Ultimate guide: bringing wine on royal caribbean cruises – yes or no?
What To Know
- Guests celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or other special event may bring a limited amount of wine with prior approval from the cruise line.
- If you choose to bring wine onboard for a special occasion, you will be charged a corkage fee.
- Yes, you can purchase wine from the onboard bars or restaurants and have it delivered to your stateroom for a small delivery fee.
Embarking on a Royal Caribbean cruise promises a world of adventure, relaxation, and culinary delights. However, one question that often arises for wine enthusiasts is: “Can you bring wine on Royal Caribbean cruises?” This blog post will navigate the rules and regulations surrounding this topic, ensuring you have a smooth and enjoyable sailing experience.
Understanding the Restrictions
Royal Caribbean, like many cruise lines, has specific policies regarding the consumption of alcohol brought onboard. To maintain a controlled and responsible environment, guests are not permitted to bring their own hard liquor, including wine, onboard. This restriction applies to all types of wine, regardless of origin, vintage, or value.
Exceptions for Special Occasions
While the general policy prohibits bringing wine onboard, there are a few exceptions for special occasions. Guests celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or other special event may bring a limited amount of wine with prior approval from the cruise line. To request an exception, contact Royal Caribbean‘s Guest Relations department before your cruise.
Purchasing Wine Onboard
If you wish to enjoy wine during your cruise, you can purchase it from the onboard bars or restaurants. Royal Caribbean offers a wide selection of wines from around the world at varying price points. You can also purchase wine packages that provide a discounted rate for multiple bottles.
Corkage Fees
If you choose to bring wine onboard for a special occasion, you will be charged a corkage fee. This fee varies depending on the type of wine and the venue where you consume it. The corkage fee covers the service and handling of your wine by the crew.
Wine Storage Policies
If you are permitted to bring wine onboard, it must be stored in your stateroom or suite. Under no circumstances should wine be stored in public areas, such as the pool deck or dining rooms. The crew may confiscate any wine found outside of your designated storage space.
Penalties for Violation
Violating Royal Caribbean’s alcohol policies can result in penalties, including the confiscation of the wine and potential fines. In severe cases, the cruise line may even disembark guests who repeatedly violate the rules.
Dining Options with Wine Pairings
For a truly exceptional culinary experience, consider booking a dinner at one of Royal Caribbean‘s specialty restaurants, where you can enjoy exquisite wine pairings. Sommeliers will guide you through the perfect wine to complement each course, creating a memorable dining experience.
Popular Questions
Q: Can I bring wine onboard if I have a medical condition that requires it?
A: Yes, you may bring a limited amount of wine for medical purposes with prior approval from Royal Caribbean.
Q: What is the corkage fee for bringing wine onboard?
A: The corkage fee varies depending on the type of wine and the venue. It typically ranges from $15 to $25 per bottle.
Q: Can I purchase wine onboard and have it delivered to my stateroom?
A: Yes, you can purchase wine from the onboard bars or restaurants and have it delivered to your stateroom for a small delivery fee.
Q: Can I bring wine from a duty-free shop onboard?
A: No, wine purchased from duty-free shops cannot be brought onboard Royal Caribbean cruises.
Q: What happens if I am caught bringing wine onboard without permission?
A: The wine will be confiscated, and you may face a fine or other penalties.