Can I Bring Wine on a Royal Caribbean Cruise?
Yes, each adult of legal drinking age is generally permitted to bring aboard two 750ml bottles of wine on embarkation day only. Restrictions and a corkage fee may apply.
Understanding Royal Caribbean’s Alcohol Policy
Royal Caribbean’s alcohol policy, like many cruise lines, aims to balance guest enjoyment with responsible consumption and revenue generation. Understanding the nuances of this policy is crucial for planning your cruise and avoiding unexpected charges or issues. This article will delve into the specifics of bringing wine onboard, covering what’s allowed, what’s prohibited, and offering tips for navigating the rules effectively.
The Wine Allowance: What You Need to Know
The core of the policy centers around a limited wine allowance, primarily for personal consumption in your stateroom. This allowance isn’t a free pass to bring an unlimited supply, so understanding the quantity limits and conditions is paramount. The aim of this allowance is to allow guests to bring a bottle of their own wine, perhaps a sentimental favorite or something to celebrate a special occasion.
- Quantity: Each adult guest of legal drinking age (21 in the U.S. and typically 18 elsewhere, depending on the sailing) is permitted to bring two 750ml bottles of wine or champagne.
- Timing: This allowance applies only on embarkation day. You cannot bring additional bottles on board at ports of call.
- Consumption: Wine brought onboard can be consumed in your stateroom without charge. However, if you wish to enjoy your own wine in the dining room, bar, or any other public area, a corkage fee will apply.
Corkage Fees: Decoding the Details
The corkage fee is designed to compensate Royal Caribbean for the revenue they would otherwise generate from selling wine in their onboard venues. It covers the service of opening and serving your wine, as well as providing glassware.
- Fee Amount: The standard corkage fee on Royal Caribbean ships is typically around $25 USD per bottle. This is subject to change, so confirm the current rate onboard.
- Waivers: Corkage fees are not typically waived, even if you purchase a bottle of wine from the ship’s wine list.
- Alternatives: Consider purchasing a wine package or individual glasses/bottles from the ship’s bar menu if you plan to drink wine frequently in public areas.
Prohibited Items: What Not to Bring
Certain alcoholic beverages are explicitly prohibited from being brought onboard. Understanding these restrictions is essential to avoid confiscation.
- Hard Liquor: No beer, hard liquor (spirits), or pre-mixed cocktails are allowed to be brought onboard. These will be confiscated and returned at the end of the cruise.
- Excessive Quantities: Attempting to bring more than the allowed two bottles of wine per adult will likely result in confiscation of the excess.
- Sealed Containers of Other Beverages: Bringing large containers of any beverage that could potentially contain alcohol can cause suspicion.
Wine Storage and Transportation Tips
Protecting your wine during travel is essential. Consider these practical tips:
- Packing: Use padded wine carriers or bubble wrap to protect bottles from breakage. Many travel-specific wine carriers are available.
- Temperature: Avoid exposing wine to extreme temperatures. Store it in a cool, dark place during transport.
- Leak Prevention: Seal bottle tops securely to prevent leakage, especially during air travel.
Potential Consequences of Violating the Policy
Violating Royal Caribbean’s alcohol policy can lead to various consequences, ranging from confiscation to more severe penalties.
- Confiscation: Any alcohol exceeding the allowed amount, or any prohibited beverages, will be confiscated and returned at the end of the cruise (if permitted by local regulations).
- Possible Debarkation: In cases of serious violations, such as disruptive behavior related to alcohol, Royal Caribbean reserves the right to debark guests at the next port of call, at their own expense.
- Account Suspension: Persistent disregard for the policy could result in suspension of onboard charging privileges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I purchase wine at a port of call? Can I bring it back on board?
Wine purchased at a port of call will be held by the ship and returned to you on the last night of the cruise. You won’t be able to enjoy it until then. This policy prevents onboard competition and encourages purchases at the ship’s bars and restaurants.
Can I bring boxed wine on a Royal Caribbean cruise?
While technically the policy focuses on 750ml bottles, bringing boxed wine is generally discouraged and could be at the discretion of security staff. It’s best to stick to the allowed bottle sizes.
What happens if I try to sneak alcohol on board?
Attempting to smuggle alcohol onto the ship is strictly prohibited. Security personnel are trained to detect concealed liquids, and any discovered alcohol will be confiscated. Moreover, serious penalties, including debarkation, may apply.
Is there a limit to how much alcohol I can purchase on board?
There is typically no limit to the amount of alcohol you can purchase and consume on board. However, excessive intoxication and disruptive behavior are not tolerated.
Can I bring wine that I purchased duty-free at the airport?
The same rules apply to duty-free wine. You are allowed to bring the allotted two bottles on embarkation day. Any additional bottles purchased at the airport will be held until the end of the cruise.
Does the two-bottle limit apply to non-alcoholic wine?
The two-bottle policy typically applies only to alcoholic beverages. However, it’s always a good idea to confirm with Royal Caribbean directly to be absolutely certain, as policies can change.
What if I have dietary restrictions and need a specific type of wine not available on board?
Contact Royal Caribbean in advance of your cruise. They may be able to make accommodations for guests with specific dietary needs or medical conditions, but this is not guaranteed.
Does the wine need to be in its original, unopened bottle?
Yes, the wine bottles must be unopened and sealed when you bring them onboard on embarkation day. Opened bottles will likely be confiscated.
What about champagne? Does it count as one of my two bottles?
Yes, champagne is treated the same as wine under the policy. Each adult is allowed to bring two 750ml bottles of either wine or champagne.
Can I bring a larger format bottle of wine (e.g., a magnum)?
Generally, the policy refers to 750ml bottles. Bringing a larger format bottle might be allowed, but it’s best to confirm with Royal Caribbean directly before your cruise. Be prepared to pay corkage fees if consuming it in public areas.
If I don’t drink my wine during the cruise, can I take it back off the ship?
Yes, if you bring wine on board and do not open it, you are free to take it back off the ship at the end of your cruise.
What are the penalties if I give alcohol to a minor on board?
Providing alcohol to a minor is a serious offense with significant consequences, including debarkation from the ship and potential legal action. Royal Caribbean takes this very seriously.