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Can I bring my own alcohol on Princess Cruises?

  • Michael Rodriguez
  • 23 September 2026

Can I bring my own alcohol on Princess Cruises?

If you are getting ready for a Princess Cruises vacation, you may be wondering whether you can save money by bringing your favorite drink from home. The answer is yes, but only under specific conditions.

Princess Cruises allows guests of legal drinking age to bring one 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne per guest per voyage when they embark. That permitted bottle can be consumed in your stateroom without a corkage fee. Additional bottles may also be allowed, but they are subject to a corkage charge. Liquor, spirits, and beer are not permitted to be brought onboard.

There are also different rules for alcohol purchased during the cruise or at a port of call. Those purchases are generally held by the cruise line and returned near the end of the voyage rather than being available for immediate consumption onboard.

Understanding these rules before packing can help you avoid having alcohol removed during embarkation and make it easier to decide whether bringing a bottle from home is worthwhile.

1.What Alcohol Can You Bring on Princess Cruises?

Princess Cruises' policy makes an important distinction between wine and champagne and other alcoholic beverages.

For guests who meet the applicable legal drinking-age requirement, the basic allowance is:

  • One bottle of wine or champagne per guest per voyage
  • Maximum size: 750 ml
  • The bottle must be presented to security during embarkation.
  • The permitted bottle does not incur corkage when consumed in your stateroom.
  • Additional bottles may be accepted but are subject to corkage charges.
  • Liquor, spirits, and beer are not permitted.

This means bringing your own alcohol does not mean you can bring a complete supply of drinks for the entire cruise. The policy is specifically designed around a limited wine or champagne allowance.

2.Is the Allowance One Bottle Per Person?

Yes. Princess Cruises states that guests of legal drinking age may bring one 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne per guest per voyage.

For example, if two eligible guests are traveling together, the published policy allows each guest to bring one qualifying bottle.

However, it is important to remember that the allowance is per guest, per voyage, not per cabin per day.

You should also avoid assuming that you can combine another passenger's allowance into a large quantity without restrictions. Princess states that limitations apply and that wine quantities considered excessive by the vessel or security may be refused.

3.Can You Bring Wine on Princess Cruises?

Yes. Wine is specifically permitted under Princess Cruises' alcohol policy.

A guest of legal drinking age can bring one bottle of wine of 750 ml or less when boarding. The same basic allowance applies to champagne.

This can be useful if you have a particular wine you enjoy or want to bring a bottle for a special occasion.

The important point is that the bottle must fall within the cruise line's published size and beverage requirements.

4.What Happens If You Bring More Than One Bottle?

Princess Cruises permits additional wine or champagne bottles, but these are subject to a US$20 corkage fee per bottle according to its current U.S. policy. Princess's international information may show the applicable amount in the ship's operating currency; its Australia/New Zealand materials, for example, state that corkage is charged in the operating currency and can change.

Princess also states that excessive quantities can be refused.

Therefore, it is not advisable to interpret the additional-bottle provision as unlimited permission to bring wine onboard.

5.Can You Bring Champagne on Princess Cruises?

Yes. Champagne is included in the same basic allowance as wine.

A qualifying guest can bring one bottle of champagne up to 750 ml per voyage. If consumed in the stateroom, the permitted bottle does not incur corkage.

This can be useful for occasions such as:

  • Birthdays
  • Anniversaries
  • Honeymoons
  • Retirement celebrations
  • Wedding celebrations
  • Other special occasions

If you plan to drink the champagne in a public area or restaurant, however, corkage rules may apply.

6.Can You Bring Liquor or Spirits on Princess Cruises?

No.

Princess Cruises specifically states that liquor and spirits are not permitted under its onboard alcohol policy. Beer is also not permitted.

That means passengers should not pack bottles such as:

  • Whisky
  • Vodka
  • Rum
  • Gin
  • Tequila
  • Brandy
  • Bourbon
  • Other distilled spirits

A bottle of liquor purchased before the cruise should not be treated as an exception simply because it is sealed.

Princess advises that luggage is scanned and alcohol outside the permitted policy can be removed and discarded.

7.Can You Bring Beer on Princess Cruises?

No. Beer is not included in the alcohol that Princess allows guests to bring onboard.

The published policy specifically excludes beer, liquor, and spirits.

If you want beer during the voyage, you will need to purchase it through the ship's available beverage services rather than bringing your own supply.

8.Where Can You Drink the Wine You Bring?

The location where you consume your permitted wine matters.

1.Drinking Your Wine in Your Stateroom

The first qualifying bottle can be consumed in your stateroom without a corkage fee. Princess Cruises explicitly states this in its current pre-cruise FAQ.

This is one of the simplest ways to use the wine allowance.

2.Drinking Your Wine in Public Areas

If you take your wine into a public area, corkage can apply.

Princess's passage contract states that a US$20 corkage fee applies when the permitted wine or champagne is consumed in the ship's public areas.

Public areas can include venues where guests dine or socialize, so it is important not to assume that the free stateroom allowance applies everywhere onboard.

