Princess Cruise Wine Policy: What You're Allowed to Pack

Princess Cruises allows you to bring wine aboard, but only under specific conditions. You can pack one bottle of wine per person in your checked luggage when you board the ship — that means wine in your suitcase at embarkation, not wine you buy onboard or try to sneak through security later. The bottle must be still wine (not sparkling), and it must be sealed. Once you're onboard, you cannot bring additional wine into your cabin, and you cannot bring wine through the security checkpoint at the gangway.

The one-bottle-per-person rule is straightforward: a cabin of two adults can bring two bottles total. A solo traveler brings one. This policy applies to all Princess ships in their fleet, though you should confirm the current rule on your booking confirmation or by calling Princess directly, since cruise lines do adjust policies.

Key Takeaways

  • You may bring one bottle of still wine per person in your checked luggage at embarkation only — not through the security gate or into your cabin later.
  • Sparkling wine, champagne, and all other alcohol are prohibited; only still wine qualifies under the one-bottle exception.
  • Wine purchased onboard or at ports costs significantly more than retail, so bringing your own bottle saves money if you plan to drink wine with dinner.
  • If you forget to pack wine or want more than your allowance, you can purchase bottles in the ship's wine shop, though prices typically run two to three times higher than store prices.
  • Attempting to bring wine through security or into your cabin after boarding will result in confiscation with no refund.

Why the Restriction Exists and What Gets Confiscated

Princess restricts outside alcohol to control revenue from onboard beverage sales and to manage security at embarkation. The rule is enforced at the security checkpoint when you board — staff inspect carry-on bags and will confiscate any alcohol found there. Checked luggage is screened separately, which is why wine packed in your suitcase passes through but wine in your hands or backpack does not.

Sparkling wine, champagne, prosecco, and all beer and spirits are always prohibited, even in checked luggage. The one-bottle exception applies only to still wine. If you bring prohibited alcohol and it's found, you lose it with no compensation. Some cruisers have reported that staff may allow you to leave confiscated bottles with a friend at the terminal, but this is not may provide and depends on the port and staff discretion.

How to Pack Wine So It Arrives Safely

Pack your wine bottle in the center of your checked suitcase, surrounded by soft items like clothing or towels. Wrap the bottle in a plastic bag first — this contains any spill if the bottle breaks during baggage handling. Place it where it won't shift during transport, and avoid packing it near sharp objects or heavy items that could crack the glass.

Do not pack wine in your carry-on bag under any circumstances. Security will confiscate it before you board. If you're flying to the port, remember that TSA also prohibits alcohol in carry-on luggage, so wine must be in checked baggage for your flight as well. Once you reach the ship, your checked luggage is delivered to your cabin, and your wine arrives with it.

Onboard Wine Costs and Beverage Package Options

A bottle of wine in the ship's wine shop typically costs between $35 and $80, depending on the label and vintage. The same bottle at a grocery store or wine retailer costs $12 to $25. This markup is standard across cruise lines and reflects the cost of operating a wine program at sea.

Princess offers beverage packages that include wine, beer, and spirits. A daily package might cost $15 to $20 per person and covers unlimited drinks from a set menu. If you drink wine every evening during a seven-day cruise, a package can be cheaper than buying bottles à la carte, but if you drink moderately, bringing your one allowed bottle and purchasing occasional drinks is usually less expensive. Check the current package pricing on your booking or call Princess to compare against your expected consumption.

What Happens at Different Ports of Call

You cannot bring wine purchased at a port back into your cabin. Alcohol bought in port is treated the same as alcohol brought from home — it's confiscated at the security checkpoint when you reboard the ship. This rule prevents cruisers from stockpiling cheap wine at ports and bypassing the onboard markup.

Some ports, particularly in the Caribbean and Mediterranean, have inexpensive wine available. The temptation to buy is real, but the confiscation rule is enforced consistently. If you want to enjoy wine from a port, drink it at a port-side restaurant or bar before you return to the ship. Once you're back onboard, only wine in your original checked luggage from embarkation is permitted in your cabin.

Alternatives If You Don't Want to Bring Wine

If packing wine feels like too much hassle, you have other options. Order wine by the glass at dinner — a glass typically costs $8 to $12 onboard, which is more than retail but less than a full bottle if you drink only one or two glasses. Many cruisers find this the simplest approach, especially if they don't drink wine regularly.

You can also bring other beverages that are not alcohol. Juice, soft drinks, and water are not restricted, so if you want to save money on non-alcoholic drinks, pack those in your checked luggage. Some cruisers bring empty water bottles and fill them at the ship's water fountains to avoid buying bottled water at premium prices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring wine in my carry-on bag?

No. Wine in carry-on luggage will be confiscated at the security checkpoint before you board. Wine must be packed in your checked suitcase only. This applies whether you're flying to the port or driving there.

What if I bring two bottles instead of one?

If security finds more than your allowance, the extra bottles will be confiscated. You will not be refunded or compensated. The one-bottle-per-person rule is enforced at embarkation, so pack only what you're permitted to bring.

Can I bring wine back to my cabin after I buy it onboard?

Yes. Wine purchased in the ship's wine shop can be taken to your cabin and consumed there. The restriction applies only to outside alcohol — wine you bring from home or buy at a port.

Do I have to drink the wine in my cabin, or can I bring it to dinner?

You can bring your bottle to the dining room and ask the server to open it. Most ships allow this, though some charge a small corkage fee (typically $10 to $15). Call Princess ahead of time to confirm the corkage policy on your specific ship.

What if my flight is delayed and I miss embarkation?

If you miss the ship's departure, your checked luggage and any wine in it will be held or sent to the next port. Contact Princess when ready to arrange where your luggage will be delivered. Wine packed in checked luggage is generally safe during this process, but confirm with the cruise line.