a bar, but for my next cruise I have a Balcony for the first time and the idea of a pre-dinner drink on the balcony seems appealing.   I might also buy some “Duty free” when visiting Gibraltar, what happens then when boarding, do I declare it while boarding and they take it away and store it. Then how do I get it back ?       Thanks   Paul

You may wish to consider mixers, while you can get them for the cabin they sometimes come in cans, unless you require lemonade or coke they can sometimes be difficult to source ashore or at airports. Before someone says anything I am not suggesting that you drink coke with your whisky.

If you would like ice or indeed lemon ask your steward and he can supply fresh every evening. Its very relaxing watching the land disappear as you sail out to sea before dinner with a drink nearby.

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Which Cruise Lines Allow You To Bring Alcohol Onboard 2024

Cruise lines a lot of their make money from the alcoholic drinks they sell onboard.  

The relatively high prices can soon add up for some, whether you are drinking at the bars or with your meals.  

Drink packages are available, but for some, the value is borderline depending on how much each guest drinks.

Therefore many passengers want to know how much alcohol they can bring on board each cruise line to maximize any ways of reducing costs.   

Some even go further by attempting to sneak alcohol onto the cruise ship .  Although it’s well worth giving due consideration to the risks and consequences of what can happen if you’re caught sneaking alcohol on the cruise ship .

We have gone through all the leading cruise line’s alcohol policies and covered the main points for each so you know exactly what you can and can’t take onboard.  In some instances, we contacted them directly to get clarification on finer points.

If you are solely interested in the wine allowances, check out our more in-depth “ Can You Bring Wine on Cruise ” page with info for each cruise line, including corkage fees.

Can You Bring Liquor on a Cruise?

As a general rule, no forms of liquor are allowed to be brought on board any cruise ship by guests.  This includes all kinds of spirits and hard liquors.

This is one of the reasons some guests try to sneak their own alcohol onboard using rum runners and liquor bags.  Some even try putting liquor in wine bottles and replacing the cap.

Which Cruise Lines Allow You To Bring Alcohol Onboard?

Most main cruise lines allow guests to bring a small amount of alcohol onboard. 

The exceptions are Costa and MSC cruises which prohibit all alcohol from being taken onboard.

We have summarized the main points of each cruise line’s alcohol policies and provided links to more information if you wish to double-check any finer points or see the latest policies.

Cruise Line Boarding Alcohol Policies

In no particular order, we take a look at the most popular cruise line’s alcohol policies, including when you can bring extra alcohol onboard.

Royal Caribbean Alcohol Policy

Royal Caribbean does not allow guests to bring beer, spirits, or hard liquors onboard.  

Guests are permitted one bottle of wine up to 2 bottles per stateroom.

A royal Caribbean drinks package is available, which may help some guests reduce the costs depending on how much they drink.

Guests often try to work out how to cheat the Royal Caribbean drinks package .   While we don’t encourage cheating, there are certainly ways you can maximize the value. 

Royal Caribbean Alcohol Policy here .

Carnival Cruise Alcohol Policy

Carnival Cruise allows guests to bring on one bottle of 750ml wine or champagne.

They do not allow guests to bring spirits, hard liquors, or beers onboard.

Carnival Alcohol Policy here .

Princess Cruises Alcohol Policy

Princess Cruises allow guests to bring one bottle of wine on board for free but will charge you a fee (currently $15) for every other bottle over this.   You will still get charged if you don’t open or intend to open the bottle.

Princess cruises do not allow any other types of alcohol onboard.  That means no beer, spirits, or liquors.

Princess Cruises Alcohol Policy here .

Disney Cruises Alcohol Policy

Disney cruises are one of the few cruise lines that allow guests to bring beer onboard.  You have a choice of whether to bring 2 bottles of wine or 6 beers 12 ounces or under.

Not only can you bring this alcohol allowance on boarding day, you can also take advantage of it at every port of call.

Wine and champagne can be consumed in public areas for a $26 corkage fee.

Beers must be consumed within your stateroom.

You can also buy more alcohol of all kinds and have them put in storage until the last day of your cruise when you must go and collect them yourself.

Liquors or spirits or excess wine and beer purchased in ports of call will be stored until the end of the cruise. Disney Cruise

Disney Alcohol Policy here .

Celebrity Cruises Alcohol Policy

Celebrity Cruises do not allow guests to bring any beer, spirits or hard liquor onboard their cruise ships.

