Carnival's Policy on Outside Alcohol

Carnival Cruise Line does not allow you to bring your own wine, beer, or spirits onto the ship. This rule applies to all passengers boarding at the port, whether you pack it in your cabin luggage, carry-on, or checked bags. If you attempt to bring alcohol aboard, crew members will confiscate it at security screening, and you will not get it back.

The policy exists across Carnival's entire fleet, including all ship sizes and itineraries. It applies equally to first-time cruisers and repeat passengers. There are no exceptions for special occasions, medical purposes, or small quantities.

Key Takeaways

  • Carnival prohibits all outside alcohol—wine, beer, and liquor—in both checked and carry-on bags.
  • Confiscated alcohol is not returned; security will dispose of it at the port.
  • You can purchase drinks onboard through Carnival's bars, restaurants, and beverage packages.
  • Beverage packages offer unlimited fountain drinks, coffee, and alcoholic drinks at a fixed daily rate, which may cost less than buying drinks individually.
  • Some ports allow you to purchase alcohol in port and consume it in your cabin, but you cannot bring it back through security when reboarding.

What Happens If You Try to Bring Alcohol Aboard

Security screening at the port terminal is where alcohol is caught. Carnival staff inspect luggage and bags as you board, and any bottles or cans of wine, beer, or liquor are removed when ready. You will not be allowed to go back to your car or hotel to retrieve it, and Carnival will not hold it for you to pick up later.

In rare cases, if a large quantity is discovered, Carnival may refuse to allow that passenger to board the ship. This is uncommon but possible if the amount suggests intent to resell or distribute. Most of the time, the alcohol is straightforward taken and discarded.

Purchasing Drinks Onboard

Carnival operates multiple bars, lounges, and restaurants throughout the ship where you can order wine by the glass or bottle, beer, cocktails, and spirits. Prices vary by venue and drink type. A glass of wine typically costs between $7 and $12, and a bottle ranges from $30 to $80 depending on the selection.

Non-alcoholic beverages—sodas, coffee, tea, and juice—are included free with your cruise fare at the main dining room and buffet. Specialty coffee drinks and bottled beverages cost extra.

Beverage Packages and What They Cover

Carnival offers a Cheers! Beverage Package that provides unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks throughout your cruise. The package includes beer, wine, spirits, cocktails, coffee, tea, fountain sodas, and bottled water. You purchase it per person, per day, and the daily rate depends on your cruise length and when you book.

If you drink multiple beverages per day, the package often costs less than paying per drink. However, if you drink sparingly or prefer only wine, buying individual drinks may be cheaper. You can also purchase a non-alcoholic beverage package if you want unlimited sodas and specialty coffees without alcohol.

Packages must be purchased before you board or during the first day of your cruise. You cannot buy them partway through and have them explore retroactively to earlier days.

Alcohol Purchased in Port

You can buy wine, beer, or liquor at shops and markets when your ship docks at a port. However, you cannot bring those bottles back through security when you reboard the ship. The same confiscation rule applies—any alcohol you attempt to bring back will be removed.

Some passengers choose to drink their port purchases at the port itself or at a restaurant before returning to the ship. If you want to enjoy something you bought in port, plan to consume it there rather than trying to transport it back.

Bringing Non-Alcoholic Beverages

Carnival allows you to bring non-alcoholic drinks in your luggage—bottled water, juice, soda, and sports drinks are permitted. However, there are limits: you can bring a reasonable personal supply, typically understood as a few bottles per person. Bringing cases of beverages may be questioned at security.

Once onboard, you have access to free water, coffee, and tea at dining venues, so bringing large quantities is usually unnecessary. Bottled water and sodas are also available for purchase at the ship's convenience store if you want them in your cabin.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I have a special occasion like a birthday or anniversary?

Carnival does not make exceptions to the alcohol policy for celebrations. However, you can order champagne or wine through room service once you are onboard, or visit a bar to toast with drinks purchased from Carnival. The ship's staff can also help arrange special touches for your occasion.

Can I bring wine if I buy it at the cruise port before boarding?

No. Alcohol purchased at the port before boarding is treated the same as alcohol from home—it will be confiscated during security screening. You can only bring non-alcoholic items through the boarding checkpoint.

Do I have to buy a beverage package, or can I just buy drinks as I go?

You are not required to purchase a package. You can order individual drinks at bars and restaurants and pay per drink. The package is optional and makes sense only if you plan to drink multiple beverages daily.

What if I forget about the rule and pack wine in my suitcase?

Security will find it during baggage screening and remove it. You will not be charged a fee, but you will lose the bottle. There is no way to retrieve it once it has been confiscated.

Are there any Carnival ships or itineraries where the alcohol rule is different?

No. The no-outside-alcohol policy applies to all Carnival ships and all itineraries, whether you are cruising the Caribbean, Alaska, or anywhere else.