Can You Bring Wine On A Carnival Cruise

So you’re all set for your upcoming Carnival Cruise and you’re wondering whether you can bring your favorite bottle of wine to enjoy on board? Well, the good news is that yes, you can bring wine on a Carnival Cruise! Whether you want to savor a glass with dinner or celebrate a special occasion, Carnival Cruise Line allows passengers to bring a limited amount of wine on board. However, there are a few important guidelines to keep in mind to ensure a smooth embarkation process and an enjoyable wine experience throughout your voyage.

Policies and Restrictions

General Alcohol Policy

When it comes to bringing alcohol on a Carnival cruise, there are certain policies and restrictions you need to be aware of. Carnival allows guests to bring a limited amount of wine and champagne onboard within specific guidelines. However, bringing other alcoholic beverages like spirits and beer is not allowed.

Wine and Champagne Policy

The wine and champagne policy on Carnival cruises is quite lenient compared to other types of alcoholic beverages. Each guest, who is at least 21 years old, is allowed to bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne onboard. However, if multiple guests over the age of 21 are sharing a stateroom, they are still only permitted to bring one bottle each. It’s important to note that the wine and champagne brought onboard must be carried on in your carry-on luggage.

Bottle Quantity Limit

In addition to the “one bottle per guest” policy, Carnival also imposes a limit on the total number of wine or champagne bottles that can be brought onboard. Guests are only allowed to bring a maximum of two bottles per stateroom. If you exceed this limit, the excess bottles will be held by Carnival until the end of your cruise.

Corkage Fee

If you are planning to enjoy the wine or champagne you bring onboard in the main dining rooms or specialty restaurants, Carnival charges a corkage fee. The fee is $15 per 750ml bottle and is applicable to both wine and champagne. This fee covers the cost of serving and the use of glassware.

Security Screening Process

During the embarkation process, all guests and their belongings are required to go through a security screening. This applies to your carry-on luggage as well. When it comes to wine or champagne bottles, they must be presented separately to the security personnel for a visual inspection. This process helps ensure the compliance with Carnival’s alcohol policy and any additional restrictions.

Approved Beverages

Carnival’s Fun Shops

If you are looking to purchase wine or champagne to enjoy during your Carnival cruise, the Fun Shops onboard offer a wide selection. They have a variety of options ranging from reds to whites and everything in between. You can explore their offerings and choose the bottles that best suit your taste preferences.

Celebratory Occasions

Carnival understands that special occasions often call for a toast with your favorite bottle of wine or champagne. Therefore, they allow guests to bring onboard one additional bottle of wine or champagne for these celebratory moments. Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or other milestone, you can bring that extra bottle to make your celebration even more memorable.

Medical Reasons

In some cases, guests may have specific medical conditions that require them to consume a particular type of wine or champagne. Carnival recognizes this and allows guests to bring additional bottles if they provide a medical certificate to support their need. This ensures that guests with medical requirements can have access to the necessary beverages while onboard.

Transportation and Packaging

Packaging Requirements

When packing your wine or champagne bottles for your Carnival cruise, there are a few packaging requirements to keep in mind. The bottles must be securely packed in your carry-on luggage to avoid any potential breakage. It’s important to use appropriate padding, such as bubble wrap or clothing, to protect the bottles during transportation.

Transporting Wine on the Ship

Once you have boarded the ship, it’s crucial to handle your wine or champagne bottles with care. Avoid dropping or mishandling them, as this could result in breakage. If you plan to drink the wine or champagne during your cruise, it’s best to keep the bottles stored in a cool location, away from direct sunlight, to preserve the quality.

Carrying Wine on Shore Excursions

If you have booked any shore excursions during your Carnival cruise, you may wonder if you can bring your wine or champagne with you. The general rule is that guests are not allowed to bring alcohol off the ship. However, there may be certain exceptions depending on the regulations of the port of call. It’s advisable to check with the cruise staff or onboard information for specific guidelines regarding alcohol on shore excursions.

Wine Package Options

‘Cheers!’ Beverage Program

For those who want to enjoy a variety of alcoholic beverages, including wine and champagne, throughout their Carnival cruise, the ‘Cheers!’ Beverage Program is an excellent option. This program allows guests to have an unlimited number of beverages, including alcoholic ones, for a fixed daily price. It includes a vast selection of wine and champagne options, ensuring you have access to your favorite varieties throughout your trip.

Wine by the Bottle Program

If you prefer to stick with specific bottles of wine or champagne rather than a limitless option, Carnival offers a Wine by the Bottle Program. With this program, guests can choose from a curated selection of wines available on the ship’s wine list. You can purchase bottles individually at menu prices, allowing you to enjoy your preferred wines at any dining venue or bar onboard.

Celebration Package

To enhance your special occasions during the Carnival cruise, the Celebration Package offers a fantastic way to celebrate in style. This package includes a bottle of sparkling wine, two Carnival souvenir champagne flutes, and a commemorative certificate. It’s a perfect way to add a touch of elegance and create lasting memories while onboard.

Tips for Wine Enthusiasts

Researching Carnival’s Wine Offerings

If you are a wine enthusiast, taking the time to research Carnival’s wine offerings before your cruise can be beneficial. Carnival provides information about the wines available onboard, their regions, tasting notes, and other details. This allows you to familiarize yourself with the options, helping you make an informed decision when choosing your wines during the cruise.

Wine Tasting Events

Carnival frequently organizes wine tasting events onboard for guests to experience different wines and expand their palates. These events provide an opportunity to learn about wine regions, varietals, and pairing suggestions. Participating in a wine tasting event can be a fun and educational experience, especially for wine enthusiasts looking to discover new flavors.

Visiting the Onboard Wine Bar

Carnival offers dedicated wine bars on many of its ships, providing a cozy and elegant setting to enjoy your favorite wines. The wine bars typically feature an extensive wine list, knowledgeable staff, and a relaxing ambiance. Whether you are a wine aficionado or simply enjoy the occasional glass, visiting the onboard wine bar can be a delightful experience during your Carnival cruise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring homemade wine?

Unfortunately, homemade wine is not allowed to be brought onboard a Carnival cruise. Guests are only permitted to bring commercially-produced wine or champagne in sealed bottles.

Can I bring opened bottles?

Opened bottles of wine or champagne are not allowed to be brought onboard. All bottles must be sealed when presented for security screening during embarkation.

What should I do if I exceed the allowed quantity?

If you accidentally exceed the allowed quantity of wine or champagne, the excess bottles will be held by Carnival until the end of your cruise. You can collect them upon debarkation.

Can I bring wine on a Carnival cruise leaving from a foreign port?

The same policies apply to all Carnival cruises, regardless of the departure port. Guests are allowed to bring one bottle of wine or champagne per person, with a maximum of two bottles per stateroom, regardless of the port of embarkation.

What happens if my wine bottle breaks during transport?

If your wine or champagne bottle breaks during transport, it’s important to notify Carnival’s staff, especially if it caused any damage to your belongings or the ship’s property. They will assist you and ensure that any broken glass is safely disposed of.