Alcohol is sold on cruise ships, but the rules differ by cruise line and by where you sail

Every major cruise line sells beer, wine, and spirits onboard. You can buy drinks at bars, in your cabin, at pool deck venues, and sometimes at specialty restaurants. The price is higher than on land — a beer typically costs $6 to $8, and cocktails run $12 to $16. Most cruise lines let you bring a limited amount of your own alcohol onboard at the start of the voyage, though they confiscate it when ready and you cannot retrieve it until you disembark.

The rules about where you can drink, what age you must be, and whether you can bring your own bottles vary by cruise line and by the countries you visit. Some lines allow open containers on the pool deck; others do not. Some ports have stricter alcohol laws than others. Understanding your specific cruise line's policy before you board saves confusion and prevents your drinks from being taken away.

Key Takeaways

  • Most cruise lines sell alcohol at bars, in cabins, and at restaurants, with prices typically $6 to $16 per drink.
  • You can bring one bottle of wine or champagne per person in your carry-on luggage at embarkation, but the ship will confiscate it when ready.
  • The legal drinking age on most cruise ships is 21, even if you are sailing from or to a country with a lower age limit.
  • Open containers are prohibited in cabins and on the pool deck on most cruise lines, though rules vary by line and destination.
  • Some ports have their own alcohol laws that explore when you go ashore, separate from the ship's rules.

What you can bring onboard at embarkation

Most cruise lines allow you to pack one bottle of wine or champagne per person in your carry-on bag when you board. This bottle must be in your possession when you pass through security — you cannot mail it to the ship or have it delivered. The ship's staff will take the bottle from you at check-in and store it. You can request it back on your final night at sea, though some lines charge a fee to open and serve it in your cabin.

Beer, spirits, and other beverages are not allowed in your carry-on. If security finds them, they will be confiscated and not returned. The same rule applies to alcohol in checked luggage — cruise lines do not allow it, and anything found will be removed. Some cruise lines are stricter than others; Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Disney all enforce this policy, though the specifics can shift by sailing date.

Buying drinks at bars and restaurants

Every cruise ship has multiple bars, and most charge per drink rather than offering a drink package. A standard beer costs $6 to $8, a glass of wine runs $8 to $12, and cocktails are typically $12 to $16. Specialty bars — those serving craft cocktails or premium spirits — charge more. Some lines offer drink packages you can purchase in advance or onboard; these packages cover unlimited drinks during your sailing and often save money if you plan to drink multiple times per day.

Bars are open during set hours, which the ship publishes in your onboard app or in the daily program left in your cabin. Most main bars open around 11 a.m. and close between midnight and 2 a.m. Pool bars typically close at sunset. You can order drinks in your cabin by calling room service, though a gratuity is usually added to the bill. Specialty restaurants sometimes include wine pairings with dinner, which you can decline or purchase separately.

The legal drinking age and ID requirements

The legal drinking age on cruise ships is 21, regardless of where the ship sails or where you are from. This applies even if you are sailing to or from a country where the drinking age is lower. You must carry a valid government-issued photo ID — a passport, driver's license, or passport card — to buy alcohol onboard. Bartenders will ask for it every time, even if you look older than 21.

If you are under 21 and attempt to buy alcohol, the bartender will refuse and may report you to the ship's security. Repeat violations can result in being confined to your cabin or being removed from the ship at the next port. If you are traveling with minors, explain the age rule clearly so they understand it applies to them as well.

Where you cannot drink alcohol onboard

Most cruise lines prohibit open containers — drinks in cups or glasses — in your cabin and on the pool deck. This means you cannot bring a beer from the bar back to your stateroom or walk around the pool with a cocktail in hand. You must finish your drink at the bar or restaurant where you purchased it. Some lines allow drinks in covered cups on the pool deck, but this varies by cruise line and by ship.

