When you’re preparing for a Royal Caribbean cruise, one of the first questions many people ask is: “How strict is Royal Caribbean about alcohol rules?” Whether it’s bringing your own drinks, buying alcohol onboard, participating in tastings, or staying within policy guidelines, understanding these rules helps you avoid surprises—and enjoy a stress-free cruise.
This comprehensive pillar article breaks everything down in simple language and gives you insider knowledge, real-cruise scenarios, examples, tips, and smart dos and don’ts so you sail prepared and confident.
Royal Caribbean’s alcohol rules are not designed to restrict you—they’re created to ensure safety, control overcrowding at bars, prevent underage drinking, and allow smooth onboard operations. While the cruise line is known for offering many fun drinking options, it also enforces policies consistently.
Below is a complete, easy-to-understand breakdown.
Royal Caribbean has strict legal drinking ages depending on your region.
21 years old – U.S. and most international sailings
18 years old – Certain sailings from Europe, South America, Australia, New Zealand
Because the ship operates under local and maritime laws, the crew must verify age strictly. Bars won’t serve alcohol without proper ID, and bartenders are trained to refuse service if a guest appears underage or intoxicated.
Keep your government-issued ID handy on embarkation day.
Parents cannot “allow” their underage kids to drink on Royal Caribbean—no exceptions.
One of the biggest concerns for cruisers is what drinks they’re allowed to bring—and what gets confiscated.
Royal Caribbean is moderately strict but still offers some flexibility.
Each adult guest (21+) can bring up to two 750ml bottles of wine or champagne.
Carry-on luggage ONLY
Not allowed in checked luggage
Free to drink inside your stateroom
$15 corkage fee if consumed in public dining venues
Royal Caribbean enforces the wine rule strictly. Checkpoints during embarkation use scanners, and if you attempt to sneak extra bottles, they will be held until the final day of your cruise.
No.
Beer
Hard liquor
Spirits
Pre-mixed cocktailsAre not allowed during embarkation.
Security checks every bottle, can, and container—even mouthwash bottles.
The bottles are confiscated immediately and held until the last night of the sailing.
Royal Caribbean allows you to buy alcohol from ports—but you cannot drink it onboard.
Alcohol purchased ashore is held by security.
Returned to you on the final night before disembarkation.
Even duty-free bottles are subject to this rule.
Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe Beverage Package is extremely popular—but comes with strict enforcement.
One drink per swipe of your SeaPass card
You cannot “give” drinks to other guests
Bartenders can deny service if they suspect sharing
Alcohol limits apply even with a package (no unlimited shots permitted)
Crew members are trained to spot suspicious behavior like:
Ordering two drinks “for yourself” repeatedly
Trying to pass drinks to minors
Attempting to use someone else’s card
Royal Caribbean monitors:
Transaction patterns
Bar tab timing
Order frequency
If they detect sharing, they may:
Cancel your package
Charge you per drink
Suspend your alcohol privileges
Royal Caribbean wants guests to have fun—but safely. Because of this, intoxication rules are enforced.
Bartenders refusing service
Security escorting you to your cabin
Being banned from certain areas temporarily
Rarely, removal from the next port
Rowdy behavior
Violence
Disturbing other guests
Underage drinking
Bringing alcohol to prohibited areas like pools during closed hours
Security officers are trained specifically in alcohol-related guest management.
Yes—anything purchased on the ship’s bars can be taken to your room.
Yes, freely around most public areas except:
Crew-only zones
Some enclosed activity areas
Yes, except during certain early-morning quiet hours.
Royal Caribbean hosts many fun drinking events:
Pub crawls
Martini tastings
Wine seminars
Mixology classes
Bar-themed game shows
Even though these events revolve around drinking, they still follow the ship’s alcohol guidelines.
Only adults 21+
Wristbands issued for identification
Staff monitor intoxication levels
Pour sizes may be slightly smaller for safety
Guests get multiple samples
No sharing
Must follow bartender instructions
Staff watch for overconsumption
Royal Caribbean’s private islands like Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee follow the same alcohol policies as onboard.
Drink packages work on the island
ID checks still apply
Minors cannot drink even if you purchase the beverage
Same intoxication rules apply
Cruisers commonly report consistent enforcement in these situations:
Security opens any suspicious containers.
Bartenders refuse if you have a drink package.
Service stops immediately.
Bartenders may request ID even if someone appears slightly under 21.
Here’s the good news:Royal Caribbean doesn’t want to stop you from drinking—they just want you to do it responsibly.
Use these smart strategies.
Pack wine in padded sleeves
Keep it in your carry-on
Bring your own corkscrew
Order fresh cocktails
Visit different bars for variety
Try bar-specific signature drinks
Drink water between alcoholic beverages
Never hand a drink to someone without a package
Store wine in the in-room cooler
Avoid excessive shots
Buy drinks during happy hours
Watch for “Drink of the Day” promos
Use Café Promenade for mixers with your wine
Let’s clear up some frequent misunderstandings.
False. They check everything.
No. Bartenders limit shots for safety.
Not fully true. Some sailings allow reduced drinking age, but parents cannot override rules.
Not with today’s scanning technology.
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