Learn 2 Cruise

It’s cocktail time! For some travelers a fruity frozen concoction while relaxing at the pool is the best part of their cruise. In addition to frozen cocktails and mixed drinks, cruise lines such as the Yachts of Seabourn, Celebrity, and Silversea are hosts to some of the finest liquors and wines in the world. Celebrity Solstice Class ships boast over 480 selections of wines and more than 500 varieties of liquor. They are even the first cruise ships to have a breathtaking two story glass wine tower and the innovative enomatic wine preservation and pouring system.

• L2C Tip – Be sure to try the “Drink of the Day” at the cruise ship bar, it should be a little cheaper than the standard drinks.  Or have the bartender whip up their specialty. Given the diverse background of the cruise staff they are sure to come up with a unique cocktail for you to try. We do that often when we travel and are usually pleased with their native concoction!

Bring Your Own Booze??

If you’re like most cruisers you want to know…Can I bring my own alcoholic beverages onto the cruise ship at the start of my cruise? This is a question that I’m asked all the time! I wish it was a simple yes or no answer but cruise lines are not on the same page when it comes to their alcohol policies. Here’s a list of the most popular cruise lines and their rules regarding bringing your own alcoholic beverages onboard at the start of your cruise.

ALLOWS GUESTS TO BRING ALCOHOL ONBOARD AT EMBARKATION

Crystal Cruise Lines – In addition to allowing guests to bring alcohol onboard, you can enjoy any spirits you have purchased in port and from the cruise ship’s gift shop as long as you do so in the privacy of your stateroom.  A $15 corkage fee per bottle applies when wine or champagne are consumed in any of the onboard restaurants. Keep in mind Crystal is a luxury cruise line but is not all-inclusive which maybe the reason for the lax liquor policy.

Disney Cruise Line – To L2C’S surprise they do allow guests to bring alcohol onboard.  But they have a very detailed policy on how to bring such items. Per Disney Cruise Line’s website, “any fragile items (including bottled alcohol) must be hand-carried on board in a day bag and/or carry-on bag, the dimensions of which cannot exceed 22″ wide, 14″ high and 9″ deep.” A $15 corkage fee per bottle applies when wine or champagne are consumed in any of the onboard restaurants.

DOES NOT ALLOW GUESTS TO BRING ALCOHOL ONBOARD AT EMBARKATION

Carnival – Exception, one bottle (750ml) of wine or champagne, per person, only in carry-on luggage.  A $10 corkage fee per bottle applies when wine or champagne is consumed in the main dining room and a $14 corkage fee if consumed in the steakhouse.

Celebrity Cruises – Exception, 2 bottles of wine or champagne per stateroom.  A $25 corkage fee per bottle applies when wine or champagne is consumed in any of the onboard restaurants.

Costa Cruises – No exceptions.

Holland America Line – Exception, wine and champagne is allowed to be brought onboard.  A $18 corkage fee per bottle applies when wine or champagne is consumed in any of the onboard restaurants.

Norwegian Cruise Line – Contrary to other cruise information websites NCL does NOT allow guests to bring any alcohol onboard the ship. Our experts obtained this information from NCL’s FAQ page under “What can’t I bring onboard?”

Oceania Cruises – Although we could not find a definite answer I do know from my other people’s experiences that no alcohol is permitted to be brought onboard at the beginning of the cruise. If you have a special occasion and would like to carry on a bottle of wine or champagne please call your cruise representative or travel agent to see if an exception can be made.

Princess Cruises – Exception, wine and champagne is allowed. Although they did not specify an amount I would assume just 1 bottle per person. They also didn’t specify if a corkage fee would apply. Again I would assume there is, but check directly with the cruise line for the amount.

Royal Caribbean –  No exceptions.

Regent Seven Seas, The Yachts of Seabourn, and Silversea are ALL-INCLUSIVE cruise lines that provide complimentary beverages like liquor, beer and wine throughout the ship. And they continually replenish your cabin’s mini bar with beer, liquors, soft drinks and bottled waters. So there’s no need to sneak drinks onto these vessels. I highly recommend this style of cruise because it allows you to really enjoy yourself and not be worried about your tab at the end of the cruise.

• L2C Tip – If a guest receives a bottle of wine (in their stateroom) from a family member or friend, and that was purchased from the cruise lines “Bon Voyage Gift List” the corkage fee is usually waived

Follow the Rules!

One thing cruise lines agree on is that the drinking age is 21! A few cruise lines will allow adults between the ages of 18-20 to consume alcohol if the ship is in international waters and their parent or guardian has signed a liability waiver. Check with your cruise lines for details if this applies to you.

Some cruisers feel cruise lines restrict the amount of alcohol you can bring onboard just so they can make money on their drinks. The primary reason for these rules is to control the liquor consumption of minors and the quantities consumed by passengers which can sometimes lead to unruly behavior.  Cruise lines are cracking down and enforcing their rules for those caught drinking underage or acting in appropriately. On a Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines if a guest is caught for underage drinking they are subject to disembarkation without compensation. In reality cruise lines want their passengers to enjoy their time on the ship and will leave you be as long as you aren’t causing a scene!

Costly Cocktails

Drinks by the pool, a glass of wine at dinner or libations in the lounge, drinks are a big part of cruising for some travelers and can be a big part of the bill depending on the cruise line. For first time cruisers who wondered why I had a section on bringing your own booze you’ll understand once you step onboard.  The prices are a bit more than what most people are used to on shore. For example on Celebrity cruise ships plan on paying at least $4.50 for a beer and a glass of fine wine (not house) will cost at least $9. Cocktails like margaritas and pina coladas will run you about $5.00 each, not too bad. What will really cost you are premium liquors. Depending on your choice, you could spend upwards of $7 for one drink (and that’s not for premium liquors). And the drink sizes are sometimes smaller than you would expect. Cruise ships do run daily specials but that might not be the drink you’re looking for that day so be prepared to pay a little more.  It’s estimated that for a 7-day cruise, travelers spend on average between $100-$300 for drinks! For those who want to keep the tab low, you can usually find a few free drinks onboard. Sail Away Parties, Mixology Classes, Captains Reception, and returning cruise guests parties typically offer an array of free cocktails. I can remember enjoying a free delicious pina coloda onboard the Zuiderdam at one of their deck parties. It was even served  in a whole hollowed out pineapple!

• L2C Tip - Wine packages are another great way to try a variety of wines at a discounted price. And the sommelier will even hold any left over wine dinner the next evening.

Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Milk, water (not bottled), juice, coffee, and both hot and iced teas are included in your cruise fare on most cruise lines. Expect to pay about $2.00 each for soft drinks and don’t count on free refills. This is just another reason why I favor all-inclusive style cruising. If your a big soda drinker I suggest you purchase a soft drink package. When you’re on a hot Caribbean cruise those refreshing sodas can really add up! The soft drink packages cost between $20-$30 depending on the cruise line. Keep in mind these are only a good deal if you drink at least 3 sodas per day. At the start of your cruise, most cruise lines will let you take a small quantity of unopened non-alcoholic beverages onboard in your carry-on luggage. Take advantage of this and pack a few sodas for you and your family to enjoy while walking around the ports of call. Because the soft drink package is only good on fountain drinks, not cans or bottles!

For information on buying liquor, wine, and beer from ports of call, see our Shopping Article!