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If you are planning an MSC cruise, you may wonder whether you can save money by bringing your own wine, beer, spirits, or other alcoholic drinks onboard. The short answer is generally no. MSC Cruises prohibits guests from bringing alcoholic beverages onboard unless an exception is specifically permitted by its security personnel or crew.
MSC’s current Guest Conduct Policy states that guests are prohibited from bringing alcoholic beverages onboard unless otherwise permitted by security personnel or crew. The policy also specifically prohibits boxed wine and says that alcohol concealed in other containers can be confiscated and disposed of.
The same restriction applies when returning to the ship after visiting a port. Alcohol purchased onboard or ashore must be presented to security and may be held by ship staff until the end of the cruise.
This guide explains MSC Cruises' alcohol policy, what happens if you bring alcohol to the ship, what you can do instead, and how MSC's beverage packages work.
In general, no. MSC Cruises does not allow guests to bring alcoholic beverages onboard for consumption during the cruise.
This includes alcoholic drinks such as:
MSC's luggage information also lists alcohol among items that are forbidden onboard. Port security may search luggage and confiscate prohibited items.
MSC's Guest Conduct Policy provides an important qualification: alcohol may only be brought onboard if it is specifically permitted by security personnel or crew. Therefore, guests should not assume that an exception exists unless MSC has confirmed it for their particular sailing.
No. Putting wine or another alcoholic drink inside checked luggage does not make it permitted.
MSC states that alcoholic beverages are prohibited onboard, and security may inspect luggage. Attempting to conceal alcohol inside luggage or another container can result in the alcohol being confiscated.
Generally, no.
The restriction is about bringing alcohol onboard rather than simply which type of luggage you use. Carrying a bottle of wine or spirits in your hand luggage does not normally make it acceptable.
It is therefore best to leave personal alcoholic beverages at home rather than risk having them confiscated during embarkation.
MSC security personnel can inspect luggage and prohibited items may be confiscated.
MSC specifically warns that security personnel may inspect containers, including bottles and other vessels, and that alcohol concealed inside such containers may be disposed of.
Depending on the circumstances, this can mean:
The safest approach is simple: do not pack personal alcohol unless MSC has expressly confirmed that it is permitted for your sailing.
You can purchase alcoholic beverages while visiting ports, but that does not generally mean you can immediately take them to your cabin and drink them onboard.
MSC's policy states that alcoholic beverages purchased onboard or in ports of call must be presented to security when you re-board. Ship staff will secure the alcohol and return it to you shortly before the conclusion of your cruise.
The usual process is:
MSC also states that alcohol will not be returned to guests who are below the permitted drinking age.
This means you should not plan to buy a bottle of local wine or liquor during a shore excursion with the expectation that you can drink it in your cabin that evening.
Generally, no.
MSC's boarding conditions state that guests are not permitted to bring alcoholic drinks onboard for use during their stay, including consumption in their cabins.
Therefore, bringing a bottle of wine from home and drinking it privately in your stateroom is not a permitted workaround.
The restriction applies whether you intend to drink the alcohol:
No.
MSC specifically identifies boxed wine as prohibited. Its Guest Conduct Policy also says that other containers containing alcohol are prohibited.
So switching from a glass bottle to a box or another container does not generally solve the problem.
Generally, no.
Beer is an alcoholic beverage and falls under MSC's general restriction against guests bringing alcoholic beverages onboard.
This applies whether the beer is:
MSC sells alcoholic beverages onboard and also offers beverage packages that can include selected beers.
Generally, no.
Guests should not pack personal bottles of:
MSC's boarding conditions specifically state that alcoholic drinks, including wines, spirits, beer and other liqueurs, cannot be brought onboard for use during the cruise.
Trying to transfer liquor into another bottle or container is also not a good idea. MSC says security may inspect containers and dispose of alcohol concealed in them.
Alcohol purchased onboard is subject to MSC's procedures.
If you purchase alcohol from an onboard shop, you should follow the instructions given by the crew and security. MSC's Guest Conduct Policy states that alcoholic beverages purchased from onboard shops must be presented to security and will be secured by ship staff until shortly before the end of the cruise.
In other words, buying a bottle onboard does not necessarily mean you can open it immediately and consume it in your cabin.
Do not assume that a birthday, anniversary, wedding, honeymoon, or other celebration automatically creates an exception.
MSC's published policy does not provide a general passenger exemption simply because the alcohol is intended for a special event. If you want to arrange something for a celebration, it is better to ask MSC about the available onboard options before sailing.
Depending on your cruise, you may be able to purchase drinks, wine, Champagne, or other beverages through MSC's onboard services instead.
If you prefer to have drinks during your cruise, MSC provides several options.
MSC offers alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for purchase onboard.
This lets you order drinks when you want them without carrying alcohol through embarkation.
MSC offers several beverage packages. Its current packages include options such as the Easy Package, Premium Extra Package, Alcohol-Free Package, and Minors Package, subject to the terms applicable to the sailing.
The Easy Package includes selected beers, house wine and sparkling wine by the glass, classic cocktails and mixed drinks with house spirits, as well as non-alcoholic beverages.
The Premium Extra Package offers a wider selection, including premium spirits, premium wines by the glass, beers and cocktails made with premium brands.
