Cruise Alcohol Policy

18. Four Seasons Yachts Alcohol Policy

Four Seasons Yachts’ alcohol policy focuses on offering a bespoke luxury yachting experience where alcoholic beverages are not included in the standard cruise fare and are treated as à la carte purchases. Passengers receive breakfast and non‑alcoholic drinks as part of the fare, but lunch, dinner, and all alcoholic beverages incur separate charges to the onboard account. Guests must purchase curated drink packages or individual beverages at bars and lounges onboard rather than bringing personal alcohol from home. 

The policy restricts BYO alcohol for health, safety, and service quality reasons, ensuring beverage service meets the yacht’s standards and local maritime regulations. Prohibited items are not allowed at embarkation and declined by staff after inspection, with no storage or return arrangement publicly specified for items that violate policy, since most alcohol selections are offered onboard at premium pricing. 

Windstar Cruises differs from Four Seasons Yachts by permitting guests to bring a limited number of personal wine or champagne bottles at embarkation. The cruise line charges a corkage fee for consumption in public venues, and holding additional alcohol purchased in ports or duty‑free shops until the last day of the cruise. Windstar’s policy blends personal BYO allowances with onboard purchase options. Four Seasons Yachts Cruises emphasizes onboard beverage purchases to fit the yacht’s service model. 

The alcohol policy for Four Seasons Yachts Cruises is shown in the table below.

19. Azamara Cruises Alcohol Policy

Azamara Cruises’ alcohol policy focuses on providing an inclusive onboard beverage experience while offering guests flexibility with personal drinks. Guests are able to bring their own wine, beer, or liquor onboard and consume the beverages in their stateroom without extra charge (no corkage fee applies for in‑cabin consumption). Azamara applies a corkage fee per bottle when guests choose to drink their own bottles in public venues (bars, restaurants),. Any alcohol purchased during port visits or duty‑free shops is stored by staff and returned toward the end of the cruise. 

The approach supports a relaxed, guest‑friendly environment while preserving safety and order throughout the ship. Celebrity Cruises allows guests to bring only one bottle of wine (750 ml) per adult at embarkation and prohibits beer and spirits from being brought onboard; Celebrity’s policy requires storage of additional or prohibited alcohol until the cruise’s final day and applies corkage fees when personal wine is consumed in public venues. Guests must declare and present alcohol at embarkation to adhere to Azamara’s policies. Prohibited or excess alcohol is handled by staff and returned later.

The alcohol policy for Azamara Cruises is shown in the table below.

20. Celebrity Cruises Alcohol Policy

Celebrity Cruises’ alcohol policy focuses on controlling personal alcohol brought onboard while promoting onboard beverage purchases and packages. Guests are permitted to bring one 750 ml bottle per adult or up to two 750 ml bottles of wine or champagne per stateroom on embarkation day for personal consumption. Beer and spirits are prohibited at embarkation and are held by staff and returned near disembarkation. A corkage fee applies per bottle of personal wine consumed in dining rooms or bars. Guests must present any personal alcohol at embarkation for inspection. Containers with concealed alcohol (water bottles or other non‑alcoholic containers) are subject to disposal by security. The policy ensures responsible drinking onboard and supports the cruise line’s beverage revenue through onboard sales and beverage packages, while maintaining compliance with regional legal drinking age requirements (21 in North America or 18 under other jurisdictions).

Oceania Cruises allows a broader allowance of personal wine, beer, and one bottle of spirits per stateroom (with limits) and applies corkage fees only when bottles are consumed in public areas. Oceania’s policy gives guests more flexibility compared with Celebrity’s tighter restrictions. Guests on Celebrity Cruises adhere to the policy by declaring personal wine before boarding, following storage rules for port or duty‑free purchases, and opting for onboard drink packages for unrestricted access to alcoholic beverages.

Celebrity Cruises’ alcohol policy is shown in the table below.

21. Oceania Cruises Alcohol Policy

Oceania Cruises’ alcohol policy permits guests to bring limited personal alcoholic beverages onboard while ensuring a balanced and enjoyable atmosphere for all guests. Oceania allows up to six bottles of wine or Champagne per stateroom (750 ml each), with world cruise itineraries extending the limit to 60 bottles per stateroom for the full voyage. 

