Can You Bring Your Own Alcohol or Soda on a Cruise?

July 5, 2025

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Can You Bring Your Own Alcohol or Soda on a Cruise?

Cruising is all about relaxation, but sometimes the price of drinks on board can feel like a vacation in itself!

If you’re like me, you might wonder, “Can I bring my own alcohol or soda to save some cash?” The answer varies depending on the cruise line.

I’ve learned a lot about this topic after cruising with a few different lines, and here’s what I’ve discovered!

Alcohol: What’s Allowed?

As you probably know, cruise lines make a significant portion of their revenue from selling drinks.

So naturally, many of us first-time cruisers wonder if we can avoid paying hefty drink prices by bringing our own alcohol.

The rules for bringing alcohol on board can be a bit complicated, and they differ by cruise line, but here’s the general breakdown based on my experience:

Mainstream Cruise Lines: For most of the bigger cruise lines (think Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Disney), the rules allow you to bring some alcohol, but there are restrictions. You’ll generally be allowed to bring one or two bottles of wine or Champagne per guest. However, there’s usually a corkage fee (this is the fee you pay if you want to drink your wine outside your cabin). Expect to pay between $10 to $25 per bottle for corkage, depending on the line.
Luxury Lines: When it comes to luxury cruises, like on ships from Regent or Oceania, things are a bit different. These cruise lines often let you bring unlimited bottles of alcohol on board, and some even allow you to restock during port calls. If you’re like me and enjoy a glass of wine in your room before dinner, this is a huge plus. I had a great experience on a luxury ship where I brought several bottles without worrying about paying any corkage fees. But be warned—those bottles still had to be carried on, not packed in checked luggage.

The Carry-On Rule

If you’re lucky enough to be allowed to bring alcohol, here’s one crucial rule: you can’t pack it in your checked luggage.

Instead, you’ll need to carry it on board with you. This might seem like a small inconvenience, but trust me, I learned this the hard way.

On a recent cruise, I had to switch my alcohol from my checked bag to my carry-on because the cruise line wouldn’t let it be packed with the rest of my things.

If you’re flying to the port and want to bring alcohol from home instead of purchasing it at the port, just know you’ll have to make the switch at the airport. Not a big deal, but something to keep in mind!

The Sneaky Stuff: Don’t Try to Get Away with It

You might think you can sneak a bottle or two by hiding it in a mouthwash bottle or water container, but trust me, cruise lines are onto these tricks.

They’ve seen it all—flasks, water bottles filled with liquor, you name it. If you get caught trying to sneak alcohol, the consequences can be severe.

Duty-Free Alcohol: The Catch

Buying alcohol in the ship’s duty-free shop? You’ll have to wait until the end of your cruise to enjoy it.

I learned this when I bought a nice bottle of whiskey from the duty-free store on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

It was stored for me and returned on the last night. But hey, it’s a nice little treat to look forward to!

Cruise Line Policies on Bringing Alcohol Onboard

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into the specifics.

Each cruise line has its own rules about bringing alcohol on board, and trust me, I’ve encountered quite a few different policies over the years.

If you’re looking to save some money or enjoy your favorite drinks, knowing the rules is key! Here’s a breakdown of the alcohol policies I’ve experienced across various cruise lines.

Carnival Cruise Line: The Most Relaxed Policy

Carnival Cruise Line is known for having one of the most relaxed alcohol policies. I’ve sailed with them a couple of times, and here’s what I found:

You can bring 1 bottle of wine per guest. Perfect for those who love a glass of wine before dinner.
Non-alcoholic beverages: You’re allowed to carry on up to 12 cans (12 oz.) of soda, sparkling water, or juice. Carnival is one of the few cruise lines that still lets you bring non-alcoholic drinks, and I found this super helpful for having some options in my cabin without paying for everything on board.
Corkage Fee: If you want to drink your wine outside of your cabin (e.g., at the bar or restaurant), you’ll pay a $15 corkage fee.

