Royal Caribbean's Alcohol Policy: What's Allowed Onboard
Royal Caribbean allows you to bring alcohol onboard, but only beer and wine in your carry-on luggage when you first board the ship. You can bring a maximum of two bottles per person (one bottle of wine, one bottle of beer, or two of either), and they must be in your cabin by the time you board — not in your checked bags. Any alcohol you bring must stay in your cabin; you cannot drink it in public areas of the ship.
Spirits, liqueurs, and any other hard alcohol are prohibited entirely. You cannot bring them onboard in any form, and Royal Caribbean will confiscate them at the security checkpoint if you try. The same rule applies to champagne and sparkling wine — those count as prohibited items.
Once onboard, you can purchase alcohol from the ship's bars, restaurants, and shops at standard cruise prices. Many passengers buy a beverage package that covers unlimited drinks during the voyage, which is often cheaper than paying per drink if you plan to drink regularly.
Key Takeaways
- You may bring one bottle of wine and one bottle of beer per person in your carry-on when boarding, but no hard liquor or champagne.
- Alcohol brought onboard must remain in your cabin and cannot be consumed in public areas of the ship.
- Royal Caribbean confiscates prohibited alcohol at security, so attempting to sneak spirits onboard will result in losing them.
- Beverage packages sold onboard often cost less than paying for individual drinks throughout your cruise.
- The policy applies to all passengers, including those in suites and higher-tier cabins.
Where the Two-Bottle Rule Comes From
Royal Caribbean's two-bottle limit exists because the cruise line makes significant revenue from onboard alcohol sales. By allowing a small amount of personal alcohol, the policy feels reasonable to passengers while still directing most drinking purchases to the ship's bars and restaurants. The limit is per person, not per cabin — so a family of four can technically bring eight bottles total (two per person).
This policy is standard across the cruise industry. Carnival, Disney, and Norwegian all have similar rules, though the specific limits vary slightly. Royal Caribbean's policy is actually more generous than some competitors, which allow only wine or only beer, not both.
What Happens If You Try to Bring Prohibited Alcohol
Security staff at the cruise terminal screen all carry-on bags before you board. If they find spirits, champagne, or more than your allowed two bottles, they will confiscate the alcohol. You will not get it back, and you will not receive a refund. The item is straightforward removed and discarded.
Attempting to bring prohibited alcohol does not result in being denied boarding or facing fines — Royal Caribbean treats it as a standard security checkpoint discovery. However, if you are caught with alcohol in a public area of the ship (outside your cabin), you may face cabin restrictions or other disciplinary action from the crew.
Checked Baggage and Alcohol: Why It Does Not Work
You cannot pack alcohol in your checked luggage and have it delivered to your cabin. Royal Caribbean's policy explicitly prohibits alcohol in checked bags, and the cruise line's baggage handlers will remove any bottles they find. Like carry-on confiscations, you will not receive the item back.
Some passengers mistakenly believe checked luggage is not screened as thoroughly, but that is not accurate. All baggage goes through the same security process, and alcohol is flagged regardless of where you pack it. The only way to bring alcohol onboard legally is in your carry-on at the terminal.
Drinking Alcohol in Your Cabin: The Rules
Once you are in your cabin with your two bottles, you can drink them privately without restriction. You can open and consume wine or beer in your stateroom at any time of day. However, you cannot take that alcohol into hallways, onto the balcony (if your cabin has one), or into any public space on the ship.
If crew members observe you drinking outside your cabin, they may ask you to return to your stateroom or dispose of the drink. Repeated violations can result in being confined to your cabin or, in extreme cases, being removed from the ship at the next port.
Beverage Packages and When They Make Sense
Royal Caribbean sells several beverage packages that cover unlimited drinks at bars and restaurants throughout the ship. These packages range in price depending on the length of your cruise and the type of package (some include only non-alcoholic drinks, others include alcohol). A typical seven-day cruise with an alcohol package costs between $60 and $80 per person per day.
If you plan to drink more than two drinks per day, a beverage package usually costs less than paying per drink. If you drink moderately or prefer to bring your own wine and beer, skipping the package and paying as you go is often cheaper. Calculate your expected spending before you book to decide which option works for your budget.
Special Considerations for Different Cabin Types
The two-bottle alcohol policy applies equally to all passengers, regardless of cabin category. Suite guests do not receive a higher alcohol allowance, and the rule is not waived for loyalty members or frequent cruisers. Everyone boards through the same security checkpoint and is subject to the same limits.
Some suite packages include beverage credits or complimentary drinks at certain venues, but these are separate from the personal alcohol you can bring onboard. The two bottles you bring are still your only personal alcohol allowance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring wine in a box or pouch instead of a bottle?
Yes. Royal Caribbean counts boxed wine and wine pouches the same way as bottled wine — one per person. The container does not matter, only the quantity and type of alcohol. Boxed wine is often lighter to pack and takes up less space in your cabin.
What if I want to bring alcohol for a special occasion like a birthday?
You are still limited to two bottles per person. If you want to celebrate with alcohol beyond that amount, you will need to purchase additional drinks onboard or buy a beverage package. Some passengers bring a special bottle of wine for a meal and drink it in their cabin, then purchase other drinks at bars and restaurants.
Can I buy alcohol at a port and bring it back to the ship?
No. Any alcohol you purchase at a port of call must be consumed there or left behind. You cannot bring it back onboard the ship. This rule applies even if you are in a country where alcohol is inexpensive — Royal Caribbean does not allow you to circumvent the onboard policy by purchasing at ports.
Do children count toward the two-bottle limit per person?
The two-bottle limit applies to adults only. Children cannot bring alcohol onboard, and their cabin space does not add to an adult's allowance. Only passengers 21 and older can bring alcohol, and each adult is limited to two bottles regardless of how many minors are in the cabin.
What if I forget my alcohol in my cabin when I disembark?
Any alcohol left in your cabin when you disembark is discarded by the crew. Royal Caribbean does not return forgotten items to passengers after the cruise ends. If you have opened bottles or want to keep alcohol, you must pack it yourself before leaving the ship.