Royal Caribbean maintains a consistent alcohol policy across its fleet. These rules are designed to promote safety, ensure responsible drinking, and comply with international maritime laws. Since a cruise ship is a controlled environment with thousands of guests, the line must balance enjoyment with responsibility.
Cruise ship alcohol policies are influenced by:
Port country laws
Onboard safety standards
International maritime regulations
Guest welfare and security procedures
The goal is to ensure everyone can enjoy their vacation while keeping the onboard atmosphere safe and respectful.
Royal Caribbean’s alcohol rules are built on three foundational principles:
Responsible Consumption – Excessive drinking can lead to safety risks.
Legal Compliance – Drinking age laws vary by region and must be followed.
Guest Experience – A balanced environment ensures all guests enjoy the cruise.
These guiding ideas shape how alcohol is brought onboard, served, and monitored.
One of the most common questions is whether guests can bring their own alcohol onto the ship. The answer is yes—but with strict limits.
Royal Caribbean allows:
Two 750 ml bottles of wine or champagne per stateroom
This rule applies only during initial embarkation at your home port.
The two bottles are per stateroom, not per passenger.
Bottles must be unopened and in their original packaging.
Wine brought onboard can be enjoyed in your cabin at no charge.
If you bring your wine to a dining room or specialty restaurant, a corkage fee may be applied.
The following items are prohibited:
Beer
Liquor (rum, vodka, whiskey, tequila, gin, etc.)
Sparkling alcoholic beverages (seltzers, hard sodas)
Boxed wine
Homemade alcohol
Alcohol in flasks or disguised containers
Any attempt to smuggle prohibited alcohol may result in:
Confiscation
Delayed boarding
Additional security screening
Royal Caribbean reserves the right to hold alcohol until the final day of the cruise.
Guests often purchase rum, tequila, or other spirits during port visits.
Here’s what Royal Caribbean allows:
You may purchase alcohol at ports.
The ship will hold your bottles until the final night of the cruise.
You will collect them during disembarkation morning.
Guests cannot consume port-purchased alcohol onboard.
Royal Caribbean offers a variety of bars, lounges, and onboard shops where you can purchase alcohol.
Royal Caribbean ships feature:
Pool bars
Cocktail lounges
Wine bars
Pub-style bars
Nightclubs
Music venues
Adults-only lounge areas
Drinks are charged to your onboard account and can be paid off at the end of the cruise.
Alcohol purchased in onboard duty-free shops cannot be consumed during the cruise. These bottles are also held and returned on the last night.
This aligns with safety regulations and prevents excessive cabin consumption.
Royal Caribbean sets different drinking ages depending on the region in which the ship sails.
Drinking age is 21
Drinking age is 18
Government-issued ID required
ID checks may occur at bars, during embarkation, or when purchasing alcohol
Guests must meet the legal drinking age for the entirety of the cruise.
Parents cannot override the cruise line’s age requirements.
To simplify onboard spending, Royal Caribbean offers beverage packages that include alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and specialty coffees.
These packages can enhance your cruise experience—but understanding how they work is essential.
This is the main alcohol-inclusive package and covers:
Cocktails
Beer
Wine by the glass
Premium coffees
Mocktails
Bottled water
Fresh-squeezed juices
Sodas
It also includes drinks up to a certain price limit per glass.
If one guest in a stateroom purchases the deluxe alcohol package, all adults of legal drinking age in the same stateroom must also purchase it.
Packages cannot be shared.
Packages can be used at bars, restaurants, lounges and even private destinations like Perfect Day at CocoCay.
The package does not cover:
Room service alcohol deliveries
Bottles of wine or spirits
Mini-bar purchases
These items are always charged separately.
Royal Caribbean encourages responsible drinking. While the cruise is a fun environment, safety remains a priority.
Bartenders may refuse service to:
Guests who appear intoxicated
Minors attempting to drink
Adults purchasing for minors
Security can intervene if guests:
Show signs of excessive intoxication
Pose safety risks
Disturb other travelers
Consequences can include:
Removal from areas
In-cabin monitoring
Denial of alcohol service
Disembarkation in extreme cases
Below are the required 7 H4 headings, each focusing on key parts of the policy.
Trying to sneak alcohol onto a cruise is common, but cruise lines have advanced screening systems. Royal Caribbean uses X-ray scanners and manual bag checks to spot flasks disguised as shampoo bottles, mouthwash containers, or sunscreen bottles.
Penalty: Confiscation and potentially increased security screening.
Guests can keep their two allowed wine bottles in the room. However:
Ice buckets may be provided
Wine glasses are available on request
Excessive drinking in cabins may trigger security intervention
Royal Caribbean wants to prevent unsafe consumption behind closed doors.
If you bring your own wine to onboard restaurants:
A corkage fee may apply
Fee varies by ship and venue
You will not be charged any fee for drinking wine in your cabin.
Destinations like Perfect Day at CocoCay and Labadee fully enforce Royal Caribbean’s policy.
No outside alcohol allowed
Onboard drink packages work on private islands
Bars serve cocktails, wine, and beer
This maintains consistency and safety.
While Royal Caribbean offers room service, alcohol delivered to your cabin is not included in most beverage packages.
Guests must pay per item.
Additionally:
Minibar consumption is charged
Minibar alcohol cannot be replaced with your own drinks
This policy prevents misuse of the system.
Bottles purchased from:
Port shops
Airport shops
Onboard duty-free stores
are held by the ship until the final night. This avoids uncontrolled consumption.
Royal Caribbean promotes a respectful environment. Alcohol consumption must not lead to:
Rowdy behavior
Pool accidents
Harassment
Safety incidents
Guests who violate policies may face consequences ranging from service refusal to removal from the cruise.
To make the most of your cruise while staying within the rules, keep these helpful tips in mind.
Pack your two bottles securely:
Use wine travel sleeves
Place them in carry-on bags
Keep them visible for screening
Royal Caribbean bars often have:
Daily drink specials
Cocktail of the day discounts
Loyalty member perks
This reduces costs without needing a package.
Prices fluctuate, and the best deals often appear:
Before your sailing
During seasonal promotions
Cruise environments are relaxing, and drinks can flow quickly. Stay hydrated and pace yourself.
Royal Caribbean team members are trained to answer policy questions.
Royal Caribbean’s alcohol policy is designed to balance fun, safety, and responsibility. Whether you enjoy a glass of wine at sunset, a tropical cocktail on the pool deck, or a beer at the pub, the cruise line offers plenty of opportunities to relax with your favorite beverage.
By following the rules—bringing only permitted wine, respecting age restrictions, understanding duty-free limitations, and drinking responsibly—you ensure a smooth, enjoyable cruise experience.
Royal Caribbean wants every guest to feel comfortable and safe, and knowing the alcohol policy helps you maximize your fun without unexpected surprises.
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