Guests are allowed to bring one 1‑liter bottle of spirits and up to 12 cans or bottles of beer per stateroom at embarkation. Wine and Champagne are consumable in a stateroom with no charge. Oceania applies a $25 corkage fee per bottle for a bottle of wine, or Champagne, opened for consumption in public venues or dining rooms. Spirits and beer brought onboard are allowed to be consumed within the stateroom and are not permitted in public areas. Excess alcohol beyond the allowed quantities is stored securely by ship staff and returned on disembarkation day. 

Oceania’s policy aims to provide flexibility with personal beverages while maintaining service standards and safety on board. Explora Journeys’ policy differs by integrating alcoholic beverages into the cruise fare as part of an all‑inclusive luxury experience and generally forbidding passengers from bringing personal alcohol onboard. The cruise line focuses on the premium selection available during the voyage. Explora’s crew confiscate alcohol brought aboard in violation of its rules to uphold the onboard inclusivity and safety standards. 

The alcohol policy for Oceania Cruises is shown in the table below.

22. Virgin Voyages Cruises Alcohol Policy

Virgin Voyages’ alcohol policy centers on maintaining a curated adult‑focused cruise experience while balancing guest preferences and safety. Virgin Voyages permits sailors to bring up to two 750 mL bottles of wine, sparkling wine, or champagne per cabin in carry‑on luggage on embarkation day. Liquor and beer are not allowed in personal luggage and are confiscated at boarding and returned at the end of the voyage. 

Travellers who choose to enjoy their own wine in dining venues incur a corkage fee, paid through Virgin Voyages’ Bar Tab system. The line offers a Bar Tab credit approach for purchasing drinks onboard, where alcoholic and non‑alcoholic beverages are priced and consumed ship‑wide without traditional drink packages. Adherence to the policy requires presenting personal alcohol at security screening, storing prohibited items with the crew until disembarkation, and following minimum drinking age rules set by water or port jurisdictions. 

Virgin Voyages’ approach differs from Cunard Line, whose policy allows each guest to bring one bottle of wine or champagne at embarkation and permits beer or spirits onboard under specified conditions. Corkage fees apply for consumption outside private suites. Cunard retains duty‑free alcohol purchases until the last full day of the voyage and offers purchasable drink packages for onboard service. 

The alcohol policy for Virgin Voyages Cruises is shown in the table below.

23. Cunard Line Alcohol Policy

Cunard Line’s alcohol policy focuses on allowing guests limited personal alcohol for private enjoyment while maintaining control over consumption and onboard service standards. Guests aged at least 21 are allowed to bring one sealed bottle of wine or champagne (up to 750 ml) per embarkation with no charge for consumption in the stateroom. Consumption in public dining spaces triggers a corkage fee per bottle. Additional alcohol brought during embarkation is subject to corkage fees and security review, and duty‑free or port purchases are held by the ship and returned on the last full day of the voyage. 

The approach contrasts with Holland America Line’s stricter policy of permitting only wine or champagne at embarkation, with a corkage fee applied even in private cabins. No beer or spirits are allowed, along with the storage and return of unauthorized alcohol at disembarkation. Cunard Line Cruises’ policy allows guests a modest amount of personal alcohol while enforcing age and safety standards and formal corkage charges for public consumption. Guests must present personal alcohol at security screening and adhere to carry‑on limits; prohibited items are confiscated and retained until the end of the cruise to ensure compliance.

The alcohol policy for Cunard Line Cruises is shown in the table below.

24. Holland America Line Alcohol Policy

Holland America Line’s alcohol policy centers on controlling onboard consumption while encouraging the purchase of beverages from its bars and beverage packages. Guests age 21 or older are allowed to bring a sealed bottle of wine or Champagne (750 mL or less) at embarkation. The bottle is subject to a $20 corkage fee regardless of where it is consumed onboard. 

Beer, liquor, boxed wine, and other spirits are not permitted in carry‑on or checked luggage and confiscated during security screening. Wine purchased through Holland America shore excursions that visit wineries is exempt from the corkage fee (one bottle per person). Alcohol purchased duty‑free or ashore is stored by the ship and returned to the stateroom on the last day of the voyage. The minimum drinking age onboard is 21 (18 or 20 on select itineraries), and enforced compliance prevents underage consumption. 

Princess Cruises’ alcohol policy differs by allowing one bottle of wine or Champagne per adult aboard without a corkage fee when consumed in the stateroom. The cruise line stores duty‑free or port purchases until the last day, while prohibiting beer and liquor. Holland America Line Cruises and Princess Cruises enforce strict scanning of luggage and removal of prohibited items to maintain safety and adherence to their policies. 

