Champagne and Wine Rules on Carnival Cruise Ships
You cannot bring champagne or any other alcohol onto a Carnival cruise ship in your carry-on luggage or checked bags. Carnival's policy prohibits guests from bringing their own beer, wine, liquor, or champagne aboard. If you pack alcohol and it is discovered during security screening, the crew will confiscate it—you will not get it back, and you will not receive a refund.
The only exception is that you may purchase alcohol at Carnival's onboard bars, restaurants, and shops once the ship leaves port. Carnival also allows you to buy wine or champagne at certain ports and bring it back to your cabin, but only under specific conditions that are explained below.
Key Takeaways
- Carnival prohibits all alcohol in your luggage before boarding, including champagne, wine, and beer.
- You can purchase champagne and wine at Carnival's onboard shops and bars during your cruise.
- If you buy alcohol at a port of call, you may bring one bottle per person back to your cabin, but only if it is sealed and purchased from a licensed retailer.
- Alcohol brought into your cabin outside of these rules will be confiscated without refund.
- Beverage packages sold by Carnival include alcoholic drinks and may be a cost-effective option if you plan to drink regularly.
Purchasing Champagne and Wine Onboard
Carnival operates bars, lounges, and specialty restaurants throughout the ship where you can order champagne and wine by the glass or bottle. Prices are higher than what you would pay at a store on land, but you have the option to purchase a beverage package before your cruise or during embarkation. These packages include a set number of drinks per day and can reduce the per-drink cost if you plan to drink regularly.
The ship also has a wine shop where you can buy bottles to take back to your cabin. You can open and drink these bottles in your stateroom without restriction. If you want champagne specifically for a celebration, you can order it ahead of time through Carnival's website or by calling the ship directly, and the crew will have it waiting in your cabin when you board.
The Port Exception: Buying Alcohol at Ports of Call
Carnival allows you to purchase alcohol at ports and bring one bottle per person back to your cabin, but only if the bottle is sealed and purchased from a licensed retailer. This means you can buy a bottle of champagne at a port shop or duty-free store and carry it aboard when you return to the ship. The bottle must remain sealed until you are in your cabin.
This exception does not explore to alcohol you bring from home or purchase before the cruise begins. It applies only to sealed bottles bought at ports during the voyage. If you open the bottle in your cabin, you can drink it there without issue. If you try to bring an open bottle or a bottle purchased before the cruise, it will be confiscated.
What Happens If Alcohol Is Found in Your Luggage
Carnival security screens all bags at embarkation. If alcohol is found in your carry-on or checked luggage, the crew will remove it and discard it. You will not be refunded for the cost of the alcohol, and you will not be given the option to remove it yourself. The confiscation is final.
This policy applies even if the alcohol is a gift, a special bottle you brought for a celebration, or something you forgot was in your bag. The crew does not make exceptions based on the reason you packed it. The only way to avoid this is to not pack alcohol in your luggage before you board.
Beverage Packages and All-Inclusive Drink Options
If you want to drink without paying per drink, Carnival offers several beverage packages. These packages cover beer, wine, spirits, and soft drinks for a flat daily rate. You purchase the package for your entire cruise, and it covers all drinks ordered at bars and restaurants (with some exclusions for premium brands and specialty cocktails).
The cost of a beverage package varies depending on the length of your cruise and when you purchase it. Buying the package before your cruise is usually cheaper than buying it onboard. If you only plan to drink occasionally, paying per drink may be less expensive. If you plan to drink multiple times per day, a package usually saves money.
Special Occasions and Champagne Service
If you are celebrating an anniversary, birthday, or other special event, you can arrange for champagne to be in your cabin when you arrive. Contact Carnival before your cruise through their website or by phone and request champagne service. The crew will deliver a bottle (usually a standard size) to your cabin, and you will be charged to your onboard account. This is the legitimate way to have champagne waiting for you without breaking the no-alcohol-in-luggage rule.
Some guests also arrange for champagne to be delivered to their cabin as a surprise from family or friends who are not traveling. Carnival can coordinate this if you provide advance notice and payment information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring a bottle of champagne as a gift for someone else on the cruise?
No. Carnival's policy does not allow any alcohol in luggage, regardless of whether it is for you or someone else. If you want to give someone champagne during the cruise, you can purchase it onboard or arrange for it to be delivered to their cabin through Carnival's special services.
What if I buy champagne at a port and forget it is in my bag when I return to the ship?
If the bottle is sealed and you purchased it at a licensed retailer at the port, you are allowed to bring it back. However, if you forget to declare it or if it is in a bag that gets screened, tell the crew when ready that you purchased it at the port. Show them the receipt if you have it. The sealed bottle exception should protect you, but it is better to be upfront about it than to have it discovered during screening.
Are there any types of alcohol I can bring that are not prohibited?
No. Carnival prohibits all alcohol—beer, wine, liquor, champagne, and any other type—in your luggage before boarding. The only exception is sealed bottles purchased at ports during the cruise. There are no other exceptions for any type of alcohol.
Can I bring alcohol if I have a medical reason or religious reason?
Carnival's alcohol policy does not include medical or religious exceptions. If you have a specific situation, contact Carnival's guest services before your cruise to discuss your circumstances. They may be able to work with you, but the standard policy applies to all guests.
How much does a beverage package cost?
Beverage package prices vary by cruise length, ship, and when you purchase. Packages typically range from around $15 to $25 per person per day if bought before the cruise, and more if bought onboard. Check Carnival's website or contact them directly for the exact price for your specific cruise.