Royal Caribbean: Can I Take Alcohol Onboard?

If you’ve got a Royal Caribbean cruise booked, you’re probably dreaming of sunshine, sea views, and sipping your favourite drink on deck. One question we often hear is: “Can I take alcohol onboard Royal Caribbean?”

The short answer? Sort of – but there are strict rules. In this blog post, we’ll break it down so you know exactly what you can (and can’t!) bring when it comes to alcohol on your Royal Caribbean cruise. No guesswork needed!

What Alcohol Can You Bring on Royal Caribbean?

Royal Caribbean has a very clear alcohol policy. It’s important to follow it to avoid having your drinks taken or, worse, being denied boarding. Here’s what you are allowed:

• Each guest of legal drinking age (18 in some countries, 21 in others) can bring one (1) sealed 750ml bottle of wine or champagne onboard at the start of the cruise.

• That’s it. One bottle per person. No boxed wine, no beer, and absolutely no spirits (vodka, rum, gin, whisky – none of it).

• The bottle must be sealed – no open bottles allowed.

  
  

Back-to-Back Cruises

If you’re doing back-to-back cruises (consecutive sailings), you can bring one bottle per sailing. Just have proof of your bookings handy to show the staff at check-in. This can save you from any confusion and keep your experience smooth.

What Happens If You Bring Beer or Spirits?

If you try to bring beer, hard liquor, or even more than one bottle of wine, Royal Caribbean will take it from you when you board. Don’t worry though – as long as it’s sealed and in the original packaging, it’ll be returned to you at the end of the cruise.

If you’ve bought alcohol in a port of call or from duty-free shops onboard, these will also be held for you and given back on the last day.

Avoid Sneaking Alcohol Onboard

Thinking about sneaking alcohol in water bottles or mouthwash containers? Think again! Royal Caribbean actively checks bags. If you’re caught smuggling booze, you risk being denied boarding or removed from the ship. It’s not worth the trouble, trust us!

What About Drinking Age?

Royal Caribbean adheres to the legal drinking age depending on where you’re sailing:

• 21 years old on sailings from North America and the Caribbean.

• 18 years old from most other ports, including Europe and Australia.

  
  

If you’re underage, even if you brought the wine yourself, it won’t be returned to you. Always be mindful of the rules based on your departure point.

Can I Drink My Wine in the Main Dining Room?

Yes, you can drink your wine in the dining room, but expect to pay a corkage fee. Royal Caribbean may charge around $15 USD per bottle if you bring your wine to dinner.

If you want to avoid the fee, it’s best to enjoy your wine in your cabin or on your balcony. This way, you can relax without worrying about extra charges.

What About Alcohol Packages?

If bringing your own bottle sounds like too much of a hassle, Royal Caribbean offers alcohol packages you can buy before you sail or once onboard. These packages include unlimited drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic). For many cruisers, these packages end up being good value – especially if you enjoy a cocktail or three by the pool.

Consider how many drinks you plan to consume each day. You may find that these packages will save you money and enhance your experience.

FAQs About Taking Alcohol Onboard Royal Caribbean

Can I bring beer on Royal Caribbean?

No – guests are not allowed to bring beer onboard under any circumstances.

Can I bring vodka or other spirits?

No – hard liquor like vodka, rum, gin, or whisky is not allowed to be brought onboard by guests.

Can I bring wine on a Royal Caribbean cruise?

Yes – one 750ml sealed bottle of wine or champagne per adult is allowed on embarkation day.

What happens if I bring more than one bottle?

Any extra bottles will be taken and held by Royal Caribbean and returned at the end of the cruise.

Can I bring boxed wine?

No – boxed wine and other non-standard containers are not allowed.

Can I drink my wine in public areas onboard?

You can, but in a dining venue like the main dining room or specialty restaurants, you may be charged a corkage fee.

What if I buy alcohol during the cruise or in port?

Royal Caribbean will hold the bottles until the last night of the cruise and return them before you disembark.

Can underage guests bring wine or alcohol?

No – if they try, it won’t be returned to them.

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So there you have it – the full lowdown on taking alcohol onboard Royal Caribbean. As much as we’d all love to bring our favourite bottle of gin or a case of beer, the rules are strict. Stick to your one bottle of wine or champagne, and save the rest for when you get home!

If you’re looking to enjoy drinks on your cruise, the drink packages are well worth a look. They are especially great if you’re cruising with friends or celebrating something special.

Happy cruising – and cheers from us!

Cruise Escapes – Helping you cruise smarter