The alcohol policy for Holland America Line Cruises is shown in the table below.

25. Princess Cruises Alcohol Policy

Princess Cruises’ alcohol policy centers on controlling what guests bring onboard to support onboard beverage sales and maintain responsible consumption standards. Guests of legal drinking age are allowed to bring one bottle of wine or champagne (750 mL) per voyage without paying a corkage fee when it is consumed in the stateroom. Additional bottles brought onboard incur a corkage fee of [$15 to $20] per bottle. regardless of where they are consumed. Beer, liquor, and spirits are not permitted in carry‑on or checked luggage and are not allowed at embarkation. Prohibited alcohol is confiscated and discarded. 

Alcohol purchased in port or duty‑free at the ship’s shops is held by staff and returned to the guest’s stateroom on the last day of the voyage. Guests must adhere to the policy by declaring their wine at security, paying applicable corkage fees, and using onboard drink packages or bar purchases for additional beverages. 

Norwegian Cruise Line differs from Princess by allowing guests to bring multiple bottles of wine or champagne onboard with corkage fees of [$15 to $30] based on size, storing duty‑free alcohol until debarkation. The cruise line applies a broad ban on beer, liquor, and other beverages, with exceptions for small amounts of water for medical needs. 

The alcohol policy for Princess Cruises is shown in the table below.

26. Norwegian Cruise Line Alcohol Policy

Norwegian Cruises’ alcohol policy restricts bringing personal alcohol aboard while still offering guests access to onboard sales and drink packages. The line prohibits guests from bringing liquor, beer, and non‑alcoholic beverages in carry‑on or checked luggage. Fully sealed wine and champagne bottles for personal consumption are the only exemption. 

Guests must pay a corkage fee for wine and champagne brought on board when consumed anywhere on the ship, including in a stateroom. Liquor or beer purchased at a port or onboard duty‑free shops is stored by Norwegian Cruises staff and returned on the final night or the morning of disembarkation. The minimum age requirements of 21 years old apply for purchase and consumption during sailings departing from the United States. 

The policy differs from Royal Caribbean International’s rules, where each guest of legal drinking age is allowed to bring one sealed bottle of wine or champagne (750 ml) at embarkation, but no beer or liquor. Additional bottles or purchases are stored and returned at the end of the cruise. Royal Caribbean enforces specific storage and return procedures for prohibited items (beer, hard liquor) and tends to refuse boarding or disembark guests who violate conduct policies. Guests must declare sealed wine or champagne at embarkation, accept corkage fees, and allow staff to retain any prohibited beverages for later return to adhere to Norwegian Cruise Line’s policy. 

The alcohol policy for Norwegian Cruises is shown in the table below.

27. Royal Caribbean International Alcohol Policy

Royal Caribbean International’s alcohol policy focuses on limiting personal alcohol brought onboard while encouraging guests to purchase beverages onboard or choose beverage packages to cover their preferred drinks. Guests of legal drinking age are allowed to bring a sealed bottle of wine or champagne (up to 750 ml) on embarkation day in carry‑on luggage. No beer or hard liquor is allowed. 

Additional bottles of wine or alcohol purchased in ports or onboard shops are stored by staff and returned on the last day of the cruise. Personal wine consumed in public venues (dining rooms, bars, lounges) incurs a corkage fee of $15 per bottle. Prohibited items (beer, liquor) presented at embarkation are held and returned at disembarkation to manage safety and compliance with onboard rules and regional regulations. 

MSC Cruises prohibits bringing any alcoholic beverages onboard at embarkation, holding all alcohol brought from shore for safekeeping until the end of the voyage. The restriction reflects MSC’s stricter carry‑on policy and reinforces onboard sales as the primary source for alcoholic drinks. Guests sailing with Royal Caribbean International Cruises must declare personal wine at security screening, follow storage procedures for excess or port‑purchased bottles, and expect corkage fees for consumption outside of their stateroom.

The alcohol policy for Royal Caribbean International Cruises is shown in the table below.

28. MSC Cruises Alcohol Policy

MSC Cruises’ alcohol policy bars guests from bringing any personal alcoholic beverages onboard at embarkation. Guests are not allowed to carry wine, beer, spirits, or other alcoholic drinks in luggage or carry‑on. Security personnel inspect items at boarding and confiscate alcohol found in luggage or containers. Purchased alcohol (from port duty‑free shops or onboard duty‑free outlets) is held by staff and returned only on disembarkation day. 