Royal Caribbean: One Bottle, But Not Much More

Royal Caribbean doesn’t make it easy to bring alcohol, but there’s still some leeway:

Wine and Champagne: You’re allowed to bring one 750 mL bottle of wine per guest. If you’re into wine, it’s nice to have that option, but be prepared for the corkage fee if you want to enjoy it in the dining room or bar.
No Beer or Liquor: Unlike Carnival, they don’t allow beer or liquor to be brought onboard.
Corkage Fee: Just like Carnival, you’ll need to pay a $15 corkage fee if you plan to consume your wine outside your cabin.

Disney Cruise Line: A Bit More Flexibility

If you’re cruising with Disney, you might find their alcohol policy a bit more flexible compared to most mainstream lines:

Wine or Champagne: You can bring two 750 mL bottles of wine or six 12-oz cans of beer. I like the beer option because it’s a nice little bonus for enjoying some cold brews while relaxing on the deck.
Corkage Fee: Disney does charge a $25 corkage fee, so be mindful of that if you’re planning on enjoying your wine in the dining areas or specialty restaurants.

Princess Cruises: A Bottle of Wine, No Extra Charge for In-Room Enjoyment

I sailed on Princess Cruises once, and here’s what I found out about their alcohol policy:

Wine: You’re allowed to bring one 750 mL bottle of wine per guest.
Corkage Fee: If you drink your wine in your room, you won’t pay a fee. But if you want to sip it in a restaurant, you’ll need to cough up a $15 corkage fee. It’s nice that they don’t charge extra if you’re enjoying your wine in the comfort of your room.

Holland America Line: More Than One Bottle, but with a Catch

Holland America has a slightly more generous alcohol policy, which I really appreciated on my cruise with them:

Wine: You can bring 750 mL bottles of wine onboard, and the first bottle won’t incur any corkage fees. But if you bring more than one, you’ll pay a $20 corkage fee for each additional bottle.
No Other Alcohol: Unfortunately, other types of alcohol (beer, spirits, etc.) are not permitted on board, so you’ll have to make do with what the ship offers.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): Limited to Wine, With Fees

Norwegian is pretty strict about what you can bring on board, but I’ve cruised with them a few times, so I can tell you exactly what to expect:

Wine and Champagne: Like many other lines, you can bring one bottle of wine or Champagne per guest.
Corkage Fee: If you drink your wine in public areas, you’ll be charged a $15 corkage fee. If you’re lucky enough to get a larger Magnum bottle (1.5L), be ready to pay $30 for the corkage fee.

MSC Cruises: Alcohol Not Allowed, But They Will Hold Purchases

MSC Cruises is quite strict when it comes to alcohol:

Alcohol: They do not allow passengers to bring any alcoholic beverages onboard at all. So if you’re planning to sneak in a bottle of your favorite rum, think again.
Duty-Free: If you purchase alcohol in port or onboard, it will be stored for you and returned on the last night of your cruise.

Summary: Quick Breakdown of Alcohol Policies

Here’s a handy table I’ve put together, comparing the alcohol policies for different cruise lines. This makes it easy to see at a glance what you’re allowed to bring.

Cruise Line	Alcohol Allowance	Non-Alcoholic Drink Allowance	Additional Restrictions/Allowances
Holland America	1 bottle of wine (first free; $20 for additional)	Water is allowed for medical needs only	Additional bottles of wine after the first incur a corkage fee
MSC Cruises	Not allowed	Water allowed for medical needs only	All alcohol purchased in duty-free is stored until the last night
Carnival	1 bottle of wine; 12 cans of soft drinks	12 x 330ml cans or cartons of soft drinks	No bottled drinks allowed; cans/cartons only
Disney Cruise Line	2 bottles of wine or 6 beers	Unlimited soda in carry-on luggage	No soda in checked luggage; corkage fee applies for wine in dining areas
Royal Caribbean	1 bottle of wine	12 x 500ml cans or cartons per stateroom	Corkage fee of $15 for wine consumed outside the cabin
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)	1 bottle of wine; $15 corkage fee per bottle	Water only for medical needs	No juice or soda allowed; medical water only
P&O Cruises	1 litre of wine or Champagne	Unlimited soda, juice, and water	Water is allowed for medical needs only
Princess Cruises	1 bottle of wine for free; $15 for additional	Unlimited soda, juice, and water	Can bring small coolers filled with non-alcoholic drinks
Celebrity Cruises	2 bottles of wine per stateroom	Unlimited soda and water (check-in with luggage)	Additional drinks are allowed at each port of call
Cunard Line	1 bottle of wine per guest	Unlimited soda and water	None
Costa Cruises	Not allowed	Must notify the cruise line of medical water needs	No limits on soft drinks and water, you can check in with luggage