9..Can You Bring Your Own Wine to the Dining Room?

You can bring permitted wine or champagne to applicable dining venues, but corkage may apply.

Princess's published materials state that wine or champagne brought onboard and consumed in dining rooms or alternative restaurants is subject to a corkage fee.

The exact charge can depend on the applicable Princess policy and shipboard currency.

Before opening your bottle at a restaurant, it is sensible to ask the staff about the current corkage charge.

10.What Is the Corkage Fee on Princess Cruises?

For the current U.S. policy, Princess lists a US$20 corkage fee per additional 750 ml-or-smaller bottle beyond the one-bottle allowance. A US$20 corkage fee can also apply when permitted wine or champagne is consumed in public areas.

Princess notes that corkage fees can change and that other markets may use the ship's operating currency.

Because cruise policies and charges can be updated, check the Princess information for your particular sailing before departure.

11.Can You Bring Additional Wine if You Pay Corkage?

Princess's current policy allows additional wine or champagne bottles, subject to a corkage charge, but there are limitations.

The important conditions include:

  1. Bottles must be wine or champagne.
  2. Each bottle must be 750 ml or less under the stated allowance.
  3. A corkage fee applies to additional bottles.
  4. Princess may refuse quantities it considers excessive.
  5. Liquor, spirits, and beer remain prohibited.

So paying corkage does not turn the policy into permission to bring unlimited alcohol.

12.What Happens to Alcohol Purchased at a Port?

This is different from alcohol you bring with you at embarkation.

If you purchase alcohol during a port visit, Princess may collect it for safekeeping. According to Princess, alcohol purchased at ports of call is held and delivered to the guest's stateroom on the last day of the cruise.

The practical process generally works like this:

  1. You purchase the alcohol during your port visit.
  2. You return to the ship.
  3. The alcohol is handed over for storage.
  4. Princess keeps it during the remainder of the voyage.
  5. It is returned toward the end of the cruise.

Therefore, buying a bottle of rum, whisky, or wine in a port does not necessarily mean you can take it back to your cabin and drink it immediately.

13.What Happens to Duty-Free Alcohol Bought on the Ship?

Alcohol purchased from The Shops of Princess is also subject to the cruise line's safekeeping procedure.

Princess states that duty-free alcoholic beverages purchased from its shops are collected for safekeeping and delivered to the guest's stateroom on the last day of the cruise.

This is different from buying an onboard drink at a bar or restaurant. The alcohol you purchase for later use is handled separately under the ship's policy.

14.What Happens If You Bring Prohibited Alcohol?

Princess states that luggage is scanned during embarkation. Alcohol outside the permitted policy may be removed and discarded.

Its passage contract also explains that prohibited or excessive quantities can be refused.

For this reason, packing prohibited alcohol with the expectation that security will overlook it is not a good strategy.

Instead, check the policy before leaving home and pack only what is permitted.

15.Does the Alcohol Policy Apply to Every Princess Cruise?

The basic policy is broadly applicable, but specific details can vary by itinerary, region, shipboard currency, and applicable terms.

For example, Princess's current information lists different corkage amounts depending on the shipboard currency in some markets. Its published materials also identify different drinking-age requirements for certain international itineraries.

For that reason, passengers should check the policy associated with their specific cruise before departure.

17.What Is the Drinking Age on Princess Cruises?

The applicable drinking age can depend on the itinerary and local rules.

Princess's published materials state that the drinking age is generally 21, while certain cruises have different requirements. For example, Princess lists an age of 18 for cruises between Australia/New Zealand, China, Europe and Singapore ports, and 20 for cruises between Japan ports in its published destination information.

Because the rules can depend on the itinerary, passengers should verify the age requirement for their specific sailing rather than assuming the same rule applies to every Princess cruise.

18.How Should You Pack Wine for a Princess Cruise?

If you plan to use the wine allowance, prepare before reaching the terminal.

1.Check the Bottle Size

Make sure the bottle is 750 ml or smaller.

A bottle that exceeds the stated limit may not qualify under the standard allowance.

2.Keep It Secure

Glass bottles can break, so protect your wine appropriately when transporting it.

3.Be Prepared to Present It

Princess states that the permitted wine or champagne may be presented to security during embarkation.

4.Keep Your Receipt

Although the policy does not require you to use a particular retailer, retaining your purchase receipt can be useful if there is any question about the bottle.

5.Do Not Hide Prohibited Alcohol

Trying to conceal liquor, spirits, or beer does not make those beverages permissible.

Princess scans luggage and may remove alcohol that falls outside its policy.

19.Can You Bring Non-Alcoholic Drinks Instead?

Princess has separate rules for non-alcoholic beverages.

Its current information states that bottled water, soda, and other non-alcoholic beverages packaged in bottles are not permitted. However, a small quantity of non-alcoholic beverages such as sparkling water, soda, juice, or milk can be brought in sealed cans or cartons on embarkation day in hand luggage. Princess defines a small quantity as a maximum of 12 sealed, unopened cans or cartons of 12 ounces each or less per guest.

This is separate from the alcohol allowance.

