Bringing Wine Onboard Your Next Girls’ Trip
Here's How Many Bottles of Wine Disney, Norwegian Celebrity, & Virgin Allow
Planning your next girls trip and wondering if you can bring a bottle (or two) of your favorite wine aboard? You’re not alone! Whether you’re sailing with Disney, Celebrity, Norwegian, or Virgin Voyages, each cruise line has its own wine rules (some generous, others will add up).
Disney’s great for port pickups, Celebrity is generous for stateroom sipping, Norwegian wins for quantity (but not for corkage fees), and Virgin keeps it classy and cabin-friendly. Cheers to sailing smarter on your next girl’s trip!
Disney Cruise Line Wine Policy
Can you bring wine on a Disney cruise?
Yes, you can! Disney lets you bring up to 2 unopened bottles of wine or champagne (750ml or less) or 6 beers (12 oz) per person at both embarkation and each port of call.
Important: Your wine must be in your carry-on luggage. If you pack it in your checked bags, it's bye-bye wine! Disney (and other cruise lines) will confiscate it and not return it otherwise.
Insider tip: I recommend packing a reusable bag that you can pack your wine in for embarkation day (and any other port day).
What about corkage fees?
If you're popping bottles at one of Disney’s sit-down restaurants expect a $29 corkage fee per bottle. But if you’re enjoying a glass in your stateroom? Totally free.
What if you buy wine at a port?
You can bring it back on board (2 bottles per person per port). Disney will store any excess and return it to you at the end of your cruise. Just don’t go overboard!
Norwegian Cruise Line Wine Policy
Can you bring wine on Norwegian (NCL)?
Yes and Norwegian allows unlimited bottles of sealed wine or champagne to be brought onboard in your carry-on luggage. You read that correctly, an unlimited amount! Just don’t show up with boxed wine (strictly banned).
But there’s a catch…Norwegian charges a $15 corkage fee per 750ml bottle and $30 for a 1.5 L magnum bottle, no matter where you drink it! Yes, this even includes your own cabin.
Insider tip: With so many great deals lately, you can usually get the alcohol package included. So unless there is a special bottle of wine you’ve been saving for this trip, I’d leave them at home.
What about other drinks?
Beer, liquor, and non-alcoholic beverages are not allowed onboard at all (unless it’s medically necessary, like baby formula or bottled water). Expect it to be confiscated at embarkation.
Shopping in port?
Similar to Celebrity, you can buy a bottle or two but NCL will hold onto it until your cruise wraps up.
Celebrity Cruises Wine Policy
Can you bring wine on Celebrity Cruises?
Absolutely! Guests of legal drinking age can carry on up to two bottles of wine or champagne (750ml each) per stateroom at embarkation (and only embarkation).
What about corkage fees?
Celebrity charges a $25 per bottle corkage fee if you drink your wine in restaurants, bars, or other public spaces.
But if you want to avoid the fee you can always sip it in your stateroom like the classy cruiser you are.
Insider tip: Some beverage packages may include corkage waivers! And depending on your cabin class you may be gifted a bottle of wine or champagne!
What if you buy wine at a port?
Celebrity’s got a “hold-and-return” policy, which means any wine or alcohol bought ashore or duty-free will be stored for you and returned at the end of your trip.
Virgin Voyages Wine Policy
Can you bring wine on Virgin Voyages?
Absolutely! Guests of legal drinking age can carry on up to two bottles of wine or champagne (750ml each) per stateroom at embarkation (and only embarkation). Leave the beer and liquor at home (those aren’t allowed).
What’s the corkage situation?
If you enjoy your wine in public spaces like a restaurant, it’ll cost you $25 per bottle. If you are drinking in your stateroom, feet up, maybe with a sunset, it’s free.
Buying wine in port?
Any alcohol purchased will be taken by security when you board and returned to you at the end of your trip.
Insider tip: Some cruisers say they’ve brought open bottles to dinner without being charged. But don’t count on this (officially, the corkage fee still applies).
Final Toast: Tips for Bringing Wine on a Cruise
Before you set sail with your favorite vintage, here are a few pro tips from me (someone who typically brings wine onboard) to make sure your wine makes it onboard and into your glass:
Use carry-on luggage only for wine (never check it).
Label your bottles with your name and stateroom for peace of mind.
Sip smart - your cabin is usually the fee-free zone (I’m eyeing you NCL).
Know your line’s rules - always double check the amount and what you can use to open it.
Don’t try to sneak alcohol onboard that goes against the rules - they will find it and toss it.
So go ahead—pack your favorites, plan your pairings, and get ready to raise a glass at sea with your friends!
Ready to Escape?
I’d love to help you sip and sail in style!