Can You Bring Wine on Carnival Cruises? Expert Answers Here

Are you planning to bring wine on your Carnival cruise? It’s a question that many passengers ask before embarking on their trip. Carnival Cruise Line has a strict policy when it comes to bringing alcohol on board, so it’s important to know what you can and cannot bring.

If you’re packing up for your cruise then you’ve gotta read our article: The Last 7-Day Cruise Packing List You’ll Ever Need

Carnival Cruise Line’s Alcohol Policy states that guests are prohibited from bringing hard liquor, beer, or plastic/glass bottled beverages, such as water, sodas, and other non-alcoholic drinks, on board. 

If you are caught violating this policy, your alcohol will be confiscated, and you risk being removed from the ship.

What about during the cruise? You are not allowed to bring any other alcohol on board, and if you purchase any alcohol during the trip, it will be stored until the end of the cruise. Carnival offers a corkage fee of $15 USD per 750 ml bottle if you wish to consume your wine or champagne in the main dining room, specialty restaurant, or bar. 

Understanding and following these guidelines will ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience on your Carnival cruise.

What You Can Bring on a Carnival Cruise

When it comes to bringing beverages on board a Carnival Cruise, there are certain restrictions and guidelines to keep in mind. Here’s a breakdown of what you can bring:

• Wine and Champagne: On embarkation day only, guests who are 21 years of age and older are permitted to bring one 750 ml bottle of sealed/unopened wine or champagne per person in their carry-on luggage. Remember, this allowance is limited to one bottle per person and must remain unopened. carry your wine or champagne with you instead of packing it in your checked luggage.
• Corkage Fee for Wine and Champagne: If you decide to bring your own wine or champagne on board and wish to enjoy it in the main dining room, specialty restaurant, or bar, Carnival Cruise Lines imposes a corkage fee of $15 USD per 750 ml bottle. This fee is in place to encourage guests to explore the wide selection of wines and champagnes available on board.
• Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Carnival Cruise Lines permits guests to bring a small quantity of non-alcoholic beverages on board. This includes unopened cans of soda, water bottles, and bottled water. You can pack these items in your carry-on luggage. Unlike wine and champagne, there is no corkage fee for consuming your own non-alcoholic drinks on board.
• Fee for Consuming Non-Alcoholic Drinks: If you prefer to enjoy your own non-alcoholic beverages in the main dining room, specialty restaurant, or bar, a fee of $4 USD per drink applies. This fee aims to encourage guests to try the wide selection of non-alcoholic beverages provided by Carnival Cruise Lines.

Corkage Fee Policy on a Carnival Cruise

If you plan to bring your own wine or champagne on a Carnival cruise and enjoy it in certain locations, it’s essential to be familiar with the corkage fee policy. The cruise line imposes the corkage fee for customers who bring their own wine or champagne to consume on the premises.

According to Carnival Cruise Line’s policy, there is a corkage fee of $15 per 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne consumed in the main dining room, specialty restaurant, or bar. This fee covers the cost associated with opening, pouring, and serving the wine or champagne.

Note that the corkage fee applies specifically if you want to enjoy your wine or champagne in the main dining room, specialty restaurant, or bar. If you prefer to consume it in the privacy of your stateroom, no additional corkage fee will be charged.

Additionally, when bringing your own wine or champagne on board a Carnival cruise, be mindful of the wine policy. You are allowed to bring one 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne per person, per voyage, during embarkation. If you bring more than one bottle, a corkage fee will be applied to each additional bottle.

If you bring your wine or champagne on a Carnival cruise and wish to consume it in the main dining room, specialty restaurant, or bar, be prepared to pay a corkage fee of $15 per 750 ml bottle.

However, no additional fee will be incurred if you prefer to enjoy your wine or champagne in your stateroom.