Alcohol is also prohibited in the gym, the spa, the theater during performances, and in any area designated as a family zone. If you are caught with an open container in a prohibited area, the drink will be taken from you. Repeated violations can result in loss of bar privileges or removal from the ship. Check your cruise line's specific rules in the onboard app or ask at the front desk when you board.

Alcohol laws at ports and in foreign countries

When you go ashore at a port, you are subject to that country's or territory's laws, not the ship's rules. Some ports have strict laws about public drinking, open containers, or the hours alcohol can be sold. In some Caribbean islands, for example, you cannot carry an open drink on the street. In some European ports, the drinking age may be lower than 21, but you still cannot bring alcohol back onto the ship.

If you purchase alcohol at a port and try to bring it back onboard, the ship will confiscate it at security. The only exception is the one bottle of wine or champagne allowed at embarkation. Do not attempt to sneak alcohol onboard; security screens all passengers returning from ports, and confiscation is certain. If you are arrested for violating a port's alcohol laws, the cruise line will not intervene, and you may be left behind when the ship departs.

Drink packages and prepaid options

Most cruise lines offer drink packages that cover unlimited beer, wine, spirits, and soft drinks during your sailing. These packages are sold per person and typically cost $60 to $100 per day, depending on the cruise line and the type of package. A basic package usually covers standard drinks; premium packages include specialty cocktails and top-shelf spirits. Some lines offer packages that cover only beer and wine, which cost less.

You can purchase a drink package when you book your cruise, when you board, or onboard during your sailing. Buying in advance is usually cheaper than buying onboard. If you purchase onboard, the package takes effect when ready and covers the remainder of your sailing. Gratuities are typically included in the package price, though some lines charge gratuities separately. Read the terms carefully, as some packages exclude certain venues or specialty drinks.

What happens if you drink too much

Cruise lines have strict policies about intoxication. If you become visibly intoxicated, bartenders will refuse to serve you. If you are disruptive, aggressive, or a danger to yourself or others, ship's security will intervene. You may be confined to your cabin, banned from bars and restaurants, or removed from the ship at the next port. The cruise line will not refund your fare, and you may be charged for any damage or medical care required.

If you need medical attention due to alcohol consumption, the ship's medical center will treat you, but you will be billed for the service. Medical bills at sea are expensive — a visit to the medical center can cost $300 to $500 or more. If you are injured or become ill from drinking, report it to your cabin steward or call the front desk when ready. Do not wait until the next morning if you are in serious distress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my own alcohol onboard besides the one bottle of wine?

No. Most cruise lines allow only one bottle of wine or champagne per person in your carry-on at embarkation. Beer, spirits, and other beverages are not allowed. Alcohol found in checked luggage or brought onboard at ports will be confiscated. The one bottle is taken from you at check-in and stored; you can request it back on your final night.

What is the cheapest way to drink on a cruise?

If you drink fewer than three drinks per day, paying per drink is usually cheaper than a drink package. If you drink more than three drinks per day, a package saves money. Compare the daily package price to your expected spending. Some lines offer discounts if you purchase a package before your sailing date rather than onboard.

Can I bring alcohol back to my cabin from a port?

No. Security screens all passengers returning from ports and will confiscate any alcohol except the one bottle of wine allowed at embarkation. You cannot bring beer, spirits, or other beverages back to the ship. If you want to drink alcohol in your cabin, you must purchase it from room service onboard.

What if I am under 21 but traveling with an adult — can they buy me drinks?

No. The cruise line's policy is that no one under 21 can consume alcohol onboard, regardless of who purchases it or who is present. An adult buying drinks for a minor can result in both being reported to security. The minor may be confined to their cabin, and the adult may face removal from the ship.

Do I have to pay gratuities on top of my drink package?

Most cruise lines include gratuities in the drink package price, but this varies by line and package type. Check the terms when you purchase. Some lines charge gratuities separately, adding 15 to 18 percent to the package cost. Ask at the bar or the front desk when you board to confirm what is included in your package.