Carnival's Beverage Policy: What's Allowed Onboard
You can bring a limited amount of your own alcohol onto a Carnival cruise, but the rules are strict and specific. Carnival allows each guest to bring one bottle of wine or champagne per stateroom on embarkation day only — that bottle must be still wine, not sparkling, and it cannot exceed 750 milliliters. You cannot bring beer, liquor, or any other type of alcohol in your luggage or carry-on.
Non-alcoholic beverages have different rules. You can pack bottled water, juice, soda, and other non-alcoholic drinks in your checked luggage without restriction. However, you cannot bring these items in your carry-on bag when you board the ship — security will confiscate them at the gangway. Once onboard, you can purchase beverages at the ship's bars, restaurants, and convenience stores, or you can order them through room service.
Carnival enforces these rules at the security checkpoint when you board. If you attempt to bring prohibited items, they will be removed and not returned. The policy applies to all guests, regardless of age or cabin type.
Key Takeaways
- You may bring one 750-milliliter bottle of still wine or champagne per stateroom on the day you board, but no beer, liquor, or other alcohol.
- Non-alcoholic drinks can go in checked luggage but will be removed if found in carry-on bags at security.
- Carnival confiscates prohibited beverages at the gangway and does not return them.
- Alcohol purchased onboard can be consumed in your cabin, at bars and restaurants, and in designated deck areas, but not in public hallways or elevators.
- Guests who appear intoxicated or violate beverage policies may be denied service or asked to leave the ship at the next port.
Where You Can and Cannot Drink Onboard
Once you bring alcohol into your cabin or purchase it onboard, you need to know where you can consume it. You can drink in your stateroom, at any of Carnival's bars and lounges, in the dining room during meals, and in designated pool deck areas. These spaces are the only places where alcohol consumption is permitted.
You cannot drink alcohol in public hallways, elevators, theaters, the casino, the gym, or any other common area outside the designated zones. Carnival staff monitor these spaces, and guests who violate this rule may lose their drink privileges or face more serious consequences. Non-alcoholic beverages can be carried and consumed throughout the ship without restriction.
Beverage Packages and What They Include
Carnival offers several beverage packages you can purchase before or during your cruise. The Cheers! package includes unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks at bars, restaurants, and room service for the duration of your cruise. The Classic Soda package covers unlimited fountain sodas, coffee, tea, and juice. The Premium Soda package adds bottled water and energy drinks to that list.
These packages are optional and priced per person per day. If you do not purchase a package, you pay for each drink individually at the bar or restaurant. Water, basic coffee, and tea are included free with your cruise fare, but specialty coffee drinks and bottled beverages cost extra. Many guests find that a beverage package pays for itself if they plan to drink regularly throughout the cruise.
What Happens If You Violate the Beverage Policy
Carnival takes beverage policy violations seriously. If you bring prohibited alcohol onboard and it is discovered during security screening, the items are confiscated when ready. If you attempt to sneak alcohol past security or bring it onboard after the first day, you risk being confined to your cabin, denied service at bars and restaurants, or being removed from the ship at the next port.
Guests who become visibly intoxicated may be refused further service and asked to return to their cabin. If intoxication leads to disruptive behavior, property damage, or safety concerns, Carnival can remove you from the ship and charge you for the cost of returning to port. These charges can exceed several hundred dollars, and you will be responsible for arranging your own transportation home.
Bringing Beverages for Medical or Dietary Reasons
If you need to bring specific beverages for a medical condition or dietary restriction, contact Carnival in advance. For example, if you require a specific brand of juice for diabetes management or a particular formula for an infant, Carnival may make an exception to the standard policy. You will need to provide documentation of the medical need or dietary requirement.
Submit your request through Carnival's website or by calling their guest services line at least two weeks before your cruise. Carnival will review your request and notify you whether an exception can be made. Having written approval before you board makes the security process smoother and prevents your items from being confiscated.
Comparing Your Beverage Options: Bring Your Own vs. Purchase Onboard
The choice between bringing your own wine and purchasing beverages onboard depends on your drinking habits and budget. If you plan to drink wine with dinner and occasionally at your cabin, bringing one bottle of wine is cost-effective — a decent bottle costs $15 to $30 in a store but $40 to $60 onboard. However, if you want variety or plan to drink beer, cocktails, or liquor, you cannot bring those items, so you will pay onboard prices regardless.
A Cheers! beverage package typically costs $65 to $85 per person per day, depending on the cruise length and when you purchase it. If you buy it before your cruise, it is usually cheaper than purchasing it onboard. For a seven-day cruise, that totals $455 to $595 per person. If you drink two to three cocktails per day at $12 to $15 each, the package pays for itself. If you drink less frequently, paying per drink may be cheaper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring beer or liquor on a Carnival cruise?
No. Carnival only allows one bottle of still wine or champagne per stateroom on embarkation day. Beer, liquor, and all other alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Any prohibited alcohol found during security screening will be removed and not returned.
What if I forget my wine bottle at home and want to bring it onboard the next day?
You cannot bring alcohol onboard after embarkation day, even if you did not bring anything on the first day. The one-bottle allowance applies only to the day you board. Any alcohol brought onboard after that will be confiscated.
Can I bring alcohol in my carry-on bag instead of checked luggage?
No. Alcohol is not permitted in carry-on bags under any circumstances. It must be packed in your checked luggage and declared at security. If found in a carry-on, it will be removed before you board.
Are there any exceptions to the beverage policy for special occasions like anniversaries or birthdays?
Carnival does not make exceptions to the alcohol policy based on special occasions. However, you can purchase champagne or special beverages onboard through room service or the bars. The ship's staff can also help arrange a special celebration if you notify them in advance.
What if I have a medical reason to bring a specific beverage?
Contact Carnival at least two weeks before your cruise with documentation of your medical need or dietary requirement. Carnival may grant an exception if you have written approval. Submit your request through their website or guest services line to receive confirmation before you board.