MSC’s strict policy supports onboard safety, consistency in service, and compliance with international and port‑specific regulations. Atlas Ocean Voyages adds alcoholic beverages to its all‑inclusive cruise fare and allows consumption of a wide selection of wine, beer, and spirits onboard without strict limits. The cruise line retains the right to prohibit and retain alcohol brought ashore for consumption on the vessel. 

Guests aboard MSC Cruise Lines must leave alcohol at home before embarkation. Prohibited alcoholic beverages discovered by security are taken and returned at the end of the cruise. Guests preferring a structured beverage plan during the MSC Cruises voyage have the option to get drink packages. 

The alcohol policy for MSC Cruises is shown in the table below.

29. Atlas Ocean Voyages Alcohol Policy

Atlas Ocean Voyages’ alcohol policy focuses on providing an all‑inclusive, luxury voyage experience where drink inclusions are part of the cruise fare and responsible service is prioritized. Atlas Ocean Voyages adds wine, beer, spirits and non‑alcoholic beverages as part of its all‑inclusive offering, and reserves the right to prohibit and retain alcohol bought ashore that is not part of the ship’s program. Atlas urges moderation and retains alcohol brought ashore for later disposal or return to maintain onboard safety and enjoyment. 

Guests adhere to the policy by consuming drinks from bars and lounges throughout the sailing. Passengers hand over any excluded personal alcohol at embarkation, where Atlas Ocean Voyages Cruises crew retain or remove such items in accordance with the contract of carriage. 

Aurora Expeditions allows house beer and wine with dinner and offers house cocktails during special events, but does not set formal personal alcohol consumption limits tied to its expeditions. Guests rely on the line’s beverage service onboard as part of the overall expedition experience. House beverage service on Aurora Expeditions Cruises covers selected drinks at meals and receptions without specifying personal alcohol allowances.

The alcohol policy for Atlas Ocean Voyages Cruises is shown in the table below.

30. Aurora Expeditions Alcohol Policy

Aurora Expeditions’ alcohol policy reflects expedition cruising priorities that balance onboard beverage service with safety and regional regulations. Beer and house wine are offered with evening meals as part of the voyage experience, and mixed drinks are available for purchase at reasonable prices. 

Guests are permitted to bring alcoholic beverages aboard provided they remain in staterooms and are not consumed in public spaces, aligning with expedition conduct expectations and safety procedures for remote destinations. Prohibited actions (consuming personal alcohol in public areas) result in enforcement by the crew consistent with onboard rules and regional maritime regulations. 

The policy differs from that of Lindblad Expeditions, where beer, wine, cocktails, liquors, and spirits are included in the cruise fare on most ships. The cruise line gives guests unlimited access to alcoholic beverages as part of the expedition price, and premium brands are available for additional purchase. Aurora Expeditions Cruises’ policy emphasizes controlled inclusion and expedition context, while Lindblad’s approach treats alcohol as part of the inclusive itinerary package. Guests on Aurora Expeditions Cruises follow carry‑on instructions for personal alcohol and respect area restrictions, with any policy violations addressed through storage or service adjustments by the crew. 

The alcohol policy for Aurora Expeditions Cruises is shown in the table below.

31. Lindblad Expeditions Alcohol Policy

Lindblad Expeditions’ alcohol policy is rooted in the expedition cruise model that focuses on immersive travel and simplicity, with alcoholic beverages included as part of the onboard experience on National Geographic‑Lindblad ships. Sailings provide complimentary beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits throughout the voyage, with premium brands available for purchase. Alcoholic service occurs in lounges, dining venues, and during recap events as part of the inclusive fare, and responsible consumption rules ensure safe enjoyment in shared spaces. Passengers must follow staff guidance and age restrictions (21 years and older) while consuming onboard drinks. 

Prohibited items rarely factor into Lindblad’s model because pre‑embarkation bring‑on alcohol allowances are not a standard feature, and guests obtain beverages through the ship’s bars or dining service. The approach differs from Quark Expeditions, where the standard fare does not include alcoholic drinks but offers them for purchase at onboard bars or occasionally as part of an exceptional complimentary service; Quark’s policy discourages bringing personal alcohol aboard and limits consumption to cabins if permitted, while corkage fees apply for private bottles consumed publicly. Guests on Quark must check specific voyage documentation to understand how personal alcohol is managed, and any prohibited items are typically restricted to private stateroom use and handled per crew direction. 