Purchasing and Consuming Alcohol During the Cruise

Once you have boarded the Carnival Cruise ship, you may be curious about your options for purchasing and consuming alcohol during your trip. Here’s what you need to know:

• Purchasing Alcohol Onboard: If you didn’t bring your own wine or champagne during embarkation, there are plenty of opportunities to purchase alcohol on board. You can buy drinks at the bars, lounges, gift shops, and fun shops. Carnival also offers various drink packages, including wine packages, beverage packages, and unlimited soft drinks. Keep an eye out for happy hours and drink specials to save money on your drinks.
• Consuming Your Own Alcohol: Carnival’s alcohol policy prohibits guests from bringing their own liquor or beer on board, except for the one 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne per person on embarkation day. After you have consumed your own wine or champagne, you will need to purchase any additional alcohol on board. Single drinks can be ordered, or you can opt for a drink package for unlimited drinks throughout your trip.
• Corkage Fee and Private Consumption: If you consume your own alcohol in public areas of the ship, such as the pool deck or dining areas, you may be subject to a corkage fee. However, you can enjoy your own wine or champagne in the privacy of your stateroom without any additional fees.

End of the Cruise and Age Restrictions on a Carnival Cruise

Handling Leftover Wine

As your Carnival cruise nears its conclusion, you may wonder about the fate of any remaining wine you brought on board. note that you are not permitted to take opened or partially consumed bottles of wine or champagne off the ship. However, you are allowed to bring unopened bottles back home with you.

If you have unopened bottles of wine or champagne in your cabin, you can pack them in your checked luggage or carry-on bag. Please remember to declare any alcohol you are bringing back into the United States if you are a U.S. citizen.

Alternatively, if you do not wish to take the unopened bottles with you, you have the option to give them as a gift to your cabin steward, waitstaff, or other crew members who provided excellent service during your cruise.

It’s worth noting that any duty-free alcohol you purchased on board will be held by the ship’s crew until the end of the voyage. You will be able to collect your duty-free alcohol on the last night of the cruise or on the morning of debarkation.

Remember to adhere to Carnival’s alcohol policy and regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable cruise experience for all.

Age Restrictions

When it comes to bringing wine on a Carnival cruise, there are specific age restrictions to keep in mind. The legal drinking age on all Carnival cruises is 21 years old.

This means that individuals under the age of 21, even if accompanied by parents or legal guardians, are not allowed to consume alcohol on the ship. Carnival strictly enforces this policy, and failure to comply may result in denial of boarding or removal from the ship.

Have proper identification with your birth date if you plan to bring alcohol on board. Guests who are 21 years of age or older are permitted to bring one 750 ml bottle of sealed/unopened wine or champagne per person in their carry-on luggage on embarkation day only. Carnival crew members diligently check IDs, so it’s crucial to always have your ID with you.

Apart from age restrictions on alcohol consumption, Carnival also imposes age limits for other activities on board. For instance, guests must be 18 or older to play tables and slot machines in the casino, and the sale of tobacco products is also limited to individuals aged 21 and above, per U.S. federal law.

Carnival verifies the ages of all guests during embarkation to ensure compliance with these age restrictions. Failure to conform to the age policies will result in denied boarding. If you are traveling with children or infants, it’s important to review Carnival’s Minor Guest Policy to ensure compliance with all requirements.

Carnival prioritizes adherence to age restrictions to ensure a safe and enjoyable cruise experience for all passengers.

Comparison with Other Cruise Lines

When it comes to bringing wine on a cruise, Carnival is not the only cruise line with its own policies. Here’s a quick comparison of wine policies from some popular cruise lines:

Royal Caribbean

Guests are allowed to bring two bottles of wine per stateroom on embarkation day. The wine must be unopened, and no other alcoholic beverages are permitted. A corkage fee applies if consumed in a restaurant.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Guests are allowed to bring one bottle of wine or champagne per person on board. The wine must be unopened, and no other alcoholic beverages are permitted. A corkage fee applies if consumed in a restaurant.

Holland America

Guests are allowed to bring one bottle of wine or champagne per person on board. The wine must be unopened, and no other alcoholic beverages are permitted. A corkage fee applies if consumed in a restaurant.

Disney Cruise Line

Guests can bring a maximum of two bottles of wine or champagne per stateroom on board. The wine must be unopened, and no other alcoholic beverages are permitted. A corkage fee applies if consumed in a restaurant.

MSC Cruises

Guests are allowed to bring one bottle of wine or champagne per person on board. The wine must be unopened, and no other alcoholic beverages are permitted. A corkage fee applies if consumed in a restaurant.

Note that each cruise line has its own policies regarding bringing wine on board. Before packing any wine, make sure to check with your specific cruise line to avoid any issues during embarkation.