20.Is Bringing Your Own Wine Worth It?

Whether it makes sense depends on how you plan to use it.

1.Bringing a permitted bottle may make sense if:

  • You have a favorite wine that is difficult to find onboard.
  • You want a specific bottle for a celebration.
  • You prefer drinking wine in your stateroom.
  • You want to avoid purchasing every drink onboard.
  • You already have a bottle you particularly enjoy.

2.It may be less useful if:

  • You mainly drink beer or spirits.
  • You prefer cocktails.
  • You plan to drink primarily in public venues.
  • You do not want to deal with corkage charges.
  • You would rather use Princess's onboard beverage options.

The key is to compare your preferences with the cruise line's actual policy rather than assuming you can bring any alcohol you want.

21.Bringing Alcohol on Princess Cruises: Quick Reference

Alcohol type Can you bring it? Important condition
Wine Yes One 750 ml bottle per eligible guest per voyage
Champagne Yes One 750 ml bottle per eligible guest per voyage
Additional wine May be permitted Corkage fee applies
Additional champagne May be permitted Corkage fee applies
Beer No Not permitted
Liquor No Not permitted
Spirits No Not permitted
Port-purchased alcohol Collected Returned near the end of the cruise
Duty-free alcohol bought onboard Collected Delivered on the final day

 

Princess's published policy is the controlling source for the applicable sailing, and fees can change.

22.Common Mistakes to Avoid

1: Assuming You Can Bring a Full Case of Wine

Princess allows a limited amount and can refuse excessive quantities. Do not treat the additional-bottle provision as unlimited.

2: Packing Beer

Beer is specifically prohibited.

3: Packing Spirits

Vodka, whisky, rum, gin, tequila, and similar distilled beverages are not part of the permitted bring-onboard allowance.

4: Forgetting About Corkage

The permitted bottle can be consumed in your stateroom without corkage, but consuming wine or champagne in public areas can trigger a corkage charge.

5: Assuming Port Purchases Can Be Consumed Immediately

Alcohol bought in a port may be collected for safekeeping until the end of the cruise.

6: Relying on an Old Cruise Policy

Cruise policies can change. Always check the current Princess information for your sailing before packing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1.Can I bring my own alcohol on Princess Cruises?

Yes, but only within Princess Cruises' alcohol policy. Eligible guests can bring one 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne per voyage. Liquor, spirits, and beer are not permitted.

Q2.How many bottles of wine can I bring on Princess Cruises?

The standard allowance is one 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne per eligible guest per voyage. Additional bottles may be accepted with a corkage fee, subject to Princess's limitations.

Q3.Can I bring a bottle of champagne on Princess Cruises?

Yes. Champagne is included in the permitted wine/champagne allowance, provided the bottle is no larger than 750 ml.

Q4.Can I bring liquor on Princess Cruises?

No. Princess does not permit guests to bring liquor or spirits onboard.

Q5.Can I bring beer on Princess Cruises?

No. Beer is not permitted under Princess Cruises' bring-onboard alcohol policy.

Q6.Is there a corkage fee for wine on Princess Cruises?

The permitted bottle can be consumed in your stateroom without corkage. A corkage fee applies when permitted wine or champagne is consumed in public areas, and additional bottles are subject to corkage. Princess currently lists US$20 under its U.S. policy, with fees subject to change.

Q7.Can I drink my own wine in my cabin?

Yes. The one permitted 750 ml bottle can be consumed in your stateroom without a corkage fee.

Q8.Can I take my own wine to a Princess dining room?

Permitted wine or champagne may be taken to applicable dining venues, but a corkage fee can apply when it is consumed there.

Q9.What happens if I bring prohibited alcohol?

Princess states that luggage is scanned and alcohol outside the permitted policy may be removed and discarded.

Q10.Can I buy alcohol during a Princess cruise?

Yes. Alcohol is available for purchase onboard, subject to applicable age, venue, itinerary, and purchase rules. Alcohol bought through the ship's shops for later use may be held until the final day.

Q11.Can I buy alcohol at a port and drink it on the ship?

Generally, alcohol purchased at a port is collected for safekeeping rather than being available for immediate onboard consumption. Princess states that it is delivered to the stateroom on the last day of the cruise.

Q12.Can I bring wine for a special occasion?

Yes. Princess permits the stated wine or champagne allowance, which can be useful for celebrations. Princess also offers separate celebration services that can include wine and champagne.

Final Thoughts

So, can you bring your own alcohol on Princess Cruises? Yes, but the allowance is limited.

Guests of legal drinking age can generally bring one 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne per guest per voyage. The permitted bottle can be consumed in the stateroom without a corkage fee. Additional wine or champagne may be subject to corkage, while beer, liquor, and spirits are not permitted.

Alcohol purchased onboard or during port visits is handled differently and may be held until the end of the voyage.

Before packing, check the latest Princess Cruises terms for your specific sailing because corkage amounts, shipboard currency, drinking-age requirements, and other details can vary by itinerary and may change over time. The safest approach is to follow the current rules rather than relying on older cruise advice.

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