Royal Caribbean's Alcohol Policy: What You Can and Cannot Bring Aboard
Royal Caribbean does not allow you to bring your own alcohol onto the ship. This applies to beer, wine, spirits, and any other beverages containing alcohol, regardless of the quantity or where you purchased them. The cruise line conducts security screening at the port before boarding, and confiscates any alcohol found in your luggage or carry-on bags.
The only exception is wine or champagne purchased through Royal Caribbean's wine program, which you can bring to your cabin after buying it onboard. If you purchase alcohol at a port of call, you cannot bring it back onto the ship—security will remove it during the re-boarding process.
Key Takeaways
- Royal Caribbean prohibits all outside alcohol, including beer, wine, and spirits, and screens luggage at embarkation to enforce this rule.
- Alcohol purchased at ports of call will be confiscated when you re-board the ship, so there is no point in buying it during a port stop.
- Wine and champagne bought through Royal Caribbean's onboard wine program can be brought to your cabin, but only if purchased on the ship itself.
- Alcohol is available for purchase throughout the ship at bars, restaurants, and the beverage package program, which offers unlimited drinks for a daily or cruise-length fee.
Why Royal Caribbean Enforces This Rule
The no-outside-alcohol policy exists for several reasons: it protects the cruise line's revenue from onboard beverage sales, prevents passengers from bringing excessive quantities that could lead to safety issues, and ensures consistent pricing and quality control across all drinks served on the ship. Cruise lines operate in international waters where their own rules take precedence, and they use this authority to manage the onboard environment.
The policy also applies equally to all passengers regardless of cabin class, so even suite guests cannot bring their own alcohol aboard. Royal Caribbean enforces this consistently across its entire fleet.
Beverage Packages and Onboard Alcohol Options
If you want to drink alcohol during your cruise without purchasing individual drinks, Royal Caribbean offers beverage packages that cover unlimited alcoholic beverages for the duration of your cruise. These packages include beer, wine, spirits, and mixed drinks at all bars and restaurants on the ship. You purchase the package before boarding or during the first day of your cruise, and it applies to your entire stay onboard.
Individual drinks are also available for purchase at any bar or restaurant. Prices vary by drink type and location on the ship—drinks at specialty venues or during premium hours typically cost more than those at the main pool bar or casual venues. If you do not purchase a beverage package, you can still buy alcohol by the drink throughout your cruise.
What Happens If Alcohol Is Found During Security Screening
When you arrive at the port for embarkation, Royal Caribbean security screens all luggage and carry-on bags. If alcohol is discovered, it will be confiscated without compensation. You will not be refunded for the alcohol, and it will not be returned to you at the end of the cruise. The confiscation is final.
In rare cases, if you have a medical reason for bringing a specific beverage, you may contact Royal Caribbean in advance to request an exception. These requests are handled on a case-by-case basis and are not may provide to be approved. Contact the cruise line's customer service before your cruise date if you believe you have a legitimate exception to discuss.
Re-Boarding After Port Stops
When you leave the ship at a port of call and return later, security screens you again as you re-board. Any alcohol purchased at the port—even if it was legal to buy there—will be removed during this screening. This includes duty-free purchases made at the port or at the airport before boarding.
Some passengers attempt to bring alcohol back in empty bottles or hidden containers, but security is trained to identify these attempts. The policy is enforced consistently at every port stop throughout your cruise.
Exceptions and Special Circumstances
Royal Caribbean does allow wine and champagne purchased through its onboard wine program to be brought to your cabin. This is the only alcohol you can have in your stateroom outside of the bars and restaurants. The wine program offers selections available for purchase at the ship's wine bar or through room service, and once purchased, you own the bottle and can keep it in your cabin.
Some cruises may have special promotions or packages that include complimentary beverages, but these are advertised at the time of booking and do not change the general prohibition on outside alcohol. Always review your cruise documents or contact Royal Caribbean directly if you have questions about what is included with your specific booking.
Planning Your Alcohol Budget for a Cruise
If you plan to drink alcohol during your cruise, decide before boarding whether a beverage package makes financial sense for you. Calculate how many drinks you typically consume per day and compare that to the package price versus the cost of individual drinks. Beverage packages are usually priced per day and can be purchased for the entire cruise or for specific days.
If you do not purchase a package, set a budget for individual drinks and be aware that specialty bars, restaurants with table service, and premium venues charge more than casual bars. Soft drinks, coffee, and water are included with most cabin types, so you have non-alcoholic options available throughout the ship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring alcohol in my checked luggage?
No. Royal Caribbean screens all luggage—both checked and carry-on—before you board. Any alcohol found will be confiscated. This applies to checked bags you hand over at the port as well as bags you carry with you.
What if I buy alcohol at the airport before my cruise?
Airport alcohol will be confiscated during security screening at the cruise port. Do not purchase alcohol at the airport with the intention of bringing it onto the ship, as you will lose it and receive no refund.
Are there any drinks included with my cabin?
Most cabins include unlimited coffee, tea, and water. Some higher-category suites may include complimentary beverages or beverage packages as part of the booking, but this varies by cabin type and promotion. Check your cruise documents or contact Royal Caribbean to confirm what is included with your specific cabin.
Can I bring alcohol if I have a medical reason?
Possibly, but only with advance approval from Royal Caribbean. Contact customer service before your cruise to request an exception and explain your situation. Approval is not may provide and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Do I have to purchase a beverage package, or can I just buy drinks as I go?
You are not required to purchase a package. You can buy individual drinks throughout your cruise at any bar or restaurant. Beverage packages are optional and designed for passengers who plan to drink frequently during their stay.