Prohibited Items

When packing for your Carnival Cruise, it’s crucial to be aware of the prohibited items that are not allowed on board. The following items will be confiscated:

• Hard liquor and beer
• Wine or champagne beyond the allowable limit of one 750 ml bottle per adult (21 years of age or older)
• Non-alcoholic beverages in containers other than cans or cartons
• Excessive quantities of non-alcoholic beverages (over 12 cans/cartons per person)
• Non-alcoholic beverage containers exceeding 12 ounces each
• Energy drinks
• Plastic bottles
• Mouthwash bottles
• Homemade food
• Glass bottles
• Large speakers/radios

Please note that Carnival Cruise Line has a strict beverage policy. Guests are not permitted to bring hard liquor, beer, or plastic/glass bottled beverages (such as water, sodas, and other non-alcoholic drinks) on board.

However, during embarkation day only, guests who are 21 years of age and older may bring one 750 ml bottle of sealed/unopened wine or champagne per person in their carry-on luggage.

Quantities (over 12 cans/cartons per person) and sizes (over 12 ounces each) of non-alcoholic beverage containers are not permitted.

Energy drinks, plastic bottles, mouthwash bottles, and homemade food are also prohibited. Large speakers/radios will be confiscated and discarded.

Penalties for Violating Rules

It’s crucial to understand that violating Carnival Cruise Line’s alcohol policy can have consequences. If you attempt to bring more than one bottle of wine or champagne per person or any other alcoholic beverages on board, there is a risk of having your items confiscated by the security staff.

Sneaking alcohol onboard through other means can also result in disciplinary action, such as being disembarked at the next port or being banned from future Carnival cruises.

Carnival’s security staff is well-trained and experienced in detecting prohibited items, including alcohol. They employ various screening methods, including X-ray machines and physical inspections, to ensure compliance with the rules. If you are caught violating the rules, you will receive a warning, and your alcohol will be confiscated.

In certain instances, if you choose to consume your wine or champagne outside of your cabin, you may be charged a corkage fee of $15 per bottle. This fee covers the cost of opening and serving the bottle. However, to avoid any additional fees or penalties, it is advisable to consume your alcohol in your cabin.

To prevent any issues with the security staff, it is recommended to comply with the rules and only bring one bottle of wine or champagne per person on embarkation day. If you require additional alcohol during your cruise, you can purchase it onboard at the various bars and lounges.

Ultimately, it is important to respect and adhere to the rules and regulations set forth by Carnival Cruise Line. This ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests.

Tips for a Smooth Sailing

If you’re planning to bring wine on your Carnival Cruise, here are some tips to ensure a smooth sailing:

• Check the Cruise Line’s Alcohol Policy: Familiarize yourself with Carnival Cruise Line’s alcohol policy to understand the rules and limitations. Remember, one bottle of wine or champagne per person is allowed, packed in carry-on luggage, and not exceeding 750ml.
• Pack Your Wine in Carry-On Luggage: To avoid complications at the port, pack your wine in your carry-on luggage. This allows for easy inspection during the security screening process and protects the bottle from potential damage if packed in checked luggage. Remember, each person is allowed to bring one bottle of wine.
• Use a Wine Bottle Protector: Consider using a wine bottle protector to safeguard your wine during transport. These inflatable bags provide added protection against breakage or leakage, especially if you plan to bring wine on multiple cruises.
• Consider Purchasing Wine on Board: If bringing your own wine seems inconvenient, Carnival offers a wide selection of wines for purchase on board. You can buy them by the bottle or by the glass, eliminating the need for transportation and corkage fees.
• Consult a Travel Agent: If you have any doubts or questions about Carnival’s alcohol policy, consult a travel agent. They can provide accurate information and help you plan your cruise accordingly. Additionally, they can assist in securing great value for your cruise and planning back-to-back cruises.
• Avoid Rum Runners: While it may be tempting to try and sneak alcohol on board using rum runners, it’s important to respect Carnival’s policies. The risks associated with getting caught outweigh any potential benefits. It’s best to adhere to the rules and enjoy your cruise worry-free.
• Enjoy Your Wine in the Best Place: Once you have brought your wine on board, choose the perfect location to enjoy it. Carnival offers various venues, including the main dining room, specialty restaurants, and lounges, where you can relax and savor a glass of your favorite wine.

By following these tips, you can ensure a seamless experience when bringing wine on your Carnival Cruise.

Frequently Asked Questions