A comprehensive adult beverage guide for senior cruise travelers

1. Royal Caribbean International

What is allowed: One sealed 750ml bottle of wine or champagne per guest (21+) at embarkation only Amounts: Maximum 750ml bottle per person What isn't allowed: Beer, hard liquor, seltzer, or alcoholic beverages in containers other than wine/champagne bottles Other relevant data: $15 corkage fee if consumed in dining rooms or public areas. Port purchases held until end of cruise

2. Carnival Cruise Line

What is allowed: One 750ml bottle of sealed/unopened wine or champagne per guest (21+) in carry-on luggage on embarkation day only Amounts: One 750ml bottle per person What isn't allowed: All beer, liquor, water, sodas, and non-alcoholic beverages in bottles. Small quantity of canned non-alcoholic beverages allowed Other relevant data: $15 corkage fee if consumed in main dining room, steakhouse, or bars. Port purchases stored until voyage end

3. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)

What is allowed: Wine and champagne bottles with no posted limit on quantity, including 1,500ml magnum bottles Amounts: No limit specified on wine/champagne bottles What isn't allowed: Beer, liquor, boxed wine, and all non-alcoholic beverages except purified/distilled water for medical devices Other relevant data: $15 corkage fee for 750ml bottles, $30 for magnum bottles regardless of consumption location. Free for beverage package holders

4. Princess Cruises

What is allowed: One bottle of wine or champagne (750ml) per adult (21+) Amounts: First bottle free of corkage; additional bottles allowed What isn't allowed: Beer and liquor prohibited Other relevant data: No corkage fee for first bottle if consumed in stateroom, $15-20 corkage fee for additional bottles and restaurant consumption

5. Celebrity Cruises

What is allowed: Two bottles of wine or champagne (750ml each) per cabin at embarkation Amounts: Two 750ml bottles per cabin What isn't allowed: Beer and spirits not allowed Other relevant data: $25 corkage fee in restaurants or bars (waived for beverage package holders). Port purchases held until last day

6. Holland America Line

What is allowed: Wine and champagne onboard (max 750ml volume) Amounts: Limited quantities; excess deemed "excessive" will be refused What isn't allowed: Sodas, energy drinks, plastic water bottles. Only 6 liters/12 cans of water allowed per stateroom Other relevant data: $20 corkage fee per bottle. Winery excursion wines (1 per person) exempt from corkage fee

7. MSC Cruises

What is allowed: No alcohol allowed at embarkation Amounts: Zero tolerance policy What isn't allowed: All alcoholic beverages prohibited at embarkation Other relevant data: Port and duty-free purchases held until cruise end. Known for having lower drink prices onboard

8. Disney Cruise Line

What is allowed: Two 750ml bottles of wine/champagne OR six 12oz beers per adult at embarkation and each port Amounts: 2 bottles wine OR 6 beers per person What isn't allowed: Liquor and spirits prohibited Other relevant data: $20-27 corkage fee per bottle. Must be in carry-on luggage, not checked

9. Virgin Voyages

What is allowed: Two 750ml bottles of wine, sparkling wine, or champagne per cabin in carry-on only Amounts: Two 750ml bottles per cabin (not per person) What isn't allowed: Hard liquor, spirits, beer, drinks in glass or plastic bottles Other relevant data: $25 corkage fee if consumed in restaurants. Adults only cruise line (18+)

10. Oceania Cruises

What is allowed: Six bottles of wine or champagne per stateroom per cruise (60 bottles for world cruises) Amounts: 6 bottles per stateroom per cruise What isn't allowed: Non-alcoholic beverages prohibited Other relevant data: $25 corkage fee per bottle in dining rooms/public areas. Must alert cruise line beforehand

11. Regent Seven Seas Cruises

What is allowed: Unlimited alcohol with no restrictions for adults 21+ Amounts: No limits on wine, beer, or spirits What isn't allowed: Nothing - all alcohol permitted Other relevant data: No corkage fees. Ultra-luxury line with alcohol included in fare

12. Silversea Cruises

What is allowed: Unlimited alcohol with no corkage fees Amounts: No restrictions What isn't allowed: Nothing - all alcohol permitted Other relevant data: Ultra-luxury line with alcohol included in cruise fare

13. Seabourn Cruise Line

What is allowed: No limits on bringing wine, beer, or spirits for adults 21+ Amounts: Unlimited What isn't allowed: Nothing - all alcohol permitted Other relevant data: No corkage fees or limits. Ultra-luxury line

14. Viking Ocean Cruises

What is allowed: Unlimited alcohol with no corkage fees Amounts: No restrictions What isn't allowed: Nothing - all alcohol permitted Other relevant data: Premium cruise line with alcohol included in fare

15. Azamara Cruises

What is allowed: Liquor, beer, and wine for private consumption in suite/stateroom Amounts: No specific limits mentioned What isn't allowed: None specifically prohibited Other relevant data: $10 corkage fee if consumed in bars/restaurants. Bon Voyage gift wines exempt from corkage

16. Cunard Line

What is allowed: One bottle of wine or champagne per adult (750ml max) Amounts: One 750ml bottle per person What isn't allowed: Beer and spirits policy unclear but generally restricted Other relevant data: $25 corkage fee in dining rooms/bars. Free in stateroom. Gift collection wines exempt

17. Costa Cruises

What is allowed: No alcohol permitted at embarkation Amounts: Zero tolerance What isn't allowed: All alcoholic beverages prohibited Other relevant data: Similar to MSC with strict no-alcohol policy. Port purchases held until cruise end

18. Windstar Cruises

What is allowed: Two bottles of wine/champagne (750ml) for 7-day cruise, three bottles for 8+ day cruise per passenger Amounts: 2-3 bottles depending on cruise length What isn't allowed: Beer and spirits not mentioned as allowed Other relevant data: Free consumption in cabin, $15 + 18% gratuity corkage fee in public areas

19. American Cruise Lines

What is allowed: Own drinks - alcoholic and non-alcoholic without restriction Amounts: No restrictions What isn't allowed: Nothing prohibited Other relevant data: No corkage fees. Small ship river/coastal cruising

20. Paul Gauguin Cruises

What is allowed: Limited information available - luxury line policies similar to other premium lines Amounts: Likely similar to luxury line standards What isn't allowed: Standard restrictions likely apply Other relevant data: Tahiti-focused luxury cruise line

Important Notes for Senior Travelers:

Age Requirements:

• Most lines require age 21+ for alcohol in US waters
• Some allow 18+ in international waters with parent permission

Packing Tips:

• Always pack alcohol in carry-on luggage - never in checked bags
• Bottles must be sealed and unopened
• Bring documentation for consecutive sailings

Cost Considerations:

• Corkage fees range from $10-30 per bottle
• Many luxury lines include alcohol in fare
• Beverage packages may waive corkage fees

Port Purchases:

• Most lines store port alcohol purchases until cruise end
• Plan accordingly for access to your purchases

Medical Considerations:

• Some lines allow distilled water for CPAP machines
• Baby formula water typically permitted
• Check with cruise line for specific medical needs

This guide reflects policies as of August 2025. Always verify current policies directly with your cruise line before sailing, as policies can change without notice.