Carnival's Drink Policy: What You Can and Cannot Bring Aboard
Carnival allows you to bring non-alcoholic beverages in your carry-on luggage when you board, but alcohol is prohibited. You cannot bring beer, wine, liquor, or any other alcoholic drink onto the ship, whether in your cabin, checked bags, or carry-on. Carnival enforces this rule at the security checkpoint before boarding, and violations can result in the drink being confiscated or your reservation being cancelled.
Non-alcoholic drinks you can bring include bottled water, juice, soda, coffee, tea, and sports drinks. There is no limit on the quantity of non-alcoholic beverages, though practical packing matters — you will need to carry them yourself. Many cruisers bring cases of water or soda to avoid paying onboard prices, which are significantly higher than what you would pay at a grocery store.
Key Takeaways
- Alcohol of any kind is forbidden in carry-on bags, checked luggage, and cabins, and will be confiscated at boarding.
- Non-alcoholic drinks like water, juice, and soda can be brought aboard in any quantity as long as you can carry them.
- Beverages purchased onboard are more expensive than retail prices, so bringing your own non-alcoholic drinks saves money over a week-long cruise.
- Alcohol purchased at Carnival's bars and restaurants is available throughout the cruise, and you can also purchase a beverage package if you plan to drink regularly.
Why Carnival Bans Alcohol From Home
Cruise lines ban outside alcohol to control what is served onboard and to protect their beverage revenue. Alcohol sales are a major profit center for cruise operators, and allowing passengers to bring their own would cut directly into those earnings. The policy also gives the cruise line control over the quality and safety of alcoholic beverages served.
The ban applies equally to all passengers and is enforced consistently at the security gate. If you attempt to bring alcohol aboard — even a single bottle of wine — security staff will confiscate it. You will not be reimbursed, and repeated violations or attempts to sneak alcohol past security can result in your cruise being cancelled without a refund.
Non-Alcoholic Drinks Worth Bringing
Water is the most practical choice. Carnival charges for bottled water at the bar, and bringing your own eliminates that cost. A case of 24 bottles costs roughly $5 to $8 at a grocery store but can cost $2 to $3 per bottle onboard. Over a seven-day cruise, bringing water saves $30 to $50.
Juice, sports drinks, and soda are also allowed. If you have dietary preferences — sugar-free drinks, specific brands, or drinks hard to find onboard — bringing them ensures you have what you want. Coffee and tea bags are permitted as well, though the ship provides complimentary coffee and tea at dining venues and the buffet.
Pack drinks in your carry-on or checked bag before boarding. Once onboard, you can store them in your cabin refrigerator if you have one, or ask your cabin steward about storage options. Some cabins have mini-fridges; others do not, so check your booking details or contact Carnival in advance if refrigeration matters to you.
Beverage Packages and Onboard Pricing
If you plan to drink alcohol during your cruise, Carnival offers beverage packages that cover unlimited drinks at bars and restaurants. These packages cost a flat daily rate and are cheaper than ordering drinks individually if you drink more than two or three beverages per day. Packages typically range from $15 to $20 per day depending on the length of your cruise and the package tier.
Without a package, individual drinks at the bar cost $8 to $15 each, depending on the type. Bottled water costs $2 to $3 per bottle. Soft drinks at the buffet and dining venues are complimentary, but bottled versions at the bar or convenience store are paid. If you bring non-alcoholic drinks from home, you avoid these per-item charges entirely.
What Happens If Security Finds Alcohol
Carnival security screens all passengers and luggage at the boarding gate. If alcohol is found in your carry-on, checked bag, or cabin, it will be confiscated when ready. You will not be compensated, and the item will not be returned to you after the cruise.
If you attempt to bring alcohol aboard multiple times or try to hide it, Carnival may refuse to allow you to board or may cancel your reservation. This applies even if you purchased the alcohol at a port of call during the cruise — you cannot bring it back to your cabin. Any alcohol you buy at a port must be delivered to your cabin by Carnival staff, and you cannot carry it yourself.
Bringing Drinks From Ports of Call
If you purchase alcohol at a port during your cruise, you cannot carry it back to the ship yourself. Carnival will confiscate it at the security checkpoint when you reboard. Instead, you can have the retailer or the ship's staff arrange for the alcohol to be delivered to your cabin. This service is available at most ports, though it may incur a delivery fee.
Non-alcoholic drinks purchased at ports can be brought back aboard in your carry-on or bag without restriction. This is useful if you find a beverage you like at a port and want to stock your cabin for the remainder of the cruise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring wine or beer in my checked luggage?
No. Carnival prohibits all alcohol in checked bags, carry-on luggage, and cabins. Security screens checked luggage before it is loaded onto the ship, and any alcohol will be removed and not returned.
What if I buy alcohol at a port and want to bring it to my cabin?
You cannot carry it yourself. Ask the retailer or contact Carnival's guest services to arrange delivery to your cabin. The ship will deliver it for you, sometimes for a fee, but you cannot bring it through the security gate on your own.
Are there any exceptions to the alcohol ban?
No. The ban applies to all passengers regardless of age, status, or reason. Even a single bottle or can of beer will be confiscated. The only alcohol available onboard is what Carnival sells at its bars and restaurants.
How much does a beverage package cost?
Beverage packages typically cost $15 to $20 per day depending on the package type and cruise length. You can purchase a package when you book your cruise or onboard during the first day. Packages cover unlimited drinks at bars and restaurants but do not include bottled water or specialty coffee drinks at extra cost.
Can I bring my own cups or bottles to refill at the ship's water fountain?
Yes. You can bring reusable water bottles or cups and refill them at water fountains and beverage stations throughout the ship. This is a practical way to stay hydrated without buying bottled water repeatedly.