Norwegian Cruise Line's Alcohol Policy

Norwegian Cruise Line allows passengers to bring a limited amount of wine and beer aboard, but not spirits. You can bring up to two bottles of wine or beer per stateroom, and they must be packed in your checked luggage — not in your carry-on. The bottles are held by the cruise line when you board and returned to your cabin on the first night at sea. This policy applies to all Norwegian Cruise Line ships.

Spirits, liqueurs, and fortified wines like port or sherry are prohibited entirely and will be confiscated if found during security screening. The two-bottle limit is per stateroom, not per person, so if you are traveling with a group in one cabin, you still cannot bring more than two bottles total.

Key Takeaways

  • Norwegian Cruise Line allows two bottles of wine or beer per stateroom, packed in checked luggage only.
  • Spirits and liqueurs are not permitted and will be taken away during boarding.
  • Bottles are held by the ship and delivered to your cabin on the first night at sea.
  • Wine and beer purchased on the ship are subject to onboard pricing and can be charged to your account.
  • The policy applies to all Norwegian Cruise Line ships, though specific procedures may vary slightly by port.

How to Pack Wine for Your Cruise

Pack your wine bottles in the center of your checked suitcase, surrounded by soft clothing or towels to cushion them. Do not wrap them in plastic bags alone — the goal is to prevent breakage during baggage handling. Place heavier items on top of the wine to keep it stable, and avoid packing wine in an outside pocket or on top of other luggage.

Bring the bottles to the security checkpoint when you board. A crew member will scan your luggage and remove the wine if it is present. You do not need to declare it verbally — the X-ray screening will catch it. Write your cabin number on a piece of tape and stick it to each bottle so the crew can deliver them to the right place.

When Your Wine Arrives in Your Cabin

Your wine bottles will be placed in your stateroom on the first night at sea, usually by early evening. Check that both bottles arrived and are undamaged. If a bottle broke during transport or did not arrive, contact guest services when ready — they can sometimes replace it, though this is not may provide.

Once the bottles are in your cabin, you own them and can open them whenever you wish. You can drink them in your stateroom or bring them to your cabin's balcony. You cannot take open bottles to public areas of the ship, and you cannot bring them to the dining room or bars. Crew members will not stop you from having wine in your cabin, but public consumption of outside alcohol is not permitted.

Onboard Wine and Beverage Packages

Norwegian Cruise Line sells wine packages and individual bottles at onboard bars and restaurants. A single glass of wine typically costs $8 to $15, depending on the type and venue. A bottle purchased onboard costs roughly $30 to $80. These charges are added to your onboard account and paid when you leave the ship.

If you drink wine regularly during your cruise, a beverage package may save money. Norwegian offers packages that include wine, beer, and spirits for a flat daily rate. These packages are purchased before boarding or during the first day at sea. Compare the per-drink cost against what you plan to consume — if you drink fewer than two glasses per day, bringing your own wine is usually cheaper.

What Happens If You Bring Prohibited Items

If security finds spirits, liqueurs, or more than two bottles of wine or beer in your luggage, the items will be confiscated and not returned. You will not receive a refund or replacement. The crew will not charge you a fine or penalty, but you will lose the alcohol.

If you attempt to sneak alcohol past security or bring it aboard in a non-luggage container, you risk being denied boarding or removed from the ship at the first port. Norwegian takes its alcohol policy seriously because of liability and safety concerns. It is not worth the risk — the cost of bringing your own wine is small compared to the cost of a cruise ticket.

Bringing Wine to Different Ports

If you purchase wine at a port of call, you can bring it back to the ship under the same rules: it must be in your checked luggage or a bag you carry aboard. However, if you already have two bottles in your cabin, you cannot bring a third. Some ports have duty-free shops where wine is cheaper than onboard prices — if you want to take advantage, plan to drink one of your original bottles before the port stop so you have room for a new one.

Crew members do not inspect your luggage when you return from a port, so technically you could bring wine back without it being caught. However, this violates the policy and puts you at risk if discovered. The safer approach is to work within the two-bottle limit or purchase wine onboard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring wine in my carry-on bag instead of checked luggage?

No. Norwegian requires wine to be packed in checked luggage only. Carry-on bags go through the same security screening, and any wine found will be confiscated. The reason is that checked luggage is stored separately from passenger areas, reducing the risk of breakage in public spaces.

What if my wine bottle breaks in my cabin?

Contact guest services when ready. They can provide towels and cleaning supplies, and they may offer a replacement bottle, though this is not may provide. Take a photo of the broken bottle and spilled wine before cleaning up, in case you need to document it for the crew.

Can I bring wine if I am under 21?

No. Norwegian's alcohol policy applies only to passengers 21 and older. If you are under 21, any alcohol found in your luggage will be confiscated, and your parents or guardians may be notified. The same age restriction applies to alcohol purchased onboard.

Do I have to pay a fee to bring wine aboard?

No. There is no fee for bringing two bottles of wine or beer per stateroom. The only cost is the wine itself. You do not pay Norwegian to store or deliver it.

Can I bring wine to my cabin if I booked a suite?

Yes. The two-bottle limit applies to all stateroom types, including suites. If you are in a suite, you still cannot bring more than two bottles, even though you have more space.