Soft Drinks on a Cruise: What’s Allowed?

We’ve covered alcohol, but what about soft drinks? Whether it’s soda, juice, or bottled water, you might be wondering what the rules are for bringing your own beverages onboard.

After cruising with several different lines, I’ve learned that the policies for soft drinks can vary just as much as those for alcohol.

So, let me share what I’ve discovered.

Carnival Cruise Line: Soda Allowed, But No Bottles

Carnival is one of the more generous cruise lines when it comes to bringing your own non-alcoholic drinks:

Soda: You can bring 12 cans (12 oz) of soda or sparkling water per passenger. The only restriction? No bottles allowed. I asked about this on my last Carnival cruise, and the reason behind it is that people have tried to sneak alcohol into bottles, so the policy is now strictly cans or cartons.
No Limits on Water: You can also bring water, but again, just be aware of the 12-can limit. They won’t stop you from packing up a bunch of sparkling water for your cabin.

Royal Caribbean: Limited Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Royal Caribbean has a fairly standard policy when it comes to non-alcoholic drinks:

Soda and Juice: Like other lines, they allow you to bring 12 cans or cartons of non-alcoholic beverages (like soda or juice) per guest. This limit can be a bit restrictive if you’re hoping to bring a lot of drinks, but it’s usually enough for most cruisers.

Celebrity Cruises: Unlimited Soda and Water

If you’re sailing with Celebrity Cruises, you’re in luck when it comes to non-alcoholic drinks:

Soda and Water: Celebrity doesn’t impose any limits on soft drinks or water, which I loved. If you want to bring an entire case of soda or bottles of water, they’ll allow it. Just attach a luggage tag, check it in with your luggage, and it will be delivered to your stateroom. Super convenient and a great way to keep your cabin stocked with your favorite drinks!

Disney Cruise Line: Bring Soft Drinks in Carry-On Only

For Disney Cruise Line, the rules on soft drinks are pretty straightforward:

Soda: You can bring unlimited soft drinks in carry-on luggage only. So, if you’re planning to bring soda, make sure it goes in your carry-on, not your checked suitcase.
Free Soda at Meals: Disney offers free soda with meals, but if you want a drink outside of mealtime, you’ll have to pay for it. I remember being happy to have my soda on hand in the room, but if you’re not carrying it, be prepared to purchase it if you’re not at dinner.

Costa Cruises: No Soft Drinks, Water for Medical Needs Only

Now, let’s talk about Costa Cruises. Unfortunately, they’re a bit stricter than other lines:

No Soft Drinks: Costa doesn’t allow any soft drinks onboard, so forget about bringing that six-pack of soda or even a bottle of juice.
Water for Medical Needs: If you need to bring water for medical purposes, you’ll need to inform them ahead of time. They allow it, but you’ll need to fill out a form.

Cunard Line: Unlimited Soft Drinks and Water

On Cunard, I was pleasantly surprised by how easygoing the soft drink policy is:

Soda and Water: Cunard allows you to bring unlimited soft drinks and water onboard. That’s right—no limits. Whether you want to pack some cans of soda or just bring bottled water, you’re good to go. I definitely appreciated this, as it meant I didn’t have to worry about running out of my favorite drinks during the cruise.

