Can you take wine onto the Royal Caribbean cruise ships?

Understanding the Beverage Policies of Royal Caribbean

As a seasoned cruiser, I've often wondered about the intricacies of packing for a cruise. One question that often comes up is, "Can you take wine onto Royal Caribbean cruise ships?" To answer this, we first need to understand the beverage policies of Royal Caribbean. As with many other cruise lines, Royal Caribbean has specific policies regarding what types of beverages passengers can bring on board. Understanding these policies is crucial to ensuring you have a trouble-free cruise experience.

Bringing Wine Onboard: The Basics

Yes, you can bring wine onto a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, but there are some rules to follow. Royal Caribbean allows guests to bring up to two 750 ml bottles of wine per stateroom on embarkation day. This wine can be consumed in the comfort of your stateroom without any additional charges. But, if you decide to enjoy your wine in the dining room or any other public area, you will be charged a corkage fee. It's also important to note that any wine brought on board must be in your carry-on luggage, not in your checked bag.

Choosing the Right Wine to Bring

When choosing a wine to bring on your cruise, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, go for wines that you enjoy and can't find on the cruise ship. Royal Caribbean offers a wide variety of wines onboard, but they may not carry your favorite boutique label or specific vintage. Secondly, consider the food you're likely to eat on the ship. Matching your wine with your meals can add to the overall dining experience.

Understanding the Corkage Fee

A corkage fee is a charge that is applied when you bring your own wine to a restaurant, or in this case, a cruise ship, and want to consume it outside of your private stateroom. Royal Caribbean charges a corkage fee of $15 per bottle. This fee is to cover the service of opening, decanting, and serving the wine. It's a small price to pay if you have a special bottle you want to enjoy with your dinner in one of the ship's restaurants.

Purchasing Wine Onboard

If you decide not to bring your own wine, or if you finish what you brought, you can always purchase wine onboard. Royal Caribbean offers a wide selection of wines to choose from, ranging from affordable to premium. Additionally, you can also opt for a wine package that allows you to enjoy a selection of wines at a discounted price. This can be a great option if you're a wine lover and plan on enjoying a glass or two each day of your cruise.

Alcohol Policies on Royal Caribbean

Beyond wine, it's important to understand the overall alcohol policies on Royal Caribbean. The cruise line does not allow guests to bring spirits or beer on board. Any alcohol found in your checked luggage will be confiscated and destroyed. The only exception to the rule is wine and champagne. Royal Caribbean also has strict policies regarding the legal drinking age and promotes responsible drinking at all times.

Enjoying Wine on Your Cruise

Enjoying a bottle of your favorite wine can certainly enhance your cruise experience. Whether you decide to sip it privately in your stateroom while watching the sunset, or pair it with a sumptuous meal in the dining room, the choice is yours. Just remember to follow the rules and policies set by Royal Caribbean to avoid any trouble.

Saving Money on Your Cruise

Bringing your own wine onboard can also be a great way to save money. The prices of wine purchased on the ship can be significantly higher than what you would pay at home. By bringing your own, you can enjoy your favorite wine without the hefty mark-up. Even with the corkage fee, you're likely to come out ahead.

Final Thoughts

So, can you take wine onto Royal Caribbean cruise ships? Yes, you can! Just make sure to follow the guidelines and enjoy responsibly. Whether you're a wine connoisseur or simply enjoy a glass with dinner, having the option to bring your own wine gives you the flexibility to enhance your dining experience and potentially save some money. So go ahead and pack that bottle of your favourite vintage, your cruise vacation awaits!