MSC allows one bottle of wine per person in your cabin, but only if you bring it yourself at embarkation

MSC Cruises permits passengers to bring wine onboard, but with strict limits. You may bring one bottle of wine per adult passenger, and it must be in your checked luggage or carried aboard when you board the ship. The wine cannot exceed 750 millilitres. Once you are onboard, you cannot bring additional bottles through the ship's bars or order them to be delivered to your cabin — MSC does not allow outside alcohol to be brought aboard after embarkation, and the ship's beverage package does not cover wine you brought yourself.

The bottle must be still wine (not sparkling), and it should be packed carefully to avoid breakage in your luggage. If the bottle breaks during transport, MSC will not replace it. You are responsible for the condition of the wine when it arrives in your cabin.

Key Takeaways

  • You may bring one 750-millilitre bottle of still wine per adult passenger, packed in your checked luggage or carried aboard at embarkation.
  • Sparkling wine, champagne, and prosecco are not permitted — only still wine qualifies under MSC's policy.
  • You cannot bring wine onboard after the ship departs, and you cannot order outside wine to be delivered to your cabin during the cruise.
  • If you purchase wine from the ship's bars or restaurants, those charges are separate from any beverage package you may have bought.
  • Alcohol brought onboard is for consumption in your cabin only — you cannot bring it to the dining room, pool deck, or other public areas.

What types of wine are allowed and what are banned

MSC's one-bottle policy covers still wine only. This means red wine, white wine, and rosé are permitted. Sparkling wines, champagne, prosecco, and cava are not allowed, even if you bring only one bottle. The ship treats sparkling wine as a premium product and reserves the right to sell it through its own bars.

Beer, spirits, and liqueurs are also banned from passenger luggage. If you want to drink beer or liquor during your cruise, you must purchase it from the ship's bars and restaurants, or you must have a beverage package that includes those items. Wine you bring yourself does not count toward any beverage package you may have purchased.

How to pack and bring wine through embarkation

Pack your wine bottle in the centre of your checked luggage, surrounded by soft items like clothing or towels. Wrap the bottle in a plastic bag first to contain any leakage if it breaks. Do not pack wine in your carry-on bag — security will confiscate it at the terminal before you board.

When you check in at the cruise terminal, your luggage will go through screening. The wine will be X-rayed along with your other belongings. Once your luggage is loaded onto the ship, it will be delivered to your cabin, usually within a few hours of embarkation. Inspect the bottle when it arrives to make sure it survived transport intact.

If you are flying to the port, pack the wine in your checked airline luggage, not your carry-on. Airlines have the same restrictions as cruise lines — wine is not permitted in carry-on bags. Once you arrive at the cruise terminal, the wine stays in your checked luggage and goes directly onto the ship.

What happens if you try to bring wine onboard after departure

If you attempt to bring wine or any outside alcohol onboard after the ship has departed, crew members will confiscate it at the gangway or security checkpoint. You will not receive a refund, and the bottle will be discarded. MSC enforces this rule consistently across all ships and all ports.

This applies even if you purchase wine at a port of call and try to bring it back to the ship. You cannot board with outside alcohol once the ship has left port. If you want to drink wine during a port day, you must either drink it ashore or purchase it from the ship's bars when you return.

Wine pricing and beverage packages on MSC ships

MSC sells wine by the glass and by the bottle through its bars and restaurants. Prices vary by ship and by wine selection, but a glass of wine typically costs between $6 and $12, and a bottle ranges from $25 to $80 or more depending on the vintage and producer. These prices are higher than what you would pay in a store, which is why many passengers choose to bring their own bottle.

If you purchase a beverage package, it may or may not include wine, depending on which package you choose. MSC offers several tiers: some packages cover soft drinks and coffee only, while premium packages include wine, beer, and spirits. Check your booking confirmation or contact MSC directly to see what your package covers. Wine you bring yourself is separate from any package — the ship will not credit you for bringing your own bottle, and you cannot exchange it for package drinks.

Where you can and cannot drink wine in your cabin

Wine you bring onboard is for consumption in your cabin only. You cannot take it to the dining room, buffet, pool deck, theatre, or any other public area of the ship. If crew members see you with outside alcohol in a public space, they will confiscate it and may charge you a fee or restrict your access to certain areas.

You can drink your wine in your cabin at any time during the cruise. You can also bring it to your private balcony if your cabin has one. If you are sharing a cabin with other passengers, make sure everyone agrees on when and how the bottle will be used, since it counts toward the group's one-bottle limit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring more than one bottle if I am traveling with multiple people?

Yes. The limit is one bottle per adult passenger. If you are traveling with three adults, you may bring three bottles total — one per person. Children and infants do not count toward the limit. Pack each bottle separately in your checked luggage to reduce the risk of breakage.

What if my wine bottle breaks during transport?

MSC does not replace broken bottles or reimburse you for the loss. The risk of breakage is yours. Pack the bottle carefully in the centre of your luggage, surrounded by soft clothing, and wrap it in a plastic bag. If it breaks, you can purchase wine from the ship's bars instead.

Can I bring wine if I have a beverage package?

Yes. Your beverage package and your personal wine bottle are separate. You can bring one bottle regardless of which package you purchased. The bottle does not count toward your package benefits, and you cannot exchange it for package drinks or a refund.

Are there any MSC ships where the wine policy is different?

MSC's one-bottle-per-person policy applies across its entire fleet. However, some ships may have different bar menus or wine selections. If you are sailing on a specific ship and want to know what wines are available for purchase, contact MSC customer service with your booking number and ship name.

Can I bring wine to a specialty restaurant or dining venue onboard?

No. Outside alcohol is not permitted in any dining venue, including specialty restaurants, the main dining room, or buffet areas. If you want wine with dinner, you must purchase it from the ship's wine list or bar. Some specialty restaurants charge a corkage fee if you bring your own bottle, but MSC's policy prohibits this entirely.