MSC Cruises: No Soft Drinks, But Water for Medical Needs

MSC Cruises is strict about soft drinks, similar to Costa:

No Soft Drinks: MSC doesn’t allow you to bring any soft drinks on board. No cans, no cartons, no bottles—nothing. But if you have a medical need for water, you’ll need to notify the cruise line ahead of time, and they’ll allow it.
Medical Water: Just like other lines, if it’s for medical purposes (like bottled water for a medical condition), it’s allowed, but they need advance notice.

P&O Cruises: Bring Soft Drinks and Water

On P&O Cruises, they’ve got a fairly relaxed policy regarding soft drinks:

Unlimited Soft Drinks: You can bring unlimited soft drinks—this includes soda, juices, and sparkling water. They don’t restrict you to just a few cans or bottles, so you can pack as much as you want.
More at Each Port: What’s even better? You can bring more soft drinks at each port of call. So, if you’re stocking up on sodas during a stop, you can always add to your stash when you return to the ship.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): Strict on Soft Drinks

Since 2016, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has been pretty strict about bringing soft drinks:

No Soda or Juice: Unfortunately, NCL doesn’t allow guests to bring soda, juice, or water on board. The exception is for purified or distilled water for medical reasons, but it has to be in factory-sealed containers.
Medical Water: If you need to bring water for medical devices or infant formula, you’re allowed, but again, it needs to be sealed, and you should notify NCL before your sailing.

Princess Cruises: Unlimited Soft Drinks and Water

I’ve cruised with Princess Cruises, and they allow a nice amount of freedom when it comes to bringing soft drinks:

Soda and Juice: You can bring unlimited soda, juice, and water on board. I love that they let you bring these drinks in cans, bottles, or cartons—whatever works for you. And they’re super chill about it.
Small Coolers: You can even bring small coolers packed with non-alcoholic beverages, so if you’re the type who likes to have drinks on hand at all times, you’re covered.

Soft Drink Policies on Different Cruise Lines

This table provides an easy-to-read comparison of the soft drink policies across different cruise lines. If you’re wondering what drinks you can bring with you, here’s a quick guide based on my experiences:

Cruise Line	Soft Drink Allowance	Water Allowance	Other Restrictions
Carnival	12 cans or cartons (12 oz) of soda, sparkling water	No limits on water	No bottled drinks allowed; cans/cartons only
Royal Caribbean	12 cans or cartons (500ml) per person	No limits on water	None
Celebrity Cruises	Unlimited soda and water (check-in with luggage)	No limits on water	None
Disney Cruise Line	Unlimited soda in carry-on luggage only	No limits on water	No soda in checked luggage
Costa Cruises	Not allowed	Water is allowed for medical needs only	Must notify the cruise line of medical water needs
Cunard Line	Unlimited soda and water	Unlimited water	None
MSC Cruises	Not allowed	Must notify the cruise line for medical water needs	Must notify the cruise line of medical water needs
P&O Cruises	Unlimited soda, juice, and water	Unlimited water	None
Norwegian Cruise Line	No soda or juice allowed	Purified or distilled water for medical needs	Medical water only; no juice or soda allowed
Princess Cruises	Unlimited soda, juice, and water	Unlimited water	Can bring small coolers full of non-alcoholic drinks

Why Some Cruise Lines Restrict or Limit Soft Drinks

So, why do some cruise lines restrict or limit what kinds of drinks you can bring onboard? It all comes down to a few reasons, most of which I’ve come to understand after sailing on several cruises.

Speeding Up the Embarkation Process

One of the biggest reasons cruise lines limit what you can bring on board is to speed up the embarkation process.

Let’s be honest—boarding a cruise can already feel like a long, slow process, especially when you’re hauling luggage, making your way through security, and checking in.

If everyone were allowed to bring huge quantities of alcohol, soda, or other drinks, things would take a lot longer, creating massive delays.

