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New Alcohol Policy Research
What is the number one thing that people ask about cruising? Perhaps the most popular question is “Can I bring my own alcohol on board?”
Back in the 70’s, my parents always brought a bottle or two of bourbon or scotch to have in their room. They’d pour a little starter to have in their room while getting ready for dinner. In this day and age, most cruise lines have policies that prohibit BYOB.
There are several likely reasons behind these policies - safety and revenue generation. Safety is always a concern to cruise ships lines. They really don’t want to have the negative publicity when a passenger gets hurt and goes overboard, or worse. By prohibiting alcohol from being brought on, theoretically, they have more control over the amount of alcohol consumed.
With the increase in cruising popularity and the desire to attract more customers by keeping upfront cost low, cruise lines stand to make a good deal of money by having a monopoly on alcohol sales to passengers. Passengers drinking their own booze would be bypassing that monopoly. So as a result, most cruise lines have adopted strict no BYOB policies. The policy may be in the cruise document, the passenger code of conduct, or simply posted on a sign near the gangway. The exception seems to be the the higher end luxury lines, which often have alcohol inclusive or semi-inclusive in the cruise fair.
Finally, the next question that comes up is “How strictly is the policy enforced?”. This one is really hard to gauge. You’ll talk to one person who said that their luggage was searched and their booze confiscated. The next person you talk to will say they brought it on board right in front of security and nothing was ever said. Passengers can even be denied boarding or disembarked if they violate the alcohol policy.
What we’ve put together is a summary of the alcohol policies of most of the major cruise lines. If you have any input or comments regarding the policies, or if you note a recent change to the policy, please let us know via our contact page.
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I am emailing to inquire whether alcohol on cruise line ships are free of whether there is a fee to them?
I guess that depends on a what type of alcohol you are referring to…
If you are bringing your own alcohol onboard, it is generally free though if you want it in the dining room, they will charge you a corkage fee (usually in the neighborhood of $20).
If you are referring to alcohol served by the cruise lines, it depends on which cruise line you are sailing. On most of the cruise lines, there is a charge for the alcohol. If you are sailing on one of the ultra luxury lines (such as Regent Seven Seas), they include alcohol in the cruise price.
You can get more info on our cruise line alcohol policy page:
http://cruisetalk.org/resources/alcohol-policies
Just wanted to add to Mr. Papa’s comments, that …
Alcohol sales are a great profit center, source of revenue, for the mass market cruise lines…. what they might loose with a great cruise fare price, they make up in alcohol revenues.
There are a few ultra luxury lines that include alcohol in the price, but with prices of over $500-600 a day per person, they can afford to give away the drinks.
I understand the need for revenue….but don’t insult my intelligence by stating that it’s my security that is the issue.
Also the actual prices charged for alcohol are outrageous given that the cruise lines probably purchase alcohol tax and duty free.