Guests can bring 1 bottle of wine each, up to 2 bottles per cabin.  There is no fee for drinking in your cabin, but there is a corkage fee if you consume in a restaurant or bar.

You can purchase alcoholic beverages in ports of call or in onboard shops and have them stored until the last day of sailing, when they will be delivered to your cabin.

Celebrity Cruise Alcohol Policy here .

MSC Cruises Alcohol Policy  

MSC Cruises have a strict no-alcohol policy for any guests boarding the cruise from embarkation day and any ports of call.   This includes wine, beers, and liquors of all types.  

It doesn’t matter if the alcohol is for dining area use or the privacy of your stateroom. There is simply none allowed.

Alcoholic drinks, including wines, spirits, beer or other liqueurs are available for purchase onboard the Vessel at fixed prices. Passengers are not permitted to bring onboard any such drinks for use during the voyage, whether for consumption in their own cabins or otherwise . MSC Cruise Alcohol Polcicy here under “Alcohol 13.1.”

Viking Cruises Alcohol Policy

Viking Cruises allow guests to bring on as much alcohol as they like onboard.  This includes boarding days and from when you visit any ports of call.

Beers, wines, spirits, and liquors are allowed on board.

Not only can you take alcohol on board, you can also consume it in both your stateroom and in public areas of the ship, including dining areas, without incurring a corkage fee .

In their FAQ’s it states:

Guests may bring alcohol and beverages with them or purchase alcohol ashore at destinations that sell alcohol. Alcohol can be consumed in the guest’s stateroom or in public spaces, including dining venues. There is no corkage fee. Viking Cruises

Holland America Alcohol Policy 

Holland America only allows guests to bring 750 ml of Wine and Champagne onboard. No maximum amount is stated, but they say amounts deemed excessive will be refused.

No beers, spirits, or liquors are allowed to be taken onboard.

Each bottle you bring will be subject to a $20 corking fee.  You can bring one bottle onboard fee free if its purchased from a company-sponsored shore excursion.

Holland America Alcoholic Policy here .

Norwegian Cruise Line Alcohol Policy

Norwegian Cruise does not allow any beers or liquors to be brought onboard.

They do, however, allow an unlimited number of wine and champagne bottles.  Although you will have to pay a corkage fee of $15 for every bottle whether you intend to consume it or not.

Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages allow guest to bring two 750ml bottles of wine per cabin.   They do not allow any beer or liquor onboard.

They specifically state you can purchase specialty liquors in ports of call and bring them onboard if you let security know so they can put them in storage for you until the last night of your cruise.

Full info here under “Can I bring alcohol onboard”.

Azamara Cruises Alcohol Policy

Azamara is a Luxury cruise line that lets guest to bring all types of alcohol on board, including wine, beer, and liquors.   No limits are stated, so we can only assume it is within reason.

You may bring your own favourite liquor, beer or wine for private consumption in your suite or stateroom. Azamara Cruises

Azamara Alcohol Policy here under “Corkage Policy”

You can drink your own alcohol in your stateroom, but if you wish to drink in public areas of the ship, such as the dining rooms or bars, you will have to pay a $10 corkage fee.

Other River and Luxury Cruises

Many rivers and luxury cruise line companies do allow guests to bring alcohol onboard.  Often this is because many of them include alcohol in the fare price.  Therefore they don’t lose out by taking your own. If anything, they benefit.

How to Bring Alcohol on a Cruise?

You should typically bring your alcohol on a cruise in your carry-on luggage.   If you have taken a flight and packed your alcohol in your checked luggage at any point in your journey, you will need to take it out and transfer it to your carry-on.

Some cruise lines will confiscate and dispose of any alcohol found in your checked luggage.

Whatever part of your journey you are on, make sure you pack your alcohol safely, so it does not get broken in transit.  Wrapping in a towel and keeping compact in the center of your bags should suffice.  

Related Posts

• Can You Drink on a Cruise at 18?
• Drinking Age In International Waters (for each Cruise Line)
• Do Cruises Water Down Alcoholic Drinks?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is alcohol on cruise ships watered down.

Alcohol on cruise ships is not considered to be watered down.  Cruise lines make a good portion of their revenue from alcoholic drinks, sold individually and via drink packages.  If a cruise line were proven to be watering down drinks, it would risk its reputation.