By limiting the amount of liquid cargo, the process is faster, and passengers can start enjoying their vacation sooner.

Preventing Alcohol Smuggling

Another major reason cruise lines have these restrictions is to prevent guests from sneaking alcohol onto the ship.

In the past, passengers have tried some pretty creative methods to smuggle alcohol, including stashing it in plastic bottles or even in mouthwash bottles.

As someone who’s seen the consequences firsthand (a few people I know had their sneaky booze confiscated), I can tell you: it’s really not worth the risk.

Cruise lines know all the tricks, and they’re serious about enforcement.

Protecting Their Bottom Line

Of course, cruise lines are also in the business of making money, and let’s face it—they’re not keen on you bringing your own alcohol and soft drinks, only to skip the bar prices.

I can’t blame them—it’s their livelihood, after all. But on the plus side, when I’ve been able to bring my own drinks on board, it has saved me a fair bit of cash, and that makes for a more relaxed vacation overall.

Can You Save Money by Bringing Your Own Drinks?

Now, I get asked this a lot—can you really save money by bringing your own alcohol or soda on a cruise? Based on my experience, the answer is a resounding yes, but with a few caveats.

Wine and Spirits

If your cruise line allows you to bring a bottle or two of wine, then it’s definitely worth considering.

The corkage fees, while annoying, are often much cheaper than buying wine at the bar.

For example, I brought a bottle of wine on a P&O cruise, and despite the $15 corkage fee, it saved me a significant amount compared to the $50+ I would have paid for a bottle in the onboard restaurants.

On a recent P&O Britannia cruise, my sister and I decided to bring along a bottle of vodka and a couple of large bottles of tonic water. This move ended up saving us over £400—far more than we would have spent buying drinks at the bars. Plus, it was so convenient to have our drinks ready in the cabin whenever we wanted to kick back and relax before heading out for the evening.

Soft Drinks

If your cruise line allows you to bring soft drinks, the savings can add up, especially if you’re traveling with a family.

I found that bringing my own drinks helped avoid the high prices for sodas and juices on the ship, which can quickly add up over the course of a week-long cruise.

Plus, having drinks on hand in the cabin meant I didn’t have to hunt down a drink when I was thirsty.

On the Royal Caribbean cruise I took, we were allowed to bring 12 cans of soda per person, and that was plenty for our trip.

The soda was waiting for us in the cabin, ready to enjoy whenever we needed a refreshment.

A Quick Tip: Wine Bottle Protectors

If you’re planning to bring wine, don’t forget to get a wine bottle protector. They’re inexpensive and prevent your bottles from breaking in your luggage.

I learned this tip the hard way when I didn’t pack my wine properly, and let’s just say I ended up with a bit of a sticky situation!

How to Sneak Alcohol on a Cruise Ship (Just for Fun)

I know some of you are still wondering about sneaking alcohol onboard, so let’s have a little fun with this.

While I don’t recommend trying it, I’ve heard all the tricks over the years, and here’s what people tend to do:

Water Bottles: Some people fill water bottles with alcohol, hoping to get away with it. But honestly, cruise lines are on to this trick, so I wouldn’t risk it.
Flasks and Mouthwash Bottles: Another popular method is hiding booze in flasks or even mouthwash bottles. However, security checks are more stringent these days, so even this is risky.

If you do decide to try one of these tricks, just know that it could cost you more than just the alcohol.

Getting caught can result in your booze being confiscated and possibly being kicked off the ship. Definitely not the kind of vacation memory you want to make!

Final Thoughts: Be Prepared and Save Money

When it comes to bringing your own alcohol or soft drinks on a cruise, it’s all about knowing the rules and being prepared.

By following the policies, you can save money and avoid unnecessary stress. Here are all the cruise lines’ policy links.

But if you’re ever in doubt, remember it’s always better to pay the corkage fee than face the consequences of trying to sneak alcohol on board.

In my case, knowing what I could and couldn’t bring has made my cruises much more enjoyable—and my wallet a little happier too!

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