The alcohol policy for Lindblad Expeditions Cruises is shown in the table below.

32. Quark Expeditions Alcohol Policy

Quark Expeditions’ alcohol policy emphasizes safety, legal compliance, and a controlled onboard experience tailored to expedition voyages in remote polar regions. Personal alcohol brought onboard must be consumed in the cabin. Public consumption of personal alcohol in dining rooms or lounges carries a corkage fee. Guests are allowed to bring small amounts of their own wine to enjoy with meals, but the items are subject to protocol and fees charged to the shipboard account if consumed outside the stateroom. 

Quark’s approach covers complimentary onboard bar service on many voyages, with beer, standard wines, select spirits, and cocktails at no charge during specified service hours and dinner. Prohibited items must remain in cabins or be handled according to ship procedures for safety and compliance.

Swan Hellenic Cruises offers select alcoholic drinks available 24 hours per day as part of its cruise fare, with premium spirits or reserve wines offered at extra cost. Swan Hellenic’s policy leans toward inclusion of beverage service within the overall expedition experience without extensive corkage procedures typical of strict BYO frameworks. 

The alcohol policy for Quark Expeditions Cruises is shown in the table below.

33. Swan Hellenic Cruises Alcohol Policy

Swan Hellenic Cruises’ alcohol policy prohibits guests from bringing personal alcohol onboard and aims to include selected alcoholic beverages as part of the expedition cruise experience while maintaining safety and compliance with licensing rules. Personal or duty‑free alcohol purchased onshore is collected at check‑in and returned on the last day of the voyage. 

Drinks purchased at ship bars or restaurants are consumable onboard. Beverage options include beer, wine, and spirits available throughout the cruise, and selected drinks are available around the clock as part of the fare.

HX Expeditions does not allow guests to bring personal alcohol aboard. The alcohol handed to the crew at embarkation is returned at the end of the sailing. Onboard beverages (house wine, beer, spirits) are included for most voyage grades, and premium drinks are available at extra cost under the expedition line’s all‑inclusive service model. 

Guests on Swan Hellenic must arrive without personal alcohol to adhere to the policy. Prohibited alcohol is stored by staff and returned at disembarkation, and onboard purchases or included drinks provide regulated and safe consumption options throughout the cruise. 

The alcohol policy for Swan Hellenic Cruises is shown in the table below.

34. HX Expeditions Alcohol Policy

HX Expeditions’ alcohol policy centers on controlling personal alcohol brought onboard to support safety, logistical simplicity, and adherence to local and shipboard regulations. Guests are not allowed to bring any alcohol (wine, beer, or spirits) on board. Bottles purchased onshore or in duty‑free shops are collected by the crew and returned at the end of the cruise. Alcoholic beverages served at onboard bars, lounges, and dining venues are the only ones allowed to be consumed during the voyage. 

The policy contrasts with Regent Seven Seas Cruises, which permits guests to bring their own wine, beer, and spirits onboard with more relaxed restrictions because Regent’s fare already includes unlimited beverages; Regent holds the right to retain personal liquor when necessary. Guests must hand over all personal alcohol during embarkation inspection, accept that prohibited bottles are stored and returned on the final day, and use the line’s onboard drink options or beverage packages for consumption. HX Expeditions includes house drinks with meals and offers a selection of alcoholic and non‑alcoholic beverages that all guests enjoy without excess personal alcohol carried onboard. 

The alcohol policy for HX Expeditions Cruises is shown in the table below.

What Fees are Associated with Bringing your Own Alcohol on a Cruise?

The fees associated with bringing your own alcohol on a cruise are a corkage fee and a handling charge. Cruise lines impose a corkage fee when guests bring permitted bottles (wine or champagne) into public dining venues. Cruise operators charge a handling fee when staff process, store, and return prohibited alcohol at the end of the voyage. 

Each cruise operator sets its own corkage and handling amounts, which vary widely by brand and ship. Exceptions occur for limited permitted alcohol consumed within the privacy of a stateroom, where no corkage or handling fee applies. Corkage and handling charges generate revenue for the cruise operator and enforce shipboard beverage policies.

How to Bring Alcohol on a Cruise?      

To bring alcohol on a cruise, follow the four steps listed below.