Guests staying in MSC Yacht Club receive additional benefits, including a Premium Extra Drink Package as part of the Yacht Club experience on all cruises, according to MSC's current information.
This can be an important consideration for travelers comparing the total cost of a cruise rather than simply looking at the basic cruise fare.
MSC's beverage packages operate under specific conditions.
For example, MSC currently states that:
MSC also currently states that guests may enjoy up to 15 alcoholic drinks per day under its beverage-package rules.
Because package terms can change, check the package terms attached to your particular sailing before purchasing.
That depends on how much you expect to drink.
A beverage package may make sense if you regularly purchase:
If you only have an occasional alcoholic drink, paying individually may be less expensive.
Before purchasing a package, consider:
Estimate your normal consumption rather than buying a package simply because it appears convenient.
A cheaper package may not include the brands or beverage categories you normally choose.
Package coverage can differ by venue. MSC's current terms identify exclusions for certain thematic bars, specialty restaurants, private islands and other locations depending on the package.
MSC states that beverage packages generally must be booked by all guests occupying the same cabin, with the applicable package for minors. Infants are not required to have a package.
MSC also has restrictions on bringing beverages onboard.
Its current luggage guidance says that beverages and food generally may not be brought onboard, with limited exceptions. MSC specifically states that non-alcoholic drinks such as water, soda and juices are prohibited as carry-on or checked luggage on embarkation and port days. An exception applies to purified or distilled water in factory-sealed containers for use with medical devices or for preparing infant formula.
Therefore, travelers should not assume that because a beverage contains no alcohol it can automatically be taken onboard.
Potentially, yes.
MSC operates cruises in many regions, and local laws can affect alcohol service. For example, MSC currently states that alcohol is not served while the ship is docked in Saudi Arabian ports, although alcohol can be available when the ship is in international waters.
The minimum drinking age can also depend on the specific cruise. MSC advises guests to contact Guest Services or check the cruise information in their stateroom for the drinking-age rules applicable to their sailing.
This is why it is important to check the rules for your specific itinerary rather than relying solely on information from another MSC sailing.
To make embarkation easier, follow these practical steps:
Look through both checked and carry-on luggage for:
Remove anything that is not permitted.
MSC specifically warns that security can inspect containers and dispose of alcohol concealed inside them.
If you purchase alcohol ashore, follow the ship's re-boarding instructions and present it to security rather than attempting to take it secretly to your cabin.
Rules can depend on the sailing, itinerary and applicable local regulations. The conditions attached to your booking should be treated as the final reference for your cruise.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I bring wine from home? | Generally no |
| Can I bring beer? | Generally no |
| Can I bring liquor or spirits? | Generally no |
| Can I hide alcohol in another bottle? | No |
| Can I bring boxed wine? | No |
| Can I drink personal alcohol in my cabin? | Generally no |
| Can I buy alcohol in port? | Yes, but it may be held until the end of the cruise |
| Can I buy alcohol onboard? | Yes, subject to MSC's rules |
| Are drink packages available? | Yes, with package-specific terms |
| Can alcohol rules vary by itinerary? | Yes |
Generally, no. MSC prohibits guests from bringing alcoholic beverages onboard unless specifically permitted by security personnel or crew.
No, not as a general rule. MSC lists alcohol among prohibited items, and security can inspect luggage.
Generally no. Using carry-on luggage instead of checked luggage does not normally make personal alcohol permitted.
You should not assume that a celebration creates an exemption. Instead, contact MSC or arrange an appropriate onboard beverage option for your celebration.
Yes, you can purchase alcohol ashore where legally available, but when returning to the ship you must follow MSC's security procedures. Alcohol purchased in port may be collected and stored until the end of the cruise.
MSC states that alcohol purchased onboard or in ports of call and secured by ship staff will be returned shortly before the conclusion of the cruise. Alcohol will not be returned to guests who are below the permitted drinking age.
No. MSC specifically identifies boxed wine as prohibited.
Generally no. MSC's boarding conditions prohibit guests from bringing spirits, wine, beer and other alcoholic drinks for use during the cruise.
Yes. MSC currently offers beverage packages including Easy, Premium Extra, Alcohol-Free and Minors options, subject to applicable terms and sailing availability.
MSC currently states that the Premium Extra Drink Package is included with the MSC Yacht Club experience on all cruises.
MSC's current beverage-package information states that guests may enjoy up to 15 alcoholic drinks per day. Package terms and applicable restrictions should be checked for the specific sailing.
Generally, no. Alcohol purchased ashore must be presented to security when you re-board and may be stored by ship staff until near the end of the cruise.
Can you bring your own alcohol on MSC Cruises? Generally, no. MSC's current rules prohibit guests from bringing alcoholic beverages onboard unless specifically permitted by security personnel or crew. The restriction covers common alcoholic drinks such as wine, beer and spirits, and MSC specifically prohibits boxed wine and concealed alcohol.
If you buy alcohol during a port visit, you should present it to security when re-boarding. MSC can hold the alcohol and return it shortly before the end of the cruise.
For drinking during the voyage, the practical alternatives are purchasing beverages individually or choosing an MSC beverage package that matches your drinking preferences. MSC's package selection and terms can vary by itinerary, venue and season, so reviewing the conditions for your particular cruise is the best way to avoid surprises
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