Remember, if you are ordering a drink, state your preferred brand name. Otherwise, you may be given the cheapest options if you order a generic rum or brandy.  

This also applies to cocktails. Let the bartender know you want them to use the premium brand of your choice.

Another relevant tip is to request the bar-tender go easy on the ice.

Can You Bring Beer on a Cruise?

Of the leading cruise lines, only Disney Cruise allows bottles of beer to be taken onboard.  The limit is 6 bottles per person over the age of 21.

If the passenger takes beer, they can not take any additional wine.  It’s one or the other.

Can You Bring 12 Pack of Beer on a Carnival Cruise?

Carnival cruise does not allow guests to bring any beer onboard the ship.   Beer can be purchased onboard at bars, nightclubs, and restaurants. 

Can I Buy Alcohol in the Ports?

You can often buy alcoholic drinks cheaply in ports in duty-free stores.  However, you generally won’t be able to take these back to your stateroom.  Instead, you will have to let cruise staff know, and they will store them until your leaving day.

Can You Bring a Vape on a Cruise?  (2024)

Can You Bring Curling Irons On a Cruise Ship?

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Can I bring Alcohol onboard? Latest cruise line policies 2023

17 Jan 2023

Updated January 2023

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Cunard Alcohol Policy

Duty and tax-free alcohol is available for purchase and will be delivered to your stateroom on the last day of your voyage. You may bring one bottle of wine or champagne per person on board to celebrate special occasions. If consumed in restaurants or bars, each bottle will be subjected to a $25 corkage fee. This fee is subject to change. Guests who are under 18 years of age are not permitted to purchase or consume alcohol on board. In U.S. waters, Cunard abides by the U.S. legal drinking age of 21 years. Any wines purchased via the Little Luxuries Collection are not subject to the on board $25 corkage fee.

Search Cunards FAQs to find out more about their policies Browse Cunard Cruise Offers

P&O Cruises Alcohol Policy

Alcohol policy

We believe that responsible drinking is a valued and enjoyable part of a cruise. However, we ask that our policy for the responsible consumption of alcohol is adhered to at all times. We reserve the right to deny access to the ship to anyone who appears to be heavily under the influence of alcohol. We may also confiscate alcohol in the terminal and at the gangway.

Each guest aged 18 years (21 years in United States of America ports) and older may bring up to 1 litre of wine, Champagne, beer, spirit, or liqueur on board as they embark the ship for the first time only. Alcohol over the 1 litre limit will be stored and returned to the guest prior to the end of the cruise. If this alcohol is consumed in the dining rooms, bars, restaurants or lounge areas, it will be subject to a corkage fee of £20* per bottle, per occasion which will be charged to the guest’s on-board account.

Any alcoholic beverages purchased mid-cruise in ports of call cannot be consumed on board. Guests will need to declare and hand over any alcohol bought in port at the gangway. It will be stored and returned to the guest prior to the end of the cruise, at no charge.

If a bottle of wine/Champagne has been bought for a guest through P&O Cruises gifts, guests will need to ensure they carry the gift card with them to avoid having the corkage charge applied to their on-board account.

On eligible cruises, guests are welcome to buy duty free alcohol to take home via the on-board shops. It will be stored until the end of their cruise.

Should guests wish to enjoy a drink in their cabin, they will be able to refer to the in-cabin directory which has a selection of spirits and wines which can be purchased by the bottle, as well as our extensively-stocked mini bars in all cabins.

Read more about P&O Cruises Alcohol Policy Browse P&O Cruise Offers

Fred Olsen Alcohol Policy

Fred. Olsen does not permit guests to bring their own alcohol on board for consumption.

Any alcohol purchased shoreside during a cruise must be handed to the ship's security staff for safe storage. It will be then returned to guests at the end of their cruise.

Read more about the Fred. Olsen Cruises Alcohol Policy Browse Fred. Olsen Cruise Offers

Ambassador Cruise Lines Alcohol Policy

It is strictly prohibited to bring alcohol aboard at embarkation and any found will be confiscated and stored until the end of the cruise. Any alcohol purchases made ashore during the cruise should be handed to Security on re-joining the ship. These will be returned upon disembarkation.

