Cruise Routes With the Best (and Worst) Alcohol Policy
Bringing alcohol on a trip is a great way to save money, but cruises have a reputation for strict BYOB regulations. Before you attempt to smuggle your alcoholic beverage on board, this quick rundown from Map Happy will help you find out what your cruise line’s alcohol policy is.
Best
- Azmara : Bring alcohol on board and drink it in the restaurants and bars of the ship for a $ 10 charge. Any alcohol you buy at port stops or duty-free shops must be stored until disembarked.
- Crystal : Enjoy the alcohol you take with you at the start of the trip or buy at the port, but only in your cabin. Alcohol purchased from the duty free shop on the ship must be stored.
- Disney : Same as Crystal, but you’re limited to one bottle of wine or champagne, or six bottles or cans of beer per person. They have a $ 20 plug charge.
- Regent : Bring your own alcohol and drink booze bought at the ports in your cabin. Bonus, alcohol in ship restaurants, bars and in-room bars – free!
The worst
- Carnival : BYOB cannot exceed one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne. All alcohol that you buy at the port or in the duty free shop on the ship will be saved for the trip.
- Costa : Under no circumstances should you take alcohol with you, plus everything you buy must be stored until you go ashore.
- MSC : Even stricter than Costa’s policy as you cannot bring food or drinks with you except for medical reasons.
If you can bring a drink with you on the cruise, it is important to know where and when to drink it. You will also want to know if there is a cruise line congestion charge that allows you to bring your own booze and drink it while you eat on board. Even if you plan to purchase alcohol during your trip only as a duty-free souvenir, the cruise line may require you to deposit it prior to disembarkation. Fortunately, all of this information is in the table linked below.
Official High Seas Drinking Policy | Happy card