Celebrity Cruise's Wine Policy: What the Rules Actually Say
Celebrity Cruises allows you to bring wine aboard, but only under specific conditions. You may bring up to two bottles of wine per stateroom in your checked luggage, and those bottles must be sealed and unopened. The wine cannot be opened or consumed in your cabin or anywhere else on the ship — if you want to drink wine during your cruise, you must purchase it from Celebrity's onboard wine program or bars.
This policy applies to all Celebrity Cruise ships and all itineraries. The two-bottle limit is per stateroom, not per person, so if you are traveling with a cabin mate, you still have a two-bottle total allowance between you. Any wine brought aboard that exceeds this limit will be confiscated, and you will not receive a refund.
The reasoning behind this rule is straightforward: Celebrity makes significant revenue from beverage sales, and the policy prevents passengers from bypassing those charges. It also simplifies onboard inventory and safety management. Understanding this boundary before you pack saves you the disappointment of having bottles taken away at embarkation.
Key Takeaways
- You may bring exactly two unopened bottles of wine per stateroom in checked luggage, but you cannot open or drink them aboard the ship.
- Any wine you want to drink during your cruise must be purchased from Celebrity's onboard bars and restaurants, or through their wine packages.
- Wine brought aboard that exceeds the two-bottle limit will be confiscated without refund when you board.
- This policy covers all Celebrity ships and all sailing destinations, with no exceptions for special occasions or cabin types.
How to Pack Wine Correctly for Your Cruise
If you decide to bring wine, pack it in your checked luggage, not your carry-on bag. Place each bottle in the center of your suitcase, surrounded by soft clothing like socks, underwear, or t-shirts to cushion it. Wrap each bottle individually in a plastic bag before nestling it into the clothing — this prevents wine from staining your belongings if the bottle breaks during handling.
Do not pack wine in your carry-on or day bag under any circumstances. Celebrity crew members inspect luggage at the security checkpoint during embarkation, and they will remove any wine from carry-on bags when ready. Checked luggage is screened as well, but the expectation is that wine travels in the hold of the ship, not in your hands.
Arrive at the port early on embarkation day so you have time to move through security without rushing. If a crew member finds your wine and it meets the two-bottle limit, they will typically tag it and return it to your cabin later that day. If it exceeds the limit, confiscation happens on the spot.
Celebrity's Onboard Wine and Beverage Options
Celebrity offers several ways to purchase wine during your cruise if you do not want to bring your own. The most straightforward option is to order by the glass or bottle at any of the ship's bars and restaurants. Prices are higher than retail — expect to pay $12 to $18 per glass for standard wines and $40 to $80 per bottle, depending on the selection and the ship's size.
Celebrity also sells wine packages before you sail. These packages allow you to pre-purchase a set number of glasses or bottles at a discounted rate compared to onboard pricing. If you plan to drink wine regularly during your cruise, a package often saves money. You can add a package when you book your cruise online or by calling Celebrity's reservations line.
The ship's wine bars and specialty restaurants sometimes feature wine tastings or pairing dinners, which are separate events with their own pricing. These are worth exploring if you are interested in learning about wine or trying premium selections you might not order otherwise.
What Happens If You Try to Sneak Wine Aboard
Attempting to bring wine beyond the two-bottle limit or hiding wine in other containers does not work. Celebrity's security screening at embarkation uses X-ray machines and physical inspection, and crew members are trained to spot wine bottles regardless of packaging. If you are caught with undeclared wine, the bottles are confiscated without compensation.
More importantly, violating the wine policy can result in additional consequences. Depending on the circumstances and the crew member's judgment, you may be asked to sign a violation notice, and repeat violations or attempts to deceive security can lead to removal from the ship at the next port. This is rare, but it is a real possibility if you are caught trying to circumvent the rules deliberately.
The two-bottle allowance is generous compared to some cruise lines, which ban personal wine entirely. Celebrity's policy acknowledges that passengers want to bring wine while still protecting the ship's revenue model. Working within the policy is far simpler than testing it.
Spirits, Beer, and Other Beverages: Different Rules
Wine has its own rule, but other alcoholic beverages are handled differently. You cannot bring spirits (liquor), beer, or any other alcohol aboard a Celebrity cruise, even in checked luggage. Only wine is permitted under the two-bottle exception. This means no vodka, rum, whiskey, gin, beer, or pre-mixed cocktails.
Non-alcoholic beverages like juice, water, and soft drinks are also prohibited in checked luggage. You may bring a small amount of personal medications or baby formula if needed, but standard beverages must be purchased onboard or at the port. This policy keeps luggage space available and encourages onboard spending.
If you have questions about a specific beverage or item, contact Celebrity Cruises directly before your sailing. Their customer service team can clarify whether something is permitted, which is faster and more reliable than guessing at the port.
Bringing Wine at Different Ports and Excursions
If you purchase wine at a port of call during your cruise, you can bring it back to your cabin and store it there, but you still cannot open it. The two-bottle limit applies to wine you bring from home, not wine you purchase during the cruise, so technically you could accumulate more than two bottles by shopping at ports. However, most passengers do not do this because storing multiple bottles in a small cabin is impractical, and you cannot drink them anyway.
Some passengers buy wine at ports intending to take it home after the cruise ends. This is a reasonable approach if you want to bring wine back to your residence. Just remember that you will need to pack it carefully for the flight or drive home, and you will be subject to your home state or country's alcohol import rules, which vary widely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring wine in my carry-on bag instead of checked luggage?
No. Wine must be packed in checked luggage only. Crew members will remove any wine from carry-on bags during security screening at embarkation. Checked luggage is the only acceptable place for wine to travel aboard the ship.
What if I have a special occasion like an anniversary during my cruise?
The two-bottle limit applies regardless of the occasion. If you want to celebrate with wine, you can purchase a bottle from the ship's bars or restaurants, or you can order a wine package before your cruise. Celebrity also offers special dining experiences and champagne service if you notify them of your occasion when you book.
Can I bring wine if I am in a suite or premium cabin?
No. The two-bottle limit applies to all stateroom types, including suites and premium accommodations. Suite guests do receive other perks like priority dining and exclusive lounges, but the wine policy is the same across all cabin categories.
Will Celebrity refund me if my wine bottle breaks during the cruise?
No. Celebrity does not take responsibility for personal items that are damaged during travel, including wine bottles. If a bottle breaks, you will not receive compensation. Packing wine carefully in the center of your suitcase with soft padding reduces the risk of breakage.
Can I bring wine back to my cabin after buying it at a port?
Yes, you can bring wine purchased at a port back to your cabin and store it there. However, you cannot open or drink it aboard the ship. The restriction on consuming wine in your cabin applies to all wine, whether you brought it from home or purchased it at a port.