Read more about Ambassador Cruise Lines Alcohol Policy

Celebrity Cruises Alcohol Policy

Guests are not permitted to bring alcoholic beverages onboard; with the exception of embarkation day when each guest (of legal drinking age) is permitted to bring onboard up to two (2) bottles of wine (which are subject to a corkage fee) per guest. A corkage fee does not apply to guests with the Classic Beverage Package or Premium Beverage Package. Security may inspect containers (including water bottles, soda bottles, mouthwash, canteens, etc.) at any time and will dispose of alcohol concealed in such containers. Alcoholic beverages that are purchased from onboard shops or in ports of call (which must be presented to security upon re-boarding), will be secured by ship's personnel. Alcohol secured by ship's personnel will be returned to guests just prior to the conclusion of their cruise vacation. Guests who are under the permitted drinking age will not have alcohol returned to them.

Alcoholic beverages that are purchased from onboard shops or in ports of call must be presented to Security upon re-boarding and will be secured by the ship’s personnel. Alcohol secured by the ship’s personnel will be returned to guests just prior to the conclusion of their cruise vacation. Guests who are under the permitted drinking age will not have alcohol returned to them.

Read more about Celebrity Cruises Alcohol Policy Browse Celebrity Cruises Offers

Royal Caribbean Alcohol Policy

Guests are not allowed to bring beer or hard liquor onboard for consumption or any other use.

Alcoholic beverages seized on embarkation day will not be returned. Security may inspect containers (water bottles, soda bottles, mouthwash, luggage etc.) and will dispose of containers holding alcohol. Guests who violate any alcohol policies, (over consume, provide alcohol to people under the legal drinking age, demonstrate irresponsible behavior, or attempt to conceal alcoholic items at security and or luggage check points or any other time), may be disembarked or not allowed to board, at their own expense, in accordance with our Guest Conduct Policy . Guests who are under the permitted drinking age will not have alcohol returned to them. Please Note: All guests must comply with TSA guidelines for transporting liquids.

On boarding day, guests may bring onboard two (2) 750 ml bottles of personal wine or champagne per stateroom in their carry-on luggage. If more than two bottles of wine or champagne are brought onboard, including any alcoholic beverages purchased in ports-of-call or in our onboard shops, they will be stored by the ship and delivered to your stateroom on your last day onboard.

Guests on consecutive cruises may bring two (2) 750 ml bottles of personal wine or champagne per voyage, per stateroom. Additional bottles will be stored by the ship and two bottles at a time will be delivered to the stateroom on the first day of each new voyage. Guests bringing more than two bottles at the start of the first sailing should have documentation for any consecutive sailings available to share with security on boarding day.

Read more about Royal Caribbean Cruises Alcohol Policy Browse Royal Caribbean Cruise Offers

Princess Cruises Alcohol Policy

guests agree not to bring alcoholic beverages of any kind on board for consumption, except one bottle of wine or champagne per adult of drinking age (no larger than 750 ml) per voyage, which will not be subject to a corkage fee if consumed in the stateroom. Additional wine or champagne bottles are welcome, but will incur a $15 corkage fee each, irrespective of where they are intended to be consumed. Liquor, spirits or beers are not permitted. Please remember that luggage will be scanned and alcohol outside of policy will be removed and discarded.

Alcoholic beverages that are purchased duty free from The Shops of Princess, or at ports of call, will be collected for safekeeping and delivered to the guest's stateroom on the last day of the cruise. A member of the ship's staff will be at the gangway to assist guests with the storage of their shoreside alcoholic purchases while The Shops of Princess staff will assist guests with shipboard alcoholic purchases.

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MSC Alcohol Policy

At embarkation, no alcoholic beverages are allowed to be brought onboard. All alcohol purchases brought in from port will be held for safekeeping and delivered to passengers' staterooms on the cruise's last evening.

Read more about MSC Cruises Alcohol Policy Browse MSC Cruise Offers

Regent Seven Seas Alcohol Policy

Passengers are allowed to bring it onboard for consumption as desired.

Read more about Regent Seven Seas Alcohol Policy Browse Regent Seven Seas Cruise Offers

Oceania Cruises Alcohol Policy

We have now increased the limit to 6 bottles per stateroom . The exception being the world cruises for which we will allow 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.

Read more about Oceania Cruises Alcohol Policy Browse Oceania Cruise Offers

Policies are based on current information as gathered January 2023. These policies are subject to change based on individual cruise line directives. For the most up to date information, please check the providers website.

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