Cruise Ship Alcohol Rules {Good To Know}

Post Last Modified – Aug 18, 2021

Strict Cruise ShipAlcohol Rules And Policies

If you’re planning to take a Cruise Vacation, then be sure to be aware of Strict Cruise Ship Alcohol Rules before boarding. When booking your cruise, it’s very important to know just what the cruise lines policies are regarding liquor.

Be sure to check beforehand, what you may or may not be allowed to bring on board ship.

On cruises that our family have taken in the past, we quickly discovered that each individual cruise line although similar, have their very own strict policies regarding alcohol.

In saying that, always take a moment and read therules regarding alcoholby reviewing the policies for the cruise line you have selected to sail with.

Do not wait until you are on board and unexpectedly discover that you may have your liquor confiscated from you upon embarkation.

Strict Rules About Bringing Alcohol OnBoard Ship

It’svery important to be aware of what you may or may not bring on board ship, and this includes more than just liquor. 🛠

Today, your 🧳 luggage is usually scanned in most cases and the liquor in your bags and any other prohibited item if discovered, is subject to being seized until the cruise is over.

Cruise lines do have these strict policies in place for a number of reasons!

Of course, cruise lines want you to purchase your drinks on board for obvious reasons. But also, they are taking the necessary steps to avoid any alcohol misuse or abuse.

There primary goal is to keep you and your family safe at all times during your cruise vacation!

Check out 🛳Carnival Cruise Lines alcohol policies in their FAQ section, as an example. It will give you a general idea on what is acceptable and what is not when on embark on your cruise.

One of my most favorite cruise travel websites of all is – Cruise Critic. The site is filled with cruise news, updates in the cruise industry, deals, passenger reviews and so much more!

I have listed a direct link below to their website for your convenience. Definitely worth a look, especially when considering a certain cruise you may be interested in trying.

Cruise Critic

As well, the site has links posted to numerous cruise lines. You can access more detailed information on their own specific policies regarding bringing liquor on board, and any other items you may be considering.

Important Facts – Good To Know

Cruise Ship Alcohol Rules

Here are a few facts for you to consider when planning your next cruise;

The legal drinking age on most cruises is 21 years for all alcoholic beverages;

Carrying liquor on board ship is strictly prohibited, with the exception in most cases of a bottle of wine per passenger. ( check individual cruise lines liquor policies) Fees will be added should you wish to take your wine from your cabin;

All liquor purchased while in ports and as duty free will be held until you disembark.

Pretty straight forward and if you try to smuggle some liquor on board ship, be prepared to have it taken away!:(

Do Not Smuggle Liquor On Board Ship!

Cruise Lines Strict Alcohol Policies

Cruise Ship Alcohol Rules

Fake Covers for Liquor

People come up with all kinds of ideas in ways to hide their liquor from security staff.

They do in fact get away with it quite often. As a few examples, people have;

Hidden vodka in water bottles;

Purchased fake covers for containers and filled them with alcohol;

Poured liquor into baby bottles.

You name it, people will try anything to get it on board if they can!

Just remember, if you want to save embarrassment and additional screening, then I suggest you consume your liquor while on shore and purchase your alcoholic beverages on board.

Embarrassed Person, Guess Who?

After all, isn’t it a part of the enjoyment of a cruise holiday anyway?

Treat yourself and enjoy that tropical drink served directly to your cabin if you so choose, or sit out on deck while capturing that beautiful tropical sunset! 🍹

Enjoying Beverages On Our Cruise Holiday!

On our voyages, there were always daily specials which most often included a souvenir glass as well. We found in most cases, these drink specials were reasonably priced and affordable for most to enjoy.

Things are always changing in the cruise industry on a regular basis.

Many Cruise Lines Have Now Introduced 🍷 “All You Can Drink Packages.”

The majority of cruise lines are now offering passengers drink packages for the entire duration of their cruise!

On our last amazing Royal Caribbean South Pacific Cruise, as soon as we stepped on board ship we were escorted into the main foyer of the ship. There were tables set up with staff promoting this type of package for sale.

If you purchased the drink package, you were given a souvenir 🎁 gift of some sort, as an added incentive!

I was aware of these new drink additions prior to departing on our cruise. I decided to dothe math beforehand just to see what kind of deal you actually received.

In my opinion, if you plan on spending a great deal of time on board ship, staying up into the late hours partying and doing a heavy amount of drinking, then this option may be worth the extra cost.

But if you’re like my wife and I and enjoy an evening cocktail before dinner and/or the odd drink around the pool, then I don’t believe this package is worth spending your money on.

Again, it’s personal preference and your choice, but it is nice to have this option available to you if you choose.

There are also non-alcoholic drink packages available that are definitely worth considering, especially for those cruising with their children.

Cruise Critic wrote a great article on a guide to these all you can drink packages and what most of the major cruise lines offer and charge for the service.

A great informative article and definitely worth checking out. I have included the website link below for your convenience.

All You Can Drink Packages

Budget for Alcoholic Beverages On Board Ship

Treat Yourself to a Tropical Beverage On Board!

My suggestion and what we have always done, is include your added beverages into your Travel Budget.

So go ahead, enjoy that specialcocktail on board ship, after all, you are on vacation! There are always great incentives offered by each cruise line to entice you to book your vacation with them.

Update August 2021

I’ve just received an email newsletter post from one of the major cruise lines.

Now that cruises are slowly resuming once again, this particular cruise line is offering all 3 items listed below, as an incentive to book a cruise with them;

Paid Gratuities;

Free Drink Packages;

Free Wifi

So do your shopping and seek out the best deals around for your next cruise. There are some terrific deals to be had on the horizon!

Norwegian Cruise Lines – Banning Carry On Water And Other Beverages

It appears people are still not getting the message on what they can and cannot bring on board ship as far as alcohol goes.

Now in an effort to curb those passengers trying to sneak their alcohol onto the ship, they are simply ruining it for the rest of us travelers.

It looks like passengers may not even be able to bring their non-alcoholic beverages on board as a result. I’m sure if this rule is implemented, all the other major cruise lines will certainly follow suit.

Read their reasoning behind this decision below;

Norwegian Cruise Line Bans Carry On Water and Soda

Note:

This was posted a number of years ago. Not sure if it has been implemented at all. If you have any updated information to offer, please do so in the comment box below! ️

There are a few exceptions for allowing water to be carried on board. Norwegian Cruise Line claims the policy will make for faster passenger boarding and less time screening packages.

These are just a few things to know about the Industry’s Cruise Ship Alcohol Rules and Policies. Good stuff to know just before taking your cruise vacation!

It’s always best to check your individual cruise line yourself, or have your 👩 Professional Travel Agent who may be doing the booking for you, check.

Safe and Healthy Travels!

Did You Know

“The First Female Captain Of A Major Cruise Ship Was Karin Janson Sailing Royal Caribbeans Monarch of the Seas.”
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