MSC's Wine and Alcohol Policy

MSC Cruises allows you to bring wine aboard, but only under specific conditions. You may bring up to two bottles of wine per person in your cabin luggage when you board the ship. The wine must be still wine (not sparkling), and it cannot exceed 75 centiliters per bottle. Any wine you bring must stay in your cabin — you cannot drink it in public areas of the ship, and you cannot bring it to the dining room or restaurants.

If you want to drink wine in the ship's bars, restaurants, or public spaces, you must purchase it from MSC. The cruise line does not allow outside alcohol in those areas, and staff will confiscate any bottles they find. This policy applies to all passengers, regardless of age or cabin type.

Key Takeaways

  • You may bring up to two bottles of still wine per person in your cabin luggage at boarding, with a maximum of 75 centiliters per bottle.
  • Wine brought aboard must remain in your cabin and cannot be consumed in restaurants, dining rooms, or public areas of the ship.
  • Sparkling wine, champagne, and all other alcoholic beverages are prohibited from being brought aboard.
  • MSC staff will remove any alcohol found outside cabins, and violations may result in cabin confinement or removal from the ship.
  • Alcohol purchased from MSC onboard can be consumed anywhere on the ship, including in your cabin.

What Types of Alcohol You Cannot Bring

Sparkling wine and champagne are strictly prohibited, even though they are wine. MSC considers these a safety risk because the pressure in the bottles can increase in the ship's environment. Beer, spirits, liquor, and any other alcoholic beverages beyond the two bottles of still wine are also banned from being brought aboard.

If you attempt to bring prohibited alcohol through security at embarkation, it will be confiscated. You will not receive a refund, and the confiscation will be documented. Some ports may have different rules about what you can bring back to the ship after a port day, so check with your specific itinerary.

How to Pack Wine for Your Cruise

Pack your wine bottles in your carry-on luggage, not in checked baggage. Wine packed in checked luggage may be damaged during handling, and you will not have access to it during embarkation. Wrap each bottle in clothing or a towel to prevent breakage and to cushion it during transport.

Arrive at embarkation early and have your wine bottles easily accessible when you go through security. Staff may open and inspect the bottles to confirm they are still wine and not sparkling. Keep your receipt or proof of purchase if possible, though it is not required. Once you pass through security and reach your cabin, you can store the bottles in your cabin refrigerator or a safe location.

Drinking Wine in Your Cabin

Once you are in your cabin, you can open and drink the wine you brought at any time. You may also order wine from room service or the cabin menu and drink it in your cabin without restriction. Many cabins include a minibar with wine and other beverages available for purchase.

If you want to share wine with friends or family in another cabin, you can bring a bottle with you, but do not carry it through public areas of the ship. Walk directly from your cabin to theirs. If staff see you carrying alcohol through hallways or public spaces, they may confiscate it.

Purchasing Wine Onboard

MSC offers wine at multiple locations: the main dining room, specialty restaurants, bars, lounges, and the buffet. Prices are higher than what you would pay at a store, typically ranging from $8 to $15 per glass for standard wines and more for premium selections. Bottles purchased onboard can cost $25 to $80 or more depending on the label.

If you are a frequent MSC cruiser or book a higher cabin category, you may have wine included in your package or receive discounts on wine purchases. Check your booking confirmation and onboard materials for any promotions. Some specialty dining packages also include wine pairings with meals.

What Happens If You Violate the Policy

If staff discover alcohol in public areas or outside your cabin, it will be confiscated when ready with no refund. A first violation may result in a warning. Repeated violations or large quantities of prohibited alcohol can lead to cabin confinement (being locked in your cabin for a period of time) or removal from the ship at the next port, which means you will be left behind and will not receive a refund for the remainder of your cruise.

MSC takes this policy seriously because alcohol in public areas creates safety and liability issues. The crew monitors common areas regularly, and other passengers may report violations. It is not worth the risk — if you want wine during your cruise, either bring the allowed two bottles for your cabin or purchase it from MSC.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring wine back to my cabin after visiting a port?

This depends on your specific itinerary and the port. Some ports allow you to bring wine back to the ship; others do not. Ask the shore excursion desk or guest services before you disembark. If you do bring wine back, follow the same rules: it must stay in your cabin and cannot be taken to public areas.

What if I have a wine allergy or medical reason to bring a specific bottle?

Contact MSC guest services before your cruise to explain your situation. They may grant an exception for medical reasons, but you will need documentation. Do not assume an exception will be made — get written confirmation from MSC before you board.

Can I bring wine if I am under the legal drinking age?

No. The wine must belong to an adult passenger, and it can only be consumed by adults of legal drinking age in the countries where the ship operates. MSC enforces age restrictions strictly, and minors found with alcohol will result in serious consequences for the adult responsible.

Do I have to declare my wine bottles at embarkation?

You do not need to formally declare them, but they must be visible and accessible during security screening. Have them ready when you go through the embarkation process so staff can inspect them quickly. Attempting to hide alcohol or sneak it past security will result in confiscation and possible removal from the ship.

Can I bring wine in a wine bladder or other container instead of a bottle?

No. MSC's policy specifies bottles only. Wine in pouches, bladders, or other containers will be confiscated. The two-bottle limit applies to standard wine bottles, not alternative containers.