Royal Caribbean's Wine Policy: What's Allowed and What's Not
You can bring wine aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise, but only under specific conditions. Royal Caribbean allows passengers to bring one bottle of wine or champagne per person in their checked luggage at embarkation — the day you board the ship. That bottle must be still wine (not sparkling) and cannot exceed 750 milliliters. The bottle will be held by the ship and returned to your cabin on the first night of your cruise.
Any wine you try to bring in your carry-on bags will be confiscated at the security checkpoint before boarding. Wine purchased at ports of call during your cruise can be brought back to your cabin, but the same one-bottle-per-person limit applies, and it will also be held and delivered later. You cannot bring beer, spirits, or any other alcohol — only wine and champagne may have access to for this exception.
Key Takeaways
- One bottle of still wine or champagne per person is permitted in checked luggage at embarkation only, not in carry-on bags.
- Wine purchased at ports during your cruise can be brought back to your cabin but counts toward your one-bottle limit and will be held by the ship.
- Beer, liquor, and other alcoholic beverages are prohibited entirely — no exceptions for any quantity.
- The ship will deliver your wine to your cabin on the first night, so you cannot access it when ready upon boarding.
- Attempting to bring alcohol through security or hiding it in your luggage can result in confiscation and potential removal from the ship.
How the Wine Delivery System Works
When you pack a bottle of wine in your checked luggage, it goes through the normal baggage screening process at the terminal. Security staff will identify it, and it will be separated from your other belongings. You will not see the bottle again until later that evening — usually between 6 p.m. and midnight on your first night aboard, depending on how busy embarkation is.
The ship's staff will deliver the bottle directly to your cabin. If you are not in your cabin when they arrive, they will leave it inside or with a note. You do not need to do anything to claim it; the system is automatic once the bottle is logged at check-in. If you have multiple bottles (one per person in your party), each will be delivered the same way.
Wine Purchased at Ports: Rules and Timing
If you buy wine at a port of call — say, a bottle from a winery in Bermuda or a shop in Cozumel — you can bring it back to the ship. However, the same one-bottle-per-person limit applies across your entire cruise. If you already used your one bottle allowance at embarkation, you cannot bring a second bottle aboard, even if you purchased it legally at a port.
When you return to the ship with port wine, you must declare it to security at the gangway. Do not attempt to hide it or sneak it past the checkpoint — staff inspect bags and passengers regularly. The bottle will be held and delivered to your cabin the same way as embarkation wine. Plan to purchase port wine early in your cruise if you want it delivered in time to enjoy it that evening.
What Happens If You Violate the Policy
Alcohol found in carry-on luggage or hidden in checked bags will be confiscated when ready. You will not receive a refund or compensation for the bottle. If security discovers you deliberately concealed alcohol or attempted to bring prohibited beverages like beer or liquor, you may face additional consequences — including a warning, a fine, or in serious cases, removal from the ship at the next port.
Royal Caribbean enforces this policy consistently across all ships and all sailings. The rules exist partly for safety (glass bottles can break and cause injury in rough seas) and partly because the cruise line has exclusive beverage contracts with onboard bars and restaurants. Attempting to circumvent the policy is not worth the risk.
Why Royal Caribbean Has This Policy
The one-bottle allowance is a compromise. Royal Caribbean could ban all outside alcohol, as some cruise lines do, but instead permits a small personal amount. The restriction on carry-on wine exists because glass bottles are a safety hazard in a crowded ship environment — if the vessel rocks or there is an accident, loose bottles can become projectiles. Holding the wine until your cabin is find reduces that risk.
The ban on beer and spirits is tied to the cruise line's revenue model. Onboard bars generate significant income, and allowing passengers to bring unlimited alcohol would undercut that business. The one-bottle wine exception is often seen as a gesture to wine enthusiasts who want to enjoy a special bottle they selected themselves, rather than purchasing from the ship's limited wine list at premium prices.
Alternatives If You Want More Wine Options
If you want to drink wine throughout your cruise without being limited to one bottle, you have several options. The most straightforward is to purchase wine from the ship's bars and restaurants — prices are higher than on land, but the selection is available when ready. Royal Caribbean also offers wine packages that you can purchase before your cruise or onboard, which give you a set number of wine glasses per day at a discounted rate compared to buying by the glass.
Another option is to visit the ship's wine shop, which stocks bottles you can purchase and have delivered to your cabin. These are more expensive than port prices, but you avoid the hassle of carrying bottles through security. Some passengers also choose to enjoy wine at ports of call and not worry about bringing it back to the ship — many ports have excellent restaurants and bars where you can drink locally.
Packing Tips for Your Wine Bottle
If you are bringing wine at embarkation, pack it in the center of your checked luggage, surrounded by soft items like clothing or towels. Do not pack it on top or in a corner where it could shift during handling. Wrap the bottle in a plastic bag first — if it breaks, the bag will contain the liquid and protect your other belongings. Some passengers use bubble wrap or wine bottle protectors, which are inexpensive and available online.
Keep your cruise documents and a photo of your bottle's label handy. You will not need them in most cases, but if there is any confusion about what you packed or if the bottle is damaged in transit, documentation helps. Arrive at the terminal early on embarkation day so your luggage has time to be processed without rush, which reduces the chance of damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring wine in my carry-on bag instead of checked luggage?
No. Wine is not permitted in carry-on bags under any circumstances. It will be confiscated at security before you board. You must pack it in checked luggage only.
What if I have more than one person in my cabin — can I bring multiple bottles?
Yes. The limit is one bottle per person, not per cabin. If you are traveling with three people, you can bring three bottles total — one for each person. Each bottle must be packed separately in checked luggage and will be delivered individually to your cabin.
Can I bring wine back to my cabin from a port if I already brought one at embarkation?
No. The one-bottle-per-person limit applies to your entire cruise, combining embarkation and port purchases. If you used your allowance at embarkation, you cannot bring additional wine aboard from ports.
What if my wine bottle breaks during transport?
Report it to guest services on your first day aboard. While Royal Caribbean does not typically reimburse for broken bottles, they will document it. Packing your bottle carefully in the center of your luggage with soft padding significantly reduces the risk of breakage.
Are there any exceptions to the wine policy for special occasions or anniversaries?
No. The policy applies equally to all passengers regardless of the reason for travel. However, you can purchase wine onboard through the ship's wine shop or bars, and some packages offer discounts for special celebrations.